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israeli War Crimes
This is a summary of israeli War Crimes committed in Palestine for the week ending 30 March 2005. 6mins (english)
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PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
http://www.pchrgaza.org
Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories No. 12/2005
24- 30 Mar. 2005
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Launch More Attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
• 12 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and 2 brothers, were wounded by IOF.
• Construction of the “Annexation Wall” in the West Bank has continued; more areas of Palestinian land were confiscated for this purpose in Jerusalem, Qalqilya and Bethlehem.
• Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank; 10 Palestinian civilians were severely beaten by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
• IOF conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank.
• Houses were raided and at least 30 Palestinian civilians were arrested.
• A number of houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.
• IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF have continued to close a number of roads since the beginning of the current Intifada and IOF positioned at checkpoints arrested a number of Palestinian civilians.
Introduction
Despite the fact that there has been no loss of life, the IOF have continued to expand settlements, construct the Annexation Wall, continue incursions into Palestinian areas resulting in arbitrary arrests and injuries to Palestinian civilians and maintain a situation of closures and check points across the OPT. Despite the image that Israel wishes to portray of IOF withdrawal from a number of towns in the West Bank including Tulkarm and Jericho, Israel still exert control over these areas and the daily lives of the Palestinians within them and remain the Occupying Power
This week, human rights violations perpetrated by IOF included shooting at Palestinian civilians, incursions into Palestinian areas, house raids and arbitrary arrests. In violation of international law and humanitarian law, IOF have also continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory and confiscated more areas of Palestinian land for this purpose. They have continued to expand existing settlements at the expense of Palestinian land, in violations of Palestinian civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Contrary to Israeli official claims, the IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
This week, IOF conducted 24 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank, during which they opened fire at residential areas and raided and searched houses. The widest incursion was into Jenin on 28 March 2005, during which the IOF arrested 12 Palestinian civilians. In addition, eight Palestinian civilians, including four children and two brothers, were wounded and some others suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF arrested during the reporting period 29 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and 3 police members. They also seized three houses and transformed them into military sites.
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory, especially in Ramallah and Hebron. For the purpose of the construction of the Wall they confiscated 224 donums [1] of land in the villages of 'Azzoun and Kufor Thuluth near Qalqilya, and 170 donums in the villages of al-Jeeb and Nabi Samuel near Jerusalem. They also ordered the vacation of 4000 donums of land in Nahalin village near Bethlehem. This week, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in protest to the construction of the Wall. Four Palestinian civilians were wounded and a number of others suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Israeli settlers living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. This week, they severely beat 10 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Contrary to Israeli claims, the IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. On Wednesday morning, 23 March 2005, the IOF imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT from the Jewish Purim. This closure continued until Monday morning, 28 March 2005.
In the Gaza Strip, the IOF have continued to completely or partially close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip, and impose severe restrictions on the internal movement of Palestinian civilians. They have also continued to close a number of roads and crossings in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada. The IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities near Israeli settlements, causing more suffering to Palestinian civilians. Since the beginning of this month, the IOF has used a special checking set, which causes health problems. This week, IOF continued to impose severe restrictions on travel through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border. They also arrested a man and his son.
In the West Bank, IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. This week, the IOF erected a number of sudden military checkpoints. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians and arrested five Palestinian civilians. They also severely beat five civilians. Thousands of Palestinian Christians were denied access to the holy sites in East Jerusalem.
Shelling of and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 24 March 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Ein al-Baida village, east of Jenin, and imposed a curfew. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Aaba village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bassam 'Azmouti, 23, and arrested him.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Husain neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided two houses and arrested two Palestinians:
1. Tariq 'Ata al-Razem, 20; and
2. Jamal Fathi al-Razem, 22.
Also at approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem, and imposed a curfew.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Qaubbat Janeb area in the south of Hebron. They raided a two-storey house belonging to Hussam Hussein al-Jamal, where 16 individuals (4 families) live. They transformed the house into a military site.
Also at approximately 14:00, IOF moved into al-Masharqa neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided 'Abdul Hamid al-Ja'bari's house. They forced the family out and transformed the house into a military site. Soon, a number of Israeli settlers came to the house and organized a dance party inside and outside the house.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bashir Fahmi, 25, and arrested him.
Friday, 25 March 2005
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Salem village, east of Nablus. They raided Mus'ab 'Abdul Kahliq's house. They informed him of an Israeli Military Order under which his house would be seized by IOF for one month. They forced the 14 residents of the house to stay on the first floor and transformed the second floor into a military site. According to the owner, IOF placed the Israeli flag atop the house.
At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Budros village, west of Ramallah. They opened fire at houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the children. Two children suffered from tear gas inhalation: Mayar Hamza Hannoun, 2; and her sister Yara, 3. In addition, three children were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets:
1. Tha'er Jalil 'Awad, 17, wounded in the head;
2. Sanad Shehada 'Awad, 16, wounded in the head; and
3. Husni Joma'a Husni, 13, wounded in the left forearm.
Saturday, 26 March 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 12:30, an Israeli military jeep moved into Sabastia village, northwest of Nablus. It chased a Palestinian taxi driven by Baha'a Riad 'Aazem, 21. The taxi crashed and turned upside down and the driver was injured. A Palestinian ambulance arrived at the area, but IOF did not allow it to evacuate the driver to the hospital and arrested him.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ne'ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided Karim Anees 'Abdu's house and arrested his two children: Anas, 13; and Saleh, 15. IOF claimed that the two children threw stones at them.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Husain neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fahad Nasser al-Ja'bari, 26, and arrested him.
