Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory ( 24-30 June 2010)
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Relatives
of a Palestinian who was killed by an Israeli air strike mourn during
his
funeral in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.
Israeli Forces Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
· Two Palestinian civilians and a resistance activist were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
-One civilian was wounded in the southern Gaza Strip.
· Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
- Two civilians, including a child, were injured West Bank.
- Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation in the West.
- Israeli forces arrested three human rights defenders.
· Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip.
· Israeli forces conducted thirteen incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and four limited incursions into the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces arrested nineteen Palestinian civilians, including a child and a girl and her father in the West Bank.
· 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 military checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested five Palestinian civilians.
· Israel has continued to take measures aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem.
- The construction of 1,400 hotel rooms near Habal al-Mukabber area in Jerusalem was approved.
- A Palestinian child was wounded in the eye and a number of children and women suffered from tear gas inhalation fired by Israeli forces in Silwan village.
· Israeli forces have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
-Israeli forces ordered the demolition of ten houses and two farms in Hebron.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (24 – 30 June 2010):
Shooting: During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian civilians and a resistance activist in the Gaza Strip. They also wounded four civilians, including two children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
In the Gaza Strip, on 25 June 2010, two Palestinian civilians were killed and a third was wounded when Israeli warplanes bombarded a tunnel in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah.
On 28 June 2010, Israeli troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza City, killed an activist of the Palestinian resistance after a resistance group fired had fired at Israeli forces.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting construction materials. No casualties were reported.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. As a result, two civilians, including a child, were injured. Israeli forces also violently beat a number of demonstrators.
On 27 June 2010, a Palestinian child was struck by in the eye by a tear gas canister fired by Israeli forces in Silwan village in Jerusalem, losing his eye as a result. A number of civilians, mostly children and women also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Incursions: During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least thirteen military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested nineteen Palestinian civilians, including a child and a girl. Israeli forces also arrested three human rights defenders.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted four limited incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they searched these area.
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, Israeli forces 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.
· Israeli forces 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.
During the reporting period, Israeli sources revealed that the Israeli District Committee of Organization and Construction approved the construction of 1,400 hotel rooms near the Jabal al-Mukabber area in East Jerusalem. According to Israeli Channel 10, the committee approved the construction of a 1,400-room hotel in Armon Hanatziv area in the east of the city. The area where the rooms would be established had not been under Israeli control before 1967.
On 26 June 2010, dozens of armed Israeli settlers attacked a house belonging to Mohammed Abu Nab in Silwan village to the south of the old city of Jerusalem, in an attempt to seize it, but Palestinian civilians were able to repel them.
On 29 June 2010, a bulldozer of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, escorted by Israeli forces, established a sand barrier in the Um al-Seksek and al-Za'farana areas in al-'Eissawiya village in East Jerusalem, seizing at least 200 donums of land for the Israeli National Parks Protection Department. Thus, the areas of land seized by Israeli forces for the Parks Department totalled to 660 donums.
Settlement Activities: Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law. Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
29 June 2010, Israeli forces handed twelve notices to Palestinian civilians ordering stopping construction works in ten houses and two farms in al-Burj village, claiming that they were built without licenses. These facilities are located nearly 500 meters away from the annexation wall.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (24 – 30 June 2010)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 24 June 2010
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdullah Nayef Ramadan, 20, and arrested him.
· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-'Ebayat village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Awadh Mohammed 'Ebayat, 40, and arrested him.
· At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces moved nearly 400 meters into al-Amal quarter in the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed.
· At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved nearly 300 meters into the east of 'Abassan village, located to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed. The Israeli forces then pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
· At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into Surda village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 25 June 2010
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Ali Mohammed al-Dadu, 54. They arrested al-Dadu's daughter, 19-year-old Yasmine, and confiscated three portables and disks and ordered Mr. al-Dadu to appear at the Israeli District Liaison Office in the west of Tulkarm on Sunday, 27 June 2010. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, Mr. al-Dadu went to the site. At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces phoned Mr. al-Dadu's son, demanding him to bring his father's medicines because his father was detained. Mr. al-Dadu is a trader of carpets, and his other son, 26-year-old Diaa', had been arrested by Israeli forces at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border, a few hours earlier on Friday.
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ibrahim Helmi Kmail, 30, and his brother 'Abdul Karim, 20.
