8 feb 2015
Israeli forces suppress peaceful protest in Hebron.
Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) for the reporting period of 29 January - 04 February 2015.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian boy and wounded 5 others, including 4 children, in the West Bank while a child sustained a bullet wound in East Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas, while Israeli navy forces continued to chase and open fire at Palestinian fishing boats.
In the West Bank, in excessive use of forces, on 31 January 2015, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian boy from Burin village, south of Nablus, and wounded and arrested another one. Both boys were among a group of youngsters throwing Molotov cocktails at settler cars near "Yets'har" settlement, south of Nablus.
In the same context, Israeli forces continued to use excessive forces against peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. As a result, a 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and a 14-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left knee.
In the same context, 2 Palestinian children were wounded during another protest at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
On 21 February 2015, a Palestinian child sustained a bullet wound to the leg while grazing the sheep in Yasoul valley neighbourhood, in Selwan village, south of the Old City of East Jerusalem, as a settler fired at him.
In the Gaza Strip, on 30 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in Khuza'a village, west of the said fence, but no casualties were reported.
On 31 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at lands in al-Qarara, Abassan and Khuza'a villages, west of the said fence.
On 01 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians participating in a protest organized by the national movement to break the siege in the east of Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 10 times on 29 January, 01, 02 and 03 February 2015, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 55 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 52 Palestinians, including 11 children and 2 women, one of whom is a journalist. Eleven of these Palestinians, including 7 children and the journalist, were arrested in Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, on 29 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence arrested 2 Palestinian children, who attempted to sneak into Israel via the border fence, east of Rafah. On 30 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence arrested 3 Palestinian civilians while sneaking into Israel via the fence as well, east of Rafah. In addition, on 02 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, northeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while attempting to sneak into Israel too.
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 8 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian patient who obtained a permit to travel to the West Bank for medical treatment, while another civilian accompanying his father was arrested while the father was denied travel for medical treatment.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
On 29 January 2015, Israeli forces demolished a tin-made shed for cows, in al-Risha valley, west of Ethna, west of Hebron, under the pretext of none-licensing. They also demolished a tin-made house in al-Ras neighbourhood, in the same village.
On 01 February 2015, Israeli forces handed 2 Palestinian civilians from Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, notices to halt construction works. Moreover, they closed with cement cubes the entrance to Abu al-Touq area, due to which over 300 Palestinians were isolated and denied access to the main street. Israeli forces also seized a tractor under the pretext it was used to transport construction materials to the notified house.
On 02 February 2015, Israeli forces demolished 2 agricultural rooms in Marah area, south of Qasra village, southeast of Nablus, and an agricultural well in the same area. They then headed to the north-eastern entrance of the village and demolished a retaining wall.
On 03 February 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into the mountainous area where al-Jahaleen family, northwest of Ramallah. They handed them 5 notices to demolish 3 tents and 2 barns.
On 29 January 2015, a group of settlers attempted to kidnap a 2.5-year-old child while being with his relatives in al-Mukaber Mount, south of East Jerusalem. The child is the son of Ghassan Abu Jamal, who was killed by Israeli forces on 08 November 2014, following the attack on a synagogue in the city.
Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall:
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 children were wounded. Israeli forces also detained a 39-year-old member of the popular committee against the annexation wall and settlement activities, and released him 90 minutes later.
In the same context, 2 children were wounded during 2 other peaceful protests at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday prayer, on 30 January 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Early in the morning, Israeli forces closed all entrances to the city to prevent Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders from participating in the protests. Protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. Israeli forces detained 39-year-old Mohammed Abdul Karim al-Khateeb, member of the popular committee against the annexation wall and settlement activities in the village. He was released 90 minutes later.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way in the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation, and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village. As a result, 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah.
Also following the Friday prayer, at approximately 12:20, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 14-year-old Ra'ed Nasser Ishtaiwi sustained a bullet wound to the left knee.
Other demonstrations
Also following the Friday prayer, on 30 January 2015, dozens of Palestinian gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages near bypass road (60). Demonstrators threw stones at the aforementioned road. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up.
On the same day, dozens of children and young men gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of "Beit Eil" settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 2 children were wounded; a 16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and another 16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the head.
At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the "container" checkpoint confronted a peaceful protest organized by a number of Palestinians and international solidarity activists against the visit of the Israeli president to Hebron's Old Town. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters, due to which, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
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.
The total closure of al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
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.
The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. The crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks due to cold weather and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and using gas as an alternative in many instances of electricity. The lack of diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run generators. As a result, the demand for gas further increased.
For almost 7 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of construction materials for the private sector. However, on 13 October 2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing tunnels. Last week, Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for UNRWA and UNDP projects. As a result, construction works have completely stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have been obstructed so far.
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.
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 denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.
