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Israeli soldiers fire bullets and tear gas canisters at protesters in Nabi Saleh village near Ramallah |
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
A Palestinian woman was seriously wounded by IOF in the Gaza Strip.
IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
11 Palestinian civilians, including a child and an old woman, and 4 journalists were wounded.
A Canadian journalist was hit by a tear gas canister and an American human rights defender was injured.
IOF conducted 64 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 limited ones into the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 24 Palestinians, including 7 children, in the West Bank, and 9 Palestinians, including 3 children, in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli gunboats fired at Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli gunboats fire at fishing boats on 6 occasions.
IOF arrested a fisherman and his child in the northern Gaza Strip.
Israeli warplanes bombarded a number of targets in the Gaza Strip.
A former security building and a training site of the Palestinian resistance were bombarded.
Two schools were damaged.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF arrested 6 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Israeli settlers burnt or broke at least 152 trees.
IOF ordered the demolition of two houses in Hebron and confiscated areas of land and solar cells in Ramallah, Hebron and Salfit.
A child was run down by an Israeli settler.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (16 – 29 August 2012):
Shooting:
In the Gaza Strip, on 29 August 2012, a Palestinian woman was seriously wounded when IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at Palestinian farmers in Wadi al-Salqa village, east of the central Gaza Strip town of Deir al-Balah.
In the West Bank, on 24 August 2012, a Palestinian civilian was injured by shrapnel from a sound bomb while he was inside his house in Hebron, when IOF fired live bullets and sound bombs at Wad al-Hussain area.
During the reporting period, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall, settlement activities and other Israeli practices in the West Bank. As a result, 11 Palestinian civilians, including a child and an old woman, were wounded. Additionally, a Canadian journalist was hit by a tear gas canister and an American human rights defender was injured. Dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
IOF continued to fire at Palestinian fishing boats in the Gaza Strip. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 6 attacks in this regard, which did not cause casualties. IOF also arrested a fishermen and his child and confiscated their boat.
On 28 August 2012, Israeli warplanes bombarded a former security site and a training site of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza City, heavily damaging them. Two nearby schools were also damaged.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 64 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested 24 Palestinians, including 7 children.
Restrictions on Movement:
Israel had continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
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.
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 16 August 2012, the Israeli government issued a decision placing al-Hisba Market in the old town of Hebron under the Hebron settlement council’s control. This decision was a response to a petition filed by human rights organizations and the Israeli Peace Now at the Israeli High Court to evacuate the settlers from shops in the market and return the shops to their Palestinian owners.
On 19 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Nahla’el” settlement, which stands on the lands of Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah, broke and burnt 19 olive trees near the settlement belonging.
On 22 August 2012, Palestinian civilians in Shoufa village, northeast of Tulkarm, found an Israeli military order no. 04/79/T signed by the GOC Central Command Nitzan Alon on agricultural areas in the south of the village. According to the order, 7,290 square meters of land would be confiscated.
On the same day, IOF stormed Palestinian agricultural lands located in the west of Flamiya village, northeast of Qalqilya, and delivered a military order confiscating areas of land near “Kokhav Ya’ir” settlement.
On the same day, IOF stormed Shu’ab al-Sair area near “Karmi Tsur” settlement, which stands on the lands of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, and handed over notices ordering the demolition of two houses apparently to expand the abovementioned settlement.
Also on the same day, Raghad Suleiman Edris, 3, from Hebron, sustained injuries and bruises and fractures to the mouth, the abdomen and the feet, when she was run down by an Israeli settler’s car near the entrance of “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron.
On 23 August 2012, IOF handed over notices ordering the confiscation of 7-dunums of land in Wad al-Ghrous area, northeast of Hebron. The purpose of such confiscation is to establish a settlement road between “Kharsina” and “Kiryat Arba” settlement.
On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from “Nahla’el” settlement, which stands on the lands of Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah, broke branches of 83 olive trees near the above settlement.
On 24 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Halmish” and “Nahla’el” settlements, northwest of Ramallah, uprooted crops belonging to Ramadan Sabri Abu Kamesh and Daoud ‘Abdullah Da’mas. According to Abu Kamesh, the loss is estimated at 70,000 ILS.
