Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (14 - 20 April 2011)
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Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
· A Palestinian civilian from the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah died of his wounds.
· A Palestinian civilian was wounded by Israeli settlers in the south of Nablus.
· IOF bombarded a training site of the Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, and a nearby school and to residential houses were damaged.
· IOF continued to target Palestinian workers, farmers and fishermen in border areas in the Gaza Strip
-IOF opened fire at Palestinian farmers and fishermen in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
· IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
- Three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in Ramallah.
- IOF arrested 3 protesters, including two international human rights defenders.
· IOF conducted 40 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
- IOF arrested 12 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.
- IOF raided houses belonging to activists in the peaceful resistance against settlements and ill-treated their families.
· Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the Gaza Strip and tightened its siege on the West Bank.
- IOF have totally closed off the West Bank and the Gaza Strip for Passover.
· IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
- IOF issued further notices to destroy civilian establishments and evacuate farms.
- Israeli settlers have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians in the northern and southern West Bank.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (14 – 20 April 2011):
Shooting:
A Palestinian civilian from the Gaza Strip died of wounds that he sustained last week and three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in peaceful protests in the West Bank. In addition, a Palestinian was wounded in a new attack launched by Israeli settlers in the south of Nablus.
In the Gaza Strip, on 14 April 2011, medical sources at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, announced that Mahdi Jumaa Abu Athreh, 22, from al-Shouka village in the southeast of Rafah, died of his wounds. According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 08:00 on Friday, 08 April 2011, IOF fired two artillery shells at the vicinity of Gaza International Airport. Four Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded as a result. Medical sources at Abu Yousif al-Najjar hospital described the wounds of two of them, including Abu Athreh, to be serious.
In the West Bank, during the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in Bil'ein weekly protest in the west of Ramallah.
Other shooting and bombardment incidents: On 16 April 2011, an IOF warplane fired a missile at Tunis training site which is used by members of the Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, and which is adjacent to Tunis Primary School in the east of al-Zaytoon neighborhood, east OF Gaza city. The windows of the school crashed as a result. Another IOF plane fired a missile at Badr Site which is also used by members of the Izziddin Addin al-Qassam Brigades in the northwest of al-Shati refugee camp. Windows of apartments in nearby apartment buildings crashed as a result. No casualties were reported as a result of these bombardments that targeted the mentioned sites which had been previously targeted.
Also on 16 April 2011, IOF gunboats positioned off al-Waha resort in the west of Beit Lahia town in the northern Gaza Strip, fired shells and opened intensive fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen escaped as a result in fear of being wounded or arrested.
On 17 April 2011, IOF positioned in observation towers along the border in the east of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian farmers who were on their farms in the east of Beit Hanoun. Palestinian farmers escaped in fear for their lives.
On 17 April 2011, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in a peaceful protest organized by dozens of Palestinians and families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails on the occasion of the Palestinian Prisoners' Day. This Palestinian civilian was wounded when IOF opened fire at the participants in the protest who gathered near Ofer prison, southwest of Ramallah, and walked towards the prison's gate.
In addition, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank suffered from tear gas inhalation and bruises as they were beaten by IOF.
On 19 April 2011, approximately 20 Israeli settlers from "Givat Arousa" settlement outpost which as an extension of "Bracha" settlement, south of Nablus attacked Palestinian houses in Khelet al-Aqareb area in the east of Bourin village. A number of Palestinian civilians confronted with the Israeli settlers. The Israeli settlers and the Palestinian civilians stoned one another. One of the settlers moved forward and stopped between 10 and 15 meters far from Brucelee Eid, 36, and fired two bullets at Eid who was wounded in the right elbow and the pelvis.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 40 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 12 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and two women.
During the reporting period, IOF have continued to attempt to prevent international human rights defenders from participating in peaceful assemblies against settlement activities and construction of the annexation wall. As part of these attempts, IOF arrested three participants in peaceful protests, including two international human rights defenders and a Palestinian civilian.