· At approximately 02:15, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb on an area in the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 02:50, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb of a tunnel in al-Shouka village near Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. Five minutes later, they dropped a bomb on the same tunnel. As a results, two workers in the tunnel were killed:
1. 'Aamer 'Atwa Abu Hadid, 23, from Rafah, hit by shrapnel throughout the body; and
2. Mohammed Fawzi Abu Suhaiban, 28, from Gaza City, hit by shrapnel throughout the body.
A third worker, Mohammed Ghazi Abu Khatla, 21, was seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout the body and his left hand was badly cut.
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Ourif village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians:
1. Hamdallah Zaidan al-Safadi, 22;
2. Khaled Yousef al-Safadi, 21; and
3. Ayman Yousef Sabbah, 26, a teacher.
· Also at approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into the village of Beita, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into the city of al-Bireh. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the city of Jenin and the refugee camp there. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the village of al-Sammou', south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Ata Salama al-Badarin, but no arrests were reported.
Monday, 28 June 2010
· At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Jabal al-Rahma neighborhood in the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousef Ghazi Salhab, 21, and arrested him.
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the village of Northern 'Assira, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 17:30, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at activists of the Palestinian resistance in the east of al-Shoja'eya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, Bassam Ibrahim Mahmoud Badwan, 30, was killed by shrapnel throughout the body.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
· At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into the village of Silwad, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested nine Palestinian civilians, including a child:
1. Khaled Tariq Hamed, 19;
2. Qussai Lutfi Hamed, 17;
3. Ahmed 'Aahed Hamed, 18;
4. Mohammed Fares 'Eissa, 23;
5. Rami Radwan Yousef, 18;
6. Mahmoud 'Abdul Basset Hamed, 18;
7. 'Abed Salah Hammad, 30;
8. Hashem Mohammed Hammad, 26; and
9. 'Abdullah Daoud Hammad, 23.
· At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved nearly 300 meters into Bourat Abu Samra area in the northern town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. They searched and patrolled in the area until 17:00, during which time they opened fire sporadically. No casualties were reported.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
· At approximately 07:00, Israeli troops positioned on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials. No casualties were reported.
· Also at approximately 07:00, an Israeli infantry unit moved nearly 250 meters into Bourat Abu Samra area in the north of Beit Lahia, located in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials from the location where Israeli settlements existed in 2005. The workers subsequently fled from the area. At approximately 10:10, a heavy explosion was heard in the area. Israeli troops pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 11:15.
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 excessive 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 25 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 the village of Bil'ein, west of Ramallah. They marched towards the annexation wall. Israeli troops stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, Radwan Isma'il Yassin, 50, was hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand. Dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 25 June 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the village of Ne'lin, 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 25 June 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the village of Nabi Saleh, 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, 'Izz 'Abdul Hafiz al-Tamimi, 13, was hit by a tear gas canister to the back. A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
· On Sunday noon, 20 June 2010, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the town of Beit Lahia, west of Bethlehem, in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall. They marched towards a site where a section of the wall is being constructed to the west of the town. Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them and violently beat a number of demonstrators. As a result, four demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises. Israeli forces also arrested international human rights defenders, including Howaida 'Arraf, an activist of Free Gaza Campaign, and an Israeli activist.
· At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 28 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Khan Yunis fired at dozens of demonstrators who were peacefully protesting the establishment of a buffer zone along the border. The demonstration was organized by the Popular Campaign against the Security Fence. No casualties were reported.
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 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.
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, Israeli forces 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.