West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
· Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces established another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou'a village, south of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 30 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou'a village, south of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ezna village, west of Hwbron. Around the same time, they established another checkpoint at the northern entrance of Yata, south of the city. At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Taramah village, south of Dura, southwest of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Bani Na'im village, east of Hebron. Later, Both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 03 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-'Aroub refugee camp, north of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces reestablished 'Atarah checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit, north of Ramallah. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 30 January 2015, Israeli forces established closed the eastern entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah, with an iron gate established at the aforementioned entrance. Israeli forces prevented civilians from leaving or entering via the entrance. At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city. At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Nil’in village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces established another checkpoint near the intersection of Beit 'Oar al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah. All checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit 'Oar al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces established another checkpoint on al-Mo'arajat Road between Jericho and Ramallah. Later, both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 17:00, they established a checkpoint near the southern entrance of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:35 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of the city. At approximately 12:10, they established another at the eastern entrance of the city, east of the city. At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of 'Ezbet al-Tabib, east of the city. At approximately 21:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of 'Ezbet al-Tabib, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city and then reestablished it at approximately 18:00 and detained Saher Nasim al-'Aajez, member of the Palestinian National Security Service, and Majed Mohammed al-'Aamer, Member of the Preventive Security Service. Israeli forces later released them.
At approximately 19:25 on Sunday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun village, east of the city, while at approximately 19:30 they established another checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun village. Israeli forces re-established it at approximately 22:10. At approximately 20:20, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeensafout village, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far'oan village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces stationed ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported. The tightening renewed on Friday and Saturday. They re-tightened their restrictions at approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, and at approximately 23:30 on Sunday, 01 February 2014.
· Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 23:30 on Friday, 30 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of 'Arabah village, south of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between the villages of Ya'abod and Zebdah, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafl Haris village, north of Salfit and closed the iron gate of the aforementioned entrance. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no further incidents were reported.
At approximately 16:15 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Mardah village, north of Salfit. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:55 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Ballut village, west of Salfit. At approximately 22:00, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints:
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 16 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of "Gosh 'Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem, arrested Muhanned Mohammed Yousif Akhlil (23) when he was on his way to the gate of the aforementioned settlement to ask about his sister, Fidaa' (20), who had been arrested a couple of days earlier, and took him into the settlement.
At approximately 04:30 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-'Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They arrested Yasser Mohammed Salah Abu Ragab (23) from Hebron and then removed the checkpoint taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination.
At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the gates of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City of Hebron, arrested 'Adnan Mohammed Soliman Abu Saleh (19) from Dura under the pretext of having a knife and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces deployed in the Old City neighborhoods in Hebron, arrested Ghassan Mohammed Abu Saleh (18) from Dura and took him to "Ja'abrah" police station claiming that the aforementioned boy refused to obey orders by the Israeli soldiers.
At approximately 06:00, on Tuesday, 03 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed at "al-Container" checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem arrested Subhi 'Abdel Qader Masalmah (19) from Deir Samit refugee camp, southwest of Hebron. They arrested the aforementioned civilian when he was on his way to visit his brothers in 'Ofer Prison, southwest of Ramallah, and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 09:00 on the same day, Israeli forces deployed in the Old City neighborhoods in Hebron arrested Yousif Manif Qazzaz (15) and took him to "Ja'abrah" police station claiming that the aforementioned boy refused to obey the Israeli soldiers.
Efforts to create Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem:
At approximately 04:00 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Abu al-Hawa in al-Tour neighborhoods, east of Occupied Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Omer (17), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 05:00 on the same day, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo'ataz Abu Mayalah in Ras al-'Aamoud neighborhood, in East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Nidal (17), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 15:00 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces arrested Enas 'Omer al-Tamimi (16) from Ras Khamis neighborhood while crossing the checkpoint of Sho'afat refugee camp, north of Occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli soldiers stationed at the checkpoint detained her in one of the interrogation rooms until she was released half an hour later.
At approximately 05:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed al-Hadrah, in al-Tour neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Na'im (17), and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 05:50 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mousa Abu Jom'aah, in al-Tour neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, 'Issa (21), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 16:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli forces arrested journalist Sabrin "Abdeidat (24) when she was present in the yards of al-Aqsa Mosaque in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem and took him to "al-Qashlah" station to question him.
At approximately 03:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces moved into Bab Hatah neighborhood in the Old City in Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched in the neighborhood, from which they arrested mo'men Nader Hashimah (15) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of Eastern Jerusalem. They stationed in the street of schools when the students were on their way out from their schools. A number of students threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired gas canisters and chased a number of them. As a result, dozens of students and residents suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers arrested 4 of the students and youngsters from the neighborhood when they tried to prevent the israeli soldiers from arresting a 10-year-old boy. The detainees were identified as Yazan al-A'awar (15); 'Abdullah Siyam (14); Mohammed Yaser Abu al-Hawa (22); Mahmoud Ibrahim Abu Jom'aah (21).
On Thursday, 29 January 2014, a group of Israeli settlers tried to kidnap Mohammed Abu al-Jamal (2 years and a half) when he was with his relatives in Jabal al-Mokaber village, south of East Jerusalem. The child is the son of Ghassan Abu al-Jamal, who was killed by the Israeli forces on 18 November 2014 after attacking a synagogue in Occupied Jerusalem.
Mo'aawiyah Abu al-Jamal, the child's uncle, said to a PCHR fieldworker that Mohammed was with his uncles and brothers in a health center in the village and when he was playing in front of the health center, an Israeli settler kidnapped him and ran away to "Armon Hantsiv" established on the village lands until his uncles rescued him. The female settler travelled her car, in which there were 3 settlers (two young men and a female settler).