IOF also raided a house belonging to Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem, 43, Secretary of the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. IOF held Abu Hashem and his nine-member family in one room. They ill-treated two of his sons, one of whom is a child. Abu Hashem told the PCHR fieldworker that an IOF officer explicitly asked him to stop protests organized by the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlements especially in the vicinity of "Karmi Tsur" settlement, south of Beit Ummar. Abu Hashem also reported that this raid is the twenty second one conducted by IOF within fifty days and that these raids are aimed at forcing him to stop his peaceful activities against the wall and settlements.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
· On 05 April 2011, IOF totally closed Karm Abu Salem commercial crossing for alleged security reasons. Accordingly, necessary needs required for more than 1.5 million civilians were not allowed into Gaza. The crossing was reopened on 13 April 2011 and was closed again on 19 April 2011 for Passover.
According to PCHR documentation, during the closure of Karm Abu Salem crossing, which is Gaza sole commercial crossing, the signs of a real crisis have been witnessed in the health sector due to the severe shortage in medicines and medical supplies. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 150 types of medications have run out, and another 44 types of medications are expected to run out within the next three months. The medications that have run out are important to treat patients. The shortage of these medications may lead to serious results and deaths. Expired medications include medicines necessary for patients suffering from Thalassemia and patients suffering from hepatitis, psychiatric medications and other important types. In the same context, 135 types of disposables and medical supplies have run out while 41 other types are about to run out and are barely enough for three months. The types that have run out include supplies required for diagnostic cardiac catheterization and therapeutic cardiac catheterization, supplies required for chemotherapy, surgical suture and other supplies.
In addition, the cooking gas crisis has been renewed due to the continued closure of Karm Abu Salem crossing. Gaza's 29 cooking gas distribution stations have continued to be shut down and thousands of cooking gas cylinders have been accumulated in cooking gas distribution stations. According to the General Petroleum Corporation, since the beginning of the current month, only 210 tons of cooking gas (20 tons per day in average, representing 6.6% of Gaza daily needs of cooking Gaza) have been supplied to Gaza. Gaza needs 300 tons of cooking gas daily. The Association of the Owners of Petroleum Products Companies stressed that the delivery of cooking gas to Gaza has been banned for 11 days and that cooking gas distribution stations ran out of cooking gas one month ago. It should be noted that the cooking gas crisis has been affecting Gaza civilians since last November. This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza's needs of fuel. Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day. In view of the current closure, the delivery of the limited quantities of cooking gas allowed into Gaza has been banned.
It should be noted that the Israeli occupation authorities have worked over the past three years to make Karm Abu Salem crossing, which is not appropriate for commercial purposes, as Gaza's major and sole crossing. For this purpose, on 02 March 2011, the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing which is the major and largest commercial crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its absorptive capacity to receive Gaza imports and exports. In the beginning of 2010, the Israeli occupation authorities closed Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza city, which was dedicated for the supplies of fuel and cooking gas to Gaza, and shifted fuel supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing. Three years ago, these authorities totally closed Sofa crossing, southeast of Khan Younis, and shifted humanitarian aid and food items which were delivered via Sofa crossing to Karm Abu Salem crossing.
· Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.
· IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments. Facts on the ground refute IOF's allegation that they daily allow the exportation of 10 truckloads of agricultural products.
· Recently, IOF allowed the exportation of very limited quantities of Gaza's agricultural products, including flowers and tomatoes, to European markers.
· For approximately four consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for UNRWA, UNDP, ANERA and Coastal Municipalities Water Utility.
· Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.
· Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.
· For approximately 45 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 710 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the International Humanitarian Law.
West Bank
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
· IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying in the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
· There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
· When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.
· At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.
· There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by the IOF. Such permits are extremely difficult to obtain.
· IOF continue to harass and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.
· Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.
Settlement Activities:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
As a part of Israel's ethnic cleansing policy applied in the OPT, IOF delivered new notices to a number of families in the south of Hebron to demolish agricultural establishments and to valuate farms.
On 14 April 2011, IOF delivered a military order to Yaser Salem Awawdeh from al-Bireh village in the southwest of Hebron to demolish a shelter and a water well claiming that they were constructed without obtaining a license. The shelter is established on an area of 200 m2 and the well's capacity is 250 m3. On the same day, IOF delivered military orders requiring Palestinians to evacuate at least 100 donums[1] of agricultural lands in al-Rayha village, southern Hebron, caliming that they are "lands belonging to the State to which people are not allowed to have access."
On 18 April, IOF forced many Palestinian farmers from al-Rayha village, south of Hebron, to leave their farms at gunpoint.