On the same day, Israeli settlers from “Rafafa” settlement, which stands on the lands of Deir Estia village, north of Salfit, burnt 10 olive trees and 3 fig trees. Palestinian civilians attempted to extinguish the fire, but IOF did not allow them.
On 25 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Havat Ma’on” settlement stormed agricultural areas in al-Tawani village, south of Hebron, and uprooted 40 olive trees belonging to the Reb’ei family. They also wrote anti-Arab slogans on walls of water wells in the area.
On 26 August 2012, Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, established a park in Zaher al-‘Ein Masour area near “Daniel” settlement, which stands on the lands of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. The settlers surrounded a 500-square-meter area of land with barbwire and planted trees. This park is the third of its kind established by Israeli settlers on the lands of al-Khader village.
On 27 August 2012, IOF delivered a notice to Palestinian civilians in al-Tabban village, south of Hebron, ordering removal of solar cells that provide the village of electric power. These cells were established by international organizations to support Palestinian civilians in the village who are threatened by transferred by IOF.
On 28 August 2012, at least 30 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed Shu’ab Abu Tabeekh area in the east of Sa’ir village, north of Hebron. They attacked Palestinian houses, broke windows and burnt 3 cars belonging to Zain al-Din Mohammed al-Froukh and Hamad ‘Ayash al-Froukh.
On the same day, Israeli settlers from “Mitzbi Ya’ir” settlement in Hebron attacked Ibrahim Mohammed al-‘Odara, 65, when he was in Beer al-‘Ad area in Khirbat Sousia village, south of Hebron. He was injured in the head and the shoulder.
Also on the same day, IOF delivered 27 notices to Palestinian civilians in Khirbat Zanouta area in the west of al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron, ordering the demolition of their houses, tents and wells, claiming that they were established without licenses.
On 29 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Beit Eil” settlement, north of Ramallah, burnt a car and wrote anti-Arab slogans on two cars and a house in Dura al-Qare’ village.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (16 – 29 August 2012)
1- Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 16 August 2012
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Sarra village near Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Sourif village near Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mos’ab al-Hour, but no arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Deir Samet and al-Koum villages near Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into al-Shouka village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. They searched the border area between Sofa crossing and Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, amidst sporadic shooting. They moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 12:00 and no casualties were reported.
Friday, 17 August 2012
At approximately 06:00, IOF moved into al-Shouka village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. They leveled areas of Palestinian land along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. They moved back to the border at approximately 13:00.
At approximately 18:00, IOF positioned to the south of Yatta village, south of Hebron, chased and fired at a number of Palestinian workers who were on their way back home from their workplaces in Israel. No casualties were reported.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
At approximately 06:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into the agricultural areas in the northeast of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed. IOF moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 16:00.
Monday, 20 August 2012
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Sinjel village, north of Ramallah. 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 Qibya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
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.
Also 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.
At approximately 18:00, 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.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Awa village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian children:
Anas Suleiman al-Swaiti, 14;
Mohammed Sami al-Swaiti, 15;
Mohammed Ja’far al-Swaiti, 14;
Rami Rida al-Swaiti, 14; and
‘Alaa’ Mohammed al-Swaiti, 14.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Anas So’ud Ekhlil, 19, and arrested him.
At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs at the boys. IOF withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Bal’a village, northeast 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-Sammou’ village, southeast of Hebron. They raide3d and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
‘Eissa Mousa Abu Tabeekh, 20; and
Ramadan Abu Tabeekh, 22.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus and the nearby ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
Ramadan Mustafa Shaheen, 22; and
Mahmoud Jamal al-Samhan, 24.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Zawata village, west of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Eyad ‘Eissa Ma’rouf, 22.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Saida village, northeast of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Aassem Wassef Fanni, 22, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, an IOF undercover unit moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin, using a civilian vehicle with a Palestinian plate. Israeli soldiers raided a house belonging to the family of Tariq Ibrahim Abu Shadouf, 22, and arrested him.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Southern al-Mazra’a village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Friday, 24 August 2012
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bitounia town, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and beat a number of Palestinian civilians. They withdrew from the village at approximately 05:00 and no arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 01:30, IOF positioned in the vicinity of “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron, opened fire at Wad al-Hussain area. As a result, Husni Matariya was wounded by shrapnel from a sound bomb when he was inside his house.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Shaker ‘Awni al-Rajabi and arrested him.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yousef Abu ‘Arqoub and arrested him.
