Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(03 – 09 March 2016)
- Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt
- 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child and 2 women, were killed in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem.
- 8 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
- Israeli forces continued to target the border areas along the Gaza Strip.
- A Palestinian civilian was wounded in the east of al-Maghazi refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip.
- 4 Palestinian civilians were wounded during peaceful protests organized near the border fence.
- Israeli forces conducted 85 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 12 ones in occupied Jerusalem.
- 80 Palestinian civilians, including 25 children and 2 women, were arrested. Thirty of them, including 16 children and a woman were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
- Among the arrested were a photojournalist and a doctor.
- Israeli forces raided Beit Ommar Orphanage.
- Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
- Israeli forces issued administrative demolition decisions against a number of houses and commercial stores in Silwan village.
- Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
- 10 dunums in Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit, were levelled.
- A livestock barrack in Halhoul town, north of Hebron, was demolished.
- Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea.
- Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th
- Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
- 6 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were arrested at military checkpoints.
- Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian patient while coming back to the Gaza Strip.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (03 – 09 March 2016).
Shooting:
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, including 2 women and a child. Moreover, they wounded 8 civilians, including 2 children, 3 of whom, including a child, were in the West Bank while the 5 others were in the Gaza Strip. Concerning the nature of the injuries, 7 civilians were hit with live bullets and a civilian was hit with a tear gas canister to the head
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinian civilians and wounded 3 others, including a child. All of them were hit with live bullets.
Killings committed by Israeli forces in the West Bank were as follows:
On 04 March 2016, in employment of lethal force, Israeli forces killed Amani Sebateen (34), from Hosan village, west of Bethlehem. They claimed that she ran over an Israeli soldier at “Gosh Etzion” settlement, south of the city, and caused him minor wounds. It should be noted that Amani is a mother of 4 children.
In a similar crime, on 08 March 2016, Israeli Border Guard officers opened fire at Fadwa Abu Tair (50) from point blank range, claiming that she attempted to stab an Israeli soldier near the Iron Gate, one of the al-Aqsa Mosque gates in the Old City of East Jerusalem. As a result, she sustained 3 bullet wounds and was left bleeding to death for over half an hour.
In another crime committed on the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Fo’ad Abu Rajab “al-Tamimi” (21) while he was on Saladin Street in occupied Jerusalem, as he opened fire at Israeli soldiers near the office of Jerusalem Electricity Company in the Old City. As a result, 2 Israeli police officers were wounded and the Palestinian young man was killed by several bullets, one of which, penetrated the head.
On 09 March 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at Abdul Malek Saleh Abu Kharoub (19) and Mohammed Jamal al-Kalouti (21), both from Jerusalem, near the New Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque gates in the Old City, following an armed clash after 2-hour chasing. As a result, one of the 2 Palestinians was shot dead while the other died upon arrival to Hadassa – Har HaTsofim Hospital in West Jerusalem.
Also on the same day, Israeli forces erecting a checkpoint under al-Zawiyah village’s bridge, west of Nablus, fired 20 bullets at Ahmed Yusef Isma’il Amer (17), from Mas’ha village, west of Salfit, after he stepped out of a vehicle and headed towards the Israeli soldiers. As a result, he was shot dead.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child. Two of them, including the child, were wounded during their participation in protests organized adjacent to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. In addition, the 2 others were wounded during protests organized near the border fence, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. Three of them were hit with live bullets and the fourth was hit by a sound bomb to the head.
In the context of targeting border areas along the Gaza Strip, on 07 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the said fence, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian (29) while he was only 10 meters away from the fence. As a result, he sustained a bullet wound to the right leg (the bullet entered and exited), after which, he was transported to al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive the necessary medical treatment.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 85 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 12 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 80 Palestinian civilians, including 52 children and 2 women. Thirty of them, including 16 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces raided Beit Ommar Orphanage after breaking the doors with special equipment. They also raided and searched the Orphanage’s kindergarten and school, in addition to the administration building. Israeli soldiers also confiscated some orphans’ files and 4 hard disks from the place.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Jewish Majority:
On 04 March 2016, Israeli forces and municipality officers moved into al-Bustan, Beer Ayoub and Ein al-Louza neighbourhoods in Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They photographed a number of residential and commercial buildings and some streets. In addition, they distributed administrative demolition notices on 4 Palestinians from al-Bustan and Ein al-Louza neighbourhoods under the pretext of non-licensing. The notices were issued against a commercial store and 3 houses.
Settlement activities:
On 04 March 2016, Israeli forces levelled 10 dunums of agricultural and in al-Zeyaq area, east of Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit, to be annexed to “Leshem” settlement, east of the village. Israeli forces levelled the lands although the Israeli Supreme Court issued a decision to stop construction works. Moreover, Israeli forces demolished a big part of Deir Sam’an archaeological site in Kufor al-Deek village to be annexed to the settlement. It should be noted that the levelled lands belong to Tayseer Abdullah and his brothers.