Monday, 28 March 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF, reinforced by about 30 military vehicles and a number of helicopters, moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They opened fire at houses. Then, they raided and searched a number of houses and arrested six Palestinians, including three brothers:
1. Ibrahim Hassan Mishqah, 18;
2. Mohammed Hassan Mishqah, 28;
3. Ahmed Hassan Mishqah, 30;
4. 'Alaa' Ibrahim 'Obaid, 19;
5. Mohammed Sa'id Marzouq, 25; and
6. Nidaa' Fakhri Zakarna, 27.
IOF claimed that these Palestinians are members of the Islamic Jihad.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinians:
1. Mahmoud Hafez Melhem, 22;
2. Fadi Ahmed Melhem, 24; and
3. Ahmed Mahmoud Jaber, 19.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinians who are members of the Palestinian National Security Force:
1. Hammam Hatem Sa'abna, 20;
2. Hassan Hatem Sa'abna, 23; and
3. Sa'ed Husni Sa'abna, 23.
In the evening an infantry unit of IOF moved into Kufor Qallil village, south of Nablus. The IOF opened fire at a Palestinian civilian when he looked through his window, wounding him in the jaw. When his brother attempted to offer him help, the IOF opened fire at the two, seriously wounding both of them:
1. Nemer Fu'ad 'Aamer, 26, wounded by 2 live bullets in the jaw and the chest; and
2. Midhat Fu'ad 'Aamer, 25, wounded by 2 live bullets in the abdomen.
In his testimony to PCHR, their father said:
"At approximately 23:00 on Monday, 28 March 2005, while my son Nember, 25, was sitting near a window on the upper floor of my house, he saw a number of Israeli soldiers infiltrating into the village. They entered a neighbouring deserted house. My son awoke me and told me about what he saw. At approximately 23:40, my son looked through the window while sitting on his bed. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at him. He was wounded in the jaw. He cried and ran towards the first floor, where my other son Midhat, 25, lives. I phoned the emergency department of Palestine Red Crescent Society and moved to the first floor, but no ambulance had arrived for 15 minutes. Midhat decided to evacuate his wounded brother to the hospital in a private car. When the two were about to travel in the car, IOF fired at them from the deserted house. Midhat was wounded by two live bullets in the abdomen and Nemer was wounded by another live bullet in the chest. Nemer ran for nearly 70 meters and then fell onto the ground. I started to cry: 'help my sons.' Four young men who were hiding behind the walls of their houses attempted to help him, but IOF opened fire at them. They called on Nemer to creep towards them and he did. Three minutes later, an ambulance arrived and evacuated my sons to the hospital. The distance between my house and the deserted house is only five metres."
Tuesday, 29 March 2005
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Jama'in village, south of Nablus. They raided a number of houses and forced their residents out. Then, they arrested three Palestinians, including two brothers:
1. 'Abdul Halim 'Aaref Hassan, 18;
2. Eihab 'Aaref Hassan, 20; and
3. 'Abdul Karim Amin, 18.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ma'an Ahmed Abu 'Allan, 40. They also broke windows of a number of parked cars.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Sourif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Sufian Abu Hatta, 21, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Za'tara village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fahad 'Ali Rashid, 25, and arrested him.
In the morning, IOF arrested three members of the Palestinian traffic police while they were on duty in the center of Hebron. Two members of the detainees were identified as:
1. Ibrahim Abu Zunaid, 37; and
2. Nasser Sabarna, 34.
Wednesday, 30 March 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched four houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They opened fire at houses. A woman and a child were wounded:
1. Ghada 'Abdul Rahim 'Asa'sa, 29, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the shoulder; and
2. Mahfouz Shadid, 12, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.
Also at approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm, and imposed a curfew. They raided a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
Continued Siege on the OPT
IOF have 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 Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. They have continued to completely or partially close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip, and impose severe restrictions on the internal movement of Palestinian civilians. Furthermore, the suffering of Palestinian civilians living in areas near Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip has continued.
With regard to internal movement, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) even though they have increased the hours of opening the two checkpoints. They often close the two checkpoints and hold and check Palestinian civilians in between.
IOF have also continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. Male Palestinians aged 16-35 have been prohibited from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area. Only 150 civilians are allowed to exit the area daily, but under severe restrictions. On Monday, 28 March 2005, IOF held Palestinian civilians who were on their way back to al-Mawasi area for several hours. IOF and settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. With regard to education, 1430 schoolchildren study at one school in the area, which lacks electricity and water. The school also lacks teachers of a number of subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. Only one teacher from outside the area is allowed to teach at this school, and he is prevented sometimes from entering the area. As a result of such conditions, the school was forces to cancel the scientific section, so students who wish to study science have to go to Khan Yunis. Israeli troops frequently close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area.
IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada such as the western Rafah – Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore the IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements, particularly al-Sayafa area between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. At least 180 Palestinian civilians live in the area, including 47 students, one physician, 5 public employees, 50 children and 7 patients.
The daily suffering of Palestinian civilians living in al-Sayafa area is demonstrated in the following:
1. Palestinian civilians aged under 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination.
2. A very limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area, but following coordination.
3. University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30.
4. The area lack paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot.
5. IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area from 07:00 to 09:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
6. The area lacks basic services, such as electricity, as IOF have prevented establishing an electricity network in the area.
7. Patients have to walk or transport on animal cart as ambulances are not allowed to enter the area without coordination, which often takes a long time.
8. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area.
In the same context, IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip. The area has lacked water and telephone networks for three years after IOF had destroyed them. According to residents of the area, they obtain water from a well in the area or bring it from Deir al-Balah. IOF do not allow any Palestinian living outside the area from entering the area.
At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 30 March 2005, IOF informed residents of a house belonging to Isma'il Jama'an al-Sumairi, near "Kissufim" settler road, that their movement from and to their house will be limited to certain times everyday; from 06:00 to 08:00, from 10:30 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 17:30. The house has been under an Israeli siege since 7 June 2004, when IOF established a fence along the aforementioned road.
Contrary to official Israeli claims regarding allowing Palestinian workers to enter Israel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, IOF allowed only 4000 workers who have valid work permits to enter Israel this week. Workers who can work in Israel must be over 35, married and approved by Israeli security services. On 28 March 2005, IOF reopened the crossing after the Jewish Purim.
The daily suffering of Palestinian workers at Erez crossing is demonstrated in the following:
1. Workers are subject to strict and prolonged checking and humiliation on their way to their work places.
2. Some of them are subject to interrogation by Israeli security services.
3. Many workers are prevented from entering Israel for security claims.
4. Work permits of workers who do not go to their work for a period that exceeds one week are cancelled.
5. On 13 March 2005, IOF established a new route equipped with cameras, where workers are checked before reaching the two passage routes at the crossing.
On Monday, 28 March 2005, while IOF were checking workers, an Israeli soldier suddenly closed one of the iron gates at the crossing. As a result, one of the workers, 44-year-old Mazen Hassan Lubbad, sustained bruises and fractures throughout the body.