At approximately 07:00, Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of al-Boreij refugee camp arrested 5 Palestinians, including 3 children, who attempted to cross the border to search for jobs inside Israel:
‘Alaa’ Yahia Sa’id, 17;
Tahthim Mohammed Khadra, 16;
‘Omar Khaled Matar, 16;
Saleem Saleh al-Sane’, 18; and
Fares Ussama al-Sane’, 19.
At approximately 08:40, 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 Deir Qiddis village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into al-Jania village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 22:45, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’eif village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Saturday, 25 August 2012
At approximately 00:00, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Khan Yunis opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in Khuza’a village. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:00, 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 and no casualties were reported. Israeli gunboats opened fire at fishing boats in the same location at 22:00, but no casualties were reported.
Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs at the boys. IOF withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:30, Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of al-Boreij refugee camp arrested two Palestinian civilians who got close to the border in an attempt to cross it to search for jobs inside Israel:
‘Abed Rabbu Taleb Abu Jari, 19, from al-Nussairat refugee camp; and
Ayman Mousa Farajallah, 20, from al-Nussairat refugee camp.
Also 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 18:30, IOF moved into Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 19:30, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Msbah village, southwest of Ramallah. 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 Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 21:40, IOF moved into the wooden area located near ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the area for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.
In the evening, IOF moved into Bani Na’im village near Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Ali Jom’a Zbaidat and arrested him. Zbaidat was released from Israeli jails in the context of the prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel about 9 months ago.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
At approximately 00:00, 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 01:40, IOF moved into Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shawkat Zaki Khuffash, 50, and summoned him together with his son Adham, 22, for interrogation.
At approximately 01:50, IOF moved into Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided a house belonging to the family of Zahran Kamal Klaib, 28, and summoned him for interrogation.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Ehna village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Isma’il Yousef al-Tmaizi and Rami ‘Ali al-Tmaizi.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hassan al-‘Odara, and arrested him.
At approximately 02:35, IOF moved into Kufor Thuluth village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at about 30 Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing nearly 2.5 nautical miles offshore in the central Gaza Strip. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 09:00, , 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 and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 11:00, IOF positioned in Wad al-Fikhit area to the south of Yatta village, south of Hebron, held a crew of the Common Service Council for 3 hours. Two members of the crew were identified as ‘Othman Mohammed Jebril, 48, and Eyad Sa’id Hamamra, 35.
At approximately 17:10, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Habla village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Monday, 27 August 2012
At approximately 08:00, 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.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli gunboats opened fire at 4 Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing nearly 2.5 nautical miles offshore in the central Gaza Strip. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach and no casualties were reported.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah. 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 Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 13:10, IOF moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of qalqilya. They handed a notice ordering the demolition of a two-storey building which serves as the service compound of the village, claiming that it was built without a license. They allowed appealing the order within three days.
At approximately 13:40, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 15:45, IOF moved into the area located between ‘Izbat Salman and Emati villages, southeast of Qalqilya. 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 Beit Siera village, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into 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 20:00, Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of al-Boreij refugee camp arrested two Palestinians who attempted to cross the border to search for jobs inside Israel:
Nidal Nabil al-Shabrawi, 22, from al-Nussairat refugee camp; and
Murad Mohammed Abu Darahem, 23 from al-Nussairat refugee camp.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
At approximately 00:05, Israeli warplanes fired 6 missiles at the building of the former Palestinian Intelligence Service known as “the Ship” in al-Sydaniya area, north of Gaza City. The building and a number of nearby civilian property, including two schools were heavily damaged. In That al-Sawari Secondary School, 80 windows and 8 doors were destroyed, and in al-Qastina Secondary School, 18 windows and two doors were destroyed. A maintenance workshop belonging to the Ministry of Interior was also damaged.
