Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (17-23 June 2010)
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Israel Continues Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
· Israel continues to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
- Three civilians, including a child, were injured in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah.
- Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation in the West.
- Israeli forces attacked three journalists in Beit Jala.
- Israeli forces arrested ten civilians, including 3 international human rights defenders, a journalist and five medical volunteers.
· Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip.
- Four workers, including two children, were wounded.
· Israel conducted sixteen incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and three limited incursions into the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces arrested 43 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.
- 28 of these civilians were arrested in Deir Samer village near Hebron.
· Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
- Israeli troops stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the Gaza Strip arrested a Palestinian civilian.
· Israel has continued to take measures aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem.
- Israeli forces conducted bulldozing works to build 600 settlement units in the north of Jerusalem.
- The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered demolition of 22 houses in al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan village and forced a woman to demolish her house.
- The Israeli Supreme Court upheld a deportation order from Jerusalem against a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
- Israeli forces closed a charity in Jerusalem.
· Israel has continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
-An Israeli settler attacked a Palestinian child in Hebron.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (17 – 23 June 2010):
Shooting: During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded eight Palestinians, including three children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians to protest the construction of the Annexation Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and against the creation of a buffer zone along the border in the Gaza Strip. As a result, three civilians, including a child, were injured. Israeli forces also violently beat three journalists.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting construction materials. As a result, four workers, including two children, were wounded in four separate incidents.
On 17 June 2010, an activist of the Palestinian resistance was wounded by Israeli forces in 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis.
Incursions: During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least sixteen military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 43 Palestinian civilians, including five children. This figure includes 28 civilians who were arrested in Deir Samet village near Hebron. Israeli forces also arrested ten civilians, including three international human rights defenders, a journalist and 45 medical volunteers.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted three limited incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they conducted searches.
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 approximately three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed siege of Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
· On Friday, 01 January 2010, IOF decided to close Nahal Ouz crossing permanently and to divert the entry of fuels through Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, citing security reasons.
· 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement and the right to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.
· The principle concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain basic necessities: food, medicine, water and electricity supplies.
· Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two and a half years.
· Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip since 10 December 2008, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas and energy fuel for Gaza Power Plant.
· The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened on only a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to 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 restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. Israel has prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.
· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated as levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
· At least 800 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two and a half years.
· IOF have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the coast of the Gaza Strip.
West Bank
Israel has 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.
· Israeli forces 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 630 permanent roadblocks, manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank. In addition, there are some 60 - 80 ‘flying’ or temporary checkpoints erected across the West Bank by Israeli forces every week.
· 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 eighteen Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by Israeli forces (47 out of 72 roads).
· There are around 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 Israeli forces; these permits are extremely difficult to obtain.
· Israeli forces continue to harass and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.
· Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by Israeli forces.
Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem: Israeli forces have continued to take measures at creating a Jewish majority in Jerusalem.
On 20 June 2010, the Israeli police closed Ilaf Association for Education Support on Haron al-Rashid Street in Jerusalem on an order issued by Israeli Police General Inspector, Dodi Kohen. The pretext given for the closure was that meetings for Hamas were held in offices of the Association. Ilaf Association for Education Support in Jerusalem was established seven months ago. Since its establishment, the Association has provided financial assistance in the form of loans to be repaid after graduation to approximately 160 students in different specializations.
Also on 20 June 2010, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld an order issued by the Israeli police to deport from Jerusalem Mohammed Abu Tir, a PLC member from the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform Bloc, until next September when the Court will consider his petition.
On 21 June 2010, Israeli forces implemented large-scale bulldozing activities on Palestinian lands between "Pisgat Ze'ev" and "Neve Ya'kov" settlements in the north of occupied Jerusalem in preparation for the construction of 600 new settlement units. The construction of these new settlement units was approved one year ago in order to establish a link between the aforementioned settlements.
Also on 21 June 2010, the "District Committee of Organization and Construction" in the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem approved a plan to establish the "King David's Garden" (a Biblical garden) on the former location of houses in al-Bustan neighborhood in Salwan, according to a press release issued by the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem. The Garden will include restaurants and a public hotel. The demolitions will affect 22 houses in the northwestern part of al-Bustan neighborhood. It should be noted that the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem revealed last year that there was a plan to demolish 88 houses and displace 1,500 individuals.
