Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 Oct.- 02 Nov. 2011)
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Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Gaza Strip
12 Palestinian resistance activists were killed and 5 others were wounded by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded by IOF in the Gaza Strip
Israeli war planes launched 17 air strikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
A country house, a room and two containers were destroyed and a number of houses, shops and fields were damaged.
IOF have continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
A Palestinian civilian was wounded.
Dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.
The Israeli Navy has continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli naval troops arrested two Palestinian fishermen.
IOF conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 8 Palestinians.
IOF used a dog to attack a Palestinian civilian.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli soldiers arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including a child, at various checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israel has continued measures aimed at creating a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem.
The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem exerts pressure to accelerate the establishment of a biblical park in Silwan village.
IOF demolished 3 houses in al-Khan al-Ahmar area.
IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers while cropping olives in the West Bank.
An old woman was injured near Ramallah.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (27 October – 02 November 2011):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF escalated attacks on the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes launched 17 air strikes against various targets. As a result of these attacks, 12 Palestinian resistance activists were killed 5 others were wounded. Additionally, 3 civilians, including a child, were wounded.
On 29 October 2011, Israeli warplanes bombarded a training site of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. As a result, 5 resistance activists were killed.
On the same day, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activists of the al-Quds Brigades also in Rafah. The two activists were killed.
On the same day, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activists of the al-Quds Brigades in the west of Gaza City. The two activists were killed.
On 30 October 2011, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activists of the National Resistance Brigades (the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine) in Rafah. An activist was killed and the other one was seriously wounded.
On the same day, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at 3 activists of al-Ansar Brigades (the armed wing of al-Ahrar Movement) in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. Two activists were killed.
On 27 October 2011, a Palestinian shepherd was wounded by Israeli gunfire in the southeast of Rafah.
On 29 October 2011, a Palestinian resistance activist and a child were wounded when an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades in the central Gaza Strip.
During the reporting period, Israeli warplanes bombarded a number of civilian targets in the Gaza Strip. As a result of these strikes, a country house and tow containers were destroyed and a number of houses, shops and farms were damaged.
On 27 October 2011, Israeli naval troops arrested two Palestinian fishermen in the southern Gaza Strip.
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.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 56 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 8 Palestinian civilians.
On 28 October 2011, IOF used a dog to attack a Palestinian civilian in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. The civilian was injured and was then arrested by IOF.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted a limited incursion into the 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 52 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.
Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in Jerusalem:
On 30 October 2011, the Israeli media report that a plan to establish the biblical “King Park” in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem would be approved soon. Under the plan, 22 Palestinian houses in the village would be demolished. According to the Israeli media, the Israeli Mayor of Jerusalem exerts pressure on the District Committee of Construction and Organization to approve the plan.
On 31 October 2011, IOF demolished 3 Palestinian houses in al-Khan al-Ahmar area in the northeast of Jerusalem.
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 31 October 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Maghroun” settlement, which stands on the lands of Mikhmas village, southeast of Ramallah, threw stones at ‘Aa’esha Mohammed Abu ‘Ali, 78. As a result, she was injured in the head and the right hand.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (27 October – 02 November 2011)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 27 October 2011
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Barham village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a 50-square-meter agricultural house belonging to Saleem Jalal al-Farra, 41, in Wadi al-Salqa village to the east of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah. The house was completely destroyed and 10 olive trees belonging to al-Farra and 5 nearby houses were damaged.
Also at approximately 03:30, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Khan Yunis beach in the south of the Gaza Strip arrested two Palestinian fishermen: Ahmed ‘Omar Rannira, 21; and Mousa Ibrahim Abu Jayab, 42, both from Deir al-Balah. They also confiscated the fishing boat.
At approximately 03:40, Israeli warplanes launched 3 air strikes on targets in the west of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis, which resulted in the destruction of:
A container used for storage of fishing equipment belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Shammala;
A 30-square-meter room belonging to Nayef Abu Shammala in Asdaa’ Media City; and A container on a space area.
At approximately 03:45, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a training site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in the west of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. 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 Seilat al-Harthiya village, northwest of Jenin. 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 Jenin. 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, Israeli soldiers stationed on an observation tower near Karm Abu Salem (Kerem) Shalom crossing at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired at Mustafa ‘Aayesh Ermailat, 33, who was grazing animals on the land of Gaza International Airport in the southeast of Rafah, nearly 800 meters from the border. He was wounded by a bullet to the left hand.