At approximately 00:15, Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in the southwest of Gaza City. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. 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 Nouba village, west of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nasser Hussein Abu Hadeed, 22.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Burj village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fadi ‘Atiya al-Faqih, 30, and arrested him.
At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:
Mohammed Hussein al-Teet, 17; and
Muhannad Murshed ‘Awad, 14.
Also at approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, north of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Karza village, south of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:45, an Israeli gunboat opened fire at Palestinian fishing boat opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip. The fishing boat was sailing nearly 300 meters offshore. The Israeli navy force then besieged the fishing boats and arrested two fishermen who were on board:
Kamel Deeb al-Anqah, 60; and
Mahmoud Kamel al-Anqah, 16.
At approximately 07:30, IOF, accompanied by two bulldozers, moved into Aradi Staih area near al-Dyouk village, west of Jericho. They prevented Palestinian civilians and journalists from entering the area. Without prior warning, the Israeli bulldozers demolished fences of 4 houses. They also delivered 3 notices ordering the demolition of an under-construction, two-storey house, an electricity tower and a water well.
At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Zanouta area in the west of al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They demolished 5 water wells belonging to the families of al-Samamra, Abu Sharekh and Dua’is.
At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Khirbat Sousia village, south of Hebron. They tore down two tents belonging to Mohammed Mousa Mughannam, in which 10 people used to live.
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
At approximately 08:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian farmers. As a result, Safia ‘Awad Abu Mughassib, 42, was seriously wounded by a bullet to the left hand that entered her side and exited her back, which she was cropping agricultural products in the area.
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, 11 Palestinian civilians, including a child and an old woman, and 4 journalists were wounded. Additionally, a Canadian journalist was hit by a tear gas canister and an American human rights defender was injured. Some demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Following the Friday Prayer on 17 August 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village. IOF moved into the village and dozens of Israeli soldiers stormed the location of the demonstration. They fire tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. Some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers violently beat Rami Suleiman ‘Ali, 27, Muhannad Khaled Eshtaiwi, 39, and Mohammed Bashar Eshtaiwi, 10. The three civilians sustained bruises. IOF also arrested Qassam Zahi ‘Ali, 18, and ‘Abdullah ‘Awni ‘Ali, 18, but released them on Monday, 20 August 2012, after forcing them to pay a fine of 1,000 ILS. Additionally, IOF held 6 journalists and forced them to sign an oath not to cover the weekly peaceful protests in the village. IOF released the journalists at 15:00 after beating 4 of them:
Ja’far Zahed Eshtayeh, 45, a camera man of France Press Agency, sustained a fracture to the left hand;
Bakr Mohammed ‘Abdul Haq, 22, a reporter of Nabus Television, sustained bruises throughout the body;
Fares Mahmoud Fares, 31, a cameraman of Ramsat Agency, sustained bruises to the body;
Nidal Shafiq Eshtayeh, 43, a photographer of the Chinese News Agency, sustained bruises to the body;
Noah ‘Obaid Qaddoumi, a cameraman of al-Fajr Television; and
‘Odai ‘Aqel Jom’a, 28, a volunteer photographer of B’Tselem.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 17 August 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 settlement activities. They moved towards areas of the 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 number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Following the Friday Prayer on 24 August 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 settlement activities. They moved towards areas of the 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, David Katzenberg, a Canadian journalist, was hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand and leg, and a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
On Saturday noon, 25 August 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration near the security fence of “Karmi Tsur” settlement in the south of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, in solidarity with Palestinians whose houses were demolished. IOF attacked the demonstrators. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and an American human rights defender were injured:
Ahmed Abu Hashem;
Hamza Abu Hashem, 13;
Younis ‘Arar, 45; and
Doller Wolf, 26, an American human rights defender.