On 07 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Jomjoma area, northeast of Halhoul, north of Hebron. They demolished a 200-square-meter barrack belonging to Abdul Karim Mer’eb (77).
Details
- Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 03 March 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Iraq Burin village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 3 civilians and then took them to an unknown destination. The three civilians were identified as Na’el Dahshat Qadous (20), Malek Fateh Qadous (19) and Sa’d Husam Faqih (20).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bourin village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Islam Naser As’ous (22). They took the aforementioned person to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested two civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The two arrested persons were identified as Qusai Zakaria I’qab Idwan (18) and Ghalib Hijazi Saleh Shbetah (24).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm City. They stationed in the southern neighbourhood of the city and raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Rashid Hasan al-Safareni (31). They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Abu Kteilah neighbourhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Abdul Hafeez Al-Tamemi (23) and arrested him.
- At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin City. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The three persons were identified as Yazan Husni Mohammed Irqawi (21), Imad Ahmed Jameel Saba’na (19) and Mahmoud Isam Ali al-Sa’di (21). Israeli forces then raided a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Irqawi, questioned him on the spot, locked all his family members inside the house bathroom and heavily beaten him up during investigation. As a result, the aforementioned person was transported to Dr. Khalil Suleiman Hospital in Jenin to receive medical treatment.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kharabatha al-Mesbah village, southwest of Ramallah; Betein and Deir Dabwan villages, northeast of Ramallah; Dora, Kharas, Bani Na’em, al-Karmel and Shoukh al-Aroob villages in Hebron; and Zeita village, north of Tulkarm.
Friday, 04 March 2016
- In the morning, in a new crime of using lethal force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian woman from Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They claimed that the woman ran over an Israeli soldier on the crossroad of “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city, due to which, the soldier sustained minor wounds.
The spokesman of Israeli forces, Avijaa Adraei, claimed in a statement that “A Palestinian woman carried out a run-over attack against a soldier on the crossroad of “Gosh Etzion” settlement. As a result, the soldier sustained minor injuries and the attacker was killed. While searching the vehicle, a knife was found inside”. The spokesman of Megan David Adom (MDA) said in a statement published by Israeli media that “At approximately 07:19, the MDA medical crew in Jerusalem received a call about a wounded passer-by after he was deliberately run over near the crossroad of “Gosh Etzion” settlement. The crew rushed to the place and offered first aid to a young man (20) who sustained minor wounds. Moreover, the attacker was neutralised”. It should be mentioned that Amani Sebateen is a mother for four children, the eldest is (16) and the youngest is (6).
- At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets, and then arrested Safwan Yusif Hmaid Hamamra (21), who was standing in front of his house in al-Mutena, and took him to an unknown destination.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (13) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Leqia village, southwest of Ramallah; Betunia village, west of the city; al-Mazra’a village, north of the city; Halhoul, Yatta, Sa’er, Beit Awwa, Beit ‘Oula, Ethna, Kherbet Raq’aa and Deir Samit villages in Hebron; Tulkarm city and Izebt Shofa, south of the city.
Saturday, 05 March 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Hosan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which, they arrested 2 civilians, including a child. The arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Ibrahim Sebateen (21) and Essa Abdul Fattah Nasim Shosha (13).
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Ayda refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses, arrested two civilians, including a child, and took them to an unknown destination. The two arrested persons were identified as Amjad Saleh Abu A’kr (20) and Sadam Aqel Dar al-Haj (21).
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided several houses and then arrested Ahmed Yassir Salhab (19).
- At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Shawawra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Ahmed Isa’a Hamdan (29).
- At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. They stationed in Abu al-Kharoub neighbourhood, west of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yahia Khaled Tawfiq Abu Shammalah (41). The Israeli forces withdrew later and no arrests were reported.
- At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. They raided and searched several houses, and then arrested Mohammed Nedal Joma’a (17) Mohammed Raed Burhom (17) and took them to an unknown destination.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ommar village, al-Aroob refugee camp, Beit Kahel village and al-Surra village in Hebron; and Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit.
Sunday, 06 March 2016
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir Ghasana village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Yosif Dawoud (35), and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shadi Yasin al-Rajabi (20). They then arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron They raided and searched several houses, arrested three children and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested children were identified as Mo’taz Nuhail Khaled Bahar (17) and the twins Mahmoud and Jamal Mahmoud Alqam (17). The Israeli forces also handed two summonses to Shadi Ibrahim Bahar (25) and Laith Anwar Mahmoud al-Alami (20) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then handed summonses to Jalal Yassin al-Hreimi (40) and Ali Khaled Taqatqa (21) to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.
- At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Samou’ village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Fadel al-Da’our (28), football player at al-Samou’ Sport Club, who is originally from Gaza City. They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qalqilia city; Sa’er, al-Dhaheria, Beit Marsam , Beit Awa and al-Semia villages in Hebron.
