Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (27 June – 3 July 2019)

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (27 June – 03 July 2019)

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(27 June – 03 July 2019)

  • A Palestinian Civilian was Killed by Israeli police in al-Issawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem.
  • 45 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a photojournalist, were wounded in the West Bank.
  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protesters in the Gaza Strip for the 64th
  • 129 protesters, including 32 children, 5 women, 8 paramedics and 2 journalists, were wounded; one of them sustained serious wounds.

 

  • Israeli forces conducted 67 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, 8 incursions into Jerusalem.
  • 121 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 65 of them, including 10 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
  • Two civilians from the Gaza Strip were arrested while attempting to sneak into Israel.
  • Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
  • Three livestock barracks, electricity generators and water pumps were confiscated in Za’tarah village, east of Bethlehem.
  • Five water wells were demolished, and forest trees were uprooted from a nature reserve, south of Hebron.
  • Settlers carried out 4 attacks against Palestinian civilians, wounding an elderly man.
  • Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • The Israeli forces escalated their attacks against al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of the city.
  • A Palestinian civilian was forced to self-demolish his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood while demolition notices of residential and commercial facilities were distributed.
  • A tunnel was inaugurated under Wad al-Helwa neighborhood in Silwan, in the presence of the US Ambassador to Israel.
  • Three Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats off the Gaza Strip shore.
  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13thconsecutive year.
  • Five Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (27 June – 03 July 2019).

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests of the “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, witnessing the 64th consecutive Friday of the peaceful protests along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces also used force against civilians who participated in the demonstrations against the Israeli incursions into the West Bank cities and villages or against their policies.

In the West Bank, on 27 June 2019, an Israeli police officer opened fire at Mohamed Sameer Mohamed ‘Obaid (21), from al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, during clashes erupted between young Palestinian men and Israeli forces in al-‘Issawiyah village after the latter suppressed a protest organized by the residents at the village’s northern entrance. As a result, ‘Obaid was hit with 3 live bullets to the chest and lower limbs and then taken to Hadassah- Ein Karem Hospital, where medical sources declared his death only few minutes after his arrival.

In the same context, Israeli forces wounded 44 civilians, including 3 children and a photojournalist in separate shooting incidents. Thirty-five of them were wounded in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 129 Palestinian demonstrators, including 32 children, 5 women, 8 paramedics and 2 journalists, while participating in the peaceful protests of the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege on its 64th Friday. One of those wounded sustained serious wounds.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 27 June – 03 July 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 21 2 1 0 1 0
Gaza City 22 2 1 0 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 33 8 2 1 5 0
Khan Yunis 23 6 0 0 1 1
Rafah 30 14 1 1 1 0
Total 129 32 5 2 8 1

 

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating an ongoing Israeli policy of targeting fishermen’s livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 3 incidents.

 

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 67 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 8 incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs in addition to the daily incursion of al-‘Issawiyah village. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 56 Palestinians, including 2 children, in the West Bank while 56 other civilians, including 10 children, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs. Forty of them, including 7 children, were arrested in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of the city. Among the arrestees was the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, Fadi ‘Arafat al-Hadmi (43), as he was arrested on Sunday, 30 June 2019, when Israeli forces raided and searched his house in al-Sowan neighbourhood in the centre of occupied East Jerusalem.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 27 June 2019, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters to the east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The vehicles levelled lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, and then headed to the south. Few hours later, the Israeli vehicles were redeployed along the abovementioned border fence.

 

On 01 July 2019, Israeli forces moved about 80 meters into the east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah in eastern Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, and levelled lands in the area.

 

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

  • On Thursday, 27 June 2019, al-‘Issawiyah village witnessed a series of grave violations committed by Israeli forces against the civilian residents. As a result, a Palestinian civilian was killed, and 35 others were wounded. Further, 40 civilians, including 7 children, were arrested, taken to investigation centers and tortured during investigation. (See the Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip)

 

 

Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

  • As part of settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices, on 28 June 2019, Yaser Mousa al-‘Abasi self-demolished his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • In the same context, on 27 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into several neighborhoods in Kafer ‘Aqab village and Qalandiya refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They then distributed notices to demolish residential and commercial facilities and barracks under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • As part of Israeli measures to make a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem, on 30 June 2019, in presence of the US Ambassador in Israel, David Friedman, and amid tight Israeli security measures, the Israeli authorities inaugurated a tunnel constructed under Wadi al-Helwa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. It is noteworthy that this tunnel is part of a construction plan for a complex network of tunnels that has been ongoing for the past 13 years.

 

  • As part of the settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices, on 30 June 2019, the Israeli Civil Administration prevented the Battir Municipality, west of Bethlehem, from completing the construction of a new strategic road under the pretext of being in Area C.

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces accompanied with officers from the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Za’tarah village, east of Bethlehem, and dismantled 3 livestock barracks.

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 03 July 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and officers from the Israeli Civil Administration, moved into a natural reserve between Kherbit Khashm al-Daraj and Kherbit Um al-Khair, south of Hebron. The Israeli vehicles demolished 5 water wells and uprooted forest trees planted on an area of 400 dunums, claiming that the reserve was established in “a military training area”, which is in fact 700 meters away from the reserve.

 

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks, on Sunday and Monday, 30 June and 01 July 2019, dozens of buses carrying Israeli settlers under the Israeli forces’ protection moved into an archaeological site in Sabastiyia village, northwest of Nablus. The Israeli forces closed the area and denied Palestinian civilians’ access until the settlers, who performed Talmudic prayers, left the site.

 

  • On 30 June 2019, three Israeli settlers from “Ramat Yishai” outpost in Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in Hebron attacked Edrees ‘Abdul Mo’ti Mousa Zahida (74) while he was working in his agricultural land near ‘Ain Ma’ Aljadeeda area. They stabbed his left hand with a sharp tool and he was then referred to Hebron Governmental Hospital for treatment.

 

  • On 02 July 2019, dozens of busses carrying hundreds of settlers secured by Israeli forces moved into the eastern areas in Nablus to perform Talmudic prayers and religious rituals in “Joseph’s Tomb” in Balatat al-Balad.

 

 

Use of Force against Peaceful Demonstrations:

 

Israeli forces continued to use excessive lethal force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip within the so-called “Great March of Return and Breaking Siege” and in the West Bank against the settlements, confiscation of lands, and Israeli crimes. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations on the 64th Friday, the border area witnessed large participation from Palestinian civilians while the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators. The incidents during the reporting period were as follows:

 

Gaza Strip:

 

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 21 civilians, including 2 children, a woman and a paramedic. Nine of them were hit with live bullets, 5 were hit with rubber bullets and 7 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Paramedic Mohammed ‘Amer Husein al-Shurafi, who works at Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) from Jabalia, was hit with a rubber bullet to the abdomen.

 

  • Gaza City: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 22 civilians, including 2 children and a woman. Three of them were hit with live bullets and 19 were hit with rubber bullets and tear gas canisters.

 

  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at the demonstrations, which continued until 19:30, resulted in the injury of 33 demonstrators, including 8 children, 2 women, a journalist and 5 paramedics. Fifteen of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, and 18 were hit with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets. Doctors classified the injury of one civilian as serious. The wounded journalist was identified as Mohammed Omer Abdul ‘Aziz Kassab (26), a freelance journalist from Deir al-Balah, was hit with a rubber bullet to the head. The wounded paramedics were identified as:
  1. Ekhlas Ahmed Mohamed al-Qareawi (22), from al-Buraij, was hit with live bullet shrapnel to the lower limbs.
  2. Ahmed ‘Adnan Mahmoud Matar (28), from Deir al-Balah, was hit with a rubber bullet to the lower limbs.
  3. Yahiya ‘Awni Obaidullah Khattab (22), from Deir al-Balah, was hit with a tear gas canister to the shoulder.
  4. Mohammed Abdul Qader Mohammed Abu ‘Abdah (22), from al-Buraij, was hit with a rubber bullet to the lower limbs.
  5. Mahmoud Jehad Ahmed al-‘Emawi (31), from al-Zawaidah, was hit with a rubber bullet to the lower limbs.

It should be noted that Ekhlas, Ahmed and Yahiya work as volunteer paramedics at PRCS while Mohammed and Mahmoud work at the Military Medical Services.

 

  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 23 civilians, including 6 children a paramedic. Mohammed Nasser Kamel Abu Daqqah (20), who is a volunteer paramedic at the Union of Health Work Committees (UHWC), was hit with a tear gas canister to the head.

 

  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 30 civilians, including 14 children, a woman, a journalist and a paramedic. Twelve of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, 7 were hit with rubber bullets, and 11 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Journalist Ra’ed Yusuf Abdul Fattah Abu Mathkour (34), who works at “Rowad Al-Haqiqa” Network, was hit with a live bullet to the left leg while paramedic ‘Ali Mohammed Mohammed al-‘Aloul (25) was hit with a rubber bullet to the pelvis. Further, a rubber bullet hit and broke the right door of a PRCS ambulance.

 

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 28 June 2019, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration, which started from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, and then headed to the eastern village entrance that has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” The demonstrators chanted national slogans demanding end of the occupation and protesting the Israeli forces’ crimes against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms while the soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 6 civilians, including 2 children and a photojournalist, were wounded. Nidal Eshtiyah, a photojournalist at the Chinese News Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the hand. (PCHR keeps the names of the other wounded civilians)

 

  • Following the end of the same Friday prayer, a group of Palestinians organized a demonstration, which started from the center of ‘Azmout village, northeast of Nablus, and then headed towards lands threatened to be confiscated in favor of “Alon Moreh” settlement established on the village land. The participants raised Palestinian flags and chanted against the Bahrain Conference. When they approached the lands, Israeli forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, an 18-year-old civilian from Nablus was hit with a rubber bullet to the right leg. He was then taken to Rafidiya Hospital to receive medical treatment. (PCHR keeps the name of the wounded civilian)

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on the same Friday afternoon, a number of Palestinian children and young men gathered near a military checkpoint established at entrance to al-Shuhada’a Street in al-Zawiyah Gate area in the center of Hebron. The demonstrators set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. The soldiers chased the protestors and then arrested Abdul Rahim Raja’ei al-Sha’rawi (14) taking him to an investigation center in “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of the city.

 

Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 

 

Thursday, 27 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Abdul Fattah Fathi al-Aghbar (18), from al-Dahiyah Suburb, south of the city, and Baha’a Ghazi Ahmed Abu Keshek (18), from al-Ma’ajin neighborhood, west of the city.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Wardah (34) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abed Ismail Mohammed Za’aqiq (55) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces moved into Kuber village, north of Ramallah. A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers. The soldiers chased the demonstrators to the center of the city and then fired rubber bullets and sound bombs at them. As a result, a 20-year-old civilian was hit with sound bomb shrapnel to the foot. He received medical treatment on the spot by PRCS crews present in the area. Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 5 civilians namely: Yahiya Mahmoud Baker ‘Amiriyah (26), Qassam Majd al-Barghuthi (26), Qassam Na’el al-Barghuthi (25), Ahmed (23) and Basel Motee’a al-Barghuthi (25). At approximately 08:00, the arrestees were released.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Abdullah Mohammed al-Husari (24), Jihad Ra’ed Tawlbah (19) and Ahmed Mohammed Shaqfah (21).

 

  • At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into al-Silah al-Harithiyah village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan ‘Adel al-Mahr (23) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Thiyab al-‘Amour (30) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Ne’mah village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Fa’eq Eshtiyah (21) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 100 meters into the east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah in eastern Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli vehicles leveled lands adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and then headed to the south. Few hours later, the Israeli forces were redeployed along the border fence, adjacent to al-‘Awdah refugee camp, east of Khan Younis.

 

  • At approximately 10:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within one nautical mile and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Shuyoukh, Surif, Deir Razeh villages in Hebron; Qalqiliyah and ‘Azzoun village, east of the city; Birzeit, Abu Shakhedem, Shaqba villages in Ramallah and al-Birah.

 

Friday, 28 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Fukhari village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, arrested Saqer Zayed Mousa Abu Samhadanah (25), from Rafah, and Salem Suleiman ‘Atwah Abu Suneimah (29), from Khan Younis, during their attempt to sneak into Israel.
  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Jalal al-Nabtiti (19) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Ra’ie village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yusuf Fakhri al-Atrash (21) and then arrested him.

 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ummer, Beit ‘Awa, Deir Samet and Dura villages in Hebron; Tulkarm and al-Nazlah eastern village, north of the city, and Sartah village, west of Salfit.

 

Saturday, 29 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul ‘Arouri (22) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. they raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ismail Talab al-Nattah (36) and Nasser ‘Ammar Abu ‘Akar (24) and then arrested them.

 

Sunday, 30 June 2019

 

  • At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Dakhal Allah Habes al-‘Amour (29) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khatab Mohammed Hamamrah (33) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 20:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

  • At approximately 22:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed area for fishing. The shooting sporadically continued for more than an hour. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-‘Araqah village, west of Jenin; Dura, Beit al-Roush village and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

 

 

Monday, 01 July 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Maithaloun village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Morad Mar’ie Na’erat (45) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ezbat al-Ashqar village, south of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saber ‘Ata Mohammed Ashqar (23) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians namely ‘Oudai Ziyad ‘Elian (21), Mo’tasem Farid al-Sheikh Yusuf (23) and Mohammed Bajes Nakhlah (23).

 

  • At approximately 08:00, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian farmers. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave the area, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved about 80 meters into the east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah in eastern Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The vehicles leveled lands along the border fence and then headed to the south. Few hours later, the Israeli forces were redeployed along the abovementioned border fence adjacent to the Return encampment in Khuza’ah, east of Khan Younis.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Masaken al-Sha’biyah neighborhood, northeast of Nablus; Joyous, ‘Azzoun, al-Nabi Elias and ‘Asalah villages in Qalqiliyah; Hebron, Halhoul and Shuyoukh al-‘Aroub village in Hebron.

 

 

Tuesday, 02 July 2019:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Balatat al-Balad village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Tareq Duweikat (25) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Mohyee Fakher Taqatqa (24) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Awarta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Asa’ad Abdul Karim Loulah (36) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a residential building after which they arrested Amir ‘Adnan (19) and ‘Ezz Eden Saleh Hassunah (19).

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Duma village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Hesham Dawabshah (29) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Jamal al-‘Amour (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:30, Israeli force moved into Joyous village, north of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to the families of Yusuf Na’eem Samhah (20) and Khattab Zeyad Ghassan Kharishah (16) and then arrested them.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jifna village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bilal Hamed al-‘Enabi (20), a student at Birzeit University, and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to the families of Osamah Yusuf al-Fakhuri (19) and Mohammed Hasan Nakhlah (20), students at Birzeit University, and arrested them.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Betounia village, west of Ramallah, and stationed in al-Fawakeh Square. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to the families of Mo’ath Abed ‘Abed (20) and Bara’a al-‘Asi (21), students at Birzeit University, and arrested them.

 

  • At approximately 17:00, officers from the Israeli “Mista’arvim” undercover unit dressed like Palestinian civilians moved into Yatta, south of Hebron driving a small van for food supplies. The van stopped in front of a jewelry store belonging to Mohammed Ahmed Abdul Salamah al-Haroub (55) and his son Anas (25). The officers stepped out of the van, raided the store and then arrested Mohammed and Anas amidst shooting in the air. Another Israeli force accompanied with GMC vehicles arrived and closed the area until the officers left along with the arrestees.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qalqiliyah and ‘Ezbet al-Ashqar village, south of the city; Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus; Deir al-‘Asal, Karmah and al-Thaheriyah villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 03 July 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Diya’a Abdul Rahman Ahmed Abu ‘Akar (42) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Jifna village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Adnan al-Kansh (29), a former prisoner in Israeli jails, and arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nuba, Beit Ummer, al-Majd Deir Razeh villages in Hebron.

 

 

Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

 

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a 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 of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 27 June to 03 July 2019

 

Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons
Jerusalem 13 11 1
Nablus 10 19 2
Jenin 5 5 2
Ramallah 11 9 4
Tulkarm 7 5 1
Tubas 2 2 1
Salfit 3 6 1
Qalqiliyia 5 5 4 1
Hebron 20 32 15
Bethlehem 11 8 2 1
Jericho 5 3
Al-Karama Crossing
Total 92 105 30 5

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

 

  • At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 27 June 2019, Israeli forces patrolling on streets near the annexation wall in Um al-Raihan village, southwest of Jenin, arrested Radi Yehia Hasan Khadour (45), from ‘Aneen village, west of the city. He was arrested while present in his land near the annexation wall.

 

  • At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road to Haddad Tourism village, southeast of Jenin. The Israeli forces arrested Mohamed Sajed al-Sa’idy (20), from Jenin refugee camp, west of the city, and later removed the checkpoint, taking Mohamed to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 21:10 on Thursday, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint established on the main street between Nablus and Qalqiliyia, arrested Murad Nihad Abu ‘Asab (22), from Qaliqlaiyia.

 

  • At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 29 June 2019, Israeli forces arrested Ihab Yunis Sa’ed (23) in ‘Anata village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. He was then taken to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 30 June 2019, Israeli forces arrested Osama Mohamed Qandil (24), from ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. He was arrested while crossing a temporary checkpoint established by the Israeli forces near al-Farides village, east of Bethlehem.

 

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

  • During the reporting period, al-‘Issawiyah village witnessed a series of grave violations committed by Israeli forces against the civilian residents. As a result, a Palestinian civilian was killed, and 35 civilians were wounded.  Further, 19 civilians, including 3 children, were arrested.

 

According to PCHR’s investigations, the series of incidents was as follows:

At approximately 21:00 on Thursday, 27 June 2019, an Israeli police officer opened fire at Mohamed Sameer Mohamed ‘Obaid (21) during clashes erupted between Palestinian young men and Israeli forces in al-‘Issawiyah village after the latter suppressed a protest organized by the residents at the village’s northern entrance. As a result, ‘Obaid was hit with 3 live bullets to the chest and lower limbs and then taken to Hadassah- Ein Karem Hospital, where medical sources declared his death few minutes after his arrival.

According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ testimonies, at approximately 18:30 on Thursday, dozens of al-‘Issawiyah village residents organized a protest at the northern entrance to the village against the Israeli policy of violence and collective punishment which targets the residents and against the Israeli forces and police’s daily incursions in addition to the demolition and evacuation notices concerning Palestinian lands in the village in favor of establishing a Talmudic Park.  The Israeli forces surrounded the protest and forcibly dispersed the protesters.  As a result, clashes broke out between dozens of Israeli soldiers and the village young men and then spread to Obeid neighborhood near its northern entrance. The protesters threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers and fired fireworks at them. Immediately, the Israeli soldiers heavily fired live ammunition in the area, wounding 3 young men, including Mohammed Samir ‘Obeid, who was hit with three bullets; one of which hit his heart. When many of the young men tried to rescue and evacuate ‘Obeid via a civilian vehicle for treatment, the Israeli forces moved into the village in large numbers and closed its roads and alleys.  The Israeli soldiers detained ‘Obeid who was in a critical condition and then took him to Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem. Around 21:30 on the same day, doctors at Hadassah declared his death., Omar Attiyah, an activist in al-Issawiya village and an eyewitness to the injury of the young Obeid, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“After the al-Maghreb (Sunset) prayer in the mosque, and while I was with resident of the village, police were present all over the area. During our attempt to go to see what was going on, one of the police officers pulled his gun and fired 3 bullets at Mohammed Samir ‘Obeid, and then I heard screams of young men from all sides.  At that moment, I felt something hit my face and then saw blood flowing from my head.” ‘Attiyah added: “After the injury of ‘Obeid, the young men were able to rid him of the soldiers, and drove him in a private vehicle for medical treatment.  However, the Israeli troops stormed the village in large numbers and closed roads and alleys, and managed to kidnap the young man who was bleeding.”  Attiyah noted that the shooter of ‘Obeid was one of the police officers and was only few meters away from him.

After the medical staff at the Hadassah Hospital declared the death of ‘Obeid, the Israeli forces attacked the young men and patients inside the Emergency Department in the hospital and prevented his family from entering the Emergency Room in an attempt to ask about their son and get information about his condition. During full closure of the vicinity of the hospital, the Israeli soldiers managed to take his corpse out of the hospital via back rooms and doors. Following the declaration of his death, a number of young men from neighborhoods and villages in the city of Jerusalem outraged and rose up in response to his death. Jerusalem’s neighborhoods witnessed sporadic confrontations, where the young men threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks at settlement outposts and soldiers who were deployed in large numbers in the neighborhoods of the occupied city. The Israeli forces then fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters to disperse them, wounding 20 of them with rubber bullets and others suffering tear gas inhalation, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

On Friday morning, 28 June 2019, hundreds of Palestinian civilians gathered in the vicinity of al-Arba’een mosque in al-‘Issawiya village and then marched the village streets to protest the killing of ‘Obeid and to demand that the Israeli authorities return his body. The Israeli forces moved into the village and hundreds of soldiers stationed in the streets and alleys.  They then started firing rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and teargas canisters at the protesters to disperse them. The young men threw stones and bottles in addition to fireworks at the soldiers, who continued to fire heavily rubber bullets.  As a result, around 13 protesters were wounded with rubber bullets to the face, the lower and upper limbs while dozens of them sustained fractures and bruises as said by the eyewitnesses. The Israeli forces arrested Sa’ed Oussamah Dari, 19, and Jamal Mohammed Dari, 22, in front of their houses for no reason, and detained them inside the village cemetery. They then took them to an interrogation center.

On Saturday morning, 29 June, the Israeli forces moved into the village and launched a large-scale campaign of arrests targeting 17 residents, including 3 children, amid repressive measures as most of the arrestees were severely beaten. During her visit to the arrestees in the interrogation centers, Attorney Razan Al-Jabe’a reported that most of them were beaten and pushed while being detained in the police vehicles and inside the detention centers. She added that she noticed signs of torture on them.  Furthermore, the Israeli forces too much tied their hands with plastic wires or steel cuffs and even blindfolded their eyes while some were prevented from wearing their clothes during their detention. She pointed out that the arrestees were transferred to the Barid police station on Salah al-Din Street, in the center of occupied East Jerusalem, and, “Muskubiya” Center in West Jerusalem. (Arrestees’ names available upon request)

 

  • At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, Israeli forces raided a condolence tent of the deceased Mohamed Sameer ‘Obaid, and fired rubber bullets. The Israeli forces attacked the mourners staying in the tent and arrested 6 of them, according to the statement of Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee. The arrestees were identified as Foad Mahmoud ‘Obaid (27), Mahmoud ‘Asem ‘Obaid (23), Mahmoud ‘Esam ‘Obad (21), Mahmoud Mohamed ‘Obad (19), and Faeq Habash (20).

 

  • On Monday, 01 July 2018, hundreds of Jerusalemites participated in the funeral procession of Mohamed Sameer ‘Obaid in al-‘Issawiyia village after detaining his body for 5 days amid tight Israeli security measures. Following the funeral, hundreds of Israeli soldiers moved into the village from all its entrances and then were deployed in its neighborhoods. They then raided ‘Obaid’s house, where women were staying. The women confronted them and prevented them from entering the house. During the raid, 3 young Palestinian men were arrested and beaten by the soldiers and one of them was later released.

 

  • At approximately 20:00 on Monday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-‘Issawiyia village, and then arrested 13 civilians, including 4 children, claiming that they participated in ‘Obaid’s funeral The arrested children are from al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied Jerusalem. (Arrestees’ names available upon request)

Incursions and Arrests:

  • At approximately 23:00 on Thursday, 27 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Maqdisi Street in Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians and then took them to al-Masqobiyia Investigation Center in West Jerusalem. The arrested civilians were identified as ‘Areen al-Za’aneen (24) Majd Nader ‘Imran Sa’diyia (19), Anas Hazem al-Dijani (21), Mohamed Waleed Sa’diyia (20), and Salah al-Deen Mofeed Sa’diyia (20).

 

  • At approximately 03:30 on Friday, 28 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to activist Mohamed Ibrahim al-Shalabi (40), who was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 29 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into Wadi al-Helwa neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians, including 2 children. The arrestees were identified as ‘Obada Bassam Siyam (18), Mahmoud ‘Awni Siyam (17), Mo’min Mohamed al-Saliymah (16), ‘Abdullah Sa’ied Siyam (22), and Salah al-Deen Siyam (19).

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 30 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Sawan neighborhood in the center of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, Fadi ‘Arafat al-Hadmi (43). The Israeli forces confiscated his cell phones and a PC set. Al-Hadmi was then arrested and taken to an unknown destination.  According to his lawyer, Mohanad Jabarah, the Israeli police claimed that Fadi violated the Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem last week when he visited al-Aqsa Mosque with the President of Chile. The lawyer added that the minster was interrogated for over 8 hours and then released at approximately 17:00 on the same day.

 

  • At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Alaa Mohamed Johar (49) and then arrested his son Mohamed (23), taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 20:40 on Tuesday, 02 July 2019, an Israeli soldier shot ‘Ali Belal Taha (16) in the foot with live ammunition. According to Thair Fasfous, Spokesperson of Fatah Movement in Sho’afat Refugee Camp, violent confrontations erupted at Sho’fat refugee camp checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli forces dragged the wounded and detained him at the checkpoint without providing treatment to him. Thair also said that the Israeli forces heavily and indiscriminately fired live bullets and tear gas canisters. As a result, dozens of the camp’s residents suffered tear gas inhalation.

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 02 July 2019, Israeli forces arrested Tareq Sa’adah al-‘Abasi (27), who was in Wadi al-Rababa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, and sent him to an investigation center.

 

  • At approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adham Fayiz ‘Obaidat (18) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 03 July 2019, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dis village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They then raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mohamed Ibrahim ‘Ariqat, Suhaib Mahmoud Jaffal and Basel ‘Afanah.

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 5 civilians identified as ‘Anan Naser Abu Khudair (22), Mahmoud Adeeb Hadad (24), ‘Adnan Mohamed Hadad (19), Saif al-Deen al-Asmar, and Ibrahim Abu Na’iy’.

 

  • Measures to Make a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem:

 

  • On Sunday, 30 June 2019, with the participation of the US Ambassador in Israel David Friedman and amid tight Israeli security measures, the Israeli authorities inaugurated a tunnel constructed under Wadi al-Helwa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Israeli forces closed most of the streets in Silwan village and nearby neighborhoods entrances. Silwan village residents said that the Israeli authorities completely closed Wadi Hilweh and al-Ein streets in the village and obstructed their movement, forcing them to take long alternative roads for entering and exiting the village. The residents added that the underground excavations under Silwan village come at the expense of its indigenous people, endangering their lives and property. It is noteworthy that this tunnel is part of a construction plan for a complex network of tunnels that has been ongoing for the past 13 years. This resulted in severe damage to the infrastructure of the village, including landslides and cracks, as 80 houses sustained varying damages and at least 5 others classified as “dangerous” by the Israeli municipality due to the damage to their foundations.

 

  • Settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices:

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 27 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in Kafur ‘Aqab village and Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They then distributed notices to demolish residential and commercial facilities and barracks under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces handed Yousef and Mahmoud Rasheed Nabhan, ‘Adel Bowaitel, and Rami al-Kasba notices to self-demolish their facilities or the municipality bulldozers will do so and bill them.

 

  • At approximately 18:00 on Friday, 28 June 2019, Yaser Mousa al-‘Abasi self-demolished his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing. Al-‘Abasi said that he built his house 3 years ago and lived in it with his wife and their 4 children. He clarified that the Israeli forces raided his house 3 times last week and ordered him to self-demolish his 90-sqaure-meter house. He added that the Israeli police informed him that the Israeli Court sentenced him in absentia to 15 days detention and a fine of 1,500 NIS. Al-‘Abasi pointed out that on Friday, he self-demolished his house to avoid paying fines.

 

  • Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

  • Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

  • On Sunday, 30 June 2019, the Israeli Civil Administration prevented the Battir Municipality, west of Bethlehem, from completing the construction of a new strategic road under the pretext of being in Area C. Media activist Mostafa Bader said that Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at young Palestinian men in the Karam Hadidoun area, east of the city. The construction workers were ordered to stop the construction works and surrender the construction vehicles. Further, the Israeli soldiers confiscated the ID of Tayseer Qattoush, Head of Battir Municipality.

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces accompanied with officers from the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Za’tarah village, east of Bethlehem, and dismantled 3 livestock barracks. The Israeli forces confiscated the barracks in addition to electricity generators and water pumps. The confiscated materials belong to Nahar Mohamed al-Rashidah, Farah Hussain al-Rashidah and Khaled Ahmed al-Rashidah. All of them are from al-Rashidah village, east of Bethlehem.

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 03 July 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and officers from the Israeli Civil Administration, moved into a natural reserve between Kherbit Khashm al-Daraj and Kherbit Um al-Khair, south of Hebron. The Israeli vehicles demolished 5 water wells and uprooted forest trees planted on an area of 400 dunums, claiming that the reserve was established in “a military training area”, which is in fact 700 meters away from the reserve.

 

  • Israeli settlers’ attacks:

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Sunday and Monday, 30 June and 01 July 2019, dozens of buses carrying Israeli settlers under the Israeli forces’ protection moved into an archaeological site in Sabastiyia village, northwest of Nablus. The Israeli forces closed the area and denied Palestinian civilians’ access until the settlers, who performed Talmudic prayers, left the site at approximately 13:00.

 

  • At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 30 June 2019, three Israeli settlers from “Ramat Yishai” outpost in Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in Hebron attacked Edrees ‘Abdul Mo’ti Mousa Zahida (74) while he was working in his agricultural land near ‘Ain Ma’ Aljadeeda area. They stabbed his left hand with a sharp tool and he was then referred to Hebron Governmental Hospital for treatment. Mr. Zahida gave the following statement to PCHR fieldworker, “At approximately 18:00, while I was near my house in Tel Rumeida neighborhood in Hebron weeding my land, a settler in his twenties approached me and asked in Hebrew:”What are you doing here?” I told him that I was working in my agricultural land, to which he replied that this land belongs to Israel. He then went to an adjacent area out of sight, and I thought I heard him talking to himself, but it turned out that he was accompanied by two others. They attacked me and broke my denture. I tried to keep them away from me, but the first settler pulled out a sharp tool hidden under his clothes and tried to stab my neck.   I managed to avoid it, but my left hand was hurt and started bleeding. I started shouting and asking for help so the settlers stepped back.  My son, Adham who lives near me, rushed out holding a stick in his hand and stood in front of them to keep them away. The Israeli soldiers then arrived at the scene and detained all of us until the police arrived and took the settlers and my son Adham (27). Later on, I headed to Hebron Governmental Hospital for treatment and then to “Kiryat Arba” police station to file a complaint. The Police showed me a video recording that captured the incident, but cut the part documenting the settlers’ attack against me.  I left the police station at approximately 03:00 on Monday, 01 July 2019, and then my son Adham was released a few hours later”.

 

  • At approximately 23:00 on Tuesday, 02 July 2019, dozens of buses manned by hundreds of settlers raided the eastern areas of Nablus, under the Israeli forces’ protection to perform the Talmudic prayers at “Joseph Tomb” in Balata village. A group of Palestinian civilians gathered and burnt rubber tires in the middle of Oman Street, and threw stones and bottles at the Israeli forces. Immediately, the Israeli forces responded by shooting rubber and live bullets randomly. As a result, Basil ‘Abdulrahim al-Aklik (27), a nurse at Rafidia Governmental Hsopital, was wounded with shrapnel to his right leg even though he was inside his house on Oman Street.

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of the State of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC for an ongoing investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and serious violations in the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law, considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to work jointly and seriously to enable the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination and establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including punitive means, to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and UN to take all necessary measures to stop the Israeli policy aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in the Palestinian territory and at emptying Palestine from its original inhabitants through expulsions and the policy of house demolitions as a punishment, which are serious violations of the international humanitarian law and may amount to crimes against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work for guaranteeing accountability and prosecution of the Israeli war criminals.
  7. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. This is achieved by activating the principle of universal jurisdiction to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  8. PCHR calls for an urgent and prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the total closure imposed on the Gaza Strip, which restricts the freedom of movement of goods and individuals, and to save the life of 2 million civilians living in the Gaza Strip in unprecedented and strangulating economic, social, political and cultural conditions due to the collective punishment policy and retaliatory actions against civilians.
  9. PCHR calls upon the EU to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  10. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the competent committees.
  11. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (13 – 19 June 2019)

 

https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=12548

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(13 – 19 June 2019)

 

  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protesters in the Gaza Strip.
  • 95 Palestinian civilians, including 34 children, 1 woman and 4 paramedics, were wounded; one of them sustained serious wounds.

 

  • Israeli forces conducted 58 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 other incursions into Jerusalem.
  • 51 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and 1 woman, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 17 of them, including 6 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

 

  • Israeli warplanes launched 7 missiles in 3 airstrikes against different targets in the Gaza Strip.

 

  • Israeli forces continued to open fire at the farmers and shepherds in the border areas of the Gaza Strip, but no injuries were reported.

 

  • Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
  • Israeli forces demolished 4 dwellings, rendering 33 persons homeless, including 20 children, south of Hebron, and another house in Jericho.
  • Israeli forces damaged and confiscated plates and iron arches, north and west of Hebron.
  • Settlers burnt 42 trees and punctured 22 cars in addition to attacking a farmer and his child.

 

  • Israeli authorities continued to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • The Israeli municipality demolished a residential building in Sho’fat refugee camp and forced 2 brothers to self-demolish their buildings in Silwan.
  • The Supreme Court decided to demolish 15 buildings comprised of 120 residential apartments in Sour Baher, claiming they are close to the annexation wall.

 

  • Three Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats off Rafah shore in the southern Gaza Strip.
  • The Israeli forces imposed a naval blockade on the Gaza Sea, preventing any fishermen from sailing or fishing.

 

  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13th consecutive year.
  • Two Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (13 – 19 June 2019).

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized within the activities of “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed the 61st Friday of the peaceful protests along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces also used force against civilians who participated in the demonstrations organized against the Israeli incursions into the West Bank cities and villages.  In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces wounded 95 Palestinian demonstrators, including 34 children, 1 woman and 4 paramedics. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, during their participation in Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqiliya.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 13 – 19 June 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 6 2 0 0 0 0
Gaza City 19 5 0 0 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 25 11 0 0 0 1
Khan Yunis 5 1 0 0 0 0
Rafah 40 15 1 0 4 0
Total 95 34 1 0 4 1

 

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating an ongoing Israeli policy of targeting fishermen’s livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 3 incidents off the western Rafah Shore in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

As part of the Israeli airstrikes, on 13 June 2019, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at an agricultural land, east of al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

On 14 June 2019, Israeli drones launched 2 missiles at al-Mina military site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, west of Khan Younis.  Minutes later, the Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the same site, causing damage to it.  However, no injuries were reported.

 

As part of targeting the border areas, on 16 June 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at the agricultural fields, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, east of Khan Youni.  No injuries were reported.

 

As part of targeting the border areas, on 13 June 2019, Israeli soldiers opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City.  However, no injuries were reported.

 

On 16 June 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at the agricultural fields, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, east of Khan Younis.  Howoever, no injuries were reported.

 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 4 civilians, including 1 child, while participating in the Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqiliya, north of the West Bank.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 58 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 34 Palestinians, including 1 child and 1 woman, in the West Bank while 17 other civilians, including 6 children, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 04 June 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.  They combed lands in front of the Return encampment before redeploying along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

As part of settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices, on 18 June2019, two brothers namely Basel and Hatem al-‘Abbasi self-demolished their residential buildings in ‘Ein al-Lozah neighborhood, in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, applying the Israeli municipality’s decision, under the pretext of building without a license.  Al-‘Abbasi Family clarified that the building is comprised of 2 stories; each of which is around 170 square meters and still under-construction.  The family added that they started building it in early May and was preparing to move and live in it.

 

On 18 June 2019, an Israeli municipality bulldozer demolished an under-construction building in Sho’afat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, after forcing its owner to self-demolish parts of it last week.  The 2-story and 300-square-meter building belongs to ‘Emran ‘Alqam and is comprised of 4 residential apartments where ‘Alqam family members were supposed to live.

 

In the same context, on 13 June 2019, , the Israeli Supreme Court decided to demolish 15 buildings comprised of 120 residential apartments in Wadi al-Humus area in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall and obstructing the Israeli soldiers’ work. Mohamed Abu Tair, Member of the Defense Committee of Wadi al-Humus houses, said that Wadi al-Humus case started when Israeli forces distributed collective demolition orders of 16 residential buildings upon the Israeli Military Commander decision under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall between occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. Thus, the village residents decided to appeal the decision before the Israeli Supreme Court, but the court refused the appeal and upheld the Israeli Military Commander’s decision about demolishing all houses near the annexation wall and preventing Palestinians from using their lands located up to 250 meters away from the wall.

 

Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of the house demolitions and notices, on 13 June 2019, the Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization Department in the Civil Administration cut and confiscated steels from a shop used for selling scrap in Fqeiqes village under the pretext of working in area classified as Area C without a prior permission from the Israeli competent authorities.

 

  • On 17 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into Kherbit al-Halawa in al-Masafer area southeast of Hebron. They demolished 3 dwellings built of bricks and tin plates, rendering 21 civilians, including 13 children, homeless.