· 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 announced the indefinite "opening" of the Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border for travelers from both directions. The Egyptian decision came following the Israeli attack on the Gaza-aid flotilla in international water. On the following morning, the crossing point was conditionally opened and some Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through it.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
23 – 29 June 2010
Date
Details
23 June 2010
359 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 404 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
24 June 2010
363 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 540 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
25 June 2010
209 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 319 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
26 June 2010
227 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 249 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
27 June 2010
209 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 353 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
28 June 2010
279 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 320 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
29 June 2010
332 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 376 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
23 – 28 June 2010
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Liters
23 June 2010
Foodstuffs
583
Agricultural materials
155
Various goods
1,295
Cooking gas
195
Industrial fuel
128,610
Humanitarian aids
82
24 June 2010
Foodstuffs
726
Agricultural materials
211
Various goods
1,399
Cooking gas
201
Industrial fuel
127,418
Humanitarian aids
342
Diesel for World Bank
36,000
27 June 2010
Foodstuffs
805
Agricultural materials
216
Various goods
1,151
Cooking gas
203.610
Industrial fuel
258,350
Humanitarian aids
434
28 June 2010
Foodstuffs
622
Agricultural materials
161
Various goods
1,221
Cooking gas
200
Humanitarian aids
467
Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: Israeli Forces partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 23 June 2001, to allow the entry of 1,380 of construction aggregate and 1,140 tons of base course for UNRWA projects. Israeli Forces also opened the crossing on Monday, 28 June 2010, to allow the entry of 585 tons of wheat and 1,131 tons of fodders.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israel has allowed only diplomats, select international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass via the crossing. Israel has 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 able to do so only under severe restrictions that include prolonged security checks and detentions.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
23 – 29 June 2010
Date
Patients
Companions
Arabs from Israel
Diplomats
International Journalists
International Workers
Travelers abroad
Traders
23 June 2010
23
22
7
7
6
41
4
6
24 June 2010
28
32
8
5
3
60
1
9
25 June 2010
1
1
5
Nil
7
11
3
Nil
26 June 2010
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
27 June 2010
33
33
21
3
1
11
2
6
28 June 2010
49
39
2
Nil
1
23
4
12
29 June 2010
46
41
2
2
7
16
2
6
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 the city of Jerusalem. 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 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. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 24 June 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint near al-Mazra'a village, northeast of Ramallah where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 12:00 on the same day, Israeli Forces also established a checkpoint near 'Attara village, north of Ramallah in order to stop and search Palestinian civilians vehicles. At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 26 June 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint near Sinjel village, north of Ramallah where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Nablus: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Nablus. On Sunday and Wednesday, 27 and 30 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
· Qalqilya: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Qalqilya. On Tuesday morning, 29 June 2010, Israeli Forces erected a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.
· Jenin: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Jenin. At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 30 June 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint at 'Arraba intersection, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
· At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 24 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Diaa' 'Ali al-Dadu, 26, from Tulkarm, as he was crossing into the West Bank from Jordan.
· At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 28 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, arrested 'Odai Mahmoud 'Awadh, 27, claiming that he was carrying a knife.
· On Monday evening, 28 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at a checkpoint near al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin, arrested Saleh 'Abdul Latif al-Sa'di, 55, and Ghassan Ahmed Ab'ali, 42, both from Jenin.
· On Tuesday morning, 29 June 2010, Israeli troops positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Nidal 'Abdul Muhdi Ahmed, 42, from Kufor 'Abboush village south of Tulkarm, when he was together with his family on their way back to the West Bank from Jordan.
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 Israeli Forces against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.
· During the reporting period, Israeli sources revealed that the Israeli District Committee of Organization and Construction approved the construction of 1,400 hotel rooms near Jabal al-Mukabber area in East Jerusalem. According to Israeli Channel 10, the committee approved the construction of 1,400 hotel rooms in Armon Hanatziv area in the east of the city. This decision came less than one week before the expected meeting in the White House between Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyaho, and the US President, Barak Obama. The area where the rooms would be established had not been under Israeli control before 1967.
· On Saturday evening, 26 June 2010, dozens of armed Israeli settlers attacked a house belonging to Mohammed Abu Nab in the village of Silwan, to the south of the old city of Jerusalem, in an attempt to seize it, but Palestinian civilians were able to repel them.
· At approximately 19:20 on Sunday, 27 June 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers broke into al-Rajabi quarter in the village of Silwan. The settlers threw stones towards Palestinian houses. In response, Palestinian civilians gathered and attempted to drive the settlers out of the area. Immediately, the settlers opened fire with pistols, firing indiscriminately, and called on Israeli troops to come to the area. When Israeli troops arrived at the area, they, too, opened fire at houses and fired tear gas canisters. As a result, Muhammad Mahmoud al-Qawasmi, 17, was struck by a tear gas canister in his eye. Additionally, eleven civilians, including a pregnant woman and a number of children, suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises. According to eyewitnesses, Mr. al-Qawasmi was wounded when he attempted to assist medical crews in evacuating a pregnant woman, Alaa' Abu Nab. According to medical sources, Mr. al-Qawasmi lost his right eye, which was hit by the tear gas canister.