During the reporting period, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem forced In'am Ibrahim Me'bed, 62, from the Housh al-Hilo area in the old city of Jerusalem to demolish her 40-square-meter house, claiming that the house was built without a license. Me'bed built the house four years ago as a residence for her and her disabled daughter. The family had already paid a fine of 18,000 NIS. The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem also forced the family to demolish two structures in 2007.
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 18 June 2010, an Israeli settler attacked a Palestinian child with a heavy tool in Hebron. The child was seriously injured in the head.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (17 – 23 June 2010)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 17 June 2010
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mazen Hassn al-Danbak, 34. It should be noted that al-Danbak had been released from Israeli jails on 18 May 2010.
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Obwin village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdul Qader Hamed Mzahem, 21, and arrested him.
· At approximately 06:40, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 500 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 07:30, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the southern Gaza Strip area of Khan Yunis opened fire at agricultural land in Um al-Mahed area in the east of 'Abassan village. As a result, an activist of the Palestinian resistance was wounded by a bullet to the leg.
· Also at approximately 07:30, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces moved nearly 150 meters into Bourat Abu Samra areas in the north of Beit Lahia area in the northern Gaza Strip, in an attempt to prevent Palestinian workers from entering the area to collect raw construction materials. Israeli forces pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 17:30.
Friday, 18 June 2010
· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrested were reported.
· Also at approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hamed 'Omar Hamed, 17, and arrested him.
· At approximately 07:00, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 500 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off the coast of Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian boats, forcing them to sail back to the beach. No casualties were reported.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
· At approximately 07:30, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 400 meters away from the border. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 07:45, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. As a result, Khaled 'Abdul Nasser Abu Harbeed, 21, from Beit Hanoun, was wounded by shrapnel to the back. Other workers attempted to evacuate him on a donkey cart, but Israeli troop moved into the area and opened fire, killing the donkey. The Palestinian workers managed to transported him on a motorcycle. Israeli troops continued to fire at the workers, wounding 'Abdul Hadi Faraj al-Kafarna, 18, with a bullet to the right foot.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested six Palestinian civilians, including three children:
1. Tariq Fat'hi Abu Ghoush, 17;
2. Nidal Ahmed al-Zagha, 18;
3. Ra'ed Sami Hamdan, 18;
4. Imad Mousa Marahil, 19;
5. Ziad Mohammed al-Basha, 17; and
6. 'Imad al-Din Ahmed Halawa, 16.
According to families of the detainees, Israeli troops violently beat their sons before their eyes. They also harassed the families during this operation.
Monday, 21 June 2010
· At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved nearly 350 meters into the northwest of Beit Lahia area in the northern Gaza Strip after a heavy explosion had been heard in the area. Israeli forces searched the area and pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 04:40.
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Ymoun village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
· At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Deir Samet village, southwest of Hebron. They attacked a number of houses and detonated sound bombs near them, especially those belonging to the extended family of 'Ali Hassan al-'Adam. According to al-'Adam and his son, 21-year-old Hamza, at approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Ghannam quarter in the east of the village. They attacked al-'Adams' two-storey house, blowing up the door of the first floor and firing at the house and the roof while some members of the family were sleeping there. Soon after, Israeli troops broke into the house and violently beat three of al-'Adam's sons: Mousa, 30; Bahaa' al-Din, 25; and Hamza, 21. They also arrested the first two sons and damaged the house. Additionally, Israeli forces raided and searched a number of houses in the village and arrested 25 Palestinian civilians:
1. Eyad Mahmoud al-Hroub;
2. Mousa 'Ali al-'Adam;
3. Mohammed Mahmoud al-Hroub;
4. Khalil Mohammed al-Hroub;
5. 'Ali Younis al-Hroub;
6. Mohammed Jasser al-Hroub;
7. Amjad Jasser al-Hroub;
8. Bahaa' 'Ali al-Hroub;
9. Mousa 'Ali al-Hroub;
10. Saber Mohammed al-Hroub;
11. Ahmed Mohammed al-Hroub;
12. Tawfiq 'Abdul Fattah al-Hroub;
13. 'Eissa Ahmed al-Hroub;
14. Mahmoud Hussein al-Hroub;
15. Isma'il Hussein al-Hroub;
16. Mohammed Isma'il al-Hroub;
17. Mahmoud Isma'il al-Hroub;
18. 'Abdullah Isma'il al-Hroub;
19. Ra'ed 'Eissa al-Hroub;
20. Hani 'Eissa al-Hroub;
21. Mohammed 'Eissa al-Hroub;
22. Jihad 'Eissa al-Hroub;
23. Bilal 'Eissa al-Hroub;
24. Shihda Mohammed al-Masalma; and
25. Mohammed Mohammed Masalma.
· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and delivered summons to 7 Palestinian civilians.