 

  • On the same day, Israeli forces moved into Kherbit al-Dabi’, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli vehicles demolished two residential rooms built of bricks and tin plates, rendering 12 persons, including 7 children, homeless. They laso confiscated solar panels, which supply the rooms with electricity.

 

  • On the same day, the Israeli forces confiscated iron arches for a plant nursery built on an area of 300 square meters in Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron.

 

  • On 19 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Karama crossing area, east of Jericho. They demolished an under-construction 240-square-meter house belonging to Shadi Ibrahim Sunuqrot, from occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a license in Area C as classified in the Oslo Accords.

 

As part of settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, Israeli settlers carried out 7 attacjs against Palestinian civilians and their property during the reporting period.  The attacks were as follows:

 

On 13 June 2019, a group of settlers from “Yitsahar” Settlement established to the southeastern side of ‘Einabus village, south of Nablus, attacked the central village and wrote racist slogans against Arabs on the walls of the Old Mosque, village clinic and a house.  The residents of the village then caught the settlers and forced them to leave the village.

 

On the same day, settlers severely beat up with a stick Mohammed Yehia al-Tamimi (42) and his son Rami (15), from Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah, when they were both in an agricultural area belonging to Mohammed near “Halmish” settlement established  along the borders of that area, northwest of the city.

 

On the next day, under the eyes of the SIraeli forces, dozens of Israeli settlers from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost established on Palestinians lands of Tal al-Ramidah neighbourhood in Hebron, attacked members of Abu ‘Eishah Family, who were building a wall in the vicinity of their house.  The settlers also destroyed the timber, which was fixed in the place to put the concrete inside.

 

On 17 June 2019, a group of settlers punctured the tires of 3 vehciles belonging to Hasan Ibrahim Hamayel (33) and Hussein ‘Atef Hamayel (30) from Kafr Malek village, northeast of Ramallah, and wrote racist slogans on them.

 

On the same day, a group of settlers from “Giv’at Asaf” settlement set fire to agricultural lands of Biteen and Burqah villages, east of Ramallah.  As a result, 35 olive trees, 5 Fig trees, and 2 grape vines were burnt.

 

On 18 June 2019, a group of settlers carried several attacks in Deirsita village, north of Salfit, as they punctured the tires of 18 vehciles and wrote hostile slogans that included threats to escalate their attacks against civilians on the walls of many houses in al-Khayousah and al-Njeimah neighborhoods, west of the abovementioned village.  Of those slogans was “People of Israel is Alive and Stones Equal Death.”

 

 

Details

 

  1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 

Thursday, 13 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Bedia village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abbas Mahmoud Ahmed Salamah (22) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 01:40, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sha’ban Mahmoud ‘Ouweisi (24) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aydah refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mousa Zarinah (49) and then arrested his wife Lailah and his son Mousa (23). It should be noted that 3 days ago the Israeli forces demolished 4 barracks and a residential room belonging to Mohammed Zarinah in Beir ‘Ounah area in Beit Jala, west of Bethlehem.

 

  • Around the same time, an Israeli force accompanied with several military vehicles moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Sheikh neighborhood. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Yazan Yusri Abu suneinah (30) and Ramadan Mohammed No’man Jaber (15).

 

  • At approximately 02:45, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at an agricultural land, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, but no injuries were reported.

 

  • At approximately 13:00, an Israeli force accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. The soldiers surrounded a house belonging to Mofeed Mousa Abdul Majid Shadid (33) and then demolished it. The Israeli forces arrested the abovementioned civilians and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a shop for car spare parts and then arrested Mohammed ‘Adel Mohammed ‘Enayah (30).

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron; Surif, al-Hadab and Beit ‘Omrah villages in Hebron; ‘Atil, Deir al-Ghusouna, Zeta and Baqah al-Sharqiyah villages in Tulkarm, and ‘Azzoun village in Qalqiliyah.

 

Friday, 14 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 00:54, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at al-Mina site belonging to Palestinian armed groups, west of Khan Younis. Few minutes later, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the same site. As a result, the site sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the shore, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hadab al-Fawar village and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Heborn; Bedia village in Salfit; Tulkarm, Noor Shams and Tulkarm refugee camps in  Tulkarm, ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah and Ramallah.

 

Saturday, 15 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suheib Abdul Hamid Abu Jarour (33) and then arrested him. They also confiscated NIS 1000 from the family, handing them a transcript of the confiscated money.

 

  • At approximately 05:40, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of the central Gaza Strip shores, chased and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within less than one nautical mile and forced them to leave the sea, but no injuries were reported. It should be noted that the Israeli forces have closed the sea and prevented fishermen from sailing freely since last Wednesday evening.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’a, al-Thaheriyah, Yatta, and al-Majd villages in Hebron.

 

Sunday, 16 June 2019

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Mahmoud Nabil Taqatqah (18) and Mahmoud ‘Ali Taqatqah (18).

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Lo’ai ‘Eid al-Razeq al-Tamimi (33) and Karim Saleh al-Tamimi (25) and then arrested them.

 

  • At approximately 08:10, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Youni, fired live bullets at the agricultural fields, east of ‘Abasan. The shooting continued for few minutes, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Maithaloun village, southeast of Jenin; Qasrah village, southeast of Nablus; Hebron and al-Fawar refugee camp, west of the city; Juyous and ‘Azzoun villages, east of the city.

 

Monday, 17 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Amour neighborhood in Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 8 civilians and took them to an unknown destination.

(PCHR keeps the names of the arrestees)

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Belal Talal Abu Baker (22).

 

  • Around the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Deir Ghassanah village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Aysar Sharif al-Sha’ibi (21) and Karim Hatem al-Barghuthi (48).

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forced moved into Northern ‘Asirah village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Diya’a Yaseen Abdul Fattah Jarar’ah (24).

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested 3 civilians namely Ahmed Hamdan al-‘Alami (25), Warad Husein ‘Aadi (22) and Ahmed Karim Mohammed Ekhleil (18).

 

  • At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Amjad Ibrahim Hammad (35) and then arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafel Hares and Kafer al-Deek villages in Salfit and Sebastia village, northwest of Nablus.

 

Tuesday, 18 June 2019:

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then withdrew from the village. However, no arrests were reported. Some of the houses’ owners were identified as Mahmoud ‘Eid ‘Awad, Mohammed Abdul ‘Aziz ‘Awad, Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Awad, Mohamed Hassan ‘Aadi and ‘Ali Mohammed Ekhleil.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Rema village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mustafa ‘Asidah (28) and then arrested him. It should be mentioned that Mahmoud was a former prisoner in the Israeli jails where he served 3 years.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir, Bani Na’im, al-Thaheriyah and Beit al-Roush villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 19 June 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Nabi Younis area. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Asem ‘Emad al-Tawaihah (22) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, an Israeli force accompanied with a number of military vehicles moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and stationed in Roq’ah neighborhood. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Saif ‘Ayed Abu Fanous (26) and Ibrahim ‘Essa al-Shawahin (25) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 20:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Thaheriyah, al-Samou’a, Beit Marsam villages, and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

 

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued to use excessive lethal force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip within the so-called “Great March of Return and Breaking Siege” and in the West Bank against the settlements, confiscation of lands, and Israeli crimes. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations on the 61st Friday, the border area witnessed large participation from Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstrations were fully peaceful. The incidents during the reporting period were as follows:

 

Gaza Strip:

 

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at Palestinian demonstrations, which continued from 16:30 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 6 demonstrators, including 2 children. Three of them were hit with rubber bullets, and one was directly hit with a tear gas canister.

 

  • Gaza City: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 19 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children. Seven of them were hit with rubber bullets, and 7 were directly hit with tear gas canisters.

 

  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 25 demonstrators, including 11 children. Fourteen of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, and 11 were hit with teargas canister and rubber bullets. Doctors classified the injury of a child, who was hit with a live bullet to the chest, as serious. Moreover, others suffered tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot.

 

  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting and teargasing at the demonstrations, which continued from 16:30 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 5 demonstrators, including a child, with directly-hit tear gas canisters and rubber bullets. Moreover, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Those directly wounded were transferred to Nasser, European and Algerian Hospitals, while the other wounded received medical treatment on the spot and in medical points.

 

  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrations, which continued from 16:00 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 40 demonstrators, including 15 children and 4 paramedics. Three of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, and 37 were hit with rubber bullets. The wounded paramedics were identified as Sabreen Jaber Abdul Rahim Qeshtah (28), who was hit with a rubber bullet to the head; Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Sheikh al-‘Eid, who was hit with a rubber bullet to the left leg; Tawfiq Ibrahim Salman al-Mashwakhi (58), who was hit with a rubber bullet to the right shoulder; and Taiseer Abdul ‘Aziz Jom’ah al-‘Ajili (42), who was hit with a rubber bullet to the back. It should be noted that Sabreen and Mohammed work at the Pulse of Life Youth Team while Tawfiq and Taiseer work at the Palestinian Civil Defense.

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 14 June 2019, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration which started from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, and headed to the eastern village entrance, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” settlement The demonstrators chanted national slogans demanding end of the occupation and protesting the Israeli forces’ crimes against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. . The protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms while the soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 4 civilians, including a child, were hit with rubber bullets.

(PCHR keeps the names of those injured)

 

 

  1. Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

 

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a 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 of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank. 

 Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(12-18 June 2019)

Category 12 June 13 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 17 June  18 June
Patients 119 54 5 128 104 116
Companions 103 46 2 114 90 102
Personal needs 22 17 4 19 14 23
Families of prisoners 17
Arabs fromIsrael 5 11 13 16 4 3
Diplomats 80 5
Meetings in Erez
International workers 30 39 17 14 32 31
TravelersAbroad 1 43 6 1 56
Business people+ BMC 471 441 1 800 527 455
Economic and agriculture    interviews
Security interviews 3 3 2 5
Death cases
Companions’ Deaths
Return to the West Bank
Christians’ Holidays
Conferences and Training courses 1
Permits’ renewal 1
VIPs 1 1
AmbulancesPatient 3 4 1 1 3 2
Ambulancescompanion 2 2 1 3 3

 

 

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank between 13 – 19 June 2019

 

Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons
Jerusalem 13 6
Nablus 10 13 2
Jenin 5 7
Ramallah 11 8 4
Tulkarm 7 3 1
Tubas 2 3 1
Salfit 3 7 1 2
Qalqiliyia 5 5 4
Hebron 20 33 15
Bethlehem 11 5 2
Jericho 5 2
Al-Karama Crossing 1
Total 92 92 30 2

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 17 June 2019, Israeli forces arrested 2 civilians near “Ariel” settlement, north of Salfit, namely Sajed Nawaf Souf (19) and Murad Ra’ed Souf (24), from Hares village, northwest of the city and released them later.

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

Arrests and Incursions:

 

  • At approximately 01:50 on Thursday, 13 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 6 civilians identified as Mahmoud ‘Esam Shanti (15), Wadee’ Murad Suliman (13), Yaseen Mahmoud Manasrah (11), Jehad Fares Ghateet (17), Ameer Mohamed Salhiyah (17), and Salah Ayoub Abu al-Humus (15).

 

  • On the same day morning, Israeli police arrested Basem al-Halaq(61), Head of the Construction Department at the Islamic Endowments (Awqaf); Taha ‘Owidah (51), an engineer at the Department; and Mohamed al-Hadrah (37), an employee at the Department. All of them were arrested while present near al-Qataneen Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They were then taken to an investigation center in the city.

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 16 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mahmoud Hasan al-Shawish (18), Mahmoud Miswadah (20), and ‘Areen al-Za’aneen (24).

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into al-Wad neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Khalil Ibrahim al-Tarahouni (32), Mohamed Khaled Sharifah (20) and ‘Obada Sameer Najeeb (21).

 

  • At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 17 June 2019, Israeli forces moved into Hizma village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Daher Sa’ied (32) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Khaled Abu al-Hawa (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • House Demolitions:

 

  • At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 18 June 2019, the two siblings Basel and Haten al-‘Abasi self-demolished their building in ‘Ain al-Louz village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing. Al-‘Abasi family clarified that the under-construction building was comprised of 2 floors, each one was around 170 square meters. The family added that last May they started to build it, but the Israeli Municipality issued a demolition order a week ago and did not give them time to license it. The family pointed out that the municipality order forced them to self-demolish the building or the municipality bulldozers will do so and the family will be forced to pay the demolition costs.

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 18 June 2019, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished an under-construction residential building in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, after ordering its owner to self-demolish parts of it a week ago. The building belonging to ‘Imran ‘Alqam was comprised of 2 floors, each of them included four 300-square-meter apartments. It should be noted that ‘Alqam started to self-demolish his building on Monday, 10 June 2019, along with his relatives to avoid paying the demolition costs. The Israeli Municipality staff headed to the area and ordered him to use a bulldozer while demolishing the building, but he refused for fear of causing damage to his neighbors’ houses and then stopped the demolition. As a result, the municipality decided to demolish the building. ‘Alqam said that he previously attempted to license the building, but the municipality refused under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall. It should be noted that the building is adjacent to “Bazat Ze’ev“ settlement, which is established on Beit Hunina village’s lands, and only settlers are allowed to build on it .

 

  • In the same context, on Thursday, 13 June 2019, the Israeli Supreme Court decided to demolish 15 buildings comprised of 120 residential apartments in Wadi al-Humus area in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall and obstructing the Israeli soldiers’ work. Mohamed Abu Tair, Member of the Defense Committee in Wadi al-Humus, said that Wadi al-Humus case started when Israeli forces distributed collective demolition orders for 16 residential buildings upon the Israeli Military Commander decision, under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall, between occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. The village residents decided to appeal the decision before the Israeli Supreme Court, but the court refused and upheld the Israeli Military Commander decision about demolishing all houses near the annexation wall and preventing Palestinians from using their lands located up to 250 meters away from the wall. Abu Tair clarified that the Israeli forces claimed that they want to vacate this area for security reasons and to help the Israeli soldiers pursuing Palestinians from the West Bank if the latter attempt to sneak into occupied Jerusalem. Abu Tair pointed out that the buildings are comprised of 120 residential apartments as 11 buildings are located in Area A, which is under the Palestinian Authority control, and 3 buildings are located in Area C while 2 buildings are located in Area B. He added that the area is marginalized by the municipality because it does not belong to it. Moreover, the Israeli forces prevent Palestinian civilians from the West Bank from entering the area, noting that this area is supposed to be within the Palestinian local governance. He added that around 100 families, comprising of 500 persons, were supposed to live in these buildings and some of these buildings are already inhabited while others are under construction. Furthermore, the residents of Wadi al-Humus neighborhood in Surbaher village organized a protest on Sunday, 17 June 2019, against the Israeli Supreme Court decision. During the protest, the residents established a tent near the houses threatened to be demolished before the Israeli forces moved into the area and forcibly dismantled it. Belal al-Kasawani, one of the residents affected by the decision, said that he attempted several times to license his house, but the Israeli court refused under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall and “threaten the security of the State.” Al-Kasawani also added that he paid a lot of money to build his house and shelter his children and now they became homeless.

 

  • Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

  • At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 13 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by 2 military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a truck moved into Faqiqis village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officers cut and confiscated steels from a shop used for selling scrap and located on the roadsides, under the pretext of working in area classified as Area C without a prior permission from the Israeli competent authorities. The shop belongs to Omar Ahmed al-Atrash (30).
  • At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 17 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration, a digger, and a bulldozer moved into Kherbit al-Halawa in al-Masafer area southeast of Hebron. The Israeli vehicles started to demolish three 40-sqaure-meter houses built of bricks and tin plates. Those houses were donated by GVC. As a result, 21 civilians, including 13 children, became homeless. The houses were demolished under the pretext of non-licensing. The demolished houses belong to:

 

  1. Mohamed ‘Ali Abu ‘Arram, comprised of 12 persons, including 6 children.
  2. Mohamed Ahmed Isma’il Abu ‘Arram, comprised of 4 persons, including 2 children.
  3. Yaser Khalil Yunis Abu ‘Arram, comprised of 5 persons, including 3 children.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration, a digger, and a bulldozer moved into Kherbit al-Dabi’, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli vehicles demolished two 40-sqaure-meter residential rooms built of bricks and tin plates. The rooms belong to Mohamed ‘Ali Mohamed Dababsah, whose family is comprised of 12 persons, including 7 children. It should be noted that the Israeli Civil Administration officers confiscated solar panels that supply the rooms with electricity.

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Monday, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a mounted-crane truck and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They then stationed in Beit Za’tah area, adjacent to Bypass Road (60). The Israeli forces dismantled iron arches for a plant nursery built on an area of 300 square meters and then confiscated them. The nursery belongs to Mahdi Mujahed Jameel Museef (31), from Beit Ummer village. The Israeli forces handed him a 30-day transcript of the confiscated arches in case he wants to take back the iron arches. The demolition and confiscation came under the pretext of working in area classified as Area C without a prior permission. It should be noted that Mahdi started to build his plant nursery in October 2018 and then he received a notice to stop construction works.

 

  • At approximately 09:30 on Wednesday, 19 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into al-Karama crossing area, east of Jericho. The Israeli bulldozer demolished an under-construction 240-sqaure-meter house belonging to Shadi Ibrahim Sanaqrat, from occupied Jerusalem. The house was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing and being in area classified as Area C.

 

  • Settlers’ aatcks against Palestinian civilians and property

 

  • Israeli settlers’ attacks:

 

  • On Thursday morning, 13 June 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement established in the southeastern side of Ainabous village, southeast of Nablus, attacked the center of the village and wrote racist slogans against Arabs on the walls of the Old Mosque (Mosque of the Forty Martyrs), the village clinic and a house belonging to Tariq Al-Sulwadi. After that, the village residents saw the settlers and made them leave the village.

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 13 June 2019, a group of Israeli settlers severely beat Mohammed Yehia Al-Tamimi (42), from Deir Nitham, north west of Ramallah, with a stick while he was in an agricultural area belonging to him near “Helmish” settlement, which is established along the borders of the abovementioned area, northwest of the city. Mohammed said that he was surprisingly attacked by two settlers, who severely beat him along with his son Rami (15), noting that Rami suffers an “Impaired mobility”. As a result, Mohamed and his son sustained bruises throughout their bodies, and Rami was taken to nearby Bait Rima emergency center to receive medical treatment.

 

  • At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 14 June 2019, for the second day in a row and in light of Israeli tight measures, dozens of Israeli settlers moved into Solomon’s Pools area, south of Bethlehem, under the Israeli forces’ protection. Eyewitnesses said that about 100 Israeli settlers, raided Solomon’s Pools area and a high hill overlooking the Qirtas village, which is classified within Area (A). Eyewitnesses said that the armed settlers accompanied with their sniffer dogs wandered in the pools and nearby forests and then bathed in the pools, claiming that it is a holy area for Jews. The eyewitnesses said that the settlers, who moved into the area, were youngsters aged between 16 to 17 years old. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities always bring them to this area before they join the conscription to incite settlers and tell them that this area is for Jews and they must preserve it. The settlers move into this area from time to time under the Israeli forces’ protection. It should be noted that Solomon’s Pools are under the full control of the Palestinian Authority (PA) because it is located in Area (A).

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 16 June 2019, a group of settlers, from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost established in Tal Rumeida neighborhood in Hebron, attacked members of Abu Aysha Family while they were building a cement wall around their house. It should be noted that the family got an approval from the Israeli Civil Administration to build the wall. The Israeli forces were in the area and did not disperse the settlers, who destroyed the wood fixed in around the house as a prelude to pour the concrete in them. It should be noted that this is the second time that the settlers attacked Abu Aysha family while building the abovementioned wall.

 

  • On Monday morning, 17 June 2019, a group of settlers punctured the tiers of 4 vehicles belonging to Hassan Ibrahim Hamayel (33) and Hussain ‘Atef Hamayel (30) in Kafr Malik village, northeast of Ramallah. They then wrote racist slogans on the vehicles. Hussain ‘Atef said that they were surprised with the Israeli moving into the village and attacking around 4 vehicles parked in front of their owners’ houses. He added that the settlers wrote racist slogans on the vehicles.
  • On Monday, 17 June 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Givat Asaf “ settlement, set fire to agricultural lands belonging to Beteen and Barqah villages, east of Ramallah. As a result, around 35 olive trees, 5 fig trees and 2 grape vines were burnt. The agricultural lands belong to Esam Darwish (40) and Bahjat Darwish (44).

 

  • At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 18 June 2019, a group of settlers attacked Dirsitiyia village, north of Salfit, where they punctured 18 vehicle’s tiers and wrote racist slogans on the houses’ walls in the “Khayousa” and “Njaima” neighborhoods, west of the abovementioned village. PCHR keeps the names of the vehicles’ owners.

 

 

Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (30 May – 12 June 2019)

PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations  (30 May – 12 June 2019)

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 30 May – 12 June, 2019.

Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child while attempting to enter al-Aqsa Mosque, to perform prayers. 17 civilians, including 6 children, were wounded in the West Bank. Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian ambulance officer succumbed to his wounds. 50 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and a paramedic, were wounded on the 60th Friday of the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege.

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized within the activities of “Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” in the Gaza Strip, which witnessed the 60th Friday of the peaceful protests along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, the Israeli forces used force against civilians who participated in the demonstrations organized against the Israeli incursions into the West Bank cities and villages.  In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child and wounded 17 civilians, including 6 children, in separate incidents.  In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces wounded 50 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and a paramedic, during their participation in the Great March of Return.

In the West Bank, on 31 May 2019, in a new crime of excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed ‘Abdullah Loay Ghaith (16) while attempting to enter al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the last Friday Prayer in Ramadan.  When he attempted to sneak into the city along with his cousin for not obtaining an entry permit, the Israeli police officers (Border Guard) opened fire at him, wounding him with 2 bullets to the lower back of the thorax.

In the same context, Israeli forces wounded 17 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.  Ten of them, including 2 children, were wounded during their participation in Kafr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqiliya.  Six of them, including 4 children, were wounded while protesting against the Israeli forces’ incursion into Nablus to secure the entyry of hundreds of settlers into the eastern area of the city to perform rituals in Josef Tomb.  Moreover, a civilian was wounded in Romanah village, west of Jenin, with a bullet which was fired from the side of the annexation wall.

In the Gaza Strip, at approximately 13:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, Palestinian medical sources announced the death of ambulance officer, Mohammed Sobhi Salamah al-Judaili (36), from al-Buraij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, succumbing to wounds he sustained at approximately 18:10 on Friday, 03 May 2019. Al-Jadili was hit with a rubber bullet to the nose, causing fractures to the nose and skull, while on duty within the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) team, east of Abu Safiyah Hill in the northern Gaza Strip. Mohammed attempted to put 2 wounded civilians in the Great March of Return inside an ambulance which was around 200 meters away from the western side of the border fence.

 

In the same context, the Israeli forces wounded 50 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children and a paramedic, in excessive use of force against the peaceful demonstrators on the 60thFriday of the Great March of Return in the eastern Gaza Strip.

 

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating an ongoing Israeli policy of targeting fishermen’s livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 3 incidents off the northern and southern Gaza shores.  It should be noted that the Israeli forces declared on 11 June 2019 that the allowed area for fishing decreased to 6 nautical miles under the pretext of incendiary balloons fired from the Gaza Strip.  Next day afternoon, the spokesperson of the Israeli Forces, Avichay Adraee, declared a total naval blockade off the Gaza Strip shore until further notice; thus, fishermen are not allowed to sail or fish in the sea.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 83 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 37 Palestinians, including 2 children and a woman, in the West Bank, while 45 other civilians, including 3 women, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 04 June 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.  They combed lands in front of the Return encampment before redeploying along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

As part of settlement expansion, demolitions and house demolition notices, on 10 June2019, Mervat Jamal Abu Kaf self-demolished her house in Qisan area in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality order, under the pretext of non-licensing. Mervat said that she was forced to demolish her house after a decision issued by the Israeli court because she could not pay demolition costs estimated at NIS 70,000 for the Israeli Municipality. She added that the court’s decision was issued after she paid a construction fine estimated at NIS 60,000.  Mervat lived in her 125-sqaure-meter house along with her 6 children.

 

On the Same day, the Israeli forces forced a Palestinian civilian to self-demolish his residential building, which was under-construction, in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

On 11 June, the Israeli forces demolished a house and a residential building in addition to 2 commercial facilities in the villages of sour Baher and al-Mukaber Mount village, south of occupied East Jerusalem.

 

On 12 June 2018, Israeli bulldozers demolished a residential building, 7 stores and a gas station in the vicinity of Qalendia checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of the house demolitions and notices, The Israeli authorities issued a military order to confiscate 80 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a new settlement street for “Alon Moreh“ settlement established in northeast of Nablus. The street is 12 kilometers long and 13 meters wide.
  • On 11 June 2019, Israeli forces uprooted 550 forest trees and fruitful olive trees in addition to destroying 2 wells in Kherbet Abu Kbaish, east of Tamoun village, southeast of Tubas. Most of those trees were donated by the Brazilian Consulate.

 

  • On the same day, the Israeli forces destroyed an under-construction house comprised of 2 floors and 4 residential apartments in addition to a roof of 500 square meters. They also backfilled a well of 150 cubic meters in Khelet al-Surbati area near Jabal Jawhar neighborhood in southern Hebron.  The demolition came under the pretext of non-licensing in Area C.

 

  • On the same day, the Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders; one to change the boundaries in order to seize Palestinian agricultural lands in ‘Asirah al-Qibliyah village, southeast of Nablus, and another to confiscate 1.5 dunums from the Palestinian agricultural lands in Burin village, southeast of Nablus. This order was on grounds of building a new security street in favor of Barakha settlement established in northeastern Burin village, east of Nablus.  On the same day, the Israeli forces destroyed a residential room and 4 barracks for grazing sheep and horses in Beer ‘Onah village, north of occupied East Jerusalem.

 

  • On 12 June 2019, Israeli forces demolished 5 residential tents, 5 tents used for sheltering livestock, a tent used as a kitchen, livestock barn and water tanks in addition to backfilling a well in Kherbet al-Ras al-Ahmar in the northern Valleys in eastern Tubas.

 

  • On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished a tin-plate house of 30 square meters in Um al-Kheir village, southeast of Yata, south of Hebron, under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • On the same day, the Palestinian Civil Liaison handed the head of Burin village, southeast of Nablus, a military order which was given by the Israeli liaison about the confiscation of 1.5 dunums from the Palestinian agricultural lands in favor of building a new security street, which is 1.5 kilometers long, for Barakha settlement established in northeastern Burin village.

 

As part of settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 05 June 2019, Israeli settlers, from “Ahiya” settlement, which is established in the southern side of Jaloud village, southeast of Nablus, attacked the village outskirts from the southern side. The settlers threw stones at Jaloud Secondary School, broke 2 windows and set fire to olive fields. As a result, over 1000 olive trees planted 65 years ago were completely burned.

 

On 06 June 2019, Israeli settlers seized agricultural lands in al-Makhrour area in Beit Jala, under the pretext of owning them. Hasan Barijiyah, Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance in Bethlehem, said that the settlement association “Kern Kemet” seized, reclaimed and planted 4 dunums from Palestinian lands in Beit Jalaand in addition to setting barbed wires around them to place mobile homes on them.

 

On 08 June 2019, settlers attacked a land belonging to the heirs of the late Ismael Mousa in Al-Khader village in southern Bethlehem. Maryam Mousa, one of the heirs, said that her family was surprised with raiding her 8-dunum land by settlers in Wad Abu Bajeer area in al-Khader village. She also added that the settlers placed water pipes and planted the land with hundreds of olive, apricot, and peach trees.

Ambulance Officer Succumbed to his Wounds:

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, Palestinian medical sources announced the death of Mohammed Sobhi Salamah al-Judaili (36), from al-Buraij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, succumbing to wounds he sustained at approximately 18:10 on Friday, 03 May 2019, while on duty east of the Return encampment, east of Abu Safiyah Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Al-Jadili, who was an ambulance officer at Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), was hit with a rubber bullet to the nose fired by Israeli soldiers. As a result, he suffered fracture to the skull while he was transferring 2 civilians wounded in the Return March inside the ambulance, which was around 200 meters into the west of the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

According to the testimony of his colleague, (Y. A), after Mohammed was injured, he was taken to the medical point belonging to the Ministry of Health and then transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to receive medical treatment. Doctors found out that Mohammed suffered from fracture to the nose and skull. He was later transferred to al-Quds Hospital of the PRCS in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City. Mohammed stayed at al-Quds Hospital waiting a medical referral for treatment in a hospital in the West Bank. Mohammed left the hospital to spend Eid al-Feter holiday with his family on Sunday, 02 June, 2019. On the same day evening, Mohammed suffered a seizure and fainted and then his heart suddenly stopped. He was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in the central Gaza Strip where he stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until receiving a referral to al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron, West Bank. Mohammed death was announced at approximately 13:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019 succumbing to his wounds.

 

 

  • House Demolitions:

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, Mervat Jamal Abu Kaf self-demolished her house in Qisan area in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, to implement the Israeli Municipality order, under the pretext of non-licensing. Mervat said that she was forced to demolish her house after a decision issued by the Israeli court, because she could not pay demolition costs estimated at NIS 70.000 for the Israeli Municipality. She added that the court’s decision issued after paying a fine estimated at NIS 60.000. Mervat said that the demolition decision was unjust and deprived her of living in conditions of safety and stability with her 6 children. Mervat clarified: “ My blind husband, Hasan Khalil Abu Kaf, died after suffering from incurable disease and I paid the fine in installments and took care of  my children alone, but the Israeli Municipality did not take into account this”  Mervat added that she lives in her 125-sqaure-meter house along with her 6 children 6 years ago. Her house was comprised of 4 rooms, a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. She pointed out that she was forced to live in one room in her father- in-law house because she became homeless. Jaber ‘Omirah, Head of the organizing committee of Dir al-‘Amoud, al-Mentar and al-Qisan in Surbaher village, said that the abovementioned areas are located within the Jerusalem municipal boundaries, but their lands are not organized. He added that the Jerusalem municipality staff demolished several houses in these areas and around 250 Jerusalemites are suffering from paying construction fines, under the pretext of non-licensing. He clarified that  Dir al-‘Amoud, al-Mentar and al-Qisan areas are built on an area of 5000 dunums and around 5000 people are living in these areas. He pointed out that the committee called upon the Jerusalem Municipality years ago to organize these areas, but in vain.

 

  • On Monday, 10 June 2019, the Israeli Municipality forced ‘Imran ‘Alqam to self-demolish his residential building, which was under-construction, in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. ‘Imran ‘Alqam said that he along with his relative started to demolish the building, but the municipality forced him to use a bulldozer while demolishing the building and he refused because his house is adjacent to his neighbor’s house. In this case, the neighboring houses will sustain damage and he will force to pay compensation for them. ‘Imran clarified that he was forced to stop self-demolition because the Israeli municipality insistence to use the bulldozer. The municipality warned him that it will demolish all the building by using a bulldozer within few days. He pointed out that in this case he will force to pay over NIS 70000 for the municipality staff. He added that the building is comprised of 4 apartments, each of them is built on an area of 300 square meters. ‘Imran emphasized that he attempted to license the building, but the municipality refused under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall. It should be noted that the building is adjacent to “Bazat Ze’ev“ settlement, which is established on Beit Hunina village’s lands, and settlers are allowed to build on it .
  • On Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Israeli vehicles demolished a residential house, an under-construction building and a commercial facility in Surbaher village and al-Mukaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli Municipality staff along with Israeli vehicles moved into Surbaher village, under the protection of dozens of infantry Israeli soldiers and police officers. They surrounded an under-construction building belonging to Wesam Jabbour and closed all streets leading to it before demolishing it. They then raided a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Afana and then demolished it. Wesam Jabbour said that the Israeli bulldozers raided his under-construction building and surrounded it without a prior warning. He pointed out that the Israeli Municipality staff raided the building 2 days ago and informed him to stop construction works. Jabbour clarified that the building was comprised of 2 floors, each of them built on an area of 350 square meters.

Ahmed ‘Afana said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he built the house 5 years ago and around 5 persons are living in it. He added that the Israeli forces prevented his family from vacating the house content and then demolished it. The Israeli bulldozers also demolished a commercial facility for selling Aluminum in al-Mukaber Mout area, under the pretext of non-licensing.  The 90-sqaure-meter facility, which belongs to ‘Esam Mohamed Ja’abees, built 7 years ago. ‘Esam said that the Israeli bulldozers demolished large part of the facility, noting that the municipality demolished it despite of giving him until the beginning of July to demolish it.

 

  • At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Israeli bulldozers along with dozens of infantry soldiers moved into the vicinity of Qalandia checkpoint, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They then demolished a residential building, a petrol station and 7 shops along the main street, adjacent to the checkpoint at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp, under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

  • The Israeli authorities issued a military order to confiscate 80 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a new settlement street for “Alon Moreh“ settlement established in northeast of Nablus. At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 10 June 2019, ‘Azmout and Dir Hatab villages’ council received from the Palestinian Liaison a copy of the Israeli military order to confiscate 80 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a new settlement street. The street is 12 kilometers long and 13 meters wide and it belongs to “Alon Moreh“settlement, which is established in the southeastern side of ‘Azmout village and in northern Dir Hatab village.

 

  • At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbet Abu Kbaish, east of Tamoun village, southeast of Tubas. The Israeli bulldozers uprooted 550 forest trees and fruitful olive trees in addition to destroying 2 wells. The uprooted trees planted 8 years ago. The Israeli authorities declared the area as a nature reserve. The demolition resulted in the uprooting of 240 olive trees belonging to Jehad, ‘Adullah and Mohanad Yousef Mostafa Bani ‘Odah, in addition to destroying an agricultural well belonging to Jehad Yousef Bani ‘Odah. Moreover, 310 forest trees were uprooted and an agricultural well was destroyed. Both of them are donated by the Brazilian Consulate.

 

  • At approximately 08:00, an Israeli force accompanied with a number of military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and 3 diggers moved into Khelat al-Sharbati area near Jawhar Mount neighborhood, in the southern area in Hebron. The diggers demolished an under-construction house, 2 floors (4 apartments), a 500-square-meter roof, and a 150- cubic- meter well belonging to Lafi Zayed Jamal al-Rajbi (49). The demolition was under the pretext of non-licensing in Area classified (C). it should be noted that the Israeli authorities handed Lafi a notice to halt construction in the house on 20 February 2019, a year after he began building the house.

 

  • On Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Israeli authorities issued 2 military orders; one of which was to change borders and seize agricultural lands belonging to Palestinian civilians in ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyah village, southeast of Nablus while the other order was to confiscate 1.5 dunums of agricultural lands belonging to Palestinian civilians in Burin village, southeast of Nablus. At approximately 11:00 on the same day, the Palestinian Liaison in Nablus handed the Head of ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyah village Council a military decision to change borders and seize around 5 dunums and 455 meters to expand the military camp established in al-Shaqa’eq area reaching al-kuroum area in Area classified (B) in favor of Yitzhak settlement in the southern area of the abovementioned village.

 

  • In the same context, Israeli forces demolished a residential room and 4 barracks to raise livestock and horses belonging to Mohammed Mousa Zarinah in Beir ‘Ounah area, north of Beit Jala under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces moved into Ber ‘Ounah area on the same morning, closed it and prevented civilians from reaching it. They then demolished 4 agricultural facilities and barracks, each of them was built on an area of 120 square meters in addition to a residential room belonging to Mohammed Mousa Zarinah. The eyewitnesses emphasized that the Israeli forces randomly fired rubber bullets during the demolition process. As a result, Mohammed Mousa was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot. the soldiers also attacked his family members. It should be noted that the Israeli forces demolished several houses belonging to Zarinah family in that area few months ago under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 jeeps of the Israeli Civil Administration and 2 bulldozers moved into Kherbit Ras al-Ahmar in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers uprooted tents and demolished houses and barns belonging to 4 families. The damage were as follows:

 

Name Damage
1.  ‘’Allan ‘Izzat Bani ‘Odah –         2 residential tents–         2 tents for livestock–         A mobile bathroom

–         A 200-sqaure-meter barn

–         A water tank

2 .    Baker ‘Allan Bani ‘Odah –         A residential tent–         A tent for livestock
3. Jameel Suliman Mofdi Bani ‘Odah –          A residential tent–         A tent as a kitchen–         A 300-sqaure-meter barn

–         20 water tanks

 

4. Suliman Jameel Mostafa Bani ‘Odah –         A residential tent–         A tent for livestock–         10 water tanks

 

Following the demolition in Ras al-Ahmar area, the bulldozer headed to Kherbit Tayaseer and al-‘Aqabah in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers demolished a water well.

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Um al-Khair village, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. The bulldozer demolished a 30-sqaure-meter house built of tin plates and belong to ‘Ali Issa al-Tabni (39).  Ten persons, including 7 children, were living in the house. The house was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Kherbit Khashem al-Daraj, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration staff uprooted and confiscated barbed wire and demolished a 30-sqaure-meter barn built of tin plates and sheds. The barn belongs to Ahmed ‘Odah al-Tebni (44).

 

  • At approximately 11:00, the Palestinian Liaison handed the council of Bureen village, southeast of Nablus, an Israeli military order to confiscate 1.5 dunums belonging to Palestinian civilians in order to build a security street for “Berkha “ settlement established in the northeastern side of Bureen village.