Monday, 07 March 2016
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Aroob refugee camp, north of Hebron. They stationed near an UNRWA distribution centre. They raided and searched two houses, from which, they arrested two children and took them to an unknown destination. The two arrested children were identified as Hamza Amjad al-Tete (15) and Mohammed Yosif al-Muzain (15).
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Kufor Ne’mah village, west of Ramallah. They deployed between houses and agricultural lands. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Mahdi Abdullah Deik (23), who was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Jala village and stationed in al-Jadawil area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Islam Imad Jawarish (41) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in “Gosh Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.
- At approximately 05:45, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested Mohammed Abd al-Latif Mohammed Shebani (41) and Mohammed Abd al-Fattah Abd al-Khaleq (22) and took them to an unknown destination.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ra’i, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jamal Mohammed Moneeb al-Sayed (31), arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.
- Also around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sanor village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets, where a group of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. Israeli forces then raided a house belonging to Khaled Jamal Jameel al-Sanouri (51), head of the village council, and questioned him on the spot. Moreover, they raided a house belonging to Mohammed Bassam Mostafa Habaibah (30), opposite to Tho al-Norein Mosque. They then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service at Salem military camp, northwest of Jenin.
- At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian (29), who was just 10 meters away from the aforementioned border fence. As a result, the young man was wounded with a bullet that entered and exited the left leg. He was then transported to al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive medical treatment. His injury was classified as moderate. Israeli forces claimed that they were exposed to gunfire, due to which, they fired back.
- At approximately 23:20, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in al-Baiyada neighbourhood and then raided Beit Ommar Orphanage. Israeli soldiers broke the internal and external doors with special equipment. They also raided and searched the Orphanage’s kindergarten and school, in addition to the administration building. Furthermore, the search continued for two hours. The Israeli forces confiscated a number of orphans’ files and four hard desks form the PCs of the accounting and secretary offices.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Zababda village, southeast of Jenin; Meslia village, south of the city; Yatta, al-Fawar refugee camp, and al-Hadab and Beit Kahel villages in Hebron.
Tuesday, 08 March 2016
- At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into al-Muhawel area, east of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets and stationed in the vicinity of a 4-storey building belonging to Sameer Ibrahim Sukafi and locked the family in the first floor. They then started demolishing the walls of a 130-square-meter apartment in the third floor claimed by the Israeli forces to be for his son Ibrahim (22), who was killed on 04 November 2015 at the northern entrance of Halhoul (al-Hawawra), alleging that he carried out a run-over attack against a number of soldiers. The apartment doors were closed with metal bars. It should be noted that Israeli forces had raided and searched the house and apartment several times since 04 November 2015 after the engineering unit put signs for the demolition on the interior walls. The Israeli court refused an petition filed by the Centre for the Defence of the Individual “HaMoked” to stop the demolition.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into the southern area of the City. They deployed between houses and then patrolled the streets, causing fear for the residents and their children. Israeli forces then raided and searched a house belonging to the former prisoner Qasem Hijazi Abu Sunainah and confiscated the mobile phones of the aforementioned family. However, no arrests were reported and Israeli forces withdrew. In the meantime, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ramadan Abu Romuz (25). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces withdrew from the area.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Iraq Burin village, southeast of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets, raided and searched several houses. They then arrested Jaser Fateh (25) and took him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested two civilians, including a child. The two arrested civilians, who were taken to an unknown destination, were identified as Mahmoud Abdulah Taqatqa (18) and ‘Awni Ahmed Taqatqa (13).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets and agricultural lands. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Manal Abd al-Hafiz Tamimi (40 and then locked the family in one room. Israeli forces then arrested the aforementioned woman and took her to an unknown destination. It should be noted that the arrested woman is an activist at Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in al-Nabi Saleh village.
- At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets, stationed at centre of the City, and then deployed between houses, causing fear among the residents and their children. Moreover, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Fadi Khalil al-Shamusti (28), who was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin city and Jenin refugee camp, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tareq Mahmoud Yehya Balalou (22), after which, they arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.
- At Approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bud village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which, they arrested three civilians, including two children. The three arrested persons, who were taken to an unknown destination, were identified as Mahmoud Bassam Ahmed Hamarsha (16), Amjad Ibrahim Jaber Hamarsha (24) and Fadel Mahmoud Nayef Torkman (17).
- At Approximately 14:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets, stationed at the centre of the City, and then deployed between houses, causing fear for residents and their children. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ayesh Khalil Abu Hashem (46). Later, they withdrew and no arrests were reported. Moreover, Israeli forces patrolled to Sha’ab al-Ser area, opposite to “Karmi Tsur” settlement established on Palestinian lands confiscated from the south of the City. Later, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Jehad Ra’ed Muqbel (18), who was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Oula, Tafouh, Halhoul town and al-Majd village.
Wednesday, 09 March 2016
- At Approximately 01:40, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Azoun village, east of Qalqiliya. They patrolled in the streets and then raided and searched a house belonging to Yosif Zahran Suweidan (18). They arrested the aforementioned civilian was arrested and taken to an unknown destination.
