Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(06 – 12 April 2017)
- A Palestinian young man from al-Jalazoun refugee camp succumbed to his wounds.
- Israeli forces continued to target the Gaza Strip border areas, but no casualties were reported.
- Israeli forces conducted 49 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 10 ones in Jerusalem.
- 71 civilians, including 11 children, were arrested; 33 of whom, including 5 children, were in Jerusalem.
- Among the arrested were Ahmed Atoun, PLC member representing Hamas movement, and the spokesperson of Hamas movement in Ramallah and al-Bireh.
- 10 cars in Silwad and equipment in a metal workshop were damaged and confiscated.
- Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
- 3 families in Silwan village were notified to vacate their houses because of cracks resulting from digging works beneath.
- Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
- Settlers raided a number of areas under the protection of Israeli forces to celebrate their Passover holiday.
- Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th
- Due to the Jewish Passover holiday, the Israeli authorities imposed a security closure on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
- Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
- 5 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at military checkpoints.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (06 – 12 April 2017).
Shooting:
During the reporting period, a Palestinian young man succumbed to wounds he sustained earlier in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to open fire at Palestinian farmers at the border areas.
In the West Bank, on 10 April 2017, medical sources at Assuta Medical Center in Tel Aviv pronounced Jasem Nakhleh, from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, dead due to wounds he sustained earlier. The aforementioned person was wounded on 23 March 2017, when Israeli soldiers stationed in a watchtower around “Beit Eil” settlement, north of Ramallah, opened fire at a civilian car with 5 passengers inside, including 3 children. As a result, Mohammed Khattab (17) died immediately while the 4 others, including Nakhleh, were wounded then. Nakhleh was taken to Palestine Medical Center in Ramallah, but on 27 March 2017, he was transferred to Assuta Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where he remained until he passed away.
In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting the border areas, on 07 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza valley, opened fire at farmers and shepherds, but no casualties were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 49 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 10 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 71 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children. Thirty-three of them, including 5 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem. Among the arrested were Ahmed Atwan (52), PLC member representing the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas movement, and Fayez Abu Warda, Hamas spokesperson in Ramallah and al-Bireh.
During the incursions, Israeli forces confiscated NIS 5,000 belonging to Sa’ed Hamad (32) and damaged and confiscated 10 civilian cars in Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. In addition, they withdrew work permits from dozens of Palestinian young men that used to allow them to work in Israel. In Hebron, Israeli forces confiscated equipment from a metal workshop belonging to Ra’fat al-Sharabati. The confiscated equipment are estimated at NIS 200,000.
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 2 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 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons. Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.
The Israeli authorities decided to close the West Bank and Gaza Strip border crossings from Sunday, 09 April 2017, to Monday, 17 April 2017, due to the Jewish Passover. Israeli sources added that only humanitarian cases and doctors would be allowed to travel.
Details
- Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
Thursday, 06 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Ahmed Yusuf Hasan Ekhleil (29), ‘Essa ‘Ali ‘Essa ‘Awad (30). They also handed summonses to Aktham Yusuf Hasan Ekhleil (25) and Hammad Ahmed Abu Maria (23) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem. When Ekhleil and Abu Maria went to the interview at approximately 09:00, the Israeli forces arrested them.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Za’tarah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Za’al al-Sahouri (23) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Marwan Husain ‘Essa (24) and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tal village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested the brothers ‘Ezzat (27) and Mahmoud Mohammed ‘Ezzat Yamin (22).
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hasan Mahmoud al-Sheikh (34) and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Noor Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Ismail ‘Ezzat Jaber (24), Ramez Abdul Hakim ‘Eliyan (20) and ‘Emad Mahmoud Masharqah (30).
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saf Street in the central city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Khader Shawkah (27) and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Far’oun, south of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Loai ‘Ael Hani Omer (22) and then arrested him.
- Also around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Thenaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses from which they arrested Ahmed al-Araj (26) and Bassam Mer’i (46).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ektaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ghazi Salah Hassan Masharqa (22). They arrested the aforementioned person and withdrew later.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nemrah neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Asem Marwan al-Tarturi (27).