 

  • Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and property

 

 

  • At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 02 June 2019, Israeli forces closed the bypass roads and streets in the vicinity of Al-Walja, Al-Khader, Housan villages and leading to Nahaleen and Fouken villages in western Bethlehem and Bait Fajjar village, south of the city. Moreover, they closed a road near tunnels established on Beit Jala village’s lands. As a result, vehicles’ movement was obstructed for hours in order to secure Marathon organized by dozens of Israeli settlers, from settlements established in western, southern and northern Bethlehem. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces established many military checkpoints on streets to prevent the entry of vehicles and secure the Marathon. The eyewitnesses clarified that this Marathon caused a traffic jam and provoked Palestinian civilians because the Israeli participants raised political banners against Palestinians and called for expelling them from their lands.

 

  • At approximately 10:20 on Wednesday, 05 June 2019, coinciding with the first day of ‘Eid Al-Fitr, about 12 Israeli settlers, from “Ahiya “ settlement, which is established in the southern side of Jaloud village, southeast of Nablus, attacked the village outskirts from the southern side. The settlers threw stones at Jaloud Secondary School, broke 2 windows, and set fire to olive fields. As a result, over 1000 olive tree planted 65 years ago were completely burned. These trees belong to the heirs of the late Ibrahim ‘Abed Haj Mohammed, Tawfeeq ‘Abdullah Haj Mohammed, Ahmed ‘Abd Al-Hadi Hammoud, and Hamza Saeed Issa.

 

  • On Thursday, 06 June 2019, Israeli settlers seized an agricultural land in al-Makhrour area in Beit Jala, under the pretext of owning it. Hasan Barijiyah, Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance in Bethlehem, said that the settlement association “Kern Kemet” seized, reclaimed and planted 4 dunums from Palestinian lands in Beit Jala, them, in addition to setting barbed wires around them to place mobile homes on them. Barijiyah added that this attack reflects the Israeli plans to target al-Makhrour and al-Qaysar areas, west of Bethlehem. He pointed out that the Israeli settlers claim that these lands are belonging to them, but they could not prove that. It should be noted that the Palestinian lands’ owners have all documents that prove their ownership.

 

  • On Saturday morning, 08 June 2019, settlers attacked a land belonging to the heirs of the late Ismael Mousa in Al-Khader village in southern Bethlehem. Maryam Mousa, one of the heirs, said that her family was surprised with raiding her 8-dunum land by settlers in Wad Abu Bajeer area in al-Khader village. She also added that the settlers placed water pipes and planted the land with hundreds of olive, apricot, and peach trees.

 

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed documnet available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human rights (PCHR).

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (23 May – 29 May 2019)

PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations (23 – 29 May 2019)

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 23 – 29 May, 2019.

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. 11 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, a paramedic, and a journalist, were injured. A Palestinian child was wounded in the West Bank.

Shooting:

 

  • In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 59th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 11 civilians, including 3 children, a paramedic, and a journalist, while participating in the Return March. Moreover, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded after being targeted in the border area of the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian child.

 

  • In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 11 civilians, including 3 children, a paramedic and a journalist, while participating in the 59th Friday of the Return March.

 

  • As part of targeting the border areas, on 26 May 2019, Israeli forces opened fire and fired an artillery shell at 2 Palestinian civilians, who were about 250 meters into the east of Um al-Mahd area, east of ‘Abasan al-Jadidah village, east of Khan Younis. As a result, they sustained shrapnel wounds. The injured civilians stayed in the area for an hour after which a number of farmers arrived and transferred them to Gaza European Hospital.

 

  • In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian child during the reported period.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 54 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 47 Palestinians, including 4 children, from the West Bank, while 25 other civilians, including 8 children and a woman, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

 

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Despite their claims to provide facilities for Palestinian civilians in Ramadan and allow them to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque yards in occupied Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli forces continued to impose restrictions on them, including the city residents. During this week, and for the second consecutive week, large forces of Israeli soldiers raided al-Aqsa Mosque after al-‘Isha and al-Taraweeh prayers and forcibly ordered al-Mo’takefeen, who are staying in the al-Aqsa Mosque for a certain number of days to perform prayers, to leave the mosque.

 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 23 May 2019, Israeli bulldozers demolished an under-construction house in Khalyil al-Louz area near al-‘Abayyat village, east of Bethlehem, under the pretext of non-licensing. The house, which is comprised of 40 square meters belongs to a person from Surbaher village in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

  • On 27 May 2019, Israeli forces destroyed an agricultural facility in Shoshahla village near al- Khadir village, south of Bethlehem, under the pretext of non-licensing. The 40-sqaure-meter agricultural room belongs to Mohamed Ahmed Salah.
  • Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

  • On Thursday, 23 May 2019, Israeli bulldozers demolished an under-construction house in Khalyil al-Louz area near al-‘Abayyat village, east of Bethlehem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Hasan Barijiyah, Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission in Bethlehem, said that the Israeli bulldozers moved into Khalyil al-Louz area and demolished an under-construction house, which was comprised of 2 story. The house belongs to a person from Surbaher village in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

  • On Monday, 27 May 2019, Israeli forces destroyed an agricultural facility in Shoshahla village near al- Khadir village, south of Bethlehem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said that at approximately 11:00, the Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer moved into Shoshahla village. The bulldozer demolished a 40-sqaure-meter agricultural room without a prior warning. The room belongs to Mohamed Ahmed Salah.

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (16 May – 22 May 2019)

PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (16 – 22 May 2019)

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 16-22 May, 2019.

Eight Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded in the northern West Bank. Israeli forces conducted 55 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 other incursions into Jerusalem. 47 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children, were arrested in the West Bank. Five Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Strip Sea.

Shooting:

 

  • During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 8 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children. Five of them, including 2 children, were wounded in the northern West Bank, while 3 others, including a child, were wounded in the southern West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen and target their livelihoods.
  • In the West Bank, in excessive use of lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests, Israeli forces wounded 5 protestors, including 2 children, while participating in Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqiliyia. The abovementioned protest was organized on Friday, 17 May 2019, and on Saturday, 18 May 2019.

 

  • On 21 May 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at Mahmoud Husain Salah (15), from al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, when he was near the annexation wall, which surrounds the village. As a result, Mahmoud was hit with 2 live bullets to the lower limbs. The soldiers then arrested him and took him to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in West Jerusalem to receive medical treatment.

 

  • On 22 May 2019, Israeli forces wounded 2 protestors while moving into al-Duhisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, to carry out an arrest campaign. They then opened fire at dozens of Palestinian young men who were protesting against them.

 

 

  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 5 incidents were as follows: 3 incidents in the northern Gaza Strip Shore and 2 incidents in the southern Gaza Strip Shore.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 55 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 29 Palestinians, including 2 children, from the West Bank, while 18 other civilians, including 10 childre, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 16 May 2019, Israeli forces moved into Sosiya village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. They dismantled a 30-sqaure-meter residential tent built with sheds, rubber tires and steel pillars. The tent belongs to Hussain Radi Nawaj’ah (55). The Israeli authorities claimed that the tent was confiscated and demolished under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that it was the fourth time that the tent was confiscated and the latest was on 16 April 2019.

 

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Despite their claims to provide facilities for Palestinian civilians in Ramadan and allow them to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque yards in occupied Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli forces continued to impose restrictions on them, including the city residents. During this week, a large force of Israeli soldiers raided al-Aqsa Mosque after al-‘Isha and al-Taraweeh prayers and forcibly ordered al-Mo’takefeen, who are staying in the al-Aqsa Mosque for a certain number of days to perform prayers, to leave the mosque.

 

In the same context, the Israeli authorities confiscated dozens of food parcels prepared by Jerusalem Endowment Fund. Those parcels were supposed to be distributed to poor families. The Jerusalem Endowment fund said that the Israeli authorities claimed that the food parcels are funded by the Palestinian Authority (PA) that is banned by the Israeli authorities and considered in violation of its law.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 17 May 2019, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, into the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 4 civilians, including a child, were hit with rubber bullets.

(PCHR keeps the names of the injured civilians)

 

  • At approximately 16:30, on Saturday, 18 May 2018, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, into the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a child was hit with a rubber bullet to the head.

(PCHR keeps the name of the injured child)

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 16 May 2019, Israeli forces backed by 2 military vehicles and accompanied with a bulldozer and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Sosiya village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officers dismantled a 30-sqaure-meter residential tent built with sheds, rubber tires and steel pillars. The tent belongs to Hussain Radi Nawaj’ah (55). The Israeli authorities claimed that the tent was confiscated and demolished under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that it was the fourth time that the tent was confiscated and the latest was on 16 April 2019.

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (02 May – 08 May 2019)


Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations  (02– 08 May 2019)

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(02 – 08 May 2019)

  • Israeli forces violate the Gaza Strip again.
  • Twenty-three Palestinian civilians; 14 of them were civilians, including 3 children and 3 women; one of them was pregnant, were killed.
  • 111 Palestinian civilians, including 27 children and 12 women, were injured.
  • Airstrikes targeted 22 residential houses and buildings, a mosque, 3 workshops, cars, motorbikes and resorts.
  • Israeli forces continue to use extra-judicial execution policy and target media and cultural institutions and relief centers.
  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
  • 99 Palestinian civilians, including 42 children, 5 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics, were wounded. Two of them sustained serious wounds.
  • Eight Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, were wounded in the West bank.

 

  • Israeli forces conducted 62 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 other incursions into Jerusalem.
  • 48 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and 2 journalists, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • Nine of them, including a child, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
  • Shooting incidents were reported against border areas of the Gaza Strip.
  • A Palestinian civilian, who was collecting metal scrap in northern Gaza Strip, was wounded and another one, who was sneaking into Israel, was arrested.

 

  • Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
  • A livestock barn was demolished and confiscated in Kherbat Um al-Khair, south of Hebron.
  • Israeli settlers damaged dozens of cars and attacked 4 Palestinian brothers.

 

  • Shooting continued against fishing boats offshore adjacent to the Gaza Strip shore.
  • The sea was completely closed and fishermen were banned from fishing freely.

 

  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13thconsecutive year.
  • Israeli forces established 92 permanent checkpoints and 95 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
  • Eight Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoint in the West Bank.

 

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (02 – 08 May 2019).

 

Shooting:

  • Israeli forces escalated their attacks against the Gaza Strip and continued to carry out intense airstrikes and shelling at border control points and sites belonging to Palestinian armed groups. The Israeli forces also targeted residential buildings in central Gaza neighborhoods in a serious escalation. These attacks resulted in the killing of many civilians. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 57th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 23 Palestinian; 14 of them were civilians, including 3 children and 3 women; one of them was pregnant. Some of those from the same family were killed inside their houses. Moreover, 111 Palestinian civilians, including 27 children and 12 women, were wounded. Furthermore, Israeli forces killed 2 members of Palestinian armed groups and wounded 99 civilians, including 42 children, 5 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics. Two of them sustained serious wounds while participating in the Return March. In addition, a civilian was wounded while collecting metal scarp  and another one was wounded while sneaking into Israel in northern Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, in different shooting incidents.
  • In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces intensified their aggression against the Gaza Strip at a high rate for 2 consecutive days during which the Israeli forces carried out intensive bombardment through their warplanes and artillery shells in land and sea, targeting more multi-story buildings and houses in a clear violation against Palestinian civilians. As a result, hundreds of families became homeless and 2 million Palestinians suffered fear and terror. Moreover, the Israeli forces continued using the extrajudicial executions policy, which has been going on in the last years. According to PCHR’s fieldworkers” documentation, Israeli forces killed 23 Palestinian; 14 of them were civilians, including 3 children and 3 women; one of them was pregnant. Some of those from the same family were killed inside their houses. The Israeli bombardment, which continued for 2 days in raw, resulted in the injury of 111 Palestinian civilians, including 27 children and 12 women. The airstrikes targeted 22 residential houses and buildings, a mosque; 3 workshops. The Israeli warplanes further  targeted  dozens of empty lands, cars, motorbikes, resorts, public and private property, training sites, border control points belonging to Palestinian armed groups, in addition to artillery shelling targeting various areas of the eastern Gaza Strip.
  • In excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators along the Gaza Strip borders, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians; one of them was with disability, and wounded 99 others, including 42 children, 5 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics. Two of them sustained serious wounds.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 02 to 08 May 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 30 20 2 0 2 0
Gaza City 29 7 1 0 1 0
Central Gaza Strip 21 8 2 1 0 1
Khan Yunis 13 5 0 0 0 0
Rafah 6 2 0 0 0 1
Total 99 42 5 1 3 2

 

 

 

  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, Israeli forces completely closed the sea.

 

  • As part of targeting the border areas, on 03 May 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, northeast of Jabalia, arrested Harb ‘Asaliyah (25) from Jabalia, while attempting to sneak into Israel. Harb was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs.
  • On 07 May 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at  Palestinian civilians, who were collecting metal scrap from al-Rabesh area, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, one of them was hit with a live bullet to the left thigh.

 

  • In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 8 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, in different shooting incidents.

 

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 62 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 39 Palestinians, including 4 children and 2 journalists, from the West Bank, while 9 other civilians, including a child, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

 

 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 02 May 2019, Israeli forces moved into Kherbit Um al-Khair, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. Tehy demolished a barn used for breeding around 200 sheep and built with sheds and barbed wires. The barn, which was later confiscated, belongs to Suliman Yamen ‘Eid al-Hathaleen (80). The confiscation came without a prior warning. It should be noted that the Israeli soldiers detained Suliam and attacked him while confiscating the barn.

 

  • As part of settlers’ attacks on Palestinian civilians’ property, on 03 May 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Ytizhar” settlement attacked the western neighborhood of Hawarah village, south of Nablus. The Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians’ vehicles parked in front of their owners’ houses and on streets. They also wrote racist slogans against Arabs and Muslims on the houses walls, vehicles and tombstones; and punctured the tires of 8 vehicles before leaving the area.

 

  • Around the same day, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Ma’ale Shamron“ settlement attacked with sticks and stones the two siblings Islam (28) and ‘Abed al-Ghaffar ‘Abdullah Redwan (24), from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia, while weeding Wadi al-Sha’ir land, east of the village.

 

  • Around the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers carried out riots in “Yatizhar” settlement square on Nablus-Ramallah Street, the southern entrance to Nablus. The settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians’ vehicles while passing through the square, damaging 2 windows at least.

 

  • On 05 May 2019, the guard of “Ariel” industrial settlement attacked the two siblings Mujahed and Tamer Yehia Hussain Shamlawi, from Hares village, northwest of Salfit. The settlement guard pepper-sprayed at Mujahed while the Israeli police arrested Tamer (20).

Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip:

Israeli forces escalated their attacks against the Gaza Strip and continued to carry out intense airstrikes and shelling at border control points and sites belonging to Palestinian armed groups. The Israeli forces also targeted residential buildings in central Gaza neighborhoods. These attacks resulted in the killing of 23 Palestinians; 14 of them were civilians, including 3 children one of them was a baby girl, and 3 women; one of them was pregnant. Some of those from the same family were killed inside their houses. Moreover, 111 Palestinian civilians, including 27 children and 12 women, were wounded. According to PCHR’s fieldworkers’ documentation, the Israeli airstrikes began at approximately 09:45 on Saturday, 04 May 2019, in an airstrike on Al-Qarman Street in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, under the pretext of responding to a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip and fell on an open area in the Israeli ”Shaar HaNegev” compound adjacent to the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli forces’ Statement. Following are the most prominent crimes committed during the  Israeli offensive, which caused casualties and property damage:

Saturday, 04 May 2019:

  • At approximately 09:45, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of Palestinian armed groups, who were on al-Qarman Street, east of Beit Hanoun, causing the injury of two f them.
  • At approximately 10:40, Israeli forces fired 2 artillery shell at agricultural land, east of ‘Abasan al-Jadeedah village, east of Khan Younis. One of the shells targeted a house belonging to Abu Ta’aimah family, causing minor wounds for 2 civilians, including a woman.
  • At approximately 11:15. An Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of Palestinian armed groups belonging to al-Aqsa Protectors Brigades while they were on a combat mission in ‘Ata Zayed area, southeast of al-Banat Street, east of Beit Hanoun. As a result, one of them namely ‘Emad Mohammed Rajab Nassir (22) was killed after being hit with shrapnel throughout his body. Moreover, another one of them sustained serious wounds.
  • At approximately 14:10, Israeli warplanes lunched 2 missiles at an empty land, north of al-Moghir village, in the vicinity of al-Isra’a University. As a result, the university building sustained partial damage.
  • Around the same time, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of Palestinian armed groups on al-Banat Street, southeast of Beit Hanoun, causing the injury of two of them.
  • At approximately 16:15, an Israeli warplane launched 2 missiles, with 10 minutes between each of them, at a house belonging to Bilal Khalil Mohammed Zo’rob on Abu Baker al-Sediq Street, adjacent to al-Aqsa Petrol Station, southwest of Rafah. The 270-square-meter house is comprised of one floor built of concrete and contains 4 apartments and is inhabited with 4 families. After 5 minutes, and Israeli warplane launched 2 missiles at the same house. As a result, the house was completely damaged and the neighboring houses sustained partial damage.
  • Around the same time, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Sobhi Khalil Barham Zo’rob. The 160-square-meter house, which is close to the house of Bilal Zo’rob, is comprised of one floor and contains 4 apartments and inhabited with 2 families, including 9 individuals. As a result, the house was partial damage.
  • At approximately 19:20, an Israeli artillery fired artillery shells at an empty land in the vicinity of the landfill, southeast of Gaza City. As a result, a civilian sustained moderate wounds.
  • At approximately 20:00, an Israeli drone targeted a six-story-building, west of Gaza City, belonging to Iyad Yasser Eqtefan (45). A short time later, an Israeli warplane launched 2 missiles at the same building, causing its total damage. The building had the office of “Anadolu News Agency”. Moreover, 4 ambulances were damaged and their glass was smashed  in addition to the administrative offices and their contents in the transportation station belonging to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
  • At approximately 21:05, Israeli warplanes targeted al-Khuzundar residential building which was comprised of 5 stories, in Al-Rimal neighborhood in central Gaza City, and completely destroyed it. It should be noted that the abovementioned building included the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s Abdullah Hourani Center for Studies and Documentation as well as the Turkish charity Yardimeli Dernegi.
  • At approximately 21:40, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a motorbike, east of Jabalia, causing the injury of the driver.
  • At approximately 19:50, the Israeli warplanes launched a missile at the fifth floor in Building no. (12) at Sheikh Zayed Buildings, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, 6 civilians were killed namely: Ahmed Ramadan Rajab al-Ghazali (30), his wife Eman Abdullah Mousa al-Ghazali (29), their child Maria (5 months), Abdul Rahman Talal Abu al-Jedyan (12), his parents Tala ‘Atiyah Abu al-Jedyan (48) and Raghdah Mohammed Abu al-Jedyan (46), whose dead bodies were recovered todays morning from under the rubble. Moreover, 9 civilians living in the same building sustained minor and moderate injuries.
  • At approximately 23:15, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a Barack belonging to Abu al-Khair family in the vicinity of al-Qarem intersection in Jabalia.
  • At approximately 22:10 on Saturday evening, 04 May 2019, Israeli drone fired a missile at a group of civilians, who were in the vicinity of the American School former site, west of Beit Lahia, killing Khalid Mohammed Selmi Abu Qaliq (24), from the city, after he was hit with shrapnel throughout his body. Moreover, another civilian was seriously injured.
  • At approximately 23:50, Israeli drones fired 2 missiles at a house belonging to Mustafa Ahmed Abdul Hamid al-Astal in the center of Kahn Younis. Ten minutes later, the Israeli warplanes launched a missile at the abovementioned house causing its full damage. The 120-square-meter house was comprised of one floor and built by concrete and inhabited with a family that consists of 2 individuals. It should be noted that Ahmed wasa former prisoner in the Israeli prisons and was recently released.

Sunday, 05 May 20:

  • At approximately 00:00 Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at al-Lewa’a site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the Armed Military Wing of Hamas Movement) and Sheikh Zayed Building. As a result, a number of housing units in the city sustained partial damage and a school was partially damaged.
  • At approximately 01:14, an Israeli drone fired 2 missiles at a house belonging to Tayseer Amin Mohammed al-Mobasher (45) in Khan Younis refugee camp. Few minutes later, the Israeli drone fired a missile at the abovementioned house, causing a huge damage to it. The 150-square-meter house was comprised of ground floor and built of concrete. The house was inhabited with one family, including 8 individuals.
  • At approximately 01:25, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at a group of Palestinian armed groups, who were at an agricultural land, northwest of al-Buraij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, 2 civilians were killed namely Fawzi Abdul Halim Fawzi Bawadi (24), from al-Buraij refugee camp, and Mahmoud Sobhi Khamis ‘Essa (25), from al-Buraij refugee camp. Moreover, another civilian sustained moderate wounds.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a building belonging to Saleem Mohammed Sa’ed al-Ghusain (60) in al-Remal neighborhood in the center of the Gaza City. As a result, the building was destroyed. The building had offices such as : Hala Palestine for Training, EDUCITY Center, office of Dr. Iskandar Nashwan for Accounting, office of Dr. Kamal al-Sharafi for Board of Trustees – Al – Aqsa University, in addition to another commercial companies and offices.
  • At approximately 02:35, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at al-Mustafa Mosque in al-Shati’ neighborhood, west of Gaza City. As a result, the mosque sustained minor damage and a civilian sustained moderate wounds.
  • At approximately 02:45, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the Fishermen’s port offshore, west of Kahn Younis, causing their total damage.
  • At approximately 03:40, Israeli warplanes launched 4 missiles at a 70-square-meter workshop belonging to Monther Zakaria Abdul Qader al-Fasih and another similar workshop belonging to ‘Oudah family. The workshops were located on Kashkou “Siam” Street, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, both workshops were damaged and a stone workshop belonging to Kashkou family and a car garage belonging to Abdul Karim Abdullah Dalloul. Moreover, Shurouq Heji (24), who was pregnant, was wounded and lost her baby as she sustained wounds to the head after a wall fell above her.
  • At approximately 03:45 on Sunday, 05 May 2019, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a boat belonging to the Marine Police at the fishermen’s port, west of Rafah, causing its total damage.
  • At approximately 05:00 Israeli warpalnes launched 2 missiles at a resort near al-Hedayah Mosque, east of al-Na’aimah Street, east of Beit Hanoun. As a result, the resort sustained severe damage.
  • At approximately 05:30, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups in the vicinity of Ebn al-Nafis School in al-Zannah, Bani Suheila, east of Kahn Younis. As a result, the school sustained damage.
  • At approximately 06:20, Israeli warplanes launched 6 missiles at lathes on Salah Eden Street in al-Zaytoun neighborhood,  which is densely populated area, east of Gaza City. As a result, a 2-story house, which is adjacent to the abovementioned lathe from the southern side, was totally damaged. The first floor is owned by Yasser ‘Amer Deeb Abdul Halim and the second floor was owned by Hanan Rashed ‘Ali Abdul Halim( a widow), Yasser brother’s wife. It should be noted that the 225-square-meter house was inhabited with 2 families of 18 individuals, including 4 children. the bombardment caused severe material damage in a 500-square-meter lathe belonging to Ahmed Namer al-Sawaf  (60).
  • At approximately 06:50, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at an empty land in the vicinity of Ebn al-Nafis School in al-Zannah, Bani Suheila, east of Kahn Younis. As a result, the school sustained damage.
  • At approximately 07:35, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a motorbike driven by a civilian near Etisalat building intersection, west of Jabalia. As a result, the civilian sustained severe wounds.
  • At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces fired 2 artillery shells at an empty land, southeast of Khan Younis. As a result, 3 civilians were wounded and a house belonging to ‘Awad family sustained damage.
  • At approximately 11:30, Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Husam Mohammed Abdul Hadi ‘Aqel (48) on Street (20) in al-Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. few minutes later, the Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the house. As a result, the house was totally damaged. Moreover, 3 nearby houses sustained partial damage and the windows of al-Faraj Mosque were damaged. It should be noted that the 150-square-,meter house consisted of a concrete floor and had a basement where a workshop existed. The house is inhabited with 11 persons, including 5 children.
  • At approximately 12:00, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a house belonging to ‘Abed Abdul Malek ‘Abed Abu Shahla (40) in Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis. As a result, the house sustained damage. It should be noted that the 150-square-meter house was comprised of 3 floors  and inhabited with 3 families, including 18 individuals, 14 of which were children.
  • At approximately 12:40, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at al-Bahria site, adjacent to al-Zawidah Resort, off al-Zawaidah shore. As a result, the resort sustained damage.
  • At approximately 12:50, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at an empty land near al-Berkah Mosque in al-Ghaboun neighborhood, north of Beit Lahia. As a result, a child sustained serious wounds.
  • At approximately 13:10, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a group of Palestinian civilians, who were in the east of al-Sheja’eya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, Bilal Mohammed Abdul Banna (29) and Abdullah Nofal Mohammed Abu al-‘Ata (21), members of the Islamic Jihad Movement, were killed.
  • At approximately 13:55, Israeli warplanes launched several missiles at a 6-story-building belonging to Rawhi Mushtaha in al-Sheja’eya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, the building was totally damaged.
  • At approximately 14:30, Israeli warplanes launched 5 missiles at a house belonging to Monther Ragheb Mushtaha, a leader at Hamas Movement. The 2-storey house is located in al-Sheja’eya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, the house was totally damaged. Moreover, a nearby house, which is comprised 6 floors belonging to al-Jamal family sustained severe damage. The area sustained severe damage because it is overcrowded with buildings and shops.
  • At approximately 14:45, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a car driven by Hamed Ahmed Abdul Khudari (34), from al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City. The targeting was in the vicinity of al-Sedrah area in the abovementioned neighborhood. As a result, al-Khudari , who works in Currency Exchange, was killed.
  • At approximately 15:18, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a house belonging to Husam Ramadan Yusuf Lubbad (43) in al-Qararah, north of Kahn Younis. As a result, the house sustained damage. It should be noted that the 155-square-meter house was comprised of a ground floor that was built of concrete. The house was inhabited with a family comprised of 8 individuals, including 3 children. As a result, Husam sustained shrapnel wounds to the head and his wife Nisreen Sha’ban Taha Lubbad sustained wounds to the head and burns to the limbs.
  • At approximately 15:30, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a house belonging to Mohammed Abed Saleem ‘Abdeen (63) in al-Qararah, north of Khan Younis. As a result, the house sustained partial damage. The 320-squre-meter house is comprised of 4 apartments and inhabited with 4 families, including 18 individuals; 7 of which were children.

 

  • At approximately 16:40, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a group of Palestinian armed groups, who were in an agricultural land, northwest of al-Buraij refugee cmap in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Mohammed Abdul Nabi Abu ‘Armanah (30) and Mahmoud Samir Abu ‘Armanah (26), from al-Buraik, were killed
  • At approximately 17:00, Israeli drones fired a missile at So’ad ‘Ayath Mohammed al-Shami (54) in al-Rannah neighborhood in Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis. Few minutes later, the Israeli warplanes launched several missiles at the house. as a result, the house was totally damaged. It should be noted that the 140-square-meter house was comprised of a ground floor roofed with concrete. The house was inhabited with one family comprised of 4 individuals.
  • At approximately 17:05, Israeli warplanes launched 7 missiles at al-Qamar Building on al-Sena’ah Street near Roqayah Preparatory School for Girls in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City. As a result, the 7-story building, which was built on an area of 800 square meters was totally damaged. The building had 21 apartments and inhabited with 16 families comprised of around 100 persons, including 60 children. Moreover, the building adjacent from the southern side belonging to Wajdi Nfeth Mahmoud al-Wahaidi was destroyed. In addition, the area sustained severe damage.
  • At approximately 17:45, the Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at the ground floor and first floor in Zu’rob’s Building near al-Shuhada’a Square (al-Nejmah), in the center of Rafah. As a result, 3 civilians were killed namely: ‘Ali Ahmed Abdul Jawad (51), who was in al-Awa’el Educational Center, Mousa Husein Lafi Mo’amer (35) and Hani Hamdan Abu Sha’ar (37), who were at al-Fakher Cofe. Moreover, 4 civilians, including a child were sustained various wounds.
  • At approximately 18:00, Abdullah Abdul Rahim Mustafa al-Madhoun (21), Fadi Ragheb Yusuf Badran (33) and Amani ‘Etfat Sha’ban al-Madhoun (36) arrived dead at the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia. Moreover, 9 civilians, including 6 children, were wounded. Doctors classified 2 civilians’ injuries as serious. Medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital announced later the death of Abdul Rahim, the owner of the house, succumbing to his wounds. According to PCHR’s information, al-Madhoun’s house, which was built of tin plates, was totally damaged at approximately 17:35, due to unknown explosion. The Islamic Jihad Movement mourned the death of Abdullah al-Madhoun and said that Abdullah is one of her members and he was killed after Israeli forces targeted his house. meanwhile, no Israeli tale was issued about this incident.
  • At approximately 19:30, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a house belonging to Abdullah Tawfiq Abu Na’aim (35) at the entrance to the Power plant, north of al-Nuseirat. As a result, the house was totally destroyed.
  • At approximately 19:50, the Israeli warplanes launched a missile at the fifth floor in Building no. (12) at Sheikh Zayed Buildings, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, 6 civilians were killed namely: Ahmed Ramadan Rajab al-Ghazali (30), his wife Eman Abdullah Mousa al-Ghazali (29), their child Rama (5 months), Abdul Rahman Talal Abu al-Jedyan (12), his parents Tala ‘Atiyah Abu al-Jedyan (48) and Raghdah Mohammed Abu al-Jedyan (46), whose dead bodies were recovered todays morning from under the rubble. Moreover, 9 civilians living in the same building sustained minor and moderate injuries.
  • At approximately 20:20, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at a lathe workshop belonging to Hasan Ahmed Husein Hasanain (64) behind Abu Jebah Petrol Station on Hasanain Street in al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, the 1300-square-meter workshop was totally destroyed along with  machines and equipment that cost about 2 million dollars.
  • At approximately 22:40, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a site belonging to Palestinian armed groups in Qezan al-Najjar, south of Khan Younis. As a result, the University College of Science and Technology and the nearby schools sustained material damage.
  • At approximately 09:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a group of |Palestinian armed groups, east of al-Masdar village. As a result, Iyad Abdullah al-Sharehi (35), from al-Maghazi, was killed.

 

Monday 06 May 2019:

  • At approximately 02:10, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at Tabaria Resort belonging to the Islamic society, in the center of Sheikh Zayed, Beit Lahia. As a result, the resort was totally damaged.
  • At approximately 02:20, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Salamah Hashem Faraj Abu ‘Aishah (72) in al-Hasainah area, west of al-Nuseirat. Few minutes later, the Israeli warplanes launched another missile at the house. As a result, the house was totally damaged. Moreover, the bombardment caused severe damage to a resort that is close to the house. Three houses further sustained partial damage. It should be noted that the 350-square-meter house was comprised of 3 concrete layers and inhabited with 3 families of 22 individuals, including 10 children and 3 women.

 

Details

 

  1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. 

 

Thursday, 02 May 2019: 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ahmed Nasri Rashid Sabarnah (25), Hammad Ahmed Abu Mariyah (26) and Karam Ziyad Shehdah Abu Sarah (26).
  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses belonging to Mohamed Mahmoud Shabanah (33), Shaher ‘Ali al-Qawasmah (40) and Nayif Ayoub al-Rajbi (44). No arrests among the houses’ residents were reported.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyia. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abed al-Rahman Jamal Howtari (22) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Foreek village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Arqam ‘Atif Mohamed Hanani (23), Loai ‘Emad ‘Abed al-Qader Haj Mohamed (20), and Ziyad ‘Abed al-Raheem Hanani (31).
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Safa village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahdi Saied Karajah (23) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ramallah and then stationed in al-Irsal neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Majed ‘Edwan (26) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into al-Masaken al-Sha’biyia neighborhood, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suhaib Shadi Bashkar (17) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kharoubah neighborhood, north of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rabie’ ‘Allam al-Nourasi (16) and then arrested him.
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Mostafa Qaniry (23) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Mirka village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Nafi’ Mousa (24) and then arrested him.
  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus; al-Silah al-Harithiyia village, west of Jenin; al-Samou’a, al-Shayyoukh, al-Majd, Halhoul villages and al-‘Around refugee camp in Hebron; Shaqbah and Koubar villages, north of Ramallah; and al-Zawiyia village, west of Salfit.

 

Friday, 03 May 2019: 

  • At approximately 00:55, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawiyia village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jehad Masour Lotfi Raddad (23) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into schools’ intersection area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Ahmed Zaghir (33) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Rommana village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fareed Hamdan al-Qalaq (48) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fareed Hamed Nawaj’ah (40) and then handed his son Ibrahim (19) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Servicce in “Gush Etizon” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
  • In afternoon, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israeli arrested Furaieh Zaki al-Nabaheen (18), while attempting to sneak into Israel, in eastern al-Buriej camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. Furaieh’s father said that at approximately 13:00, he did not find his son, who was working in their agricultural land. He added that he started to search and ask his son’s friends, but in vain. On Sunday, 05 May 2019, Furaieh’s father told the Palestinian police that he lost his son and when he returned to his house, the internal security informed him that his son was arrested by the Israeli forces while sneaking into Israel in eastern al-Buriej Camp.
  • At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asirah al-Qabliyia village, south of Nablus. A group of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli vehicles. The Israeli forces pursued the protestors in the centre of the village and then arrested some of them, including a child, in front of shops. The arrested protestors were identified as Mahmoud Sabri al-Zebin (21), from Bureen village, and ‘Abed al-Jaber Fakhri ‘Abed al-Latif Yaseen (15), from‘Asirah al-Qabliyia village. It should be noted that Mahmoud was visiting his brother in ‘Asirah al-Qabliyia village.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported:Tarqomiyia, Raboud and Abu al-‘Asja villages in Hebron; and ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. 

 

Saturday, 04 May 2019:

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadi Hussain Salah (39) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 18:30, Israeli gunboats stationed west off central Gaza Strip shore, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles and then chased them. The Israeli naval forces ordered the fishermen to withdraw their fishing nets and declared the closure of the sea until a further notice. No injuries among the fisherman or damage to their boats were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jenin; al-Bathan village, north of Nablus; Dura and Beit Ola villages in Hebron; and ‘Azoun village in Qalqiliyia.

 

Sunday, 05 May 2019 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mujahed Ibrahim Mubarak al-‘Okka (25) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Balat al-Balad village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ibrahim Mousa Isma’il Dowikat (40), and two siblings Hamdi (26) and Mousa Mohamed Dowikat (21).
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naser Alllah Fahimi Mohamed al-Safadi (28) and then arrested him.

 

Monday, 06 May 2019

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, north of Hebron and then stationed in Ras al-‘Aroub area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tareq ‘Abed al-Samad al-Motawer and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Rebhi ‘Adnan Mohamed Hanoun (21), Hisham Riyad Furaij (23), and Anas Mahmoud Farid Jayyousi (23).
  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Husam ‘Atif Jawabrah (24) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Asmari ‘Ahed Fawaz’ah (28) and Bashar Mahmoud Mohamed Fawaz’ah (28) and then arrested both of them.
  • At approximately 04:40, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’ath ‘Abed al-Naser Hammad (23) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Kherbit Jorat al-Khail, east of Sa’ir village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Mohamed Mostafa Shalaldah (55). The Israeli forces cut electricity wires and confiscated surveillance cameras fixed on the house walls.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, Beit Ummer, al-Majd, and Dir Samet villages in Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 07 May 2019 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Alaa Mohamed Hashim al-Taiti (23) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 23:10, Radad Jehad ‘Odah Hamad (30), from Beit Hanoun, arrived at the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, after the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Beit Hanoun, fired a live bullet at him, wounding him to the left thigh. Medical sources classified his injury as moderate. According to field investigations, Radad was targeted while collecting metal scrap from al-Rabish area located in eastern Beit Hanoun.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafur Nie’mah village, west of Ramallah; Dir Abu Mish’al village, northwest of the city; Yatta and al-Shayyouk villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 08 May 2019 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron and then stationed in al-Roq’ah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bahaa Thabit al-Najjar (23) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 01:30, an Israeli infantry force raided and searched a house belonging to Abu Is’ifan Family, adjacent to “Kiryat ‘Arba’“settlement in Wad al-Hussain aream east of Hebron. The Israeli forces locked the family members in one room. They later withdrew and no arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zakaria Faiyq Nassar (15) and then arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Taffouh, al-Majd and al-‘Alqah villages in Hebron.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

Gaza Strip:

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 30 Palestinian civilians, including 20 children and 2 paramedics. Ten of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 5 with rubber bullets and 15 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedics were identified as Mohammed Sobhi Salamah al-Jadili (35), an ambulance officer at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), was hit with a rubber bullet to the nose, causing its fracture, and Sarah Younis Salem ‘Asaliyah (24), a volunteer paramedic at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, was hit with a rubber bullet to the left leg.
  • Gaza City: the Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 29 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children, a woman and a paramedic. Twelve of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 12 were hit with rubber bullets and 5 were directly hit with tear gas canister. The wounded paramedic was identified as Mohammed Jamal ‘Essa al-Azbat, who is a volunteer paramedic, was hit with a tear gas canister. 
  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 21 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children, 2 women, one of them is a journalist. Ten of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 11 of them were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified the injury of Ramzi Rawhi Hasan ‘Abdou (30), from al-Nuseirat, who suffers from speech disorder,. He was taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah and then was transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, due to his serious health condition. At approximately 00:00, medical sources announced his death. The wounded journalist was identified as Safenaz Baker Mahmoud al-Louh (30), from Gaza City, who works at Amad News Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the head.
  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 19:00, resulted in killing of Ra’ed Khalil Mahmoud Abu Tair (19), from ‘Abasan al-Kabirah, east of Kahn Younis, after being hit with a live bullet to the abdomen at approximately 18:40, during his participation in demonstrations, east of Kahn Younis. Doctors announced is death at approximately 20:30. It should be noted that Ra’ed was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs during his participation in the March of Return last Friday. Moreover, 13 civilians, including 5 children, were hit with live bullets and tear gas canisters. 
  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 18:30, resulted in the injury of 6 civilians, including 2 children. Two of them were hit with live bullets, 4 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and one of them was seriously injured. Moreover, an ambulance belonging to Medical Services was directly hit with a tear gas canister.