On 14 April, a number of Israeli settlers from "Bracha" settlement which is established on parts of Iraq Bourin village, southern Nablus, attacked farms and farmers in the east of Iraq Bourin village.
On 18 April, settlers from a settlement in the south of Yatta, southern Hebron, let their sheep, again, go into farms belonging to Palestinians in Um al-Khous village in the south of Yatta. IOF deployed on observation points in the area did not intervene to stop settlers. Mohammed Yousif al-Nawajaa said that Israeli settlers are intentional to let their sheep go into Palestinian farms cultivated with winter crops. He said that during the last couple of weeks, they attacked different areas in Yatta including al-Msafer, Sousia, Janba, Mneizel, Bir al-Ad and al-Twamin. He mentioned that by doing so, the settlers aim at destroy the crops in preparation for seizing the attacked lands.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (14 – 20 April 2011)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 14 April 2011
· At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Bir al-Mahjar neighborhood in the northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched many houses and checked ID cards of locals. The raided houses include the houses of Salim al-Shaarawi, Mohammed Jihad al-Oweidi, Azzam al-Oweidi and his brother Hatem, and Suleiman Ateya Refa'i. IOF withdrew at approximately 01:30 and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into al-Oja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 09:25, IOF moved into Aroura village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Ejoul village,north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 10:00, medical sources at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern the Gaza Strip, announced that Mahdi Jumaa Abu Athreh, 22, from al-Shokeh village in the southeast of Rafah, died of his wounds. According to PCHR investigations, at approximately 08:00 on Friday, 08 April 2011, IOF fired two artillery shells at the vicinity of Gaza International Airport. Four Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded as a result. Medical sources at Abu Yousif al-Najjar hospital described the wounds of two of them, including Abu Athreh, to be serious.
· At approximately 18:50, IOF moved into Kafr Qdoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into the south of Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghsoun village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no house raids or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Ematin village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 23:40, IOF moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
Friday, 15 April 2011
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Orta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched many houses. Before withdrawing at approximately 03:00, they arrested Mohammed Hassan Awwad, 33.
· At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Khrebtha al-Musbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Beit Or al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
· At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Dora city, south of Hebron. They raided and searched the house of Ibrahim Mohammed Yousif al-Awawdeh, 27. They arrested al-Awawdeh and took him to "Kfar Etzion" detention center in the southwest of Bethlehem.
· At approximately 00:10, IOF moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched many houses. Before withdrawing, they arrested Ahmed Salim Derar Radwan, 16, and Mahmoud Khaled Sabri Badwan, 16.
· At approximately 01:10, an IOF warplane fired a missile at Tunis training site which is used by members of the Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, and which is adjacent to Tunis Primary School in the east of al-Zaytoon neighborhood in the east of Gaza city. The windows of the school crashed as a result.
· Also at approximately 01:10, an IOF warplane fired a missile at Badr site which is used by members of the Izzidin al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, in the northwest of al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza city. Windows in apartments in nearby apartment buildings crashed as a result. No casualties were reported as a result of the bombardments that targeted Tunis training Site and Badr site which were previously targeted.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched the house of Khader Mahmoud Hamed Salim. Before withdrawing, they arrested Abdullah Salim, 17, who is Salim's son.
Khader Mahmoud told the PCHR fieldworker that:
"At approximately 02:00 on Saturday, 16 April 2011, we were sleeping when the army of the Israeli occupation arrived at the area and entered my son's apartment on the first floor. When his wife felt that someone was in the house, she opened her eyes and say the soldiers surrounding the bed. She cried loudly. My son asked the soldier 'what are you doing here? Who did you enter the house?' The soldier replied 'it is my business how I entered here.' My son said 'you are not allowed to enter here'. The army then led him to the upper floor and he knocked on the door. I opened the door and I awoke my family. The army entered and pointed their guns at my little children who are six, four and two years old. The children were very panicked. They we went down at gunpoint and we were held in one room. Some of the soldiers remained in the upper floor. They then led me to my apartment in the upper floor. I found the shirt which I was wearing on the earth I searched it and found out that a sum of 270 NIS which was in my shirt was stolen. When I asked them about the money they said that nothing was in the shirt. They destroyed the doors of the closets and they also destroyed the beds. They destroyed the salon and made it a mess. They took my son and when I asked them 'why are you taking him?', they replied 'if he is not convicted of anything, we will return him to you'. They arrested my son and left the house at approximately 04:00."
· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided the house of Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem, 43, Secretary of the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town. IOF held Abu Hashem and his nine-member family in one room. They ill-treated two of his sons.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, after holding Abu Hashem family in one room, IOF handcuffed and blindfolded Abu Hashem's son; Yousif, 18. They held Yousif alone for 50 minutes in the salon and they bet him several times. In addition, IOF forced Abu Hashem's son; Mohammed, 15, to leave the house and stay outside. They handcuffed and blindfolded him and forced him to sit on his knees on a pile of stones. They forced him to stay outside for 35 minutes and bet him.
· At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Meslieh village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 10:30, IOF moved into al-Jarba village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Sanour village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Sourif village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched the house of Mousa Ahmed Mohammed al-Hih, 21, an employee at Hebron Governmental Hospital. Before withdrawing, they arrested al-Hih and led him to "Kfar Etzion" detention center, southwest of Bethlehem.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Kafr Addik village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Ein al-Matwi area, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No other incidents were reported.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Nazla al-Sharqia village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 13:00, IOF deployed and positioned in the center and south of Hebron moved into al-Shallalla Old street which is adjacent to "Beit Hadassa" settlement in the center of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mutaz Mohammed Shaker Abdul Hamid al-Muhtaseb, 15. They beat Mutaz, arrested him and transferred him to the Israeli occupation police station in the southeast of Hebron and then to "Kfar Etzion" detention center in the southwest of Bethlehem. Mutaz was placed under investigation about the alleged "stoning at an Israeli patrol as testified by a member of this patrol." Mutaz denied this charge.
According to PCHR's investigations, IOF beat and arrested Mutaz just ten minutes after Israeli settlers living next to Mutaz's house stoned his house. On Sunday, 17 April, Mutaz was released on bail. He will be asked to appear before the Israeli military court later.
· At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into al-Nazla al-Sharqia village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
· At approximately 20:00, IOF gunboats positioned off al-Waha resort in the west of Beit Lahia, northern the Gaza Strip, fired shells and opened intensive fire at Palestinian fishing boats. They also fired flash bombs. Palestinian fishermen escaped as a result in fear of being wounded or arrested. No casualties or damages in Palestinian fishing boats were reported.
· At approximately 20:40, IOF moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and established a checkpoint near the entrance of the village. They closed the iron gate established at Azzoun's northern entrance to prevent cars of local Palestinians from entering or leaving the village. At approximately 23:40, IOF withdrew and no arrests were reported.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
· At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
· At approximately 09:40, IOF positioned on observation towers along the border in the east of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian farmers who were in their farms in the east of al-Qurman street, al-Naayma street and al-Masreyen street in the east of Beit Hanoun. Palestinian farmers escaped in fear for their lives and no casualties or damages were reported.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They raided the northern entrance of the village which is known as "Abu Martin." They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
· At approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
· At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later and established a checkpoint near the village's entrance. They withdrew at approximately 14:40 and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 18:50, IOF moved into Jayous village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and raided two houses belonging to Yousif Mahmoud Ahmed Qadoumi and his brother Hazzaa. They threatened the two brothers of expelling their families from their houses if they continue to throw stones at the annexation wall. At approximately 19:40, IOF withdrew and no arrests were reported.
· At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Balaa village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 18 April 2011
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Orta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched many houses. Before withdrawing at approximately 03:30, they arrested Tawfiq Hendawi Mahmoud Qwariq, 16.
· At approximately 02:350, IOF moved into Aroura village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched many houses. They arrested four Palestinians and led them to al-"Maskoubeyeh" interrogation center in occupied Jerusalem. The arrested Palestinians are:
Mohammed Suleiman Mohammed Suleiman, 26;
Basel Nazmi Ahmed Yousif al-Arouri, 27;
Umar Mustafa Saleh al-Khasib, 25; and
Mohammed Mustafa Saleh al-Khasib, 23.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
· At approximately 21:10, IOF moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
· At approximately 21:20, IOF moved into Asala village, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
· At approximately 17:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghsoun village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 17:30, IOF moved into al-Jarousheyeh village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor 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, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. Additionally, IOF arrested two international human rights defenders and a Palestinian civilian.