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Samou’, Ehtna, Tawas and al-Raihiyyah in Hebron.
Friday, 07 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in Jabal al-Mawaleh area in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed ‘Awwad Mousa (22) and then arrested them.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer Thawabtah and then arrested his son Zakaria (17).
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Handazah Mount, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Suleiman Ahmed ‘Abiyat (55) and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eslam Kamel al-Zubaidi (22) and Mohammed al-Bukhari (25).
- At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah to carry out arrest campaign. Shatha Hammad (26) from the village said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli forces patrolled between neighborhoods amidst firing sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Hammad, who carried out a run-over attack on 24 April 2016. The Israeli forces also raided and searched a house belonging to the arrested civilian Malek Ahmed Mousa Hamed and then handed demolition notices for the two families. The soldiers also confiscated around NIS 5000 belonging to Saed Ahmed Hammad (32). Following that, the soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 3 civilians, including a child. They also withdrew work permits in Israel belonging to dozens of young men in the village and damaged and confiscated 10 civilian cars. These punitive measures came after the run-over attack carried out by Malek Hammad in the previous day at the intersection of “Ofra” settlement established on lands of the abovementioned village. As a result, an Israeli soldier was killed while another was wounded. The arrested civilians were identified as Mohammed Omer Hamed (23), Mo’tasem Abdul Majid Hamed (30) and Mousa Ahmed Hamed (17).
- At approximately 15:30, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza Valley village (Johr al-Deek) in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds. As a result, the farmers and shepherds were forced to flee from the area for fear of their lives, but no casualties were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Osarin village, southeast of Nablus; al-Fawar refugee camp, al-Mawreq village in Hebron.
Saturday, 08 April 2017
- At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saf Street in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abu ‘Ahour and then arrested his son As’ad (16).
Sunday, 09 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces accompanied with several military jeeps and truck moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Qafan Khmais area. They raided and searched a lathe workshop belonging to Ashraf Fehmi Fahed al-Karki (37) from al-Harayeq area in Hebron. They opened the doors with special equipment and then confiscated a number of the machines by the truck. They then welded the door with oxygen and fixed a military closure decision in Hebrew to the workshop doors until 06 June 2017, claiming that it supports terrorism.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqabet Taffuh neighbourhood, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Maher Abdul Salam Naji Shurbati (50) and 4 other apartments inhabited by his sons in the same building in addition to a lathe workshop. The house and apartments were violently searched as the soldiers broke 2 wooden doors. Moreover, the soldiers searched the workshop and confiscated a number of iron samples made by the abovementioned civilian. The soldiers then gathered the residents of the 5 apartments in the father’s apartment and locked them for two hours, claiming to search for weapons. Before the soldiers left the house, they arrested Maher’s son, Ra’fat (30). At approximately 10:00, Ra’fat was released from the detention centre in “Kiryat Arba” settlement after they interrogated him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces move into Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, and stationed in al-‘Aroud area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Akram ‘Ayed al-Tarwah and then withdrew, but no arrests were reported.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-‘Aroub refugee camp, Bani Na’im village in Hebron, Beta village, southeast of Nablus.
Monday, 10 April 2017
- At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqabet Taffouh neighbourhood, west of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to Maher Abdul Salam Naji Shurbati (50) and the apartment of his son Ra’fat (30) and then locked Ra’fat’s family in his father’s house. The soldiers then used a police dog and metal detector in searching the apartment and then took Ra’fat to a jeep. They broke the doors of a lathe workshop and confiscated 9 machines and 10 electric hand tools. The confiscated items cost around NIS 200,000. It should be noted that the Israeli soldiers did not leave any military decision or a list of the confiscated item. At approximately 03:00, they withdrew taking Ra’fat to an unknown destination.
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Sanour village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Ahmed Nayef ‘Esah (25) and Mohammed Khaled ‘Essah (23).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into southern area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mos’ab ‘Ali Abu Turki (30) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Mohammed Abdul Qader Nafe’i (16) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 13:35, Israeli forces stationed near the entrance to Kufur Malek village, northeast of Ramallah, fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the Palestinian civilians, who were at the abovementioned entrance, but no casualties were reported.