 

West Bank:

  • At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 03 May 2019, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli activists and human rights defenders organized a volunteer day to fix the soil road that connects between the west and southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli forces arrived at the area and handed the participants a decision to evacuate the area, claiming that it is a military closed zone. The participants refused to leave the area and continued their work, so the soldiers attacked them and pushed them into the ground. The soldiers arrested 15 foreign activists and 3 civilians from the city and they are namely: Nasser Suleiman al-‘Adrah (40), Tareq Suleiman al-Hathalin (28) and Mohammed Hafeth Hareni (18). The soldiers also arrested Abdul Hafith al-Hashlamoun (45), a photojournalist at Associated Press (AP) Agency and freelance journalist Ahmed al-Bath, from Nablus. The arrestees were taken to the Israeli police center in “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron. The police released them after informing them of the decision to deport them of the area for 15 days.
  • Following the Friday prayer on 03 May 2019, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the entrance to Beit Sera village, west of Ramallah near Israeli watchtower, which is established in the area, to peacefully protest, calling for returning the dead bodies of Amir Daraj and Yusuf ‘Anqawi, who were executed by Israeli soldiers in Kufor Ne’mah village on 04 March 2019. The Israeli forces kept their dead bodies under custody. As soon as the protests arrived at the area, the Israeli soldiers fired live  and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, journalist Sari Jaradat (29), who works as a reporter at Quds News Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot. he was transferred via a PRCS ambulance to Palestine Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.

 

  • At approximately 13:30, on the abovementioned Friday, a group of Palestinians organized a peaceful demonstration from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, into the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for15 years in favor of “Kedumim” The protestors there stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers. The soldiers immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 7 civilians, including a child, were hit with rubber bullets. (PCHR keeps the names of the injured civilians)
  1. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a 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 of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

  • Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank between 05-08 May 2019:
Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons
Jerusalem 13 7
Nablus 10 23 2
Jenin 5 6
Ramallah 11 6 4
Tulkarm 7 2 1
Tubas 2 2 1
Salfit 3 5 1
Qalqiliyia 5 8 4 5
Hebron 20 29 15 3
Bethlehem 11 7 2
Jericho 5
Al-Karama Crossing
Total 92 95 30 8

  

Arrests at Military Checkpoints: 

  • At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 02 May 2019, Israeli forces arrested 3 civilians, from al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, while they were near a road leading to al-‘Aroub Agricultural College. The arrested civilians identified as Qais ‘Alaa’ al-Deen Yaghi (19), Ahmed ‘Alaa’ al-Deen Yaghi (20), and Mohamed Hazim al-Masri (29) were taken to “Ghush Etizon” settlement, south of Bethlehem.
  • At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 07 May 2019, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near al-Zawiyia village Bridge, west of Slafit. They then arrested 5 civilians, all of them are from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohamed Moneer Mish’al (24), Ja’far Talal Saleem (23), Loai Mish’al Hussain (24), ‘Odai Sameer Hasan Saleem (25), and Mohamed Nidal Hussain (23).

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it: 

 

Arrests and Incursions: 

  • At approximately 02:30 on Thursday, 02 May 2019, Israeli forces moved into Hizma village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Yaser Kan’an (14) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, 05 May 2019, Israeli forces moved into Hizma village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 8 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Mahmoud Sanad Salah (19), Ra’fat Talal ‘Izzat (21), Mos’ab ‘Abed al-Rahman al-Khatib (22), Ammar ‘Abed Rabbu (21), Mohamed Thair Salah al-Deen (18), ‘Awdah Salam Subaieh (20), ‘Abed Nafiz al-‘Omari (19), and Islam Marwan Daher (22).

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

  • At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 02 May 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a digger moved into Kherbit Um al-Khair, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli soldiers deployed between civilians’ houses while the Israeli Civil Administration staff demolished a barn used for breeding around 200 sheep and built with sheds and barbed wires. The barn, which was later confiscated, belongs to Suliman Yamen ‘Eid al-Hathaleen (80). The confiscation came without a prior warning. It should be noted that the Israeli soldiers detained Suliam and attacked him while confiscating the barn. 
  • On Sunday, 05 May 2019, the Israeli authorities notified to stop construction works in two under-construction houses, in addtion to demolishing a barrack used for breeding livestock in al-Walajah village, northwest of Bethlehem. The Israeli authorities also fined the houses and barn’s owners under the pretext of non-licensing.  The activist Ibrahim ‘Awadallah said that the Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain Jowizah area north of al-Walajah village and handed three notices to two under-construction houses belonging to Ahmed Nidal Barghouth and Ahmed Ma’rouf al-Atrash, in addition to a house yard belongs to Yehia Zakaria Abu ‘Ali. ‘Awadallah added that the Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff moved into Khellet al-Samak area, where they handed ‘Emad al-Dares a notice to demolish his barrack used for breeding livestock, under the pretext of non-licensing. The Israeli Municipality staff also took photos of nearby agricultural lands. 

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

  • At approximately 02:30 on Friday, 03 May 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Ytizhar” settlement attacked the western neighborhood of Hawarah village, south of Nablus. The Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians’ vehicles parked in front of their owners’ houses and on streets. They also wrote racist slogans against Arabs and Muslims on the houses walls, vehicles and tombstones; and punctured the tires of 8 vehicles before leaving the area. The affected persons were as follows:

1- Rana ‘Adnan Abu Haniyia, puncture her vehicle’s tiers and wrote David Star on her rear left door.

2- ‘Izz al-Deen Ghassan Damidi, puncture his vehicle’s tiers and wrote David Star on his vehicle.

3- ‘Abdullah Mahmoud Salem ‘Odah, puncture his vehicles’ tiers and wrote slogans on the walls of Kantri-Hawarah Park, which belongs to him.

  • On Friday, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Ma’ale Shamron“ settlement attacked with sticks and stones the two siblings Islam (28) and ‘Abed al-Ghaffar ‘Abdullah Redwan (24), from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia, while weeding Wadi al-Sha’ir land, east of the village. Abed al-Ghaffar ‘Abdullah Redwan said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “At approximately 17:30 on Friday, 03 May 2019, my brother Islam and I were weeding an agricultural land. Suddenly, around 5 Israeli settlers attacked us with stones and sticks. They then cursed and pursued us. The settlers also shouted at us, so we immediately fled. The settlers could not catch us. After that, an Israeli vehicle arrived and then the Israeli soldiers pursued us. They caught me and detained me in an investigation center until 20:00. I told them that I usually take care of my land and you can refer to the cameras and watch what happened. My brother and I were working in the land without doing anything and the Israeli settlers firstly attacked us.” 
  • At approximately 18:30 on the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers carried out riots in “ Yatizhar” settlement square on Nablus-Ramallah Street, the southern entrance to Nablus. The settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians’ vehicles while passing through the square. Among those vehicles were:

1- A vehicle belongs to Sa’ied ‘Abed al-Latif Saied Damdi, from Hawarah village, south of Nablus. His rear window was broken, in addition to smashing the right rear door window.

2- A vehicle belongs to Osama Subhi Buni Minyiah, from ‘Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus. His vehicle’s doors were damaged, in addition to smashing the vehicle’s rear window and the right rear door window.

  • On Sunday, 05 May 2019, the guard of “Ariel” industrial settlement attacked the two siblings Mujahed and Tamer Yehia Hussain Shamlawi, from Hares village, northwest of Salfit. The settlement guard pepper-sprayed at Mujahed while the Israeli police arrested Tamer (20). Mujahed and Tamer’s brother Adham said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “ At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 05 May 2019, my brother Tamer headed via his car to deliver my father along with my older brother to their work in “Ariel” industrial settlement. When Tamer arrived at the settlement and stopped his car, the settlement guard came and fought with him about where the vehicle was parked. My brother Mujahed stepped out of the car to talk to the guard. The latter pepper-sprayed at Mujahed’s face, so he fell on the ground. Immediately, my brother Tamer get out of the car to help Mujahed. Meanwhile, an Israeli force attacked Tamer, handcuffed him and pushed him to the ground. When Tamer attempted to untie himself, the Israeli police immediately arrested him.” 

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

…………………………………………………………

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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.

israel Damaged over 800 Gaza Homes in Three Days

Israel Damaged over 800 Gaza Homes in Three Days

By PNN

Deputy Housing Minister in Gaza Naji Sarhan said that 130 residential apartments were completely destroyed, while 700 others were partially destroyed in the three day Israeli strikes on Gaza.

In a statement, Sarhan said that the emergency staff of the ministry started their evaluation of the targeted buildings since the start of the Israeli offensive.

Sarhan condemned the Israeli aggression against the civilians, calling for the international community to urgently interfere to stop the Israeli targeting of the civic buildings, which are protected by the international laws and conventions, and called called for the donors to help the affected families pay for repairing or rebuilding their homes.

25 civilians were killed in the Israeli attack, including a pregnant woman and a two year old baby. At least 154 were also wounded in the attack

What I Saw in Gaza Changed Me Forever

What I Saw in Gaza Changed Me Forever
By Ned Rosch

My true liberation as a Jewish person is bound up with the liberation of Palestinian people.

gaza.jpg

The city of Gaza during a dust storm.

Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Reclaiming Judaism from Zionism is a powerful collection of 40 essays by Jews from diverse backgrounds. Each describes a personal journey from a Zionist worldview to activism in solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis striving to build a society founded on justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence. In this excerpt from the essay “Palestine and my Journey of Self-Discovery,” Ned Rosch describes the deep impact of a visit to Gaza in 2014, shortly after the intensive bombings of Israel’s “Operation Protective Edge.”


The great Indian writer Arundhati Roy wrote, “The trouble is that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And once you’ve seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing, becomes as political an act as speaking out. There’s no innocence. Either way, you’re accountable.” There were numerous times in my life when I “saw” it and felt the strongly reinforced foundations of my Zionist upbringing eventually crack wide open and ultimately turn to dust, but perhaps nothing more deeply touched me and cemented my perspective than a trip to Gaza in November 2014.

For a brief but remarkable week and a half, I had the amazing privilege of being part of a health delegation to this small strip of historic Palestine that is one of the most crowded places on earth because its population is literally sealed in by the Israelis—with the assistance of the Egyptians. To be there just two months after Israel’s murderous 2014 war on the people of Gaza was to catch a glimpse—through the painful stories I heard and the overwhelming destruction I witnessed—of the grotesque horror of that 51-day war. The bombed-out structures were everywhere, the grief universal, the trauma intense.

Rawya, who translated for a training that I did in Gaza with 15 school counselors, shared with me over a hot cup of tea, “Scared our turn might be next, my husband and I sat our four children, ages nine through fifteen, down, and we and our kids each talked about what we would do if a bomb hit and we were the only survivor of our family. I felt I needed to have that conversation because the possibility seemed so real, and as a mother, I needed to know that our children had a plan.” She, the counselors, the children they see, and—according to the counselors, it’s safe to say—everyone in Gaza is traumatized. When Israeli jets were heard overhead one evening while we were in Gaza City, the restimulated fear was palpable. 

On the way into Gaza City, we saw haunting skeletons of homes, people living in bombed-out buildings, and mosques, hospitals, and factories reduced to rubble. Etched in my mind probably forever will be what we witnessed in heavily bombed civilian neighborhoods. It’s hard to find words that even begin to describe the utter devastation.

Palestinian people were living in makeshift structures of cardboard and blankets, surrounded by rubble. Even though I’d seen these images online, somehow the impact of witnessing families squatting next to what was everything they had owned and what in a matter of seconds had been absolutely wiped out took my breath away, as did a large busted-up slab of concrete with names spray-painted on it of family members buried under the mounds of debris, a woman sitting on the rubble staring vacantly off into the distance, and a wedding party celebrating amid ravaged buildings.

In a refugee camp, a vivacious Palestinian woman named Reem told me she just couldn’t think about the future any more. “All I have,” she said, “is today and that’s OK as it’s filled with opportunities to help people.” Reem was opening centers in some of Gaza’s most destroyed areas, centers where children play, read, sing, learn French, plant seeds in paper cups—to maybe get a taste of what a “normal” childhood might be like. Nothing is normal in Gaza. A decade of siege and three wars has ravaged the economy, snuffed out the lives of thousands of people, wrecked the environment, and ripped apart people’s hopes that things will someday get better, that maybe there is a future.

Yasser, a gentle soul and the executive director of Gaza’s Community Mental Health Program, lost 28 members of his extended family in the 2014 war. No one in Gaza was spared from knowing someone who was killed or injured in the brutal and relentless Israeli assault. Yasser said his family speaks of 28 empty chairs.

Mohammed’s family is now 10 people fewer. One of the deceased was a young girl who was rescued after somehow surviving for 10 days under a massive pile of concrete and rebar, only to die in the hospital two days later. Her name was Yasmin. “I can’t get Yasmin and the thought of what her last days were like out of my mind,” Mohammed said, tears wetting his shirt.

Everyone yearns for the borders to open so they might be able to breathe, work, travel, study abroad, or get medical care not available in Gaza due to the shortage of everything caused by the Israeli siege. Still, most assert they would return. “Just like a fish can’t survive out of water, we can’t live out of Gaza for too long. At some point, we need to return,” said Walaa, a young woman with two graduate degrees who was unemployed in Gaza’s shattered economy.

Imad, a nurse who works full time and had not been paid for over a year, invited me to meet his wife and eight children in their extremely modest but comfortable apartment. When asked how they survive with no income and so many mouths to feed, Imad explained that everyone in Gaza does what they can to help others out, since they are all pretty much in the same boat. He then shrugged his shoulders and pensively posed the question we heard so often: “What can we do?” It’s striking that 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are imprisoned in an area that is only 25 miles long and 5 to 8 miles wide—smaller than the Portland metro area.

A marvelous facilitator, who does support groups for children in Gaza, invited me to a group she runs for 5-year-olds who lost their homes, family members, their innocence—and so much more—in the bombings. I sat in the circle with the children as they chose happy or sad faces to represent how they felt. One girl said she took a sad face because her grandfather was killed by a bomb. Others took sad faces because they had bad dreams. The facilitator told me that her own 10-year-old daughter pleaded with her during the war, “Don’t leave me alone. I want to die together.”

 

So, there’s more than enough stress, grief, pain, and sadness to go around, but there is also a remarkable amount of love, generosity, and determination. Ramadan, who translated for one of my workshops and who is working on a Ph.D. in psychology, pointed out that just as lots of folks may only appreciate their health when they become sick, Palestinians may feel the lack of a homeland more intensely, having so brutally lost it. “Others have a physical homeland, a place they live in or visit. Our homeland lives in our hearts,” Ramadan told me over coffee to the sound of the waves beating on the shore.

While walking through an area of Gaza that was heavily bombed by the Israelis, witnessing homes, apartment buildings, and a school totally leveled, I was approached by a middle-aged man who politely offered me a large manuscript covered with the dust of a blown-up neighborhood. When I asked him what it was and why he wanted to give it to me, he motioned for me to follow him across the street to a huge mound of debris. As we climbed up the pile, avoiding broken glass, twisted rebar, and busted up concrete, he pulled out his phone and showed me a picture of quite an attractive and well-maintained home—his home. He explained that we were standing on that home and that absolutely everything had been destroyed except for the manuscript, his doctoral dissertation, which was a literary critique of the works of Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot.

This professor, who had lost it all, was insisting that I take what remained of a life. I will never know for sure why. Maybe it was Palestinian hospitality that required him to give this guest something, and that was all he had to give. Perhaps he wanted me to take it to a safe place, as he well knew that nothing was safe in Gaza. Possibly this professor was saying that in spite of all the destruction the Israelis could unleash at will, there is one thing they can never destroy: ideas—not only about Pound and Eliot, but also about the restoration of justice to a people who have suffered unimaginable brutality and dispossession.

I continue to struggle with many things now, not the least of which is finding words to adequately express the intensity of the experience of getting to know, in some small but profoundly meaningful way, a number of unforgettable and beautiful people in Gaza, and catching a glimpse into the unbelievably harsh reality of their lives. It’s difficult to make sense of how the occupation and siege of Gaza, which is slowly but very steadily crushing the life of 2 million people, can be happening, and how the world is doing so little to stop it. Imad’s question, “What can we do?” echoes in my head. Some of what I can do is clear: a stronger commitment to, as Arundhati Roy says, speaking out, asserting the Palestinian struggle more broadly and more often, as we Americans are so deeply complicit in the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. More of what I can do will surely emerge with time as I continue to think about the people I met who want nothing more than to live. In Gaza, I left behind friends and a piece of my heart—a heart that was broken many years earlier by the conflict between what I had been raised to believe about Israel and what I had learned was the darker reality of Israel.

Years ago, I sincerely believed I was being more than open-minded when I tried to hold to the conviction that there were two legitimate and distinctly different narratives—one Jewish and one Palestinian, two fundamentally irreconcilable claims to the same piece of land, and that was why the conflict was so unresolvable. But what was really unresolvable was the battle that thunderously raged in my head and even more vigorously in my heart. You see, I had become a progressive on every issue, except one. I marched for civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, everyone’s rights, and an end to war. But when it came to Israel-Palestine, I was extraordinarily torn up. Even if what my Palestinian friends were telling me were true, how could I turn my back on my own people and my own upbringing, especially after the thousands of years of suffering that Jews had endured? Wasn’t the Jewish history of pogroms, anti-Semitism, and the horrors of the Holocaust at least as compelling, if not more so? After all, as someone named after a Holocaust victim, I was a link in a long chain. How could I contribute to undermining the Jewish struggle to reconstruct a post-Holocaust decimated people and the state of Israel that had so recently come into existence?

With time and introspection, my dual narrative world began to fray at the edges, and eventually completely unravel. Probably the crushing blow came when a Palestinian friend asked me why Jews have such a hard time incorporating the Palestinian experience into the Jewish understanding of history. I didn’t quite grasp his question and, with trepidation, asked him to explain. He challenged me to see not two separate conflicting narratives, but one history—one history of what actually happened. That question and challenge—and exploring and reexploring their answers— took me on one of the deepest and most rewarding journeys of my life. It was the struggle of fundamentally wrestling to reconcile my politics around Israel-Palestine with my bottom-of-my-heart core values, and ultimately understanding, in the very essence of my being, that my true liberation as a Jewish person is now intrinsically bound up with the authentic liberation of the Palestinian people. My sense of freedom and wholeness will only be achieved when every Jew—and every Palestinian—is free. Zionism imprisons not only Palestinian bodies but Jewish minds as well.

I came to comprehend that the wonderful Jewish tradition of “Justice, justice thou shalt pursue” required me to take a stand with others of goodwill, including many Jews, to support my Palestinian sisters and brothers in their pain, struggle, and resistance. The breakthrough for me was the ultimate realization that standing up for the Palestinian people was not turning my back on my own people. Rather, in supporting the Palestinian struggle for freedom, I was upholding Judaism’s highest values and reclaiming them for myself, in—for me—a profoundly new and personally meaningful way. Nelson Mandela said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

Excerpted from “Palestine and my Journey of Self-Discovery,” an essay by Ned Rosch in Reclaiming Judaism from Zionism: Stories of Personal Transformation, edited by Carolyn L. Karcher. Published 2019 by Olive Branch Press, an imprint of Interlink Publishing Group. Copyright Carolyn L. Karcher and contributors.

This article was originally published by Yes” –

 

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (25 April – 01 May 2019)

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(25 April – 01 May 2019)

  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
  • 115 civilians, including 40 children, 3 women, 4 paramedics and a journalist, were wounded. The injury of 2 of them was reported serious.
  • A Palestinian civilian was wounded in the West Bank.
  • Israeli forces conducted 75 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 other incursions into Jerusalem.
  • 37 Palestinian civilians, including 4children, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 9 of them, including 3 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
  • Shooting incidents continued against Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the border areas of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
  • Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • 5 houses and 18 other facilities were demolished in addition to forcing a civilian to self-demolish his house and another to self-demolish his balcony.
  • Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
  • A house was demolished, and 4 dunums were leveled in al-Dirat village, south of Hebron in addition to uprooting dozens of olive trees in Beit Jala.
  • 3 civilians sustained wounds and bruises after being attacked by settles, west of Ramallah.
  • 8 Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Strip Sea.
  • The allowed area for fishing decreased to 6 nautical miles. A fisherman was wounded, 2 others were arrested, and a fishing a boat was confiscated.
  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13th consecutive year.
  • Israeli forces established 92 permanent checkpoints and 136 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
  • Two Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (25 April – 01 May 2019).

 

Shooting:

 

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized within the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 56th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force against Palestinians protesting against the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, During the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege protests, Israeli forces wounded 115 civilians, including 40 children, 3 women, 1 journalist and 4 paramedics. The injury of 2 of those wounded was reported serious.  Moreover, a fisherman was wounded by the Israeli forces in the Gaza Sea. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded a Palestinian civilian in a shooting incident.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 25 April – 01 May 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 31 12 0 0 1 0
Gaza City 13 1 1 0 1 0
Central Gaza Strip 38 16 1 0 1 0
Khan Yunis 12 4 0 0 1 0
Rafah 21 7 1 1 0 2
Total 115 40 3 1 4 2

 

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods.  On 30 April 2019, the Israeli authorities informed the Palestinian side of reducing the allowed area for fishing to 6 miles after weeks of allowing the fishermen to fish in the Gaza Sea up to 15 nautical miles.  As a result, the Israeli naval forces opened fire and chased the fishermen sailing within more than 6 nautical miles off the Gaza Shore, overwhelming many fishing nets.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 8 shooting incidents against the Palestinian fishermen off al-Waha resort shore in the northern Gaza Strip.  As a result, a fisherman was wounded, 2 were arrested and their fishing boat was confiscated.

 

As part of targeting the border areas, on 25 April 2019, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the farmers in eastern Shokah village, east of Rafah City.  The shooting recurred at the farmers in the same area on the same day.

 

On 30 April 2019, Israeli forces fired live ammunition and teargas canisters at the shepherds in northern Bouret Abu Samrah area in the northern Gaza Strip.  However, no casualties were reported.

 

In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 2 Palestinian civilians in separate shooting incidents while a child was wounded after being shot by settlers.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 75 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 28 Palestinians, including a child, in the West Bank, while 9 other civilians, including 3 children, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, On 29 April 2019, the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a number of residential and agricultural facilities in the villages of Sour Baher and al-Mukaber Mount in addition to the Thawri neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a license.  According to PCHR’s investigations, 3 residential houses and 15 other civil facilities were demolished in al-Mukaber Mount village and a shed in Sour Baher village.  Moreover, a Palestinian was forced to self-demolish his house balcony in the latter village while another was forced to self-demolish his house in Qaddoum Valley neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem pursuant to the Israeli Municipality’s decision under the pretext of building without a license.

On 30 April 2019, the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished 2 houses and 2 barracks in Yasoul Valley neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of building without a license.  It should be mentioned that those facilities belonged to Anas and Qosai Burqan and used to shelter 11 family members, including 7 children.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of house demolitions and notices, on 29 April 2019, the Israeli forces leveled an agricultural land belonging to Walid Zarinah in Beit Jala and uprooted dozens of olive trees. Zarinah said that his land was uprooted with 200 fruitful olive trees as the Israeli bulldozers uprooted dozens of them.

 

  • On 01 May 2019, the Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to the family of Jabrin al-‘Adrah in al-Dirat village, east of Yata, south of Hebron. The 1-story house was built of bricks on an area of 130 square meters and sheltered a family of 7 members, including 5 children.

 

  • As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 28 April 2019, a group of settlers attacked 3 Palestinian civilians, who were in their agricultural lands in al-Risan Mount area in the western side of Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah. The settlers managed to catch the 3 civilians and beat them up.  As a result, they sustained bruises in the chest and lower limbs.
  • On 01 May 2019, a group of Israeli settlers from “‘Itsaf” settlement established on the lands of Barwa village, east of Ramallah, cut and destroyed 120 olive trees in the eastern area lands of the village.   Those trees belonged to Ibrahim Hasan Kan’an, ‘Abdullah Barakat, and Yousif Kan’an.

 

 

Details

 

  1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 

Thursday, 25 April 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Kefah Ahmed Abu ‘Ayash (22) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Mahmoud Sa’ed (19) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 08:50, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian farmers. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave the area fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 14:50, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al- Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers near the March of Return encampment. As a result, the farmers were forced to leave the area, but no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir al-‘Asal, Karza villages and Halhoul in Hebron; Safa, ‘Ein ‘Arik and Betunia villages in Ramallah; Qifin, Ertah and Far’oun villages in Tulkarm; Hares village, north of Salfit; and ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah.

 

 

Friday, 26 April 2019:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Qader Haroub (33). They then withdrew from the area and no arrests were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Na’im and al-Samou’a villages in Hebron; Nablus and Tal village, southwest of the city; Sebastia village, northwest of the city; Qabatiyah village, southeast of Jenin; Hares village, north of Salfit; ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyah; and Seniriya village southeast of the city.

 

Saturday, 27 April 2019:

 

  • At approximately 06:45, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha Resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Dura, al-Majd, Beit Ummer and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron; Baqa western village, north of Tulkarm; al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit; ‘Azzoun and Kufor Qaddoum villages, east, northeast of Qalqiliyah.

 

Sunday, 28 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Mohammed Taha ‘Adarbah (23), Rani Ahmed Hadeeb (18) and ‘Obaid Akram Jawabrah (22).

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zohair Khairi Eskafi (40). They withdrew and no arrests were reported.

 

  • At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Osamah Nathir Hamed (26) and Abdul Hafith Wasel ‘Azzam (25) and then arrested them.

 

  • At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Wahah Resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta, Tarqumiyah and al-Thaheriyah villages in Hebron; Kufor Sour and al-Ras villages, south of Tulkarm.

 

 

Monday, 29 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zaher Abdul Rahman As’ad Daqqah (43) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majdi Jamal ‘Awad Hasan Salem Hashash (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Batir village, west of ‘Askar al-Jadeed refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yusuf Amjad al-Ashqar (23) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested 4 civilians, including 2 brothers, namely Yusuf ‘Ali Yusuf al-Safadi (23), Abdullah Jehad Theeb Shehadah (21); Mohammed (23) and Saif Eden Mustafa Ahmed al-Safadi (23).

 

  • At approximately 03:15, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Dan village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayman Rajeh ‘Abed and then arrested his sons Ehsan (20) and Osamah (22).

 

  • At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit. They raided ad searched a house belonging to Yusuf Sofian Abu Laila (24) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 08:15, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha Resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (10) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tarqoumia village, Dura in Hebron; Sabastia village, northwest of Nablus; Jenin Refugee Camp, west of Jenin.Zawata and Agnesina villages, northwest of Nablus; Hebron, Surif, al-Thaheriyah and Hadab villages in Hebron; Qalqiliyah, Ezbet al-Ashqar, Kufor Thuluth and ‘Azzoun villages in Qalqiliyah.

 

 

Tuesday, 30 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 04:40, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ne’mah village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child, namely Ahmed Nazih Abu ‘Ali (14), Ramzi Medhat ‘Abdoh (22), and Yusuf Hasan Abu ‘Adi (19).

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Zeyad Hamed (20) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces informed the Palestinian competent authorities of their decision to reduce the fishing area to 6 nautical miles after weeks of allowing fishermen to freely fish in the Gaza Strip sea at a distance of 15 nautical miles. Therefore, the Israeli forces chased the fishermen, who sailed at a distance of more than 6 nautical miles off the Gaza Strip shore, and opened fire at them. As a result, a number of fishing nets sank into the sea after the fishermen left them fearing for their lives.

 

  • At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha Resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. The shooting recurred at approximately 19:55 on the same day. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

  • At approximately 14:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, opened fire and fired flare bombs at Palestinian Shepherds, north of Buret Abu Samrah, north of Beit Lahia. As a result, the shepherds were forced to leave the area fearing for their lives, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Thuluth village, in Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Kamel Ahmed Shawahnah (69) and then arrested him.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Emrish and Beit ‘Awa village in Hebron; Howarah and Beta villages, south of Nablus.

 

 

Wednesday, 01 May 2019

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Ibrahim al-‘Amour (22) and then arrested him.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bani Na’em village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they handed summonses to 4 civilians to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. The civilians were identified as Bilal Mohammed Tarirah, Sabri al-Khodour, Mohammed Sa’ed Barakat and Mohammed ‘Ali Manasrah.

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mojahed Waddah al-Qutob (28) and ‘Asem Gunaim (27) and then arrested him.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalid Yusuf ‘Ali Jabrin (19), who is arrested. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported. It should be noted that the Israeli forces demolished the family house on 16 December 2018, claiming that Khalid carried out a stab attack.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Ali Qasem al-Shaikh (22) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • At approximately 07:15, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha Resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. The gunboats surrounded a fishing boat belonging to Saleh Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Ryalah (48), from al-Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The board was manned by Saleh’s son Hazem (28) and Khalid Rajab Abu Ryalah (24). The Israeli soldiers ordered the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into water and swim towards the gunboats. The fishermen were arrested and their boat was confiscated. As a result, of shooting, fisherman Mohammed Bashir Sha’ban Abu Ryalah (24), who was sailing in another boat, was hit with a rubber bullet to the back. He received medical treatment at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and doctors classified his injury as minor.

 

  • At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, adjacent to al-Waha Resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. The shooting recurred in the area at approximately 23:50. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives, but neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’, Nuba, Kharas, Deir Samet and Tarousah villages in Hebron; Beit Liqya village, south of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city.

 

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

 

Gaza Strip:

 

During the 55th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 92, including 22 children, four women, five journalists, and five paramedics. Two of them sustained serious wounds. The incidents were as follows:

 

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 31 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children and a paramedic. Twenty five of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 2 with rubber bullets and 4 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedic was identified as Mohammed Nabil Ibrahim al-Bes (28), who is a volunteer paramedic at “Volunteer Nurse Team” from Beit Lahia, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right foot.

 

  • Gaza City: the Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 13 Palestinian civilians, including a child, a paramedic an a woman. Seven of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 3 were hit with rubber bullets and 3 were directly hit with tear gas canister. The wounded paramedic was identified as Husain Mohsen, who works at the Military Medical Services, was hit with a live bullet to the left hand.

 

 

  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 15:00 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 38 Palestinian civilians, including 16 children, a woman and a paramedic. Eighteen of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 20 of them were directly hit with live bullets. The wounded paramedic was identified as Ahmed Husain Mohammed Kafinah (32), who works at the Civil Defense, was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the neck.

 

  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 12 demonstrators, including 4 children, and a paramedic. The wounded paramedic was identified as Mohammed Sobhi Abu Ta’aimah (24), who works at Medical Top Team. It should be noted that on 19 April 2019, Mohammed was hit with a tear gas canister to the foot.

 

  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:30 until 18:30, resulted in the injury of 21 civilians, including 7 children, a woman and a journalist. Nine of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and 2 were seriously injured. The wounded journalist was identified as Ramadan Ibrahim Khalil al-Sharif (30), who works at Shehab News Agency, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.
  1. Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

 

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a 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 of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

 

 Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(24-29 April 2019)

Category 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28 April 29 April
Patients 74 34 87 86
Companions 62 30 77 74
Personal needs 2 2 24 20
Families of prisoners 26
Arabs fromIsrael 23 3 30 13
Diplomats 5
Meetings in Erez
International workers 30 20 9 14
TravelersAbroad 1
Business people+ BMC 1 875 397
Economic and agriculture    interviews
Security interviews 3 8
Death cases
Companions’ Deaths
Return to the West Bank
Christians’ Holidays 45 23 35 34
Conferences and Training courses 2
Permits’ renewal
VIPs
AmbulancesPatient 3 3 3
Ambulancescompanion 3 2 3

 

 

  • Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 25 April to 01 May 2019:  
Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons
Jerusalem 13 9
Nablus 10 27 2 1
Jenin 5 8 1
Ramallah 11 17 4
Tulkarm 7 7 1
Tubas 2 3 1
Salfit 3 9 1
Qalqiliyia 5 12 4
Hebron 20 30 15
Bethlehem 11 11 2
Jericho 5 3
Al-Karama Crossing
Total 92 136 30 2

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

 

  • At approximately 21:30 on Friday, 26 April 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Hamid Ghazi al-Sirawan (33), from the Old City of Nablus.
  • At approximately 22:30 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint established at the entrance to al-Jamala village near the Power Plant of Jenin, arrested Mohamed Ahmed Fayiz Frihat (25), from al-Yamoun village, west of the city.

 

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

Arrests and Incursions:

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 25 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into Beit Iksah village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shihab Husam Gharib (24) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces arrested Ameer Moneer Zaghir (35|) while getting out of al-Asbat Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque gates, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.
  • At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 27 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’taz ‘Abdullah Zaytoun (14) and then arrested him.
  • At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, 28 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 4 civilians, including 2 children. The arrested civilians were identified as Ayoub ‘Ali Abu al-Humus (19), Yunis Ayman ‘Olayan (23), Moneer Mo’amer ‘Olayan (17), and Mahmoud Naser Mostafa (17).
  • At approximately 14:00 on Wednesday, 01 May 2019, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ziyad Yousef Motawer (34) and Adham Motawer (28) and then arrested both of them.

 

  • Notices and House Demolitions:

 

  • On Monday, 29 April 2019, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished many residential and agricultural facilities in Surbaher village, al-Mukaber Mount area, and al-Thawri neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. According to PCHR’s investigation, the demolished facilities were as follows:

 

In al-Mukaber Mount area:

1- A residential house built of tin plates and belongs to Ahmed Khalaf Ja’abees.

2- A 150-sqaure-meter residential house comprised of 3 rooms; a 140-sqaure-meter barrack; and a 40-sqaure-meter store belong to ‘Emad Abu Sharifa.

3-Two sheds used for breeding livestock and belongs to Jamal Shoqairat.

4- A 40-sqaure-meter shed used as a store; and a 50-sqaure-meter container belong to Mohamed ‘Adel Shoqirat.

5- Two sheds used for breeding livestock and belongs to Fawzi Masouda.

6- Twi sheds used for agriculture and belongs to Ya’qoub Abu Isninah.

7- Five caravans belonging to ‘Awni Othman.

8-An agricultural shed belonging to Isma’il ‘Obaidiyia.

9- Wall built with bricks belonging to Salah Shoqirat and Khalil Shoqirat.

 

In Surbaher village, south of occupied Jerusalem, Mahmoud ‘Abed Rabbo self-demolished his balcony in order to implement the Israeli Municipality decision. The demolition was under the pretext of non-licensing. Moreover, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished a shed used for breeding livestock and belongs to Abu Kaf Family.

 

  • On Monday evening, Mohamed Sa’ied Ahmed al-Salimah self-demolished his house located in Wadi Qaddoum neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non-licensing. Mohamed said that on Saturday, 27 April 2019, he demolished parts of his house, which was still under-construction, but the Israeli Municipality staff raided his house along with the Israeli police, demanding him to demolish all the house or the municipality staff will demolish it and fine him. Mohamed said that his lawyer managed to delay the demolition until Thursday morning, 02 May 2019, on one condition that he will pay NIS 10.000. Thus, he was forced to immediately demolish the house by using a bulldozer. Mohamed pointed out that he demolished his house on last Saturday with manual demolishing tools. He added that on Saturday evening he demolished his house by using a bulldozer, which caused damage in nearby building. It should be noted that Mohamed’s house located in the 3rd floor of the abovementioned building and built on an area of 130 square meters.

