Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (29 Nov.- 05 Dec 2012)
 in Hebron Al-Mafqara Mosque which was demolished by Israeli forces Israeli Forces Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
The Israeli Forces killed a Palestinian civilian in the southern Gaza Strip.
A member of a Palestinian armed group died of wounds he had sustained in the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Forces killed a Palestinian civilian in the east of Tulkarm.
14 civilians, including 4 children, were wounded along the border fence in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Forces conducted 47 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one into the Gaza Strip. Israeli Forces arrested 34 Palestinians, including 2 children and a woman with her son, in the West Bank.
The Israeli Forces continued to target fishermen in the Gaza Strip Israeli Forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Israeli Forces arrested 20 fishers, including 5 children, and damaged a fishing boat's engine.
The Israeli Forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. At least 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Bil'ein weekly protest, west of Ramallah.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. The Israeli Forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 2 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israel had continued efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli municipality of Jerusalem demolished a commercial building and forced a Palestinian civilian to demolish his own house. The Israeli government offers projects of large settlement activities in occupied Jerusalem The settlers seized a residential building in Jabal al-Mukabber area.
The Israeli Forces have continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. A mosque in Hebron in addition to a room and an agricultural barrack in Nablus were demolished. The settlers continued their attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (29 November – 05 December 2012):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli Forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Additionally, a member of an armed group died of wounds he had sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Forces also wounded 17 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children; 14 of these civilians, including 4 children were wounded in the Gaza Strip, while the other 3 other 3 ones, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, on 30 November 2012, the Israeli Forces killed a Palestinian civilian in the east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. The abovementioned civilian was killed when the Israeli soldiers along the border fence to the east of Rafah opened fire at dozens of Palestinians. As a result, a civilian was wounded by a bullet to the pelvis and was transported to Abu Yusef al-Najjar hospital. Due to his serious injury, he was transported to Gaza European hospital in Khan Yunis. However, he was pronounced dead on Saturday morning, 01 December 2012.
On 29 November 2012, medical sources in al-Salam hospital in Egypt pronounced declared that Husam al-Hams, 36, died of serious wounds he had sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on Gaza, when an Israeli warplane launched a missile at 2 members of an armed group near a playground, west of Rafah. As a result of that attack, one of them was immediately killed and al-Hams was seriously wounded.
During the reporting period, the Israeli Forces wounded 14 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, along the border fence while they were near the fence to challenge the Israeli decision to impose a buffer zone in the area.
On 29 November 2012, a 17-year-old boy was wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the east of Beit Hanoun opened fire at group of Palestinian civilians and farmers near the fence.
On 30 November 2012, 10 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded when the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at them.
On 01 December 2012, 3 civilians were wounded when the Israeli Forces along the border fence opened fire at them.
On 03 December 2012, a Palestinian child was wounded when the Israeli Forces along the border fence opened fire at him in the east of al-Bureij refugee camp.
In the context of other shooting incidents, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the east of Beit Hanoun and Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian civilians and farmers, who headed to the border area to challenge the Israeli decision to impose a 300-meter buffer zone along the borders. It should be noted that hundreds of Palestinian farmers have been denied access to their lands in the mentioned area. These farmers decided to go to the border area in light of the announcement of the cease-fire agreement between Israeli and the Palestinian resistance groups.
In the context of targeting fishermen in the Gaza Strip, on 29 November 2012, the Israeli gunboats stationed off Beit Lahia shore in the northern Gaza Strip intercepted a fishing boat boarded by 6 fishermen, including a child, which was 5 nautical miles off the shore. The Israeli Forces arrested and questioned the 6 fishermen on board the gunboat.
On 01 December 2012, the Israeli gunboats surrounded and opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat that was 3 nautical miles off Gaza City shore. They arrested 5 fishermen, including 2 children, and transported them to Ashdod Port, where they were questioned and then released.
On the same day, an Israeli gunboat attacked 2 fishing boats 2.5 nautical miles off the shore. The Israeli naval forces opened fire at the 2 boats and damaged the engine of one of them. None fishermen on board fishing boat were arrested and transported to Ashdod Port for questioning. Moreover, the 2 boats were kept in custody.
In the West Bank, on 03 December 2012, the Israeli Forces killed a Palestinian civilian when his car hit an Israeli military jeep on Nablus-Ramallah road.
On 01 December 2012, a Palestinian child was wounded when the Israeli Forces moved into Dora village, southwest of Hebron, amidst firing sound bombs.
In the same context, the Israeli Forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders. As a result, dozens of Palestinians were wounded, suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, the IOF conducted at least 47 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, the IOF arrested at least 34 Palestinians, including 2 children and a woman with her son.
In the Gaza Strip, on 29 November 2012, the Israeli Forces conducted a limited incursion into the east of Khan Yunis. They also reached Abassan village to level lands in the area.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel continued to impose a tightened closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis, but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Recently-declared measures to ease the closure are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis; the root causes 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. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods but, as long as the closure is allowed to continue, they will remain economically dependent, unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.
The 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.