- In the evening hours, medical resources in “Assuta” Hospital in Tel Aviv announced the death of Jasem Mohammed Mahmoud Nakhlah (18) from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah due to his previous wounds.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 23 March 2017, the Israeli soldiers stationed in the watchtowers established on the western outskirts of “Beit Eil” settlement, north of Ramallah, adjacent to al-Jalazoun refugee camp from the eastern side. They opened fire at a civilian car travelled by 5 Palestinians, including 3 children; five of them were from the abovementioned camp. As a result, Mohamemd Hattab (17) sustained 2 live bullet wounds to the chest and shoulder while the 4 others were wounded, including Jasem who sustained 2 live bullet wounds to the head and right thigh. The wounded child was taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah as his condition was classified as serious. On 27 March 2017, Jasem was transferred to “Assuta” Hospital in Tel Aviv. The medical sources said he was clinically dead until his death was announced.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ethna, Beit Ummer, al-Shyoukh villages an Roq’ah area in Yatta; Bedia village, west of Salfit.
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
- At approximately 16:00, an Israeli infantry unit moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, from “Carmi Tsur” settlement established on confiscated lands, south of the abovementioned city. They stationed in Shu’ab al-Seir area and patrolled between houses. After that, a number of young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who randomly fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them in response.
Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Tarqumiyah, Sa’ir and al-Hadab villages in Hebron.
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
- At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Husan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested Amir Mohammed Za’oul (16) and Bashar Mohammed Sebatin (15).
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dura, west of Hebron, and stationed in Abu Helal area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hazem Khaled Mahmoud Khelaf (24) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Duheisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Monjed al-Laham (18) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Birah village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed ‘Atoun (52), a PLC Member representing the Reform and Change Bloc of Hamas Movement from Jerusalem. They then arrested him and withdrew. It should be noted that ‘Atoun, was a former prisoner, who served more than 12 years in the Israeli prisons. He was also denied access to the city 7 years ago as the Israeli forces withdrew his Jerusalemite ID card. Thus, the number of arrested PLC Members increased to 13 persons. Following that, the Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Fayez Ahmed Abu Wardah (55) and then arrested him. It should be noted that Abu Wardah is the spokesperson of Hamas Movement in Ramallah.
- Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
West Bank:
- Following the Friday prayer on 07 April 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, and in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protestors, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
- At approximately 13:30 on Monday, 10 April 2017, a number of young men gathered near the entrance to “Psagot” settlement established on the eastern outskirts in al-Birah. They threw stones and empty bottles near the abovementioned settlement’s fence. The Israeli soldiers fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets at the young men in response, but no casualties were reported.
- 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
(28 March- 09 April 2017)
| Date | Imports | ||||
| Category | Amount | ||||
| Tons | Number | Liters | |||
| 28 March | Various goods | 4334 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 18715 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 250,560 | ||||
| Benzene | 154,026 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 375,96375,980 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 493,203 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 14000 | ||||
| Cement | 4078 | ||||
| Construction steel | 602 | ||||
| 29 March | Various goods | 4609 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 14709 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 252,020 | ||||
| Benzene | 75,014 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 256,96638,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 482,965 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 10000 | ||||
| Cement | 4031 | ||||
| Construction steel | 135 | ||||
| 05 April | Various goods | 4732 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 17906 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 249,680 | ||||
| Benzene | 190,023 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 1,423,96438,000 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 13200 | ||||
| Cement | 13200 | ||||
| Construction steel | 160 | ||||
| Various goods | 4912 | ||||
| Humanitarian aid | 19127 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 247,440 | ||||
| Benzene | 145,992 | ||||
| 06 April | DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 790,99476,000 | |||
| Construction aggregates | 13600 | ||||
| Cement | 4171 | ||||
| Construction steel | 922 | ||||
| 09 April | Various goods | 4674 | |||
| Humanitarian aid | 22122 | ||||
| Cooking gas | 254,170 | ||||
| Benzene | 342,995 | ||||
| DieselDiesel for UNRWA | 487,94038,000 | ||||
| Industrial fuel | 561,007 | ||||
| Construction aggregates | 4156 | ||||
| Cement | 935 | ||||
| Construction steel | 16000 | ||||
Note:
- On Tuesday, 28 March 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of lemons.