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 30 April 2019, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished 2 houses and 2 barracks in Wadi Yasoul neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non-licensing. The neighborhood’s residents said that the municipality bulldozers accompanied with dozens of soldiers and special focus moved into Wadi Yasoul neighborhood. The Israeli soldiers surrounded the neighborhood, topped the houses and buildings roofs, and then forcibly raided two houses belonging to the siblings Anas and Qusai Burqan to demolish their houses under the pretext of non-licensing. The residents said that the Israeli forces threw a sound bomb inside a house to disperse the residents and forcibly get them out. The soldiers then severely beat Anas with gun butts, pushed and beat his mother and threatened him to beat his pregnant sister. During which, the soldiers indiscriminately sprayed pepper-spray inside and outside the house. The residents pointed out that the Israeli forces also attacked other residents, who were outside the house, fired rubber bullet at them, and pushed and beat them to deny their access to the demolition area. As a result, a 71-year-old elderly sustained wounds to his hand which received 30 stitch. Moreover, Mohamed Abu ‘Eidah sustained wounds to his head after being hit with a sound bomb shrapnel and his head received 10 stitch. Hamza Maragha also sustained wounds to his ear, which received 12 stitch, after being hit with gun butts. The house owner, Anas Burqan, sustained wounds and bruises and then detained until the next day under the pretext of assaulting an Israeli police officer. Moreover, Mahdi and Suhaib Burqan sustained various bruises. Burqan family said that the Israeli forces left 11 family members, including 7 children, homeless after demolishing his house. The family clarified that Anas’s house was built 29 years ago and Qusai’s house was built 27 years ago. Both of the houses were built of tin plates and bricks. The family added that the demolition decision issued against 2 houses only, but the Israeli bulldozers demolished 2 barracks used for breeding livestock, a store, and walls surrounding the land. Moreover, the bulldozers levelled olive, lemon and palm trees. In mid-April, the Israeli Supreme Court dismissed the appeal applied by the house owner against demolishing their houses and allowed to demolish 4 houses. It should be noted that the Israeli Municipality and Courts refused all construction works in Wadi Yasoul neighborhoods under the pretext of being green areas. Around 84 houses were threatened to be demolished.

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

  • On Monday, 29 April 2019, the Israeli authorities’ vehicles demolished an agricultural land belonging to Waleed Zarinah in Beit Jala. They also uprooted dozens of olive trees. Waleed said that his land planted with around 200 fruitful olive trees, which the Israeli forces uprooted dozens of them. He added that the Israeli forces declared the area as a “closed military zone” and prevented Palestinian civilians from approaching the area. The Israeli forces also arrested his brother Ayman while he was in the plot of land.
  • At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 01 May 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles, a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into al-Dirat village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli forces surrounded a house belonging to Jabreen Mahmoud al-‘Adrah (40) while the Israeli Civil Administration officers vacated the house contents. The 130-sqaure-mketer house was comprised of one floor and built with bricks. It sheltered 7 members, including 5 children. The family members were prevented from approaching the house after vacating it and then the Israeli bulldozers started to demolish it under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

  • On Thursday, 25 April 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, moved into Wadi al-Qut site, south of Beit Ummer, north of Hebron. The Israeli settlers performed their rituals and Talmudic prayers and no more events were reported.

 

  • At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 28 April 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, some of them were armed, attacked 3 Palestinian civilians while they were in their agricultural lands in al-Risan Mount area in the western area of Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah. The settlers caught the 3 Palestinians identified as Wesam Ibrahim Matar (49), Zahid Jobran Mohamed Ishtaih (42), and Omar Suliman al-Deek (53). The settlers then beat them, causing bruises to their chest and lower limbs. Meanwhile, the village residents gathered and forced the settlers to leave. The wounded were then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.

 

  • At approximately 05:00 on Wednesday, 01 May 2019, a large number of Israeli settlers, from “Assaf” settlement established on Burqa village lands, east of Ramallah, cut and damaged around 120 olive trees. Ibrahim Hasan Kan’an (55), one of the affected persons, said that at approximately 05:00, around 30 Israeli settlers cut the olive trees and their branches after damaging barbed wires and stone chains surrounding them. The settlers then leave the area and headed to the abovementioned settlement. The settlers cut around 120 olive trees planted 5 years ago and belong to Ibrahim Kan’an, ‘Abdullah Barakat and Yousef Kan’an.

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893

israeli rabbi: Notre Dame fire divine retribution? Church-burning can be ok

Israeli rabbi: Notre Dame fire divine retribution? Church-burning can be ok

Israeli rabbi: Notre Dame fire divine retribution? Church-burning can be ok

Debris inside the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 16, 2019, a day after a fire that devastated the iconic building. (Christophe Petit Tesson/Pool/AFP)

A prominent Israeli rabbi suggests that the Notre Dame Cathedral fire may have been divine retribution, indicates that the burning of churches in Israel may be problematic only in that they may be rebuilt.

by Kathryn Shihadah

Times of Israel reported in Radical rabbi says Notre Dame fire retribution for 13th-century Talmud burning that a prominent extremist rabbi believes the Notre Dame Cathedral fire may have been “divine retribution for the mass-burning of Talmud volumes by French Catholic priests” in 1242.

Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, the rabbi of the illegal Beit El settlement, instructs Jews that they need not feel saddened by the fire that devastated the 12th century cathedral, priceless artifacts, and works of art.

Ancient animosity

Aviner said: “Christians must be punished.”

[Christianity] is our number one enemy throughout history. [They] tried to convert us by arguments and by force, carried out an inquisition against us, burned the Talmud, expulsions, pogroms. Western anti-Semitism draws from Christianity’s hatred of the ‘murderers of God.’ It also had a role in the Holocaust.

The first great Talmud burning happened in Paris, right there at the Notre Dame Cathedral square. It was the result of the Paris trial in which Jewish sages were forced to debate Christian sages, and the result was the burning of the Talmud. Volumes of Talmud were brought in 20 carts and burned there, 1,200 Talmud volumes. So [the fire demonstrates] ‘there is justice and there is a Judge.

The 1240 Disputation of Paris, in which rabbis were forced to defend accusations that the Talmud was anti-Christian, was remembered by medieval Jews as a traumatic event. The public “trial” culminated in the burning of some 1,200 volumes of Talmud and other Jewish holy texts in Paris in 1242.

The Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reports that the burning of Talmuds had been triggered by a Jewish man named Nicholas Donin who had converted to Christianity. Donin traveled to Rome and presented the pope with a list of complaints about the Talmud. Among them the fact that a number of its passages “blasphemed Jesus and Mary, and attacked non-Jews.” During the French disputation about the Talmud, it was Donin who argued against it,* ultimately resulting in the pope’s decree that the books be “burned at the stake.”

Modern directive

In an online discussion as the Notre Dame Cathedral burned, Avner was unwilling to take a definite stand on the “divine retribution” theory. He conceded that “we do not know the secrets of God”; yet he dismissed the possibility that several recent fires in Israel could be punishment.

Aviner does not encourage the burning of churches in general – “for the time being.” However, he hesitated to condemn the practice inside Israel, stating that the  “issue is more complicated” in the Jewish State. When a church is destroyed, it will likely be rebuilt, and building a church in Israel “is a greater transgression than leaving one intact.”

Mondoweiss reports that, far from being a fringe figure, Aviner is “considered to be one most important rabbis of the religious nationalist sector. He is a prolific writer, having published more than 200 books.”

It points out that Aviner does not merely state his own opinion about church-burning, but quotes two sources (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kasher and the Satmar Rabbi), a fact which “says volumes about the discourse among his followers and students.”

Mondoweiss notes: “Several churches have been burnt in Israel in the last few years, and the police have been spectacularly useless in capturing the arsonists. In several cases, the arson was accompanied by slogans familiar from ‘price tag’ attacks in the West Bank (mostly along the lines of Jewish vengeance).”

The targeting of homes, vehicles, and Palestinian individuals have also been a daily occurrence.


*Editor’s note:

A number of authors have discussed anti-Christian passages in the Talmud. Peter Schäfer’s book Jesus in the Talmud, published by Princeton University Press, notes that the Talmud referred to Jesus as a bastard and his mother Mary as an adulteress; he is depicted as “sitting forever in boiling excrement.”

Israeli author Israel Shahak’s informative book, Jewish History, Jewish Religion: The Weight of Three Thousand Years, also addresses this, as well as other aspects of the Talmud, stating:

According to the Talmud, Jesus was executed by a proper rabbinical court for idolatry, inciting other Jews to idolatry, and contempt of rabbinical authority. All classical Jewish sources which mention his execution are quite happy to take responsibility for it; in the talmudic account the Romans are not even mentioned.

Shahak reports in another book on the subject that a 1996 Ha’aretz article stated the following (bracketed phrases inserted by Shahak]:

A check of main facts of the [Jewish] historiography of the last 1500 years shows that the picture is different from the one previously shown to us. It includes massacres of Christians [by Jews]; mock repetitions of the crucifixion of Jesus that usually took place on Purim; cruel murders within the family; liquidation of informers, often done for religious reasons by secret rabbinical courts, which issued a sentence of “pursuer” and appointed secret executioners; assassinations of adulterous women in synagogues and/or the cutting of their [the women’s] noses by command of the rabbis. Rosen included in his long article many well-documented cases of massacres of Christians and mock repetitions of the crucifixion of Jesus on Purim, most of which occurred either in the late ancient period or in the Middle Ages. (Some isolated cases occurred in sixteenth-century Poland.)

Shahak added: “Rosen included in his long article many well-documented cases of massacres of Christians and mock repetitions of the crucifixion of Jesus on Purim, most of which occurred either in the late ancient period or in the Middle Ages.”


Kathryn Shihadah is staff writer for If Americans Knew. She blogs at Palestine Home


RELATED READING:

Israel is not as Christian-friendly as you think

Everyone could celebrate Easter in Jerusalem except Palestinian Christians

Israel bars Gaza Christians from Easter worship

Israel’s ‘Rule of the Rabbis’ Who Preach Genocide Fuels Holy War

The Moral Decadence of Zionism

What does the Bible really say about modern Israel?

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (18 April – 24 April 2019)

PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations  (18 – 24 April 2019)

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 18 – 24 April, 2019.

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. 92 Palestinian civilians, including 22 children, 5 women, 5 journalists, and 5 paramedics, were wounded. Two of them sustained serious wounds. Four Palestinian civilians, including two journalists, were wounded in the weekly Kafr Qaddoum peaceful protest, north of the West Bank.

Shooting:

 

  • In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 55th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 92 Palestinian civilians, including 22 children, 5 women, 5 journalists, and 5 paramedics. The injury of two of them was reported serious. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians, including two journalists, in the weekly Kafer Qaddoum peaceful protest.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 18 to 24 April 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 9 2 1 0 0 0
Gaza City 32 6 1 1 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 15 4 1 1 2 2
Khan Yunis 19 4 2 1 3 0
Rafah 17 6 0 2 0 0
Total 92 22 5 5 5 2

 

 

  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented two incidents were as follows: 2 incidents off Rafah Shore and 1 off Khan Younis Shore.

 

 

  • As part of targeting the border areas, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agriculture lands, east of Khuza’a, and no injuries nor damage to property were reported. The Israeli shooting at the abovementioned agriculture lands recurred on 21 and 22 April 2019, and no injuries nor damage to property were reported.

 

  • On 21 April 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at civilians, who were collecting gravels near Sofa Site, and no injuries were reported. The Israeli shooting at the abovementioned area recurred on 22 and 24 April 2019, and no injuries were reported.

 

  • During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 journalists, in the weekly Kafer Qaddoum peaceful protest in northern West Bank.

 

  • Collective Punishment Policy

 

  • As part of the collective punishment policy adopted by the Israeli forces against the families of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks against Israeli soldiers and/or settlers, on 19 April 2019, Israeli forces demolished two residential apartments belonging to the family of ‘Arafat Irfa’iyah in Dahiyat al-Balad area in southern area of Hebron. Each apartment was built on an area of 150 square meters; the first apartment sheltered his parents and two brothers while the second one was uninhabited. It should be noted that ‘Arafat was arrested by the Israeli forces on 09 February 2019, accusing him of killing an Israeli settler found on 07 February 2019 in forests near Jerusalem.

 

  • In the same context, on 24 April 2019, the Israeli forces blew up a house belonging to the family Omar Abu Laila in al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit. It should be noted that the above-mentioned building was comprised of 2 floors; each had 4 apartments, sheltering 4 families comprised of 18 individuals, including 10 children and 2 elderly women. Each apartment was built on an area of 130 square meters. As a result of blowing up the apartment, the other 3 apartments in the building fully sustained material damage to their contents. In addition, the nearby houses sustained material damage as their windows glass broke down. It should be noted that the Israeli forces accused  Omar Abu Laila of carrying out stabbing and shooting attacks at the intersection of Ariel” settlement on 17 March 2019, in which a settler and a soldier were killed. On 19 March 2019, the Israeli forces killed Omar Abu Liala in an armed clash in Abuwin village, north of Ramallah, and his body is so far in the Israeli custody.

 

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 59 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 44 Palestinians, including 8 children and a woman, from the West Bank, while 8 other civilians, including 5 children, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

 

 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 18 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into Sosiyia village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration staff dismantled a 30-sqaure-meter residential tent built of metal poles and sheds. The tent belongs to Hussain Radi Hussain Nawaj’ah (40). The Israeli forces leveled the area and then confiscated the tent. The Israeli authorities claimed that there was a decision issued by the Israeli Supreme Court to freeze the construction works in al-Sosiyia village and any new building will be demolished or confiscated without a prior notice. It should be noted that the Israeli forces dismantled a residential tent and demolished a barn belonging to Hussain Radi Hussain Nawaj’ah on 16 April 2019. The tent was later confiscated.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

 

Gaza Strip:

 

During the 55th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 92, including 22 children, four women, five journalists, and five paramedics. Two of them sustained serious wounds. The incidents were as follows:

 

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 22 Palestinian civilians, including two children and a woman. Three of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, three with a rubber bullet and three were directly hit with tear gas canisters.

 

  • Gaza City: the Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 32 Palestinian civilians, including six children and a journalist. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, six were hit with rubber bullets and ten were directly hit with tear gas canister.

 

 

  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 15:00 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 15 Palestinian civilians, including four children, a woman, a journalist, and two paramedics. Two of them were transferred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza as their wounds were classified as serious. Six of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and nine were directly hit with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets. The wounded journalist was identified as Mohammad Baker Mahmoud al-Looh (31), from Nuseirat, who works at al-Watan Radio and was hit with a tear gas canister to the left knee. The wounded paramedics were identified as Mohammad Subhi Hassam al-‘Omari (54), from Deir al-Balah, who was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg, and Ahmad Ibrahim Jameel Weshah (25), a volunteer paramedic, who was directly hit with rubber bullet to the head. Both of them work at Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

 

  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 19 demonstrators, including four children, two woman, a journalist, and three paramedics. Six of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, one with rubber bullets and 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedics were identified as Daila Bassam Ahmad Abu Rida (20), who is a member of Rowad el-Salam Medical Team and was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg; Mohammad Subhi Abu Ta’ima (24), who is a member of Watan Medical Team and was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg; and Ahmad Saleh Ahmad al-Naqa (32), who works as a paramedic and a media officer at Civil Defense and was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the neck. The wounded journalist was identified as Yusuf Mohammad Qassem Mass’oud (27), who works as a freelance photojournalist and was hit with a shrapnel to the left thigh.

 

  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 18:30, resulted in the injury of 17 demonstrators, including six children and two journalists. Five of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded journalists were identified as ‘Abdul Raheem Mohammad Deen al-Khateeb (42), who was hit with a tear gas canister to the left thigh, and Mo’ath Fathy Yusuf al-Hams (23), who was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg. Both of them work as freelance journalists.

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 13:00, on Friday, 05 April 2019, on Friday afternoon, Palestinian peaceful demonstrators started from the center of Kufor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” settlement established on the village’s lands. The demonstrators chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli forces stationed behind sand berms. The Israeli forces immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, four civilians, including two journalists, were wounded. The wounded journalists were identified as:

1- Nedal Shafeek Taher Eshtiah (50), who works as a photojournalist at Xinhua News Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the right leg.

2-Ayman Ameen al-Nobany (32), who works as a photojournalist at Palestinian News and Info Agency (WAFA), was hit with a rubber bullet to the thigh.

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

Arrests and Incursions:

 

  • At approximately 04:00 on Thursday, 18 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested five civilians, including three children, and then took them to Salah al-Deen Police Station in the center of the village. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohamed Sameeh ‘Oliyan (13), Mo’tasem Mohamed Abu Nab (17), Ziyad Khalil al-Rajbi (19), Anas al-Khatib (19), and Mohamed al-Khatib (14).

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 22 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into Ras Shehada neighborhood in Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Malek Naser Hoshieh (15) and Saleh Mohamed al-Sharqawi (14).

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mostafa Jameel al-Hashlamoun (22) and then handed him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in al-Maskobiyia investigation center, west of Jerusalem, on 30 April 2019.

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 23 April 2019, Israeli police stationed at al-Majles Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque gates, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, arrested the director of the Islamic museum of the mosque, ‘Arafat ‘Amri (54), after detaining his ID card. He was then taken to “ Beit al-‘Aho” investigation center in the Old City.

 

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 18 April 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a bulldozer and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Sosiyia village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration staff dismantled a 30-sqaure-meter residential tent built of metal poles and sheds. The tent belongs to Hussain Radi Hussain Nawaj’ah (40). The Israeli forces leveled the area and then confiscated the tent. The Israeli authorities claimed that there was a decision issued by the Israeli Supreme Court to freeze the construction works in al-Sosiyia village and any new building will be demolished or confiscated without a prior notice. It should be noted that the Israeli forces dismantled a residential tent and demolished a barn belonging to Hussain Radi Hussain Nawaj’ah on 16 April 2019. The tent was later confiscated.

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human rights (PCHR).

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (11 April – 17 April 2019)

PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations (11 – 17 April 2019)

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 11 – 17 April, 2019.

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian child was killed and another succumbed to his wounds. 98 civilians, including 26 children, 6 women, 3 paramedics and a journalist, were wounded. The injury of 1 of them was reported serious. 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank.

Shooting:

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized within the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 54th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force against Palestinians protesting against the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, During the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege protests, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 98 civilians, including 26 children, 6 women, 1 journalist and 3 paramedics. The injury of 1 of those wounded was reported serious.  Another child succumbed to his wounds in the Israeli hospitals as he was previously wounded when attempting to sneak into Israel to work there.  Moreover, a fisherman was wounded. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 3 Palestinian civilians while another a child was wounded after Israeli settlers opened fire at the child.

In the Gaza Strip, on 12 April 2019, Israeli forces killed Maysarah Abu Shallouf (15) from ‘Ezbet Beit Hanoun after being wounded with a bullet to the left waist while participating in the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.  At approximately 17:00, Maysarah was few meters away from the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. He was left bleeding for 20 minutes as the Israeli forces denied the medical personnel’s access to him. At approximately 17:40, he was then referred to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in the Emergency Department, where his death was declared at approximately 17:55.

In the same context, on 13 April 2019, the Palestinian liaison declared the death of Ishaq Ishteiwi (16) from al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City, after succumbing to wounds he sustained on 03 April 2019 while sneaking into Israel and arresting him along with 2 of his friends, east of the village.  His father said that one of his relatives received a call from the Palestinian Liaison at approximately 17:30 on the abovementioned Sunday and informed him of Ishaq’s death.

Collective Punishment Measures:

As part of the collective punishment policy adopted by the Israeli forces against the families of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks against Israeli soldiers and/or settlers, on Wednesday early morning, 17 April 2019, the Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to the family of Saleh ‘Omer al-Barghouthi from Cooper village, north of Ramallah. The one-story house was built on an area of 280 square meters and sheltered his wife and 3-year-old son.  In a crime of extra-judicial execution, Saleh al-Barghouthi was killed by the Israeli forces on 12 December 2018 when he was accused of carrying out a shooting attack on 09 December 2018 at a bus stop near “‘Ofra” settlement in northeaster Ramallah and wounding 7 settlers.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 71 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 58 Palestinians, including 4 children, from the West Bank, while 14 other civilians, including 5 children, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.  Among those arrested was ‘Adnan Ghaith, Jerusalem’s Governor, who was arrested from his family house in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, 13 April 2019, Shadi and Fadi al-‘Ajlouni self-demolished their houses in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.  Shadi al-‘Ajlouni said that the Israeli municipality issued a decision to demolish the 40-square-meter residential apartment where he lived with his brother.  The Muncipality gave the family till the end of the monst to apply the demolition decision or its staff will do so and the family has to pay the demolition costs in addition to a financial fine.  The house was built 2 years ago of “reinforced gypsum, tin plates, and bricks” on the family house roof as a third floor comprised of 2 rooms and a joint kitchen, sheltering 8 members; half of them are children.

On 15 April 2019, ‘Awad al-‘Abbasi self-demolished his house in al-Sweih neighborhood in Silwan, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City.  He said that he demolished his under-construction house after the Israeli municipality issued a decision to demolish the house under the pretext of unlicensed building.  He added that in the last days, he went to a lawyer and an engineer attempting to obtain a license for the house but in vain.  Thus, he was forced to self-demolish his house to avoid paying the fine and the demolition expenses for the municipal staffs.  al-‘Abbasi said that the Israeli muncipality demolished his house in 2007 and rebuilt it last year to shelter his family.

On 17 April 2019, Israeli forces demolished a residential room and storehouses belonging to ‘Ezz al-Deen Burqan and a horse farm belonging to Mohammed al-Qaq in Yasoul Valley neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.  They also demolished a house belonging to ‘Omran al-Masri in al-Ashqariyah neighborhood in Beit Hanina, north of occupied East Jerusalem.

In the same context, on 14 April 2019, the Israeli Supreme Court dismissed a challenge filed by Palestinian families living in Yasoul Valley neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City to stop the demolition of their houses that are partially built on a land where “Elad” Settlement Organization tries to build Jewish tourism projects.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

  • As part of house demolitions and notices, on 16 April 2019, the Israeli forces dismantled and confiscated a residential tent in Susiya village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron, in addition to leveling where it was set. The Israeli authorities claimed that the 30-square-meter tent belonging to Hussein Nawaj’ah (40) was confiscated and leveled under the pretext of non- licensing.
  • On the same day, the Israeli authorities issued a military order to ban Palestinian farmers from entering their lands in al-Nabi Noun Mount, east of Yanoun village, southeast of Nablus and transfer them to a natural reserve in preamble to confiscate them. Rashed Marar, Head of the Village Council, said to PCHR’s fieldworker, said that the mountain which is of hundreds dunums is planted with olive trees and some dunums are used for agricultural purposes and for grazing sheep.
  • On 17 April 2019, Israeli forces demolished an under-construction house built on an area of 200 square meters belonging to Shehadah ‘Azem from Tibah in Israel. This house is one of 5 houses that were threatened to be demolished upon notices distributed to their owners earlier this year to halt construction works.
  • As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers during the reporting period 4 incidents carried out by settlers Most prominent incidents were as follows:
  • On 12 April 2019, under the protection of the Israeli forces, a group of settlers attacked the northeastern outskirts of the Burin village, south of Nablus. a settler opened fire from his gun and wounded ‘Obadah al-Najjarah (17) with a bullet to his buttock.
  • On 13 April 2019, a group of settlers attacked the eastern outskirts of ‘Orif village, south of Nablus, and broke the windows of 2 vehicles parked in front of a house. In the afternoon, the settlers came back again to attack the abovementioned village, wounding Naji Sabbah (17) with a stone to the right shoulder.
  • On the same day, a group of settlers attacked a Palestinian car with stones on Ramallah-Nablus Road and caused damage to it.

A Palestinian Child Succumbed to his Wounds in Israeli Hospitals

  • On Sunday evening, 13 April 2019, the Palestinian Liaison declared the death of Ishaq ‘Abdul M’oti Sweilem Eshteiwi (16), from al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, in Israel’s hospitals. Is’haq was wounded when two of his friends and he sneaked into Israel and were arrested, east of al-Shawka. Is’haq’s father said that one of his relatives received a phone call from the Palestinian Liaison at approximately 17:30, on Sunday, 13 April 2019, telling him that Is’haq died. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 21:00 on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at three Palestinian children, during their attempt to sneak into Israel to work there. As a result, they were hit with live bullets. The wounded children were identified as Mohammad Mousa Ramadan al-Bahabsa (16), Manssour Fawwaz Moussa al-Shawi (16) and Is’haq ‘Abdul M’oti Sweilem Eshteiwi (16). Mohammad al-Bahabsa, who was released via Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing on the next day, north of the Gaza Strip, said that the Israeli forces opened fire at them after they crossed the border fence. As a result, Manssour al-Shawi was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and Is’haq Eshteiwi was hit with several live bullets to the abdomen and upper limbs and then fainted. Both of them were then taken to Israeli hospitals to receive treatment. On Monday, 08 April 2019, Manssour al-Shawi was released via Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing after he received treatment in Israeli hospitals, while Is’haq Eshteiwi stayed for treatment until his death was announced.

 

Collective Punishment:

  • As part of the collective punishment policy adopted by the Israeli forces against the families of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks against Israeli soldiers and/or settlers, on Wednesday early morning, 17 April 2019, the Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to the family of Saleh ‘Omer al-Barghouthi from Cooper village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 03:00 on the abovementioned day, the Israeli forces backed by 20 military vehicles and armored personnel carriers in addition to a military bulldozer moved into Cooper village, north of Ramallah. The Israeli forces stepped out of their vehicles and deployed on the village streets and between houses.  They also topped some of the house roofs and closed the entrance to the family house of Saleh ‘Omer al-Barghouthi amidst Israeli firing of teargas canisters directly at the windows of the nearby houses. Large numbers raided the abovementioned house to apply the demolition decision which the family was informed of previously.  At approximately 03:30, the Israeli forces demolished the 1-storey house that was established on an area of 280 square meters and sheltered his wife and 3-year-old son.  After the house was completely demolished, the Israeli forces withdrew from the village at approximately 05:30 amidst heavily firing of teargas canisters.  As a result, Nabil Diaa’ al-Barghouthi (26) was hit with teargas canister shrapnel to the head. It should be noted that  ‘Asem is the brother of Saleh, who was assassinated by Israeli forces in an crime of extra-judcial execution on 12 December 2018 when he was accused of carrying out a shooting attack on 09 December 2018 at a bus stop near “‘Ofra” settlement in northeaster Ramallah and wounding 7 settler.

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

Gaza Strip:

In the 54th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 98 civilians, including 26 children, 6 women, a journalist and 3 paramedics. The incidents were as follows:

  • Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 31 of them, including a child and two women. Twenty of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, one was hit with a rubber bullet, and ten were directly hit with tear gas canisters.
  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the killing of a child and the injury of 20 civilians, including 9 children, 2 women and a paramedic. Eleven of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, two were hit with rubber bullets and seven were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of one of them was reported serious. According to PCHR’s fieldworker, at approximately 17:00, Mayssara Moussa Slaiman Abu Shalouf (15), from ‘Ezbet Beit Hanoun, was hit with a live bullet to the left waist and settled in the pelvis. Mayssara was wounded while being few meters away from the border fence with Israel. Moreover, the Israeli forces prevented the medical personnel from reaching Mayssara for around 20 minutes and then the medical personnel took him to a field medical point in the vicinity of the Return Camp, where he received first aid. At approximately 17:40, Mayssara was taken to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, where he was admitted to the ICU and at approximately 17:55, medical resources officially declared Mayssara’s death. Meanwhile, the wounded paramedic, Belal ‘Abd al-Bari al-‘Abed Abu Foul (30), form Jabalia Camp, who works as a volunteer paramedic with PRCS, was hit wth a tear gas canister to the left hand. 
  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting, which continued until 18:30, at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 20 civilians, including 4 children, a woman and a journalist. Eight were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets. Moreover, Israeli forces targeted the vicinity of a field medical point and ambulances with tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of paramedics suffered tear gas inhalation. The wounded journalist, Ahmed Saber Mahmoud al-Zri’i (21), from Deir al-Balah, who works with Palestine al-Hadath Agency, was hit with a rubber bullet to the pelvis.
  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting, which continued until 19:00, at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 10 civilians, including 7 children. Two were hit with live bullets and shrapnel; one of them had his below right knee amputated, and eight were directly hit with tear gas canisters.
  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting, which continued from 16:00 until 18:30, at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 17 civilians, including 5 children, a woman and 2 paramedics. Three of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 14 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedics were Identified as: 
  • Mahmoud Shafiq Hussain al-Khatib (28) was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.
  • Fadi Eyad Salman al-hamayda (22) was hit with a tear gas canister to the left keen.

It should be noted that both of the wounded paramedics work for Emergency Youth Team.

 

West Bank: 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 12 April 2019, a number of children and boys gathered in Bab al-Zawya area in the center of Hebron and threw stones at the so-called 56 Military checkpoint, established at the entrance to the closed al-Shuhada Street. Israeli forces chased demonstrators between shops and randomly fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of stone-throwers suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover, the Israeli forces prevented journalists from performing their duty in the area and beat a journalist, Mos’ab Shawer al-Tamimi (28), and cursed him. The clashes continued until the evening and no casualties were reported.
  • At approximately 16:00, a number of Palestinian children and youngsters gathered in al-Naqar neighborhood adjacent to the annexation wall, west of Qalqilia and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed in the area. The Israeli forces immediately fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber bullets at the demonstrators and chased them. Moreover, they arrested Samer Sufian Hassan Selmi (18).

Notices and House Demolitions:

  • On Saturday afternoon, 13 April 2019, Shady and Fadi al-‘Ajlouni started to self-demolish their house in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, implementing the Municipality’s decision and avoiding paying the demolition costs and a financial fine. Shadi al-‘Ajlouni said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli municipality issued a decision to demolish the 40-square-meter apartment where his brother Fadi and him lived in. the municipality gave the family a period until the end of the current month to implement the demolition decision or the municipality crews will do it and the family have to pay the demolition costs in addition to a financial fine. Shadi added that the house, which was built 2 years ago of gypsum, bricks and tin plates, is a third floor comprised of 2 rooms only and a kitchen and is inhabited by 8 individuals, half of them are children. Shadi emphasized that the municipality crews and the police raided the house after the family lived in it and ordered to demolish it. After deliberations, the municipality ordered to demolish the house and not to use it and then closed the staircase that leads to it, until the municipality issued a final demolition decision. In addition to that, the family will demolish a balcony, which was built years ago, in the second floor that was used as a bed room and laundry room under the pretext of building without a license.
  • On Monday evening, 15 April 2019, ‘Awad Mohammed al-‘Abasi started to self-demolish his house in al-Suwaih neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, implementing the Municipality’s decision under the pretext of building of without a license. Al-‘Abasi said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he self-demolished his house, which is under construction, after the Israeli municipality issued its decision to demolish  his house under the pretext of non-licensing. He said to Wadi Hilweh Information Center – Silwan that the municipality crews raided the house in late March several times and banned al-‘Abasai from continuing the construction works. Early this month, the Israeli municipality issued the demolition decision. Al-‘Abasi also said that in the last days he went to a lawyer and an engineer in an attempt to obtain a license for the house, but both confirmed that the area had no “building line”  and the demolition decision entered into force. Al-‘Abasai emphasized that he had to self-demolish his house to avoid paying the financial fine and demolition expenses to the municipality. Al-‘Abasi mentioned the Israeli municipality demolished his house in 2007 and he rebuilt the house last year to live in it.
  • Earlier on Wednesday, 17 April 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with several military vehicles and heavy bulldozers and municipality crews moved into Yasoul Valley neighborhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They surrounded a residential room and stores belonging to ‘Ezz Eden Barqan and demolished them without allowing him to remove their contents. The stores and the room were designated for the fish restaurant supplies and there are fridges, equipment and special tools inside them. Following that, the Israeli forces raided and searched “al-Roqy and al-Osoul” Horse Farm belonging to Mohammed al-Qaq and then demolished it. It should be noted that the 200-square-meter farm was built of bricks 5 years ago. 
  • On the same Wednesday morning, Israeli forces accompanied with several military vehicles and heavy bulldozers and municipality crews moved into al-Ashqar neighborhood in Beit Haninah village, north of East Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to ‘Omran al-Masri and then demolished it. ‘Omran said that the municipality crews and Israeli forces raided and searched his house when he was not there. When he arrived, he attempted to inform the municipality officer that he managed to freeze the demolition decision for a month, but the municipality ignored that and started to demolish the house without a prior warning. Omran added that he lived in the house for 11 years and attempted to license it several times. However, the municipality refused that claiming that it’s an area where construction is prohibited and imposed fines of about NIS 40,000 on Omran. He mentioned that the Israeli police raided and searched his house on Sunday, 14 April 2019, and informed him with the demolition decision. Omran’s lawyer was managed to delay the demolition decision for a month, but he was surprised when the municipality crews raided the house and implemented the demolition decision. It should be noted that house was inhabited with 7 individuals, including 5 children. 
  • In the same context, on Sunday afternoon, 14 April 2018, Israeli Supreme Court refused an appeal submitted by Palestinian families that live in Wadi Yasoul neighborhood, in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City to ban demolishing their houses. It should be noted that the houses are partially built on a land where Israeli “Elad Association” seeks to build Jewish tourism projects on it. Khalid Shuweiki, Member of the Defense Committee in Wadi Yasoul neighborhood, said that the Israeli Supreme Court, which is the highest judicial body, dismissed the appeal submitted by the houses’ owners in the abovementioned neighborhood to the Israeli District Court’s decision to demolish 4 houses in the neighborhood. That means the Supreme Court approved to demolish the houses and displace around 20 individuals. Shuweiki mentioned that the neighborhood residents submitted an appeal for the Supreme Court 3 days ago. The response was quick as the Supreme court refused the appeal and approved the District Court’s decision. He added that the refusal of the appeal means that the decisions of the 4 houses, belonging to Barqan, al-Qaq and Kashour families, entered into force and the demolition will be carried out at any time. This demolition is a preamble to completely demolish and ease Wadi Yasoul neighborhood, which is comprised of 84 houses and inhabited with 400 individuals. It should be noted that all the families are struggling in courts to license their houses, which are built years ago during which they managed to freeze the demolition decisions several times. Shuweiki emphasized that the demolition decision to demolish Jerusalemites’ houses in the area came after approval of building settlement units in a land that was seized by Elad Association. Residents of Wadi Yasoul confirmed that they had all the documents that prove their ownership of the 50-dunum land where their house are built. However, the Israeli authorities intend to implement their plan of the so-called ” Peace Forest”. Israeli daily, Haaretz Newspaper mentioned that the Israeli Court approved the demolition of houses inhabited with hundreds of Palestinians houses claiming that they are partially built on “Peace Forest” land where Elad Association seek for building Jewish tourism projects in it supported by the Israeli municipality in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces continued to target the areas in the West Bank classified as C according to Oslo Accord signed by the Israeli government and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the areas located in the vicinity of settlements and route of the separation wall in order to expel them from the Palestinian residents for the sake of settlement expansion.

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

  • At approximately 10:30 on Tuesday morning, 16 April 2019, an Israeli force backed by several military vehicles and accompanied with a bulldozer and a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Susiya village, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. The civil Administration staff removed a30-square-meter residential tent belonging to Husain Radi Nawaj’ah (40). The tent is built of steel pillars, shed and rubber tires. The place of the tent was leveled after it was confiscated. The Israeli authorities claim that the tent was confiscated and leveled under the pretext of non- licensing. 
  • During this week, the Israeli authorities issued a military order to ban Palestinian farmers from entering their lands in al-Nabi Noun Mount, east of Yanoun village, southeast of Nablus and transfer them to a natural reserve in preamble to confiscate them. Rashed Marar, Head of the Village Council, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that at approximately 16:30 on Tuesday evening, 16 April 2019, he was informed by a farmer that a vehicle with Israeli registration plate belonging to the Environmental Protection Department in the Civil Administration fixes a metal banner with the following text: “No Entry… Natural Reserve” in al-Noun Mount, east of Yanoun village, southeast of Nablus. Rashed mentioned the mountain have a distance of hundreds of dunums planted with olive trees; some of them are used for agriculture and for grazing sheep. The mount top belongs to Bushnnaq family from Nablus and farmers from ‘Aqraba village serve in it. Rashed added that the military decision will deny the shepherd from grazing at the area. He also mentioned that this decision is preamble to expand settlement outposts, which are extended from “Itmar”settlement established on ‘Owerta, Beitfurik, and Yanoun lands:
  • (Hill 777) established in the eastern side of Yanoun village.
  • ( Gideon) established in the northern side of the village.
  • (Givot Olam) established in the western side of the village.

It should be noted that these outposts control over 80% of the village land.

  • At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, 17 April 2019, large Israeli force accompanied with heavy vehicles bulldozers moved into Tulkarm, closed its entrances and prevented civilians from entering or leaving it. The bulldozers leveled an under construction house built on an area of 200 square meters at the eastern entrance to the village. The house belongs to Shehadah ‘Azem from al-Taibah City in Israel. According to statement of the Head of the Village council, this house is one of 5 houses that are threatened to be demolished in which the Israeli forces notified their owners earlier this year to halt construction works. The Israeli forces then notified them with the demolition decision. Thus, 4 other houses located in the eastern side of the village are threatened to be demolished. PCHR’s fieldworker didn’t manage to speak with the house owner because he is in Turkey. It should be noted that since the Second Intifada, Jbarah village is isolated from its vicinity by the annexation wall since early May 2013.