At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 28 August 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and a number of members and leaders of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) organized a peaceful demonstration in Ramallah in protest to the detention of Ibrahim Abu Hajla, Member of the DFLP Political Bureau, and Samer al-‘Eissawi, who were released in the prisoners swap deal last year. The demonstrators moved towards Ofar Prison. Israeli soldiers positioned near the prison fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
3- Continued Closure of the OPT
Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
GazaStrip
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 six 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 61 months, IOF have continued to deny 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
15 – 28 August 2012
Day | Date | Traveling abroad | Coming into Gaza | Returned into Gaza |
Wednesday | 15 August 2012 | 869 | 811 | 30 |
Thursday | 16 August 2012 | 911 | 969 | 6 |
Friday | 17 August 2012 | -- | 25 | -- |
Saturday | 18 August 2012 | 3 | -- | -- |
Sunday | 19 August 2012 | -- | -- | -- |
Monday | 20 August 2012 | 3 and a corpse | -- | -- |
Tuesday | 21 August 2012 | -- | -- | -- |
Wednesday | 22 August 2012 | 134 | 932 and a corpse | 1 |
Thursday | 23 August 2012 | 40 | 1,108 | -- |
Friday | 24 August 2012 | -- | -- | -- |
Saturday | 25 August 2012 | 1,333 | 702 | 11 |
Sunday | 26 August 2012 | 655 | 951 | 22 |
Monday | 27 August 2012 | 1,071 | 881 | 24 |
Tuesday | 28 August 2012 | 1,233 | 688 | 44 |
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
13 – 26 August 2012
Imports:
Date | Imports |
Category | Amount |
Tons | Number | Liters |
13 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 1,131 |
|
|
Agricultural materials | 135 |
|
|
Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cartons of shoes Cars Glass boards | 1,291
|
1,983 60 1,830 30 1,560 |
|
Humanitarian aid | 5,633 |
|
|
Cooking gas | 110.000 |
|
|
| Industrial fuel from Qatar |
|
| 89,980 |
14 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 1,264 |
|
|
|
Agricultural materials | 1,864 |
|
|
|
Various goods Cartons of clothes Cartons of shoes Glass boards | 1,109
| 2,106 2,300 1,040 |
|
|
Humanitarian aid | 5,277 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas | 159.540 |
|
|
|
| Diesel |
|
| 123,059 |
|
| Diesel (for UNRWA) |
|
| 150,900 |
|
| Benzene (for UNRWA) |
|
| 35,250 |
|
15 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 1,487 |
|
|
|
Agricultural materials | 1,381 |
|
|
|
Various goods Cartons of clothes Washing machines Glass boards Cartons of shoes Cows Cars Air conditioners | 1,439 |
2,306 384 560 520 232 22 55 |
|
|
Humanitarian aid | 3,060 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas | 156.110 |
|
|
|
16 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 1,017 |
|
|
|
Agricultural materials | 1,455 |
|
|
|
Various goods Cartons of shoes Refrigerators Cows | 1,345
|
1,030 110 270 |
|
|
Humanitarian aid | 5,540 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas | 156.320 |
|
|
|
| 22 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 661 |
|
|
| Agricultural materials | 1,318 |
|
|
| Various goods Cartons of clothes Cartons of shoes Cars | 760
|
1,100 560 30 |
|
| Humanitarian aid | 4,452 |
|
|
| Cooking gas | 66.950 |
|
|
23 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 1,046 |
|
|
|
Agricultural materials | 1,174 |
|
|
|
Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cows Cartons of shoes Car tires Air conditioners Washing machines Cars | 1,592
| 1,327 384 338 507 1,219 99 137 60 |
|
|
Humanitarian aid | 576 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas | 86.720 |
|
|
|
26 August 2012 | Foodstuffs | 794 |
|
|
|
Agricultural materials | 2,104 |
|
|
|
Various goods Cartons of clothes Refrigerators Cows Factory machines Diesel machines Electricity generators Car tires | 1,037 |
1,230 194 334 20 6 36 730 |
|
|
Humanitarian aid | 3,666 |
|
|
|
Cooking gas | 108.020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
On Monday, 13 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 511 tons of cement for UNRWA; 80 tons of cement of ANERA; 2,030 tons of construction aggregates, 104 tons of construction steel and 240 tons of cement for the Inter-American Development Bank. They also allowed the entry of 507 tons of fodders and 507 tons of wheat.
