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An Israeli settler, escorted by Israeli soldiers, fire at Palestinian civilian in Southern ‘Assira village, southeast of Nablus |
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
4 demonstrators, including two children and an international human rights defender, were wounded.
A Palestinian civilian was seriously injured at Etzion intersection, south of Bethlehem.
IOF conducted 90 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 28 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children, an old man, the director of a television channel and an ex-prisoner.
IOF continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians at various checkpoints in the West Bank.
IOF have continued efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem.
The Israeli government allocated new budget to enhance settlement activities in Jerusalem.
A house was demolished in al-Tour neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
A Palestinian civilian was seriously wounded by Israeli settlers south of Nablus.
IOF razed 14 dunums[1]of agricultural land in the east of Hebron and confiscated a bulldozer and a truck in Jerusalem.
IOF tore down 6 tents south of Hebron and demolished a bird farm southwest of Ramallah.
Israeli settlers stormed Taqqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem, in the presence of IOF.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (17 – 23 May 2012):
Shooting:
During the reporting period, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded by IOF in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. A 6th civilian was also wounded by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Additionally, a Palestinian civilian was stabbed by Israeli soldiers at Kfar Etzion checkpoint near Bethlehem.
During the reporting period, IOF wounded 4 demonstrators, including two children and an international human rights defender, during the dispersion of peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
On 19 May 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yits’har” settlement attacked Palestinian agricultural areas in the southeast of Southern ‘Assira village, south of Nablus, and set fire to some of them. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered to extinguish fire. Soon, Israeli settlers threw stones and empty bottles at houses in the village. When Palestinian civilians attempted to stop this attack, an Israeli settler fired at them. As a result, a Palestinian civilian was seriously wounded by a bullet that entered the right eye and exited the left ear. IOF were present in the area and did not intervene to stop the attack. Video clips from the area showed two Israeli soldiers standing near an Israeli settler while he was firing at Palestinian civilians, which indicates that IOF support Israeli settlers in their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. Additionally, 5 Palestinian civilians were injured by stones thrown by Israeli settlers.
On 20 May 2012, a Palestinian was seriously wounded near Etzion intersection, south of Bethlehem. IOF claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier using a sharp tool, and quarrel erupted between him the soldier, as a result of which he fell onto the ground and the sharp tool entered his abdomen. He was evacuated to an Israeli hospital and was put under detention. He told a lawyer who visited him that a number of Israeli soldiers attacked him with a knife and they stabbed him in the abdomen.
In the Gaza Strip, on 20 May 2012, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis.
During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats in the northern and central Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 90 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested 28 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children, an old man, the director of a television channel and an ex-prisoner who was released in the context of the Shalit prisoners swap.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted two limited incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they leveled areas of 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.
The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. 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.
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 a Jewish Demographic Majority in East Jerusalem:
On 20 May 2012, the Israeli government approved in its meeting that was held in Tallat al-Zakhira rea in Jerusalem a series of programs to promote settlement in Jerusalem. It also allocated 350 million ILS for “the development of public and tourist sites” in Jerusalem in the next 6 years. This amount will be allocated for developing the infrastructure in Jerusalem, expanding “the ageen lung” and repairing central tourist sites.
On 21 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Tour neighborhood in East Jerusalem. They demolished a 110-square-meter house belonging to Sameh Sameeh Edris, 25, which was built recently. According to Edris, he did not receive any notice for demolition. He estimated the cost of building at 80,000 ILS.
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 21 May 2012, IOF moved into Qandil Crushing Establishment in Rafat village, north of Jerusalem. They confiscated a bulldozer and a crusher. The owner, Akram Qandil, stated that IOF confiscated the two machines without prior warning. They claimed that the establishment was not licensed.
On the same day, IOF moved into al-Baq’a area, east of Hebron. They destroyed agricultural pools and some agricultural equipment and confiscated some irrigation networks. According to eyewitnesses, IOF damaged plants on 14 dunums of agricultural land belonging to the Jaber family.