· At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, a bulldozer of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, escorted by Israeli Forces, established a sand barrier in the Um al-Seksek and al-Za'farana areas in the village of al-'Eissawiya in East Jerusalem, siezing at least 200 donums of land for the Israeli National Parks Protection Department. The area of land confiscated by Israeli Forces for the department totaled 660 donums.
· Also on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered the demolition of a house belonging to Mohammed 'Ali Salah in the village of Beit Safafa, south of Jerusalem, claiming that he replaced the roof of the house with tiles.
· Additionally, on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, Mohammed Ahmed Salah received an official decision from the Israeli Action Department regarding the 120 sheep which had been confiscated from him nearly six months ago on the basis that he had not paid the required fee to an Israeli court in the case of an evacuation of a house belonging to his family. The court issued a decision in favor of Israeli settlers in his case.
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. Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, Israeli forces distributed twelve notices to Palestinian civilians ordering a stop on construction works for ten houses and two farms in the village of al-Burj, claiming that they were being built without licenses. These facilities are located nearly 500 meters away from the Annexation Wall. The following are details of these facilities:
1. A 200 square meter house belonging to Hussein Isma'il al-Talahma;
2. A 110 square meter house belonging to Mos'ab Saleh al-Talahma;
3. A 120 square meter house belonging to Khalil Isma'il Masharqa;
4. A 200 square meter house belonging to Ziad 'Eissa al-Talahma;
5. A 110 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Nidal Bassem al-Talahma;
6. A 160 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to 'Adnan Hussein al-Talahma;
7. A 200 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Khalil Hussein al-Talahma;
8. A 220 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Jamal Mohammed Masharqa;
9. A 250 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Maher Mohammed Masharqa;
10. A 220 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Munther Mohammed Masharqa;
11. A 1,000 square meter farm belonging to Fahmi Ahmed Masharqa; and
12. A 260 square meter farm belonging to Ismai'il Ahmed 'Awawda.
…………………………………………………………
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.
…………………………………………………………
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).
· Two Palestinian civilians and a resistance activist were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
-One civilian was wounded in the southern Gaza Strip.
· Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
- Two civilians, including a child, were injured West Bank.
- Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation in the West.
- Israeli forces arrested three human rights defenders.
· Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip.
· Israeli forces conducted thirteen incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and four limited incursions into the Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces arrested nineteen Palestinian civilians, including a child and a girl and her father in the West Bank.
· 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 military checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested five Palestinian civilians.
· Israel has continued to take measures aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem.
- The construction of 1,400 hotel rooms near Habal al-Mukabber area in Jerusalem was approved.
- A Palestinian child was wounded in the eye and a number of children and women suffered from tear gas inhalation fired by Israeli forces in Silwan village.
· Israeli forces have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
-Israeli forces ordered the demolition of ten houses and two farms in Hebron.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (24 – 30 June 2010):
Shooting: During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian civilians and a resistance activist in the Gaza Strip. They also wounded four civilians, including two children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
In the Gaza Strip, on 25 June 2010, two Palestinian civilians were killed and a third was wounded when Israeli warplanes bombarded a tunnel in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah.
On 28 June 2010, Israeli troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza City, killed an activist of the Palestinian resistance after a resistance group fired had fired at Israeli forces.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting construction materials. No casualties were reported.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. As a result, two civilians, including a child, were injured. Israeli forces also violently beat a number of demonstrators.
On 27 June 2010, a Palestinian child was struck by in the eye by a tear gas canister fired by Israeli forces in Silwan village in Jerusalem, losing his eye as a result. A number of civilians, mostly children and women also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Incursions: During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least thirteen military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested nineteen Palestinian civilians, including a child and a girl. Israeli forces also arrested three human rights defenders.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted four limited incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they searched these area.
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, Israeli forces 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.
· Israeli forces 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.
During the reporting period, Israeli sources revealed that the Israeli District Committee of Organization and Construction approved the construction of 1,400 hotel rooms near the Jabal al-Mukabber area in East Jerusalem. According to Israeli Channel 10, the committee approved the construction of a 1,400-room hotel in Armon Hanatziv area in the east of the city. The area where the rooms would be established had not been under Israeli control before 1967.