A number of patients who suffer from serious diseases are sometimes allowed to enter Israel, but following prior coordination and under inhuman conditions. Patients have to wait for long hours before they are forced to walk or move on wheelchairs to endure security checks. Only patients who suffer from serious diseases are allowed to travel in ambulances, while other patients have to travel in taxis after passing through checking.
IOF have continued to impose severe restriction on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. Even though, IOF declared last week that they would ease these restrictions, they have allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel through the crossing and 270 one to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. The crossing has been operating in a very limited capacity, which has damaged goods and caused large losses to Palestinian traders.
Even though Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border is open, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on travel. The crossing point is opened from 09:00 to 17:00 everyday. Even though, IOF have allowed Palestinians aged 16-35 to travel through the crossing since 20 February 2005, they have continued to summon and interrogate a number of these Palestinians. This week, many Palestinian travelers had to wait for several days at the Palestinian side of the crossing point, as IOF allowed a small number of travelers to travel on each day. Since the beginning of this month, IOF has used a special checking set, which causes health problems. Although the Palestinian side rejected the use of this set, IOF have continued to use it. On 24 March 2005, IOF positioned at the crossing point arrested Na'im Sha'ban al-Buhaisi, 50, and his son Rami, 29.
The West Bank
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
Jerusalem
IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. These measures coincide with the Easter holiday. They denied the access of Palestinian Christians to the holy sites in the city. IOF claimed that they issued thousands of permits to thousands of Christians, but according to churches, the number of permits was only 250.
Ramallah
IOF erected a number of checkpoints on the main roads leading to Ramallah and al-Bireh. They erected a number of checkpoints on Ramallah – Nablus road. They stopped and searched a number of Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday morning, 28 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Oyoun al-Haramiya crossroads. They stopped and searched all Palestinian vehicles that were traveling towards Ramallah.
Nablus
Contrary to Israeli claims, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around Nablus continued to impose restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They continued to stop and search Palestinian vehicles. IOF positioned at Beit Eiba and Hawara checkpoints continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from crossing the two checkpoints in their cars without special permits issued for this purpose.
Tulkarm
Contrary to Israeli claims regarding easing the siege imposed on the town after IOF had handed over the security responsibility for the town to the Palestinian side, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 24 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of the town. They stopped dozens of Palestinian civilians who were traveling to Tulkarm many of whom were held for a long time. On Friday, 25 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Zieta crossroads, north of the town, and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 26 March 2005, IOF blocked the road between the villages of Kufor al-Labad and Shoufa with sand barriers. IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Ennab crossroads, east of Tulkarm.
Jenin
On Sunday, 27 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Ein al-Hilwa crossroads, east of Jenin. They stopped and checked passing Palestinian civilians.
Hebron
On Thursday, 24 March 2005, IOF established two electronic gates at the entrances to the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old town of Hebron to control access of Palestinian civilians to the mosque. These restrictions have sharply decreased the number of Palestinian worshipers. On Friday, 25 March 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians were not able to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque for the Friday Prayer, due to prolonged checking conducted by IOF at the new electronic gates, which lead to the electronic doors of the mosque, which were established following the 1994 massacre committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinian worshipers who were inside the mosque.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
On Saturday at noon, 26 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Shaqba village, west of Ramallah, and arrested 'Ammar Ahmed Thabet, 26.
Also at noon, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Qassem 'Abdullah al-Heeh, 25, from Hebron, when he was on his way back to the West Bank.
At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 26 March 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested Ahmed Rasmi Dumairi, 23, a university student from Tulkarm refugee camp.
On Tuesday evening, 29 March 2005, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point arrested Mohammed Khalil Doufash, 37, from Hebron, when he was on his way back to the West Bank, after he had attended a conference of pharmacists in United Arab Emirates.
Attacks on Palestinian Civilians at Military Checkpoints
On Sunday, 27 March 2005, IOF severely beat 3 Palestinian civilians in 3 separate incidents in Hebron. At approximately 12:30, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in the old town severely beat 19-year-old Samer 'Azmi Edrees. He sustained bruises throughout the body. At the same time, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in the north of al-Shuhda Street severely beat 21-year-old Kazem Jawad Abu 'Omar. He sustained bruises throughout the body. At approximately 14:30, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in Jaber neighborhood severely beat Wadee' Rasmi Jaber, 23. He sustained bruises throughout the body. They also held him for 3 hours.
On Sunday morning, 27 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Allr – 'Attil crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. When a Palestinian civilian, 50-year-old Taleb Khader Darwish, protested prolonged checking, IOF severely beat him. They also held him for several hours.
On Tuesday morning, 29 March 2005, IOF positioned to the north of Tulkarm severely beat Mohammed Hussein Qashwa', 80, from 'Allar village. The accused him of warning wanted Palestinians of the presence of IOF in the area. Qashwa' fainted and a number of passing Palestinian civilians evacuated him to the hospital.
Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory, especially Ramallah and Hebron. They have confiscated more areas of Palestinian land for this purpose.
On Tuesday morning, 29 March 2005, IOF resumed the construction of a second section of the wall in Um Safa village, west of Ramallah. The new phase of the construction would include 2 kilometers of the wall in Baten Huraiz area, which is planted with almonds and olives.
On Wednesday morning, 30 March 2005, IOF started to construct a new section of the wall in the south of the West Bank. The length of the new section will be 43 kilometers and will extend from Tarqoumia village, northwest of Hebron, to al-Sammou' village, southwest of the town. According to Israeli sources, IOF have completed the construction of 215 kilometers of the wall, whose full length will be 764 kilometers.
On Friday, 26 March 2005, IOF handed a military order to residents of the villages of Kufor Thuluth and 'Azzoun, east of Qalqilya, confiscating 224 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives in the two villages. This order was one in a series of military orders aimed at constructing a section of the wall, which will surround the settlements of "Kerneh Shomron", "Qidoumim", "Emanuel" and "Ma'ale Shomron. This construction will annex at least 40,000 donums of land in Qalqilya district.
On Sunday, 27 March 2005, IOF handed notices to a number of residents of Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem, to vacate at least 4,000 donums of their agricultural land planted with olives, grapes and almonds, in 45 days.
On Tuesday, 29 March 2005, IOF handed military orders to a number of residents of the villages of al-Jeeb and Nabi Samuel, northwest of Jerusalem, seizing at least 170 donums of their agricultural land, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall.