· Following the Friday Prayer on 15 April 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders and a number of Palestinian politicians organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. This demonstration coincided with the ninth anniversary of the arrest of PLC member Marwan al-Barghouthi. The demonstration started from the center of Bil'ein village and demonstrators walked in the streets of the village and chanted national slogan. They raised Palestinian flags and yellow flags carrying the portrait of Vitorio Arrigoni, the Italian solidarity activist who was murdered in Gaza. The demonstrators then walked towards the annexation wall. IOF made a barrier of barbwire approximately 100 meters far from the wall. Before demonstrators' arrival at the barrier, IOF closed the barrier and fired bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. IOF also sprayed wastewater at the demonstrators and chased them in olive fields. Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded and many others suffered from tear gas inhalation. The wounded are:
Samir Suleiman Burnat, 35, who was wounded by a bullet in the shoulder; and Fadi Fadel al-Khati, who was wounded by a tear gas canister in the left hand.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 15 April 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. This demonstration coincided with the anniversary of the death of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) and the eve of the Palestinian Prisoners' Day. The demonstrators walked in the streets of the village and chanted national slogans. They raised Palestinian flags and portraits of Nael and Fakhri al-Barghouthi who are held in Israeli jails. They then walked towards the wall. IOF closed the gate established on the wall with barbed wire. When the demonstrators tried to cross the wall to the land located behind it, IOF prevented them. The demonstrators responded by stoning IOF who responded by firing bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. IOF also chased demonstrators into olive field. Many demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation as a result.
· Also following the Friday Prayer on 15 April 2011, 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 the wall and settlement activities. This demonstration coincided with the ninth anniversary of the arrest of PLC member Marwan al-Barghouthi, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) and the eve of the Palestinian Prisoners' Day. The demonstrators walked in the streets of the village and chanted national slogans, expressing their refusal to the occupation and its arbitrary actions. They held Palestinian flags and portraits of some prisoners. They then walked to the lands that settlers from "Halmish" settlement try to seize. In the morning of the same day, IOF closed off the entrances of the village to prevent Palestinian and international demonstrators from having access to the mentioned lands. As the demonstrators attempted to access the land, IOF prevented them. IOF fired bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. IOF also sprayed wastewater at the demonstrators and chased them. Many demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. In addition, IOF arrested two international solidarity activists whose identities have not been known so far. They also transformed the roof of a house belonging to Helmi al-Tamimi into military barracks. They withdrew from the village at approximately 16:50.
· At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 17 April 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails organized a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners on the occasion of the Palestinian Prisoners' Day. The demonstrators gathered near Oder prison, southwest of Ramallah. They chanted national slogans calling for national unity. They raised Palestinian flags and portraits of Palestinian prisoners. They then walked to the gate of Ofer prison. IOF closed the gate and before demonstrators' arrival, IOF fired bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. The demonstrators responded by stoning IOF. Ayman Ahmed al-Barghouthi, 20, was wounded by a sound bomb in the neck while other demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation or bruises because there were beaten by IOF. In addition, IOF arrested Fares Farouq Badr, 21, and led him to Ofer prison.
3. Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza StripIsrael has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
· The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
· Facts on the ground refute Israeli claims with respect to the easing of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and the reduction of restrictions imposed on the entry of goods.
· Israeli declaration of allowing new goods to be entered into the Gaza Strip constitutes an attempt to delude the international community, as such goods do not meet the minimal needs of the Gaza Strip.
· IOF have continued to ban the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip.
· IOF have imposed a ban on all exports from the Gaza Strip.
· Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.
· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
13-19 April 2011
Date
Details
13 April 2011
267 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, 295 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip and 33 Palestinians were returned by the Egyptian Authorities.
14 April 2011
312 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, 312 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip and 47 Palestinians were returned.
15 April 2011
17 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip
16 April 2011
Closed
17 April 2011
253 Palestinians, including those wishing to perform small pilgrimage, were allowed to travel to Egypt, 408 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip and 183 Palestinians were returned.
18 April 2011
357 Palestinians, including those wishing to perform small pilgrimage, were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 193 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
19 April 2011
324 Palestinians, including those wishing to perform small pilgrimage, were allowed to travel to Egypt, 253 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip and 97 Palestinians were returned.