At approximately 16:20, 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 16:45, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast 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 18:20, IOF moved into NabiElias village, east of Qalqilya. 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 21:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkarm. 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.
At approximately 23:40, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched 3 houses, claiming that stones had been thrown at the main road near the village. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
Friday, 28 October 2011
At approximately 02:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at a small fishing boat belonging to ‘Eissa Ramdan Abu ‘Amira, 52, which was sailing nearly 3 nautical miles off Gaza seashore. The boat was heavily damaged, but no casualties were reported.
Also 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 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 14:00, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into the main road of Dura town, south of Hebron. They patrolled in the street and chased and fired sound bombs at a number of Palestinian civilians. A number of Palestinian boys threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. IOF unleashed dogs to chase the boys. Soon, 5 Israeli soldiers moved towards Baher Shareef Abu Ras, 20, when he was in front of his house. They unleashed a dog, which attacked him and bit his right foot. Soon after, the soldiers violently beat him. He sustained injuries and bruises. They then arrested him.
At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 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.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into ‘Aboud village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:15, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at a training site of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) known as Muhajer (Immigrant) located in a former Israeli settlement in the western part of Rafah, a town in southern Gaza Strip. As a result, 5 activists of the al-Quds Brigades were killed:
1. Ahmed Khalil al-Sheikh Khalil, 36, from Rafah;
2. Mohammed Ahmed ‘Aashour, 26, from Khan Yunis;
3. ‘Abdul Karim Mousa Shatat (al-Masri), 30, from Khan Yunis;
4. Bassem Mohammed Abu al-‘Ata, 33, from Gaza City; and
5. Hassan Mohammed al-Khudari, 27, from Gaza City.
Additionally, 3 activists were moderately wounded. Following the attack, IOF took responsibility for it, and an IOF spokesman claimed that the Israeli air force launched air strikes in the context of an operation, in which the Israeli Internal Security Service was involved, against a cell of Islamic Jihad accused of launching Grad rockets at Israeli towns.
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 17:15, 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 18:00, 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.
At approximately 20:30, n Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activists of the al-Quds Brigades while they were walking near al-Murabetin Mosque in al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah. The two activists were instantly killed. They were identified as:
1. Suleiman Mahrous Abu Fatma, 21; and
2. Sami Hamad Abu Sabt, 23, both from Rafah.
A civilian bystander, ‘Essam Mohammed Abu Qershain, 36, was moderately wounded by shrapnel.
At approximately 21:45, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a number of activists of the al-Quds Brigades, south of Wadi al-Salqa, a village located east of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah. The missile landed near a house, and wounded an activist. Additionally, 15-year-old Rawand Tayseer Abu Mughassib, was lightly wounded in the left hand while she was on her way to her grandmother’s house in the area, according to her father. Three houses were also damaged in the attack.
At approximately 22:30, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activists of the al-Quds Brigades who were near the landing ground located near Ansar security compound in the west of Gaza City. The two activists were instantly killed. They were identified as:
1. Mardi Nahidh Mohammed Hajjaj, 24; and
2. Suhail Ibrahim Jundiya, 27, both from al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in Gaza City.
Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Beit Qad village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Faqqou’a village, east of Jenin. 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.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:35, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a training site of al-Ahrar Movement in the evacuated Israeli settlements in the west of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. The site was damaged, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 02:40, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a police station in the evacuated Israeli settlements in the west of Khan Yunis. The site was damaged, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 03:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a space area of land belonging to the Maqat family in al-Nafaq Street in the center of Gaza City. A number of nearby houses and shops were damaged.
Also at approximately 03:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a farm in al-Qaraman Street in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. The missile made a crater, and damaged two nearby farms:
1. 60 olive and citrus trees were uprooted, and water pipelines and a part of the fence were destroyed in a farm belonging to Sofian Mousa Hamad; and
2. 45 olive and citrus trees, water pipelines and a part of the fence were destroyed in a farm belonging to ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Mustafa Hamad.
Additionally, a greenhouse belonging to Isma’il Mustafa ‘Abdul Rahman was damaged.
At approximately 03:35, an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a greenhouse in the evacuated Israeli settlements in the west of Khan Yunis. The greenhouse was heavily damaged, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm town and refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, 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.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Sabah al-Kheir suburb, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
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 11:25, IOF moved into Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit. 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 Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:45, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, northwest of Salfit. 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 15:00, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two activist of the National Resistance Brigades (the armed wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine) while they were riding a motorcycle near Gaza International Airport in the southeast of Rafah. One of the activists, Ahmed ‘Ali Jarghoun, 25, was killed, and the other one was seriously wounded.