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 25 March 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Deir Ballout village, southwest of Nablus, in protest to the construction of the wall on the land of the village. IOF positioned in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets and dozens of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Two demonstrators, including a child, were wounded:
1. Mohammed Kamal Mousa, 12, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullets in the right shoulder;
2. Jasser 'Abdullah Mousa, 45, wounded by a tear gas canister in the right leg.
At approximately 13:00 on the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians and members of Israeli and international solidarity groups organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They attempted to obstruct the construction of the wall in the area. Immediately, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. A Palestinian civilian, 27-year-old Ibrahim Wajeeh, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head, and a woman, 30-year-old Sameera Jalal, suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 28 March 2005, IOF positioned near the wall fired at a Palestinian shepherd, Jalal Ahmed Abu Zalata, from Ethna village to the west of Hebron, when he was grazing animals near the wall in the neighboring Beit 'Awa village. He was wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh.
IOF have continued to impose restrictions on access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural land on both sides of the wall. According to Palestinian farmers, IOF have closed the iron gates established on the wall, which lead to their agricultural land around Tulkarm. IOF have refused to issue permits to farmers to go to their agricultural land. Palestinian farmers are concerned that such measures may prevent them from farming their land, which will deprive them of their main source of outcome.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the OPT John Dugard stated in a press conference in Geneva during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Committee that the issue of the wall constitutes a great challenge to the international community, which requires effective action by the United Nations, especially following the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. Dugard also warned against the removal of this issue from the international agenda as it remained a priority.
According to the annual report 2004 on human rights and democracy published by the US Department of State, the Israeli annexation wall and military checkpoints impact on Palestinian's right to free worship. The US expressed particular concerns regarding the impacts of the wall on access to Christian and Muslim holy sites and religious institutions that provide educational opportunities and contribute to health and welfare affairs. The seizure of religious sites and the establishment of security zones constitute a major problem, the report further adds.
According to the Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B'Tselem), nearly half a million Palestinian living in 85 communities will be affected by the construction of the wall. Fourteen communities, where at least 24,000 Palestinians live, will be isolated to the west of the wall. In addition, 53 communities, where at least 230,000 Palestinians live, will be surrounded on at least 3 sides. The wall will also isolate 18 communities, where 220,000 Palestinians live, in East Jerusalem. B'Tselem states also that 55 Israeli settlements, including 12 in Jerusalem, where at least 322,000 settlers live, will be placed to the west of the wall, whereas 79 settlements, where at least 84,000 settlers live, will be placed to the east of the wall.
Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli settlers living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. IOF have continued to confiscate areas of Palestinian land for settlement activities.
As Israeli settlers were celebrating the Jewish Purim, they launched a series of attacks on Palestinian civilians and property in Hebron.
At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 24 March 2005, a female Israeli settler stopped 9-year-old Yousef Hisham al-'Azza, when he was on his way back home from school, and took him to "Ramat Yishai" settlement in the center of Hebron. There, she severely beat him using a stone. His teeth were broken and he sustained serious bruises in the back and the limbs. IOF did witnessed this attack, but did not intervene to stop it.
In the evening, a number of Israeli settlers from "Avraham Avino" settlement in the center of Hebron attacked a number of Palestinian houses at al-Sahla Street in the south of the town using stones. Four houses were damaged.
On Friday morning, 25 March 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement in the center of Hebron attacked Mohammed Hamed Abu 'Eisha's house in Tal Rumaida neighborhood with stones and empty bottles. The house was damaged.
Also on Friday morning, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma'oun" settlement, south of Hebron, attacked dozens of Palestinian civilians and members of international solidarity groups using stones to prevent them from cleaning grazing areas from poisonous food brought by settlers last week. Four people were injured. It is worth noting that 6 sheep died from these feeds.
On Friday evening, a number of Israeli settlers from "Etana'eil" settlement, southwest of Hebron, held 5 Palestinian farmers from the neighboring Karma village for two hours, when they were cultivating almonds from their agricultural land.
At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 26 March 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from the "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc in the southern Gaza Strip closed the coastal road between Khan Yunis and Rafah and prevented movement of Palestinian civilians. The settlers beat a schoolchild, 15-year-old Ahmed Khamis Zo'rob, when he was on his way to school in the al-Mawasi area. At approximately 15:30, the settlers beat 3 other schoolchildren:
1. Mahrous Hilal al-Farra, 10;
2. Majed Sa'id al-Farra, 9; and
3. Saleh Ibrahim al-Farra, 11.
The closure of the coastal road between Rafah and Khan Yunis continued until 15:00 on Sunday, 27 March 2005.
At approximately 14:20 on Friday, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement in the center of Hebron threw stones at Palestinian civilians and homes in Tal Rumaida neighborhood. These attacks continued until 17:00. A Palestinian child, 8-year-old Sharif Tayseer Abu 'Eisha, sustained bruises in the back.
At approximately 17:30, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron, threw stones and empty bottles at two houses in Wad al-Husain neighborhood. They also threatened to burn the two houses.
At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 25 March 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yitshar" settlement, south of Nablus, threw stones at Palestinian houses in the neighboring 'Assira village. At night, the settlers resumed their attacks on the village. The spokesman of settlers claimed that "a number of boys were drunk in the Purim and moved to the village and clashes with Arabs, and when adult settlers saw the clashes they brought the boys back to the settlement." Eyewitnesses refuted this claim and asserted that adult settlers participated in these attacks.
On Friday afternoon, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yitshar" settlement, south of Nablus, severely beat Rahma Ibrahim Hawari, 50, from 'Ainabous village, south of Nablus, when she was near her house in the neighboring 'Assira village. She sustained injuries and bruises in the body.
***
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 the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as a state above law and 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 its legal obligations detailed in article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and solidarity groups to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals and to urge their governments to bring these war criminals to justice.
5. 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 the import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
6. PCHR calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights.
7. PCHR welcomes the ICJ Advisory Opinion which has confirmed international law and made clear the legal obligations of Israel to dismantle the wall, and the associated regime and has further made clear the obligations of the international community that they must now take firm action, through the UNGA and UNSC, to “ensure respect” by Israel for the Fourth Geneva convention and the Advisory Opinion.
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 OPTs, including for facilitating 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 solidarity groups, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of international solidarity groups to the OPT, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.
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 agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
“END”
Public Document
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For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail:pchr [at] pchrgaza.org. Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
http://www.pchrgaza.org
Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories No. 12/2005
24- 30 Mar. 2005
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Launch More Attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
• 12 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and 2 brothers, were wounded by IOF.