· At approximately 06:45, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northwest of Beit Lahia area fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlements of "Elli Sinai" and "Nissanit" used to stand, nearly 500 meters away from the border. As a result, fifteen-year-old 'Abdullah Mohammed Sofian was wounded by a bullet to the right foot.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
· At approximately 06:40, Israeli troops stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting bricks and construction aggregate from the industrial zone. As a result, Mohammed Mohammed Maqat, 16, from Gaza City, was wounded by a bullet to the abdomen.
· At approximately 07:45, Israeli forces moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
· At approximately 09:20, Israeli forces moved into Bedya village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall and settlement activities. Four Palestinian civilians were injured, four journalists sustained bruises and others suffered from tear gas inhalation.
· Following the Friday Prayer on 18 June 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the annexation wall. Israeli troops stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. They also chased the demonstrators into fields and fire broke out in some areas. Three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were hit by tear gas canisters:
1. Mohammed Maher Yassin, 14, hit by a tear gas canister to the face;
2. Jasser Maher Yassin, 21, hit by a tear gas canister to the left leg; and
3. Yassin Mohammed Yassin, 21, hit by a tear gas canister to the left leg.
Israeli troops also arrested 3 human rights defenders: Tal Sapira, 25; Gal Lucassi, 22; and one unidentified.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 18 June 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. Israeli troops also arrested five volunteers of Palestine Red Crescent Society and the photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall and Settlement in Ne'lin village:
1. Hammouda Sa'id 'Amira, 30, photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall and Settlement;
2. Murad Khalil 'Amira, 35;
3. 'Alaa' Ali Khawaja, 21;
4. Mohammed Hassan Mosleh, 16;
5. Mohammed Mousa Habazi; 23; and
6. Jihad Mousa Habbazi.
-Four of the detainees were released in the evening and the remaining two were released two days later.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 18 June 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. A number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli troops also arrested Khaled 'Atallah al-Tamimi, 23; they released him two hours later.
· On Sunday noon, 20 June 2010, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Beit Lahia area, west of Bethlehem, in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall. They moved towards a site where a section of the wall is being constructed, to the west of the area. Israeli troops fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them and violently beat three journalists:
1. Yousef 'Eissa Shaheen, 25, from Hebron, a cameraman of Palmedia;
2. 'Abdul Hafiz Diab al-Hashlamoun, 45, from Hebron, a cameraman of the European News Agency; and
3. Najeh Diab al-Hashlamoun, 47, from Hebron, a cameraman of NDP.
3. Continued Siege on the OPT
Israel has 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 more than two and a half years. The illegal Israeli-imposed siege of Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
· On Friday, 01 January 2010, Israel decided to close Nahal Ouz crossing permanently and to allow the entry of fuels through Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, citing security reasons.
· 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement and the right to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.
· The principle concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain basic necessities: food, medicine, water and electricity supplies.
· Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two and a half years.
· Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip since 10 December 2008, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas and energy fuel for Gaza Power Plant.
· The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened on only a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to 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 restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. Israel has prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.
· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated as levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
· At least 800 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two and a half years.
· Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the coast of 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 for 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 n 31 May 2010. On the morning of 02 June 2010, the crossing point was effectively opened and Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through it.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
16 - 22 June 2010
Date
Details
16 June 2010
266 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 365 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
17 June 2010
310 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 461 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
18 June 2010
162 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 335 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
19 June 2010
207 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 221 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
20 June 2010
251 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 267 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
21 June 2010
283 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 294 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
22 June 2010
291 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 428 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
According to sources of the Palestinian Crossings and Borders Commission, between 02 and 15 June 2010, 5,910 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 3,536 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip. The number of people who were denied traveling during this period was 1,759.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
16 – 22 June 2010
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Liters
16 June 2010
Foodstuffs
618
Agricultural materials
208
Various goods
1,254
Cooking gas
187
Industrial fuel
118,000
Humanitarian aids
144
Diesel for UNRWA
281,299
Benzene for UNRWA
35,000
17 June 2010
Foodstuffs
571
Agricultural materials
167
Various goods
695
Cooking gas
200
Industrial fuel
118,500
Humanitarian aids
622
20 June 2010
Foodstuffs
577
Agricultural materials
180
Various goods
558
Cooking gas
198.810
Industrial fuel
124,403
Humanitarian aids
3 vehicles
21 June 2010
Foodstuffs
602
Agricultural materials
188
Various goods
441
Cooking gas
195
Industrial fuel
85,604
Humanitarian aids
341
22 June 2010
Foodstuffs
603
Agricultural materials
224
Various goods
1,715
Cooking gas
198.880
Industrial fuel
126,400
Humanitarian aids
126
Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: Israeli forces partially opened the crossing on Thursday, 17 June 2001, and allowed the entry of 1,443 tons of wheat and 3,198 tons fodders. They also opened it on Monday, 21 June 2010, and allowed the entry of 1,794 tons of wheat and 2,925 tons of fodders.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli forces 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 via 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 via the crossing is able to do so only under severe restrictions that include prolonged "security procedures."
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
16 – 22 June 2010
Date
Patients
Companions
Arabs from Israel
Diplomats
International Journalists
International Workers
Travelers abroad
Traders
16 June 2010
22
17
13
2
10
41
1
4
17 June 2010
46
41
39
Nil
2
38
46
5
18 June 2010
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
19 June 2010
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
20 June 2010
46
41
39
Nil
2
38
46
6
21 June 2010
37
37
28
2
3
32
Nil
7
22 June 2010
40
39
14
6
5
34
3
4
The West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened siege on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
· Jerusalem: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from Jersualem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. Israeli forces 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.
. Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. Israeli forces troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged security checks of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, Israeli forces erected a number of temporary checkpoints and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday, 20 June 2010, Israeli forces re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah, where they stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilians vehicles.
. Nablus: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Nablus. On Thursday noon, 17 June 2010, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Northern 'Assira village, north of Nablus, where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Friday morning, 18 June 2010, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Northern 'Assira village, north of Nablus.
. Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Tulkarm. At approximately 05:00 on Sunday, 20 June 2010, al-Taybeh crossing, west of Tulkarm, was closed for two hours. Israeli forces claimed that the closure was decided to the failure of computers. It should be noted that Palestinian civilians passing through the crossing are subjected to prolonged security checks and, often, humiliation. At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday, 22 June 2010, Israeli forces prevented members of the relief committee of Jaffa-Nazareth Municipality from entering Tulkarm through Jibara checkpoint, claiming that the materials they were transporting were commercial and must be entered through "Sha'ar Ephraim" crossing.
. Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Qalqilya.
. Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Hebron. On Monday morning, 14 June 2010, following an armed attack on an Israeli police vehicle near "Beit Hajai" settlement, southwest of Hebron, Israeli forces waged a wide scale campaign against villages near Hebron, especially Dura village. They erected a number of checkpoints and stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. Israeli forces also arrested Hassan Abu 'Arqoub, 24, in Kharsa area, south of Dura village.
· Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Jenin. At approximately 06:00 on Friday, 18 June 2010, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at 'Arraba intersection, south of Jenin, and another one at al-Jarba intersection, southeast of the area where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
4. Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem
Israel has recently escalated arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem in order to force them to leave the city. PCHR has devoted this section in the Weekly Report to highlighting violations of human rights perpetrated by IOF against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.