Efforts to Create Jewish Majority in the Occupied East Jerusalem:
In the context of efforts to create a Jewish Majority in the occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli Forces have continued to confiscate lands, demolish houses and build new settlement units. PCHR stresses that these measures come in the context of isolating East Jerusalem and annexing it to Israel according to an Israeli policy that is in violation of the international humanitarian law. PCHR calls upon the international community to promptly take action and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligation under article 1 of the Convention.
In the context of house and facility demolitions, on 04 December 2012, the Israeli Forces forced a Palestinian civilian to demolish his own house .
As a part of the settlement expansion projects, the office of the Israeli Prime Minister issued a decision approving the construction of 3,600 settlement units in East Jerusalem.
On the level of seizure of houses, on Monday morning, 03 December 2012, a group of settlers raided a 5-storey house in Jabal al-Mukabber area, southeast of East Jerusalem, claiming that a settlement society bought it from its onwer 2 years ago.
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 04 December 2012, the Israeli Forces demolished a mosque in Kherbet al-Mafqara area, south of Hebron.
On the same day, the Israeli Forces demolished a 20-square-meter room in the southeast of Nablus, in addition to a 50-square-meter barrack in the same area.
On 29 November 2012, dozens of settlers closed road linking Dora village, southwest of Hebron, with the bypass road (60) and prevented Palestinians from movement.
On 02 December 2012, a group of settlers in the east of Yatta, south of Hebron, set fire to a 306 Peugeot vehicle and wrote racist slogans on a house south of Dora.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (29 November – 05 December 2012)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 29 November 2012
At approximately 00:00, the Israeli Forces moved into the area between Silet al-Harthiya and al-Yamoun villages, northwest of Jenin. An eyewitness stated to a PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli Forces positioned in the area for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets, stationed at the main entrance of the village and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Khalil al-'Emour, 35, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Leqia village, southwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses using sniffer dogs amidst firing bullets and sound bombs. They intentionally damaged the doors and contents of the houses. The Israeli Forces obliged the residents to leave their houses and stay out. An Israeli intelligence officer questioned Mohammed Rabah Shokri Asi, 27, under the pretext that he is wanted. They wrote down the names of the residents and their mobile numbers. The Israeli Forces raided a house belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Qeddis Dar Qeddis, and damaged its contents. They also topped the house and turned it into a military spot. At approximately 06:30, the Israeli Forces withdrew and no arrests were reported. Dar Qeddis said that he lost his wife's jewelry that is estimated at approximately 60,000 NIS.
In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Mohammed Ibrahim Dar Qeddis, 33, said:
"At approximately 03:30 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, while I was sleeping with my 4 children, whose ages range between 4 and 11, on the second floor of our 2-storey house which is in the western part of Beit Leqia, I was surprised by having my door broken. I stood up and tried to reach the door, and found 10 Israeli soldiers. When they saw me, they asked in Arabic who was at home. I told them I had my wife and 4 children, who woke up at that moment. They ordered me to take everybody out, and more than 5 soldiers then came into the house and started searching. They asked many questions about my job and about Mohammed Rabah Assi. The Israeli Forces kept me and my children in the external storage room and continued searching the house. At approximately 04:20, the Israeli Forces withdrew. My wife checked the house and the bedroom and found that her jewelry that was in the wardrobe was not there. The jewelry is estimated at NIS 60,000."
At approximately 03:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hassan Rajab Abu Shkheidem, 27, and arrested him.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Theheriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mesbah al-Jabareen, 27, and arrested him.
At approximately 06:00, the Israeli Forces moved 100 meters into al-Qarara village, east of Khan Yunis, through Kissufim military gate along the border fence. They then moved southward to Abassan village and started leveling lands. They withdrew two hour later through al-Faraheen gate.
At approximately 10:15, the Israeli gunboats off Beit Lahia shore intercepted a fishing boat boarded by 6 fishermen while sailing 5 nautical miles of the shore. The fishing boat belongs to a fisherman, Fahed Ziyad Baker, 38, from Gaza City. The Israeli naval forces arrested the 6 fishermen and questioned them on board the gunboat before they were released at 12:30. The fishermen are:
1- Fahed Ziyad Baker, 38; 2- Ihab Jawad Baker, 36; 3- Mohammed Ziyad Baker, 32; 4- Na'im Fahed Baker, 16; 5- Ziyad Fahed Baker, 18; and 6- Ali Alaa' Baker, 18.
At approximately 10:30, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the east of Beit Hanoun fired bullets and tear gas canisters at a group of civilians and farmers near the border fence, as they were heading to the border fence to challenge the Israeli decision to impose a 300-meter buffer zone along the border fence. As a result, Waheed Majed Adel al-Fseifis, 17, from Jabalya refugee camp, was wounded by a bullet to the left leg. This step by the Palestinians civilians and farmers came after reaching the cease-fire agreement between the Palestinian resistance groups and Israel through Egyptian efforts. The agreement included eliminating the buffer zone and allowing Palestinians to have access to their lands in the area.