• Construction of the “Annexation Wall” in the West Bank has continued; more areas of Palestinian land were confiscated for this purpose in Jerusalem, Qalqilya and Bethlehem.
• Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank; 10 Palestinian civilians were severely beaten by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
• IOF conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank.
• Houses were raided and at least 30 Palestinian civilians were arrested.
• A number of houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.
• IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF have continued to close a number of roads since the beginning of the current Intifada and IOF positioned at checkpoints arrested a number of Palestinian civilians.
Introduction
Despite the fact that there has been no loss of life, the IOF have continued to expand settlements, construct the Annexation Wall, continue incursions into Palestinian areas resulting in arbitrary arrests and injuries to Palestinian civilians and maintain a situation of closures and check points across the OPT. Despite the image that Israel wishes to portray of IOF withdrawal from a number of towns in the West Bank including Tulkarm and Jericho, Israel still exert control over these areas and the daily lives of the Palestinians within them and remain the Occupying Power
This week, human rights violations perpetrated by IOF included shooting at Palestinian civilians, incursions into Palestinian areas, house raids and arbitrary arrests. In violation of international law and humanitarian law, IOF have also continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory and confiscated more areas of Palestinian land for this purpose. They have continued to expand existing settlements at the expense of Palestinian land, in violations of Palestinian civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Contrary to Israeli official claims, the IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
This week, IOF conducted 24 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank, during which they opened fire at residential areas and raided and searched houses. The widest incursion was into Jenin on 28 March 2005, during which the IOF arrested 12 Palestinian civilians. In addition, eight Palestinian civilians, including four children and two brothers, were wounded and some others suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF arrested during the reporting period 29 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and 3 police members. They also seized three houses and transformed them into military sites.
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory, especially in Ramallah and Hebron. For the purpose of the construction of the Wall they confiscated 224 donums [1] of land in the villages of 'Azzoun and Kufor Thuluth near Qalqilya, and 170 donums in the villages of al-Jeeb and Nabi Samuel near Jerusalem. They also ordered the vacation of 4000 donums of land in Nahalin village near Bethlehem. This week, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in protest to the construction of the Wall. Four Palestinian civilians were wounded and a number of others suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Israeli settlers living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. This week, they severely beat 10 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Contrary to Israeli claims, the IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT, including Jerusalem. On Wednesday morning, 23 March 2005, the IOF imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT from the Jewish Purim. This closure continued until Monday morning, 28 March 2005.
In the Gaza Strip, the IOF have continued to completely or partially close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip, and impose severe restrictions on the internal movement of Palestinian civilians. They have also continued to close a number of roads and crossings in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada. The IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities near Israeli settlements, causing more suffering to Palestinian civilians. Since the beginning of this month, the IOF has used a special checking set, which causes health problems. This week, IOF continued to impose severe restrictions on travel through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border. They also arrested a man and his son.
In the West Bank, IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. This week, the IOF erected a number of sudden military checkpoints. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians and arrested five Palestinian civilians. They also severely beat five civilians. Thousands of Palestinian Christians were denied access to the holy sites in East Jerusalem.
Shelling of and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 24 March 2005
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Ein al-Baida village, east of Jenin, and imposed a curfew. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Aaba village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bassam 'Azmouti, 23, and arrested him.
At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Husain neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided two houses and arrested two Palestinians:
1. Tariq 'Ata al-Razem, 20; and
2. Jamal Fathi al-Razem, 22.
Also at approximately 07:00, IOF moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem, and imposed a curfew.
At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Qaubbat Janeb area in the south of Hebron. They raided a two-storey house belonging to Hussam Hussein al-Jamal, where 16 individuals (4 families) live. They transformed the house into a military site.
Also at approximately 14:00, IOF moved into al-Masharqa neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided 'Abdul Hamid al-Ja'bari's house. They forced the family out and transformed the house into a military site. Soon, a number of Israeli settlers came to the house and organized a dance party inside and outside the house.
At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bashir Fahmi, 25, and arrested him.
Friday, 25 March 2005
At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Salem village, east of Nablus. They raided Mus'ab 'Abdul Kahliq's house. They informed him of an Israeli Military Order under which his house would be seized by IOF for one month. They forced the 14 residents of the house to stay on the first floor and transformed the second floor into a military site. According to the owner, IOF placed the Israeli flag atop the house.
At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Budros village, west of Ramallah. They opened fire at houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the children. Two children suffered from tear gas inhalation: Mayar Hamza Hannoun, 2; and her sister Yara, 3. In addition, three children were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets:
1. Tha'er Jalil 'Awad, 17, wounded in the head;
2. Sanad Shehada 'Awad, 16, wounded in the head; and
3. Husni Joma'a Husni, 13, wounded in the left forearm.
Saturday, 26 March 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 12:30, an Israeli military jeep moved into Sabastia village, northwest of Nablus. It chased a Palestinian taxi driven by Baha'a Riad 'Aazem, 21. The taxi crashed and turned upside down and the driver was injured. A Palestinian ambulance arrived at the area, but IOF did not allow it to evacuate the driver to the hospital and arrested him.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ne'ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided Karim Anees 'Abdu's house and arrested his two children: Anas, 13; and Saleh, 15. IOF claimed that the two children threw stones at them.
At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Husain neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fahad Nasser al-Ja'bari, 26, and arrested him.
Monday, 28 March 2005
At approximately 02:00, IOF, reinforced by about 30 military vehicles and a number of helicopters, moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They opened fire at houses. Then, they raided and searched a number of houses and arrested six Palestinians, including three brothers:
1. Ibrahim Hassan Mishqah, 18;
2. Mohammed Hassan Mishqah, 28;
3. Ahmed Hassan Mishqah, 30;
4. 'Alaa' Ibrahim 'Obaid, 19;
5. Mohammed Sa'id Marzouq, 25; and
6. Nidaa' Fakhri Zakarna, 27.
IOF claimed that these Palestinians are members of the Islamic Jihad.
