Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (29 Dec. 2011-04 Jan. 2012)
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Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
A Palestinian resistance activist was killed and a civilian was wounded by IOF in the Gaza Strip.
IOF have continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
A Palestinian civilian was wounded.
IOF conducted 53 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 29 Palestinians, including 6 children.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli soldiers arrested 3 Palestinian civilians at various checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israel has continued efforts to create a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem.
The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem ordered confiscation of 13 dunums[1] of Palestinian land in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood.
Israel intends to construct hundreds of settlement units in Jerusalem and suburbs.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (29 December 2011 – 04 January 2012):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF killed a Palestinian resistance activist and wounded a civilian in the Gaza Strip. Another civilian was wounded in the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, on 30 December 2012, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at two Palestinian resistance activists in Juhor al-Dik village, south of Gaza City. An activist was killed by shrapnel throughout the body.
On 31 December 2012, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired at him.
During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats fired at Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Strip. Israeli naval troops also arrested 3 fishermen, but released two of them later.
On 29 December 2012, Israeli warplanes bombarded a plot in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
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. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 53 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
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 Strip, 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 54 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 East Jerusalem
On 02 January 2012, traders and workers in the industrial zone in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood in East Jerusalem found banners along the road leading to the industrial zone ordering confiscation of 13 dunums of land between the Hebrew University and the Palestine Archaeological Museum (known now as “the Rockefeller Museum”). The order was issued by the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem. A committee of traders stated that the order of confiscation was signed by the Israeli mayor of Jerusalem on 20 September 2011. This plan will affect at least 170 shops, which employ at least 700 workers. According to Ahmed Sab Laban, a researcher in settlement affairs, the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem intends to expand the road in the area, as part of a wider plan to link the old town of Jerusalem with West Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in Jerusalem and the West Bank. According to Sab Laban, there is another Israeli plan to establish a 200-room hotel in al-Hisba area in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood. The development of this road will pave the way for implementing the project of the hotel.
The Civil Coalition for Defending the Palestinians’ Rights in Jerusalem unveiled settlement plans aimed at expanding Israeli settlements in Jerusalem and suburbs. The Coalition stated that Hebrew newspapers published an invitation for bids to establish 117 settlement units in “Har Homa” settlement on Abu Ghumain Mount in the south of Jerusalem. There are also plans to expand “Har Adar” settlement, northwest of Jerusalem, to establish new settlement units. In the same context, there are plans to construct 213 units in “Efrat” settlement, south of Bethlehem, and a number of units in “Givat Hazait” settlement in Jerusalem.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (29 December 2011 – 04 January 2012)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 29 December 2011
At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into al-‘Eizariya village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:
1. Ashraf Daoud Abu al-Reesh, 21;
2. ‘Ammar ‘Aamer Hussein, 27;
3. Mohammed Mazen Abu al-Reesh, 25; and
4. Daoud Waleed al-Sinnawi, 20.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Abu Esnaina neighborhood in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Fadi Yassin al-Rajabi, 25; and
2. Ja’far ‘Abdul Rahim Abu Hussein, 27.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Qassem Nazmi Ghawi, 20, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli warplanes fired 3 missiles at a plot belonging to Sa’id Mohammed al-Da’our, 55. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 04:15, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at a training site of the Palestinian resistance in the west of al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City. The site was damaged, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:30, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Kufor Dan village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and checked wells. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:10, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and established a checkpoint. They arrested ‘Omar ‘Ali al-Sidda, 22.
At approximately 13:45, an Israeli gunboat chased a small fishing boat on board of which were 3 Palestinian fishermen nearly 3 nautical miles off Khan Yunis seashore in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli naval troops opened fire at the boat and ordered the fishermen to stop it. They then ordered the fishermen to take their upper clothes off, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. Israeli naval troops handcuffed and blindfolded the fishermen. The fishermen were taken to an Israeli military post, where they were interrogated. Two of the fishermen were released at approximately 00:30 on Friday, 30 December 2011, while the third one remained in custody. The fishermen are:
1. Nabeel Ahmed al-Hinnawi, 34;
2. Mahmoud Ahmed al-Hinnawi, 43; and
3. Munther Mousa Sahwil, 38, who remained in custody.
At approximately 14:30, 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.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into ‘Arrana village, north of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 30 December 2011
At approximately 06:30, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at two Palestinian resistance activists in the north of Juhor al-Dik village, south of Gaza City. An activist, Mo’men Mohammed ‘Abdul Majid Abu Daf, 22, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City, was killed by shrapnel throughout the body.
At approximately 10:15, 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 13:00, IOF moved into al-Mentar area in the north of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:30, 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 21:50, 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 22:00, IOF moved into al-‘Araqa village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
At approximately 18:30, Isma’il Mohammed Abu Doun, 33, from Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City, was admitted into Kamal ‘Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, as he was wounded by a bullet to the left thigh. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, Abu Doun left his house on a motorcycle, and at approximately 16:30, he arrived at the north of the Bedouin Village in the northern Gaza Strip. He stepped down and walked up to 100 meters from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at him and he was wounded. Soon after, IOF moved into the area and arrested him. At approximately 18:00, IOF handed Abu Doun to the Palestinian side. According to local sources, Abu Doun suffers from a psychological disorder.