- At Approximately 02:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into al-Dheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Ahmed ‘Aref Sar’awi (23), Mohammed As’ad Dawoud (23) and Qusai Abu Zeina.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into al-Salateen refugee camp, north of Jericho. They deployed between the houses and then raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Abd al-Azez Safi (50). They locked the family in one room, causing fear among women and children. The Israeli forces then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
- At Approximately 02:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Tulkarm . They patrolled in the streets and stationed in al-Suwana neighbourhood, east of the City. They then raided and searched a house belonging to al-M’otasem Bellah Abdullah Rashed al-Jaroushi (29), a dentist. They arrested the aforementioned civilian and took him to an unknown destination. Later, Israeli forces stationed in al-Ma’bar Street, east of Ertah Suburb. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Sa’ed Abd al-Sa’ie (37), a journalist in a local TV channel. They also confiscated his mobile phone.
- At Approximately 02:30, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Hija village, east of Qalqilia. They patrolled in the streets of the village. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abd al-Qader Masalhah (22), father of Bashar (22) who was killed after carrying out a stabbing attack in Jaffa, north of Israel. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces withdrew.
- In the morning, in a new crime of using lethal force, Israeli forces killed a child from Mashah village, west of Salfit, claiming that he attempted to carry out a stabbing attack. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 10:00, Israeli forces deployed at a checkpoint under the bridge of al-Zawiyah village, west of the aforementioned city and obstructed the movement of vehicles. Ahmed Yosif Ismail ‘Amer (17) from Mashah village, west of Salfit, stepped out of the vehicle and approached the soldiers who fired in response about 20 live bullets at throughout the child’s body. As a result, he was immediately killed.
- At Approximately 03:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into al-Doyouk village, north of Jericho. They patrolled between houses, raided a house belonging to Jebreel Ibrahim Kharabesh (30) and locked the family in one room, causing fear among women and children. They then arrested the aforementioned person and took him to an unknown destination.
- At Approximately 04:00, Israeli forces accompanied with military jeeps moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and stationed in the eastern neighbourhood of the City. Later, the Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Nasri Mostafa Ibrahim (31). They arrested the aforementioned civilians and took him to an unknown destination.
- Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
West Bank:
- Following the Friday prayer, on 04 March 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the oPt. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers stationed along the border fence of “Beit Eil” settlement. Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters in response. As a result, a 23-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right knee and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment.
- Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized demonstrations in protest at the Israeli polices in the oPt, at the western entrance to Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, al-Taweel Mount, near “Psagot” settlement, east of al-Bireh, and at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas canisters and sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Gaza Strip:
- At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 04 March 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya neighborhood, east of the Gaza Strip, and threw stones at the soldiers stationed in the area. Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at them in response. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded with live bullets.
- At approximately 14:30 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of young men, who were on the road between the Palestinian and Israeli sides of the crossing. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers in protest at the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian civilians in Jerusalem and the West Bank. As a result of the clashes which continued until 18:00, two civilians, including a child, were wounded. The wounded persons were identified as:
- Mahmoud Hussain ‘Aqel Saleh (16), from Jabalia refugee camp, was hit with a live bullet that entered and exited the left leg, which resulted in fracturing his leg and cutting a tendon off.
- ‘Alaa Abdul-Rahman Musbah Ghareeb (28), from Jabalia refugee camp, was hit with a tear gas canister to the head, which resulted in fracturing his skull.
Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities
- At approximately 12:00 on Friday, 04 March 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets at them. As a result, 2 civilians, including a child, were wounded. The child, who was identified as Khalid Murad Ishtawi (9), was hit with a live bullet to the right thigh, while another civilian in his thirties was hit with a live bullet to the left thigh.
- Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah; and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered teas gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations.
Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range.
- Continued closure of the oPt
Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.
Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.
Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.
Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods
| Date | Imports | ||||
| Category | Amount | ||||
| Tons | Number | Liters | |||
| 01 March | Various goods | 4,028.45 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 18,984 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 235,060 | ||||
| Benzene | 330,000 | ||||
| Diesel Diesel for UNRWA | 551,974 76, 000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 437, 220 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 14,920 | ||||
| Cement | 2,960 | ||||
| Construction steel | 900 | ||||
| 02 March | Various goods | 3,503 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 20,433 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 238,130 | ||||
| Benzene | 371,990 | ||||
| Diesel Diesel for UNRWA | 354,995 76,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 266,000 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 14,920 | ||||
| Cement | 3,520 | ||||
| Construction steel | 840 | ||||
| 03 March | Various goods | 4,001 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 18,600 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 237,830 | ||||
| Benzene | 368,000 | ||||
| Diesel Diesel for UNRWA | 504,022 504,022 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 444,600 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 14,040 | ||||
| Cement | 2,800 | ||||
| Construction steel | 780 | ||||
| 06 March | Various goods | 3,306 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 20,417 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 235,920 | ||||
| Benzene | 256,990 | ||||
| Diesel Diesel for UNRWA | 696,985 38,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 417,270 | ||||
| Construction aggregate | 16,3440 | ||||
| Cement | 2,560 | ||||
| Construction steel | 450 | ||||
| 07 March | Various goods | 3,688.7 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 18,285 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 238,320 | ||||
| Benzene | 183,980 | ||||
| Diesel Diesel for UNRWA | 628,011 76,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 443,918 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 14,080 | ||||
| Cement | 2,480 | ||||
| Construction steel | 510 | ||||
Exports:
- On Tuesday, 01 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 1.68 tons of tomatoes; 53.92 tons of cucumbers; 16.4 tons of eggplants; 19.78 tons of peppers and 1.12 tons of zucchinis.