On 22 May 2012, dozens of Israeli settlers from “Taqqou” settlement attacked Palestinian houses in Taqqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem, and closed the main road in the center of the village. They threw stones at shops and houses. According to eyewitnesses, IOF were present at the entrance of the village to protect the settlers.
On 23 May 2012, IOF moved into Khirbat al-Rahwa area to the south of al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They demolished a barnyard belonging to Ahmed Khalil al-Jabarin.
On the same day, IOF moved into Wadi al-Juhaish area to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They tore down 6 tents belonging to the al-Nawaj’a family, in which 30 people used to live.
On the same day, IOF moved into Beit Nouba community in the south of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. They demolished a 450-square-meter barrack, which is designed for chicken, claiming that it was built without a license. Soon, clashes erupted between Palestinian civilians and IOF, during which IOF fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (17 – 23 May 2012)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 17 May 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tammoun village, southeast of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Fu’ad Mohammed Bani ‘Ouda, 27.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Saber Ahmed Abu Hadid, 38.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into al-Fukhari area in the southeast of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land. Later, they moved northward to Khuza’a village, and again they leveled areas of Palestinian land.
Also at approximately 07:00, IOF moved nearly 250 meters into the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. They leveled areas of Palestinian land amidst sporadic shooting. The left the area at approximately 13:00. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 07:30, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers to the southeast of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun opened fire at Palestinian farmers who were farming their lands. The farmers were extremely terrified, so they left their lands. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian agricultural areas in ‘Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Deir Jarir village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:55, IOF moved into Ras Teera village, southeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and forced some Palestinian farmers to leave their lands. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:45, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 18 May 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Marka village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bahaa’ Khairi Mousa, 28, Director General of Prisoner Television, and arrested him. They confiscated two laptops on which all satellite programs broadcasting of the television are saved, which means that IOF would control everything broadcasted on the television. It should be noted that Prisoner Television was established in April 2012, and it completely stopped broadcasting at approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 20 May 2012.
At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into Jaba’ village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Aaref Khaled Fakhouri, 45, a colonel of the Palestinian General Intelligence Service, and arrested him. They also confiscated 4 mobile phones and a laptop. It is worth noting that Fakhouri had been arrested in 2002 and was stentenced to 28 years of imprisonment. He was released in the Shalit prisoners swap in 2011.
Also at approximately 01:45, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:10, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:25, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They arrests 3 Palestinian children at the western entrance of the village claiming that they intended to throw stones at Israeli vehicles traveling on the main road near the village:
1. ‘Omar Mo’in Hussein, 15;
2. Mohammed Mashour Saleem, 16; and
3. Sameer Mahmoud Shbaita, 14.
At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Saturday, 19 May 2012
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Eihab Anwar al-Jabrini, 16.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Dura al-Qare’ village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoumvillage, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:40, IOF moved into al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into ‘Iraq Bourin village, south of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and provoked Palestinian civilians. Soon, a number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the boys. As a result, a number of boys suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 16:45, IOF moved into Zibda village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Salem Badi Deirstawi, 40.
At approximately 01:25, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into ‘Aqabet Jaber refugee camp, south of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:55, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Turmos’iya village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Saida village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Fundoqawmiya village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 12:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis opened fire at Palestinian agricultural areas in al-Qarara village. As a result, Waheed ‘Ali al-Zar, 22, was wounded by a bullet to the left foot, when he was nearly 600 meters away from the border.
At approximately 13:45, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Kharabtha Bani Hareth village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:40, IOF moved into Habla village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 18:40, IOF moved into Ras ‘Atiya village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:45, IOF moved into Saida village, northeast of Tulkarm. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at the boys. As a result, Suhaila Fareed ‘Ouda, 55, suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Deir Ebzee’ village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Maithaloun village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 21 May 2012
At approximately 00:35, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into the old town of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Jebril Shaher Abu Hadid, 25.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp. Theyt raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
Sami Mustafa Sha’bullo, 70; and
Rida Mahmoud Khaled, 50.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Bal’a village, northeast of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Kufor Dan village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Sinjel village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 15:00, IOF moved into al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Jaba’ village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Misliya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into Rammoun village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 16:30, IOF moved into ‘Attara village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF raided a house belonging to Raja’ei al-Tamimi, 60, in al-Sawana neighborhood in East Jerusalem to arrest him. Residents of the house and neighbors attempted to stop the arrest. In the end, IOF arrested al-Tamimi and another 3 civilians, including two children:
1. Kayed al-Tamimi, 25;
2. Ahmed Abu Ermaila, 12; and
3. Yousef Mofeed al-Musha’sha’, 12.
At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Beit Qad village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Jericho and the nearby ‘Aqabet Jaber refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
At approximately 00:45, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:
1. Muhannad Murshid ‘Awadh, 14; and
2. ‘Ali ‘Awadh Abu Maria, 14.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Saida village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 08:15, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Deir al-Balah seashore in the central Gaza Strip opened fired at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 17:30, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 00:15, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian children:
1. Mustafa Hassan Saleem, 17;
2. Mohammed ‘Abdul Karim Abu Haniya, 17; and
3. Tha’er Khaled Badwan, 17.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed ‘Aziz Fattash, 24, and arrested him.
Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They raided an apartment building where university students live and arrested Nidal ‘Izziddin Fattash, 24, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
1. ‘Alaa’ Fahmi Za’aqiq, 30;
2. Mohammed Wajeeh Abu Maria, 21; and
3. Hussam Saber Abu Maria, 22.
At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided a number of houses and questioned their residents. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They raided a house belonging to Ziad Sharafi, but no arrests were reported.
2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall
During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 4 demonstrators, including two children and an international human rights defender, were wounded, and dozens of others suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 18 May 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 and. They raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending political division. They then moved towards areas of annexation wall. They called through megaphones on 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 Palestinian civilian was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left foot (PCHR keeps his name) and a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 18 May 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 to 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, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday prayer on 18 May 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. As a result, two Palestinian children and a Scottish human rights defender were wounded, and some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. A house belonging to ‘Atallah al-Tamimi was hit by rubber-coated metal bullets.
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 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.
IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.
IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza's needs of fuel. Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.
Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.
IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.
For approximately five consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.
Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.
Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday evening, 14 March 2012, IOF arrested Ahmed Subhi al-Kahlout, 40, a trader from Gaza City, when he was traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing.
For approximately 59 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.
Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:
Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
16 – 22 May 2012
| Day | Date | Traveling abroad | Coming into Gaza | Returned into Gaza |
| Wednesday | 16 May 2012 | 747 | 471 | 35 |
| Thursday | 17 May 2012 | 763 | 785 | 89 |
| Friday | 18 May 2012 | -- | -- | -- |
| Saturday | 19 May 2012 | 705 | 734 | 39 |
| Sunday | 20 May 2012 | 659 | 617 | 25 |
| Monday | 21 May 2012 | 697 | 521 | 27 |
| Tuesday | 22 May 2012 | 622 | 788 | 28 |
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
09 – 22 May 2012
Imports:
| Date | Imports | |||
| Category | Amount | |||
| Tons | Number | Liters | ||
| 09 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 462 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 988 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Electricity towers Fans Water tanks Carpentry machines | 1,132 | 964 90 1,782 90 1,453 272 46 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 3,941 | |||
| Cooking gas | 206.000 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 570,700 | |||
| 10 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 828 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 1,190 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cars Cartons of shoes Glass boards Birds Carpentry machines Water tanks Cows Fans | 1,477 | 1,070 356 20 2,208 520 120 14 150 371 2,732 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 3,000 | |||
| Cooking gas | 207.830 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 251,716 | |||
| Diesel | 34,977 | |||
| Benzene | 36,599 | |||
| Kerosene | 34,200 | |||
| 13 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 605 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 843 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Cars | 1,343 | 1,439 262 200 30 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 5,452 | |||