At approximately 11:00, medical sources at al-Salam Hospital in Egypt declared that Husam Sameer al-Hams, 36, from Rafah, died sustained of wounds he had sustained during the latest Israeli offensive on Gaza. According to investigations by PCHR, at approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 17, November 2012. The Israeli warplanes launched a missile at least at 2 armed members of an armed group near a playground in the west of Rafah. As a result, one was killed immediately and al-Hams was severely wounded. Al-Hams received medical treatment at al-Salam Hospital in Egypt. Medical efforts to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead on the above-mentioned date.
At approximately 21:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Romanna village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for a while. Some boys threw stones and empty bottles on them. In response, the Israeli Forces opened fire at the boys. A number of passers suffered from tear gas inhalation. The Israeli Forces withdrew later, and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 30 November 2012
At approximately 10:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At proximately 14:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Fasayel village, northwest of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:30, the Israeli Forces moved into the east of Jabalya town in the north of the Gaza Strip, through Abu Safiya gate. They opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians and farmers near the border fence until 17:30. As a result, 4 Palestinians were wounded:
1- Lo'ai Ahmed Kamel Abed Rabbu, 14; from Jabalia, wounded by a bullet to the right leg; 2- Ahmed Anwar al-Zaza, 18; from al-Sha'af area in Gaza City, wounded by a bullet to the right knee; 3- Salman Osama Salman Abu Ajwa, 24, from al-Sheja'iya in Gaza City, wounded by a bullet to the right leg; and 4- Ahmed Mesleh Salah, 26, from al-Toffah neighborhood in Gaza City, wounded by a bullet to the right leg.
At approximately 16:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Anabta village, east of Tulkram. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces stationed at border fence to the east of Khan Yunis opened fire at a group of civilians near the fence. As a result, Bassam Mohammed Abu Rjaila, 22, was wounded by a bullet to the leg. His wound was described as minor.
At approximately 16:10, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the northeast of al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at about 70 civilians who were protesting near the border fence. As a result, 4 persons, from al-Bureij refugee camp, were wounded. They were transported to al-Aqsa Martyrs' Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where their wounds were described as moderate. The wounded are:
1- Hassan Hammad Ibrahim al-Tebri, 39, s wounded by a bullet to the left leg; 2- Ahmed Abdul Qader Omar Abu Jalal, 22, wounded by a bullet to the right leg; 3- Mohammed Ahmed Sulaiman al-Awawda, 27, wounded by a bullet to the left leg; and 4- Mohammed As'ad Mohammed al-Bardini, 23, wounded by a bullet to the right thigh.
In another use of excessive force, the Israeli Forces killed a Palestinian civilian in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 16:30, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Shouka village, opened fire at dozens of Palestinians near the border fence. As a result, Mahmoud Ali Jarghoun, 20, was wounded by a bullet to the pelvis and was transported to Abu Yusef al-Najjar hospital. Due to his serious injury, he was transferred to the European Hospital in Khan Yunis. Medical efforts to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead in the early morning on Saturday, 01 December 2012.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces along the border fence, east of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at a group of civilians and farmers near the fence. As a result, Jihad Iyad Mohammed Abu Ouda, 16, from Beit Lahia, was wounded by a bullet to the right leg.
At approximately 17:00, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Tabaqa village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Sammou' village, south of Hebron. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Qeffin village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Saturday, 01 December 2012
At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aoja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the center of Hebron. They patrolled Bab al-Zawya area and al-Salam and Wad al-Tofah Streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron, and positioned at the village center. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ali Hasan Issa al-Zohour, 38, and later withdrew. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Sinjel village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses, and arrested 5 Palestinians:
1- Hasan Mohammed ‘Asfour, 22; 2- Wesam Basem Four, 21; 3- Hussein Sami Shabanah, 21; 4- Jaber Mousa Khalil, 22; and 5- Ahmed Sami Tawafshah, 18.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat, while Palestinian fishermen were fishing about 3 nautical miles off the Gaza shore. Israeli forces surrounded the boat, arrested 5 fishers, including 2 children, and took them to Ashdod Port where they were questioned before being released.
In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, one of the fishermen, Ramez Izzat Baker, 41, from Gaza City, said:
"At 06:30 on Saturday, 01 December 2012, I went fishing with my brother Rami, 34, and 3 of my cousins: Bayan Khamis Baker, 17; Mohammed Khaled Baker, 17; and Omar Mohammed Baker, 22, off the Gaza shore. We started fishing about 3 nautical miles off the shore. At 10:00, an Israeli gunboat approached and chased us ordering us to stop. The Israeli forces started firing heavily at us. Therefore, we stopped fishing for fear of being harmed or our boats getting damaged. They ordered us to take our clothes off, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. We did what they ordered us to do. The Israeli forces arrested us (my brother, three cousins and me) and transported us to Ashdod seaport, where we were questioned. At 21:00, we were released, while our boats remained in custody."