- On Wednesday, 02 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 16 tons of furniture and 15.36 tons of lemons.
- On Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 3.36 truckloads of tomatoes; 34.72 tons of cucumbers; 8 tons of eggplants, 0.45 ton of garlic; 0.48 tons of mints; 6.44 tons of peppers; 3.2 tons of sweet peppers; 4.92 of strawberries; 14 tons of furniture; 8 tons of clothes and 0.05 ton of parsley.
- On Monday, 07 March 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of a truckload of lemons.
BeitHanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.
Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing
02 – 08 March 2016
| Category | 02 March | 03 March | 04 March | 05 March | 06 March | 07 March | 08 March |
| Patients | 48 | 40 | 2 | – | 74 | 76 | 51 |
| Companions | 49 | 37 | 2 | – | 65 | 64 | 44 |
| Personal needs | 56 | 108 | 43 | – | 115 | 72 | 74 |
| Families of prisoners | – | – | – | – | – | 90 | – |
| Arabs from Israel | 2 | 3 | – | – | 14 | 4 | 8 |
| Diplomats | 6 | – | 2 | – | – | – | 5 |
| International journalists | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| International workers | 53 | 61 | 29 | – | 5 | 12 | 45 |
| Travelers abroad | 7 | 13 | – | – | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| Business people | 341 | 341 | 7 | – | 547 | 391 | 351 |
| Business meetings | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Security interviews | – | 6 | – | – | 5 | – | 11 |
| VIPs | – | – | 1 | – | – | 3 | 1 |
| Ambulances to Israel | 4 | 5 | 2 | – | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Patients’ Companions | 4 | 5 | 2 | – | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Notes:
- On Friday, 04 March 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 182 Palestinians to travel via Beit Hanoun crossing to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Israeli authorities allowed one person on Thursday, 03 March 2016, and another person on Sunday, 06 March 2016, to renew their permits.
Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian patient while returning to the Gaza Strip
- At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces at Beit Hanoun crossing, north of the Gaza Strip, arrested Fadi Nemer Mohammed al-Sharif (28) while returning to the Gaza Strip. According to the statement of his brother Mohammed al-Sharif, Fadi traveled from the Gaza Strip on 28 February 2016 to undergo a cruciate ligament operation at al-Maqased Hospital in occupied Jerusalem, because he was injured in a match (He is a footballer at al-Helal Sport Club). He was transferred to al-Maqased Hospital upon a medical referral from the Palestinian Ministry of Health and his father was his companion. Fadi underwent the operation on 01 March 2016 and on 03 March 2016, he and his father left the West Bank heading to the Gaza Strip. However, Israeli forces stationed at Beit Hanoun crossing detained him from 15:00 to 23:00, and then asked his father to go back to Gaza. They also told the father that his son was under arrest.
West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
- Hebron: On Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna, Tafouh, Beit Kahel and al-Moureq villages.
On Saturday, 05 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints at the entrances to Beit ‘Awaa, Deir al-‘Asal, and al-Daheriya villages.
On Sunday, 06 March 2016, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the northern entrance to Halhoul village and at the entrance to Beit ‘Awaa village.
On Monday 07 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrance to Jalajel, Beit ‘Awaa, Samou’a and Sa’ir villages.
On Tuesday, 08 March 2016, Israeli forces established four checkpoints at the entrances to Bani Na’eim, al-Tabaqah and Beit ‘Awaa villages, and at the southern entrance to Halhoul village.
- Ramallah and al-Bireh: On Thursday 03 March 2016, Israeli forces established three checkpoints in the square of ‘Ain Sina village on the main road between Ramallah and Nablus, at the intersection of Beit ‘Ur al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah and under the bridge of Kherbitha al-Musbah, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 05 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Kherbitha al-Musbah village, southwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 06 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the intersection of Beit ‘Ur al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.
- Qalqiliya: At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Qalqiliya.
- Tulkarm: At approximately 21:30 on Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab checkpoint, which were established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement. At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 04 March, Israeli forces stressed again their arbitrary measures in the abovementioned checkpoint.
- Jenin: At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 05 March 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near al-Haddad Tourist village, southeast of Jenin.