| Cooking gas | 210.540 | |||
| Diesel | 33,986 | |||
| 14 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 617 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 812 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Cars Glass boards | 1,262 | 2,825 92 583 20 1,040 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 3,168 | |||
| Cooking gas | 229.430 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 327,024 | |||
| 15 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 793 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 895 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Ornamentation machines Fans Water tanks Glass boards Washing machines | 1,295 | 1,673 194 3,081 2 1,088 156 520 156 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 5,118 | |||
| Cooking gas | 233.560 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 438,663 | |||
| Diesel | 34,997 | |||
| 16 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 707 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 672 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cars Cartons of shoes Glass boards Air conditioners Fans Water tanks | 1,065 | 1,033 250 20 359 520 110 2,800 352 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 3,924 | |||
| Cooking gas | 185.080 | |||
| Diesel | 37,000 | |||
| Benzene | 40,000 | |||
| 17 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 720 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 1,186 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Air conditioners Glass boards Car tires Water tanks Washing machines Cows Electricity generators | 1,567 | 2,123 300 1,216 226 520 1,560 68 148 391 1,024 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 1,534 | |||
| Cooking gas | 202.550 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 394,146 | |||
| 20 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 571 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 948 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Cars Washing machines Glass boards | 1,475 | 924 232 1,287 30 136 520 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 3,399 | |||
| Cooking gas | 203.600 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 108,114 | |||
| Diesel | 109,498 | |||
| 21 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 518 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 1,190 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Electricity generators Fans Cars Fishing boats | 1,288 | 1,264 300 2,113 4 1,326 30 5 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 4,784 | |||
| Cooking gas | 225.410 | |||
| Industrial fuel | 327,255 | |||
| 22 May 2012 | Foodstuffs | 367 | ||
| Agricultural materials | 1,236 | |||
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cars tires Cartons of shoes Glass boards Electricity generators | 1,192 | 364 252 730 3,955 520 1,800 | ||
| Humanitarian aid | 4,211 | |||
| Cooking gas | 230.360 | |||
| Diesel | 36,507 | |||
Exports:
On Monday, 14 May 2012, IOF allowed the exportation of 200 cartons of clothes, each contains 10 pieces.
Notes:
On Wednesday, 09 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 440 tons of cement, 3,220 tons of construction aggregates and 113 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 507 tons of fodders and 312 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 10 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 2,800 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 200 tons of cement for al-Quds Hospital. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 390 tons of wheat.
On Sunday, 13 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement, 3,150 tons of construction aggregates, and 20 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; 452 tons of cement for the Palestinian Water Authority; and 80 tons of cement and 1,470 tons of construction aggregates for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 390 tons of fodders and 273 tons of wheat.
On Monday, 14 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement and 2,800 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 624 tons of fodders.
On Tuesday, 15 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 376 tons of cement, 2,800 tons of construction aggregates and 73 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; and 120 tons of cement and 1,400 tons of construction aggregates for al-Quds Hospital. They also allowed the entry of 585 tons of fodders.
On Wednesday, 16 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 160 tons of cement and 3,500 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 390 tons of fodders and 117 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 17 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 1,400 tons of construction aggregates for al-Quds Hospital. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 273 tons of wheat.
On Sunday, 20 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 412 tons of cement, 2,800 tons of construction aggregates and 62 tons of construction steel. They also allowed the entry of 351 tons of fodders and 390 tons of wheat.
On Monday, 21 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 350 tons of cement, 2,800 tons of construction aggregates and 118 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; and 140 tons of cement and 1,330 tons of construction aggregates for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 507 tons of fodders and 429 tons of wheat.