At the same time, an Israeli gunboat attacked 2 fishing boats belonging to Sabri Mohammed Baker, (52), and Eid Mohsen Baker, 23, who are both fishermen and live in Gaza City. The 2 men were fishing approximately 2 nautical miles off the shore when Israeli naval forces opened fire at the boats, damaging the boat that belongs to Eid Baker. The Israeli naval forces ordered the 9 fishermen who were on board of the 2 boats to stop fishing and then arrested them. They took them to Ashdod seaport and interrogated them. The naval forces kept the two boats. At approximately 21:00, 8 fishermen were released:
1- Sabri Mahmoud Baker, 52; 2- ‘Aomran Sabri Baker, 21; 3- Abdallah Sabri Baker, 13; 4- Eid Mohsen Baker, 23; 5- Walid Mohsen Baker, 18; 6- Ziad Fahed Baker, 17; 7- Sadam Samir Baker, 26; and 8- Haitham Talal Baker, 26.
Emad Mohammed Baker, 33, from Gaza, remained in custody.
At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces positioned at the border fence, east of Abu Safeya Gate, east of Jabalya town in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian civilians and farmers, who were near the border fence. As a result, Nedal Mohammed Abdallah, 21, from Jabalya, was moderately wounded by a bullet to his right foot.
At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Dora village, southwest of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and randomly fired sound bombs at stores and vehicles. A number of boys gathered and threw stones at them, and Israeli forces immediately fired bullets and sound bombs at the passing boys and civilians. As a result, Shadi Salamah Ibrahim Masharqa, 17, was wounded by a bullet to his abdomen and shrapnel from sound bombs to his hand and chest. The aforementioned child was wounded when he came out of a shop where he works to see what’s going on the street. While he was standing in front of the shop, a soldier fired at him.
At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces positioned at the border fence, east of Abu Safeya Gate, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired tear gas again at Palestinian civilians and farmers, who were near the border fence. As a result, Mahmoud Mohammed al-Adgham, 23, from al-Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, was wounded by a bullet to his right foot.
At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces positioned at the border fence to the east of Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian civilians and farmers, who were near the border fence. As a result, Sami Saeed Rabi’a Hamdiya, (28), from Jabalya, was wounded by a bullet to his right knee.
Sunday, 02 December 2012
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Hindaza area, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nader Mohammed Ibrahim Jobran, 32, and then arrested him.
At approximately 12:30, Israeli Forces moved into Thinnaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tha'er Saleh Mosa al-A'raj, 24. They confiscated 3 laptops, a military quiver and 3 pistols and withdrew later. It should be noted that the Israeli Forces arrested the aforementioned person at a military checkpoint at the same time of raiding his house (See the section on Arrests at Military Checkpoints).
At approximately 19:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Ramin village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:40, the Israeli Forces moved into Jenin. They patrolled the eastern neighborhood and around the governmental hospital. Some boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers. In response, the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Some civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. The Israeli soldiers withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
Monday, 03 December 2012
At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets for some time and later withdrew. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Ezbet al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafr al-Deek village, west of Salfit. They raided and a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Abdel Karim al-Deek, 45, and arrested him. They also raided and searched another house belonging to Fares ‘Aziz Kassoul, 42, after breaking down the outside door house. Israeli soldiers did not find the aforementioned civilian, so they phoned him and told him to surrender immediately.
At approximately 02:30, the Israeli Forces moved into al-'Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Kherbatha al-Mesbah, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
In the early morning, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian after crashing his car with their military vehicle on the road between Nablus and Ramallah in the north of the West Bank. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 09:15, Hatem Mostafa Hussein Shadid, 39, from ‘Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm, was driving his 2012 silver Peugeot car, with a Palestinian license plate No. (6.7920.93), heading from Nablus to Tulkarm. When he approached Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm, a collision happened between his car and a military vehicle. As a result, Hatem’s car rolled over and was badly damaged in the forefront. Hatem alighted from his car and Israeli soldiers immediately shot him dead.
Israeli forces claimed, as Yediot Aharonot reported on its website, that a Palestinian civilian car collided with a military vehicle resulting in the rollover of the car. The Palestinian driver, who alighted from his car holding an ax in his hand, attacked the soldiers which forced them to shoot at him. Yediot Aharonot also said that soldiers are members of General Security Service (Shabak) and sustained injuries between moderate and minor. However, a Palestinian witness stated to a PCHRs fieldworker that a military vehicle was driving behind the Palestinian car and crashed it from the back, resulting in pushing it to the far left and falling in an open area and the vehicle rolled over on the right of the street.
Immediately after the accident happened, ambulances belong to the Israeli David Red Star and Israeli forces rushed to the spot and closed the scene. They declared the area from ‘Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, to Deir Sharaf intersection, west of Nablus, a closed military zone and blocked traffic. They also prevented journalists from reaching there and held, near ‘Ennab checkpoint, an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society and forced it to go back.
When the media announced the name of the dead man, a number of his brothers and friends rushed to the scene, but Israeli forces arrested his 3 brothers: Fayed, 44; Fadi, 36; and Shadi, 33, and took them to Hawara detention center, southeast of Nablus. At approximately 15:00, they were released after being questioned about their bother, his conditions and his affiliation. Following the accident, Israeli forces moved into ‘Allar village and positioned near the house of the dead man. They raided and searched the house and withdrew later. No more incidents were reported.