Note: The majority of Palestinians allowed to travel to Egypt on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were heading to Saudi Arabia to perform the small pilgrimage.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
13-19 April 2011
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Liters
13 April 2011
Foodstuffs
1,489
Agricultural materials
1,642
Various goods
1,017
Humanitarian aids
135
Cooking gas
200.850
Diesel
75.500
14 April 2011
Foodstuffs
1,588
Agricultural materials
1,832
Various goods
902
Humanitarian aids
1,037
Cooking gas
202.100
Benzene
19.999
Diesel
222.209
15 April 2011
Foodstuffs
705
Agricultural materials
938
Various goods
211
Humanitarian aids
609
Cooking gas
111.280
17 April 2011
Foodstuffs
2,002
Agricultural materials
1,463
Various goods
1,118
Humanitarian aids
849
Cooking gas
204.500
Notes:
· On Wednesday, 13 April 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 1,443 tons of fodders.
· On Thursday, 14 April 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 240 tons of cement, 39 tons of iron for UNRWA, 120 tons of cement for ANERA and 1,560 tons of fodders.
· On Friday, 15 April 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 858 tons of fodders.
· On Sunday, 17 April 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 136 tons of cement for UNRWA and 1,209 tons of wheat.
It should be noted that IOF closed the crossing on Monday, 18 April 2011, and Tuesday, 19 April 2011, because of the Jewish holidays.
Exports
· On Wednesday, 13 April 2011, 128,300 flowers were exported.
· On Sunday, 17 April 2011, 43,000 flowers were exported.
Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing is only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
13-19 April 2011
Date
13 April
14 April
15 April
16 April
17 April
18 April
19 April
Patients
35
42
1
Nil
45
2
Nil
Companions
42
41
1
Nil
44
2
Nil
Arabs from Israel
2
24
5
Nil
5
Nil
Nil
Diplomats
7
6
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
International Journalists
9
4
1
Nil
3
Nil
Nil
International Workers
15
60
18
Nil
16
Nil
Nil
Travelers abroad
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
Nil
Nil
Business People
56
57
Nil
Nil
60
Nil
Nil
Economic Meetings
Nil
3
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Security Interviews
Nil
3
Nil
Nil
2
Nil
Nil
VIP's
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
1
Nil
Ambulances to Israel
2
2
1
Nil
4
Nil
Nil
Ambulances from Israel
1
3
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
Nil
The West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque.
· Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah, particularly, "Jaba' – Qalandia" checkpoint that was established in the southeast of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 14 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 15 April 2011, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, the northern entrance of Birzeit, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 19:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit Our al-Fouqa village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30 on Saturday, 16 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint under the bridge of Kharbatha al-Mesbah, west of Ramalla. At approximately 20:45 on Sunday, 17 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles; no arrests were reported.
· Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 14 April 2011, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 02 April 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 16 April 2011, IOF established 6 checkpoints around the town. On Sunday, 17 April 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around the town. On Tuesday, 19 April 2011, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. No arrests were reported
· Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 14 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Tulkarm – Qalailia road, near al-Ras village, south of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilians vehicles. At approximately 12:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Tulkarm – Qalqilia road in "Mothallath Jbarah" area, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 16 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Tulkarm – Qalqilia road, 500 meters away from Jbarah checkpoint in "Mothallath Jbarah" area, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 17 April 2011, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians at Ennab checkpoint established at Tulkarm – Nablus road. However, no arrests were reported. At approximately 19:30, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm – Qalqilia road, near the entrance of Phar'oun village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 12:00 on Monday, 18 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Deir al-Ghsoun – 'Eteil road, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 18:00, IOF established a checkpoint on 'Anabta – Bazarya road, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 19 April 2011, IOF establidhed a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Beit Leed, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 19:30, IOF established a checkpoint at Tulkarm – Qalqilia road in Mothalath Jbarah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 14 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the intersection of Sanour village, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 18:30 on Sunday, 17 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the intersection of Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 19 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 03:00 in Wednesday, 20 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the road leading to the Arab American University, southeast of Jenin.
· Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 15 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
· Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:20 on Monday, 18 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Eskaka village, east of Salfit. At approximately 09:50, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufr al-Deek village, west of Salfit. However, the chekpoin was removed at 10:40; no arrests were reported. At approximately 18:10, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Bruqeen village, west of Salfit. The checkpoint was removed at 19:00; no arrests were reported. At approximately 12:40 on Tuesday, 19 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Kefel Hares village, north of Salfit.