On Tuesday, 22 May 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 230 tons of cement and 115 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; and 3,640 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 546 tons of wheat.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
16 – 22 May 2012
| Date | 16 May | 17 May | 18 May | 19 May | 20 May | 21 May | 22 May |
| Patients | 32 | 28 | Nil | Nil | 37 | 29 | 39 |
| Companions | 31 | 25 | Nil | Nil | 41 | 24 | 35 |
| Arabs from Israel | 2 | 12 | Nil | Nil | 9 | Nil | 9 |
| Diplomats | 5 | 4 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 7 |
| International Journalists | Nil | 7 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 | 9 |
| International Workers | 30 | 31 | Nil | Nil | 12 | 16 | 38 |
| Travelers abroad | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 2 | Nil | Nil |
| Business People | 116 | 89 | Nil | Nil | 93 | 110 | 90 |
| Economic Meetings | Nil | 5 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 | 5 |
| Security Interviews | 3 | 2 | Nil | Nil | 2 | 1 | Nil |
| VIP's | Nil | 1 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 |
| Ambulances to Israel | 1 | 1 | Nil | 1 | 3 | 4 | Nil |
| Ambulances from Israel | 3 | Nil | 1 | Nil | 2 | 1 | 1 |
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.
There are approximately hundreds of permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.
When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land.
Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.
IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to East Jerusalem, through a strict system of permits and a network of checkpoints.
IOF have completed controlled access to the Jordan Valley through 4 permanent checkpoints established at its entrances. Palestinians living outside the area are not allowed to enter it without permits.
Settlement activities and expansion of settlements impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
IOF have continued to restrict access to gunfire areas and natural reserves, which constitute about 26% of the total area of the West Bank.
Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods throughout the West Bank.
Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by IOF in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped, searched and even arrested in the streets by IOF.
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing young Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque.
Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 17 May 2012, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 18 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 06:30 on Saturday, 19 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 20 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Budros village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. Also at approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint on Bitounia – Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta road, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 12:30 on Monday, 21 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 18:00, IOF re-established a checkpoint at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 21:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Nabis Saleh intersection, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 22 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 16:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Budros village, northwest of Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 17 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. On Friday, 18 May 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around the town. On Sunday, 20 May 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around Qalqilya.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 17:45 on Thursday, 17 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 19 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 16:30, IOF established a checkpoint on al-‘Araqa – al-Hashimiya road, west of Jenin. At approximately 17:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Sanour village, south of Jenin. At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 21 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Deir Abu Da’if intersection, southeast of Jenin. At approximately 17:30 on Tuesday, 22 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Mughayar village, southeast of Jenin.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:45 on Friday, 18 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Qalqilya road, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 19 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 20 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Allar intersection, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 20:45, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus road near Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 09:30 on Monday, 21 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus near Jibara village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 07:00 Tuesday, 22 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Bal’a intersection, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 23 May 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 17 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 18 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein al-Dyouk village, west of Jericho. At approximately 11:30 on Sunday, 20 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. Also at approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 16:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho. At approximately 00:30 on Monday, 21 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 15:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho. At approximately 11:30 on Tuesday, 22 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint the Dead Sea intersection, north of Jericho.
Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:45 on Sunday, 20 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint between at the western entrance of Eskaka village, east of Salfit. At approximately 18:30 on Monday, 21 May 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Brouqin village, west of Salfit.
A Palestinian Civilian Wounded at Etzion Intersection, South of Bethlehem
At approximately 13:30 on Sunday, 20 May 2012, Salah Nidal al-Sagheer, 18, from Hebron, was seriously wounded near Etzion intersection, south of Bethlehem. IOF claimed that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier using a sharp tool, and quarrel erupted between him the soldier, as a result of which he fell onto the ground and the sharp tool entered his abdomen. He was evacuated to an Israeli hospital and was put under detention. According to his mother, he works in Tubas in the northern West Bank, and on that day he did not go to work because he was sick and wanted to go to a doctor. The Israeli police summoned al-Sagheer’s parents for interrogation. On Wednesday, 23 May 2012, al-Sagheer told a lawyer who visited him that a number of Israeli soldiers attacked him with a knife and they stabbed him in the abdomen.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints:
On Sunday noon, 20 May 2012, IOF stationed at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Shadi ‘Abdul Hakim Abu Dawod, 22, from Hebron, when he was on his way back to the West Bank.
4. Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority in East Jerusalem
Israeli occupation authorities have continued efforts aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem.