On 26 June 2010, dozens of armed Israeli settlers attacked a house belonging to Mohammed Abu Nab in Silwan village to the south of the old city of Jerusalem, in an attempt to seize it, but Palestinian civilians were able to repel them.
On 29 June 2010, a bulldozer of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, escorted by Israeli forces, established a sand barrier in the Um al-Seksek and al-Za'farana areas in al-'Eissawiya village in East Jerusalem, seizing at least 200 donums of land for the Israeli National Parks Protection Department. Thus, the areas of land seized by Israeli forces for the Parks Department totalled to 660 donums.
Settlement Activities: Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law. Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
29 June 2010, Israeli forces handed twelve notices to Palestinian civilians ordering stopping construction works in ten houses and two farms in al-Burj village, claiming that they were built without licenses. These facilities are located nearly 500 meters away from the annexation wall.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (24 – 30 June 2010)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 24 June 2010
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdullah Nayef Ramadan, 20, and arrested him.
· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-'Ebayat village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Awadh Mohammed 'Ebayat, 40, and arrested him.
· At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces moved nearly 400 meters into al-Amal quarter in the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed.
· At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces moved nearly 300 meters into the east of 'Abassan village, located to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed. The Israeli forces then pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
· At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into Surda village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 25 June 2010
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Ali Mohammed al-Dadu, 54. They arrested al-Dadu's daughter, 19-year-old Yasmine, and confiscated three portables and disks and ordered Mr. al-Dadu to appear at the Israeli District Liaison Office in the west of Tulkarm on Sunday, 27 June 2010. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, Mr. al-Dadu went to the site. At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces phoned Mr. al-Dadu's son, demanding him to bring his father's medicines because his father was detained. Mr. al-Dadu is a trader of carpets, and his other son, 26-year-old Diaa', had been arrested by Israeli forces at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border, a few hours earlier on Friday.
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ibrahim Helmi Kmail, 30, and his brother 'Abdul Karim, 20.
· At approximately 02:15, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb on an area in the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. No casualties were reported.
· At approximately 02:50, Israeli warplanes dropped a bomb of a tunnel in al-Shouka village near Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. Five minutes later, they dropped a bomb on the same tunnel. As a results, two workers in the tunnel were killed:
1. 'Aamer 'Atwa Abu Hadid, 23, from Rafah, hit by shrapnel throughout the body; and
2. Mohammed Fawzi Abu Suhaiban, 28, from Gaza City, hit by shrapnel throughout the body.
A third worker, Mohammed Ghazi Abu Khatla, 21, was seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout the body and his left hand was badly cut.
· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Ourif village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinian civilians:
1. Hamdallah Zaidan al-Safadi, 22;
2. Khaled Yousef al-Safadi, 21; and
3. Ayman Yousef Sabbah, 26, a teacher.
· Also at approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into the village of Beita, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces moved into the city of al-Bireh. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the city of Jenin and the refugee camp there. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the village of al-Sammou', south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Ata Salama al-Badarin, but no arrests were reported.
Monday, 28 June 2010
· At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Jabal al-Rahma neighborhood in the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousef Ghazi Salhab, 21, and arrested him.
· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the village of Northern 'Assira, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 17:30, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired an artillery shell at activists of the Palestinian resistance in the east of al-Shoja'eya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. As a result, Bassam Ibrahim Mahmoud Badwan, 30, was killed by shrapnel throughout the body.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
· At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into the village of Silwad, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested nine Palestinian civilians, including a child:
1. Khaled Tariq Hamed, 19;
2. Qussai Lutfi Hamed, 17;
3. Ahmed 'Aahed Hamed, 18;
4. Mohammed Fares 'Eissa, 23;
5. Rami Radwan Yousef, 18;
6. Mahmoud 'Abdul Basset Hamed, 18;
7. 'Abed Salah Hammad, 30;
8. Hashem Mohammed Hammad, 26; and
9. 'Abdullah Daoud Hammad, 23.
· At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved nearly 300 meters into Bourat Abu Samra area in the northern town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. They searched and patrolled in the area until 17:00, during which time they opened fire sporadically. No casualties were reported.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
· At approximately 07:00, Israeli troops positioned on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials. No casualties were reported.