- On Wednesday, 29 March 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 8 truckloads of tomatoes; 2 truckloads of cucumbers; a truckload of eggplant; a truckload of peppers; a truckload of squash; 3 truckloads of aluminum scrap; 1.5 tons of sweet peppers; 2.5 tons of cauliflower; 0.8 tons of cabbages; 0.36 tons of garlic; and 0.3 tons of mints.
- On Wednesday, 05 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 21 truckloads of tomatoes; 3 truckloads of cucumbers; a truckload of eggplant; a truckload of peppers; 2 truckloads of squash; a truckload of aluminum scrap; a truckload of clothes; 1 ton of cabbage; 0.030 tons of tarragon; 0.8 tons of cabbages; 0.63 tons of garlic; and 0.26 tons of mints.
- On Thursday, 05 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of 16 truckloads of tomatoes; 2 truckloads of cucumbers; a truckload of eggplant; a truckload of peppers; a truckload of squash; 0.4 ton of cabbage; 10.1 tons of sweet peppers; 0.36 tons of garlic; and 0.3 tons of mints.
- On Sunday, 09 April 2017, Israeli authorities allowed the exportation of a truckload of furniture and 9 truckloads of vegetables.
Note: 28 and 29 March 2017 are included in this weekly report as they were not mentioned in the last one.
Beit Hanoun (“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
(05-11 April 2017)
| Category | 05 April | 06April | 07 April | 08 April | 09 April | 10 April | 11 April |
| Patients | 55 | 39 | – | – | 81 | 41 | – |
| Companions | 49 | 32 | – | – | 78 | 37 | – |
| Personal needs | 21 | 26 | 7 | – | 34 | 2 | – |
| Familiesof prisoners | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Arabs fromIsrael | – | 5 | 8 | – | 11 | – | – |
| Diplomats | 9 | 3 | 5 | – | – | – | – |
| International journalists | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| International workers | 14 | 39 | 1 | – | 10 | – | – |
| TravelersAbroad | – | 2 | – | – | 1 | – | – |
| Business people | 9 | 6 | 3 | – | 241 | – | – |
| Business meetings | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Security interviews | 10 | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | – |
| VIPs | 1 | – | 2 | – | 1 | – | – |
| Ambulances to Israel | 6 | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | – |
| Patients’ Companions | 6 | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | – |
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: Israeli forces established (17) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 06 April 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints on Jalajel and Abu Risha roads and at the entrance to Beit ‘Awaa village.
On Sunday, 09 April 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron and at the entrances to al-Simiyia and Beit ‘Awaa villages.
On Tuesday, 11 April 2017, Israeli forces established 6 checkpoints at the entrances to al-‘Aroub and al-Fawar refugee camps, at the northern entrance to Hebron and at the entrances to Ethna, Sa’ir and Beit ‘Aynoun villages.
On Wednesday, 12 April 2017, 5 checkpoints were established at the southern entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp; at the northern entrance to Yatta village; at the northern entrance to Halhoul village; and at the entrances to Bani Na’iem and Beit ‘Awaa villages.
- Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established (15) checkpoints all over the city.
On Thursday, 06 April 2017, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints at the entrances to Silwad, Deir Jareer and ‘Ain Yabroud villages, northeast of the city; at ‘Ain Sina village’s intersection and at al-Taiba village’s intersection ( al-Mo’arajat road between Ramallah and Jericho).
On Saturday, 08 April 2017, Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints under ‘Ain Yabroud village’s bridge, northeast of Ramallah; at the entrances to al-Nabi Saleh and ‘Aboud villages, northwest of the city and at the entrances to Beit ‘Ur al-Fouqa and Ni’lin villages, west of the city.