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

  • At approximately 18:00 on Friday evening, 12 April 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, protected by the Israeli forces, from “Givat Ronim” settlement outpost extended from “Bracha” settlement in the northern side of Burin village, south of Nablus, moved into the northern outskirts of the abovementioned village. A number of civilians gathered and threw stones at the settlers to keep them away from the village. The Israeli forces immediately fired tear gas canisters to disperse them. Meanwhile, a settler opened fire from his gun, causing wounds to Obadah Rashed al-Najar (17) with a superficial wounds. Obadah was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment.
  • At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 13 April 2019, a group of Israeli settlers under from “Yitzhar” settlement established in the east northern side of ‘Orif village, south of Nablus, moved into the eastern outskirts of the village. They smashed the glass of 2 cars. In one of cars, which belongs to Loai Mazen Hafeth Shehadah, the glass was fully smashed and the structure damaged. In the second car, which belongs to Ziyad Abdul ‘Aziz Shehadah, the glass and the front lights of the care were smashed. It should be noted that the 2 cars were parked in front of  Ziyad’s house as his family was getting into the car when the settlers attacked the neighborhood.
  • At approximately 19:00 on the same day, Israeli settlers from the abovementioned settlement, escorted by a number of Israeli soldiers,  moved into ‘Orif villages for the second time and stationed in the vicinity of the water tank that feeds the village in al-Safair area in the northern outskirts of the village. A number of them civilians gathered and threw stones at the Israeli settlers and soldiers. The soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors, who were hiding behind the water tank. As a result, Naji ‘Aref Naji Sabbah (17) was hit with a stone to the right shoulder, causing its fracture. He was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment. Moreover, many civilians suffered severe tear gas inhalation and received medical treatment on the spot.
  • At approximately 18:45 on the abovementioned Saturday, a group of Israeli settlers stationed a hill between Tirms’eya village and Shilo settlement’s intersection on Ramallah-Nablus Road, attacked a car and broke the windshield caused damage to the structure. The car belongs to Bruce Lee Dakhil Abdul ‘Aziz ‘Aid from Burin village, south of Nablus, who was driving back from Ramallah as he works in the police. He was accompanied with his sons Leza (20), a student at the Faculty of Law at Birzeit University; Lenda (19), a journalism student at the Modern University College; Qusai (10), and Sema (9). Bruce Lee continued driving for around 200 meters when he saw  an Israeli vehicle. He stopped and informed the soldiers of the incident and their response was: ” What should we do to you?! Go!”

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).

israel Bans Gaza Christians from Visiting Holy Sites for Easter

Israel Bans Gaza Christians from Visiting Holy Sites for Easter

Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. (Photo: via Social Media)

Israeli occupation authorities refused to issue travel permits for hundreds of Palestinian Christians from Gaza who planned to visit holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem during Passover, Safa news agency reported yesterday.

Reporting Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Safa said that Israel allowed only 200 Christians from Gaza, who are over 55 years old, to travel to Jordan only and did not issue permits for those wishing to visit the Church of Nativity in occupied Bethlehem or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Israeli rights group Gisha reported complaints against the Israeli occupation regarding the restrictions imposed on people who want to travel during the Jewish Passover holiday which coincides with Easter.

“This is a flagrant violation of the freedom of movement, freedom of worship and freedom of enjoying family life for the Christians in Gaza,” Gisha said, noting that Gaza is an example of a “wider Israeli racist policy”.

 

According to Haaretz, Gisha said that this measure aims to deepen the division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

(MEMO, PC, Social Media)

Jewish terrorists attack farmers in Nablus

Jewish settlers attack farmers in Nablus

settlers
A horde of Jewish settlers on Wednesday attacked Palestinian farmers as they were working their land in the southeast of Nablus.

According to local sources, the settlers assaulted and brutalized several Palestinian farmers as they were cultivating their lands inside the illegal settlement of Eli, which was established on lands annexed from Qaryut village in Nablus.

Local activist Bashar al-Qaryuti said that dozens of farmers went to their lands that are located within the boundaries of Eli settlement after obtaining access permits from the Israeli occupation authority (IOA).

Qaryuti affirmed that Israeli soldiers provided protection for the settlers during their assault on the farmers and detained 25 farmers until police officers arrived and took their statements.

He pointed out that the IOA allows the local farmers to reach their lands inside the settlement twice a year, warning of Israeli intents to annex these agricultural lands to build more housing units for settlers

IDF General: israel Behind Coup That Installed Al-Sisi Dictatorship in Egypt

IDF General: Israel Behind Coup That Installed Al-Sisi Dictatorship in Egypt

IDF General: Israel Behind Coup That Installed Al-Sisi Dictatorship in Egypt

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Egyptian President Abel Fattah Al-Sisi

A high-ranking IDF leader has revealed that Israel orchestrated the downfall of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi and the rise of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s thinly disguised military dictatorship. Israel preferred this normalizing leader to his somewhat pro-Palestine predecessor.

by Whitney Webb, reposted from MintPress

Brigadier General Aryeh Eldad of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed that Israel was behind the 2013 military coup that ousted Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president. Eldad made the claim in an article published in the Israeli newspaper Maariv.

In the article, Eldad asserted:

The outbreak of the January revolution coincided with the Israeli security assessment that President-elect Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood man, intended to cancel the peace agreement with Israel and send more Egyptian military forces to the Sinai Peninsula.”

Just a few months into Morsi’s presidency, in August 2012, Israel had publicly accused Morsi of violating the peace treaty with Israel after Egypt responded to terrorist attacks in the Sinai by sending an increased number of troops. Morsi’s government accused Israel’s Mossad of having been behind the attacks in order to destabilize his government amid efforts to improve Egypt’s relations with Gaza. Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007, as well as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, also blamed Mossad for the attacks, a charge Israel denied.

Eldad then claimed that at this stage:

Israel was quick and willing to activate its diplomatic tools, and perhaps even greater means, to bring Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to power in Egypt, and convince the then-U.S. administration under President Barack Obama not to oppose this move.”

Events at the time support Eldad’s claim as, shortly after the coup, Israel quickly launched diplomatic missions in the U.S. and several European countries to push for support of Egypt’s new political reality and to prevent a diplomatic blockade on Cairo following the military coup. Many analysts have noted that under Al-Sisi, Egypt-Israel relations have grown to unprecedented levels through policies often driven by Al-Sisi himself.

Why Israel wanted Morsi out

While Eldad cited concerns over a rupture of the Israel-Egypt peace agreement as having motivated Israel’s role in the 2013 coup, a more likely reason was related to Morsi’s relationship with Hamas and efforts to normalize relations with Gaza.

Notably, after Al-Sisi came to power, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt and tunnels between Gaza and Egypt were abruptly closed. In addition, soon after the coup, “army-instigated anti-Palestinian propaganda” was “rampant” throughout Cairo and Palestinians that had flown into the Cairo airport were quickly deported back to the countries they had recently arrived from, according to The Guardian. In contrast, while Morsi did not end the blockade of Gaza — in force since 2007 — he had improved conditions for Palestinians living in the embattled enclave compared to those under his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak.

Former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, wearing a red jumpsuit that designates he has been sentenced to death, raises his hands inside a defendants cage in a makeshift courtroom at the national police academy, in an eastern suburb of Cairo, Egypt, June 18, 2016. Amr Nabil | AP

Eldad, in his article, hinted that the coup was related to a “religious war” that Israel was and still is fighting against Palestine and Arab majority nations, stating:

Contrary to all Israeli expectations, the Camp David agreement, which was made 40 years ago, has lasted for many decades despite the lack of real peace between us and the Egyptians, and despite the failure to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, because this conflict is not just geopolitical. We are rather having a religious war with the Palestinians and Arabs.”

Though Eldad’s recent statements make the connection between Morsi’s relationship with Hamas and Israeli involvement in the 2013 coup more clear, it had long been suspected. An Egyptian army general told BBC soon after the coup that Morsi’s alleged “collaboration” and good relations with Hamas were a driving factor behind the coup.

In a telling incident, Morsi was later charged with terrorism for allegedly conspiring with Hamas, Hezbollah, and elements of the Iranian military to “destabilize” Egypt. Morsi has been imprisoned for years, many of them spent in solitary confinement, and a U.K. panel of legal experts asserted last year that harsh prison conditions will likely lead to his “premature death.” Prior to being charged for “collaborating” with Hamas, Morsi had publicly praised Palestinian “resistance” in Gaza. Another likely factor for Israel’s decision to place Al-Sisi in power was Morsi’s efforts to normalize relations with Iran.

The accusations against Morsi regarding alleged collaboration with Hezbollah and Iran, both adversaries of Israel, seemed unusual to some, given that Morsi had, during his time in office and during the alleged “conspiracy,” cut ties with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and supported Assad’s overthrow by opposition forces. Hezbollah and Iran, in contrast, supported Assad and fought alongside the Syrian Army. Notably, Israel served as one of the “masterminds” behind the Syrian conflict, which Morsi supported. Hamas, like Morsi’s government, had also backed efforts to oust Assad at the time, albeit less publicly.

Notably, Al-Sisi’s government, widely considered a military dictatorship despite a pale sheen of democracy, has forged increasingly close ties with Israel ever since he came to power in the 2013 coup. This is unsurprising given Eldad’s recent claim that Israel had orchestrated the coup in order to put Al-Sisi in power. During his time in control of the country, Israel and Egypt began “secretly” coordinating military actions in Egypt, a covert alliance that Al-Sisi had denied until this January, when he admitted far-reaching coordination between the IDF and the Egyptian military.

Al-Sisi’s efforts to bring Egypt closer to Israel lack popular support, as most trade unions and political parties oppose normalizing relations with Israel. However, Al-Sisi — known for his brutal repression of protests, journalism and any form of dissent — has continued to push forward in his efforts to forge closer ties with Israel, in apparent service to the country largely responsible for his rise to power.


Whitney Webb is a MintPress News journalist based in Chile. She has contributed to several independent media outlets including Global Research, EcoWatch, the Ron Paul Institute and 21st Century Wire, among others. She has made several radio and television appearances and is the 2019 winner of the Serena Shim Award for Uncompromised Integrity in Journalism.

 

 

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (04 April – 10 April 2019)

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations  (04– 10 April 2019)

https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=12302

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(04 – 10 April 2019)

  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
  • 115 civilians, including 28 children, 5 women and 3 journalists, were wounded. The injury of 2 of them was reported serious.
  • 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in the West Bank.
  • Israeli forces conducted 71 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 other incursions into the Gaza Strip.
  • 54 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 12 of them, including 8children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
  • 2 Palestinian young men sneaked via the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
  • Shooting incidents continued against Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the border areas of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • 2 civilians were forced to self-demolish their houses.

 

  • 8 Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Strip Sea.
  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13th consecutive year.
  • Israeli forces established 92 permanent checkpoints and 129 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
  • 10 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (04 – 10 April 2019).

 

Shooting:

 

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 53rd week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force against Palestinians protesting against the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 115 civilians, including 28 children, 5 women and 3 journalists. The injury of 2 of those wounded was reported serious. In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 04 to 10 April 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 22 0 0 0 0 0
Gaza City 45 10 2 0 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 25 12 3 1 0 0
Khan Yunis 8 2 0 2 0 0
Rafah 15 4 0 0 0 2
Total 115 28 5 3 0 2

 

 

  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 8 incidents were as follows: 4 incidents off al-Waha resort shore; 2 incidents off al-Soudaniya in the northern Gaza Strip, and 2 off Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

  • As part of targeting the border areas, on 07 April 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at a number of Palestinians, who were collecting gravels near Sofa Site, east of Shokah in eastern Rafah City. However, neither casualties nor damage to property was reported.  The shooting recurred in the abovementioned area on 09 April 2019.

 

  • On the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at the border area adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in the northern Gaza Strip. However, neither casualties nor damage to the property was reported.

 

  • On 08 April 2019, Israeli forces fired flare bombs in the border area in eastern ‘Abasan, east of Khan Younis, and sporadically opened fire. Later, the Israeli media said that the Israeli forces arrested 2 young men who sneaked via the border fence.

 

  • On 09 April 2019, Israeli forces opened fire and fired teargas canisters at the shepherds and workers in eastern al-Fokhari village in the vicinity of Sofa Military Site, southeast of Khan Younis. The shooting recurred in the abovementioned area on 10 April 2019.

 

In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, in separate shooting incidents.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 71 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 42 Palestinians, including 4 children, from the West Bank, while 12 other civilians, including 8 children, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 04 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into eastern ‘Abasan al-Jadidah, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.  They levelled lands along the border fence between Gaza and Israel and headed to the south before redeploying along the border fence in front of al-Farahin neighbourhood, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah.

 

On 10 April 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters to the southern coastal in the northwestern side of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.  They leveled and combed lands that were previously leveled amidst Israeli sporadic shooting.  However, no casualties were reported.

 

On 10 April 2019, Israeli forces moved 50 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.  They levelled lands in front of the Return encampment and later redeployed along the border fence with Israel.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on Saturday, 06 April 2019, Nabih al-Basti self-demolished parts of his house in al-Wad neighbourhood in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem, to apply the Israeli Municipality’s decision and to avoid paying the destruction costs and high fines to the Municipality. The abovmentioned civilian said that the Israeli muncpality forced him to demolish the outside walls and ceiling in addition to the pillars in his house in al-Wad neighbourhood next to “House Peace” Hotel.  It should be noted that in 2016 he self-demolished his house from the inside, rendering it uninhabitable.
  • On 09 April 2019, Razina Family self-demolished their residential building in Bir’Onah in Beit Jala, to apply the Israeli municipality in occupied Jerusalem and to avoid paying the high demolition costs and fines to the municipality. Walid Razina said that the Israeli authorities handed him a notice from the court that before 10 April 2019 the house of his brother, Ayman Rezeq Razinah and his sons, Rezeq, Mohammed and Saleh shall be demolished or they will demolish and force him to pay the expenses.

 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of settlement expansion and house demolitions, on 07 April 2019, the Israeli forces handed 7 families notices to demolish their dwellings, which are mobile houses built of tin plates and shelter 44 persons, in al-Mofqerah and al-Rakiz Kherbas,s outheast of Yata in the southern Hebron.

 

  • On 08 April 2019, the Israeli Civil Administration distributed notices to evacuate lands belonging to Palestinian civilians in al-Khemar (al-Harayeq) in Batir village, west of Bethlehem. Taysseer Qotash, Head of Batir Municipality said that the Israeli Civil Administration distributed notices among agricultural lands owners in al-Kemar area and ordered them not to enter the lands claiming that these lands belong to the state of Israel. Moreover, the Israeli Civil Administration gave the lands’ owners 30 days starting from the day they received the notices to challenge the decision.

 

  • During the reporting period, the Israeli authorities issued 3 military orders to seize 1191 dunums from the Palestinian agricultural lands. Two of these orders are about the construction of 2 new settlement roads; one in the northern West Bank and the other in the Southern, while the third order is about closing areas for military purposes. Based on the decisions and the attached road plans clarifying their tracks, the construction of these 2 roads would lead to swallowing up hundreds of dunums of Palestinian agricultural lands as well as the dunums already included in the seizure orders.

 

 

  • As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers during the reporting period 7 incidents carried out by settlers that resulted in the injury of a Palestinian civilian with bruises and another with a stone to the head. Moroever, 8 civilian cars sustained damage.  Most prominent incidents were as follows:
  • On 04 April 2019, stones were thrown at the Palestinian cars passing by “Halmish” settlement intersection, northwest of Ramallah.
  • On 05 April 2019, riots were carried put at the entrance to evacuated “Homash” settlement on Nablus-Jenin Street, northwest of Nablus.
  • On 05 April 2019, ‘Orif village, south of Nablus, was raided.
  • On 07 April 2019, 10 olive trees were uprooted in Kerm al-Dough area, east of Yanoun village, east of Nablus.
  • On 08 April 2019, a group of Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles on the Main Street of Jibia village, north of Ramallah. As a result,  a Palestinian civilian was hit with a stone to the head.
  • On 10 April 2019, a group of settlers from ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah, attacked Palestinian cars and wrote slogans calling for killing Arabs on the wall of a house belonging to Mustafa Shehadah and the vehicles.

 

 

Details

 

  1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 

Thursday, 04 April 2019:

 

  • At approximately 00:45, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a child, taking them to an unknown destination. The arrestees were identified as Mojahed Mahmoud Talal (15) and Mohammad Ayman Nemir Kandeel (21).

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Nowar Mazen Nawahda (22) and ‘Omar Kamel ‘Ezzat al-Ja’bari (25), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Mohammad Suleiman al-Dab’ee (22) and Yusuf Salem Hashash (23), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Masaken al-Shabia neighborhood, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Na’eem Mohammad Abu Turkey (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Madama village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Baraa Wajeeh Qit (21) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into Kobar village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Khaldoun Rawhee al-Bargouthi (24) and Yasser Ibraheem Fahel (22) and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Na’leen village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmad al-Habazy (27) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatiya village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ezz al-Deen Hassan Mahmoud Kameel, which is located in the eastern neighborhood, and then confiscated money estimated at NIS 5600. After that, the Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Islam Nassry Abu al-Rab, which is located in al-Damouni Mount area, and then confiscated money estimated at NIS 2210. Furthermore, the Israeli forces raided and searched Ibraheem Mohammad Hussien al-Sweity, which is located in al-Zakarna Mount area, and then confiscated money estimated at NIS 1510 under the pretext of “funding terrorism”. The Israeli forces handed the three civilians a warrant for their confiscated money.

 

  • At approximately 07:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodanya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased and heavily fired sound bombs and live bullets at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces backed by several military vehicles moved around 100 meters into the east of ‘Abasan al-Jadida, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. The military vehicles combed and leveled lands along the border fence with Israel towards the south. Few hours later, they redeployed along the border fence adjacent to al-Faraheen neighborhood, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabira.

 

  • At approximately 08:35, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased and heavily fired sound bombs and live bullets at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within approximately two nautical miles. Moreover, the shooting at the Palestinian fishing boats in the same area recurred at approximately 18:15. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They heavily deployed in the camp and sporadically fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a 16-year-old child was hit with a sound bomb shrapnel.

 

  • At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzun, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yazzan Ahmad ‘Omar Qattash (19) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (12) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Anabta and Kafr Rumman villages, east of Tulkarm; ‘Awarta, Salem, Buirn, and Sebastia villages in Nablus; Beit ‘Ummar and Karma villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron; ‘Arora village, northwest of Ramallah, Birzeit, north of the city, and al-Balou’ neighborhood, north of al-Beira.

 

 

Friday, 05 April 2019:

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sarta village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammad Khaled Mahmoud al-Khateeb (57) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces backed by several military vehicles moved into Mothalath al-Shuhada village, south of Jenin. Meanwhile, Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli forces immediately fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 17-year-old child was hit with a rubber bullet to the head and then transferred to Martyr Dr. Khalil Souliman Governmental Hospital in Jenin to receive treatment.

 

  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qalqilya; Ya’bad, ‘Araba, Qabatia villages in Jenin; Burin village in Nablus; and Dura, Yatta, al-Karmel and Sa’ir villages in Hebron.

 

 

Saturday, 06 April 2019:

 

  • At approximately 20:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore, south of the Gaza Strip, chased, opened fire and pumped water at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed sailing area. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • Note:During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bani Na’eem and Sa’ir villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

 

 

Sunday, 07 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in Abu al-Kamara Valley area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamza Moussa al-Darabee’ (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohanad Mahmoud Jadradat (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shoka village, east of Rafah, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians, who were collecting gravel, near Sofa military site, and no injuries were reported.

 

  • At approximately 12:00, a group of Israeli undercover “Musta’ribeen” units, dressed like Palestinian civilians, sneaked into al-Sawiya village, south of Nablus, by a car with a Palestinian registration plate. The car stopped at Ramallah-Nablus Street intersection, leading to the adjacent village of Qabalan. The unit’s members stopped a Palestinian car and arrested the driver, taking him to their car and then withdrew. Following that, Israeli forces arrived at the area and confiscated the car, taking it to an unknown destination. After that, it was found that the arrested civilian namely Ahmad Moussa Dwoud Sa’eed (30), from Qabalan village, had driven his parents to al-Samawia village and was arrested by a “Musta’ribeen” unit on his way back.

 

  • At approximately 12:05, Israeli forces stationed in watchtowers at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at the border area along the border fence with Israel. It should be noted that no injuries or damage to property were reported.

 

  • At approximately 19:10, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodanya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased and heavily fired sound bombs and live bullets at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles. The shooting lasted until 21:30. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

Monday, 08 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to al-Qassem Riad Mohammad Badeir (31) and then confiscated his cell phone. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Basel ‘Assem Abul Lateef ‘Eid Soboh (20). The Israeli forces then withdrew and arrested both civilians, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Abu Katila neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to ‘Omar ‘Abdul Mahdi Shawer (23) and ‘Ammar Mohammad al-Qawasma (22) and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, south of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Mohammad Mustafa Qiniry (18) and Ayham Fakhry Saleet (18), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jayyous village in Qalqilya. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Saleh Mohammad Nofal (46) and Yazan Ma’en Mohammad Saleem (23), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Talal Khaleel al-Najjar (33) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Bassam Hejazi Jaradat (30) and Mohammad Marwan Jaradat (28) and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yazan Mohammad al-Rai’ee (19) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Beira and stationed in al-Shurafa, east of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tariq Khdaira (19) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Mohammad Bassem al-Tameemi (15) and Moayad (20), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sira village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ali Mohammad Abu Safia (16) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Abu Safia was hit with a rubber bullet to the leg on 08 March 2019 during clashes erupted with the Israeli forces in the village and he is still under treatment.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdul Fatah Mustafa Hamed (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 08:10, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into the southern coastal border fence off Zikim Military Base, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military vehicles started to level and comb Palestinian lands amid sporadic shooting. At approximately 11:00, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence and no injuries were reported.

 

  • At approximately 08:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased and heavily fired sound bombs and live bullets at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within approximately two nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 8:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore, south of the Gaza Strip, pumped water and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles and then chased them. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 20:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis, fired flare bombs, east of ‘Abasan al-Jadid, east of Khan Yunis, amid sporadic shooting. Later, Israeli media announced that the Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian civilians while sneaking into Israel and their identities were not revealed.

 

  • At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbia village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled and combed the village’s streets. Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli forces. The Israeli forces immediately fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear canisters at them. As a result, a 23-year-old civilian was hit with a live bullet to the waist and then transferred to the Istishari Arab Hospital to receive treatment.

 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Mothalath al-Shuhada village, south of Jenin; Qaryut village, south of Nablus; Halhoul and Tafouh villages in Hebron.

 

 

Tuesday, 09 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into several neighborhoods in Heborn. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested four civilians, taking them to an unknown destination. The arrestees were identified as Mostafa Mohammad Abu Hussein (25), Anas Salhab al-Tameemi (22), Anas Hatem Qafisha (25), and ‘Omar ‘Abdul Raouf Abu Sninah (27).

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zeid Ahmad Ba’jawi and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 07:00 Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased and heavily fired sound bombs and live bullets at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within approximately three nautical miles. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 07:20, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and bulldozers and stationed along the border fence with Israel moved around 50 meters into al-Sahwka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli bulldozers leveled lands in front of a Return Camp. At approximately 10:45, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence with Israel.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israeli, east of al-Sahwka, east of Rafah, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians, who were collecting gravel, near Sofa military site, and no injuries were reported.

 

  • At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at shepherds and workers, east of al-Fokhary village in the vicinity of Sofa military site, southeast of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the shepherds and workers fled for fear of their lives.

 

  • At approximately 19:30, Israeli forces moved into Kifl Haris, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wajdy Muneer Mufeed Bozeeh (21) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 20:45, Israeli gunboats stationed off western Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, chased, pumped water and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed sailing area. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries or damage to the boats were reported.

 

  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Jenin; Qabalan village, south of Nablus; al-Fawar refugee camp, Beit ‘Ummar, al-Fawwar refugee camp, Beit al-Roush and Deir al-‘Assal villages in Hebron.

 

Wednesday, 10 April 2019

 

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Dhahiriya, south of Hebron, and stationed in Abu al-Kamara Valley. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qussai Khaled Sa’ada (19) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Silat al-Dhahr, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan Khaleel Malahma (53) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that ‘Adnan is a City Council member.

 

  • At approximately 20:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis, fired flare bombs, southeast of Khan Yunis, amid sporadic shooting and no injuries were reported.

 

  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Surif, Beit ‘Ummar, Tarqumia, al-Kum, and Beit ‘Awwa villages in Hebron.

 

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

 

Gaza Strip:

 

During the 53rd week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 115, including 28 children, five women and three journalists. The wounds of two of them were classified as serious. The incidents were as follows:

 

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 19:00, resulted in the injury of 22 Palestinian civilians. Nine of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, one with a rubber bullet and 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters.

 

  • Gaza City: the Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 15:00 until 18:30, resulted in the injury of 45 Palestinian civilians, including ten children and two women. Thirty-nine of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, two were hit with rubber bullets and four were directly hit with tear gas canister.

 

 

  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 14:30 until 18:30, resulted in the injury of 25 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children, two women and a female journalist. Four of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 21 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets. The wounded journalist was identified as Safinaz Baker Mahmoud al-Loh (30), a journalist from Nuseirat working for Amad News Agency, and was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.

 

  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 18:00, resulted in the injury of eight civilians, including two children and two journalists. The injured journalists were identified as Seif Iyad Sh’aban Abul Ghafour (18), a journalist for ‘Ein News Network, who was hit with a tear gas canister to the right arm, and Mohammad ‘Eissa Mohammad Abu Sa’da (26), a photojournalist at Nour News Network, who was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg.

 

  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 16:00 until 18:30, resulted in the injury of 15 demonstrators, including four children. Four of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, three with rubber bullets and eight were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injuries of two of them were classified as serious.

 

West Bank:

 

  • At approximately 13:00, on Friday, 05 April 2019, on Friday afternoon, Palestinian peaceful demonstrators started from the center of Kufor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” settlement established on the village’s lands. The demonstrators chanted national slogans demanding end of occupation and condemning the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinian protestors along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip within “The Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege” activities. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli forces stationed behind sand berms. The Israeli forces immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a 24-year-old male was hit with a rubber bullet to the leg.

 

  • At approximately 16:00, on Saturday, 06 April 2019, Palestinian young men gathered along the annexation wall, west of Qalqiliyah, and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed in the area. The Israeli forces immediately fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber bullets at them. Moreover, the Israeli forces pursued them and arrested Loay Ibraheem Salman Abu Shehab (17).

 

 

 

  1. Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

 

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a 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 of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

 

 

 

 

  • Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

 

(26 March -01 April 2019)

Category 26 March 27 March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31 March 01 April
Patients 51 95 40 1 89 58
Companions 41 88 31 1 72 62
Personal needs 7 1 2 31 14
Families of prisoners
Arabs from Israel 4 7 6 2 2
Diplomats 1
Meetings in Erez 6
International workers 17 3 9 52 21
Travelers Abroad 8 23 2 14
Business people+ BMC 4 1 433 396
Economic and agriculture interviews
Security interviews 1 4
Death cases
Companions’ Deaths
Return to the West Bank 3 1
Christians’ Holidays
Conferences and Training courses 14
Permits’ renewal 2
VIPs
AmbulancesPatient 5 1 3 2
Ambulancescompanion 5 1 3 2

 

  • Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

 

(02 – 08 April 2019)

Category 02  April 03  April 04  April 05  April 06  April 07  April 08   April
Patients 79 68 43 5 84 86
Companions 66 54 36 1 69 80
Personal needs 23 33 20 4 25 11
Families of prisoners 17 27
Arabs from Israel 5 6 4 9 7
Diplomats 2
Meetings in Erez 3 3
International workers 21 32 56 11 39 20
Travelers Abroad 36 34 17
Business people+ BMC 487 374 315 5 740 380
Economic and agriculture interviews
Security interviews 4 5 2 4 5
Death cases
Companions’ Deaths
Return to the West Bank 13 2 1
Christians’ Holidays
Conferences and Training courses 2 1
Permits’ renewal
VIPs 1
AmbulancesPatient 4 3 1 2
Ambulancescompanion 5 3 1 1

 

Notes:

 

  • On Monday, 08 April 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 1 person to travel via “Erez” crossing to participate in a tour to Israel.

 

 

  • Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 04-10 April 2019:
Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons
Jerusalem 13 9
Nablus 10 16 2 1
Jenin 5 9 2
Ramallah 11 15 4
Tulkarm 7 2 1 1
Tubas 2 3 1
Salfit 3 13 1 1
Qalqiliyia 5 17 4 4
Hebron 20 36 9
Bethlehem 11 9 2 1
Jericho 5
Al-Karama Crossing
Total 92 129 24 10

 

 

 

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

 

 

  • At approximately 17:30 on Thursday 05 April 2019, Israeli forces established a military checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Ezbet al-Tabib village in Qalqilia. They arrested Mo’men Hesham Mustafa ‘Odwan (31), taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces established a temporary military checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village in Qalqilia. They arrested Mohammed Mashhour ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Salim (23), taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 18:30 on Thursday, Israeli forces established a temporary military checkpoint on a street connecting between Jayouss and ‘Azoun villages in Qalqilia. They arrested Omar ‘Abdullah ‘Abd al-Latif Redwan (22), taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 04 April 2019, Israeli forces at a temporary checkpoint on Nablus-Jenin, south of Jenin, arrested Sayed Ibrahim al-Sayed (23) and Mohammed Jamal al-Sayed (25), from Jenin, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 16:00 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at “Arie” settlement square, north of Salfit, arrested Rostom Jamal Mohammed Abu al-Haija (35), from Marda village, while he was passing by the area, taking him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Rostom works in the Palestinian National Security Forces.

 

  • At approximately 17:00 on Friday, Israeli forces established a temporary military checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Ezbet al-Tabib in Qalqilia. They arrested Youssof Ahmed Saleem (30), taking him to an unknown destination.

 

 

  • On Sunday morning, 06 April 2019, Israeli forces arrested ‘Issam Ibrahim Mohammed Hamed (34), from Shofa village in Tulkarm, while he was working in his agricultural land near Avnei Hefetz settlement established on civilians’ lands, north of Shofa village. They then took him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 08 April 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Bassam Abu ‘Obaid (27), from Jenin, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 19:00 on Tuesday 2019, Israeli forces at a temporary checkpoint at Beit Fajar village’s entrance, south of Bethlehem, arrested ‘Ali Youssof Abu Hussain (20), taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

 

 

 

Arrests and Incursions:

 

  • At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 04 April 2019, Israeli police arrested Khader Mohammed al-‘Ajlouni (26) after he opened al-Rahma Gate prayer area’s doors in the eastern side of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City and referred him for interrogation in one of the detention centers in Jerusalem. It should be noted that Israeli police and intelligence service almost daily carry out arrests on grounds of opening al-Rahma Gate prayer area’s doors after the Israeli Magistrate’s Court issued a decision in last March to extend al-Rahma Gate prayer area’s temporary closure when Palestinian worshipers reopened al-Rahma Gate prayer area closed since 2003.

 

  • At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 04 April 2019, Israeli police arrested al-Aqsa Mosque’s guard, ‘Omran al-Ragbi (38) and beat him, while he was in al-Rahma Gate prayer area in the eastern side of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Eyewitnesses said that an Israeli police officer wearing his shoes raided the prayer area though ‘Omran attempt to prevent him from entering and photographed him. The eyewitnesses added that the police officer and others, who were with him, confiscated ‘Omran’s phone took him out of the prayer area and beat him. After that, they tied his hands and took him to an Israeli investigation center. It should be noted that this permanently happens with the Israeli forces who provoke the guards and worshipers and raid the prayer areas while wearing their shoes.

 

  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 05 April 2019, the Israeli police arrested two Palestinian young men after they went out of al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They took the two young men to one of the investigation centers in Jerusalem. The arrestees were identified as Tawfiq Fehmi Abu Dhaim (19) and Ahmed Taysseer Abu ‘Arafa (22).

 

  • At approximately 21:00 on Friday, 05 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Wad neighborhood in Occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ra’fat Samih Najeeb (31) and then handed him a warrant to refer him to the Israeli Intelligence Service investigation rooms (4) in al-Maskoubia investigation center in the Western Jerusalem.

 

  • At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Sour Baher village, south of Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Issam Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Omaira (69) and then handed him a warrant to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in al-Maskoubia investigation center in the Western Jerusalem.

 

 

  • At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 10 April 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Mokaber Mount neighborhood, southeast of Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Mohanned Zaid Mshahara (17) and ‘Amri Slaiman Mshahara (17), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of Occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested six children, taking them to an unknown destination. The arrested children were identified as Khader Mohammed ‘Oda (13), Jehad Jawad Abu Rmouz (15), Sultan Maher Sarhan (14), Mohammed Jawad Abu Rmouz (14), and ‘Odai ‘Adnan Ghaith (17).

 

 

Notices and House Demolitions:

 

  • On Thursday afternoon, 04 April 2019, the Israeli District Court issued a decision to demolish four houses belonging to Palestinian civilians in Yassoul Valley neighborhood in Silwan village, south of the Occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of building without a license on lands, where construction is forbidden. Khaled Shwaiki, Member of the Committee for the Defense of Real Estate in Silwan and member of Wad Yasoul neighborhood committee, said that the neighborhood’s residents try since many years to obtain license for their houses and they tabled construction plans to the competent bodies in light of the population growth in the area but they were refused by the municipality. He indicated that the Israel District Court recently issued a decision to demolish four houses in the neighborhood. He mentioned that these four houses belong to Barqan, al-Qaq and Kashour families and were established in 2000. He said that the fines imposed on these families estimated at more than NIS 100,000 for each house. Khaled added that throughout the previous years, Barqan, al-Qaq and Kashour families tried to obtain licenses for their houses from the competent bodies but their requests were refused. In addition, the Israeli District Court issued a decision to demolish them and it will come into force on 14 April 2019. He also said that the Israeli Municipality claims that the area is classified as “a green land,” where construction is not allowed. Moreover, after the families headed to the municipality during the past years, the municipality gave them only 5 to 12 months to license their houses, noting that the procedures for obtaining a license and transferring the land in to an area where construction is allowed, need more than four years. . Khaled Shwaiki indicated that the neighborhood’s residents have tabled plans to organize the area since 2002 have been in the municipality and different courts fighting for an approval on the tabled plans. He added that the neighborhood includes 84 houses, where more than 400 persons live.

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 06 April 2019, Nabih al-Basti self-demolished parts of his house in al-Wad neighborhood in Occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, implementing the Israeli municipality’s decision to avoid paying the demolition’s costs and high fines to the Israeli municipality. Nabih said that the Israeli municipality forced him to self-demolish the outside walls, the ceiling and the rest of the house in al-Wad neighborhood adjacent to House Peace Hotel. It should be noted that in 2016, he demolished his house from the inside so that the house became uninhabitable. He also said that the municipality recently summoned him and ordered him to demolish the rest outside sides of his house under the pretext of vandalizing the heritage of the Old City. Moreover, the municipality gave him the chance to demolish the house until 07 April 2019 or the municipality’s staff would demolish it and so he would be forced to pay the demolition expenses and fines. Nabih added that his house was built on an area of 65 square meters in 1999, and three years ago the municipality issued the final demolition decision after years of delaying and freezing in an attempt to license it. Although Nabih was forced to demolish the house from the inside, he was forced to demolish the outside walls.

 

  • At afternoon hours on Tuesday, 09 April 2019, Zarina family self-demolished their house in Bir Una area in Beit Jala upon a demolition decision by the Israeli municipality and avoiding paying high fines and demolition expenses to the municipality. It should be noted that several months ago, Israeli forces were pursuing Zarina family to force them to demolish their house. Waleed Zarina said that the Israeli authorities and courts handed him a notice from the court to demolish the 2-storey house comprised of four apartments. The house belongs to Waleed’s brother, Ayman Rezeq Zarina and Ayamn’s sons; Rezeq, Mohammed and Saleh. Waleed said that the court ordered him to demolish the house before 10 April 2019 or it will demolish it and force him to pay the demolition expenses. He added that the Israeli court detained his nephew after he refused to sign the demolition order so his family had to pay NIS 230,000 to release him and implement the decision of self-demolition before 10 April 2019. Waleed indicated that the family hired an Israeli lawyer a year ago after the Israeli authorities’ threat to demolish the house. Large amounts of money were paid to the lawyers, but the court decided to demolish the house. Waleed added that the Israeli authorities threatened the family to demolish all their houses, which belong to Waleed’s brothers; Khaled and Raed. He stressed that the Israeli authorities clearly target Bir Una’s residents as the Israeli authorities demolished a house belonging to him beside demolishing another one a year ago. Moreover, a month ago, the Israeli authorities demolished a house and barracks belonging to Waleed’s cousins; Mohammed and Moussa Zarina. Waleed indicated that the Israeli policy against the area and the family made them sustain great economic losses.

 

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

Israeli forces continued to target the areas in the West Bank classified as C according to Oslo Accord signed by the Israeli government and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the areas located in the vicinity of settlements and route of the separation wall in order to expel them from the Palestinian residents for the sake of settlement expansion.