On Sunday, 01 February 2015, a Palestinian child was hit by a bullet to his foot when an Israeli settler opened fire at him while the child was grazing sheep in Yasoul Valley neighborhood in Selwan village, south of Old City in East Jerusalem.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the testimony of his brother, Suhaib Burqan, at approximately 15:00 on the aforementioned day, when Mohammed Yousif Burqan (17) was grazing his sheep in Yasoul Valley neighborhood between al-Jabal Mokaber and al-Thawri neighborhoods in occupied Jerusalem, a group of settlers, showed up, one of whom was carrying a gun and he shot the child from a distance of 5 meters. As a result, the child sustained a bullet wound in his foot. Suhaib said that he went with his brother to the scene and when they heard the sound of shooting, they saw their brother lying on the ground and a group of settlers surrounding him. When they tried to rescue him, one of the Israeli settlers pointed the gun at them and threatened them. The settlers then ran away.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer in addition to a digger moved into al-Rishah Valley area, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. They stationed in the area and then demolished a 1,000-square meter shed made of tin for cows under the pretext of none-licensing. This shed belongs to Mahmoud Msalam Abu Jheishah (48). At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces withdrew from al-Ra's area as they demolished a tin-made house built on an area of 30 square meters. This house belongs to Ahmed Jamal al-Jayawi.
At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in Qarn al-Thawr area, southeast of the village. Meanwhile a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer arrived at the area under the pretext of not obtaining a construction license. The Civil Administration officer handed 2 Palestinian civilians, notices to halt construction works. The notices included the concrete foundations of a 600-square-meter building belonging to Mustafa 'Eid Mohammed Anjoum and a digger to build a 500-square-meter house belonging to 'Aref Mahmoud Salem Anjoum. Moreover, they closed with cement cubes the entrance to Abu al-Touq, due to which over 300 Palestinians were isolated and denied access to the main street. Israeli forces also seized a tractor belonging to Ghazi Fawzi Abu 'Ayyash under the pretext it was used to transport construction materials to the notified house. The tractor was then dragged by a truck and later brought to "Kermi Tsour" settlement.
At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer in addition to a digger moved into Marah area, south of Qasrah village, southeast of Nablus. The bulldozer levelled two 16-square-meter agricultural rooms belonging to Akram Taysir 'Odah and Samir Mustafa Hasan and an agricultural well in the same area belonging to Anwar Taysir 'Odah. The rooms were funded by the French Consulate in Occupied Jerusalem. They then headed to the north-eastern entrance of the village in Ras Saniyah area near "Majdolim" settlement and demolished a wall belonging to Rajeh Kan'aan and Rezeq 'Awad 'Odah.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces prevented persons from the families of Abu Mariah and Sabarnah from Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, from entering their lands behind the security fence in "Kermi Yatsour" settlement established on the Palestinian lands, south of Beit Ummar despite having licenses to do so.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 03 February 2015, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles and accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into the mountainous area where al-Jahaleen family lives near 'Ein Ayoub area, west of Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah. They handed them 5 notices to demolish 3 tents and 2 barns.
The notices included the following:
1. A 15-square-meter tent where 3 family members live and a 60-square-meter barn belonging to Ahmed Mousa 'Ali Jahalin;
2. A 70-square-meter tent where 8 family members live and a 60-square-meter barn belonging to Sayyah 'Ali Jahalin; and
3. A 50-square-meter tent where 2 family members live belonging to Sarah Mohammed Hasan.
Full, detailed document
Israeli forces have continued with systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) for the reporting period of 29 January - 04 February 2015.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian boy and wounded 5 others, including 4 children, in the West Bank while a child sustained a bullet wound in East Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas, while Israeli navy forces continued to chase and open fire at Palestinian fishing boats.
In the West Bank, in excessive use of forces, on 31 January 2015, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian boy from Burin village, south of Nablus, and wounded and arrested another one. Both boys were among a group of youngsters throwing Molotov cocktails at settler cars near "Yets'har" settlement, south of Nablus.
In the same context, Israeli forces continued to use excessive forces against peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. As a result, a 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and a 14-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left knee.
In the same context, 2 Palestinian children were wounded during another protest at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
On 21 February 2015, a Palestinian child sustained a bullet wound to the leg while grazing the sheep in Yasoul valley neighbourhood, in Selwan village, south of the Old City of East Jerusalem, as a settler fired at him.
In the Gaza Strip, on 30 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in Khuza'a village, west of the said fence, but no casualties were reported.
On 31 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at lands in al-Qarara, Abassan and Khuza'a villages, west of the said fence.
On 01 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians participating in a protest organized by the national movement to break the siege in the east of Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 10 times on 29 January, 01, 02 and 03 February 2015, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 55 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 52 Palestinians, including 11 children and 2 women, one of whom is a journalist. Eleven of these Palestinians, including 7 children and the journalist, were arrested in Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, on 29 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence arrested 2 Palestinian children, who attempted to sneak into Israel via the border fence, east of Rafah. On 30 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence arrested 3 Palestinian civilians while sneaking into Israel via the fence as well, east of Rafah. In addition, on 02 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, northeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, while attempting to sneak into Israel too.
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 8 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian patient who obtained a permit to travel to the West Bank for medical treatment, while another civilian accompanying his father was arrested while the father was denied travel for medical treatment.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
On 29 January 2015, Israeli forces demolished a tin-made shed for cows, in al-Risha valley, west of Ethna, west of Hebron, under the pretext of none-licensing. They also demolished a tin-made house in al-Ras neighbourhood, in the same village.
