Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (04-10 November)
Reageer (0)
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the Occuptied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
- IOF continued to fire at Palestinian workers, farmers and fishermen in border areas in the Gaza Strip.
- Two Palestinian workers were wounded
- IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
- An Israeli human rights defender was wounded.
- IOF conducted 34 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 4 limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
- IOF arrested 18 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
- IOF arrested Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
- IOF waged a campaign of arrests in Jerusalem and its suburbs.
- Israeli warplanes attacked a number of civilian targets in the Gaza Strip.
- Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
- IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians.
- IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
- The construction of 1,000 housing units in "Har Homa" settlement in Jerusalem was approved.
- 800 housing units are being built in "Ariel" settlement in the northern West Bank.
- IOF razed areas of Palestinian land near "Elli" settlement in the northern West Bank.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (04 – 10 November 2010):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF wounded two Palestinian workers in the Gaza Strip, and an Israeli human rights defender in the West Bank.
During the reporting period, IOF fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. As a result, two workers were wounded.
On 06 November 2010, Israeli warplanes bombarded and destroyed a tunnel at the Egyptian border near Yibna refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
On 10 November 2010, Israeli warplanes fired at Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah, targeting a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials.
During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall. As a result, an Israeli human rights defender was wounded, and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 34 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 18 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and the Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Mahmoud al-Ramahi.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted 4 limited incursions into Palestinian communities in the central and northern Gaza Strip, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
· The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
· Expanding the list of items allowed into Gaza does not change the illegality of this policy, which is inconsistent with Israel’s legal obligations both as an Occupying Power and under international human rights treaties to which it is party, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
· Facts on the ground refute Israeli claims with respect to the easing of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and the reduction of restrictions imposed on the entry of goods.
· Israeli declaration of allowing new goods to be entered into the Gaza Strip constitutes an attempt to delude the international community, as such goods do not meet the minimal needs of the Gaza Strip.
· IOF have continued to ban the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip.
· IOF have imposed a ban on all exports from the Gaza Strip.
· Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.
· Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.
· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
West Bank
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
· IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
· There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
· When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.
· At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.
· There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by the IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.
· IOF continue to harass, and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.
· Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.
Settlement Activities:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 04 November 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed the area of Joseph Tomb in the east of Nablus. They bothered Palestinian civilians in the area. they left the area a few hours later.
On the same day, IOF razed areas of Palestinian land to the northwest of "Elli" settlement, which stands on lands of the villages of Qaryout, al-Lubban al-Sharqi and al-Sawia, south of Nablus, in order to expand the settlement.
During the reporting period, the Israeli district committee of organization and construction in Jerusalem declared a plan to construct 1,000 housing units in "Har Homa" settlement, which stands on Abu Ghunaim Mount between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Another plan to construct 320 housing unit in "Ramot" settlement neighborhood was also published.
In the same context, IOF approved the construction of 800 housing units in "Ariel" settlement, north of Salfit. The mayor of "Ariel" settlement, Ron Nahman, revealed that 195 housing units are currently being built by a private contractor, 100 ones are being built for settlers evacuated from settlements in the Gaza Strip and factories are being built in the industrial zone.
On 09 November 2010, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered 3 Palestinian civilians in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem to demolish their houses in 10 days.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (04 – 10 November 2010)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 04 November 2010
· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Wadi al-Hariya neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Younis Hussein 'Amru, and arrested his two sons: Eyad, 20; and Marwan, 22.
· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ussama Mohammed Ed'ais, 22; and
2. Ahmed Rateb Mughnem, 25.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Waleed Fat'hi Sabarna, 17, and arrested him.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Abdul Rahman Abu Ras, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Hafira village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Bourqin village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 23:20, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. A number of Palestinian civilian suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 05 November 2010
· At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into al-Swaitat neighborhood in the east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 06 November 2010
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Maithaloun village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 16:45, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 22:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a tunnel on the Egyptian border near Yibna refugee camp in the south of the southern Gaza Strip. The tunnel was destroyed, but no casualties were reported.
Sunday, 07 November 2010
· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Doha village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ashraf Zaghari, but no arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Isma'il 'Aadel Malash, and summoned him for interrogation.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Wadi al-Hariya neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Younis Hussein 'Amru, 50, and arrested him.
· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ayman Hassan al-Sabbah, 20, and arrested him.
. At approximately 05:05, IOF moved into Jeet village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 06:15, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials from the debris of Erez industrial zone. As a result, Karam Talal al-Adham, 19, from Beit Lahia town,was wounded by a bullet to the left leg.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved nearly 250 meters into the east of Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip. They searched and leveled areas of Palestinian land.
· At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into 'Arrana village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a 3-storey house belonging to Rajeh Fahed al-Khaldi. The confiscated letters sent by al-Khaldi's son, 23-year-old Mohammed, who serves a life imprisonment sentence in Israeli jails.
· At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 15:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a two-storey house belonging to Saber Mujahed Radwan, 51, while he and his wife were not at home. During the house search, Israeli soldiers violently beat the owner's son, 27-year-old Mujahed. Israeli soldiers then planted explosives in the first floor of the house, which serves as a store, and blew them up. The structure was heavily damaged. Before leaving the house, IOF arrested the son.
Monday, 08 November 2010
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses in the village and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Mohammed Mubtassem al-Ruhaimi, 37; and
2. Muntasser Ahmed al-Ruhaimi, 19.
· At approximately 10:40, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 09 November 2010
· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Majdi 'Ouda, 24; and
2. Rami 'Aamer Maragha, 19.
· At approximately 08:00, IOF moved nearly 200 meters into the northwest of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed. IOF withdrew from the area at approximately 09:15 and no casualties were reported.
· At approximately 09:00, IOF moved nearly 250 meters into the northeast of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
· In the evening, IOF moved into al-'Eissawiya village in Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and patrolled in the streets. They arrested 4 Palestinian children:
1. Ameer Muhaisen, 13;
2. Ashraf 'Olayan, 12;
3. Ibrahim Abu al-Hummos, 16; and
4. Ahmed Sameeh 'Olayan, 16.
· At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kour village, south of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bilal Hassib al-Jayoussi, 56, but no arrests were reported. It is worth noting that IOF had arrested al-Jayoussi's four sons on 03 November 2010.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mazen 'Eid Abu Rajab, 23, and arrested him.
. At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Jaber Jawabra, 16, and arrested him.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed 'Abdul Qader al-Mutawar, 22, and arrested him.
· At approximately 03:25, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They raided a two-storey house belonging to Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed al-Ramahi, 47, Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and arrested him.
· In the morning, IOF established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of al-'Eissawiya village near Jerusalem. They also closed the southern entrance of the village and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the village. These measures came in the context of a series of steps declared by IOF "to stop riots and violations of public order."
· At approximately 07:45, Israeli soldiers positioned on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw constriction materials from the debris of destroyed buildings in Erez industrial zone. As a result, Ibrahim Yousef Ghaben, 28, from Beit Lahia town, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg, when he was nearly 200 meters away from the border.
. At approximately 08:15, Israeli helicopter gunships opened fire at Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah. The gunfire, which lasted for 45 minutes sporadically, targeted a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 10:45, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They then moved nearly 1,200 meters southwards to Abu Safiya area in the east of Jabalya town. During this incursion, IOF leveled areas of Palestinian land. They withdrew from the area at approximately 13:10.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, an Israeli human rights defender was hit by a tear gas canister. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
· Following the Friday Prayer on 05 November 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 05 November 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the Wall. Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 05 November 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, in protest against land confiscations in the Wad al-Raya area between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Ellison Ramir, 23, an Israeli human rights defender, was hit by a tear gas canister to the left foot. Several demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises, including Bilal 'Abdul Salam Tamimi, 44, a photographer of the Israeli B'Tselem.
3. Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 June 2010, the Egyptian authorities decided to open Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border in both directions without specifying a date for its closure. The Egyptian decisions came following the Israeli attack on the Gaza-aid flotilla in international water. On the following morning, the crossing point was effectively opened and restricted categories of Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through it.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
03 – 09 November 2010
Date
Details
03 November 2010
729 Palestinians, including 708 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 223 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
04 November 2010
921 Palestinians, including 880 Palestinians, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 301 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
05 November 2010
603 Palestinians, including 567 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 269 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
06 November 2010
526 Palestinians, including 341 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 201 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
07 November 2010
400 Palestinians, including 360 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 199 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
08 November 2010
596 Palestinians, including 399 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 214 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
09 November 2010
850 Palestinians, including 475 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 302 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
Note: The Egyptian authorities declared that Rafah International Crossing Point would be closed from 15 to 20 November 2010 for the Islamic Greater Eid holidays.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
03 -9 November 2010
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Liters
03 November 2010
Foodstuffs
928
Agricultural materials
238
Various goods
1,544
Humanitarian aids
245
Cooking gas
68
Industrial fuel
399,991
04 November 2010
Foodstuffs
1,066
Agricultural materials
424
Various goods
1,433
Humanitarian aids
241
Cooking gas
45
Industrial fuel
484,011
07 November 2010
Foodstuffs
918
Agricultural materials
325
Various goods
1,270
Humanitarian aids
296
Cooking gas
157,240
Industrial fuel
406,996
08 November 2010
Foodstuffs
1,122
Agricultural materials
203
Various goods
1,252
Humanitarian aids
176
Cooking gas
159
Industrial fuel
310,991
09 November 2010
Foodstuffs
1,128
Agricultural materials
252
Various goods
1,278
Humanitarian aids
441
Cooking gas
134,710
Benzene
34,500
Industrial fuel
404,990
Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: During the reporting period, IOF partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 03 November 2010, and allowed the entry of 90 tons of construction aggregate for Mas'oud 'Ali Company, and 873 tons of aggregate for UNRWA. They opened it again on Monday, 08 November 2010, and allowed the entry of 2,730 tons of wheat, and 1,170 tons of fodders.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing is only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
03 – 09 November 2010
Date
03 November
04 November
05 November
06 November
07 November
08 November
09 November
Patients
18
13
3
Nil
33
34
39
Companions
18
13
3
Nil
35
38
37
Palestinians from Israel
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
2
8
2
Diplomats
8
24
5
Nil
Nil
3
12
International Journalists
Nil
1
4
Nil
2
11
2
International Workers
45
67
41
Nil
18
24
47
Travelers abroad
1
Nil
2
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Traders
17
32
Nil
Nil
22
32
16
Business People
4
3
Nil
Nil
11
Nil
12
Meetings
Nil
13
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
4
Ambulances to Israel
2
2
2
Nil
Nil
4
2
Ambulances from Israel
2
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
2
Nil
The West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque. On Friday morning, 05 November 2010, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the city. They reinforced their presence in the old town and at the gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. On Monday morning, 08 November 2010, an Israeli bulldozer, escorted by IOF, closed the western entrance of al-'Eissawiya village near Jerusalem with cement blocks. IOF also established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the village. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.
. Bethlehem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have maintained their presence at 41 checkpoints around the town. The town has been also impacted by the construction of the annexation wall to the north and west, and large areas of Palestinian land have been isolated by the wall. During the reporting period, Israeli troops stationed at the 300 checkpoint (Rachel Toms), north of Bethlehem, continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to Jerusalem. Palestinian civilians are forced to wait in queues on two routes outside the checkpoint. They are then checked by Israeli soldiers using electronic checking machines. Such checking is often prolonged and humiliating. During the reporting period, only Palestinians who have permits were allowed to travel to Jerusalem.
· Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. IOF troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged checks of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, IOF erected a number of temporary checkpoints, and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 11:50 on Thursday, 04 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at Rafat intersection, south of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 16:45, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 16:10 on Friday, 15 November 2010, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 20:15 on Sunday, 07 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Ein Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Dura al-Qare' village. Israeli soldiers positioned at these checkpoints stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sinjel village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 04 November 2010, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 05 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 22:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 06 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on bypass road #55, which links between Nablus and Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday, 07 November 2010, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday, 09 November 2010, IOF established 8 checkpoints around the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 06 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. In the evening, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 06 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road near the entrance of Far'oun village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 11:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint in al-Kafriyat area at Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint in al-Kafriyat area at Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday, 09 November 2010, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 15:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They established the checkpoint again at approximately 10:30 on Wednesday, 10 November 2010.
. Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 05 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of the Arab American University, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
. Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have continued to close the northern entrance of Salfit with cement blocks and sand barriers since 2000. They have also continued to close two roads linking Marda village with agricultural land belonging to it.
· Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 04 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
· On Monday evening, 08 November 2010, Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit 'Awa intersection, southwest of Hebron, arrested 'Anan Ibrahim 'Amru, 20, from al-Majd village southwest of Hebron.
· At approximately 16:30 on Tuesday, 09 November 2010, Israeli soldiers stationed at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Fadi Nabil Khaled, 23, from Jayous village northeast of Qalqilya, while he was on his way back to the West Bank.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, 04 November 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed the area of Joseph Tomb in the east of Nablus. They bothered Palestinian civilians in the area. They left the area a few hours later.
· On Thursday morning, 04 November 2010, IOF razed areas of Palestinian land to the northwest of "Elli" settlement, which stands on lands of the villages of Qaryout, al-Lubban al-Sharqi and al-Sawia, south of Nablus, in order to expand the settlement.
· During the reporting period, the Israeli district committee of organization and construction in Jerusalem declared a plan to construct 1,000 housing units in "Har Homa" settlement, which stands on Abu Ghunaim Mount between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Another plan to construct 320 housing unit in "Ramot" settlement neighborhood was also published.
· In the same context, IOF approved the construction of 800 housing units in "Ariel" settlement, north of Salfit. The mayor of "Ariel" settlement, Ron Nahman, revealed that 195 housing units are currently being built by a private contractor, 100 ones are being built for settlers evacuated from settlements in the Gaza Strip and factories are being built in the industrial zone.
· On Tuesday morning, 09 November 2010, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered 3 Palestinian civilians in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem to demolish their houses in 10 days: 'Abdul Karim Abu Snaina; Ahmed Abu Snaina; and Khalil Nember al-'Abbas.
…………………………………………………………
Recommendations to the International Community
1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.
11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
………………………………………………………
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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).
Source
- IOF continued to fire at Palestinian workers, farmers and fishermen in border areas in the Gaza Strip.
- Two Palestinian workers were wounded
- IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
- An Israeli human rights defender was wounded.
- IOF conducted 34 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 4 limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
- IOF arrested 18 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
- IOF arrested Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
- IOF waged a campaign of arrests in Jerusalem and its suburbs.
- Israeli warplanes attacked a number of civilian targets in the Gaza Strip.
- Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
- IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians.
- IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
- The construction of 1,000 housing units in "Har Homa" settlement in Jerusalem was approved.
- 800 housing units are being built in "Ariel" settlement in the northern West Bank.
- IOF razed areas of Palestinian land near "Elli" settlement in the northern West Bank.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (04 – 10 November 2010):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF wounded two Palestinian workers in the Gaza Strip, and an Israeli human rights defender in the West Bank.
During the reporting period, IOF fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. As a result, two workers were wounded.
On 06 November 2010, Israeli warplanes bombarded and destroyed a tunnel at the Egyptian border near Yibna refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
On 10 November 2010, Israeli warplanes fired at Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah, targeting a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials.
During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall. As a result, an Israeli human rights defender was wounded, and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 34 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 18 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and the Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, Dr. Mahmoud al-Ramahi.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted 4 limited incursions into Palestinian communities in the central and northern Gaza Strip, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
· The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
· Expanding the list of items allowed into Gaza does not change the illegality of this policy, which is inconsistent with Israel’s legal obligations both as an Occupying Power and under international human rights treaties to which it is party, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
· Facts on the ground refute Israeli claims with respect to the easing of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and the reduction of restrictions imposed on the entry of goods.
· Israeli declaration of allowing new goods to be entered into the Gaza Strip constitutes an attempt to delude the international community, as such goods do not meet the minimal needs of the Gaza Strip.
· IOF have continued to ban the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip.
· IOF have imposed a ban on all exports from the Gaza Strip.
· Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.
· Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.
· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
West Bank
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
· IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
· There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
· When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.
· At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.
· There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by the IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.
· IOF continue to harass, and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.
· Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.
Settlement Activities:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 04 November 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed the area of Joseph Tomb in the east of Nablus. They bothered Palestinian civilians in the area. they left the area a few hours later.
On the same day, IOF razed areas of Palestinian land to the northwest of "Elli" settlement, which stands on lands of the villages of Qaryout, al-Lubban al-Sharqi and al-Sawia, south of Nablus, in order to expand the settlement.
During the reporting period, the Israeli district committee of organization and construction in Jerusalem declared a plan to construct 1,000 housing units in "Har Homa" settlement, which stands on Abu Ghunaim Mount between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Another plan to construct 320 housing unit in "Ramot" settlement neighborhood was also published.
In the same context, IOF approved the construction of 800 housing units in "Ariel" settlement, north of Salfit. The mayor of "Ariel" settlement, Ron Nahman, revealed that 195 housing units are currently being built by a private contractor, 100 ones are being built for settlers evacuated from settlements in the Gaza Strip and factories are being built in the industrial zone.
On 09 November 2010, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered 3 Palestinian civilians in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem to demolish their houses in 10 days.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (04 – 10 November 2010)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 04 November 2010
· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Wadi al-Hariya neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Younis Hussein 'Amru, and arrested his two sons: Eyad, 20; and Marwan, 22.
· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Ussama Mohammed Ed'ais, 22; and
2. Ahmed Rateb Mughnem, 25.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Waleed Fat'hi Sabarna, 17, and arrested him.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Abdul Rahman Abu Ras, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Hafira village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Bourqin village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 23:20, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. A number of Palestinian civilian suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 05 November 2010
· At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into al-Swaitat neighborhood in the east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 06 November 2010
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Maithaloun village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 16:45, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 22:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a tunnel on the Egyptian border near Yibna refugee camp in the south of the southern Gaza Strip. The tunnel was destroyed, but no casualties were reported.
Sunday, 07 November 2010
· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Doha village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ashraf Zaghari, but no arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Isma'il 'Aadel Malash, and summoned him for interrogation.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Wadi al-Hariya neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Younis Hussein 'Amru, 50, and arrested him.
· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ayman Hassan al-Sabbah, 20, and arrested him.
. At approximately 05:05, IOF moved into Jeet village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 06:15, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials from the debris of Erez industrial zone. As a result, Karam Talal al-Adham, 19, from Beit Lahia town,was wounded by a bullet to the left leg.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved nearly 250 meters into the east of Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip. They searched and leveled areas of Palestinian land.
· At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into 'Arrana village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a 3-storey house belonging to Rajeh Fahed al-Khaldi. The confiscated letters sent by al-Khaldi's son, 23-year-old Mohammed, who serves a life imprisonment sentence in Israeli jails.
· At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 15:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a two-storey house belonging to Saber Mujahed Radwan, 51, while he and his wife were not at home. During the house search, Israeli soldiers violently beat the owner's son, 27-year-old Mujahed. Israeli soldiers then planted explosives in the first floor of the house, which serves as a store, and blew them up. The structure was heavily damaged. Before leaving the house, IOF arrested the son.
Monday, 08 November 2010
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses in the village and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Mohammed Mubtassem al-Ruhaimi, 37; and
2. Muntasser Ahmed al-Ruhaimi, 19.
· At approximately 10:40, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the boys. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 09 November 2010
· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Majdi 'Ouda, 24; and
2. Rami 'Aamer Maragha, 19.
· At approximately 08:00, IOF moved nearly 200 meters into the northwest of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed. IOF withdrew from the area at approximately 09:15 and no casualties were reported.
· At approximately 09:00, IOF moved nearly 250 meters into the northeast of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
· In the evening, IOF moved into al-'Eissawiya village in Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and patrolled in the streets. They arrested 4 Palestinian children:
1. Ameer Muhaisen, 13;
2. Ashraf 'Olayan, 12;
3. Ibrahim Abu al-Hummos, 16; and
4. Ahmed Sameeh 'Olayan, 16.
· At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kour village, south of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bilal Hassib al-Jayoussi, 56, but no arrests were reported. It is worth noting that IOF had arrested al-Jayoussi's four sons on 03 November 2010.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mazen 'Eid Abu Rajab, 23, and arrested him.