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 07 April 2019, an Israeli force backed by two military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Kherbet al-Mafqara and Kherbet al-Rakeez, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. An Israeli civil Administration officer handed seven civilians demolition notices under the pretext of non-licensing. These notices included:
    • A 20-square-meter caravan built of tin plates belonging to Mahmoud Hussain Hamamda and his family comprised of 12 persons.
    • A 20-square-meter caravan built of tin plates belongs to Mohammed Hassan al-Hamamda and his family comprised of nine persons.
    • A 20-square-meter caravan built of tin plates and a 10-square-meter tent belong to Khalil Jaber Hamamda and his family comprised of eight persons.
    • A 20-square-meter caravan built of tin plates belongs to Murad Khalil Jaber Hamamda and his family comprised of five persons.
    • A 20-square-meter caravan built of tin plates belongs to ‘Aamer Khalil Jaber Hamamda and his family comprised of four persons.
    • A 15-square-meter caravan built of tin plates belongs to ‘Adla Khalil Jaber Hamamda.
    • A 20-square-meter caravan built of tin plates belongs to Raed Khalil Jaber Hamamda and his family comprised of five persons.

 

  • On Monday afternoon, 08 April 2019, the Israeli Civil Administration distributed notices to evacuate lands belonging Palestinian civilians in al-Khemar (al-Haraeq) in Batir village, west of Bethlehem. Taysseer Qotash, Head of Batir Municipality said that the Israeli Civil Administration distributed notices to owners of agricultural lands in al-Kemar area and ordered them not to enter the lands claiming that these are state lands. Moreover, the Israeli Civil Administration gave the lands’ owners 30 days starting from the day they received the notices to challenge the decision. Qotash also said that the Israeli Civil Administration notified a number of farmers to demolish wells under the pretext of non-licensing. He indicated that the lands’ owners have documents proving that they own these lands and the Israeli Civil Administration only aim at seizing as many lands as possible and annex them to the nearby settlement outpost.

 

  • During this week, the Israeli authorities issued 3 military orders to seize 1191 dunums from the Palestinian agricultural lands. Two of these orders are about the construction of 2 new settlement roads; one in the northern West Bank and the other in the Southern, while the third order is about closing areas for military purposes. Based on the decisions and the attached road plans clarifying their tracks, the construction of these 2 roads would lead to swallowing up hundreds of dunums of Palestinian agricultural lands as well as the dunums already included in the seizure orders. Those military orders were as follows:

 

First: The Howarah Bypass Road: This road starts from the Za’tara checkpoint and ends on the “Yitzhar” settlement Bypass Road, south of Nablus, noting that it will pass through the lands of Bita, Howarah and Burin villages and between the residents’ houses. Israeli sources said, “The construction of a bypass road costs 250 million shekels. This road will be for both the Palestinians and Israelis. The construction works on the road will start upon the completion of Supreme Court’s proceedings, to which the Palestinians are expected to resort to for challenging this order, noting that it might take up to two years to build it.” According to the plans attached to the seizure order, the bypass road will start from Za’tara military checkpoint, pass by Bita Central Vegetable Market, pass through al-Nejma area, pass by Luna Park, and pass through the mountain, which is in front of the water well, towards Howarah village.

 

Second: Al-‘Aroub Bypass Road: This road starts from “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, and ends in “Karmei Tzur” settlement, south of Hebron, noting that it will pass through the lands of Beit ‘Ummar village, al-‘Aroub refugee camp and Halhoul. The available information about the above-mentioned road indicates that it will isolate al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Beit ‘Ummar village and parts of Halhoul village. Moreover, the road will pass through the most fertile agriculture lands in Hebron, which are famous for growing almonds and grapes. According to the plans attached to the seizure order, the Bypass Road will pass through parts of Khirbet Om Tale’, Khirbet Briqout, Beit Za’ta, Abu Soda Mount, Fredees, al-Forn Mount, al-Sheikh Valley, al-‘Aroub Valley, Beit ‘Ummar lands, Khirbet al-Khaizaran, al-Hawawer, Ras al-Qady, Khirbet Um al-Daraj, Khirbet Beit Khorat, al-Jomjoma, ‘Ein al-Shonnar, Um Suliman, al-Ramouz, Daher al-Bow, Wardan, lands in Halhoul village.

 

Third: Seizure of new lands from Tubas: The Israeli forces issued 2 military orders signed by the IDF Commander in Judea and Samaria, Nadaf Badan. Under the first order, 283 dunums of Tubas lands will be seized while the second order was about seizure of 101 dunums of Tubas, Tamoun and Tayaseer villages. Moataz Bisharat, a Palestinian official who monitors settlement activity in the Jordan Valley/Tubas, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the two seizure orders included 384 dunums, while the area of lands that will be isolated was about 42,000 dunums, including the communities of Yerza, Ras al-Ahmar, al-Faw Valley, Kherbit al-Mayitah, parts of Khirbet Samra, al-Maleh, and ‘Ain al-Hilweh. He also said that the Israeli forces closed 70% of Tubas and the northern Jordan Valley lands. The area of the closed lands is 200,000 dunums, including 102,000 dunums from Tubas and 98,700 dunums from Tamoun.  The closure came under the pretext of being in the military training areas, military zones and nature reserves. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities established 10 settlements, 3 new settlement outposts and 7 camps for the Israeli soldiers in those areas.

 

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

 

 

  • On Thursday evening, 04 April 2019, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered at the entrance to “Halamish” settlement, north of Ramallah. They started to throw stones at Palestinian cars passing through a square adjacent to the settlement. As a result, throwing stones caused fear among drivers and passengers in the vehicles. No casualties among civilians or damage to their vehicles were reported.

 

  • At approximately 23:00 on Thursday, dozens of Israeli settlers under Israeli forces protection moved into ‘Otra village, southeast of Nablus. The Israeli settlers performed religious rituals and Talmudic prayers in the village. Next day morning, on Friday, 04 May 2019, they withdrew and no more incidents were reported.

 

 

  • At approximately 12:00 on Friday, 05 April 2019, dozens of Israeli settlers under Israeli forces’ protection arrived at the evacuated “Homesh” settlement, northwest of Nablus. They gathered on Nablus-Jenin Street and carried out riots at the entrance to the settlement which continued until the evening. As a result, vehicles started to avoid taking the street due to the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian vehicles.

 

  • At approximately 18:15 on Friday, a group of Israeli settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement established in the eastern side of ‘Orif village, south of Nablus, attacked Palestinian civilians’ houses built in the vicinity of the village. Moreover, dozens of civilians gathered and confronted the settlers by throwing stones at them. As a result, the settlers were forced to withdraw and no casualties were reported. It should be noted that the settlers frequently attack ‘Orif village under Israeli forces protection.

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 07 April 2019, a group of settlers from “Itmar” settlement uprooted with automatic saws and a digger ten olive trees in Karm al-Dou area, east of Yanoun, east of Nablus. The 50-year-old trees were planted in a land belonging to ‘Adel ‘Aqel bani Jaber, from ‘Aqraba village, east of Nablus. Moreover, after uprooting the trees, the settlers confiscated the wood and trunks, taking it to “Itmar”

 

  • At approximately 00:00 on Monday, 08 April 2018, a group of Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians’ vehicles on the Main Street of Jebia village, north of Ramallah. As a result, Maher Saber Shalash (26) was hit with a stone to the head and his injury was reported minor.

 

  • At approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, 10 April 2019, a group of Israeli settlers attacked ‘Ain Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah. They attacked Palestinian civilians’ vehicles in front of their owners’ houses, in their vicinity and on the village’s streets and wrote slogans against Arabs and Muslims on vehicles and the walls of Mustafa Shehada’s house. The slogans called for killing and defeat Arabs. Moreover, the Israeli settlers used sharp tools in puncturing ten vehicles tires.

 

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………………

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 08 282 4776 – 282 5893.

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (28 March – 03 April 2019)

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations (28 March – 03 April 2019)

 

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(28 March – 03 April 2019)

  • Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
  • Five Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were killed during the 52nd week of the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege.
  • 412 civilians, including 67 children, 11 women, 8 journalists, and 7 paramedics, were wounded. The injury of nine of them was reported serious.
  • 3 civilians were wounded after being targeted with a missile fired by an Israeli drone in the northern Gaza Strip.
  • Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 8 others, including 5 children in the West Bank.
  • Israeli settlers shot dead a Palestinian civilian and wounded another in southern Nablus.
  • Israeli forces conducted 68 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 other incursions into the Gaza Strip.
  • 44 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and 3 women, were arrested in the West Bank.
  • 16 of them, including 2 children and 3 women, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
  • Shooting incidents continued against Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the border areas of the Gaza Strip.
  • Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
  • Two under-construction residential buildings, parts of al-Andalus pool and club, and a parking lit were demolished.

 

  • Five Shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Strip Sea.
  • Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13th consecutive year.
  • Israeli forces established 92 permanent checkpoints and 103 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
  • 2 Palestinian civilians were arrested at military checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (28 March – 03 April 2019).

 

Shooting:

 

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 52nd week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force against Palestinians demonstrating the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, and wounded 412 others, including 67 children, 11 women, 8 journalists, and 7 paramedics. The injury of nine of them was reported serious. Meanwhile, 3 other civilians were wounded after being targeted with a missile fired by a drone. In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 8 others, including 5 children, while Israeli settlers shot dead a Palestinian civilian and wounded another.

In the Gaza Strip, during the 52nd Friday of the Return and Breaking Siege March, Israeli forces killed 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, while pariciapting in the activities held to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the Land Day and 1st anniversary of the breakout of the Great March of Return and Breaking the siege on 30 March 2019.

In Gaza City: on the abovementioned day morning, Israeli forces killed Mohammed Sa’ed (20), from al-Shija’iyah neighbourhood, after being wounded with a bullet to the chest that was fired by the Israeli forces at a group of civilians gathered 100 meters away from the western side of the border fence in Malakah area in al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City.  At approximately 15:15, Adham ‘Emarah (17), from al-Sha’af neughbourhood, was hit with a teargas canister to his face and then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where his death was announced at 15:30.

In Khan Younis: Israeli forces stationed to southeastern side of the Return encampment opened fire and killed 2 Palestinians identified as Tamer Abu al-Kheir (18), from Hamad Housing Project in Khan Younis, who was wounded with a bullet to the chest, and Belal al-Najjar (17), from Bani Sheila, east of Khan Younis who was wounded with an explosive bullet to the chest, causing lacerations in his abdomen.  On 02 April 2019, medical sources in Naser Hospital in Khan Younis declared that Fares Abu Hajras (25), from Bani Sheila, east of the city, succumbed to wounds he sustained on 30 March 2019.  The abovementioned sustained a bullet wound to the abdomen when he was 20-30 meters away from the border fence in eastern Khuza’ah.

In excessive use of lethal force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 412 civilians, 67 children, 11 women, 8 journalists, and 7 paramedics. The injury of nine of them was reported serious.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 28 March – 03 April 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 48 14 0 0 1 2
Gaza City 79 0 0 0 1 0
Central Gaza Strip 69 15 6 2 1 2
Khan Yunis 94 23 2 0 2 0
Rafah 122 15 3 6 2 6
Total 412 67 11 8 7 9

 

 

  • As part of airstrikes, Israeli forces drones fired one missile at a group of civilians who were passing by the Shuhadaa’ Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. AS a result, 4 civilians sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of their bodies.

 

  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 5 incidents were as follows: 2 incidents off Rafah Shore; 2 incidenta off Khan Yunis Shore, south of the Gaza Strip; and one incident off al-Waha resort shore, north of the Gaza Strip.

 

 

  • As part of targeting the border areas, on 28 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka, east of Rafah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians, who were collecting construction aggregates. However, no casualties were reported.

 

  • Om 29 March 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at the border area adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northwest of Beit Hanoun. However, no casualties were reported.

 

  • On 31 March 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at the agrictural lands, east of Gaza Valley village, but no casualties were reported.

 

 

In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian while another was shot dead by settlers.  On 02 April 2019, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 2 others when large number of Israeli forces moved into Qalendia refugee camp and Kafr ‘Aqab village, north of occupied East Jerusalem, to carry out an arrest campaign.  Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the entrance to the camp and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the Israeli vehicles and soldiers, who in response fired live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets at them.  As a result, Mohammed Dar ‘Edwan (23) was killed and 2 others were wounded.

 

In a new crime of wilful killing committed by the settlers in the West Bank against the Palestinian civilians, on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, 2 settlers killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded another when the settlers opened fire at the one killed near Bita village square on Ramallah-Nablus Street, south of Nablus.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 28 Palestinians, including 5 children, from the West Bank, while 16 other civilians, including 2 children and 3 women, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 28 March 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into al-Shokah village, east of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.  They levelled lands in front of the Return encampment and later redeployed along the border fence with Israel.

 

On 03 April 2019, Israeli forces conducted 2 similar incursions in eastern Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip and eastern al-Qararah village, northeast if Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 02 April 2019, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished an under-construction residential building in Sho’afat in northern occupied East Jerusalem under the pretext of building without a license. The 2-storey building was built on 450 square meters and belonged to ‘Alaa’ and ‘Adnan Hoshiyah.  As soon as the building had been demolished, the Israeli bulldozers destroyed parts of al-Andalus club and swimming pool in the camp.  Mustafa al-Bayaa’, owner of the club, said the bulldozer destroyed parts of the second floor of the 300-square meter club.  They also demolished a parking lot at the entrance to Sho’fat refugee camp.
  • On the same day, the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished an under-construction residential building in Beer ‘Onah area in Beit Jala under the pretext of non-licensing. The building’s owner said to lawyer Basimah ‘Issa that Jerusalem Municipality refused to license the building under the pretext that it is in an area where construction is prohibited.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on Monday morning, 01 April 2019, settlers punctured tires of Palestinian vehicles and wrote on them and on walls racist slogans near “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlement established on the lands of Beit Hanina village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. Jewish settlers carry out attacks against Palestinian property in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, within a group titled as “Price Tag”. This  group carry out acts of intimidation amounting to murder attempts, burining and damaging Palestinian lands and property, attacking Isalmic and Christian holy sites and exhumation of graves.

 

 

 

Details

 

  1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

 

 

Thursday, 28 March 2019:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Jabal Abu Roman neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Amer ‘Ayed Abu ‘Aisha (36) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Yazan Redwan Atef Abu Rmaila (24) and Madin Rabah harbi Dawoud (23) in al-Tour Mount, south of Nablus, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul City, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Tharwa neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ra’ed Nofal (33) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, north of Hebron and stationed in al-‘Aroud area. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested ‘Amro Thiab al-Faroukh (23) and Mohammed Saleh al-Faroukh (25), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub Refugee Camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wahib Wael al-‘Ajarma (17) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqas village, southeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Na’im Mohammed Abu Turki (32) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu Shkhaidem village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested ‘Ali Moussa Qendah (22), Mohammed Shadi al-Sous (21) and Yasser Nasser al-Sous (26), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh and stationed in al-Shurfa neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abd al-Rahman Hussain Ibrahim (23) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and bulldozers, moved 100 meters into al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli vehicles combed lands adjacent to the Return Camp. At approximately 12:30, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

 

  • At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at civilians collecting aggregates, and no casualties were reported.

 

  • At approximately 14:35, an Israeli drone fired one missile at a group of civilians passing near al-Shohada Cemetery, east of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, three civilians were hit with shrapnel throughout their bodies and then taken to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, where their injuries were reported Moreover, the Israeli forces issued a statement saying that an Israeli drone targeted a Palestinian cell that participated in firing incendiary balloons at the Israeli settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Yatta; Sorif and Deir Samet villages in Hebron.

 

 

Friday, 29 March 2019:

 

  • At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces stationed inside watchtowers at Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing and in its vicinity, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at the area adjacent to the border fence with Israel. The Israeli shooting caused fear and panic among Palestinian civilians, whose houses are near the area, but no casualties were reported.

 

  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nablus, ‘Assira al-Qablia and Madama villages, south of Nablus; Beit Ummar, al-Thaherya, Emraish, and Karza villages in Hebron.

 

Saturday, 30 March 2019:

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Youssof al-Dik (26) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafl Haress village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Emad Mahmoud ‘Abd al-Hamid al-Qaq (16) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Mothalath al-Shohada village in Jenin; al-Samou’, Beit Ula, Fqaiqiss, and al-Hadb villages in Hebron.

 

Sunday, 31 March 2019

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub Refugee Camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Adam Mohannad Abu Sham’a (16) and Isma’el Maher al-Shareef (17) and then arrested them. The Israeli forces later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel opened fire at agriculture lands, east of Gaza Valley village (Johr al-Dik), southeast of Gaza City. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to flee fearing for their lives, and no casualties were reported.

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Sa’ir, Bani N’aim, al-Simia, and Trama villages in Hebron.

 

Monday, 01 April 2019

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monadel Naji Qabha (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar Refugee Camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmad Mohammad Abu ‘Awad (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub Refugee Camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Ahmad Nedal Abu Ghazy (19) and Jehad ‘Emad al-Titi (17) and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tabaqah village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed in al-Beid neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmad Salama Abdul Mohssen Abu Ras (35) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Sheikh neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmad Mohammad al-Baied (30) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nablus; Karza and Tarqomia villages in Hebron.

 

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

 

  • At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Amin Horani (21), and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shayoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hassan Ismail ‘Ashour Halayqah (39) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Zabouba village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Taleb Mohammed Jradat (21), and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Khelet al-Moghayer area, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Anas Lahab al-Tamimi (22) and then summoned him to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hamza ‘Ali ‘Ayad ‘Awad (19) and then summoned him to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • At approximately 01:45, Israeli forces moved into Jalqmous village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’awia Taher al-Qerm (24) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beith Kahel village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Laith Mohammed al-Assafra (21) and then summoned him to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bitonia, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hassan Youssef (65), a leader in Hamas Movement, and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Hassan Youssef was a former prisoner in Israeli jails, where he served for 20 years in varying periods.

 

  • At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, pumped water and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing area and chased them. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee towards the shore for fear of being wounded or arrested. Neither casualties nor damage to their boats was reported.

 

  • At approximately 17:30, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within nine nautical miles and chased them. The shooting sporadically continued for more than two hours. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee towards the shore for fear of being wounded or arrested. No casualties among them or damage to their boats were reported.

 

  • Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul; Deir Samet village and al-Fawar Refugee Camp in Hebron; ‘Otra village, southeast of Nablus; al-Moghir, Beteen, Abu Qash, and Sarda Beit Rima villages in Ramallah and al-Bireh.

 

 

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

 

  • At approximately 00:45, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anzah village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Walid Brahma (33) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jabe’ village, south of Jenin and stationed in al-Mwaress area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Islam ‘Adel Tawfiq Ghananm and confiscated NIS 2500 claiming that “this money funds terrorism.” After confiscating the money, they handed Islam a warrant of the confiscated money and then withdrew from the house and village.

 

  • At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Kaffr Ra’i village, west of Jenin and stationed near Abi Thar al-Ghafari Mosque in the southern neighbourhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sana’ Mohammed Monib al-Sayed and then confiscated NIS 2300 claiming that “this money funds terrorism.” After confiscating the money, they handed Sana’ a warrant of the confiscated money despite her rejection to sign it and then withdrew from the house. Moreover, the Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mohanned Isma’il Ya’aqba and then confiscated NIS 2250, 49 JD and 49 $.

 

  • At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sires village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adiba Tawfiq Hafeth Mahmoud in the southern eastern neighborhood and then confiscated NIS 600, 10 JD and two checks estimated at NIS 4000.

 

  • At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces backed by five military vehicles moved around 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, east of Deir al-Balah in the Central Gaza Strip. The military vehicles combed the area until 15:00 and headed to the south, east of Khan Younis. They combed and leveled the area and after three hours, they redeployed along the border fence.

 

  • At approximately 11:00, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within eight nautical miles and chased them. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee towards the shore for fear of being wounded or arrested. However, no casualties among them or damage to their boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved 100 meters into the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, coming from the east of al-Buraij. The military vehicles combed and leveled lands along the border fence heading to the south. After that, they redeployed along the border fence adjacent to al-Farahin neighborhood, east of ‘Abassan al-Kabira village.

 

  • At approximately 19:30, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing area and chased them. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee towards the shore for fear of being wounded or arrested. However, casualties among them or damage to their boats were reported.

 

  • At approximately 20:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles and chased them. The shooting sporadically continued for more than two hours. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee towards the shore for fear of being wounded or arrested. However, no casualties among them or damage to their boats were reported.

 

 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Araba village, west of Jenin; Beit Forik village, east of Nablus; Hebron, Beit ‘Awa, al-Koum, Ethna, and Sorif villages in Hebron.

 

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

 

Gaza Strip:

 

In the 52nd week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities on Friday, 29 March 2019, Israeli forces wounded 18 civilians, including three children, a journalist and a paramedic. The incidents were as follows:

 

  • Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of four civilians, including a paramedic. One of them was hit with a live bullet to the left foot and three were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedic, Hamam Kamal youssof Khadra (27), who works for PRCS, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right foot.

 

  • Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting, which continued from 15:00 until 19:00, at the Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of ten civilians, including two children. Nine of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and one was directly hit with a tear gas canister. The injury of one of them was reported serious

 

 

  • Central Gaza Strip: At approximately 17:00, two civilians were injured, including a 13-year-old child, from al-Buraij. The wounded child was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs.

 

  • Rafah: At approximately 21:00, Israeli stationed along the border fence with Israel adjacent to the Return Camp, east of al-Shawka, east of Rafah, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of young men demonstrated in the area. As a result, two civilians, including a journalist, were injured. The wounded journalist, Mohammed Samih Hassan Abu Sultan (22), who works for the Pioneers of Truth Network, was hit with live bullet shrapnel to the abdomen.

 

 

On Saturday, 30 March 2019, coinciding the 43rd anniversary of Land Day and the 1st anniversary of the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege, Israeli forces killed four Palestinian civilians, including two children, and injured 394 civilians, including 64 children, 11 women, 7 journalists, and 6 paramedics. The Injury of eight of them was reported serious. The incidents were as follows:

 

Gaza City: At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at civilians, who were around 100 meters away from the border fence in Malaka area in al-Zaitoun neighborhood, east of Gaza. The Israeli shooting resulted in the injury of Mohammed Jehad Jawdat Sa’d (20), from al-Shuja’eya neighborhood. Jehad was hit with a live bullet to the chest and taken to al-Shefa Hospital in Gaza City. Moreover, at approximately 07:30, medical recourses announced Jehad’s death.

 

At approximately 13:00, the activities of the 43rd anniversary of Land Day and the 1st anniversary of the Great March of Return and Breaking Siege started in the east of Malaka Square, east of al-Zaitoun neighborhood. Despite the peaceful demonstration, the Israeli forces heavily opened fire and deliberately and randomly fired live and rubber bullets at participants. At approximately 15:15, Adham Nedal Saqer ‘Emara (17), from al-Sha’af neighborhood, was hit with a tear gas canister to the face. Adham was taken to al-Shefa Hospital in Gaza City. Moreover, at approximately 15:30, the medical resources announced Adham’s death. The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 75 civilians. Thirty-eight of them were hit with live bullets, five were hit with rubber bullets and 42 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. In addition, a camera belonging to a journalist, Saber Ibrahim Shehda Nour al-Din, was hit with a tear gas canister  that damaged it.

 

Northern Gaza Strip: the Israeli shooting, which continued from 12:00 until 18:00, at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 38 civilians, including 12 children and a paramedic. Two of them were hit with rubber bullets and 36 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedic, Mohammed Nahed Rashid ‘Atallah (31) who works for the Civil Defense, was hit with a tear gas canister to the neck.  It should be noted that an ambulance belonging to al-‘Awda Hospital, which belongs to Health Work Committees, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left door and sustained damage.

 

Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 18:00, resulted in the injury of 67 civilians, including 14 children, six women, two journalists, and a paramedic. Fourteen of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, five were hit with rubber bullets and 48 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of two of them was reported serious.

 

It should be noted that on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, medical resources in Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis announced that Faris Youssef Fares Abu Hagras (25), from Bani Suhaila village, east of Khan Younis, succumbed to his wounds. At approximately 15:00, Fares was hit with a live bullet to the abdomen, while he was standing 20-30 meters away from the border fence with Israel, east of Khoza’a. He was taken to a field medical point and then to Nassr Hospital, where his injury was reported serious. Faris underwent three surgeries and was admitted to the ICU until he succumbed to his wounds.

 

The wounded journalists were identified as:

 

  • Mohammed Mosbah Mahmoud Balour (39), who works as a reporter for al-Aqsa Network, was hit with a rubber bullet to the lower limbs.
  • Mohammed Rebhi ‘Atallah Abu Hayah (23), who works as a photographer for al-Aqsa Network, was hit a rubber bullet to the lower limbs.

The wounded paramedic, Mohammed Hassan Deeb al-Wassifi (45), works as a volunteer paramedic in the Civil Defense.

 

Khan Younis: The shooting of Israeli forces stationed east and southeast of the Return Camp resulted in the killing of two civilians identified as:

  • Tamer Hashem ‘Issa Abu al-Khair (18), from Hamad City in Khan Younis, was hit with a live bullet to the chest. At approximately 15:55, Tamer was taken to European Hospital due to his critical condition. Doctors attempted to save his life, but their attempts failed so that at approximately 19:00, his death was declared.
  • Belal Mahmoud Sha’ban al-Najar (17), from Bani Suhaila village, east of Khan Younis. At approximately 15:15, he was hit with an explosive live bullet to the chest resulting in lacerations in the abdomen. PCHR’s fieldworker took photos and a video showing that while a number of paramedics was raising their hands, they went to Belal after he was wounded around 20 meters away from the border fence with Israel and took him to an ambulance as his condition was serious. They then took him to a field medical point and then to the Algerian Hospital. After that, they referred him to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis. Doctors attempted to save his life, but their attempts failed so that at approximately 22:00, Belal’s death was declared.

 

The Israeli forces opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian demonstrators resulting in the injury of 94 civilians, including 23 children, two women and two paramedics. Fourty-one of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel while 53 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedics were identified as:

  • Khaled Moussa Fssaifess (21), from Bani Suhaila, who works as a volunteer for Elite Medical Team, was hit with a teargas canister to the right foot.
  • ‘Amer Khaled Madi (25), from Khan Younis Camp, who works as a volunteer for Palestine Red Crescent Society, was hit with a rubber bullet to the face.

PCHR’s fieldworkers said that the Israeli forces increased the sniper-positioning points and raised the sand berms on which the snipers position, enabling them to see clearly and completely the area, where the protestors spread, and deep into the Return encampment.

 

Rafah:  the Israeli shooting, which continued from 13:00 until 18:00, at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 120 civilians, including 15 children, 3 women, 2 paramedics, and 5 journalists. Sixty-nine of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 51 civilians were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of six of them was reported serious. The wounded paramedics were identified as:

  • Amin Jehad Mohammed al-Balbaishi (30), who works for the Military Medical Services, was hit with a tear gas canister to the head.
  • Esra’ Mohammed Mershed al-Qadi (23), who works as a volunteer for Abdullah- Pulse of life Team, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg.

The wounded journalists were identified as:

  • ‘Alaa’ ‘Abd al-Fatah Ibrahim al-Namla (35), who works for al-Quds Network, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg.
  • Mohammed Omar Qandeel Qandeel (30), who works as a freelance journalist, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.
  • Belal Fawzi Sha’ban al-Derbi (20), who works for the Pioneers of Truth Network, was hit with a tear gas canister to the face.
  • ‘Abdullah Mahmoud Khamis al-Ranteessi (24), who works as a freelance journalist, was hit with a tear gas canister to the back.
  • ‘Ata Bassel Mohammed Fojo (21), who works for Sama al-Quds Network, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.

 

 

West Bank:

 

  • Following the Friday prayer, on 29 March 2019, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders headed to the lands of al-Sahl area, east of al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah, to peacefully protest against the Israeli settlers’ attempt to confiscate and seize the lands. When the demonstrators arrived at the area, Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, four children were injured. Two of them were hit with live bullets and the other two were hit with rubber bullets.

 

 

  1. Continued closure of the oPt

 

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

 

Gaza Strip

 

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

Israeli forces have continued to impose a 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 of the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

 

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

 

  • Note:Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics

 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(19-25 March 2019)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 28 March- 03 April2019:
Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons
Jerusalem 13 7
Nablus 10 15 2 2
Jenin 5 3
Ramallah 11 17 4
Tulkarm 7 3 1
Tubas 2 3 1
Salfit 3 9 1
Qalqiliyia 5 6 4
Hebron 20 31 9
Bethlehem 11 9 2
Jericho 5
Al-Karama Crossing
Total 92 103 24

 

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

 

 

  • At approximately 18:00, on Sunday, 31 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Fourik checkpoint, east of Nablus, arrested ‘Aref Ayman Haj Mohammad (18), from Beit Fourik, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 14:00, on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, Thaer Waleed ‘Amer (33), from Kafr Qallil, south of Nablus, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

 

A Civilian Killed and Another Injured by Israeli Settlers, South of Nablus

 

  • In a new crime of willful killing, which Israeli settlers carry out against Palestinians civilians, on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, two settlers killed a Palestinian civilian and injured another when they opened fire at the first civilian near Bita village square in Nablus-Ramallah Street, south of Nablus. According to PCHR’s investigations, eyewitnesses and DVR’s footage, at approximately 08:32, on Wednesday, 03 April 2019, Mohammad ‘Abdul Mon’im Abul Fattah (23), from Khirbet Qeis in Salfit, arrived at Beita village square, crossed the street, stood between two waste containers near al-Tamimi Gas Station, and threw stones at two Israeli settlers’ cars that were on the way. Moreover, he threw stones at a third car with an Israeli registration plate, which came from Howara village to Za’tara checkpoint. The car stopped at the square and the driver opened fire at him, hitting him directly with a live bullet and forcing him to take cover under the settler’s car. As a result, a civilian namely Khaled Salah Mohammad Rawajha (23) was hit with a live bullet, which penetrated his left waist. Khaled was then taken to Rafidia Surgical Hospital in Nablus to receive treatment. Meanwhile, a truck with Israeli registration plate arrived at the place. The driver then stepped out of his truck carrying a gun and shot Mohammad dead, together with the other settler. Following his death, Israeli forces arrived and locked down the area. Furthermore, an Israeli ambulance arrived and took the Mohammad’s corpse to an unknown destination. Following that, the Israeli forces raided an automobile repair shop, watched the surveillance (DVR’s) footage and deleted the footage from 08:32 to 10:00 to hide their crimes.

 

Killings and Shootings:

 

  • At approximately 03:00, on Thursday 02 April 2019, a large number of Israeli forces backed by several military vehicles moved into Qalandia refugee camp and Kafr ‘Aqab village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. In conjunction with closing Qalandia checkpoint on both sides, the Israeli forces deployed along the main street adjacent to Qalandia refugee camp, which leads to Kafr ‘Aqab, and raided a residential building in “Sekal intersection” area. They then moved into Qalandia refugee camp via the main entrance. They raided and searched several houses belonging to Moteir family, from which they arrested three brothers namely Yusif (34), Ibrahim (31) and Rajab No’man Muteir (26), taking them to an unknown destination. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the camp’s entrance and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the Israeli forces and military vehicles. The Israeli forces immediately fired live and rubber bullets at them. At approximately 04:30, clashes reached al-Matar Street adjacent to the camp. The Israeli forces heavily opened fire at the Palestinian young men. As a result, two Palestinian civilians were hit with live bullets to the lower limbs. Moreover, the Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammad ‘Ali Dar ‘Adwan (23) at a close range (as shown in a video posted on social media). As a result, he was hit with several bullets to the chest. They then arrested him though he was in a critical condition. They later handed him to the Palestinian medical personnel to be taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah after he was declared dead.
    Israel commander of Ramallah, Qalandia refugee camp and Kafr ‘Aqab, known as “Captain Hossam” on social media, said that during the police and soldiers’ activity in the area, dozens of Palestinian young men threw pipe bombs at the soldiers, resulting in clashes between them. As a result, Mohammad ‘Ali Dal ‘Adwan was killed.
    After Mohammad’s funeral procession, violent clashes broke out between dozens of Palestinian young men and the Israeli forces at the entrance to Qalandia refugee camp near Qalandia military checkpoint. The Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were hit with rubber bullets and were then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive treatment.
    In their statement, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said that their personnel were in the area when the clashes broke out between the Palestinian young men and the Israeli forces near Qalandia military checkpoint. PRCS added that their personnel transferred a child, who was hit with a rubber bullet to the head, and another civilian, who was hit with rubber bullets to the cheek, to the hospital to receive treatment. Furthermore, the Palestinian Health Ministry said that the two civilians injured with rubber bullets were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah and clarified that they are in a stable health condition.

 

 

  • Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

 

 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

 

 

Arrests and Incursions:

 

  • At approximately 01:00, on Thursday, 28 March 2019, Israeli forces moved into Shu’fat Refugee Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Mahmoud Amjad Jaber (22) and Mohammad ‘Abdullah ‘Amer (19), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Bostan neighborhood in Silwan, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khader ‘Oda and then arrested his children Ahmad (12) and Jom’a (13), taking them to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Suwana neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majdi Mahmoud Abu Ghazala (28) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 09:00, on Thursday, 28 March 2019, Israeli police arrested ‘Arafat Najeeb (32), a guard of al-Aqsa Mosque, while he was in the mosque’s yards. They then took him to a detention center. Few hours later, they released ‘Arafat after handing him an order that denies him access to al-Aqsa Mosque for two weeks.

 

  • On 29 March 2019, following the Friday prayer, Israeli forces arrested three mothers of Palestinian prisoners after they got out of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Eyewitnesses said that that the families of Palestinian prisoners organized a sit-in in al-Aqsa yards after the Friday prayer in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. After the families got out of the mosque, the Israeli forces arrested three women namely Kholoud Na’eem al-A’war, Iman al-A’war and Najah ‘Oda.

 

  • At approximately 15:00, on Saturday, 30 March 2019, Israeli forces arrested Yazan ‘Emad Syam (22) while he was walking in Salah al-Deen Street, in central occupied East Jerusalem, taking him to an unknown destination.

 

  • At approximately 10:00, on Sunday 31 March 2019, Israeli police arrested Wessam Khaled al-‘Araj (28), a guard of al-Aqsa Mosque, in front of al-Rahma Gate prayer area in al-Aqsa Mosque yards in occupied East Jerusalem under the pretext of opening the gates to the prayer area. They then took him to a detention center in occupied East Jerusalem. It should be mentioned that the Israeli police has denied more than 20 guards of al-Aqsa Mosque access to the mosque until today on grounds of opening the gates to al-Rahma Gate prayer area, considering it as an action that opposes the police’s orders to keep them closed.

 

  • At approximately 09:00, on 02 April 2019, Israeli police arrested two young men, from Jerusalem, for opening al-Rahma prayer area gates in al-Aqsa Mosque yards in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, taking them to their detention centers. Islamic Endowment Department “Awqaf” said that the Israeli police arrested Basshar Najeeb (19) and Tawfiq Najeeb (21) in front of al-Rahma Gate prayer area. They added that they were arrested for opening the gates to al-Rahma Gate prayer area for prayers and were then taken to Israeli detention centers in the Old City. Moreover, they stressed that the Israeli police raided al-Qibli Mosque though a number of al-Aqsa guards tried to prevent them. As a result, altercations broke out. Meanwhile, 38 Israeli settlers protected by 31 Israeli police officers and intelligence raided al-Aqsa Mosque.

 

 

Notices and House Demolitions:

 

  • At approximately 08:00, on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, Israeli Civil Administration bulldozers demolished three facilities in Shu’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses, at approximately 08:00, on Tuesday, 02 April 2019, in large numbers, Israeli forces accompanied with bulldozers and backed by an Israeli helicopter moved into Shu’fat refugee camp, from “Ras Khamees” suburb. The Israeli forces deployed on the camp’s streets. The bulldozers then started to demolish a residential building belonging to Hawshia’s family near the annexation wall that separates the camp from “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlement. ‘Alaa Hoshia said that the 450-square-meter building that ‘Adnan Hoshia and he own is comprised of two under-construction floors. He stressed that the demolition came without any prior notices and the court gave them until 10 May 2019 to carry out the self-demolition order. Hoshia added that they started to build in mid-2018 and the Israeli municipality issued a decision to stop construction works and demolish the building at the beginning of 2019. He mentioned that the Israeli municipality staff handed him an order to pay “demolition fees” estimated at NIS 150,000-200,000. Moreover, ‘Adnan Hoshia, the second owner of the building, was hit with two rubber bullets to the leg and chest when he tried to be present in the vicinity of the building at the time of its demolition. Furthermore, he was handed a notice for investigation. Following the demolition, Israeli bulldozers demolished parts of al-Andalus Club and swimming pool in the camp. Mostafa al-Baya’, owner of the facility, said that the bulldozers demolished parts of the second 300-square-meter floor and then stopped the demolition under the pretext that there was a “decision to stop the demolition”. Al-Baya’ also pointed out that the building was established in 2013 and at the beginning of 2019; the Israeli municipality issued a decision to demolish it and was then frozen until the end of April 2019. Al-Baya’ also added that the building is comprised of two floors: the first is a swimming pool while the second is a club. Parts of the club were demolished, leaving the building completely damaged and in an unusable condition. Khader al-Debes, Head of the Committee against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity, said that the Israeli bulldozers leveled a parking lot at the entrance to Shu’fat refugee camp.