- Salfit: On Saturday, 05 March 2016, Israeli forces established seven checkpoints at the entrances to Yasouf village, east of Salfit, Derasitiya village, northwest of Salfit, Burqeen, Kufor al-Deik, Deir Balout, al-Zawiya and Rafaat village, west of Salfit.
Arrests at military checkpoints
- At approximately 07:00 on Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested Hadiya Ibrahim Sulaiman ‘Arinat (15), from al-Jaraheed area, north of Jericho. Israeli police spokeswoman Luba al-Samri said in a statement that while an Israeli soldier was regulating the traffic on street No. 90 in the Palestinian ‘Ojah village, due to the falling of a tree on the street, a Palestinian young woman headed to the aforementioned Israeli soldier and stabbed his shoulder, so he sustained minor wounds. It should be mentioned that Israeli soldiers arrested Hadiya without opening fire at her and then referred her to investigation.
- At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 04 March 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the northwestern entrance to Iraq Burin village, south of Nablus, arrested Mostafa Khalid ‘Odah (23), from Tal village, south of Nablus. Israeli forces chased Mostafa into the agricultural field while he was walking there. Israeli forces claimed that the abovementioned civilian was present in a military closed zone.
- At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 05 March 2015, Israeli forces deployed at al-Ibrahimi Mosque entrances, in the center of the Old City in Hebron, arrested Rami ‘Izaat Qandaji (19), from Ramallah, claiming that he had a knife. Rami was then taken to a police station near “Kiryat Arba” settlement in Hebron.
- At approximately 15:00 on the same day, Israeli forces deployed around Kherbit Janbah area, southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron, arrested Baker Mahmoud Ali Najajrah (13) and ‘Abeer Yousef Makhamrah (10), while they were grazing the sheep. Israeli forces then took them to a military camp before delivering both of them to the Palestinian Liaison.
- At approximately 21:00 on the same day, Israeli forces stationed at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested Mahmoud Nasri Salah (24), from al-Khadir village, south of the city. Mahmoud was arrested from a vehicle, in which he was, while crossing the checkpoint. Israeli forces questioned him on the spot.
- Efforts to Create Jewish majority
Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:
Incursions and arrests
- At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 03 March 2016, Israeli forces raided Silwan Preparatory School for Boys, south of the Old City in Jerusalem. They raided and searched the school and arrested a student from a classroom claiming that he threw stones at the Israeli soldiers before entering the school. The arrested student, who is a 9th grade student, was identified as Malek ‘Isaa al-‘Abasi (14). An eyewitness said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that after Israeli soldiers searched all the classrooms, they took the abovementioned student out of the school. The school’s surveillance cameras revealed the falsity of the Israeli allegations and showed that the aforementioned student arrived at school before the time the Israeli forces mentioned about him throwing stones at them. In the meantime, an Israeli soldier took photos of the students, school building and its corridors. It should be mentioned that around 550 students are studying in Silwan School from the 7th to the 9th
- At approximately 18:00 on the same day, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Isawiyia area, northeast of the occupied East Jerusalem, and imposed a cordon on its three entrances for 3 consecutive hours. They prevented Palestinian civilians from entering and exiting the village as well as searching the vehicles and detaining the young men. In addition, they deployed in the village’s streets and topped the houses after burning a military jeep with a Molotov cocktail by dozens of Palestinian young men. Israeli forces fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at the young men and raided many houses in order to find the stone and Molotov cocktail throwers. Israeli forces arrested two civilians, including a child, and took them to an unknown destination. The arrested persons were identified as Yunis Ahmed ‘Aliyan (19) and Ali Dawoud Muhasin (17).
- At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 04 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian civilians after the settlers attack on them while the two Palestinians were walking in ‘Aqabet al-Khalidiya in the Old City in the occupied East Jerusalem. The arrested persons were identified as Dawoud Khaild al-Salaimah (24) and Ahmed Anas al-Baitony. An eyewitness said to a PCHR’s fieldworker that Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqabet al-Khalidiya neighbourhood and deployed on the roads and closed them. Israeli forces arrested the abovementioned civilians after they fought with a group of Israeli settlers, who attacked the civilians while they were walking in the vicinity of their houses.
- At approximately 16:00 on Friday, Israeli forces moved into al-Thawri neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City of the occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched many houses and arrested Mousa Baker Showki (16) taking him to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 19:00 on Friday, Israeli forces moved into Housh Abu Tayieh in ‘Ain al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem. They provocatively deployed in the Housh neighbourhood, due to which, a number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the soldiers. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protesters in response. In addition, they forced the shops’ owners to close their shops and then raided a house belonging to Ali Abu al-Hamam (47) and arrested him. The family of Abu al-Hamam said that a large number of Israeli soldiers raided their house, assaulted the women by pushing and screaming at them and broke the windows with gun butts. Israeli forces tried to get the women out of the house, and when the young men approached the area, Israeli forces pepper-sprayed them. After that, they received backup forces that fired tear gas canisters in the area. Abu Hamam family added that Israeli forces accused one of the family members of sprayed paints on them. Israeli forces also arrested Ali Abu Hamam (47) after beating him up.