It should be mentioned that Israeli forces transferred the dead body to Abu Kabir Institute of Forensic Medicine in Jerusalem. The dead man was driving a car belongs to a company where he works, Shadid Company for Contracting and Public Undertakings. He was also a father of five children; the eldest of whom is 11 years old and the youngest is 6 months.
At approximately 11:00, the Israeli Forces stationed along the border fence in the east of al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at Jihad Mesbah Salim al-Sawarka, 16, and wounded him in the left knee. Al-Sawarka was grazing sheep 300 meters away from the border fence when he was fired at.
At approximately 19:00, the Israeli Forces moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Burham village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:40, the Israeli Forces moved into Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:00, the Israeli Forces moved into 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets and arrested Abdul Karim Sa'id Barakat, 25, and Zaher Amer Barakat, 22. The Israeli Forces withdrew later transporting the arrested persons to an unknown destination.
At approximately 10:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Faqou'a village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled the streets and stopped some passing Palestinians. An Israeli officer questioned them on the spot. Soon, some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli soldiers, who fired at the boys. The Israeli Forces withdrew later and no further incidents or arrests were reported.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Jericho. They patrolled the streets and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Deir Jareer village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Our al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrested were reported.
Tuesday, 04 December 2012
At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata Refugee Camp. They raided and searched several houses and arrested 7 civilians, including 2 brothers; six of them were arrested from the camp. Those who were arrested are: Yazan, 18; and Ahmed Aziz al-Khatib, 19, two brothers who were arrested from their house near al-Arqam mosque; ‘Ameed Reyad Saqer, 19, who was arrested from his house in al-Tairawiya quarter in the center of the camp; Mojahed Nazih Abu Saris, 19, who was arrested from his house near Ebad al-Rahman mosque at the entrance of the camp; Hamed Ghassan Hashash, 19; Mohammed Mahmoud Ibrahim Hameidan, 18, both arrested from their houses in the southern neighborhood; and Jihad Kamel Abu al-Hayyat, 21, who was arrested from his house in al-Daheya al-‘Aolia neighborhood, south of Nablus.
At approximately 14:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. Israeli forces raided and searched several houses and arrested 5 civilians, including 2 children:
1- Abdel Rahman Ahmed al-Titi, 20; 2- Mohammed Maher Abu Sham’aa, 17; 3- Bayan Khaled al-Badawi, 19; 4- Hasan Maher Abu Sham’a, 20; and 5- Ibrahim Taisir al-Titi, 17.
At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriya, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the al-Samamrah family, arrested Mariam Abdel Hamid Samamrah, 50; and her son Hamid Faisal al-Hawarin, 23.
At approximately 09:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Marj Na'ja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Deir al-Ghsoun village, north fo Tulkarm. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Seera village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:30, the Israeli Forces moved into Dora al-Qare' village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets for a while and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 05 December 2012
At approximately 01:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for a while and stationed on the streets of Martyr Thabet Thabet Hospital for a while. They withdrew later with no arrests reported.
At approximately 02:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Omar Mohammed Awad, 21, and Belal Samir Ikhleil, 22.
At approximately 03:00, the Israeli Forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nasser Mo'nes al-Haddar, 25, Qasem Mo'nes al-Haddar, 28, and Faraj Eid Abdul Qader al-Jundi, 25.
At the same time, the Israeli Forces moved into Deir Samet village, west of Dora in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses submitting notices for the houses' owners to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service. Of those who received notices 2 Palestinian civilians were identified as: Mohammed Ali al-Hroub, 24, and Ahmed Mohammed Salama al-Hroub, 25. The Israeli Forces withdrew later and no arrests reported.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded, and a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 30 November 2012, 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. The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity. The protesters aimed to stress the need to adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the wall. They called through megaphones for Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to leave Palestinian land. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a 21-year-old Palestinians was wounded by a bullet to the right hand, and a 40-year-old man was hit in his right leg with a gas bomb. A number of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 30 November 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, 30 November 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces also arrested two Israeli human rights defenders and transported them to an unknown destination.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. The protesters raised banners saying, "In accordance with General Assembly resolution issued on 29 November 2012, you are in the State of Palestine, and occupation must be ended immediately." As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the confiscated lands. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. Hassan Braijiya, coordinator for the Popular Movement against the Wall and Settlement Activities, said that a unit of the Israeli forces moved into the village in the early morning before the beginning of the demonstration and hid behind the school awaiting for the gathering to start. He also added that an intelligence officer accompanied the unit and questioned children present in the area about the persons who threw stones at the Israeli forces.
3. Continued Closure of the oPt
Israel has continued to impose a tightened 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
Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for nearly 5 years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.
The IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip, making Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes, in terms of its distance and operational capacity.
The IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a terrible situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
The IOF 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 in the Gaza Strip.
The cooking gas crisis, which erupted last November, has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created on 04 January 2010, when Israeli occupation authorities totally closed the Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated to the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza. They shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to the Karm Abu Salem crossing, which is not equipped to receive Gaza's fuel needs. The Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.
Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians continue to depend on humanitarian aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, the number of families who are living below the poverty line has continued to increase, and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower continues to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.
The IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the export of products from Gaza, especially industrial products, undermining any real chance of reopening economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated since the Karm Abu Salem crossing was designated as Gaza’s sole commercial crossing; the repeated closure of this crossing negatively affects the quantity of Gaza products which are allowed to be exported.
For approximately 6 consecutive years, the IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, the IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.
Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. The IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. The IOF have also 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 Jerusalem. The IOF denied new categories of Gazan patients permission to access hospitals via the crossing.
Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.
Exports:
On Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of strawberries, 200 kilograms of garlic and 300 kilograms of basil. On Monday, 03 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of strawberries and a truckload of cherry tomatoes.
Other Imports:
On Wednesday, 28 November 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry of 600 tons of cement, 32 tons of construction steel and 3,850 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; and 260 tons of cement, 78 tons of construction steel and 840 tons of construction aggregate for the German Development Bank (GDB). They also allowed the entry of 663 tons of fodders and 234 tons wheat.
On Thursday, 29 November 2012, the Israeli forces allowed the entry of 168 tons of cement, 115 tons of construction steel and 2,170 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; and 40 tons of cement, 54 tons of construction steel and 2,240 tons of construction aggregate for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 351 tons of wheat.
On Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 443 tons of cement, 44 tons of construction steel and 3,990 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; and 33 tons of cement for ANERA and 2,800 tons of construction aggregate for GDB. They also allowed the entry of 429 tons of fodders and 156 tons of wheat. On Monday, 03 December 2012, Israeli forces allowed the entry of 480 tons of cement, 133 tons of construction steel and 4,340 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA; and 56 tons of cement and 840 tons of construction aggregate for USAID, in addition to 2,940 tons of construction aggregate for Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 780 tons of fodders and 156 tons of wheat. Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the northern entrance of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 18:00, Israeli forces re-established their presence on 'Attara checkpoint, by the northern entrance of Beir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. The checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported. At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 30 November 2012, Israeli forces established an entrance at the entrance of al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 13:30, Israeli forces re-established their presence on 'Attara checkpoint, by the northern entrance of Beir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the northern entrance of Beit Loqia entrance, southwest of the city. All checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported. At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 01 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharabtha Bni Hareth village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00, a checkpoint was established by Israeli forces at the northern entrance of Beit Loqia village. At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Kharabtha al-Mosbah village, southwest of Ramallah. All checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah, and established another checkpoint at approximately 15:00 by the intersection of Beit 'Our al-Foqa village. The checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported.
Qalqilya:Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 30 November 2012, Israeli forces established 4 military checkpoints throughout the city. The first checkpoint was established at approximately 08:35 at the entrance of Qalqilya. The second was established at approximately 10:00 near Jinasafout village, east of the city. At approximately 12:10, the third checkpoint was established at the entrance of Amatyn village, northeast of Qalqilya, while the fourth checkpoint was established at approximately 18:00 at the entrance of Izzbat al-Tabib village. The four checkpoints were established at Nablus-Qalqilya road, and were removed later with no arrests reported. At approximately 21:00 on Monday, 03 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Jinasafout village, east of Qalqilya; however, it was removed later and no arrests were reported.
Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:30 on Saturday, 1 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Rummana village, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 18:30, another checkpoint was established by the eastern entrance of Y'abod village, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabouba village, northwest of Jenin; it was later removed with no reports were reported. At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 04 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of al-Jalma village, north of Jenin. All checkpoints were removed later; no arrests were reported.
Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces re-enforced the restrictions imposed on 'Inab military checkpoint, established on Tulkarm – Nablus road, east of Tulkarm; however, restrictions were eased later in the evening and no arrests were reported. At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Natania (the Western) road, which falls in Section (A) that falls under Palestinian jurisdiction according to the Oslo Accords. At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 30 November 20
12, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the road linking Tulkarm with its northern villages. At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on Natania (the Western) road, west of the city. At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qaffin village, north of Tulkarm. At 21:00, Israeli forces re-enforced the restrictions imposed on 'Ennab military checkpoint.
Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 30 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at Abu Reisha Valley, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. At approximately 19:00, another checkpoint was established on the road by 'Oyoun Abu Yousif kherba, southwest of Doura. At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit 'Amra village, south of Hebron. All checkpoints were later removed; no arrests were reported.
Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the southern entrance of Jericho. They removed it later; however, re-established it at approximately 15:00. At approximately 06:30 on Friday, 30 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces established another checkpoint by the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-'Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. All checkpoints were later removed; no arrests were reported.
Bethlehem:Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:30 on Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Wajla village, west of Bethlehem. It was removed later and no arrests were reported.
Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Salfit and Askaka village, east of the city. It was removed at approximately 12:00, no arrests were reported. At approximately 19:40, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Kufor al-Deik village, west of Salfit. At approximately 08:15 on Friday, 30 November 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint by the bridge of Askaka village, east of Salfit. The checkpoint was re-established at approximately 20:50, and removed it again at approximately 21:00, and no arrests were reported. At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 03 December 2012, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Kuffol Hares and Hares village, north of Salfit. It was removed later; no arrests were reported.
