Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (24-30 Nov. 2011)
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Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Gaza Strip
IOF have continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
Two Palestinian civilian were wounded.
Israeli war planes launched a number of air strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
A greenhouse and a training site were bombarded.
The Israeli Navy has continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli naval troops arrested 14 Palestinian fishermen and confiscated a number of fishing boats.
IOF conducted 40 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 5 Palestinians, including 3 children.
IOF raided offices of a car rental company in Nablus and confiscated money and documents.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli soldiers arrested 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, at various checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli soldiers arrested a Palestinian patient at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.
IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
IOF demolished 4 houses, 4 agricultural rooms, a mosque, 3 water wells and two animal farms.
IOF arrested two girls who protested the demolition of their home.
Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles travelining on Nablus –Qalqilya road.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (24 - 30 November 2011):
Shooting:
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, a Palestinian civilian was wounded and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.
In the Gaza Strip, on 24 November 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of members of Future Nights Association who joined Palestinian farmers in Swailem area in the northern Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.
On 27 November 2011, Israeli warplanes bombarded a training site of the Palestinian resistance in Nussairat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The site and the fence of a nearby plot were damaged.
On the same day, Israeli warplanes bombarded a greenhouse in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis, damaging it.
During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats attacked Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip. They also arrested 14 fishermen and confiscated two fishing boats. Two fishermen were released later.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 40 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children.
On 30 November 2011, IOF raided offices of a car rental company in Nablus and confiscated some money and documents.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted two limited incursion into the northern and central Gaza Strip, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land.
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.
IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.
IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
These statistics which were made available to PCHR by the Border and Crossings Department indicate a continued drop in the number of truckloads of Gaza imports and exports.
IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Stri, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. 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.
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. The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.
IOF have continued to prolong the implementation of their decision to allow 60 cars into Gaza weekly although more than 11 months have passed since they announced this decision after three years of ban imposed on the delivery of cars to Gaza. As a result, the prices of cars in Gaza have been on the rise and local markets experience serious shortage in spare parts.
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 a number of international organizations.
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 53 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 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, confiscating more 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 permits issued by 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.
On 24 November 2011, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Wadi al-Bas area in Ethna village, west of Hebron. They demolished 3 water wells and 3 agricultural rooms, claiming that they were established without licenses. The demolished facilities were located 450-500 meters away from the annexation wall. IOF then demolished a 70-square-meter, under-construction house, nearly 700 meters away from the annexation wall.
On the same day, IOF moved into Khirbat al-Mafqara area to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They surrounded a mosque in the area and a subordinate room, which includes an electricity generator. They took out the contents of the mosque and demolished it. They also destroyed the electricity generator. IOF then demolished a house belonging to Mahmoud Hussein Hamamda, in which 21 individuals live, after vacating it. They also demolished a part of a nearby cave used by the family as a store. During the evacuation of the house, the owner’s daughter protested the evacuation of the family’s furniture, so an Israeli soldier beat her and another one sprayed gas on her face. When her mother intervened to protect her, Israeli soldiers pushed her down. She sustained a fracture to the left foot. IOF arrested two girls, claiming that “they obstructed the work of security officers and threw stones at them.”
At the same time, IOF demolished a house belonging to the widow of Maher Khalil Hamamda, in which she and her three children live. IOF demolished also a 30-square-meter rabbit farm belonging to Hatem Mohammed Hamamda.
IOF then moved to the nearby Khirbat Sousia area and demolished a tent and an animal farm.
On 26 November 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Karni Shomron” settlement near Qalqilya-Nablus road threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on the road. As a result, a car was damaged.
Also on 26 November 2011, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun ‘Atma village, southeast of Qaqlilya. They demolished a room and a water tank belonging to Fahima ‘Abdul Karim al-Sheikh, for the purpose of the construction of a part of the annexation wall.
On 29 November 2011, IOF handed a notice to a Palestinian civilians in Sourif village, north of Hebron, ordering seizure of a 12-dunum area of agricultural land, located nearly 5 kilometers away from the annexation wall. IOF gave the owners 45 days to destroy the water well and uproot the trees on the land; otherwise, IOF would destroy the land themselves.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (24 - 30 November 2011)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 24 November 2011
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus allegedly to protect Israeli settlers who arrived at Joseph Tomb in the east of the city to conduct religious rituals. They raided a number of houses in the area. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the north of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. They opened fire and searched the area. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:50, Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing opened fire at a number of volunteers from Future Knights Association in Swailem area, nearly 500 meters away from the border. The volunteers decided on that day to express solidarity with Palestinian farmers in the area. As a result of shooting, the volunteers and farmers were forced to leave the area.
