Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (13-19 January 2011)
Thursday, 20 January 2011 00:00
The Israeli bulldozers demolished several houses in the village of ِAl-Dakika within the governorate of Hebron.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continued Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
ˇ IOF killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 4 others in the Gaza Strip.
ˇ A Palestinian civilian was wounded by IOF near Nablus.
ˇ IOF killed two Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
- Two Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
ˇ IOF continued to target Palestinian workers, farmers and fishermen in border areas in the Gaza Strip.
- IOF arrested 4 Palestinian fishermen, including two children.
ˇ IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.
- 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and an Israeli human rights defender and a Dutch one were wounded.
ˇ IOF conducted 54 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one into the Gaza Strip.
- IOF arrested 27 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
ˇ Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
- Israeli soldiers positioned at military checkpoints in the West Bank arrested two Palestinian civilians.
ˇ Israel has continued to take measures aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem.
- The construction of 32 housing units in "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement in Jerusalem was approved.
ˇ IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
- IOF ordered the demolition of more Palestinian houses.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (13 – 19 January 2011):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, IOF killed a Palestinian civilians and wounded 6 others, including a child, and an Israeli human rights defender and a Dutch one in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
On 18 January 2011, IOF fired y artillery shells at the northern Gaza Strip, killing a Palestinian civilian and wounding two workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials. Another two workers were also wounded by Israeli gunfire in two separate incidents on 16 and 19 January 2011.
In the West Bank, on 13 January 2011, an old Palestinian civilian was wounded in Qasra village, south of Nablus, when IOF intervened to protect Israeli settlers who attacked a Palestinian farmer,
During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and an Israeli human rights defender and a Dutch one were wounded, and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 54 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 27 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted one limited incursion, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
ˇ The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
ˇ Expanding the list of items allowed into Gaza does not change the illegality of this policy, which is inconsistent with Israel’s legal obligations both as an Occupying Power and under international human rights treaties to which it is party, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
ˇ Facts on the ground refute Israeli claims with respect to the easing of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and the reduction of restrictions imposed on the entry of goods.
ˇ Israeli declaration of allowing new goods to be entered into the Gaza Strip constitutes an attempt to delude the international community, as such goods do not meet the minimal needs of the Gaza Strip.
ˇ IOF have continued to ban the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip.
ˇ IOF have imposed a ban on all exports from the Gaza Strip.
ˇ Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.
ˇ Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.
ˇ Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
West Bank
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
ˇ IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
ˇ There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
ˇ When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.
ˇ At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.
ˇ There are approximately 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by the IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.
ˇ IOF continue to harass, and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.
ˇ Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets by IOF.
Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem:
IOF have continued to take measures at creating a Jewish majority in Jerusalem.
On 17 January 2011, the local committee of organization and construction in the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem approved the construction of 32 housing units in "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement neighborhood in Jerusalem. The Israeli official radio reported that those units are part of a wider plan presented by private contractors to build 220 housing units.
Settlement Activities:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 13 January 2011, a number of Israeli settlers, who re-established their presence in a settlement outpost that had been evacuated by IOF on the previous day attacked Fat'hi Fayez Hassan, who was farming his land in Baslata area to the south of Qasra village, southeast of Nablus. Soon after, Palestinian civilians called on residents of the village to stop the settlers who were on their way to attack the village. Dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered and moved towards the affected area. Immediately, IOF arrived at the area to protect the settlers. They fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians and beat a number of them. As a result, an old man was seriously hit by a tear gas canister to the right thigh. Another two civilians were also injured.
On 17 January 2011, IOF moved into Nazlat 'Eissa village, north of Tulkarm. They hande 7 notices ordering the demolition or stopping the construction of a number of houses, a carpentry shop and a barrack.
On 19 January 2011, IOF handed 5 notices to Palestinian civilians in Sousia area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, ordering the dismantlement of tents they live in.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (13 - 19 January 2011)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 13 January 2011
ˇ At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdul Qader Bilal al-Tabbal, 17, and arrested him.
ˇ At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Beit Qad village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and summoned a number of Palestinian civilians for interrogation.