On 01 February 2015, Israeli forces handed 2 Palestinian civilians from Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron, notices to halt construction works. Moreover, they closed with cement cubes the entrance to Abu al-Touq area, due to which over 300 Palestinians were isolated and denied access to the main street. Israeli forces also seized a tractor under the pretext it was used to transport construction materials to the notified house.
On 02 February 2015, Israeli forces demolished 2 agricultural rooms in Marah area, south of Qasra village, southeast of Nablus, and an agricultural well in the same area. They then headed to the north-eastern entrance of the village and demolished a retaining wall.
On 03 February 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into the mountainous area where al-Jahaleen family, northwest of Ramallah. They handed them 5 notices to demolish 3 tents and 2 barns.
On 29 January 2015, a group of settlers attempted to kidnap a 2.5-year-old child while being with his relatives in al-Mukaber Mount, south of East Jerusalem. The child is the son of Ghassan Abu Jamal, who was killed by Israeli forces on 08 November 2014, following the attack on a synagogue in the city.
Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall:
During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 children were wounded. Israeli forces also detained a 39-year-old member of the popular committee against the annexation wall and settlement activities, and released him 90 minutes later.
In the same context, 2 children were wounded during 2 other peaceful protests at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
(PCHR keeps the names of the wounded in fear of being arrested by the Israeli forces within its policy to oppress the peaceful protests and prevent Palestinian civilians from participating).
Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity
Following the Friday prayer, on 30 January 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Early in the morning, Israeli forces closed all entrances to the city to prevent Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders from participating in the protests. Protestors marched by the annexation wall and tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and wastewater at them and chased them into the olive fields. Israeli forces detained 39-year-old Mohammed Abdul Karim al-Khateeb, member of the popular committee against the annexation wall and settlement activities in the village. He was released 90 minutes later.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbwires and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way in the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation, and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village. As a result, 15-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and was taken to Palestine Medical Compound in Ramallah.
Also following the Friday prayer, at approximately 12:20, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. The demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 14-year-old Ra'ed Nasser Ishtaiwi sustained a bullet wound to the left knee.
Other demonstrations
Also following the Friday prayer, on 30 January 2015, dozens of Palestinian gathered at the western entrance of the Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Silwad and Yabroud villages near bypass road (60). Demonstrators threw stones at the aforementioned road. In response, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up.
On the same day, dozens of children and young men gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of "Beit Eil" settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 2 children were wounded; a 16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh and another 16-year-old child sustained a bullet wound to the head.
At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the "container" checkpoint confronted a peaceful protest organized by a number of Palestinians and international solidarity activists against the visit of the Israeli president to Hebron's Old Town. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters, due to which, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
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.
The total closure of al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which were dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
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.
The cooking gas crisis has fluctuated due to the closure of Karm Abu Salem for security claims. According to PCHR’s follow-up, Israeli authorities only allow an average of 98 tons of cooking gas into Gaza per day. This limited quantity is less than half of the daily needs, which is 200 tons per day of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during winter. The crisis has unprecedentedly aggravated for around six weeks due to cold weather and overconsumption in addition to the power outage and using gas as an alternative in many instances of electricity. The lack of diesel and benzene led to the aggravation of the crisis as a result of using the gas cylinder for cars or as an alternative for benzene to run generators. As a result, the demand for gas further increased.
For almost 7 consecutive years, Israeli forces have continued to prevent the delivery of construction materials to the Gaza Strip. Two years ago, Israeli forces approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations in the Gaza Strip. On 17 September 2013, they allowed the entry of limited quantities of construction materials for the private sector. However, on 13 October 2013, they re-banned it claiming that these materials are used for constructing tunnels. Last week, Israeli forces allowed the entry of construction materials only for UNRWA and UNDP projects. As a result, construction works have completely stopped impacting all sectors related to construction and an increase in unemployment levels. During the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in July and August 2014, Israeli authorities did not allow the entry of any construction materials. As a result, vital and infrastructure projects have been obstructed so far.
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.
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 denied permission to access hospitals via the crossing for new categories of patients from the Gaza Strip.
West Bank
Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:
· Hebron: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces established another checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou'a village, south of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 30 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. Later, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Sunday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Samou'a village, south of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ezna village, west of Hwbron. Around the same time, they established another checkpoint at the northern entrance of Yata, south of the city. At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Taramah village, south of Dura, southwest of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Hebron. At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Bani Na'im village, east of Hebron. Later, Both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 06:00 on Tuesday, 03 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-'Aroub refugee camp, north of the city. Later, the checkpoint was removed and no arrests were reported.
· Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces reestablished 'Atarah checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bir Zeit, north of Ramallah. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 30 January 2015, Israeli forces established closed the eastern entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northeast of Ramallah, with an iron gate established at the aforementioned entrance. Israeli forces prevented civilians from leaving or entering via the entrance. At approximately 10:30, Israeli forces established a checkpoint under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city. At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint at the entrance of Nil’in village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces established another checkpoint near the intersection of Beit 'Oar al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah. All checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Beit 'Oar al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00, Israeli forces established another checkpoint on al-Mo'arajat Road between Jericho and Ramallah. Later, both checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Jericho: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 19 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fasayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 17:00, they established a checkpoint near the southern entrance of the city. Later, both checkpoints were removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Qalqilya: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 07:35 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jeet village, northeast of the city. At approximately 12:10, they established another at the eastern entrance of the city, east of the city. At approximately 17:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of 'Ezbet al-Tabib, east of the city. At approximately 21:00, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of 'Ezbet al-Tabib, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 14:30 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of the city and then reestablished it at approximately 18:00 and detained Saher Nasim al-'Aajez, member of the Palestinian National Security Service, and Majed Mohammed al-'Aamer, Member of the Preventive Security Service. Israeli forces later released them.