- At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 06 March 2016, Israeli forces suppressed a peaceful demonstration started from the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem and then headed to al-‘Amoud and al-Saherah gates. A number of Palestinian women and elderly people participated in the demonstration and chanted slogans calling for their right to enter al-Aqsa Mosque after they were prevented from entering it because their names were mentioned in the blacklist. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at the protesters and arrested Hanadi al-Helwani. According to an eyewitness, Israeli forces chased a group of Palestinian men and women while they were chanting slogans calling for their right to access al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli forces prevented the abovementioned civilians from being present in al-Asaq Mosque and organising a sit-in at al-Majles gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque gates. As a result, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters at the protesters to disperse them and arrested a woman at al-‘Amoud gate area. Israeli forces have been still denying the civilians, whose names were listed in the blacklist, from entering al-Aqsa Mosque for the 7th consecutive month.
- At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 06 March 2016, Israeli forces arrested 5 children while they were in al-Malhah Mall in West Jerusalem applying for a driving licence. The arrested persons were identified as twins Ahmed and Mahmoud al-Salaimah (17), Malek Badran (17), Ibrahim Zagheer (17) and Ibrahim Sufian Zagheer (17), all from Kufor ‘Aqeb village, north of the city. Awad al-Salayma, who is in charge of Jerusalem’s holy sites file in Fatah movement, said that Israeli forces arrested the 5 children on grounds of suspicion while they were present in the Mall to apply for a driving license. During interrogation at al-Maskoubya detention facility, the 5 children were beaten up to confess about the reason for their presence in the Mall although they had the driving license papers. After checking the cameras for about 6 hours, the boy were asked to log in their Facebook accounts. He added that after checking the boys’ accounts, they were released, but Ibrahim Zgheer was kept in the Israeli custody because Israeli soldiers found some posts that were considered inciting.
- At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 07 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They stationed around al-Maya’nah and Sarees neighbourhoods and raided and searched many houses. They arrested four civilians who were identified as Fadi Taher al-Shahwani (23), Mahmoud Na’iem Hamad (22) , Tareq Ziyad al-A’raj (19) and Mahmoud Akram (22).
- At approximately 03:00 on the same day, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount and Sour Baher villages, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided dozens of houses and arrested six civilians. The arrested persons were identifies as:
- Karam Mohammed Zahaikah (13);
- Shaheen ‘Abasi (14);
- Anas Mihammed Zahaikah (15);
- ‘Obada Ameer Zahaikah (14);
- Mo’az Mohammed Abed Rabbo (18); and
- Sameer Mohammed Abed Rabbo (16).
- In the morning, Israeli forces arrested Fouz Saladin Abu Mayala (45) and her children Attallah (9) and Mahmoud (7) before they were able to visit Fouz’s son namely Mo’ayed Abu Mayala, who was imprisoned in Megiddo prison. After being questioned for hours at the police station, she was unconditionally released. She explained, “Before the visit and while I was passing through the electronic gate, the gate beeped. I was talking to a female soldier when another one came and shouted asking me to take my Jilbab off to be searched. I refused because we were in a public place and asked her to search me in a closed room. However, she refused and denied me the visit. She then threw my ID to the ground and pushed me along with my children out of the place. I went down to the waiting room, during which, an Israeli officer arrived and I told him about what happened. He took my ID again and I thought that he would allow me to visit my son, but I was surprised by a police car arriving and taking me to the police station, where I was questioned about pushing a female soldier and causing her an injury in a finger”.
- At approximately 21:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu Dees village, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses, from which, they arrested 3 civilians, including 2 brothers. The arrested persons were identified as Ameer Khaled Jafal (24) and Ahmed and Mahmoud Radi Oraiqat.
- At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 09 March 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and attacked their residents. In addition, they arrested 7 civilians from the village, including 3 children. The arrested persons were identified as Shadi Maher Hamdan (14), Mo’men Basel Mahmoud (14) and his father Basel Mahmoud (39), Yazan Mohammed Ayoub Abu Asab (14) and his bother Mo’tasem (24), Nadeem Abdu (20) and Hamza Abu Ermaila (18). Mohammed Abu Asab said that Israeli forces raided and searched his house in al-Eisawiya village and damaged the house contents. Abu Asab added that his wife and 2 children Mo’tasem (24) and Yazan (14) were attacked and then arrested by Israeli forces.
Shooting incidents
- At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, 08 March 2016, Israeli Border Guard officers opened fire at a Palestinian woman from a point blank range claiming that she attempted to stab an Israeli soldier near the Iron Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque Gates in East Jerusalem’s Old City. As a result, she was hit with 3 bullets and left bleeding for more than half an hour on the ground until she drew her last breath.
Dr. Amin Abu Ghazaleh from the Red Crescent clinic in the Old City of Jerusalem said that the Israeli soldiers prevented the Red Crescent crews for around 10 minutes from reaching Fadwa until the Israeli officers arrived and the medical crews were then allowed to check her. He added that the ten minutes have been enough to save Fawda’s life.