ˇ At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. IOF arrested Karam Ra'ed al-Naqouri, 16, but released him 3 hours later.
ˇ At approximately 13:20, IOF moved into Habla village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ Also at approximately 13:20, IOF moved into Ras Teera village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ Also at approximately 13:20, IOF moved into Magharat al-Dab'a village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ Also at approximately 13:20, IOF moved into Jal'oud village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ Also at approximately 13:20, IOF moved into 'Izbat Salman village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 13:40, IOF moved into Ras 'Atiya village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 18:20, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into al-Himya area between Kufor Ra'ei and Fahma villages, southwest of Jenin. They searched the area and for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
Friday, 14 January 2011
ˇ At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Rami Sameeh Saleem, 15.
ˇ At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and arrested 'Omar Mahmoud Abu Zaytoun, 16. They also raided an internet café. They held and photographed all those who were in the café. IOF withdrew later.
ˇ At approximately 13:10, IOF moved into Jeet village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into al-Hashimiya village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ Also at approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Kfairet village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ Also at approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Kufor Qoud village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into the areas located between 'Azzoun and 'Izbat al-Tabib villages, east of Qalqilya. They searched the area for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 16:25, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Beit 'Our al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Wadi al-Qadhi area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Majed Abu Ermaila, 28, and arrested him.
Saturday,15 January 2011
ˇ At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Sha'aba area in the northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mahmoud al-Ja'bari, 34, and arrested him.
ˇ At approximately 11:20, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Kufor Laqef village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 12:50, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and detained 14-year-old Hamza Saleem Radwan for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
ˇ At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Marda village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nader 'Ammar Abu Baker, 24, and summoned him for interrogation.
ˇ At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in the east of the village and arrested 6 Palestinian civilians:
Ra'fat Yousef Shalalda, 24;
Waheed Ma'rouf Shalalda, 28;
Taha Mohammed Shalalda, 24;
Fadi Jawdat Shalalda, 26;
Nassim Sa'di Shalalda, 27; and
Ussama 'Abdul Mon'em Shalalda, 31.
ˇ At approximately 07:00, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia town fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials from a site where the evacuated Israeli settlement of "Elli Sinai" used to stand. A worker, Adham Ramadan Subeh, 22, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg, when he was nearly 150 meters away from the border.
ˇ At approximately 11:05, IOF moved into Jayous village, north of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and held Eyad Saleem Shamasna for two hours. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 18:10, IOF moved into al-'Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Turmos'iya village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 19:45, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 21:20, IOF moved into 'Assala village, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Dura al-Qare' village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Monday, 17 January 2011
ˇ At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into 'Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, north of Jericho. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tariq Ziad al-Sheikh 'Ali, 25, and arrested him.
ˇ At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Bedya village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Habla village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into al-Dab'a village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 18:40, IOF moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Bitounia town, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
ˇ At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of As'ad 'Abbas Shab'an, 27, and arrested him.
ˇ At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bedya village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Adham Ibrahim Sarsour, 24, and arrested him.
ˇ At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:
Mo'taz Khaled 'Awadh, 17; and
Muhab Ibrahim Bahar, 17.
ˇ At approximately 08:00, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of Jabalya town in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed.
ˇ At approximately 10:15, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 10:15, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, west of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
ˇ At approximately 14:00, IOF, which had moved into the east of Jabalya town in the northern Gaza Strip since 08:00, fired 7 artillery shells at a number of Palestinian workers, which were collecting scraps of construction materials in the southeast of Beit Hanoun town, nearly 600 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. As a result, Amjad Sami Ahmed al-Za'anin, 18, who was in the area, was instantly killed. Two workers were also wounded:
1. Sharaf Ra'fat Shihada, 19, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body; and
2. Isma'il 'Abdul Qader al-Za'anin, 16, wounded by shrapnel to the abdomen and the feet.
A horse belonging to Sharaf Shihada was also killed, and another one belonging to Samed al-Za'anin was injured.