At approximately 19:25 on Sunday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun village, east of the city, while at approximately 19:30 they established another checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azoun village. Israeli forces re-established it at approximately 22:10. At approximately 20:20, another checkpoint was established at the entrance of Jeensafout village, east of the city. All checkpoints were removed and no arrests were reported.
· Tulkarm: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far'oan village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces stationed ‘Annab military checkpoint which is established on the road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of the city, tightened their restrictions against civilians and obstructed their movement. Later that day, the tightening ended and no arrests were reported. The tightening renewed on Friday and Saturday. They re-tightened their restrictions at approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, and at approximately 23:30 on Sunday, 01 February 2014.
· Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 23:30 on Friday, 30 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus near the intersection of 'Arabah village, south of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the road between the villages of Ya'abod and Zebdah, southwest of Jenin. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
· Salfit: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2014, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kafl Haris village, north of Salfit and closed the iron gate of the aforementioned entrance. Israeli forces later withdrew, and no further incidents were reported.
At approximately 16:15 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Mardah village, north of Salfit. The checkpoint was later removed, and no arrests were reported.
At approximately 20:55 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Deir Ballut village, west of Salfit. At approximately 22:00, the checkpoint was removed, and no arrests were reported.
Arrests and Maltreatment at Military Checkpoints:
At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 16 January 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance of "Gosh 'Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem, arrested Muhanned Mohammed Yousif Akhlil (23) when he was on his way to the gate of the aforementioned settlement to ask about his sister, Fidaa' (20), who had been arrested a couple of days earlier, and took him into the settlement.
At approximately 04:30 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-'Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They arrested Yasser Mohammed Salah Abu Ragab (23) from Hebron and then removed the checkpoint taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination.
At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed at the gates of al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City of Hebron, arrested 'Adnan Mohammed Soliman Abu Saleh (19) from Dura under the pretext of having a knife and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces deployed in the Old City neighborhoods in Hebron, arrested Ghassan Mohammed Abu Saleh (18) from Dura and took him to "Ja'abrah" police station claiming that the aforementioned boy refused to obey orders by the Israeli soldiers.
At approximately 06:00, on Tuesday, 03 February 2015, Israeli forces stationed at "al-Container" checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem arrested Subhi 'Abdel Qader Masalmah (19) from Deir Samit refugee camp, southwest of Hebron. They arrested the aforementioned civilian when he was on his way to visit his brothers in 'Ofer Prison, southwest of Ramallah, and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 09:00 on the same day, Israeli forces deployed in the Old City neighborhoods in Hebron arrested Yousif Manif Qazzaz (15) and took him to "Ja'abrah" police station claiming that the aforementioned boy refused to obey the Israeli soldiers.
Efforts to create Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem:
At approximately 04:00 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Abu al-Hawa in al-Tour neighborhoods, east of Occupied Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Omer (17), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 05:00 on the same day, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mo'ataz Abu Mayalah in Ras al-'Aamoud neighborhood, in East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Nidal (17), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 15:00 on the aforementioned day, Israeli forces arrested Enas 'Omer al-Tamimi (16) from Ras Khamis neighborhood while crossing the checkpoint of Sho'afat refugee camp, north of Occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli soldiers stationed at the checkpoint detained her in one of the interrogation rooms until she was released half an hour later.
At approximately 05:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed al-Hadrah, in al-Tour neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, Na'im (17), and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 05:50 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mousa Abu Jom'aah, in al-Tour neighbourhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They arrested his son, 'Issa (21), and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 16:00 on the same Sunday, Israeli forces arrested journalist Sabrin "Abdeidat (24) when she was present in the yards of al-Aqsa Mosaque in the Old City of Occupied Jerusalem and took him to "al-Qashlah" station to question him.
At approximately 03:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces moved into Bab Hatah neighborhood in the Old City in Occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched in the neighborhood, from which they arrested mo'men Nader Hashimah (15) and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of Eastern Jerusalem. They stationed in the street of schools when the students were on their way out from their schools. A number of students threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response fired gas canisters and chased a number of them. As a result, dozens of students and residents suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers arrested 4 of the students and youngsters from the neighborhood when they tried to prevent the israeli soldiers from arresting a 10-year-old boy. The detainees were identified as Yazan al-A'awar (15); 'Abdullah Siyam (14); Mohammed Yaser Abu al-Hawa (22); Mahmoud Ibrahim Abu Jom'aah (21).
On Thursday, 29 January 2014, a group of Israeli settlers tried to kidnap Mohammed Abu al-Jamal (2 years and a half) when he was with his relatives in Jabal al-Mokaber village, south of East Jerusalem. The child is the son of Ghassan Abu al-Jamal, who was killed by the Israeli forces on 18 November 2014 after attacking a synagogue in Occupied Jerusalem.
Mo'aawiyah Abu al-Jamal, the child's uncle, said to a PCHR fieldworker that Mohammed was with his uncles and brothers in a health center in the village and when he was playing in front of the health center, an Israeli settler kidnapped him and ran away to "Armon Hantsiv" established on the village lands until his uncles rescued him. The female settler travelled her car, in which there were 3 settlers (two young men and a female settler).