At approximately 11:25, IOF moved into Ras ‘Atiya village, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Beit Qad village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Um al-Tout village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:50, 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.
Also at approximately 19:50, IOF moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into al-Jalama village, north of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 25 November 2011
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Qiffin 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 11:30, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Hares village, north of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
At approximately 02:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a training site of the Palestinian resistance in the west of Nussairat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The site and a fence of a nearby plot belonging to the Efranji family were damaged.
At approximately 02:25, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at a greenhouse in the northwest of Khan Yunis. The greenhouse was damaged, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:20, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:15, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and raided a coffee shop. They questioned a number of customers claiming that their vehicles were stoned. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:40, IOF moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:55, IOF moved into Qarawat Bani Hassan village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:20, IOF moved into Brouqin village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 28 November 2011
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Ussarin village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children:
1. Dr. Maher Fawzi ‘Adili, 48, chairman of the local council;
2. Diaa’ ‘Omar ‘Adili, 16;
3. ‘Omar ‘Ezzat ‘Adili, 15;
4. ‘Azzam Rasmi ‘Adili, 20; and
5. Rebhi Raslan ‘Adili, 17.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Burham village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:50, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched 3 houses and summoned 3 Palestinian civilians for interrogation: Khader Salem Qadous; Sami Hassan Raddad; and Ibrahim Suleiman Qadous.
At approximately 08:00, an Israeli gunboat intercepted a Palestinian fishing boat opposite top al-Sudaniya beach in the northern Gaza Strip. The fishing boat was nearly 3 nautical miles offshore. Israeli soldiers arrested Mahmoud Yasser al-Nahhal, 20, and Mohammed Khamis Kalloub, 18, both from Gaza City, who were on board of the boat. They released al-Nahhal at approximately 23:30, but kept Kalloub in custody.
At approximately 09:10, 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 10:15, IOF moved into Habla village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into the area located to the east of Hares village, north of Salfit. They searched the area for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:45, IOF moved into Sniria village, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:05, Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia town opened fire at Palestinian agricultural areas. The shooting continued for 20 minutes, but no casualties were reported. It followed two heavy explosions at the border.
At approximately 10:00, an Israeli gunboat intercepted 3 Palestinian fishing boats opposite top Khan Yunis beach in the southern Gaza Strip. They arrested 11 fishermen and confiscated two boats, while released one fisherman together with a boat. The fishermen who were arrested are:
1. Khaled Khader Abu Shar, 19;
2. Ra’ed Yousef Abu ‘Ouda, 28;
3. Ussama Mohammed al-Hissi, 30;
4. Adham Khaled al-Habeel, 25;
5. Saleem Amin Abu al-Sadiq, 48;
6. ‘Azmi Saleem Abu al-Sadiq, 20;
7.Rami Bahjat Abu ‘Ouda, 30;
8. Nihad Rajab al-Hissi, 30;
9. Mohammed Rajab al-Hissi, 21;
10. Mohammed Jihad al-Hissi, 19; and
11. Jamal Jihad al-Hissi, 22.
The two boats that were confiscated belong to Khaled al-Habil and Rajab al-Hissi. The boat that was released belongs to Faraj Abu ‘Ouda, and it was released together with the owner.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Jafna village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Bitounia town, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Rafidya neighborhood in the west of Nablus. They raided offices of Fattouh Car Rental Company in an-Najah University Street. They destroyed the cameras and the alarm system. They then confiscated two hard disks, a number of cheques, some money, car licenses and ownership documents belonging to the owner, Wa’el ‘Ata Abu Shaqdam.
At approximately 06:30, IOF moved into al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Two hours later moved southward to al-Maghazi refugee camp.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Sinjel village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:15, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into ‘Aaboud village, northeast of Ramallah. 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, and in protest to the establishment of a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip. As a result, two Palestinian civilians were wounded and dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 25 November 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. They raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending political division. They then moved towards areas of Palestinian land, which the Israeli High Court ordered to be returned to their Palestinian owners. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 25 November 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. They chanted slogans calling for Palestinian reconciliation, adherence to the Palestinian inalienable rights and resistance of the occupation. Additionally, they chanted "194 is the State of Palestine" and other slogans against the American President and his speech at the United Nations that was defended the Israeli occupation. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 25 November 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 land confiscations and settlement activities. They raised the Palestinian flag, chanted slogans calling for ending the occupation. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, two Palestinian civilians were wounded:
1. Mohammed Moneer Tamimi, 23, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head; and
2. ‘Atallah Tamim Tamimi, 61, hit by a tear gas canister to the right foot.