ˇ At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 19 January 2010
ˇ At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Burqa village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 10 Palestinian civilians:
Sanad Ragheb Salah, 28;
Mohammed Ragheb Salah, 25;
Maher Ussama Saif, 22;
Majed Ussama Saif, 20;
Mahmoud Khaled Far'ouniya, 22;
'Ali 'Abdul Majid Daghlas, 21;
Qais 'Abdul Jabbar Hijja, 21;
Maher Mohammed Hijja, 32;
Mohammed Tayseer Salah, 21; and
Lu'ai Mahmoud Saif, 20.
ˇ At approximately 14:00, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers on the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Martyrs Cemetery in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials. As a result, Ahmed Nemer al-'Er, 22, from Jabalya town, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg, when he was nearly 300 meters away from the border.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, an Israeli human rights defender and a Dutch one were wounded. Dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
ˇ Following the Friday Prayer on 14 January 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a Palestinian child, a Dutch human rights defenders and an Israeli one were wounded:
1. 'Odai Falah Abu Rahma, 13, hit by a tear gas canister to the left leg;
2. Margret, 21, a Dutch human rights defender, hit by a tear gas canister to the right foot; and
3. Noam, 36, an Israeli human rights defender, hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand.
Additionally, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
ˇ Also following the Friday Prayer on 14 January 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the Wall. Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, Ya'qoub Mohammed 'Amira, 20, was hit by a tear gas canister to the head. Additionally, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
ˇ Also following the Friday Prayer on 14 January 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, in commemoration of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, and in protest against land confiscations in the Wad al-Raya area between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
ˇ At approximately 12:30 on Saturday noon, 15 January 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and a number of international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They moved towards closed areas of Palestinian land near "Karmi Tsur" settlement, south of the town. Israeli soldiers attacked the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, Hassan Yousef 'Alqam, 18, was wounded by shrapnel from a sound bomb, and a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
3. Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for over three years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
ˇ The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
ˇ Expanding the list of items allowed into Gaza does not change the illegality of this policy, which is inconsistent with Israel’s legal obligations both as an Occupying Power and under international human rights treaties to which it is party, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
ˇ Facts on the ground refute Israeli claims with respect to the easing of the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and the reduction of restrictions imposed on the entry of goods.
ˇ Israeli declaration of allowing new goods to be entered into the Gaza Strip constitutes an attempt to delude the international community, as such goods do not meet the minimal needs of the Gaza Strip.
ˇ IOF have continued to ban the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip.
ˇ IOF have imposed a ban on all exports from the Gaza Strip.
ˇ Israel had continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.
ˇ Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.
ˇ Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have mounted sharply.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 01 June 2010, the Egyptian authorities decided to open Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border in both directions without specifying a date for its closure. The Egyptian decisions came following the Israeli attack on the Gaza-aid flotilla in international water. On the following morning, the crossing point was effectively opened and restricted categories of Palestinian civilians were allowed to travel through it.
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
12 – 18 January 2011
Date
Details
12 January 2011
235 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 163 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
13 January 2011
338 Palestinians and 116 international solidarity activists were allowed to travel to Egypt and 292 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
14 January 2011
One Palestinian and the body of another one were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
15 January 2011
Closed.
16 January 2011
318 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 376 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
17 January 2011
269 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 376 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
18 January 2011
276 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 191 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
The West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
ˇ Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque.
ˇ Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. IOF troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged checks of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, IOF established a number of temporary checkpoints, and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on Thursday, 13 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 14 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 19:00 on Friday, IOF re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 19:20, IOF established a checkpoint on Kharbtha Bani Hareth – Ne'lin road, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 17 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint under 'Ein Yabroud Bridge, east of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
ˇ Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 14 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Doura intersection, north of Hebron. They established another one at Yatta intersection, south of Hebron. Israeli soldiers positioned at the two checkpoints stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday, 16 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Hassaka intersection, northwest of Hebron. They established another one on the bridge liking Hebron with Halhoul. They also established a third one at al-Jalajel intersection, southeast of Hebron. Israeli soldiers positioned at these checkpoints stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
ˇ Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 15 January 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Sunday, 16 January 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Monday, 17 January 2011, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Tuesday, 17 January 2011, IOF established 6 checkpoints around Qalqilya. Israeli soldiers stationed at these checkpoints stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
ˇ Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 15 January 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus road, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At the same time, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 16 January 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near Far'oun intersection, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 19:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. Israeli soldiers positioned at these checkpoint stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 18 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 19:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir al-Ghossoun village, and another one at the entrance of Baqa al-Sharqiya village, north of Tulkarm.