It should be mentioned that the killed woman lived in Um Touba neighbourhood, south of East Jerusalem, and was married with 5 children.
Luba al-Somari, Spokesperson of the Israeli police, said in a statement, “An Arab Jerusalemite woman from Um Touba neighbourhood stepped towards Israeli Border Guard officers, who were as usual in the area as part of the field readiness to maintain public safety. She pulled out a knife attempting to stab the border officers who opened fire after perceiving a “tangible threat”. They immediately neutralized the woman, but no Israeli injuries were reported.”
- At approximately 17:10 on Tuesday, 08 March 2016, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian armed young man, who opened fire at them near the Jerusalem District Electricity Company in Salah al-Deen Street in East Jerusalem’s Old City. As a result, two Israeli officers were wounded while the Palestinian young man was hit with several bullets; one of which penetrated his head. Therefore, he immediately died on the scene.
It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces accompanied with Intelligence officers raided the Electricity Company and searched the guard’s room. They pushed who were there and confiscated the surveillance cameras. They also opened fire at the Company’s vehicles, damaging their windows and the vehicles’ body. The Israeli forces also completely closed Salah al-Deen Street and raided and searched “al-Dar Mall” building. They dispersed those who were near the vicinity of the scene and denied them access.
Around an hour later, large force of Israeli soldiers moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem, and surrounded a house belonging to Fo’ad’s family. Amist Israeli firing of rubber bullets and tear gas canisters to prevent anyone from approaching the house, the Israeli forces raided and searched the house. They also took photos of it from the inside and outside in addition to its measures. They also asked Fo’ad’s mother questions while they summoned his father and uncle for interrogation.
- At approximately 08:40 on Wednesday, 09 March 2016, Israeli police officers opened fire at two Palestinian young men near the New Gate, one of the newest gates in the walls that surround Jerusalem’s Old City, following an armed clash between both of them. After chasing them for around 2 hours, one of the two young men was killed on the scene and the other was later announced dead when he arrived at “Hadassa – Har HaTsofim Hospital” in West Jerusalem.
According to Israeli forces, at approximately 07:10 on the aforementioned day, ‘Abdel Malek Saleh Abu Kharoub (19) and Mohammed Jamal al-Kaloti (21), both from Jerusalem, opened fire at an Israeli “Egged Cooperative” bus at the Ramot Junction, west of West Jerusalem, and drove a blue car away. The Israeli forces chased them and opened heavy fire at the car. They established checkpoints on the way to “Hatsnim” Street near the New Gate in Jerusalem, where the armed clash erupted. As a result, Mohammed Jamal al-Kaloti immediately died while ‘Abdel Malek Abu Kharoub was transferred via an Israeli ambulance to “Hadassa – Har HaTsofim Hospital”, where he succumbed to his wounds. ‘Emad Abu ‘Ali (56) sustained serious wounds in his head when he was walking in the New Gate area where the armed clash happened. He was taken to Hadassa al-‘Issawiya to receive medical treatment.
House demolitions, demolition notices and attempts to seize civilian houses:
- On Friday 04 March 2016, joint staffs from the Israeli municipality and forces moved into a number of neighborhoods in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They distributed administrative demolition orders to commercial and residential facilities under the pretext of building without a permit.
An eyewitness said that municipality crews handed the notices to a commercial store in Ein Al-Lozeh; a house in Al-Bustan neighborhood and two houses in Ein Al-Lozeh. All the aforementioned facilities were built many years ago. Farhat Qaimari, one of the four affected civilians, said that the municipality staffs accompanied with Israeli forces raided his house in the neighborhood of Al-Bustan and handed him an administrative demolition notice under the pretext of building without a permit. He added that he has been living in the house for 10 years with his wife and four children.
- Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Settlement activities
- At approximately 14:30 on Thursday, 04 March 2016, Israeli bulldozers levelled dozens dunums of agricultural lands in al-Zayaq area, east of Deir Balut village, west of Salfit. The levelled lands belong to Taysir Rushdi ‘Abdullah and his brothers to be annexed to “Leshem” settlement established in the eastern side of the village although a decision was issued by the Israeli Supreme Court to stop construction works and not to level this area. They also levelled large part of Deir Sam’an Archaeological Site in Kafr al-Deek village to annex it to the same settlement.
- At approximately 04:00 on Monday, 07 March 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Administration and a bulldozer moved into al-Jomjomah area, northeast of Halhoul, north of Hebron. The military bulldozers levelled a 200-square-meter barrack used for grazing sheep belonging to ‘Abdel Karim Mahmoud ‘Abdel Rahman Mer’eb (77).
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.
In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
- PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
- PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
- PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
- PCHR calls on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals;
- PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
- PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
- PCHR calls upon the United Nations to confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights;
- PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them;
- PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
- PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
- PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
#ref-menu
0 comments:
Post a Comment