· Also at approximately 07:00, an Israeli infantry unit moved nearly 250 meters into Bourat Abu Samra area in the north of Beit Lahia, located in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials from the location where Israeli settlements existed in 2005. The workers subsequently fled from the area. At approximately 10:10, a heavy explosion was heard in the area. Israeli troops pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 11:15.
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 excessive 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 25 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 the village of Bil'ein, west of Ramallah. They marched towards the annexation wall. Israeli troops stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, Radwan Isma'il Yassin, 50, was hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand. Dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 25 June 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the village of Ne'lin, 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 25 June 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the village of Nabi Saleh, 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, 'Izz 'Abdul Hafiz al-Tamimi, 13, was hit by a tear gas canister to the back. A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
· On Sunday noon, 20 June 2010, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the town of Beit Lahia, west of Bethlehem, in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall. They marched towards a site where a section of the wall is being constructed to the west of the town. Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them and violently beat a number of demonstrators. As a result, four demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises. Israeli forces also arrested international human rights defenders, including Howaida 'Arraf, an activist of Free Gaza Campaign, and an Israeli activist.
· At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 28 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Khan Yunis fired at dozens of demonstrators who were peacefully protesting the establishment of a buffer zone along the border. The demonstration was organized by the Popular Campaign against the Security Fence. No casualties were reported.
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 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.
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, Israeli forces 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.
· 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 announced the indefinite "opening" of the Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border for travelers from both directions. The Egyptian decision came following the Israeli attack on the Gaza-aid flotilla in international water. On the following morning, the crossing point was conditionally opened and some Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through it.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
23 – 29 June 2010
Date
Details
23 June 2010
359 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 404 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
24 June 2010
363 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 540 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
25 June 2010
209 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 319 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
26 June 2010
227 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 249 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
27 June 2010
209 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 353 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
28 June 2010
279 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 320 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
29 June 2010
332 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 376 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
23 – 28 June 2010
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Liters
23 June 2010
Foodstuffs
583
Agricultural materials
155
Various goods
1,295
Cooking gas
195
Industrial fuel
128,610
Humanitarian aids
82
24 June 2010
Foodstuffs
726
Agricultural materials
211
Various goods
1,399
Cooking gas
201
Industrial fuel
127,418
Humanitarian aids
342
Diesel for World Bank
36,000
27 June 2010
Foodstuffs
805
Agricultural materials
216
Various goods
1,151
Cooking gas
203.610
Industrial fuel
258,350
Humanitarian aids
434
28 June 2010
Foodstuffs
622
Agricultural materials
161
Various goods
1,221
Cooking gas
200
Humanitarian aids
467
Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: Israeli Forces partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 23 June 2001, to allow the entry of 1,380 of construction aggregate and 1,140 tons of base course for UNRWA projects. Israeli Forces also opened the crossing on Monday, 28 June 2010, to allow the entry of 585 tons of wheat and 1,131 tons of fodders.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israel has allowed only diplomats, select international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass via the crossing. Israel has 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 able to do so only under severe restrictions that include prolonged security checks and detentions.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
23 – 29 June 2010
Date
Patients
Companions
Arabs from Israel
Diplomats
International Journalists
International Workers
Travelers abroad
Traders
23 June 2010
23
22
7
7
6
41
4
6
24 June 2010
28
32
8
5
3
60
1
9
25 June 2010
1
1
5
Nil
7
11
3
Nil
26 June 2010
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
27 June 2010
33
33
21
3
1
11
2
6
28 June 2010
49
39
2
Nil
1
23
4
12
29 June 2010
46
41
2
2
7
16
2
6
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 the city of Jerusalem. 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 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. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 24 June 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint near al-Mazra'a village, northeast of Ramallah where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 12:00 on the same day, Israeli Forces also established a checkpoint near 'Attara village, north of Ramallah in order to stop and search Palestinian civilians vehicles. At approximately 13:00 on Saturday, 26 June 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint near Sinjel village, north of Ramallah where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Nablus: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Nablus. On Sunday and Wednesday, 27 and 30 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
· Qalqilya: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Qalqilya. On Tuesday morning, 29 June 2010, Israeli Forces erected a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.
· Jenin: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Jenin. At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 30 June 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint at 'Arraba intersection, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
· At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 24 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Diaa' 'Ali al-Dadu, 26, from Tulkarm, as he was crossing into the West Bank from Jordan.