At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinians:
1. Mahmoud Hafez Melhem, 22;
2. Fadi Ahmed Melhem, 24; and
3. Ahmed Mahmoud Jaber, 19.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinians who are members of the Palestinian National Security Force:
1. Hammam Hatem Sa'abna, 20;
2. Hassan Hatem Sa'abna, 23; and
3. Sa'ed Husni Sa'abna, 23.
In the evening an infantry unit of IOF moved into Kufor Qallil village, south of Nablus. The IOF opened fire at a Palestinian civilian when he looked through his window, wounding him in the jaw. When his brother attempted to offer him help, the IOF opened fire at the two, seriously wounding both of them:
1. Nemer Fu'ad 'Aamer, 26, wounded by 2 live bullets in the jaw and the chest; and
2. Midhat Fu'ad 'Aamer, 25, wounded by 2 live bullets in the abdomen.
In his testimony to PCHR, their father said:
"At approximately 23:00 on Monday, 28 March 2005, while my son Nember, 25, was sitting near a window on the upper floor of my house, he saw a number of Israeli soldiers infiltrating into the village. They entered a neighbouring deserted house. My son awoke me and told me about what he saw. At approximately 23:40, my son looked through the window while sitting on his bed. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at him. He was wounded in the jaw. He cried and ran towards the first floor, where my other son Midhat, 25, lives. I phoned the emergency department of Palestine Red Crescent Society and moved to the first floor, but no ambulance had arrived for 15 minutes. Midhat decided to evacuate his wounded brother to the hospital in a private car. When the two were about to travel in the car, IOF fired at them from the deserted house. Midhat was wounded by two live bullets in the abdomen and Nemer was wounded by another live bullet in the chest. Nemer ran for nearly 70 meters and then fell onto the ground. I started to cry: 'help my sons.' Four young men who were hiding behind the walls of their houses attempted to help him, but IOF opened fire at them. They called on Nemer to creep towards them and he did. Three minutes later, an ambulance arrived and evacuated my sons to the hospital. The distance between my house and the deserted house is only five metres."
Tuesday, 29 March 2005
At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Jama'in village, south of Nablus. They raided a number of houses and forced their residents out. Then, they arrested three Palestinians, including two brothers:
1. 'Abdul Halim 'Aaref Hassan, 18;
2. Eihab 'Aaref Hassan, 20; and
3. 'Abdul Karim Amin, 18.
At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ma'an Ahmed Abu 'Allan, 40. They also broke windows of a number of parked cars.
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Sourif village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Sufian Abu Hatta, 21, and arrested him.
At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Za'tara village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fahad 'Ali Rashid, 25, and arrested him.
In the morning, IOF arrested three members of the Palestinian traffic police while they were on duty in the center of Hebron. Two members of the detainees were identified as:
1. Ibrahim Abu Zunaid, 37; and
2. Nasser Sabarna, 34.
Wednesday, 30 March 2005
At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched four houses, but no arrests were reported.
At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They opened fire at houses. A woman and a child were wounded:
1. Ghada 'Abdul Rahim 'Asa'sa, 29, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the shoulder; and
2. Mahfouz Shadid, 12, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.
Also at approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm, and imposed a curfew. They raided a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
Continued Siege on the OPT
IOF have 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 Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. They have continued to completely or partially close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip, and impose severe restrictions on the internal movement of Palestinian civilians. Furthermore, the suffering of Palestinian civilians living in areas near Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip has continued.
With regard to internal movement, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) even though they have increased the hours of opening the two checkpoints. They often close the two checkpoints and hold and check Palestinian civilians in between.
IOF have also continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. Male Palestinians aged 16-35 have been prohibited from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area. Only 150 civilians are allowed to exit the area daily, but under severe restrictions. On Monday, 28 March 2005, IOF held Palestinian civilians who were on their way back to al-Mawasi area for several hours. IOF and settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. With regard to education, 1430 schoolchildren study at one school in the area, which lacks electricity and water. The school also lacks teachers of a number of subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. Only one teacher from outside the area is allowed to teach at this school, and he is prevented sometimes from entering the area. As a result of such conditions, the school was forces to cancel the scientific section, so students who wish to study science have to go to Khan Yunis. Israeli troops frequently close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area.
IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada such as the western Rafah – Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore the IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements, particularly al-Sayafa area between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. At least 180 Palestinian civilians live in the area, including 47 students, one physician, 5 public employees, 50 children and 7 patients.
The daily suffering of Palestinian civilians living in al-Sayafa area is demonstrated in the following:
1. Palestinian civilians aged under 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination.
2. A very limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area, but following coordination.
3. University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30.
4. The area lack paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot.
5. IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area from 07:00 to 09:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
6. The area lacks basic services, such as electricity, as IOF have prevented establishing an electricity network in the area.
7. Patients have to walk or transport on animal cart as ambulances are not allowed to enter the area without coordination, which often takes a long time.
8. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area.
In the same context, IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip. The area has lacked water and telephone networks for three years after IOF had destroyed them. According to residents of the area, they obtain water from a well in the area or bring it from Deir al-Balah. IOF do not allow any Palestinian living outside the area from entering the area.
At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 30 March 2005, IOF informed residents of a house belonging to Isma'il Jama'an al-Sumairi, near "Kissufim" settler road, that their movement from and to their house will be limited to certain times everyday; from 06:00 to 08:00, from 10:30 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 17:30. The house has been under an Israeli siege since 7 June 2004, when IOF established a fence along the aforementioned road.
Contrary to official Israeli claims regarding allowing Palestinian workers to enter Israel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, IOF allowed only 4000 workers who have valid work permits to enter Israel this week. Workers who can work in Israel must be over 35, married and approved by Israeli security services. On 28 March 2005, IOF reopened the crossing after the Jewish Purim.
The daily suffering of Palestinian workers at Erez crossing is demonstrated in the following:
1. Workers are subject to strict and prolonged checking and humiliation on their way to their work places.
2. Some of them are subject to interrogation by Israeli security services.
3. Many workers are prevented from entering Israel for security claims.
4. Work permits of workers who do not go to their work for a period that exceeds one week are cancelled.
5. On 13 March 2005, IOF established a new route equipped with cameras, where workers are checked before reaching the two passage routes at the crossing.
On Monday, 28 March 2005, while IOF were checking workers, an Israeli soldier suddenly closed one of the iron gates at the crossing. As a result, one of the workers, 44-year-old Mazen Hassan Lubbad, sustained bruises and fractures throughout the body.