On Tuesday, 14 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 300 tons of cement for UNRWA; 80 tons of cement for ANERA; 1,890 tons of construction aggregates, 70 tons of construction steel and 240 tons of cement of the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. They also allowed the entry of 1,014 tons of fodders and 546 tons of wheat.
On Wednesday, 15 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 120 tons of cement and 910 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA; 164 tons of cement and 396 tons of construction steel for the Inter-American Development Bank; and 396 tons of cement and 40 tons of construction steel for the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. They also allowed the entry of 780 tons of fodders and 312 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 16 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement and 2,240 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 2,240 tons of construction aggregates, 240 tons of cement and 76 tons of construction steel for the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. They also allowed the entry of 741 tons of fodders and 312 tons of wheat.
On Wednesday, 22 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 430 tons of cement, 35 tons of construction steel and 2,170 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 240 tons of cement for the Costal Municipalities Water Utility. They also allowed the entry of 507 tons of fodders and 429 tons of wheat.
On Thursday, 23 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 120 tons of cement and 22 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 234 tons of wheat.
On Sunday, 26 August 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement and 2,800 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 780 tons of fodders and 468 tons of wheat.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
15 – 21 August 2012
Date | 15 August | 16 August | 17August | 18 August | 19 August | 20 August | 21 August |
Patients | 13 | 13 | Nil | Nil | 3 | 10 | 11 |
Companions | 12 | 13 | Nil | Nil | 3 | 7 | 11 |
Personal needs | 4 | 15 | 12 | Nil | 4 | 79 | 3 |
Arabs from Israel | 1 | 6 | Nil | Nil | 2 | 18 | 15 |
Diplomats | 3 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
International Journalists | 2 | 5 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 3 | Nil |
International Workers | 38 | 25 | Nil | Nil | 4 | 4 | 11 |
UN Workers | 6 | 3 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 4 |
Travelers abroad | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Business People | 80 | 71 | Nil | Nil | 1 | 43 | 80 |
Economic Meetings | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Security Interviews | Nil | 1 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 2 |
VIP's | Nil | 1 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Ambulances to Israel | 1 | 2 | 1 | Nil | 2 | 1 | Nil |
Ambulances from Israel | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 | Nil | Nil |
Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
22 – 28 August 2012
Date | 22 August | 23 August | 24 August | 25 August | 26 August | 27 August | 28 August |
Patients | 24 | 24 | 1 | Nil | 43 | 31 | 43 |
Companions | 22 | 21 | 1 | Nil | 43 | 36 | 51 |
Personal needs | 48 | 29 | 14 | Nil | 23 | 7 | 20 |
Arabs from Israel | 27 | 26 | 24 | Nil | 64 | 6 | 24 |
Diplomats | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
International Journalists | Nil | 2 | 2 | Nil | 3 | Nil | 2 |
International Workers | 8 | 23 | 4 | Nil | 5 | 33 | 6 |
UN Workers | Nil | 11 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 13 | 4 |
Travelers abroad | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 | Nil | 1 |
Business People | 81 | 78 | Nil | Nil | 118 | 117 | 67 |
Economic Meetings | 7 | 31 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 7 |
Security Interviews | 3 | 2 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 3 | 1 |
VIP's | 1 | 1 | Nil | Nil | 1 | Nil | 2 |
Ambulances to Israel | 2 | 2 | 2 | Nil | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Ambulances from Israel | 1 | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1 | 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 and al-Bireh: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 17 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharabtha Bani Hareth village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:30, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 17:30 on Sunday, 19 August 2012, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 20 August 2012, IOF established checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 22 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 09:30 on Friday, 24 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 17:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 08:00on Saturday, 24 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 09:50, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Turmos’iya village, north of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 26 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 20:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah.
Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 16 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 21:40 on Friday, 17 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 22:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 01:25 on Saturday, 18 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 08:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 03:00 on Sunday, 19 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jainsafout village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 18:55, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, east of Qalqilya. At approximately, 21:10, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 22:30, IOF established a checkpoint on Wad Qana road between Qalqilya and Salfit. at approximately 22:55, IOF established a checkpoint near Jainsafout village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 21:40 on Saturday, 25 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 21:45, IOF established a checkpoint on ‘Azzoun – ‘Izbat al-Tabib road, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 23:10, IOF established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 12:15 on Sunday, 26 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 20:35, IOF established a checkpoint near Jainsafout village, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 22:30, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 27 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Seer village, northeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 16:50, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, east of Qalqilya. At approximately 17:25, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya.
Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 16 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 06:30 on Friday, 17 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 20 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint al-Mo’rajjat road between Jericho and Ramallah. At approximately 09:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 11:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 17:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fsasayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 14:00 on Tuesday, 21 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 15:40, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. At approximately 21:30 on Thursday, 23 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 25 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 10:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 08:30 on Monday, 27 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 19:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 21:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Marj Na’ja village, north of Jericho.
Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, 16 August 2012, IOF established a number of checkpoints in Bani Na’im village, northeast of Hebron. At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 19 August 2012, IOF established several checkpoints at the entrance of most villages located near Hebron. At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 23 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. In the afternoon, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Annu village, northeast of Hebron. At approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 25 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint a checkpoint near Ethna village, west of Hebron.
Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 21:00 on Tuesday, 21 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Yamoun intersection, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 02:30 on Saturday, 25 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint on Kufor Qoud – Bouqin road, west of Jenin. At approximately 09:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin.
Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 21 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qiffin village, north of Tulkarm. At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 22 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint near Jibara Gate, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 15:00, IOF positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At the same time, IOF established a checkpoint near Jibara Gate, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 25 August 2012, IOF positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 20:00, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersections, east of Tulkarm. At approximately 21:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Shoufa village, south of Tulkarm.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, 16 August 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and arrested Nizar Kamal ‘Aqel, 24.
On Friday morning, 17 August 2012, IOF positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint, east of Nablus, arrested Ashraf Mohammed al-Jada’, 27, from Bouqin village west of Jenin.
At approximately 19:00 on Wednesday, 22 August 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at a temporary checkpoint established in the central market in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, arrested Mo’taz Mohammed Ekhlil, 26.
At approximately 21:00 on the same day, IOF positioned at al-Rajabi checkpoint in the old town of Hebron arrested Hamza Ahmed Sharaf, 16.
On Friday morning, 24 August 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Gate No. 104 on the annexation wall, south of Tulkarm, arrested Ahmed and Anas Manna’ Ghanem, 21, from Tulkarm, claiming that their work permits in Israel expired. IOF released the two civilians on Tuesday, 28 August 2012.
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.
During the reporting period, the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem decided to build 12 tower buildings in Jabal Abu Ghunaim (“Har Homah” settlement) between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The online Hebrew news1 reported on Monday, 13 August 2012 that each building will be comprised of 24-33 floors, and the area of contraction will be one million square meters. A part of the project will include new offices for the municipality, while the largest part will be commercial and tourist and will create 40,000 job opportunities according to the municipality’s claim. The news website added that one of these building will be a hotel comprised of 800 rooms, while the municipality decided to build 2,000 hotel rooms in this project, without explaining how the remaining 1,200 rooms will be built. The municipality did not give details about the source of funding or the investing parties in the project.
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.
On Thursday, 16 August 2012, the Israeli government issued a decision placing al-Hisba Market in the old town of Hebron under the Hebron settlement council’s control. This decision was a response to a petition filed by human rights organizations and the Israeli Peace Now at the Israeli High Court to evacuate the settlers from shops in the market and return the shops to their Palestinian owners.
On Sunday evening, 19 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Nahla’el” settlement, which stands on the lands of Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah, broke and burnt 19 olive trees near the settlement belonging to ‘Aahed Mohammed Harb.
On Wednesday morning, 22 August 2012, Palestinian civilians in Shoufa village, northeast of Tulkarm, found an Israeli military order no. 04/79/T signed by the GOC Central Command Nitzan Alon on agricultural areas in the south of the village. According to the order, 7,290 square meters of land would be confiscated. A map of the targeted area was found with the military order. IOF also called Palestinian civilians to gather at 07:00 on Thursday, 23 August 2012, to provide their inquiries about the order, but these civilians refused to do so. IOF intend to establish a road for settlers.
