3 june 2016
Ayelet Shaked and the Ministry of Justice published a list of left leaning NGOs who recieve the majority of their funding from outside of Israel; Many funds come from foreign governments, embassies
The Ministry of Justice as come out with a list of 27 Israeli human rights organizations which receive the majority of their budgets from foreign sponsors. The details include organizations which are supported by European nations, international organizations, and private organizations from outside of Israel.
The details were compiled by the NGO Registrars Office in the Ministry of Justice in response to members of the Opposition who oppose a law which forces NGOs to disclose all sources of foreign funding.
The following is a list of some of the NGOS who receive the majority of their budgets from foreign donors:
Al Masdar: Works to ensure rights of Arabs in the Golan Heights 100% of their budget comes from governments of Germany, the EU, and Denmark
B'Tselem: Works to ensure Palestinian human rights in the West Bank and Gaza 69% of their budget comes from Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, and the EU
Bimkom: Advanced just building practices which are respectful of human rights 79% of their budget comes from the Irish embassy in Israel, and the governments of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark
Gisha: Works to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.59% of their budget comes from the governments of Norway, Ireland, Britain, the Netherlands, and the UN
The Public Committee against Torture in Israel: Works to protect prisoners from torture in Israeli prisons 100% of their budget comes from the governments of the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the EU, the UN, and the German embassy in Israel
Yesh Din: Volunteer lawyers who represent West Bank Palestinians, work to end the Israeli presence in the West Bank. 88% of their budget comes from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Britain, and the EU
Who Profits: A leader in the BDS movement, successfully campaigned to have Orange Telecom leave Israel 80% of their budget comes from sources outside of Israel
Zochrot: advocates renouncing Israeli colonialism and returning Palestinians displaced in 1948 and their decedents to their former villages. 96% of their budget comes from organizations in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Canada, and other countries.
Breaking the Silence: Advocates for soldiers to speak out against the Israeli presence in the West Bank 60% of their budget comes from organizations in or the governments of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the European Union, and the Norwegian Embassy in Israel.
The Ministry of Justice as come out with a list of 27 Israeli human rights organizations which receive the majority of their budgets from foreign sponsors. The details include organizations which are supported by European nations, international organizations, and private organizations from outside of Israel.
The details were compiled by the NGO Registrars Office in the Ministry of Justice in response to members of the Opposition who oppose a law which forces NGOs to disclose all sources of foreign funding.
The following is a list of some of the NGOS who receive the majority of their budgets from foreign donors:
Al Masdar: Works to ensure rights of Arabs in the Golan Heights 100% of their budget comes from governments of Germany, the EU, and Denmark
B'Tselem: Works to ensure Palestinian human rights in the West Bank and Gaza 69% of their budget comes from Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, and the EU
Bimkom: Advanced just building practices which are respectful of human rights 79% of their budget comes from the Irish embassy in Israel, and the governments of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark
Gisha: Works to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.59% of their budget comes from the governments of Norway, Ireland, Britain, the Netherlands, and the UN
The Public Committee against Torture in Israel: Works to protect prisoners from torture in Israeli prisons 100% of their budget comes from the governments of the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the EU, the UN, and the German embassy in Israel
Yesh Din: Volunteer lawyers who represent West Bank Palestinians, work to end the Israeli presence in the West Bank. 88% of their budget comes from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Britain, and the EU
Who Profits: A leader in the BDS movement, successfully campaigned to have Orange Telecom leave Israel 80% of their budget comes from sources outside of Israel
Zochrot: advocates renouncing Israeli colonialism and returning Palestinians displaced in 1948 and their decedents to their former villages. 96% of their budget comes from organizations in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Canada, and other countries.
Breaking the Silence: Advocates for soldiers to speak out against the Israeli presence in the West Bank 60% of their budget comes from organizations in or the governments of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the European Union, and the Norwegian Embassy in Israel.
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 26 May – 01 June 2016, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. Israeli forces conducted 57 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 limited ones in the Gaza Strip, abducting 99 civilians, including 19 children and a woman.
In the context of Israeli forces using force against peaceful protests, a 19-year-old male was hit with a bullet to the head while participating in a protest at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. He was then taken to Palestine Medical Compound in the city for medical treatment.
Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 31 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed in the sea off Gaza Valley shore, west of the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. They chased 2 boats sailing within 5 nautical miles and manned by 5 fishermen all from al-Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The Israeli navy officers abducted the 5 fishermen, confiscated the 2 boats and transported them to Ashdod seaport. After the fishermen were released in the evening, it was found out that 2 of them were already wounded by Israeli gunfire.
On 31 May 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed in the seas off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats, but casualties were reported.
Concerning fire opened in the border area, on 31 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed in watchtowers established behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire sporadically at the border area, southeast of al-Zaitoun neighbourhood, southeast of Gaza City. No casualties were reported but the farmers fled fearing for their lives.
Moving to airstrikes, on 26 June 2016, Israeli warplanes raided a military training site for a Palestinian armed group, west of al-Nusairat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the site sustained material damage, but no casualties were reported.
On 31 May 2016, Israeli forces moved about 150 meters into the east of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled and combed lands while opening fire sporadically. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported. On the same day, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters near Sofa military crossing in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. They levelled lands and established sand barriers.