Additionally, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer t approximately 12:20, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village. They moved towards the entrance, but IOF stopped them. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
3. Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. 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.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
23 – 29 November 2011
Day
Date
Traveling abroad
Coming into Gaza
Returned into Gaza
Wednesday
23 November 2011
786
380
38
Thursday
24 November 2011
813
590
44
Friday
25 November 2011
--
2
--
Saturday
26 November 2011
--
--
--
Sunday
27 November 2011
833
931
30
Monday
28 November 2011
745
389
40
Tuesday
29 November 2011
591
298
36
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
23 – 29 November 2011
Imports:
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Number
Liters
23 November 2011
Foodstuffs
848
Agricultural materials
1,671
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Glass boards
Refrigerators
Washing machine
Electricity generators
1,833
3,346
768
520
181
143
7
Humanitarian aid
4,816
cooking gas
112.390
24 November 2011
Foodstuffs
973
Agricultural materials
1,718
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Glass boards
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Water tanks
Car tires
Chips machines
Cows
1,351
2,313
520
130
304
338
542
5
301
Humanitarian aid
Water tanks
386
3
Cooking gas
181.270
27 November 2011
Foodstuffs
1,039
Agricultural materials
1,755
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Glass boards
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Mill parts
Water tanks
Cars
1,770
982
2,050
520
185
246
27
10
40
Humanitarian aid
389
Cooking gas
155.100
28 November 2011
Foodstuffs
1,067
Agricultural materials
1,789
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartoons of shoes
Glass boards
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Water tanks
Water pumps
1,632
745
1,916
455
138
165
256
9
Humanitarian aid
4,323
Cooking gas
163.200
29 November 2011
Foodstuffs
792
Agricultural materials
1,780
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Cars
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Electricity generators
Electricity towers
1,940
1,778
500
20
232
77
15
70
Humanitarian aid
2,861
Cooking gas
176.900
Exports:
On Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF allowed the exportation of 2.6 tons of strawberries.
On Tuesday, 29 November 2011, IOF allowed the exportation of 2.9 tons of strawberries.
Notes:
On Wednesday, 23 November 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 480 tons of cement, 3,850 tons of construction aggregate and 36 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,560 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 1,560 tons of fodders.
On Sunday, 25 November 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 1,560 tons of wheat.
On Monday, 28 November 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 555 tons of cement, 244 tons of construction steel and 1,680 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; and 1,420 tons of construction aggregate and 80 tons of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,599 tons of fodders.
On Tuesday, 29 November 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 2,100 tons of construction aggregate and 272 tons of cement for UNDP; and 119 tons of construction steel for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 1,599 tons of wheat.
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
23 – 29 November 2011
Date
23 November
24 November
25 November
26 November
27 November
28 November
29 November
Patients
31
42
2
Nil
39
35
40
Companions
28
41
2
Nil
36
31
36
Arabs from Israel
7
10
Nil
22
13
5
Diplomats
23
Nil
7
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
International Journalists
7
4
2
Nil
5
1
1
International Workers
9
65
12
Nil
3
Nil
12
Travelers abroad
2
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
2
Business People
42
37
10
Nil
44
31
40
Economic Meetings
Nil
5
Nil
Nil
1
4
1
Security Interviews
2
3
Nil
Nil
4
2
5
VIP's
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
Ambulances to Israel
2
3
1
Nil
Nil
2
1
Ambulances from Israel
1
2
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
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 Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 28 November 2011, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 11:40 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Taybeh intersection, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 15:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 29 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, west of Ramallah. At the same time, they established a checkpoint under ‘Ein Yabroud Bridge, northeast of Ramallahj. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 30 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, southwest of Ramallah. At the same time, they established a checkpoint near Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Koubar village, north of Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF established 6 checkpoints around the town. On Friday, 25 November 2011, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 26 November 2011, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 26 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 27 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Kour village, southeast of Tulkarm. At approximately 23:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 11:30 on Monday, 28 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near Jibara Gate at Tulkarm-Qalqilya road, south of Tulkarm.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 19:30 on Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near Haddad tourist village, southeast of Jenin. At approximately 20:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qabatya village, south of Jenin. At approximately 11:30 on Friday, 25 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Kfiret intersection, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 12:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Beer al-Basha intersection, south of Jenin. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 19:30 on Saturday, 26 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Faqqou’a village, northeast of Jenin. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 27 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 16:30 on Monday, 28 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ta’nak village, northwest of Jenin.
Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. At approximately 11 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Deir Estia – Kufol Hares road, north of Salfit. At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 25 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Hares – Kufol Hares road, north of Salfit. At approximately 18:40 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Hares intersection, north of Salfit. At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 26 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Brouqin village, west of Salfit. At approximately 14:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Hares – Kufol Hares road. At approximately 12:40 on Sunday, 27 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit. At approximately 20:20 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Hares village, north of Salfit.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 28 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 29 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 24 November 2011, the family of Eyad Sha’ban Dawas, 39, from al-‘Alami area in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, received a phone call from IOF which informed them that their son was detained in Ashkilon Prison inside Israel. Dawas had traveled to Jerusalem on 26 October 2011 to received medical treatment. When he was on his way back to the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing arrested him.
At approximately 04:00 on Saturday, 26 November 2011, Israeli soldiers patrolled at bypass road #60 near the western entrance of Bani Na’im village, southeast of Hebron, arrested Hamza Shaher al-Fakhouri, 22, from Hebron, when he was driving his car back home. They claimed that they found a knife in his possession.
At approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 26 November 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint, southeast of Tubas, arrested ‘Amid ‘Emad al-Din Dwaikat, 18, from Balata village east of Nablus.
At approximately 12:00 on Monday, 28 November 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Hamza Mohammed Taraira, 23, from Bani Na’im village east of Hebron. Taraira had been released from Israeli jails in 2009 due to his bad health conditions.
On Tuesday morning, 29 November 2011, IOF arrested Marwan Ahmed Sakharna, from Hata village northwest of Hebron, while he was working on his land near the annexation wall. They also confiscated his tractor.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
At approximately 06:30 on Thursday, 24 November 2011, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Wadi al-Bas area in Ethna village, west of Hebron. They demolished 3 water wells and 3 agricultural rooms belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Farajallah, ‘Abdul Rahman Mohammed Farajallah and ‘Abdul Hafez ‘Abdul Fattah ‘Awawda, claiming that they were established without licenses. The demolished facilities were located 450-500 meters away from the annexation wall. IOF then demolished a 70-square-meter, under-construction house belonging to Ahmed Jamal Al-Jiawi. The house was located nearly 700 meters away from the annexation wall.
At approximately 09:00 on the same day, IOF moved into Khirbat al-Mafqara area to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They surrounded a mosque in the area and a subordinate room, which includes an electricity generator. They took out the contents of the mosque and demolished it. They also destroyed the electricity generator. IOF then demolished a house belonging to Mahmoud Hussein Hamamda, in which 21 individuals live, after vacating it. They also demolished a part of a nearby cave used by the family as a store. During the evacuation of the house, the owner’s daughter, Sawsawn Hamamda, protested the evacuation of the family’s furniture, so an Israeli soldier beat her and another one sprayed gas on her face. When her mother, Halima Shihada Hamamda, 45, intervened to protect her, Israeli soldiers pushed her down. She sustained a fracture to the left foot. IOF arrested two girls, claiming that “they obstructed the work of security officers and threw stones at them”: Sawsan Mahmoud Hamamda, 21; and Amal Jamal Hamamda, 17.
At the same time, IOF demolished a house belonging to the widow of Maher Khalil Hamamda, in which she and her three children live. IOF demolished also a 30-square-meter rabbit farm belonging to Hatem Mohammed Hamamda.
At approximately 10:40, IOF moved to the nearby Khirbat Sousia area. They demolished a tent and an animal farm belonging to Mohammed Mousa Mighnem.
At approximately 15:00 on Sunday, 26 November 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Karni Shomron” settlement near Qalqilya-Nablus road threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on the road. As a result, a car belonging to ‘Abdul Khaliq Na’im Simha, 30, from Jayous village northeast of Qalqilya, was damaged. When he stopped his car to check the damage, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area forced him to drive his car away from the area.
At approximately 16:10 on Sunday, 26 November 2011, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun ‘Atma village, southeast of Qaqlilya. They demolished a room and a water tank belonging to Fahima ‘Abdul Karim al-Sheikh, for the purpose of the construction of a part of the annexation wall.
On Tuesday noon, 29 November 2011, IOF handed a notice to a Palestinian civilians in Sourif village, north of Hebron, ordering seizure of a 12-dunum area of agricultural land belonging to Jamal Mohammed al-Qadhi and Ibrahim ‘Abdul Hadi Hmaidat, located nearly 5 kilometers away from the annexation wall. IOF gave the owners 45 days to destroy the water well and uproot the trees on the land; otherwise, IOF would destroy the land themselves.
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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 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).
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