· At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 20 April 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the intersection of Bedia and Masha, northwest of Salfit. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· On Thursday, 14 April 2011, IOF sent Yasser Salem 'Awawda, from al-Bireh village in the southwest of Hebron a one-week notice on the demolition of a "barrack" and a well established 4 and 10 years ago respectively, claiming that they were established without obtaining a " license" from IOF. In case 'Awawda did not respond, he has to demolish them himself at his own expense. The barrack is 200 square meters, while the well's capacity is 250 cubic meters.
· In the afternoon, on the same day, IOF sent 8 other notices on evacuating approximately 100 donums of farms in "al-Raihiya" village, south of Hebron, claiming those "lands are closed and prohibited from entry".
· On Monday, 18 April 2011, Israeli patrols obliged a number of farmers from "al-Raihiy" village, south of Hebron, to leave their farms while they were working. The Israeli patrols chased the farmers and kept them away at gunpoint. Local council member, Mohammed Salman al-Tobasi stressed that IOF broke into "Khelet al-Ma'aser" area, north of the said village in the southwest of "Hagai" settlement. They chased and detained a number of civilians for over an hour, including an engineer who was there to conduct a land survey. They were released after informing them that they are prevented from approaching or working in these land, except by "permits" obtained from IOF. These measures came after 4 days from issuing 8 notices on evacuating dozens of donums.
· At approximately 12:30, on Thursday, 14 April 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from "Bracha" Settlement established on the lands of Iraq Burin village, south of Nablus, attacked farms and farmers in the eastern side of the village. A number of Palestinians confronted and stoned them. Moments later, Israeli troops came to support the settlers and fired gas canisters at the Palestinian civilians to disperse them. No injuries were reported.
· On Monday, 18 April 2011, settlers from a settlement outpost in southern Yata, south of Hebron, loosened sheep in farms belonging to a number of Palestinians in "Um al-Khous" village in the south of Yata. IOF did not prevent such behavior.
According to information collected by PCHR and testimony of Mohammed Yusef al-Nawaj'a, a settler named "Yaqoub Talia" and two other settlers, from "Yaakov Dalia" settlement outpost established on confiscated lands in "Um al-Khous" village, loosened a large number of cattle belonging to the farm into farms of an area of 200 donums, aiming at damaging their contents. The wheat and barley farms belong to al-Nawaj'a and 'Awad families and are considered as the main source of livelihood. Al-Nawaj'a pointed out that settlers intentionally loosened hundreds of sheep into the farms during the past weeks in different areas in Yatta, including al-Msafer, Sosya, Janaba, Mneizel, Bir al-'Ad and al-Tawamin, in order to destroy farms, paving the way for confiscating them. Some farms belong to: Mohammed Ibrahim Msallam al-Nawaj'a, Mohammed Yusef al-Nawaj'a and Jihad Mohammed Ahmed al-Nawaj'a.
· At approximately 17:45 on Tuesday, 19 April 2011, 20 settlers from "Givat Arousa" settlement outpost, which is an extension of "Bracha" settlement, south of Nablus, attacked Palestinian houses in Khelet al-'Aqareb area in the eastern side of Bourin village. A number of Palestinians confronted and stoned them. A settlers dressed in black fired at Brucelee Dakheel Abdul Aziz 'Eid, 36, from a distance of 10 to 15 meters. 'Eid was wounded by two bullets to the right elbow and the pelvis. Later, Israeli troops arrived, opened fire and fired sound and gas canisters at the Palestinians, due o which, Belal Abdul Qader Dhamiri, 28, and Mos'ab 'Atallah Abdul Rahman Sawwan, 21, suffered from tear gas inhalation. They also attacked journalist Majdi Shtayya with gun butts on his face. As a result, he sustained bruises in the face and hemorrhage in the nose. Additionally, they pushed journalist Nasser Shtayya to the ground. Both journalists work for AP news agency. IOF attacked Zeid Mohammed Mostafa Omran, 46, as a result, he sustained a fracture to the left leg and bruises to the back and chest. He also lost US $900 after IOF confiscated his ID card.
Recommendations to the International Community
1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.
11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
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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 ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).
[1] One donum is equal to 1,000 square meters.
Source