On Sunday, 01 February 2015, a Palestinian child was hit by a bullet to his foot when an Israeli settler opened fire at him while the child was grazing sheep in Yasoul Valley neighborhood in Selwan village, south of Old City in East Jerusalem.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR and the testimony of his brother, Suhaib Burqan, at approximately 15:00 on the aforementioned day, when Mohammed Yousif Burqan (17) was grazing his sheep in Yasoul Valley neighborhood between al-Jabal Mokaber and al-Thawri neighborhoods in occupied Jerusalem, a group of settlers, showed up, one of whom was carrying a gun and he shot the child from a distance of 5 meters. As a result, the child sustained a bullet wound in his foot. Suhaib said that he went with his brother to the scene and when they heard the sound of shooting, they saw their brother lying on the ground and a group of settlers surrounding him. When they tried to rescue him, one of the Israeli settlers pointed the gun at them and threatened them. The settlers then ran away.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 29 January 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer in addition to a digger moved into al-Rishah Valley area, west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. They stationed in the area and then demolished a 1,000-square meter shed made of tin for cows under the pretext of none-licensing. This shed belongs to Mahmoud Msalam Abu Jheishah (48). At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces withdrew from al-Ra's area as they demolished a tin-made house built on an area of 30 square meters. This house belongs to Ahmed Jamal al-Jayawi.
At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 01 February 2015, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They stationed in Qarn al-Thawr area, southeast of the village. Meanwhile a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer arrived at the area under the pretext of not obtaining a construction license. The Civil Administration officer handed 2 Palestinian civilians, notices to halt construction works. The notices included the concrete foundations of a 600-square-meter building belonging to Mustafa 'Eid Mohammed Anjoum and a digger to build a 500-square-meter house belonging to 'Aref Mahmoud Salem Anjoum. Moreover, they closed with cement cubes the entrance to Abu al-Touq, due to which over 300 Palestinians were isolated and denied access to the main street. Israeli forces also seized a tractor belonging to Ghazi Fawzi Abu 'Ayyash under the pretext it was used to transport construction materials to the notified house. The tractor was then dragged by a truck and later brought to "Kermi Tsour" settlement.
At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces accompanied by a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization in the Civil Administration and a bulldozer in addition to a digger moved into Marah area, south of Qasrah village, southeast of Nablus. The bulldozer levelled two 16-square-meter agricultural rooms belonging to Akram Taysir 'Odah and Samir Mustafa Hasan and an agricultural well in the same area belonging to Anwar Taysir 'Odah. The rooms were funded by the French Consulate in Occupied Jerusalem. They then headed to the north-eastern entrance of the village in Ras Saniyah area near "Majdolim" settlement and demolished a wall belonging to Rajeh Kan'aan and Rezeq 'Awad 'Odah.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 02 February 2015, Israeli forces prevented persons from the families of Abu Mariah and Sabarnah from Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, from entering their lands behind the security fence in "Kermi Yatsour" settlement established on the Palestinian lands, south of Beit Ummar despite having licenses to do so.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 03 February 2015, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles and accompanied by a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into the mountainous area where al-Jahaleen family lives near 'Ein Ayoub area, west of Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah. They handed them 5 notices to demolish 3 tents and 2 barns.
The notices included the following:
1. A 15-square-meter tent where 3 family members live and a 60-square-meter barn belonging to Ahmed Mousa 'Ali Jahalin;
2. A 70-square-meter tent where 8 family members live and a 60-square-meter barn belonging to Sayyah 'Ali Jahalin; and
3. A 50-square-meter tent where 2 family members live belonging to Sarah Mohammed Hasan.
Full, detailed document
7 feb 2015
Aminah al-Tawil, an activist defending minor prisoners, said the Palestinian children who are arrested in Israeli jails are subjected to torture and abuse physically and psychologically.
Tawil said, in a statement, there are 320 minor captives, aged 12 to 18, held in Megiddo, Hasharon and Ofer prisons. The youngest is the girl Malak al-Khatib who was arrested more than a month ago.
She added the Palestinian children are held under harsh detention conditions most significant of which are deprivation of the right of family visit and banning the entry of winter clothes and covers. They also complain about overcrowding in rooms lacking the least appropriate accommodation for human beings.
The Palestinian activist said the Israeli occupation blackmails the minors by threats and torture to force them to admit alleged charges. The children are obliged to sign papers written in Hebrew without understanding what is written on it, she said.
Tawil added the issue of minor prisoners is very dangerous as the Israeli Occupation Authority exploits the young age of children in order to make them confess charges that lead to high sentences.
Detainees Committee: “Soldiers Terrorize Children During Arrest, Interrogation”
The Palestinian Detainees and Ex-Detainees Committee has reported, Saturday, that Israeli soldiers deliberately terrorize Palestinian children during their abduction, and while under interrogation.
The Committee said the soldiers continuously shout in the faces of the kidnapped children, assault and beat them, and “drag them to their vehicles in a savage manner, treating them like criminals."
It added that, during interrogation, the children are subject to intimidation, physical and psychological torture, in addition to being threatened that the soldiers would harm their families, especially their mothers and sisters.
The Committee further stated that there has been a dangerous increase in the abduction of children in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, adding that such an escalation indicates deliberate and planned policies.