. At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Jaber Jawabra, 16, and arrested him.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed 'Abdul Qader al-Mutawar, 22, and arrested him.
· At approximately 03:25, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They raided a two-storey house belonging to Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed al-Ramahi, 47, Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and arrested him.
· In the morning, IOF established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of al-'Eissawiya village near Jerusalem. They also closed the southern entrance of the village and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the village. These measures came in the context of a series of steps declared by IOF "to stop riots and violations of public order."
· At approximately 07:45, Israeli soldiers positioned on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw constriction materials from the debris of destroyed buildings in Erez industrial zone. As a result, Ibrahim Yousef Ghaben, 28, from Beit Lahia town, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg, when he was nearly 200 meters away from the border.
. At approximately 08:15, Israeli helicopter gunships opened fire at Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah. The gunfire, which lasted for 45 minutes sporadically, targeted a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 10:45, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They then moved nearly 1,200 meters southwards to Abu Safiya area in the east of Jabalya town. During this incursion, IOF leveled areas of Palestinian land. They withdrew from the area at approximately 13:10.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, an Israeli human rights defender was hit by a tear gas canister. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
· Following the Friday Prayer on 05 November 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 05 November 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the Wall. Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 05 November 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, in protest against land confiscations in the Wad al-Raya area between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Ellison Ramir, 23, an Israeli human rights defender, was hit by a tear gas canister to the left foot. Several demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises, including Bilal 'Abdul Salam Tamimi, 44, a photographer of the Israeli B'Tselem.
3. Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 June 2010, the Egyptian authorities decided to open Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border in both directions without specifying a date for its closure. The Egyptian decisions came following the Israeli attack on the Gaza-aid flotilla in international water. On the following morning, the crossing point was effectively opened and restricted categories of Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through it.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
03 – 09 November 2010
Date
Details
03 November 2010
729 Palestinians, including 708 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 223 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
04 November 2010
921 Palestinians, including 880 Palestinians, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 301 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
05 November 2010
603 Palestinians, including 567 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 269 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
06 November 2010
526 Palestinians, including 341 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 201 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
07 November 2010
400 Palestinians, including 360 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 199 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
08 November 2010
596 Palestinians, including 399 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 214 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
09 November 2010
850 Palestinians, including 475 pilgrims, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 302 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
Note: The Egyptian authorities declared that Rafah International Crossing Point would be closed from 15 to 20 November 2010 for the Islamic Greater Eid holidays.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
03 -9 November 2010
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Liters
03 November 2010
Foodstuffs
928
Agricultural materials
238
Various goods
1,544
Humanitarian aids
245
Cooking gas
68
Industrial fuel
399,991
04 November 2010
Foodstuffs
1,066
Agricultural materials
424
Various goods
1,433
Humanitarian aids
241
Cooking gas
45
Industrial fuel
484,011
07 November 2010
Foodstuffs
918
Agricultural materials
325
Various goods
1,270
Humanitarian aids
296
Cooking gas
157,240
Industrial fuel
406,996
08 November 2010
Foodstuffs
1,122
Agricultural materials
203
Various goods
1,252
Humanitarian aids
176
Cooking gas
159
Industrial fuel
310,991
09 November 2010
Foodstuffs
1,128
Agricultural materials
252
Various goods
1,278
Humanitarian aids
441
Cooking gas
134,710
Benzene
34,500
Industrial fuel
404,990
Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: During the reporting period, IOF partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 03 November 2010, and allowed the entry of 90 tons of construction aggregate for Mas'oud 'Ali Company, and 873 tons of aggregate for UNRWA. They opened it again on Monday, 08 November 2010, and allowed the entry of 2,730 tons of wheat, and 1,170 tons of fodders.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing is only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
03 – 09 November 2010
Date
03 November
04 November
05 November
06 November
07 November
08 November
09 November
Patients
18
13
3
Nil
33
34
39
Companions
18
13
3
Nil
35
38
37
Palestinians from Israel
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
2
8
2
Diplomats
8
24
5
Nil
Nil
3
12
International Journalists
Nil
1
4
Nil
2
11
2
International Workers
45
67
41
Nil
18
24
47
Travelers abroad
1
Nil
2
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Traders
17
32
Nil
Nil
22
32
16
Business People
4
3
Nil
Nil
11
Nil
12
Meetings
Nil
13
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
4
Ambulances to Israel
2
2
2
Nil
Nil
4
2
Ambulances from Israel
2
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
2
Nil
The West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque. On Friday morning, 05 November 2010, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the city. They reinforced their presence in the old town and at the gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. On Monday morning, 08 November 2010, an Israeli bulldozer, escorted by IOF, closed the western entrance of al-'Eissawiya village near Jerusalem with cement blocks. IOF also established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the village. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.