A number of patients who suffer from serious diseases are sometimes allowed to enter Israel, but following prior coordination and under inhuman conditions. Patients have to wait for long hours before they are forced to walk or move on wheelchairs to endure security checks. Only patients who suffer from serious diseases are allowed to travel in ambulances, while other patients have to travel in taxis after passing through checking.
IOF have continued to impose severe restriction on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. Even though, IOF declared last week that they would ease these restrictions, they have allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel through the crossing and 270 one to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. The crossing has been operating in a very limited capacity, which has damaged goods and caused large losses to Palestinian traders.
Even though Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border is open, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on travel. The crossing point is opened from 09:00 to 17:00 everyday. Even though, IOF have allowed Palestinians aged 16-35 to travel through the crossing since 20 February 2005, they have continued to summon and interrogate a number of these Palestinians. This week, many Palestinian travelers had to wait for several days at the Palestinian side of the crossing point, as IOF allowed a small number of travelers to travel on each day. Since the beginning of this month, IOF has used a special checking set, which causes health problems. Although the Palestinian side rejected the use of this set, IOF have continued to use it. On 24 March 2005, IOF positioned at the crossing point arrested Na'im Sha'ban al-Buhaisi, 50, and his son Rami, 29.
The West Bank
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
Jerusalem
IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. These measures coincide with the Easter holiday. They denied the access of Palestinian Christians to the holy sites in the city. IOF claimed that they issued thousands of permits to thousands of Christians, but according to churches, the number of permits was only 250.
Ramallah
IOF erected a number of checkpoints on the main roads leading to Ramallah and al-Bireh. They erected a number of checkpoints on Ramallah – Nablus road. They stopped and searched a number of Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday morning, 28 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Oyoun al-Haramiya crossroads. They stopped and searched all Palestinian vehicles that were traveling towards Ramallah.
Nablus
Contrary to Israeli claims, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around Nablus continued to impose restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They continued to stop and search Palestinian vehicles. IOF positioned at Beit Eiba and Hawara checkpoints continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from crossing the two checkpoints in their cars without special permits issued for this purpose.
Tulkarm
Contrary to Israeli claims regarding easing the siege imposed on the town after IOF had handed over the security responsibility for the town to the Palestinian side, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 24 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of the town. They stopped dozens of Palestinian civilians who were traveling to Tulkarm many of whom were held for a long time. On Friday, 25 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Zieta crossroads, north of the town, and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 26 March 2005, IOF blocked the road between the villages of Kufor al-Labad and Shoufa with sand barriers. IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Ennab crossroads, east of Tulkarm.
Jenin
On Sunday, 27 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Ein al-Hilwa crossroads, east of Jenin. They stopped and checked passing Palestinian civilians.
Hebron
On Thursday, 24 March 2005, IOF established two electronic gates at the entrances to the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old town of Hebron to control access of Palestinian civilians to the mosque. These restrictions have sharply decreased the number of Palestinian worshipers. On Friday, 25 March 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians were not able to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque for the Friday Prayer, due to prolonged checking conducted by IOF at the new electronic gates, which lead to the electronic doors of the mosque, which were established following the 1994 massacre committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinian worshipers who were inside the mosque.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
On Saturday at noon, 26 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Shaqba village, west of Ramallah, and arrested 'Ammar Ahmed Thabet, 26.
Also at noon, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Qassem 'Abdullah al-Heeh, 25, from Hebron, when he was on his way back to the West Bank.
At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 26 March 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested Ahmed Rasmi Dumairi, 23, a university student from Tulkarm refugee camp.
On Tuesday evening, 29 March 2005, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point arrested Mohammed Khalil Doufash, 37, from Hebron, when he was on his way back to the West Bank, after he had attended a conference of pharmacists in United Arab Emirates.
Attacks on Palestinian Civilians at Military Checkpoints
On Sunday, 27 March 2005, IOF severely beat 3 Palestinian civilians in 3 separate incidents in Hebron. At approximately 12:30, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in the old town severely beat 19-year-old Samer 'Azmi Edrees. He sustained bruises throughout the body. At the same time, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in the north of al-Shuhda Street severely beat 21-year-old Kazem Jawad Abu 'Omar. He sustained bruises throughout the body. At approximately 14:30, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint in Jaber neighborhood severely beat Wadee' Rasmi Jaber, 23. He sustained bruises throughout the body. They also held him for 3 hours.
On Sunday morning, 27 March 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Allr – 'Attil crossroads, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. When a Palestinian civilian, 50-year-old Taleb Khader Darwish, protested prolonged checking, IOF severely beat him. They also held him for several hours.
On Tuesday morning, 29 March 2005, IOF positioned to the north of Tulkarm severely beat Mohammed Hussein Qashwa', 80, from 'Allar village. The accused him of warning wanted Palestinians of the presence of IOF in the area. Qashwa' fainted and a number of passing Palestinian civilians evacuated him to the hospital.
Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory, especially Ramallah and Hebron. They have confiscated more areas of Palestinian land for this purpose.
On Tuesday morning, 29 March 2005, IOF resumed the construction of a second section of the wall in Um Safa village, west of Ramallah. The new phase of the construction would include 2 kilometers of the wall in Baten Huraiz area, which is planted with almonds and olives.
On Wednesday morning, 30 March 2005, IOF started to construct a new section of the wall in the south of the West Bank. The length of the new section will be 43 kilometers and will extend from Tarqoumia village, northwest of Hebron, to al-Sammou' village, southwest of the town. According to Israeli sources, IOF have completed the construction of 215 kilometers of the wall, whose full length will be 764 kilometers.
On Friday, 26 March 2005, IOF handed a military order to residents of the villages of Kufor Thuluth and 'Azzoun, east of Qalqilya, confiscating 224 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives in the two villages. This order was one in a series of military orders aimed at constructing a section of the wall, which will surround the settlements of "Kerneh Shomron", "Qidoumim", "Emanuel" and "Ma'ale Shomron. This construction will annex at least 40,000 donums of land in Qalqilya district.
On Sunday, 27 March 2005, IOF handed notices to a number of residents of Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem, to vacate at least 4,000 donums of their agricultural land planted with olives, grapes and almonds, in 45 days.
On Tuesday, 29 March 2005, IOF handed military orders to a number of residents of the villages of al-Jeeb and Nabi Samuel, northwest of Jerusalem, seizing at least 170 donums of their agricultural land, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall.