On Sunday, 20 May 2012, the Israeli government approved in its meeting that was held in Tallat al-Zakhira rea in Jerusalem a series of programs to promote settlement in Jerusalem. It also allocated 350 million ILS for “the development of public and tourist sites” in Jerusalem in the next 6 years. This amount will be allocated for developing the infrastructure in Jerusalem, expanding “the ageen lung” and repairing central tourist sites. A spokesman of the Israeli Prime Minister, Ofir Gendelman, stated that “the Israeli government decided to establish residential compounds for security forces on lands provided by the Israeli land authority, without publishing an invitation for tenders in Jerusalem.”
On Monday morning, 21 May 2012, IOF, accompanied by bulldozers, moved into al-Tour neighborhood in East Jerusalem. They demolished a 110-square-meter house belonging to Sameh Sameeh Edris, 25, which was built recently. According to Edris, he did not receive any notice for demolition. He estimated the cost of building at 80,000 ILS.
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 15:30 on Saturday, 19 May 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yits’har” settlement attacked Palestinian agricultural areas in the southeast of Southern ‘Assira village, south of Nablus, and set fire to some of them. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered to extinguish fire. Soon, Israeli settlers threw stones and empty bottles at houses in the village. When Palestinian civilians attempted to stop this attack, an Israeli settler fired at them. As a result, Nemer Fat’hi ‘Assaira, 24, was seriously wounded by a bullet that entered the right eye and exited the left ear. IOF were present in the area and did not intervene to stop the attack. Video clips from the area showed two Israeli soldiers standing near an Israeli settler while he was firing at Palestinian civilians, which indicates that IOF support Israeli settlers in their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. Additionally, 5 Palestinian civilians were injured by stones thrown by Israeli settlers:
1. Ahmed Jaber Saleh, 33, injured in the head;
2. Muntasser Nafe’ Mansour, 22, injured in the left hand;
3. Mahmoud ‘Eissa Saleh, 23, injured in the head;
4. Mahmoud Jaber Saleh, 23, injured in the left foot; and
5. Riad Jameel ‘Ashrawi, 19, injured in the left foot.
On Monday morning, 21 May 2012, IOF moved into Qandil Crushing Establishment in Rafat village, north of Jerusalem. They confiscated a bulldozer and a crusher. The owner, Akram Qandil, stated that IOF confiscated the two machines without prior warning. They claimed that the establishment was not licensed. It is worth noting that IOF closed the establishment in 1998 refusing to renew its license. Work in the establishment was resumed 8 months ago. According to Qandil more than 70 workers work in the establishment. The value of the machines and equipment of the establishment is estimated at more than $ one million.
Also on Monday morning, IOF moved into al-Baq’a area, east of Hebron. They destroyed agricultural pools and some agricultural equipment and confiscated some irrigation networks. According to eyewitnesses, IOF damaged plants on 14 dunums of agricultural land belonging to the Jaber family. It is worth noting that the area is located between “Kharsina” and “Kiryat Arba” settlements, and it is often subjected to attacks by IOF and Israeli settlers.
At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 22 May 2012, dozens of Israeli settlers from “Taqqou” settlement attacked Palestinian houses in Taqqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem, and closed the main road in the center of the village. They threw stones at shops and houses. According to eyewitnesses, IOF were present at the entrance of the village to protect the settlers.
On Wednesday morning, 23 May 2012, IOF moved into Khirbat al-Rahwa area to the south of al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They demolished a barnyard belonging to Ahmed Khalil al-Jabarin.
Also on Wednesday morning, IOF moved into Wadi al-Juhaish area to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They tore down 6 tents belonging to Khalil Salama al-Nawaj’a and Ibrahim Isma’il al-Nawaj’a, in which 30 people used to live.
At approximately 11:00 also on Wednesday, IOF moved into Beit Nouba community in the south of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. They demolished a 450-square-meter barrack, which is designed for chicken, claiming that it was built without a license. Soon, clashes erupted between Palestinian civilians and IOF, during which IOF fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.
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Recommendations to the International Community
1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.
11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
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Public Document
For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email ( pchr@pchrgaza.org ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).
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