Detention at Military Checkpoints At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces stationed on the Container checkpoint, southeast of Jerusalem, arrested Ibrahim Ahmed Abdul-Hamid Khalil, from Beit Umar village, north of Hebron, and transported him to an unknown destination. At approximately 12:30 on Sunday, 02 December 2012, a special Israeli force arrested Tha'er Salah Moussa al-'Araj, 24, a member of the Palestinian National Security Forces, while en route home from Jenin, where he works, to Tulkarm. He was arrested near al-Bathan valley, on Tubas-Nablus road. According to PCHR’s investigations, al-'Araj knew he was wanted for the Israeli forces; therefore, he took another road, Jenin – Nabuls, instead of going to Tulkarm directly. However, he was ambushed by an Israeli undercover unit, who dressed in civilian clothing and drove a white Mercedes Caravelle, which had (Abu-Saleh for Heaters) written on it for camouflage.
4. Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in Occupied East Jerusalem
Settlement Activities in Occupied East Jerusalem
In violation of international law, Israel is continuing its policy of settlement expansion in the West Bank in general, and occupied East Jerusalem in particular. The Office of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the construction of 3,600 additional settlement units in East Jerusalem. On Monday evening, 03 December 2012, it was reported that the new construction plan would be implemented in “Ramat Shalom” and “Givat Hamatos” settlement neighborhoods. Moshe Gabai, an official of the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem from the Likud Party, stated that “the Israeli government’s decision to construct the settlement units will assert that East Jerusalem is Jewish!” Also on Monday evening, the Israeli daily, Ydiot Aharanot, reported on its website that the construction and planning committee in occupied Jerusalem will discuss next week a plan to construct 1,600 settlement units in “Ramat Shlomo” settlement in East Jerusalem.
On Friday, 30 November 2011, in the hours following the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution accepting Palestine as a non-member observer State in the United Nations, the Israeli government issued a plan to construct 3,000 settlement units in East Jerusalem and the settlements of “Ma’ale Adomim,” east of Jerusalem; “Ariel” in the north of the West Bank; and “Efrat,” south of Bethlehem. The Israeli government also decided to accelerate structural plans to begin construction in the “E1” area, which is aimed at linking the “Ma’ale Adomim” settlement with Jerusalem.
The proposed construction of around 3,600 settlement units in this area would render establishing geographical contiguity between the north and south of the West Bank impossible, and diminish any chance to establish a viable Palestinian state.
Settlers Cease a Building in Jabal al-Mukaber
At early morning hours on Monday, 03 December 2012, a group of settlers stormed a Palestinian five-storey building in Jabal al Mukaber, southeast of Occupied east Jerusalem. The settlers claimed that "Al'ad" association bought the building, located in al-Farouq neighborhood, two years ago. According to Israeli daily Haaretz, it is seemingly intended to build a new settlement outpost in the heart of the Palestinian neighborhood. It should be mentioned that the building, which was built many years ago, remained vacant of residents except for a family residing in the upper floor until a group of "guards" came in, changed the locks of the main gate and ceased the house. This building is several meters away from a building the settlers ceased in 2010 and changed it to a settlement outpost. Peace Now, an Israeli organization, described the settlers' action as dangerous and provocative, as seizing houses in the heart of the Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem raises tension in the city.
Bulldozing of Houses and Shops
On 04 December 2012, Israeli forces bulldozed a commercial building in Jabal al-Tour, and forced a civilian to demolish his house by himself in Beit Safafa in occupied East Jerusalem.
At early morning hours on Tuesday, 04 December 2012, a group of the Israeli "Border Guards" and the Israeli police, accompanied by officers from the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem and a bulldozer, moved into Jabal al-Tour, east of the old city. They surrounded a commercial building, belonging to Mohammad Abul-Hawa, and started demolishing it. The 2-storey building was established on a 45-square-meter area. The first floor was used as a car rental office and the second one was used as a dentist clinic. According to Abul-Hawa, he had built the first floor in 2000 and added the second floor in 2009. He added that nearly a month and a half ago, he received a demolition notice from the Israeli municipality in the city, following that he started preparing the necessary paperwork to obtain a building license, but the municipality hastened in the demolition.
In the same context, the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem forced Moussa 'Elian to destroy his house in Beit Safafa village, following an order issued by the mentioned municipality. 'Elian said that he built his one-storey house on a 220-square-meter area six years ago, and he received a notice from the Israeli municipality to stop the construction and demolish it. Nearly a month ago, he dug a hole in the roof, but the Municipality refused to allow it and threatened him that they would demolish his house on his expense and force him to pay NIS 250,000 as a fee; therefore, he had to demolish it by himself to avoid paying the demolition fees.
5. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, Israeli forces, accompanied by a number of military vehicles and a vehicle from the Planning and Building Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Shi'ab al-Sair area, east of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. An officer of the department handed a notice to Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil Moqbel, 44, ordering the demolition of his two-storey house, established on a 220-square meters area and occupied by a family of 13 members. The notice term is due on 27 December 2012.