“The children aren't only beaten and assaulted during the abduction” it stated, “They are often taken to the nearest station; and that is when they are interrogated, forced to stand for extended hours while handcuffed, legs shackled, and blindfolded; they are frequently threatened of bodily harm on them and their families.”
The Detainees Committee further stated that the kidnapped children are subjected to the same treatment, torture and assaults the adult detainees go through, adding that Israel violates all international treaties and agreements regarding the protection of children.
It called on various human rights and legal groups around the world to intervene, and put an end to Israel’s ongoing, and escalating, violations against the children and the civilians in occupied Palestine.
Tawil said, in a statement, there are 320 minor captives, aged 12 to 18, held in Megiddo, Hasharon and Ofer prisons. The youngest is the girl Malak al-Khatib who was arrested more than a month ago.
She added the Palestinian children are held under harsh detention conditions most significant of which are deprivation of the right of family visit and banning the entry of winter clothes and covers. They also complain about overcrowding in rooms lacking the least appropriate accommodation for human beings.
The Palestinian activist said the Israeli occupation blackmails the minors by threats and torture to force them to admit alleged charges. The children are obliged to sign papers written in Hebrew without understanding what is written on it, she said.
Tawil added the issue of minor prisoners is very dangerous as the Israeli Occupation Authority exploits the young age of children in order to make them confess charges that lead to high sentences.
Detainees Committee: “Soldiers Terrorize Children During Arrest, Interrogation”
The Palestinian Detainees and Ex-Detainees Committee has reported, Saturday, that Israeli soldiers deliberately terrorize Palestinian children during their abduction, and while under interrogation.
The Committee said the soldiers continuously shout in the faces of the kidnapped children, assault and beat them, and “drag them to their vehicles in a savage manner, treating them like criminals."
It added that, during interrogation, the children are subject to intimidation, physical and psychological torture, in addition to being threatened that the soldiers would harm their families, especially their mothers and sisters.
The Committee further stated that there has been a dangerous increase in the abduction of children in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, adding that such an escalation indicates deliberate and planned policies.
“The children aren't only beaten and assaulted during the abduction” it stated, “They are often taken to the nearest station; and that is when they are interrogated, forced to stand for extended hours while handcuffed, legs shackled, and blindfolded; they are frequently threatened of bodily harm on them and their families.”
The Detainees Committee further stated that the kidnapped children are subjected to the same treatment, torture and assaults the adult detainees go through, adding that Israel violates all international treaties and agreements regarding the protection of children.
It called on various human rights and legal groups around the world to intervene, and put an end to Israel’s ongoing, and escalating, violations against the children and the civilians in occupied Palestine.
Research institutions and economists said that "Israel misappropriates at least 6 billion dollars of the West Bank resources; oil, gas, marble, rare minerals from the Dead Sea, as well as agriculture and tourism activity."
In October 2013, a study issued by The World Bank indicated that the Palestinian economy lost about 75 billion dollars throughout 22 years of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations as a result of preventing the Palestinians from exploiting the lands known as the (C) areas, and that Israel controls 46% of the Palestinian gross domestic product (GDP). According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the real GDP in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip was 7.3 billion dollars last year.
The World Bank further said that Israel and Jordan together gain about 4.2 billion dollars from the annual sales of the Dead Sea products which comprise 6% of the world's supply of potash and 73% of the world's production of bromine whereas the Palestinians are completely prevented from utilizing their rightful resources, bearing in mind that one-third of the western shore of the Dead Sea lies in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
After Oslo Accords in 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the West Bank was divided into three areas: A, B and C; the A areas 18% of the West Bank are under full control of the Palestinian Authority (PA), B areas, 20% of the West Bank, are under a joint control of Israel and PA, and the C areas, 60% of the West Bank, are under Israeli security and civil control. 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the (C) areas along with 150,000 Palestinians prevented from building or investing.
Adel Shadid, a researcher in Israeli affairs, said in a statement that "the Israeli negotiator bore in mind the economic considerations when the occupied West Bank areas were divided by Oslo Accords."
Oslo Accords state that by 1998 the (C) areas will have been under a full PA control, but that never happened and the number of settlers in that area has notably increased.
Two years ago, a study by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimated the annual loss of the Palestinian economy at 6 billion dollars at the very least.
Sha'wan Jabarin, head of Palestinian al-Haq Foundation, an independent human rights group, said that if the Palestinians were given the chance to utilize the West Bank resources, they would be providing aid to the poor countries instead of depending on foreign and Arab donors to bridge the Palestinian budget deficit which amounted to 1.3 billion dollars last year amid expectations that it will reach 2 billion dollars in 2015.
Dr. Samir Abdullah, the former Palestinian minister of planning, said that the Israeli settlements project is aimed at stealing the Palestinian resources and forcing the indigenous people to migrate other than luring aid from the Zionist groups around the world. He added that settlements’ control over the surface and groundwater aquifers in the West Bank obstructed the development of all the Palestinian economic sectors.
In November 2013, the Palestinian government announced an international tender to explore oil and gas in the West Bank, and re-announced it in March 2014 but the Israeli obstacles prevented the process.
Moreover, the Israeli occupation prevents the Palestinians from opening new quarries and at the same time encourages the Israeli companies to do so, whereas the international law prohibits the occupying power from exploiting the natural resources of the occupied territories.