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.
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.
At approximately 23:45, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at a number of activists of al-Ansar Brigades (the armed wing of al-Ahrar Movement) in the east of Ma’an village, east of Khan Yunis. Two activists were killed:
1. ‘Ali ‘Abdullah Hussein al-‘Aqqad, 25; and
2. Yousef Rawhi Mahmoud Abu ‘Abdu, 21.
Also at approximately 23:45, IOF moved into Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and summoned Bilal Mohammed Hassan, 26, for interrogation.
Monday, 31 October 2011
At approximately 00:00, 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 01:15, an Israeli drone fired two missiles at a number of Palestinian resistance activists in Tal al-Za’tar area in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jayous village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Kufor Laqef village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and summoned Mukhtar Hussein ‘Abdul Qader, 40, and Tamer Rushdi ‘Assaf, 25, for interrogation. They
At approximately 08:00, 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.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Bal’a village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 01 November 2011
At approximately 00:05, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Kufor Sour village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into Jalboun village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Tariq Abu al-Rub, 22, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Jenin. The patrolled in the streets for some time and arrested Yazan ‘Aatef al-Shayeb, 23.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli aircraft hovering over the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis dropped warning flyers onto the town. The flyers warned Palestinian civilian not to get as close as to less than 300 meters from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, otherwise they would be endangered, including being shot. A map was placed under the warning. On the back of flyers, there was a message warning civilians of those who launch rockets. It also included a phone number and an e-mail address asking civilian to provide information via them.
Wednesday, 02 November 2011
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp and al-Sikka Street, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:
1. Ahmed ‘Ali Khabbas, 22;
2. Nidal Mohammed Qattawi, 21;
3. Zahi Na’im Shabaru, 21; and
4. Fathallah ‘Alaa’ al-Din Fathallah, 24.
At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into ‘Awarta village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Hani ‘Abdul Latif Darawsha, 38.
At approximately 06:00, IOF moved nearly 150 meters into the east of Wadi al-Salqa village to the east of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah. They leveled areas of Palestinian land. They redeployed outside the area two hours later and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 08:30, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials in the industrial zone, southwest of the crossing. The worker fled and no casualties 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, a Palestinian civilian was wounded and dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 28 October 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 portraits of Marwan al-Barghouthi and Ahmed Sa’adat, Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council who have been detained by IOF. 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, ‘Eissa Abu Rahma, 42, was hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand, and a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 28 October 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 28 October 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 callling 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, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 28 October 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilya, in protest to continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village by IOF. IOF intercepted the demonstration and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 11:15 on Tuesday, 01 November 2011, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists who demonstrated near the crossing. According to Saber al-Za’anin, Coordinator of the Local Initiative in Beit Hanoun, stated that once the demonstrators got as close as to 70 meters from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel and placed the Palestinian flag on a hill, Israeli soldiers opened fire at them. No casualties were reported.
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
26 October – 01 November 2011
Day
Date
Traveling abroad
Coming into Gaza
Returned into Gaza
Wednesday
26 October 2011
565
511
33
Thursday
27 October 2011
555
679
66
Friday
28 October 2011
--
2
--
Saturday
29 October 2011
641 pilgrims and 275 travelers
602
20
Sunday
30 October 2011
480
410
19
Monday
31 October 2011
721
469
30
Tuesday
01 November 2011
543
401
41
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
26 October – 01 November 2011
Imports:
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Number
Liters
26 October 2011
Foodstuffs
865
Agricultural materials
1,995
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Glass boards
Refrigerators
519
3,416
668
520
192
Humanitarian aid
3,855
cooking gas
155.380
27 October 2011
Foodstuffs
854
Agricultural materials
1,775
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Refrigerators
Electricity generators
Cars
Car tires
996
4,429
983
243
22
37
1,590
Humanitarian aid
2,678
Cooking gas
151.280
31 October 2011
Foodstuffs
1,273
Agricultural materials
1,825
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Glass boards
Water tanks
686
3,420
4,370
1,040
296
Humanitarian aid
3,569
Cooking gas
161.841
Notes:
On Wednesday, 26 October 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement, 2,520 tons of construction aggregate and 243 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; 40 tons of cement for ANERA; and 194 tons of cement and 32 tons of construction steel for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,404 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 27 October 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 2,310 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,599 tons of fodders.
On Monday, 31 October 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 400 tons of cement, 218 tons of construction steel and 2,520 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,520 tons of wheat.