ˇ Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 13 January 2011, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the entrance to Barat'a village, southwest of Jenin, which has been isolated by the annexation wall, forced Palestinian women to enter checking rooms to be checked by female Israeli soldiers. At approximately 18:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Beer al-Basha village, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 19:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at 'Ejja intersection, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
ˇ Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have continued to close the northern entrance of Salfit with cement blocks and sand barriers since 2000. They have also continued to close two roads linking Marda village with agricultural land belonging to it. At approximately 12:35 on Saturday, 15 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qarawat Bani Hassan village, west of Salfit. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 16 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Hares village, northwest of Salfit. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
ˇ Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 13 January 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of 'Ein al-Dyouk village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
ˇ At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 15 January 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah, arrested Samer Mofeed al-Khsaib, 26.
ˇ At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 18 January 2011, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint arrested Mohammed 'Omar Jeetawi, 22.
4. Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem
Israel has recently escalated arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem in order to force them to leave the city. PCHR has devoted this section in the Weekly Report to highlighting violations of human rights perpetrated by IOF against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.
ˇ On Monday, 17 January 2011, the local committee of organization and construction in the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem approved the construction of 32 housing units in "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement neighborhood in Jerusalem. The Israeli official radio reported that those units are part of a wider plan presented by private contractors to build 220 housing units. Sources of the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem claimed that no changes have been made to the construction policy for 40 years, and that the municipality has continued to encourage construction works for both Jewish and Arab residents of the city in accordance with the structural map of the city.
5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
ˇ At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 13 January 2011, a number of Israeli settlers, who re-established their presence in a settlement outpost that had been evacuated by IOF on the previous day attacked Fat'hi Fayez Hassan, who was farming his land in Baslata area to the south of Qasra village, southeast of Nablus. Soon after, Palestinian civilians called on residents of the village to stop the settlers who were on their way to attack the village. Dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered and moved towards the affected area. Immediately, IOF arrived at the area to protect the settlers. They fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians and beat a number of them. As a result, 'Abdul Majid Tawfiq Hassan, 61, was seriously hit by a tear gas canister to the right thigh. Tariq Hussein Abu Raida, 48, suffered from tear gas inhalation and sustained a fracture to the right shoulder, and Fat'hi Fayez Hassan, 66, was hit by a stone under the left eye.
ˇ At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 17 January 2011, IOF moved into Nazlat 'Eissa village, north of Tulkarm. They hande 7 notices ordering the demolition or stopping the construction of a number of houses, a carpentry shop and a barrack:
1. A two-storey, under-construction house belonging to 'Abdul Rahim Mohammed Shawareb;
2. A two-storey, under-construction house belonging to 'Abdul Hakim Mohammed Shawareb;
3. A two-storey house belonging to Mohammed Ahmed 'Alloush;
4. An under-construction house belonging to Mahmoud 'Izzat Hussein;
5. A two-storey, under-construction house belonging to 'Abdul Halim Mohammed Shihada;
6. A carpentry shop and a barrack belonging to Eyad 'Abdul Latif As'ad.
7. A house belonging to Fadel Mohammed 'Alloush.
ˇ On Wednesday morning, 19 January 2011, IOF handed 5 notices to Palestinian civilians in Sousia area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, ordering the dismantlement of tents they live in: 'Eissa Hussein al-Jbour; Mohammed Hussein al-Jbour; Mahmoud Ahmed al-Jbour; 'Eissa Badawi al-Jbour; and 'Omar Badawi al-Jbour.
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Recommendations to the International Community
1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.
11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
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Public Document
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