At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 09 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and at the entrance to Burqa village, east of the city.
On Monday, 10 April 2017, Israeli forces closed ‘Atara checkpoint at the northern entrance to Birzeit, north of Ramallah. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces closed he checkpoint with sand barriers and barbed wires, so they isolated villages in the north of the city from villages in the center of the city. As a result, the village’s residents will be forced to take other roads. In addition, the Israeli forces closed 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Kherbatha al-Mosbah village, west of Ramallah, and at the entrance to Silwad village, northeast of the city.
At approximately 19:30 on Tuesday, 11 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at ‘Atara village’s bridge, north of Ramallah.
- Salfit: Israeli forces established (7) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 14:30 on Monday, 10 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance to Salfit and at approximately 18:10, they established the same checkpoint again. At approximately 23:25, a similar checkpoint was established under Askaka village’s bridge, east of the city.
- Qalqiliyia: Israeli forces established (8) checkpoints all over the city.
At approximately 20:00 on Friday, 07 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqiliyia.
On Saturday, 08 April 2017, 4 similar checkpoints were established at the eastern entrance to Qalqilyia; at the entrance to ‘Azoun village, east of the city; and between al-Fondouq and Hijah villages, east of the city.
On Monday, 10 April 2017, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Azoun and Jeet villages and between Jayyous and al-Fondouq villages, northeast of the city.
- Jericho: Israeli forces established (5) checkpoints all over the city.
On Friday, 07 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho. They searched civilian vehicles and checked their IDs, but no arrests were reported.
On Saturday, 08 April 2017, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern and southern entrances to Jericho.
At approximately 21:40 on Sunday, 09 April 2017, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho.
At approximately 21:30 on Tuesday, 11 April 2017, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jericho.
Arrests at military checkpoints:
- At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 06 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed in the vicinity of “Ofer” settlement, northeast of Ramllah, arrested Malik Ahmed Mousa Hamed (22), from Silwad village, under the pretext of carrying out a run-over attack against 2 Israeli soldiers. Malik was then taken to al-Maskoubiyia investigation center in occupied Jerusalem.
- At approximately 16:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Jinsafout village, east of Qalqiliya. They searched civilian vehicles and checked their IDs. They also arrested an officer from the Preventive Security Service (PPS), Ali Hasan al-Khouli, from Tulkarm.
- At approximately 10:30 on Friday, 07 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at checkpoint (300), north of Bethlehem, arrested Suliman Hammad Abu Jalghif (57) while passing through the checkpoint in occupied Jerusalem to perform the Friday prayer in al-Aqsa Mosque.
- At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 11 April 2017, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, where they established a military watchtower, arrested Ahmed Sameer Abed al-Rahman Abu ‘Ayish (16). The Israeli forces claimed that Ahmed threw stones towards the Israeli soldiers. They then took him to the watchtower and he was then released few hours later.
- At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces stationed at Jabi’ checkpoint, south of Ramallah, arrested Mo’tasem Sameer ‘Isaa Barghith (22), from Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron.
- 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:
Arrests and Incursions:
- At approximately 00:30 on Thursday, 06 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yaseen Khamees Ibrahim (26) and arrested him.
- At approximately 08:30 on Thursday, Israeli forces moved into Subaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Obaida Ibrahim ‘Omairah (28) and handed him an order preventing him from entering the West Bank for 6 months under the pretext of security reasons.
- At approximately 00:00 on Sunday, 09 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided houses from which they arrested 12 civilians. PCHR keeps the names of arrested persons.
- At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighbourhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 5 civilians, including 2 children. The arrested persons were identified as Fareed Iyad Abu al-Hawa (16), Mohamed Sameer Abu al-Hawa (14), Mohamed Khalil Sbitan (18), Ahmed Mohamed ‘Ashaier (19) and Bahaa Tayseer Abu Jum’a (24).