· IOF closed the crossing on Sunday, 30 October 2011, for security claims.
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
19 – 25 October 2011
Date
26 October
27 October
28 October
29 October
30 October
31 October
01 November
Patients
51
40
3
Nil
35
35
49
Companions
48
35
3
Nil
35
32
49
Arabs from Israel
1
3
1
Nil
11
3
9
Diplomats
20
4
Nil
Nil
1
11
Nil
International Journalists
1
1
1
Nil
1
11
Nil
International Workers
38
72
7
Nil
4
15
27
Travelers abroad
Nil
8
Nil
Nil
1
3
Nil
Business People
91
77
Nil
Nil
65
32
49
Economic Meetings
2
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
Nil
Nil
Security Interviews
Nil
3
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
2
VIP's
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Ambulances to Israel
3
3
2
Nil
1
2
Nil
Ambulances from Israel
Nil
2
2
Nil
2
1
4
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 10:30 on Thursday, 27 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on the road linking between Bitounia town and Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa town, west of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Oyoun al-Haramiya intersection on Nablus-Ramallah road. At approximately 20:00, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 08:30 on Friday, 28 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 21 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on the road liking between Silwad and al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya villages, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 29 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on the road linking between Bitounia town and Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa town, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00 on the same day, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 09:50 on Sunday, 30 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor ‘Ein village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Taybeh intersection, northeast of Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 27 October 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around the town. On Friday, 28 October 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 29 October 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Monday, 31 October 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya. At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 01 November 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 31 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road, south of Tulkarm.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 27 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 11:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Qad intersection, east of the town. At approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 29 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin. At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 30 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Aanin village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 31 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zbbouba village, northwest of Jenin.
Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:10 on Saturday, 29 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Deir Estia – Qeira road, northwest of Salfit. At approximately 18:05 on Sunday, 30 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Eskaka village, east of Salfit. At approximately 19:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Brouqin – Kufor al-Dik road, west of Salfit. At approximately 07:40 on Monday, 31 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Salfit – Brouqin road, west of Salfit.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 27 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the southern entrance of Jericho.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 29 October 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint established at Beit ‘Ainoun intersection, east of Hebron, arrested 3 Palestinian civilians from al-Zahiriya village, southwest of Hebron. The soldiers stopped the car in which the three civilians were traveling and arrested them:
1. ‘Abdul Halim Mohammed Wraidat, 25;
2. ‘Odai Hashem Abu ‘Allan, 21; and
3. Ma’ath Radi Khdairat, 18.
At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 31 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm – Qalqilya road, south of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and arrested Bilal Mahmoud al-Hatta, 30, a taxi driver.
At approximately 16:30 also on Monday, Israeli soldiers positioned at Kufor Qassem crossing arrested Ramzi Mohammed ‘Affouni, 24. ‘Affouni and his father lost their way and traveled towards the crossing and they were transporting goods. Israeli soldiers searched their vehicle and found an old knife in it, so they arrested ‘Affouni.
At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 21 October 2011, IOF arrested 4 Palestinian civilians when they were on fields in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, claiming that they were present in a closed military zone:
1. Saleem Mohammed ‘Aadi, 40;
2. Mohammed Mufleh ‘Aadi, 35;
3. Mufleh Mohammed ‘Aadi, 18; and
4. Jamal Mohammed ‘Aai, 15.
4. Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in East Jerusalem
Israeli occupation authorities have continued to make persistent efforts to create a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem and expel Palestinian civilians in the city.
On Sunday, 30 October 2011, the Israeli media report that a plan to establish the biblical “King Park” in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem would be approved soon. Under the plan, 22 Palestinian houses in the village would be demolished. According to the Israeli media, in spite of international opposition for the plan, the Israeli Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, exerts pressure on the District Committee of Construction and Organization to approve the plan. The legal advisor of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem has threatened the committee to resort to the Israeli Supreme Court of it does not approve the plan soon.
On Monday noon, 31 October 2011, IOF demolished 3 Palestinian houses in al-Khan al-Ahmar area in the northeast of Jerusalem. The houses belong to Mohammed, Suleiman and Salman Ba’ran.
5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 31 October 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Maghroun” settlement, which stands on the lands of Mikhmas village, southeast of Ramallah, threw stones at ‘Aa’esha Mohammed Abu ‘Ali, 78. As a result, she was injured in the head and the right hand. The settlers attacked the old women in al-Hilwa area in the west of the village, when she was cropping olives. Palestinian farmers called an ambulance which evacuated her to Ramallah Hospital.
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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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