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 25 March 2005, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Deir Ballout village, southwest of Nablus, in protest to the construction of the wall on the land of the village. IOF positioned in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets and dozens of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Two demonstrators, including a child, were wounded:
1. Mohammed Kamal Mousa, 12, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullets in the right shoulder;
2. Jasser 'Abdullah Mousa, 45, wounded by a tear gas canister in the right leg.
At approximately 13:00 on the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians and members of Israeli and international solidarity groups organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They attempted to obstruct the construction of the wall in the area. Immediately, IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. A Palestinian civilian, 27-year-old Ibrahim Wajeeh, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head, and a woman, 30-year-old Sameera Jalal, suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 28 March 2005, IOF positioned near the wall fired at a Palestinian shepherd, Jalal Ahmed Abu Zalata, from Ethna village to the west of Hebron, when he was grazing animals near the wall in the neighboring Beit 'Awa village. He was wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh.
IOF have continued to impose restrictions on access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural land on both sides of the wall. According to Palestinian farmers, IOF have closed the iron gates established on the wall, which lead to their agricultural land around Tulkarm. IOF have refused to issue permits to farmers to go to their agricultural land. Palestinian farmers are concerned that such measures may prevent them from farming their land, which will deprive them of their main source of outcome.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the OPT John Dugard stated in a press conference in Geneva during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Committee that the issue of the wall constitutes a great challenge to the international community, which requires effective action by the United Nations, especially following the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. Dugard also warned against the removal of this issue from the international agenda as it remained a priority.
According to the annual report 2004 on human rights and democracy published by the US Department of State, the Israeli annexation wall and military checkpoints impact on Palestinian's right to free worship. The US expressed particular concerns regarding the impacts of the wall on access to Christian and Muslim holy sites and religious institutions that provide educational opportunities and contribute to health and welfare affairs. The seizure of religious sites and the establishment of security zones constitute a major problem, the report further adds.
According to the Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B'Tselem), nearly half a million Palestinian living in 85 communities will be affected by the construction of the wall. Fourteen communities, where at least 24,000 Palestinians live, will be isolated to the west of the wall. In addition, 53 communities, where at least 230,000 Palestinians live, will be surrounded on at least 3 sides. The wall will also isolate 18 communities, where 220,000 Palestinians live, in East Jerusalem. B'Tselem states also that 55 Israeli settlements, including 12 in Jerusalem, where at least 322,000 settlers live, will be placed to the west of the wall, whereas 79 settlements, where at least 84,000 settlers live, will be placed to the east of the wall.
Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli settlers living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. IOF have continued to confiscate areas of Palestinian land for settlement activities.
As Israeli settlers were celebrating the Jewish Purim, they launched a series of attacks on Palestinian civilians and property in Hebron.
At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 24 March 2005, a female Israeli settler stopped 9-year-old Yousef Hisham al-'Azza, when he was on his way back home from school, and took him to "Ramat Yishai" settlement in the center of Hebron. There, she severely beat him using a stone. His teeth were broken and he sustained serious bruises in the back and the limbs. IOF did witnessed this attack, but did not intervene to stop it.
In the evening, a number of Israeli settlers from "Avraham Avino" settlement in the center of Hebron attacked a number of Palestinian houses at al-Sahla Street in the south of the town using stones. Four houses were damaged.
On Friday morning, 25 March 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement in the center of Hebron attacked Mohammed Hamed Abu 'Eisha's house in Tal Rumaida neighborhood with stones and empty bottles. The house was damaged.
Also on Friday morning, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma'oun" settlement, south of Hebron, attacked dozens of Palestinian civilians and members of international solidarity groups using stones to prevent them from cleaning grazing areas from poisonous food brought by settlers last week. Four people were injured. It is worth noting that 6 sheep died from these feeds.
On Friday evening, a number of Israeli settlers from "Etana'eil" settlement, southwest of Hebron, held 5 Palestinian farmers from the neighboring Karma village for two hours, when they were cultivating almonds from their agricultural land.
At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 26 March 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from the "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc in the southern Gaza Strip closed the coastal road between Khan Yunis and Rafah and prevented movement of Palestinian civilians. The settlers beat a schoolchild, 15-year-old Ahmed Khamis Zo'rob, when he was on his way to school in the al-Mawasi area. At approximately 15:30, the settlers beat 3 other schoolchildren:
1. Mahrous Hilal al-Farra, 10;
2. Majed Sa'id al-Farra, 9; and
3. Saleh Ibrahim al-Farra, 11.
The closure of the coastal road between Rafah and Khan Yunis continued until 15:00 on Sunday, 27 March 2005.
At approximately 14:20 on Friday, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement in the center of Hebron threw stones at Palestinian civilians and homes in Tal Rumaida neighborhood. These attacks continued until 17:00. A Palestinian child, 8-year-old Sharif Tayseer Abu 'Eisha, sustained bruises in the back.
At approximately 17:30, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron, threw stones and empty bottles at two houses in Wad al-Husain neighborhood. They also threatened to burn the two houses.
At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 25 March 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yitshar" settlement, south of Nablus, threw stones at Palestinian houses in the neighboring 'Assira village. At night, the settlers resumed their attacks on the village. The spokesman of settlers claimed that "a number of boys were drunk in the Purim and moved to the village and clashes with Arabs, and when adult settlers saw the clashes they brought the boys back to the settlement." Eyewitnesses refuted this claim and asserted that adult settlers participated in these attacks.
On Friday afternoon, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yitshar" settlement, south of Nablus, severely beat Rahma Ibrahim Hawari, 50, from 'Ainabous village, south of Nablus, when she was near her house in the neighboring 'Assira village. She sustained injuries and bruises in the body.
***
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 the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as a state above law and 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 its legal obligations detailed in article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and solidarity groups to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals and to urge their governments to bring these war criminals to justice.
5. 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 the import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
6. PCHR calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights.
7. PCHR welcomes the ICJ Advisory Opinion which has confirmed international law and made clear the legal obligations of Israel to dismantle the wall, and the associated regime and has further made clear the obligations of the international community that they must now take firm action, through the UNGA and UNSC, to “ensure respect” by Israel for the Fourth Geneva convention and the Advisory Opinion.
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 OPTs, including for facilitating 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 solidarity groups, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of international solidarity groups to the OPT, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.
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 agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.
“END”
Public Document
**************************************
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail:pchr [at] pchrgaza.org. Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
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