Also on Wednesday morning, IOF stormed Palestinian agricultural lands located in the west of Flamiya village, northeast of Qalqilya, and delivered a military order confiscating areas of land near “Kokhav Ya’ir” settlement.
At approximately 12:00 on the same day, IOF stormed Shu’ab al-Sair area near “Karmi Tsur” settlement, which stands on the lands of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, and handed over notices ordering the demolition of two houses belonging to Younis ‘Eissa Za’aqiq and Jawad Jamal ‘Awad, apparently to expand the abovementioned settlement.
At approximately 19:00 on the same day, Raghad Suleiman Edris, 3, from Hebron, sustained injuries and bruises and fractures to the mouth, the abdomen and the feet, when she was run down by an Israeli settler’s car near the entrance of “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron.
On Thursday morning, 23 August 2012, IOF handed over notices ordering the confiscation of 7-dunums of land in Wad al-Ghrous area, northeast of Hebron, belonging to: ‘Abdul Samee’ Mousa Saber; Saleh Seder; ‘Abdul Rahim al-‘Ossaili; Suleiman al-Ja;bari; and Hijazi No’man Jaber. The purpose of such confiscation is to establish a settlement road between “Kharsina” and “Kiryat Arba” settlement.
On the same day evening, a number of Israeli settlers from “Nahla’el” settlement, which stands on the lands of Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah, broke branches of 83 olive trees belonging to Mohammed Naji Jebril near the above settlement.
At approximately 06:00 on Friday, 24 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Halmish” and “Nahla’el” settlements, northwest of Ramallah, uprooted crops belonging to Ramadan Sabri Abu Kamesh and Daoud ‘Abdullah Da’mas. According to Abu Kamesh, the loss is estimated at 70,000 ILS.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 24 August 2012, Israeli settlers from “Rafafa” settlement, which stands on the lands of Deir Estia village, north of Salfit, burnt 10 olive trees and 3 fig trees belonging to ‘Abndul Jaber Yousef ‘Aaqel and Mohammed ‘Abdul Karim Sahban in Khillat ‘Azzam area. Palestinian civilians attempted to extinguish the fire, but IOF did not allow them.
At approximately 05:00 on Saturday, 25 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Havat Ma’on” settlement stormed agricultural areas in al-Tawani village, south of Hebron, and uprooted 40 olive trees belonging to the Reb’ei family. They also wrote anti-Arab slogans on walls of water wells in the area.
On Sunday morning, 26 August 2012, Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, established a park in Zaher al-‘Ein Masour area near “Daniel” settlement, which stands on the lands of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. The settlers surrounded a 500-square-meter area of land with barbwire and planted trees. This park is the third of its kind established by Israeli settlers on the lands of al-Khader village.
At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 27 August 2012, IOF delivered a notice to Palestinian civilians in al-Tabban village, south of Hebron, ordering removal of solar cells that provide the village of electric power. These cells were established by international organizations to support Palestinian civilians in the village who are threatened by transferred by IOF.
At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 28 August 2012, at least 30 Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed Shu’ab Abu Tabeekh area in the east of Sa’ir village, north of Hebron. They attacked Palestinian houses, broke windows and burnt 3 cars belonging to Zain al-Din Mohammed al-Froukh and Hamad ‘Ayash al-Froukh.
At approximately 10:00 on the same day, Israeli settlers from “Mitzbi Ya’ir” settlement in Hebron attacked Ibrahim Mohammed al-‘Odara, 65, when he was in Beer al-‘Ad area in Khirbat Sousia village, south of Hebron. He was injured in the head and the shoulder.
At approximately 11:00 on the same day, IOF delivered 27 notices to Palestinian civilians in Khirbat Zanouta area in the west of al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron, ordering the demolition of their houses, tents and wells, claiming that they were established without licenses.
At approximately 02:30 on Wednesday, 29 August 2012, a number of Israeli settlers from “Beit Eil” settlement, north of Ramallah, burnt a car and wrote anti-Arab slogans on two cars and a house in Dura al-Qare’ village. The burnt car (Hyundai I-30, 2008) belongs to Nour al-Din ‘Abdul Latif Subeh.
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). 