The harsh living conditions and the high unemployment rates among graduates forced 30,000 Palestinians to work in the industrial and agricultural settlements, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
In October 2013, a study issued by The World Bank indicated that the Palestinian economy lost about 75 billion dollars throughout 22 years of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations as a result of preventing the Palestinians from exploiting the lands known as the (C) areas, and that Israel controls 46% of the Palestinian gross domestic product (GDP). According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the real GDP in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip was 7.3 billion dollars last year.
The World Bank further said that Israel and Jordan together gain about 4.2 billion dollars from the annual sales of the Dead Sea products which comprise 6% of the world's supply of potash and 73% of the world's production of bromine whereas the Palestinians are completely prevented from utilizing their rightful resources, bearing in mind that one-third of the western shore of the Dead Sea lies in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
After Oslo Accords in 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the West Bank was divided into three areas: A, B and C; the A areas 18% of the West Bank are under full control of the Palestinian Authority (PA), B areas, 20% of the West Bank, are under a joint control of Israel and PA, and the C areas, 60% of the West Bank, are under Israeli security and civil control. 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the (C) areas along with 150,000 Palestinians prevented from building or investing.
Adel Shadid, a researcher in Israeli affairs, said in a statement that "the Israeli negotiator bore in mind the economic considerations when the occupied West Bank areas were divided by Oslo Accords."
Oslo Accords state that by 1998 the (C) areas will have been under a full PA control, but that never happened and the number of settlers in that area has notably increased.
Two years ago, a study by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimated the annual loss of the Palestinian economy at 6 billion dollars at the very least.
Sha'wan Jabarin, head of Palestinian al-Haq Foundation, an independent human rights group, said that if the Palestinians were given the chance to utilize the West Bank resources, they would be providing aid to the poor countries instead of depending on foreign and Arab donors to bridge the Palestinian budget deficit which amounted to 1.3 billion dollars last year amid expectations that it will reach 2 billion dollars in 2015.
Dr. Samir Abdullah, the former Palestinian minister of planning, said that the Israeli settlements project is aimed at stealing the Palestinian resources and forcing the indigenous people to migrate other than luring aid from the Zionist groups around the world. He added that settlements’ control over the surface and groundwater aquifers in the West Bank obstructed the development of all the Palestinian economic sectors.
In November 2013, the Palestinian government announced an international tender to explore oil and gas in the West Bank, and re-announced it in March 2014 but the Israeli obstacles prevented the process.
Moreover, the Israeli occupation prevents the Palestinians from opening new quarries and at the same time encourages the Israeli companies to do so, whereas the international law prohibits the occupying power from exploiting the natural resources of the occupied territories.
The harsh living conditions and the high unemployment rates among graduates forced 30,000 Palestinians to work in the industrial and agricultural settlements, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
A ministerial delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) arrived in Norway as part of a series of visits the ministerial team will embark upon to several influential capital cities to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause.
The delegation, headed by the Egyptian foreign minister Samih Shukry and comprising foreign ministers of Palestine, Guinea, a special envoy from the Azerbaijan foreign ministry, and the Secretary General of the OIC, met Thursday with the Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, according to OIC's statement on Friday.
The OIC delegation briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on the Israeli violations and practices that foiled nearly a quarter of a century of peace talks.
The delegation pointed to Israel's successive settlement and separation wall construction, systematic Judaization plans, and doubling the number of illegal settlers in the West Bank to 600,000.
The ministerial delegation stressed the need that any future peace negotiations must be based on a specific time-frame and international guarantees.
The delegation had praised the close links and excellent relations between the Kingdom of Norway and the Muslim world. The delegates expressed appreciation for Norway’s historic stances and earnest efforts in support of Palestinians’ rights and its participation in the international efforts towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question.
The OIC ministerial delegation shed light on Israeli violations to Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, warning in the meantime that any Israeli attempt to target al-Aqsa Mosque could ignite a religious war in the area.
For his part, the Norwegian foreign minister expressed his country’s readiness to continue its historic role in support of peace and stability in the region.
He stressed Norway’s support for the two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative, saying that Israeli illegal settlement expansion would never be acceptable and would remain an obstacle to peace.
The delegation’s visit to Norway is part of the plan of action adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the cause of Palestine at the international arena.
The delegation, headed by the Egyptian foreign minister Samih Shukry and comprising foreign ministers of Palestine, Guinea, a special envoy from the Azerbaijan foreign ministry, and the Secretary General of the OIC, met Thursday with the Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, according to OIC's statement on Friday.
The OIC delegation briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on the Israeli violations and practices that foiled nearly a quarter of a century of peace talks.
The delegation pointed to Israel's successive settlement and separation wall construction, systematic Judaization plans, and doubling the number of illegal settlers in the West Bank to 600,000.
The ministerial delegation stressed the need that any future peace negotiations must be based on a specific time-frame and international guarantees.
The delegation had praised the close links and excellent relations between the Kingdom of Norway and the Muslim world. The delegates expressed appreciation for Norway’s historic stances and earnest efforts in support of Palestinians’ rights and its participation in the international efforts towards a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question.
The OIC ministerial delegation shed light on Israeli violations to Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, warning in the meantime that any Israeli attempt to target al-Aqsa Mosque could ignite a religious war in the area.
For his part, the Norwegian foreign minister expressed his country’s readiness to continue its historic role in support of peace and stability in the region.
He stressed Norway’s support for the two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative, saying that Israeli illegal settlement expansion would never be acceptable and would remain an obstacle to peace.
The delegation’s visit to Norway is part of the plan of action adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the cause of Palestine at the international arena.