At approximately 22:00 on Thursday, 29 November 2012, dozens of settlers from "Nijhout" and "Beit Hagai" settlements, gathered on Palestinian civilians' lands in Hebron, closed the main street of Tarama village, which link Doura, southwest of Hebron, with bypass road (60), and disrupted the traffic. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces were deployed in the area to protect the settlers, and did not intervene to stop their actions.
At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 02 December 2012, Israeli forces stopped the Palestinian civilians and farmers from reaching their lands, near “Avigal" settlement which is established on the lands of Palestinians, in the southern side of Hebron, despite the fact that they have obtained permits and court rulings from the Israeli Supreme Court allowing them to work in their farmlands, nearing "Avigal" settlement. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Rateb al-Jabour, member of the Popular Committee against Settlement Activities, said that Israeli forces that were intensively deployed along the security fence of "Avigal" settlement and the areas southeast of Yatta, purposefully impose restrictions on the Palestinian civilians and farmers' access to their farmlands in order to confiscate them.
At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 02 December 2012, a group of settlers from "Sousia" settlement, gathered on the lands of Palestinian civilians, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, burnt a 306 Peugeot, belonging to Mahmoud Salman Suliman al-'Arjan, 34, and wrote "Sousia, congratulations! More to come!" on the walls of his house, located in Abu al-'Asja village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Mahmoud al-'Arjan said:
"At approximately 01:30 on Monday, 02 November 2012, my wife awoke me and told me that the trees in front of the house were burning. I ran out and found my car and the trees around it ablaze. I called out for help, and the neighbors helped me put the fire off until the Civil Defense fire-engine arrived. Afterwards, we noticed slogans written in Hebrew on the walls saying, ‘Sousia, congratulations! More to come!’ I called the Palestinian police. Thee Israeli police came to the scene, took my statement, and told me an investigation would be opened regarding the incident."
At approximately 07:30 on Monday, 03 December 2012, an Israeli force, accompanied by a car from the Israeli Civil Administration and a number of military vehicles, moved into Sousia area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The force patrolled the streets in the area and closed it. A group of Israeli soldiers along with an official from the Israeli Planning Office stormed a daycare and handed one of the employees a demolition notice. Before leaving, they also submitted Ihsan Mohammad Hussain al-Shafran a notice to destroy a sheep barn and Mohammad Badawi Mohammad Jabour was submitted a notice to demolish a tent he occupies with his family.
At approximately 06:30 on Tuesday, 04 December 2012, Israeli forces, accompanied by a car from the Israeli Planning and Building Department, a number of vehicles and demolition equipment, moved into Kherba al-Mafkara area, south of Yatta, in the southern side of Hebron. The forces surrounded the area, closed it and banned the civilians from going near the mosque, and started demolishing the two-storey mosque, established on a 120-square-meter area for the second time in two years. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Rajeb al-Jabour, member of the Popular Movement against Settlement Activity, said that a large number of Israeli forces stormed the area and started demolishing the house for the second time. He said that it was first demolished in November 2011, and the civilians rebuilt it on a 120-square-meter area, and the first floor was designed as a baby daycare. He also pointed out that the Israeli forces aim to push the residents of the area out in order to confiscate their lands for the expansion of "Avigal" and "Havat Maon" settlements, established on the lands of Palestinian civilians east of the city.
At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces, accompanied by a number of military vehicles, three SUVs from the Planning and Building Department of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer, stormed Kherbat al-Tawil area, southeast of 'Akraba village, southeast of Nablus, which is part of Area C (under full Israeli control according to the Oslo Accords). Immediately, the bulldozer started demolishing an uninhabited room established on a 20-square-meter area belonging to Abdul-Fatah Ma'arouf Bani Fadel. They also demolished a 50-square-meter barrack used a barn for animals and fodders, belonging to Basem Salim Dola.
At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 05 December 2012, Israeli forces, accompanied by military vehicles and officers from the Planning and Building Department, moved into al-'Aroub Refugee Camp, north of Hebron, and closed the area. Israeli soldiers submitted to Rebhi Abdul-Rahman Jawabra, 42, a demolition notice for his 3-storey house under claiming that it was built without a license. They also submitted other notices of demolition and removal, including for a marble factory, a construction materials store, belonging to Khaled and Yousif Abu-Samara, from Beit Umar; and a plantation, which belongs to Ibrahim Khader Abdul-Mouhsen al-'Alamy. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Mohammad Awad, member of the Popular Movement against the Wall and Settlement Activities, said that the Planning and Building Department of the Israeli Civil Administration had issued these notices under the pretext that they were built without licenses. He also mentioned that the Israeli soldiers took photographs of the buildings along Hebron – Jerusalem road, up to the entrance of Beit Umar village. Awad pointed out further that the plantation had already been demolished by the Israeli forces 4 times over the past few years.
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.
………………………………………………………… Public Document For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email ( pchr@pchrgaza.org ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).
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