· At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 28 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, arrested 'Odai Mahmoud 'Awadh, 27, claiming that he was carrying a knife.
· On Monday evening, 28 June 2010, Israeli troops stationed at a checkpoint near al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin, arrested Saleh 'Abdul Latif al-Sa'di, 55, and Ghassan Ahmed Ab'ali, 42, both from Jenin.
· On Tuesday morning, 29 June 2010, Israeli troops positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Nidal 'Abdul Muhdi Ahmed, 42, from Kufor 'Abboush village south of Tulkarm, when he was together with his family on their way back to the West Bank from Jordan.
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 Israeli Forces against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.
· During the reporting period, Israeli sources revealed that the Israeli District Committee of Organization and Construction approved the construction of 1,400 hotel rooms near Jabal al-Mukabber area in East Jerusalem. According to Israeli Channel 10, the committee approved the construction of 1,400 hotel rooms in Armon Hanatziv area in the east of the city. This decision came less than one week before the expected meeting in the White House between Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyaho, and the US President, Barak Obama. The area where the rooms would be established had not been under Israeli control before 1967.
· On Saturday evening, 26 June 2010, dozens of armed Israeli settlers attacked a house belonging to Mohammed Abu Nab in the village of Silwan, to the south of the old city of Jerusalem, in an attempt to seize it, but Palestinian civilians were able to repel them.
· At approximately 19:20 on Sunday, 27 June 2010, dozens of Israeli settlers broke into al-Rajabi quarter in the village of Silwan. The settlers threw stones towards Palestinian houses. In response, Palestinian civilians gathered and attempted to drive the settlers out of the area. Immediately, the settlers opened fire with pistols, firing indiscriminately, and called on Israeli troops to come to the area. When Israeli troops arrived at the area, they, too, opened fire at houses and fired tear gas canisters. As a result, Muhammad Mahmoud al-Qawasmi, 17, was struck by a tear gas canister in his eye. Additionally, eleven civilians, including a pregnant woman and a number of children, suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises. According to eyewitnesses, Mr. al-Qawasmi was wounded when he attempted to assist medical crews in evacuating a pregnant woman, Alaa' Abu Nab. According to medical sources, Mr. al-Qawasmi lost his right eye, which was hit by the tear gas canister.
· At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, a bulldozer of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, escorted by Israeli Forces, established a sand barrier in the Um al-Seksek and al-Za'farana areas in the village of al-'Eissawiya in East Jerusalem, siezing at least 200 donums of land for the Israeli National Parks Protection Department. The area of land confiscated by Israeli Forces for the department totaled 660 donums.
· Also on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered the demolition of a house belonging to Mohammed 'Ali Salah in the village of Beit Safafa, south of Jerusalem, claiming that he replaced the roof of the house with tiles.
· Additionally, on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, Mohammed Ahmed Salah received an official decision from the Israeli Action Department regarding the 120 sheep which had been confiscated from him nearly six months ago on the basis that he had not paid the required fee to an Israeli court in the case of an evacuation of a house belonging to his family. The court issued a decision in favor of Israeli settlers in his case.
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. Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, Israeli forces distributed twelve notices to Palestinian civilians ordering a stop on construction works for ten houses and two farms in the village of al-Burj, claiming that they were being built without licenses. These facilities are located nearly 500 meters away from the Annexation Wall. The following are details of these facilities:
1. A 200 square meter house belonging to Hussein Isma'il al-Talahma;
2. A 110 square meter house belonging to Mos'ab Saleh al-Talahma;
3. A 120 square meter house belonging to Khalil Isma'il Masharqa;
4. A 200 square meter house belonging to Ziad 'Eissa al-Talahma;
5. A 110 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Nidal Bassem al-Talahma;
6. A 160 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to 'Adnan Hussein al-Talahma;
7. A 200 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Khalil Hussein al-Talahma;
8. A 220 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Jamal Mohammed Masharqa;
9. A 250 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Maher Mohammed Masharqa;
10. A 220 square meter house, currently under-construction, belonging to Munther Mohammed Masharqa;
11. A 1,000 square meter farm belonging to Fahmi Ahmed Masharqa; and
12. A 260 square meter farm belonging to Ismai'il Ahmed 'Awawda.
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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).