At approximately 20:15, IOF moved into Yassouf village, east of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets and arrested Ahmed Ra’ed ‘Abdul Hamid, 21.
At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets, and arrested two children who were traveling in a car:
1. Yasser Rafiq ‘Awad, 17; and
2. Jihad Nihad ‘Abdullah, 17.
Sunday, 01 January 2012
At approximately 00:50, 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 01:00, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:
‘Abdullah Ahmed Hawari, 16; and
Mahmoud ‘Abdullah Radwan, 15.
At approximately 08:30, 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.
At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Kufor Dan village, northwest of Jenin. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the boys, but no casualties were reported. IOF withdrew from the village later, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Nazlat al-Sheikh Zayed village, northwest of 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.
Also at approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Ramallah. 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 18:30, IOF moved into Kufol 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 al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. 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. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
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 23:20, IOF moved into al-Taybeh village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 02 January 2012
At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into al-Taybeh village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Adham Tawfiq Abu Murad, 25; and
2. Fu’ad Mahmoud Mahamid, 26.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beot Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers:
1. Mohammed Jamal ‘Alqam, 20;
2. Ma’ath Jamal ‘Alqam, 18; and
3. Ibrahim Yousef Sabarna, 18.
Also at approximately 01:00, 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.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Salem village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Sa’d Daoud Eshtayeh, 40; and
2. ‘Abdul Hakim Daoud Eshtayeh, 42.
At approximately 09:00, 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 10:30, IOF moved into Jericho and the nearby ‘Ein al-Sultan refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:15, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They raided a number of houses and summoned 3 Palestinian civilians for interrogation: ‘Alqama Mahmoud Jom’a, 27; Mo’ein ‘Abdul Latif Barham, 30; and Bahaa’ Mohammed Eshtaiwi, 18.
At approximately 18:40, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. 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 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 22:20, 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.
At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided two houses and summoned Yousef ‘Abdul Rahim Eshtaiwi for interrogation.
Tuesday, 03 January 2012
At approximately 00:30, 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 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
1. Mahmoud Radhi ‘Oqailan, 27;
2. Majed ‘Eissa Jbour, 26; and
3. Mo’ayad Yousef Abu Fanous, 18.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, during the house raids, IOF held the 20-member family of Sameer Hraziat, Chairman of the General Union of Palestinian Workers in Yatta, outside their house from 01:00 to 06:00.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, northwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ussama Mohammed Shalabi, 39, a leader of Islamic Jihad, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 01:00, 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 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Hamza Nawaf Sabarna, 23; and
2. Khader Fat’hi Sabarna, 19.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ali Majed Taqatqa, 20, and arrested him. They also confiscated two laptops, textbooks and reports belonging to Taqatqa.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:10, IOF moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials from the industrial zone to the southwest of the crossing. The workers were forced to flee and no casualties were reported.
Also 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 18:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 04 January 2012
At approximately 02:25, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:
1. Ansar Sa’id Radwan, 17; and
2. Mahmoud ‘Othman Radwan, 17.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into al-Farrahin area in ‘Abassan village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land. They then moved southward to Khuza’a village and leveled areas of land amidst indiscriminate shooting. IOF moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a shop of used car spare parts belonging to Zain Khader al-‘Allami, 37. They arrested al-‘Allami and confiscated a truck, whose value is estimated at 50,000 ILS.
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. Additionally, dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested a Palestinian civilian.
Following the Friday Prayer on 30 December 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 and support for efforts to achieve national reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah movements. 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, Mohammed Shawkat al-Khatib, 19, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the neck. Additionally, a number of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday prayer on 30 December 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. A result, dozens of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 30 December 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 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.
At approximately 12:00 also on Friday, 30 December 2011, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor al-Dik village near Salfit. They moved towards Deir Sam’an area in the west of village, where IOF intend to confiscate areas of land. The demonstrators wanted to perform the Friday Prayer in the area, but IOF prevented them. Soon, clashes erupted between Palestinian civilians and IOF. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at civilians. As a result, two civilians suffered from year gas inhalation. According to chairman of the local council, Jamal al-Dik, IOF intend to confiscate more than 2,000 dunums of land in the village.
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
28 December 2011 – 03 January 2012
Day
Date
Traveling abroad
Coming into Gaza
Returned into Gaza
Wednesday
28 December 2011
576
414
28
Thursday
29 December 2011
663
659
48
Friday
30 December 2011
--
--
--
Saturday
31 December 2011
536
666
33
Sunday
01 January 2012
142
409
19
Monday
02 January 2012
490
664
42
Tuesday
03 January 2012
--
--
--
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
28 December2011 – 03 January 2012
Imports:
Date
Imports
Category
Amount
Tons
Number
Liters
28 December 2011
Foodstuffs
782
Agricultural materials
1,004
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Glass boards
Sponge machines
Photocopiers
1,097
341
124
1,560
5
23
Humanitarian aid
Water tank
3,125
1
Cooking gas
178.190
29 December 2011
Foodstuffs
928
Agricultural materials
981
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Electricity generators
Refrigerators
Washing machines
Cars
Cows
1,477
1,499
18
124
188
20
473
Humanitarian aid
3,748
Cooking gas
172.390
01 January 2012
Foodstuffs
729
Agricultural materials
1,526
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Refrigerators
Water tanks
Electricity generators
919
948
324
120
242
398
Humanitarian aid
137
Cooking gas
155.550
02 January 2012
Foodstuffs
748
Agricultural materials
1,532
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Cartons of shoes
Refrigerators
Glass boards
Water tanks
1,034
562
513
56
530
167
Humanitarian aid
3,671
Cooking gas
181.260
Exports:
On Wednesday, 28 December 2011, IOF allowed the exportation of 4 tons of sweet peppers.