. Bethlehem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have maintained their presence at 41 checkpoints around the town. The town has been also impacted by the construction of the annexation wall to the north and west, and large areas of Palestinian land have been isolated by the wall. During the reporting period, Israeli troops stationed at the 300 checkpoint (Rachel Toms), north of Bethlehem, continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to Jerusalem. Palestinian civilians are forced to wait in queues on two routes outside the checkpoint. They are then checked by Israeli soldiers using electronic checking machines. Such checking is often prolonged and humiliating. During the reporting period, only Palestinians who have permits were allowed to travel to Jerusalem.
· Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. IOF troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged checks of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, IOF erected a number of temporary checkpoints, and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 11:50 on Thursday, 04 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at Rafat intersection, south of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 16:45, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 16:10 on Friday, 15 November 2010, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 20:15 on Sunday, 07 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Ein Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Dura al-Qare' village. Israeli soldiers positioned at these checkpoints stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sinjel village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 04 November 2010, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 05 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 22:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 06 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on bypass road #55, which links between Nablus and Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday, 07 November 2010, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday, 09 November 2010, IOF established 8 checkpoints around the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 06 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. In the evening, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 06 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road near the entrance of Far'oun village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 11:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint in al-Kafriyat area at Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint in al-Kafriyat area at Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday, 09 November 2010, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 15:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They established the checkpoint again at approximately 10:30 on Wednesday, 10 November 2010.
. Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 05 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of the Arab American University, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
. Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have continued to close the northern entrance of Salfit with cement blocks and sand barriers since 2000. They have also continued to close two roads linking Marda village with agricultural land belonging to it.
· Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:00 on Thursday, 04 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 17:30 on Monday, 08 November 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
· On Monday evening, 08 November 2010, Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit 'Awa intersection, southwest of Hebron, arrested 'Anan Ibrahim 'Amru, 20, from al-Majd village southwest of Hebron.
· At approximately 16:30 on Tuesday, 09 November 2010, Israeli soldiers stationed at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Fadi Nabil Khaled, 23, from Jayous village northeast of Qalqilya, while he was on his way back to the West Bank.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, 04 November 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed the area of Joseph Tomb in the east of Nablus. They bothered Palestinian civilians in the area. They left the area a few hours later.
· On Thursday morning, 04 November 2010, IOF razed areas of Palestinian land to the northwest of "Elli" settlement, which stands on lands of the villages of Qaryout, al-Lubban al-Sharqi and al-Sawia, south of Nablus, in order to expand the settlement.
· During the reporting period, the Israeli district committee of organization and construction in Jerusalem declared a plan to construct 1,000 housing units in "Har Homa" settlement, which stands on Abu Ghunaim Mount between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Another plan to construct 320 housing unit in "Ramot" settlement neighborhood was also published.
· In the same context, IOF approved the construction of 800 housing units in "Ariel" settlement, north of Salfit. The mayor of "Ariel" settlement, Ron Nahman, revealed that 195 housing units are currently being built by a private contractor, 100 ones are being built for settlers evacuated from settlements in the Gaza Strip and factories are being built in the industrial zone.
· On Tuesday morning, 09 November 2010, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered 3 Palestinian civilians in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem to demolish their houses in 10 days: 'Abdul Karim Abu Snaina; Ahmed Abu Snaina; and Khalil Nember al-'Abbas.
…………………………………………………………
Recommendations to the International Community
1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.
11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
………………………………………………………
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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).
Source