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Naseem Khalil Kulib (17) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Ras al-‘Amoud neighbourhood, east of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested ‘Odai Rebhi Sanaqrat (24) and Ahmed Wael al-Rukun (22).
- At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Wad al-Jouz neighbourhood, east of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested Mohamed ‘Ashour (19) and Yousef Abu Shosha (21).
- At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 10 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raid and searched houses from which they arrested Malek Hisahm al-Qaq (15) and ‘Izz al-Deen Omar Da’nah (16).
- At approximately 21:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into al-Wad neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Majed Raghb Ja’bah (36) and arrested him. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities released Majed last month after he served 3 years and a half in the Israeli jails. Majed is the father of 4 children and he was arrested many times and served around 6 years in the Israeli jails. Moreover, he is the brother of a prisoner, Fadi al-Ja’bah, who is arrested in Nafha prison.
- At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 11 April 2017, Israeli forces moved into many neighbourhoods in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 7 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as Subaieh Musbah Abu Subaieh (19), Jihad Naser Qous (23), Mohamed Akram Zughair (22), Ahmed Jouda (21), Othman Masarwa (22), Mostafa Abu Irmilah (23)and Rauhi Kalghasi (24).
Houses Demolition:
- On Thursday, 06 April 2017, the Israeli Municipality issued a decision to vacate and close 3 residential apartments in Wad al-Helwa neighbourhood in Selwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. This decision was issued due to cracks and collapses in the apartments’ foundations resulting from digging tunnels beneath. These apartments belong to Hamed ‘Owaidah, Abed ‘Owaidah and Suliman ‘Owaidah and shelter 16 members, including 10 children. ‘Owaidah family said that digging works under their apartments unprecedentedly increased during the past 3 days. In addition, the sound of the machines is clear and continue for many hours. The family members felt vibrations while they were in their houses that resulted in expanding the landslides and cracks in the walls and foundations. The family also said that yesterday they called the police in order to bring the municipality crews to examine the apartments. The police and municipality crews added that they took photos for the apartments, cracks and landslides after the municipality engineer issued an immediate decision to vacate and close the apartments. The municipality engineer classified these apartments as dangerous buildings for which he warned the family from staying there. ‘Owaidah family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the municipality’s engineer told them that the cracks and landslides happened due to tunnels dug beneath. He also informed the family that they will come again to examine the apartments. The Israeli authorities began the digging works under the abovementioned neighborhood since 2007. After the residents headed to the Israeli courts, they were able to make a precautionary order to stop works under their houses for 14 months. After that, the Israeli court issued a decision that allows the Israeli bodies to carry out digging works, in addition, they do not pose any risk on the residents’ life. It should be noted that the digging works continued without taking into account the residents safety. The Israeli authorities, such as the Nature Authority, the Antiquities Authority, the al-‘Ad settlement Association and the Gigoun Water Company, are trying to evade responsibility for any digging works in the neighborhood.
- Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli Settlers:
- At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 12 April 2017, a group of Israeli settlers moved into al-Birkah village, west of Yatta, south of Hebron, under the Israeli forces protection. The Israeli forces established checkpoints and prevented Palestinian civilians from passing. In addition, the Israeli settlers were performing their religious rituals in al-Birkah village’s park. At approximately 10:00, the Israeli forces closed Beir al-Sabi’ street in the center of Hebron and forced Palestinian civilians to close their shops. Dozens of the Israeli settlers came to an archaeological site called “Etena’el Tomb”, where they performed their religious rituals on the occasion of the (Passover) Jewish.
- On Wednesday, a group of Israeli settlers moved into Sabastiyia village, northwest of Nablus, under the Israeli forces protection. The Israeli forces established checkpoints and prevented Palestinian civilians from passing. In addition, the Israeli settlers performed their religious rituals on the occasion of the (Passover) Jewish.
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 10 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967. PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it. PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005. PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law. Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
- PCHR calls upon the ICC in 2017 to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
- PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
- PCHR calls upon the international community 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 international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
- PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
- PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
- PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
- PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
- PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
- PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area
Uprooted Palestinian 
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