· On Sunday, 20 June 2010, the Israeli police closed Ilaf Association for Education Support on Haron al-Rashid Street in Jerusalem on an order issued by Israeli Police General Inspector, Dodi Kohen. The pretext given for the closure was that meetings for Hamas were held in offices of the Association. The closure order stated: "In accordance with the powers granted to me and in accordance with Law no. 6a on the Prevention of Terrorism for the Year 1948, I hereby order the closure of Jerusalem Association for Education Support which is known as Ilaf Association, 19, ground floor, Haron al-Rashid street, until 01 July 2010, because it belongs to a terrorist organization and is being used by Hamas. Having reviewed reliable confidential documents proving that the Association is employed by Hamas, we inform you that we are considering the issuance of an additional order to close the Association for one year. Any one who thinks that he/she may be hurt by this order can submit a written appeal to me within 15 days from the publication of this order." Mustafa Abu Zahra, Chairman of the Association's Board of Directors, denied the Israeli allegations, stating that they are false, fabricated and unfounded. Ilaf Association for Education Support in Jerusalem was established seven months ago. Since its establishment, the Association has provided financial assistance in the form of loans to be repaid after graduation to approximately 160 students in different specializations. The value of loans given to students enrolled in medicine, pharmacy and engineering faculties is 400 Jordanian Dinars, and the value of loans given to students enrolled in other faculties is 200 Jordanian Dinars.
· Also on Sunday, 20 June 2010, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld an order issued by the Israeli police to deport from Jerusalem Mohammed Abu Tir, a PLC member from the Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform Bloc, until next September when the Court will consider his petition. In its decision, the Court held that this deportation order is valid until the consideration of the petition filed on his behalf in the Court, explaining that if the decision on the petition is in the interest of the deportee, then he will be able to return home. It should be noted that there are another two deportation orders against PLC Members, Ahmed Atwan and Mohammed Totah, and a third one against Eng. Khaled Abu Arafa, former Palestinian Jerusalem Affairs Minister.
· On Monday morning, 21 June 2010, Israeli forces implemented large-scale bulldozing activities on Palestinian lands between "Pisgat Ze'ev" and "Neve Ya'kov" settlements in the north of occupied Jerusalem in preparation for the construction of 600 new settlement units. The construction of these new settlement units was approved one year ago in order to establish a link between the aforementioned settlements.
· Also on Monday, 21 June 2010, the "District Committee of Organization and Construction" in the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem approved a plan to establish the "King David's Garden" (a Biblical garden) on the former location of houses in al-Bustan neighborhood in Salwan, according to a press release issued by the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem. The Garden will include restaurants and a public hotel. The demolitions will affect 22 houses in the northwestern part of al-Bustan neighborhood. It should be noted that the Israeli Municipality in Jerusalem revealed last year that there was a plan to demolish 88 houses and displace 1,500 individuals. Last February, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered 88 Palestinian civilians living in al-Bustan neighborhood to evacuate their houses, which would be demolished for allegedly being built without licenses. At least 130 Palestinian families, counting at least 1,500 individuals live in these houses. Some of these house had been built before 1948.
· During the reporting period, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem forced In'am Ibrahim Me'bed, 62, from Housh al-Hilo area in the old city of Jerusalem, to demolish her 40-square-meter house, claiming that the house was built without a license. Me'bed built the house four years ago as a residence for her and her disabled daughter. The family had already paid a fine of 18,000 NIS. The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem also forced the family to demolish two structures in 2007.
5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· On Friday evening, 18 June 2010, Mohammed Maher al-Masalma, 15, from Beit 'Awa village southwest of Hebron, survived an attack by an Israeli settlers with a heavy tool. According to the child, at approximately 20:00 on Friday he arrived at Beit 'Awa intersection on his way home on foot from Sikka village, to the south. According to the testimony, an Israeli settler stopped his car approximately 10 meters away from the boy. The settler stepped out of the car carrying a heavy tool, which might be an iron tube and attacked the child, striking him on the head with his weapon. The boy fell down, bleeding, and lost consciousness. A passing Palestinian civilian evacuated him in his car to the hospital, where he was treated for a severe injury to the head. According to his uncle, the child continues to suffer from severe pain is still in shock.
· At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 23 June 2010, Israeli forces moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit, and handed notices to six Palestinian civilians, ordering them to stop construction work on structures belonging to them, alleging lack of licenses. These civilians are: Radi Farahat Taha; Khaled Tahseen 'Ali Ahmed; Zayed Taher 'Ali Ahmed; Nawal 'Ali al-Shinnar; Samer 'Othman Naji; and Jamal 'Ali Ahmed.
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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 its 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 international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people 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 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 agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
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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).
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