 

  • At approximately 08:30, Israeli bulldozers belonging to the Israeli Municipality demolished a residential building under construction in Be’r ‘Ona area in Beit Jala City, under the pretext of non-licensing. The building’s owner, Bassema Mohammed ‘Issa (54), who works as a lawyer, said that Israeli forces along with Municipality’s staff and two bulldozers raided her residential building, which is still under construction. She also said that she has attempted to obtain a building license for her building, but the Municipality of Jerusalem refused, claiming that construction is prohibited in the area where the building was established. Bassema added that she received a demolition notice from the Israel Civil Administration and Magistrate and District Courts, and then from the Supreme Court in Jerusalem. She also said that she refused to implement the self-demolition decision on 01 April. Bassema knew from Israeli authorities that she will be fined with around NIS 300,000 if she did not self-demolish the building. It should be noted that Be’r ‘Ona area belonged to Bethlehem Municipality during the Jordanian administration in the West Bank before 1967, but the Israeli authorities annexed it to the municipal borders  of Jerusalem.

 

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

 

 

Israeli forces’ attacks:

 

 

  • At approximately 10:00, on Sunday, 31 March 2019, Israeli forces backed by two military vehicles and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into al-Jawaya, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer handed the houses’ owners two demolition notices for a house and a barrack built of tint plates under the pretext of non-licensing. The two-story house of 140 square meters house belongs to Abdul Mutalib Hammad Mohammad Jawaj’a and the 120-square-meter barrack belongs to Moussa Hassan al-Shawaheen. It should be noted that the two notices gave both owners seven days to appeal.

 

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

 

  • At morning hours on Monday, 01 April 2019, Israeli settlers punctured Palestinian vehicles’ tires and wrote on it and on the walls racist slogans near “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlement established on Beit Hanina village’s lands, north of Occupied East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses said that a group of settlers attacked the Palestinian vehicles near “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlement and punctured their tires. The eyewitnesses added that the settlers wrote racist slogans on some of the vehicles and on the walls. The Israeli police said in its statement that walls and vehicles belonging to Palestinians sustained damage near “Pisgat Ze’ev” It should be noted that the Israeli settlers carry out attacks against Palestinian property in the West Bank and Occupied East Jerusalem within the so-called “Price Tag” group. This group carries out intimidation acts that may amount to murder attempts, burning and damaging Palestinian lands and property, attacking Islamic and Christian holy sites, and exhumation of graves.
  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (21 March – 27 March 2019)

March 29, 2019

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 21 – 27 March, 2019.

Israeli warplanes launched 82 missiles at 38 targets across the Gaza Strip. Several houses and civil facilities sustained material damage and dozens of civilians became homeless. Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. Two Palestinian civilians were killed in eastern Gaza City and al-Buriej camp. 195 civilians, including 56 children, 4 women, 3 journalists, and a paramedic, were wounded. The injury of two of them was reported as serious.

Shooting:

  • In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 51st week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded 205 others, including 57 children, 4 women, 3 journalists, and a paramedic. The injury of two of them was reported serious. Seven of the total number of injuries were wounded during airstrikes carried out by the Israeli warplanes at targets across the Gaza Strip as two fishermen were wounded in the Gaza Sea and a child was wounded after targeting the border areas. Meanwhile, the rest injuries occurred during the Return and Breaking Siege March. In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed a volunteer paramedic (17) and wounded 3 civilians in al-Dahisha refugee camp south of the West Bank.
  • In the Gaza Strip, during the 51st Friday of the Return and Breaking Siege March, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians. The first one, Jehad Hararah (23), from al-Shuja’iyia neighborhood, east of Gaza City, died after being hit with a live bullet to the chest while participating in the demonstrations in Malaka square, east of Gaza City. The second one, Nidal Shatat (29), from al-Moghraqah village, south of Gaza City, died after being hit with a live bullet to the chest while participating in the demonstrations in eastern al-Buriej camp and present around 50 meters away from the border fence with Israel. These new violations come only hours after the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on accountability brought by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The vote had 23 states voting in favor, 8 against and with 15 abstentions, condemning Israel’s “apparent intentional use of unlawful lethal and other excessive force” against civilian protesters in Gaza.  Thus, these incidents emphasize that the Israeli forces persist in its violation of the international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
  • In excessive use of lethal force against the peaceful protesters in eastern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 195 civilians, including 56 children, 4 women, 3 journalists, and a paramedic. The injury of two of them was reported serious.

 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 20 to 27 March 2019 According to the Governorate

 

Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 23 5 1 1 1 2
Gaza City 98 28 0 1 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 35 17 2 0 0 0
Khan Yunis 28 6 1 1 0 0
Rafah 9 0 0 0 0 0
Total 195 56 4 3 1 2
  • As part of airstrikes, Israeli forces carried out dozens of airstrikes on various targets across the Gaza Strip. These airstrikes have been the most violent in recent months that have not spared civilians and displaced dozens of them. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip lived in a state of terror and fear due to the continuous Israeli airstrikes that targeted various locations; some were in densely-populated areas throughout the Gaza Strip. According to the documentation by PCHR’s fieldworkers, the Israeli warplanes launched 82 missiles at 38 targets across the Gaza Strip, including residential buildings and civil facilities, under the pretext of having security service offices underneath or near them.  As a result, 7 Palestinian civilians sustained minor wounds due to the scattering glass and bricks following those airstrikes. During and after the airstrikes, dozens of civilians were forced to evacuate from their houses dreadfully in the cold weather at night, rendering 13 families comprised of 70 members, including 44 children and 14 women, homeless. In addition to the destruction caused by the airstrikes against the targeted locations and the damage caused to nearby houses and facilities, the resulting explosions caused panic and fear among civilians, especially women and children, as the explosions reminded them of the traumatic experiences they lived in the three offensives of 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014.
  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 4 incidents were as follows: 2 incidents off Rafah Shore; one incident off Khan Yunis Shore, south of the Gaza Strip; and one incident off al-Waha resort shore, north of the Gaza Strip. These incidents resulting in the injury of a fisherman and his son, in addition to damaging their fishing boat.
  • As part of targeting the border areas, on 24 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka, east of Rafah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians, who were collecting aggregates. As a result, Mahmoud Fouad Salman al-‘Arja (14) was hit with shrapnel to the face.
  • Om 26 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Buriej refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds and no injuries were reported. The shepherds were forced to leave the area for fear of their lives.
  • In the West Bank, in new crime of targeting medical personnel, Israeli forces moved into al-Walijah neighbourhood in al-Dheisheh refugee camp, south of the West Bank, and killed a volunteer paramedic, Sajed Mizher (17) while treating injured protesters in the camp. The Israeli forces also wounded 3 other civilians.

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on Tuesday morning, 26 March 2019, Ahmed Moussa al-‘Abassy (48) started to demolish his house in order to implement the Israeli Municipality decision. Ahmed said that the municipality issued a demolition decision in the middle of the past February under the pretext of non-licensing. Moreover, on Monday, 25 March 2019, the municipality staff raided Ahmed’s house in Ra’ss al-‘Amoud neighborhood in Silwan village, south of the old city, and ordered him to self-demolish his house within two weeks. As a result, Ahmed was forced to self-demolish his house to avoid paying the demolition costs. It should be noted that Ahmed started to build his 100-square-meter an under-construction house in October 2018.

 

  • As part of targeting social activities in the city, on Thursday, 21 March 2019, Israeli authorities prevented the holding of a Palestinian activity for Mother’s Day in the French Cultural Center in Jerusalem on Salah al-Deen Street in central occupied East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli Intelligence officers accompanied with boarder guard officers raided the French Cultural Center, locked it down and prevented the invitees to enter to Jerusalem Girls Association’s activity in the center, under the pretext that it is funded and supervised by the Palestinian Authority (PA). Moreover, the eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces fixed an order on the center’s gate to prevent holding the activity in the center or in any different place in Jerusalem. It should be mentioned that, over the past years, the Israeli authorities prevented several social and national activities under the pretext that they were funded by the PA.

 

 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers documented 3 direct attacks were as follows:

 

  • On 21 March 2019, Hundreds of the Israeli settlers organized a demonstration starting from the closed Shuhadah Street and then heading to Tal al-Ramidah neighborhood, where they performed their religious rituals at al-Ibrahimi Mosque and chanted racist slogans against the Arabs.

 

  • On 25 March 2019, Israeli settlers wrote racist slogans and punctured the tires of 28 vehicles in the French Hill neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The vehicles belong to Abu Lail, Shanak, ‘Oda and ‘Obaidi.

 

  • On 26 March 2019, Israeli settlers attacked al-Khansa Primary Mixed School in Taqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem.

 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

 

Gaza Strip:

 

  • At approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 21 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed on sand berms along the border fence with Israeli, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of Palestinian young men and boys gathered near the Return Camp, east of al-Buraij. As a result, a child was hit to the lower limbs and his injury was reported moderate.

During the 51st week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian civilians and wounded 190 others, including 54 children, four women, three journalists and a paramedic. The incidents were as follows:

  • Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 15:00 until 18:00, resulted in the killing of Jehad Munir Khaled Harara (23), from al-Shuja’ya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. At approximately 16:50, Jehad was hit with a live bullet to the chest and at approximately 17:30, the medical sources announced his death. Moreover, 98 civilians, including 28 children and a journalist, were wounded. Seventy-one of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 20 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and seven were hit with rubber bullets. The wounded journalist, ‘Ali Jadallah (27), who works as a photographer for Anadolu Agency, was hit with a live bullet shrapnel to the left hand.
  • Northern Gaza Strip: the Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 23 civilians, including five children, a woman, a journalist, and a paramedic. Seven of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 16 were directly hit with tear gas canisters.  The injury of two of them was reported serious. The wounded journalist, Mohammed Isma’il ‘Abdullah al-‘Athamna (20), who works as a freelance journalist, was hit with a live bullet to the left leg. The wounded paramedic, Youssof Ra’ed Youssof Abu Baid (22), who works as a volunteer paramedic for PRCS, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right hand. 
  • Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 18:00, resulted in the killing of Nedal ‘Abd al-Karim Ahmed Shatat (29), from al-Moghraqa village, south of Gaza City. At approximately 17:20, Nedal was hit with a live bullet entered his left side of chest and exited the right side, while he was around 50 meters away from the border fence with Israel, east of al-Buriej Camp. At approximately 17:40, Nedal arrived as a dead body at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Moreover, the shooting resulted in the injury of 32 civilians, including 15 children and two women. Fourteen of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 18 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The Israeli soldiers targeted in the vicinity of a field medical point and ambulances with tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of medical personnel sustained tear gas inhalation.
  • Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 15:00 until 18:00, resulted in the injury of 28 civilians, including six children, a woman and a paramedic. Ten of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 17 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and one was hit with a rubber bullet.  The wounded journalist, Isma’il Farid Mohammed Abu ‘Amer (36), who works as a reporter at al-Aqsa Voice Radio, was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg.
  • Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators, which continued from 15:00 until 17:30, resulted in the injury of nine demonstrators. Three of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and six were directly hit with tear gas canisters. 
  • At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 23 March 2019, an Israeli drone fired two missiles at a group of Palestinian young men, who were around 400 meters away from the border fence with Israel, east of al-Buraij Camp in the Central Gaza Strip. As a result, three civilians were hit with shrapnel. It should be noted that two journalists sustained bruises. The wounded journalists were identified as Mahmoud Omar Mahmoud al-Loh (29), who works as a reporter for al-Sha’b Voice Radio, and Ahmed Bakr Mahmoud al-Loh (34), who works as a reporter for al-Rebat Voice Radio. 
  • At approximately 16:40 on Tuesday, 26 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed on sand berms along the border fence with Israel opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of Palestinian young men and boys, who were near the Return Camp, east of al-Buraij. As a result, a 17-year-old child was hit to the lower limbs and his injury was reported moderate.
  • Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip: 

On Monday and Tuesday, 25 and 26 March 2019, Israeli forces carried out dozens of airstrikes on various targets across the Gaza Strip.  These airstrikes have been the most violent in recent months that have not spared civilians and displaced dozens of them after 10 days of a similar aggression. For 12 hours, two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip lived in a state of terror and fear due to the continuous Israeli airstrikes that targeted various locations; some were in densely-populated areas throughout the Gaza Strip.  Moreover, on Wednesday, 27 March 2019, Israeli warplanes fired missiles at other targets. According to the documentation of PCHR, the Israeli warplanes fired 82 missiles at 38 targets across the Gaza Strip, including residential buildings and civil facilities, under the pretext of having security service offices underneath or near them.  As a result, seven Palestinian civilians were wounded due to the scattering glass and bricks following those airstrikes and reported minor.  During and after the airstrikes, dozens of civilians were forced to evacuate from their houses dreadfully in the cold weather at night, rendering 13 families comprised of 70 members, including 44 children and 14 women, homeless. In addition to the destruction caused by the airstrikes against the targeted locations and the damage caused to nearby houses and facilities, the resulting explosions caused panic and fear among civilians, especially women and children, as the explosions reminded them of the traumatic experiences they lived in the three offensives of 2008-2009, 2012, and 2014. With this wide-scale tide of escalation, Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip found themselves again under disproportionate airstrikes, which fall under the Israeli collective punishment policy, after Israel had declared that two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip over northern Tel Aviv, wounding seven Israel.


The most prominent civilian facilities that were targeted were as follows:

– Targeting al-Multazem Insurance Company located in the ground floor of al-Ghazali Building.  Al-Ghazali was comprised of 2 buildings on an area of 662 square meters and included 10 residential apartments next to the Municipality Park in Gaza City.  The Israeli drones and warplanes targeted the building with 5 missiles after the Israeli Intelligence called the building’s owner and ordered him to evacuate.  As a result, the nearby buildings sustained severe damage and four families of 29 members, including 19 children and women, were displaced.

– Targeting Hassounah 4-storey building, which include 8 residential apartments and whose warehouses were rented by the Internal Security Service, in western Gaza City.  The Israeli warplanes targeted the building with 8 consecutive missiles after calling the residents and ordering them to evacuate.  As a result, the building was completely destroyed, and nearby buildings sustained severe damage.  Moreover, 9 families of 41 members, including 25 children and 9 women, were displaced.

– Targeting the office of Head of Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyah, in al-Naser neighborhood in Gaza City and completely destroying it with 4 missiles in addition to causing extensive damage to the nearby houses and facilities, including the Palestinian Association for Development and Reconstruction (PADR).

– Targeting the Khan Younis Seaport and so destroying 2 boats belonging to the Marine Police and causing severe damage to 6 fishing boats and nets.

  • Destroying Omar Ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Mosque, adjacent to a military training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades on Khalil al-Wazir Street in the center of Beit Hanoun, which was targeted with seven missiles in successive airstrikes. Moreover, Etihad Beit Hanoun Sport Club’s facilities, adjacent to the site from the west, sustained damage. It should be noted that the mosque was built of tin plates and steel frames after targeting it several times by Israeli warplanes during the 2012 and 2014 offensives.

The rest of the targets varied between agricultural lands and sites belonging to the military wings of the Palestinian factions, causing damage to the nearby residential buildings.

Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians’ property

  • At dawn hours on Monday, 25 March 2019, Israeli settlers wrote racist slogans and damaged dozens of vehicles in the French Hill neighborhood known as al- Samar land, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The residents of the French Hill said that, on Monday, while they were going to their work, they were surprised that their vehicles’ tires were punctured, in addition to writing racist slogans on one of the neighborhood’s walls and a house gate. Some of these slogans was “Revenge… We will not give up the Israeli blood”. They also said that the vehicles belong to Abu Lail, Shanak, ‘Oda and ‘Obaidi. Moreover, Israeli police took photos of the vehicles and erased the slogans, but the residents held the Israeli police responsible for the recurrent of similar attacks in the area as they do not punish the settlers and reveal them. It should be noted that this is the third attack in the area over the past five years.

 

Notices and House Demolitions:

  • On Tuesday morning, 26 March 2019, Ahmed Moussa al-‘Abassy (48) started to demolish his house in order to implement the Israeli Municipality decision. Ahmed said that the municipality issued a demolition decision in the middle of the past February under the pretext of non-licensing. Moreover, on Monday, 25 March 2019, the municipality staff raided Ahmed’s house in Ra’ss al-‘Amoud neighborhood in Silwan village, south of the old city, and ordered him to self-demolish his house within two weeks. As a result, Ahmed was forced to self-demolish his house to avoid paying the demolition costs. It should be noted that Ahmed started to build his 100-square-meter an under-construction house in October 2018.

 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

  • At approximately 10:00, on Monday, 25 March 2019, Israeli forces backed by several military vehicles and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into al-Ras area, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. An Israeli Civil Administration officer handed the houses’ owners two notices to stop construction work under the pretext of non-licensing. The first 100-sqaure-meter house belongs to Shehada Wajeeh al-Jeiawy (30) and the second 80-square-meter house belong to his brother Mahmoud.
  • On Thursday morning, 21 March 2019, Israeli forces locked down several neighborhoods in Hebron’s Old City and prevented Palestinian civilians from entering or exiting the neighborhoods in order to protect Israeli settlers’ Purim celebrations. Hundreds of the Israeli settlers organized a demonstration starting from the closed Shuhadah Street and then heading to Tal al-Ramidah neighborhood, where they performed their religious rituals at al-Ibrahimi Mosque and chanted racist slogans against the Arabs. The demonstration, which continued until 13:00, was under the Israeli forces’ protection.

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

  • At approximately 12:00, on Tuesday, 26 March 2019, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian school in Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. Residents of the village said that dozens of settlers backed by Israeli forces organized a march near al-Khansa Primary Mixed School in Taqou’a. They gathered on the village’s main street and raised Israel’s flags, hindering the traffic. The village’s residents said that the Israeli settlers attempted to raid the school and attack students and teachers, but Palestinian young men and parents gathered and prevented the Israeli settlers from getting in the school.

 

  • Recommendations to the International Community

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).

Weekly report on israel’s terrorism on Palestinians (14 March – 20 March 2019)

PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations 

Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

Israeli warplanes launch dozens of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip for five hours. Two million Palestinians have become victims of collective punishment policy amid a tide of incitement at political and military echelons in Israel. Four Palestinian civilians, including 2 women and a child, were wounded, in addition to damaging a wedding hall, an office belonging to the Ministry of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs. Moreover, several houses sustained material damage. Three Palestinian civilians were killed and 12 others were wounded in different incidents in the West Bank. Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.

Shooting:

 

  • During the reporting period, Israeli forces escalated their attacks on the Gaza Strip. In this week, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against Palestinian civilians participating in the Return and Breaking Siege March, which broke out in the Gaza Strip on 30 March 2019, where thousands have been killed and wounded. Moreover, Israeli forces continued to target the agricultural lands with artillery shells, tighten the closure for the 13th year, and chase fishermen in the sea. On Friday dawn, 15 March 2019, the Gaza Strip witnessed the most violent Israeli escalation in months, in which Israeli warplanes carried out dozens of airstrikes on various targets in the Gaza Strip. Two million Palestinians are victims of collective punishment policy amid a tide of incitement at political and military echelons in Israel. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 23 civilians, including 7 children, 2 women, a paramedic, and a journalist. The injury of five of them, including a girl, were reported serious. Sixteen of them were wounded during the 25th boats rally for breaking the Siege along the Gaza Strip coastline, while 27 others were wounded due to airstrikes and shooting incidents at the border areas. In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 3 civilians and wounded 12 others in different shooting incidents. Moreover, a child was wounded with a liv bullet by an Israeli settler.

 

  • In the Gaza Strip, on 15 March 2019, Israeli warplanes fired for five hours 52 missiles at 20 military sites located in various locations; some were in densely populated areas throughout the Gaza Strip.  Targets were against civilian facilities, including a wedding hall and an office belonging to the Ministry of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, which were completely damaged. The Israeli airstrikes resulted in the injury of 4 civilians, including a girl and 2 women. Moreover, two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip lived in a state terror and fear due to the continuous Israeli airstrikes.

 

  • On 19 March 2019, an Israeli drone fired one missile at a group of civilians, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, and no injurie were reported.

 

  • In excessive use of lethal force against the peaceful protesters in eastern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 16 civilians, including 4 children, a paramedic and a journalist. All of them were wounded during the 25th boats rally organized on 19 March 2019  for breaking the Siege along the Gaza Strip coastline.

 

 

  • As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, on 20 March 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within one nautical mile and chased them. As a result, fishermen were force to flee for fear of their lives and no casualties or damage to their boats were reported.

 

 

  • As part of targeting the border areas, on 14 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, fired live bullets and flare bombs, east of al-Zanna area, east of Khan Younis. They later declared that they arrested five Palestinian civilians while attempting to sneak through the border fence.

 

  • On 16 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at farmers in the eastern areas. As a result, the farmers were forced to flee fearing for their lives, and no casualties were reported.

 

  • On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds.

 

  • On 17 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands and no injurie were reported.

 

  • On 19 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel opened fire at Khaled ‘Abd al-Ra’ouf Abu Ghanima (21), from al-Sheja’ia neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, Khaled was hit with a live bullet to the chest. According to PCHR’s investigations, Khaled was near the industrial zone (Karni) collecting gravel and stones using his cart to sell them. At approximately 08:30, he arrived at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where his injury was classified as serious.

 

  • On the same day, Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at Palestinian civilians, who were 70 meters away, west of the aforementioned border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, two children were hit with live bullets to the lower limbs and their injuries were classified as moderate.

 

  • On 30 March 2019, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands, east of ‘Abasan and al-Qarrarah villages, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.

 

  • In the West Bank, Israeli forces moved into Nablus to protect hundreds of settlers, who were going to perform their Talmudic prayers in “Joseph Tomb” in Balata al-Balad, east of Nablus. Fifteen minutes after the incursion, an Israeli infantry force covering behind buildings and stores at the entrance to the sub-road to ‘Amman Street opened fire at a Palestinian civilian car carrying two civilians identified as Raed Hashem Mohammad Hamdan (21) and Ziad ‘Emad Mohammad al-Noury (20), both from Nablus.Following that, the Israeli forces claimed that a speeding car opened fire at them on Amman Street, but no causalities were reported.Moreover, in an attempt to hide their crime, the Israeli forces confiscated the DVRs of the surveillance cameras in the nearby shops in the area.

 

  • On 20 March 2019, Israeli forces stationed at al-Nashash military checkpoint, south of Bethlehem, opened fire at a vehicle belonging to ‘Alaa’ Moahmmed Ghyatha (38). As a result, ‘Alaa’ was hit with a live bullet to the abdomen and taken to al-Yamam Hospital and he is in critical condition. Moreover, while civilians were evacuating passengers from the vehicle to relive them, Ahmed Jamal Mahmoud Mahmoud Manassra (26), from Fokin Valley village, west of Bethlehem, was hit with live bullets to the chest, shoulder and hand, immediately causing his death. According to PCHR’s investigations the two crimes were committed in cold blood.

 

  • In the same context, the Israeli forces wounded 12 civilians in different shooting incidents in the West Bank.

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 114 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 5 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 51 Palestinians, including 3 children and 2 women, from the West Bank, while 5 other civilians, including a woman, were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In this week, Israeli forces imposed a collective punishment policy against over 80 thousand civilians, from Salfit. Following an attack against a site belonging to the Israeli forces at the intersection of Ariel” settlement, north of Salfit, the Israeli forces declared the area as closed military zone, closed all the villages’ entrances, and prevented the residents from entering and exiting the villages. As a result, the residents were deprived of their right to live, work and movement for several days. The Israeli forces also conducted incursions against residential houses, shops, in addition to mal-treating civilians. Salfit includes around 20 residential compounds.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces backed by five military vehicles, moved around 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israeli, east of Gaza Valley village (Johr al-Dik). The military vehicles leveled lands adjacent to the border fence. The incursion continued until 14:30 as the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

 

Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.

  • As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, Israeli Municipality vehicles demolished an under-construction building belonging to al-Razi Private School and then completely demolished it. The building was comprised of 2 floors built on an area of 1000 square meters. The schoolmaster Saleh ‘Alqam said that the demolished building belongs to his wife, who bought a plot of land located few meters away from the school in order to expand it. The school was built years ago, where 1500 students are studying in it. He also said that the building was built last year on an area of 1000 square meters, in addition to other facilities, before issuing the demolition order in last November by the Israeli authorities. Before starting to build the mentioned building, the school administration headed to the Israeli Ministry of Interior and Jerusalem Municipality to get a license, where they told them that the area belongs to UNRWA and the municipality does not get construction licenses.  However, the Municipality issued an order to demolish the building.

 

  • In the same context, the Israeli Civil Administration staff handed a notice to the Palestinian Equestrian Club in Qalandia village, north of occupied East Jerusalem, to stop construction works under the pretext of non-licensing. The journalist Mahmoud ‘Awadallah said that the notice orders the owners of the club, which is built 2 years ago, to stop construction works and gives them until the beginning of next April to license the club.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

 

  • As part of house demolitions, on 18 March 2019, Israeli vehicles stationed in Kherbit Um Nir and the digger demolished a water well used to irrigate the crops. The water well belongs to Fareed Za’al al-Jabbour and it was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • On 20 March 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a digger moved into Kherbit al-Tubah, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, which is classified within al-Masafer area. The Israeli soldiers deployed between civilians’ houses and the digger started to demolish a 50-sqaure-meter house built of bricks. This house belongs to Huda ‘Ali ‘Abed al-Rahman ‘Awad, where she and her 3 children live. The Israeli forces also confiscated a water tank and solar cells from the house.

 

 

  • As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers documented 7 direct attacks were as follows:

 

  • On 15 March 2019, an Israeli settler opened fire at Ahmed ‘Odah Mazar’ah (7) while he was al-Baba Mount Community in al-‘Izariyia village, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem.

 

  • On 17 March 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, attacked the eastern outskirts of ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyia village, south of Nablus. As a result, two civilians, including a child, were hit with stones to their heads and then taken to Rafidiyia Hospital in Nablus. Moreover, the settlers damaged three windows of ‘Abed al-Rahman Mohamed Ahmed’s house, in addition to damaging the windows and rear lights of a car belonging to Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Salman Makhlouf and the rear lights of his brother Majdi’s car.

 

  • On the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered in the plain of Dir Sharaf village, at the intersection of “Shavei Shamron “settlement, west of Nablus. The settlers threw stones at a vehicle belonging to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) , broke its windows and attacked its staff.

 

 

  • On 18 March 2019, Israeli settlers, from “Homesh“ settlement, northwest of Nablus, attacked with stones Palestinian civilians’ vehicles passing on Jenin-Nablus Street. As a result, Rawan Ihssan ‘Atah Ghubariyia (24), was hit with stones to the back, abdomen, right shoulder, and left leg; along with her brother Nizar (30), who was hit with a stick to his back. Both of them are from Kafiret village, south of Jenin.

 

  • On 20 March 2019, a group of Israeli settlers punctured the tires of 17 vehicles belonging to Palestinian civilians in Biter village, west of Bethlehem. They also wrote racist slogans on the vehicles. The village’s residents said that they were surprised with storming the village by the Israeli settlers and damaging 17 vehicles parked in front of their owners’ houses. They also said that the settlers wrote racist slogans on the vehicles and walls such as “ Price tag” “ Go away” “ You have no place on the lands of Israel”.

 

  • On the same day, a group of Israeli settlers, from “ Homish” settlement, northwest of Nablus, threw stones at a house belonging to Fadi Mahmoud Mas’oud Heijah, which is located on Jenin-Nablus Street. As a result, Fadi and his brother Rami’s cars were damaged.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

 

 

 

 

Gaza Strip:

 

  • At approximately 14:45 on Tuesday, 19 March 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea and Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel opened fire and fired sound bombs at dozens of Palestinian civilians, who were in the Return Camp along the coastal border, adjacent to “Zikim” military base, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. Moreover, they opened fire and fired sound bombs at the boats of the 25th day for the rally of Palestinian boats to sail for Breaking the Siege and another group were swimming in the sea. As a result, 16 civilians, including four children, a paramedic and a journalist, were wounded. Three of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, and 13 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of three of them, including a girl, was reported serious, while the rest of them ranged between minor and moderate. The wounded paramedic, Mustafa Khaled Mustafa al-Masri (20), from Khan Younis, who works as a volunteer paramedic for Rowad al-Salam team, was hit with a tear gas canister to the head. Meanwhile, the wounded journalist, Tha’er Khaled Fehmi Abu Ryash (24), from Beit Lahia, who works as photographer for al-Shamal Online Network, was hit with a tear gas canister to the neck.

Notices and House Demolitions:

 

  • At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 19 March 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff and 3 military vehicles moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, through its main entrance. The Israeli forces deployed on the main street and surrounded an under-construction building belonging to al-Razi Private School and then completely demolished it. The building was comprised of 2 floors built on an area of 1000 square meters.  The schoolmaster Saleh ‘Alqam said that the demolished building belongs to his wife, who bought a plot of land located few meters away from the school in order to expand it. The school was built years ago, where 1500 students are studying in it. He also said that the building was built last year on an area of 1000 square meters, in addition to other facilities, before issuing the demolition order in last November by the Israeli authorities. ‘Alqam added that before starting to build the mentioned building, the school administration headed to the Israeli Ministry of Interior and Jerusalem Municipality to get a license, where they told them that the area belongs to UNRWA and the municipality does not get construction licenses.  However, the Municipality issued an order to demolish the building. ‘Alqam pointed out that the demolition led to end the school day due to raiding the school and topping its roof. He said that the new building was supposed to be a primary school and kindergarten. About 400 students were enrolled in al-Razi school for the next academic year.

 

  • On Tuesday, the Israeli Civil Administration staff handed a notice to the Palestinian Equestrian Club in Qalandia village, north of occupied East Jerusalem, to stop construction works under the pretext of non-licensing. The journalist Mahmoud ‘Awadallah said that the notice orders the owners of the club, which is built 2 years ago, to stop construction works and gives them until the beginning of next April to license the club. ‘Awadallah said that the club is located in area classified as Area C, where the Israeli authorities refuse to give licenses in it. He also pointed out that the notice was part of the Israeli attack on the village through confiscating lands, preventing construction works and demolishing houses whether in lands classified within the municipality boundaries or the area classified as “C “. Awadallah said that the village faces a real urban crisis as the Israeli authorities only allow civilians to build in the center of the village on an area of 150 dunums.

 

  • Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

 

  • At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 15 March 2019, an Israeli settler opened fire at Ahmed ‘Odah Mazar’ah (7) while he was al-Baba Mount Community in al-‘Izariyia village, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem. Dawoud al-Jahaleen, the Secretary of Fatah Movement in ‘Arab al-Jahalin Community, said that the child was hit with a live bullet to the hand by an Israeli settler when he was playing along with other children in the area. Dawoud denied that the child was wounded with suspicious object. He added that the child was taken to an emergency center in Abu Dies village and then to al-Maqased Hospital in al-Tour neighborhood in Jerusalem. It should be noted that “Maaleh Adumim“ is located few meters away from al-Baba Mount Community.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

  • At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 18 March 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a digger moved into Kherbit Um Nir, south of Yatta. The Israeli vehicles stationed in Kherbit Um Nir and the digger demolished a water well used to irrigate the crops. The water well belongs to Fareed Za’al al-Jabbour and it was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing.

 

  • At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 20 March 2019, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a digger moved into Kherbit al-Tubah, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, which is classified within al-Masafer area. The Israeli soldiers deployed between civilians’ houses and the digger started to demolish a 50-sqaure-meter house built of bricks. This house belongs to Huda ‘Ali ‘Abed al-Rahman ‘Awad, where she and her 3 children live. The Israeli forces also confiscated a water tank and solar cells from the house.

 

  • Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Kherbit al-Halawa, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli soldiers deployed between civilians’ tents. The bulldozer demolished three tents were as follows:
    • a residential tent built with stone chains, sheds and steel angles and belongs to ‘Ali Mohamed ‘Ali Abu ‘Arram;
    • a 20-sqaure-meter residential tent built with sheds and wood and belongs to Hussain ‘Ali Abu ‘Arram; and
    • a tent built with sheds and used as a mosque.

 

  • At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a digger moved into Kherbit Moghayir al-‘Abeed, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The digger demolished a 60-sqaure-meter residential tent and a 40-squre-meter barrack built of tin plates and used for breeding livestock. The tent and barrack belong to Nuzha Shehadah Makhamrah.

 

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

 

  • At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 17 March 2019, following the attack carried out near “Ariel” settlement, south of Salfit, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement moved into the eastern outskirts of ‘Asirat al-Qabaliyia village, south Of Nablus, under the Israeli forces’ protection. The settlers stationed in the vicinity of Bir ‘Asirah area, under Solman Mount, and then threw stones at Palestinian civilians’ houses. As a result, two civilians, including a child, were hit with stones to their heads and then taken to Rafidiyia Hospital in Nablus. Moreover, the settlers damaged three windows of ‘Abed al-Rahman Mohamed Ahmed’s house, in addition to damaging the windows and rear lights of a car belonging to Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Salman Makhlouf and the rear lights of his brother Majdi’s car. The wounded civilians were identified as Nimer Fathi Nekem ‘Asayirah (28), who was hit with a stone to the head; and Jameel Naser Rashid ‘Asayirah (17), who was hit with a stone to the head as well.

 

  • At approximately 19:00, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered in the plain of Dir Sharaf village, at the intersection of “Shavei Shamron “settlement, west of Nablus. The settlers threw stones at a vehicle belonging to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) , broke its windows and attacked its staff, who left the area and went back to the company in Nablus. The company vehicle was carrying many persons identified as:

 

  • Raied ‘Abed al-Wahad Thulth (46), from Beit Ebah village, west of the city, who sustained wounds to the head;
  • Nash’at ‘Adel Suliman Dowikat (62), from Balatet al-Balad village, east of the city, who sustained wounds to the head; and
  • Samer Hamdi Abu al-Hayyat (56), from Nablus, who was sitting on the rear seat and sustained wounds throughout his body.

All the wounded persons were then taken to the Arab Specialist Hospital in Nablus.

 

  • On Sunday, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered on Wadi al-Dolb Road, near Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah. The settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians’ vehicles while passing on the street, causing fear among the vehicles’ passengers.

 

  • At approximately 12:30 on Monday, 18 March 2019, Israeli settlers, from “Homesh“ settlement, northwest of Nablus, attacked with stones Palestinian civilians’ vehicles passing on Jenin-Nablus Street. As a result, Rawan Ihssan ‘Atah Ghubariyia (24), was hit with stones to the back, abdomen, right shoulder, and left leg; along with her brother Nizar (30), who was hit with a stick to his back. Both of them are from Kafiret village, south of Jenin. This incident occurred when Nizar parked on the road side, near the entrance to the mentioned settlement to urinate. When he stopped his car, stepped out of it and hide behind a rock, he was surprised with 2 settlers attacking his car. His sister stepped out of the car and fled towards him. The settlers pursued them and attacked them with stones and sticks. Nizar and Rawan returned to the vehicle and then fled towards Nablus.

 

  • On Wednesday, 20 March 2019, a group of Israeli settlers punctured the tires of 17 vehicles belonging to Palestinian civilians in Biter village, west of Bethlehem. They also wrote racist slogans on the vehicles. The village’s residents said that they were surprised with storming the village by the Israeli settlers and damaging 17 vehicles parked in front of their owners’ houses. They also said that the settlers wrote racist slogans on the vehicles and walls such as “ Price tag” “ Go away” “ You have no place on the lands of Israel”.

 

  • At approximately 22:00 on Wednesday, a group of Israeli settlers, from “ Homish” settlement, northwest of Nablus, threw stones at a house belonging to Fadi Mahmoud Mas’oud Heijah, which is located on Jenin-Nablus Street. As a result, Fadi and his brother Rami’s cars were damaged.
  • Recommendations to the International Community

 

PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967.  PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005.  PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law.  Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.

  1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
  2. PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
  3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
  4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
  5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
  6. PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
  7. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
  8. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
  9. PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
  10. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
  11. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
  12. PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
  13. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
  14. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).

, for the week of 14 – 20 March, 2019.

 

The fifth suspect of Christchurch shootings has defected to israel (apartheid state)

Source

A suspect confronted the court, two other under investigation; reports about another suspect who left for Israel faces the silence of authorities.

The attack to two mosques in Christchurch, a city in eastern New Zealand, has led to the death of 49 people leaving dozens seriously injured. The terrorist, holding a camera on head live-streaming the attack on Facebook, rushed the Al-Noor mosque with a gun and then fled to streets continuing to shoot the passers-by.

The live-stream stopped a few streets away while minutes later another mosque, Linwood mosques, was targeted by another attack. Most casualties, nevertheless, were reported in the first attack.

The local authorities announced that less than an hour after the attack, the main suspect, a 28-year-old Australian, was arrested while three others were also put under investigation. One suspect was released from custody after the end of primary investigations.

It remains unclear if the attackers of the two mosques were the same or there were five attackers involved. One of the terrorists managed to escape the country hours after Friday noon. The fifth attacker has defected to Israel with the help of unknown aides. No official reaction has been made by Tel Aviv or local authorities on the issue yet.

While the main suspect has confronted the court a day after the terrorist attack, the local authorities has made no remark about his partner(s) in the brutal act.

The distance between the two mosques seems to show that the terrorist would have no chance to get to the second mosque if he were alone. Besides, considering the fact that the attack was terroristic in nature, as the New Zealand Prime Minister asserted, the involvement of other individuals, or other countries, seems probable