On Thursday, 29 December 2011, IOF allowed the exportation of 7.25 tons of sweet peppers.
On Sunday, 01 January 2012, IOF allowed the exportation of 37.3 tons of strawberries and 105,550 roses.
On Monday, 03 January 2012, IOF allowed the exportation of 21.7 tons of strawberries.
Notes:
On Wednesday, 28 December 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 2,800 tons of construction aggregate and 174 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 819 tons of fodders.
On Thursday, 29 December 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 596 tons of cement, 2,800 tons of construction aggregate and 58 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 702 tons of fodders.
On Sunday, 01 January 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 1,053 tons of fodders.
On Monday, 02 January 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 718 tons of cement, 2,800 tons of construction aggregate and 38 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,365 tons of fodders.
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
28 December 2011 – 03 January 2012
Date
28 December
29 December
30 December
31 December
01 January
02 January
03 January
Patients
18
30
3
Nil
34
20
30
Companions
20
26
5
Nil
31
18
30
Arabs from Israel
Nil
17
13
Nil
31
17
3
Diplomats
1
Nil
6
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
International Journalists
Nil
2
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
International Workers
9
20
12
Nil
2
3
4
Travelers abroad
Nil
Nil
1
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Business People
98
84
40
Nil
103
98
85
Economic Meetings
1
4
Nil
Nil
2
Nil
Security Interviews
1
2
4
Nil
1
1
3
VIP's
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
1
Nil
Ambulances to Israel
2
2
Nil
Nil
1
3
1
Ambulances from Israel
1
2
Nil
Nil
1
2
2
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 09:00 on Sunday, 01 January 2012, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 15:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 19:30, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Oyoun al-Haramiya intersection on Ramallah – Nablus road. At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 02 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Budros village, west of Ramallah. At the same time, they established a checkpoint under ‘Ein Yabroud Bridge, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint on Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta – Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa road, west of Ramallah. At the same time, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 03 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:40 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mughayar village, northeast of Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 29 December 2011, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya. At approximately 15:45 on Friday, 30 December 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. On Sunday, 01 January 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Monday, 03 January 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 30 December 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 31 December 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 16:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on Sunday, 01 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 15:00 on the same day, they established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho. At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 02 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 16:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Ma’rajjat road between Jericho and Ramallah. At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 03 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho.
Salfit: At approximately 19:30 on Tuesday, 03 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Yassouf village, east of Salfit.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
At approximately 09:15 on Monday, 02 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, and arrested Mazen Mustafa ‘Aassi, 30, from Qarawat Bani Hassan village northwest of Salfit.
At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 03 January 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Seer intersection, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, and arrested Saleem Ibrahim Abu ‘Erra, 31, from ‘Aqqaba village.
On Wednesday morning, 04 January 2012, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint, east of occupied Jerusalem, arrested Mahmoud Ahmed Abu Esnaina, 55, from Hebron.
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 Monday morning, 02 January 2012, traders and workers in the industrial zone in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood in East Jerusalem found banners along the road leading to the industrial zone ordering confiscation of 13 dunums of land between the Hebrew University and the Palestine Archaeological Museum (known now as “the Rockefeller Museum”). The order was issued by the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem. A committee of traders stated that the order of confiscation was signed by the Israeli mayor of Jerusalem on 20 September 2011. This plan will affect at least 170 shops, which employ at least 700 workers. According to Ahmed Sab Laban, a researcher in settlement affairs, the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem intends to expand the road in the area, as part of a wider plan to link the old town of Jerusalem with West Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in Jerusalem and the West Bank. According to Sab Laban, there is another Israeli plan to establish a 200-room hotel in al-Hisba area in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood. The development of this road will pave the way for implementing the project of the hotel.
The Civil Coalition for Defending the Palestinians’ Rights in Jerusalem unveiled settlement plans aimed at expanding Israeli settlements in Jerusalem and suburbs. The Coalition stated that Hebrew newspapers published an invitation for bids to establish 117 settlement units in “Har Homa” settlement on Abu Ghumain Mount in the south of Jerusalem. There are also plans to expand “Har Adar” settlement, northwest of Jerusalem, to establish new settlement units. In the same context, there are plans to construct 213 units in “Efrat” settlement, south of Bethlehem, and a number of units in “Givat Hazait” settlement in Jerusalem.
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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).
[1] One dunum is equal to 1,000 square meters.
Source