On 01 June 2016, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters to the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands for few hours and withdrew later.
In addition, Israeli forces abducted a child who attempted to sneak into Israel, north of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
On 27 May 2016, Israeli bulldozers continued levelling lands in Deir Ballout, west of Salfit, to expand “Leshem” settlement that is established on a mountain between Deir Ballout and Kufor al-Deek villages. They levelled over 160 dunums belonging to Edris Abdullah and Ahed Abdullah. It is expected that Israeli forces continue levelling 1,000 other dunums for the interest of the same settlement.
Concerning settlers’ attacks, on 17 May 2016, a group of settlers from “Emanuel” settlement, east of Qalqilya, gathered on Qana Valley road. They threw stones at the Palestinian vehicles on the road, as a result, a taxi belonging to Ouda Abu Yunis (26), from Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit, sustained material damage.
160 dunums of land in Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit, were demolished.
Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. A Palestinian civilian was obliged to self-demolish parts of his house in Silwan village.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces engaged in excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
Following the Friday prayer, on 27 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp.
As a result, a 19-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head and was then taken to Palestine Medical Compound to receive medical treatment.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Following the Friday prayer, 27 May 2016, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city, and Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethal if they hit the head of victim from a close range.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community and the United Nations 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.
In addition, PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
Click here for the full text of the report.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. Israeli forces conducted 57 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 limited ones in the Gaza Strip, abducting 99 civilians, including 19 children and a woman.
In the context of Israeli forces using force against peaceful protests, a 19-year-old male was hit with a bullet to the head while participating in a protest at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. He was then taken to Palestine Medical Compound in the city for medical treatment.
Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, in the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 31 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed in the sea off Gaza Valley shore, west of the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. They chased 2 boats sailing within 5 nautical miles and manned by 5 fishermen all from al-Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The Israeli navy officers abducted the 5 fishermen, confiscated the 2 boats and transported them to Ashdod seaport. After the fishermen were released in the evening, it was found out that 2 of them were already wounded by Israeli gunfire.
On 31 May 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed in the seas off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats, but casualties were reported.
Concerning fire opened in the border area, on 31 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed in watchtowers established behind the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire sporadically at the border area, southeast of al-Zaitoun neighbourhood, southeast of Gaza City. No casualties were reported but the farmers fled fearing for their lives.
Moving to airstrikes, on 26 June 2016, Israeli warplanes raided a military training site for a Palestinian armed group, west of al-Nusairat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, the site sustained material damage, but no casualties were reported.
On 31 May 2016, Israeli forces moved about 150 meters into the east of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled and combed lands while opening fire sporadically. However, neither casualties nor material damage were reported. On the same day, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters near Sofa military crossing in al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. They levelled lands and established sand barriers.
On 01 June 2016, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters to the east of al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands for few hours and withdrew later.
In addition, Israeli forces abducted a child who attempted to sneak into Israel, north of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces continued settlement activities in the West Bank.
On 27 May 2016, Israeli bulldozers continued levelling lands in Deir Ballout, west of Salfit, to expand “Leshem” settlement that is established on a mountain between Deir Ballout and Kufor al-Deek villages. They levelled over 160 dunums belonging to Edris Abdullah and Ahed Abdullah. It is expected that Israeli forces continue levelling 1,000 other dunums for the interest of the same settlement.
Concerning settlers’ attacks, on 17 May 2016, a group of settlers from “Emanuel” settlement, east of Qalqilya, gathered on Qana Valley road. They threw stones at the Palestinian vehicles on the road, as a result, a taxi belonging to Ouda Abu Yunis (26), from Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit, sustained material damage.
160 dunums of land in Deir Ballout village, west of Salfit, were demolished.
Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. A Palestinian civilian was obliged to self-demolish parts of his house in Silwan village.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces engaged in excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
Following the Friday prayer, on 27 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp.
As a result, a 19-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head and was then taken to Palestine Medical Compound to receive medical treatment.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. The protesters set fire to rubber tires and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Following the Friday prayer, 27 May 2016, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city, and Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethal if they hit the head of victim from a close range.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community and the United Nations 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.
In addition, PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
Click here for the full text of the report.
28 may 2016
Protection of Civilians Weekly Report | 17 – 23 May 2016 — This is a report bu the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) — Published on 23 May 2016.
A 17-year-old Palestinian girl was shot dead by the Israeli Border Police while approaching the Beit Iksa checkpoint, to the north of Jerusalem. According to Israeli media reports, the girl raised a knife and did not adhere to orders to stop before being shot.
No injuries to Israeli forces were reported. Since the beginning of 2016, 52 Palestinian suspected perpetrators were killed by Israeli forces in attacks and alleged attacks, compared to 89 in the last quarter of 2015. The circumstances of many incidents have given rise to concerns over excessive use of force.
The Israeli authorities handed over the corpses of five Palestinians, suspected of perpetrating attacks against Israelis to their families. The corpses of another nine Palestinians are still being held. On 24 May, the Israeli authorities indicated that they would suspend the handover of corpses, following an alleged violation of the conditions for holding the funerals in one of the cases.
At least 49 Palestinians, including four children and one woman, were injured by Israeli forces, mostly during clashes across the West Bank.
The majority of the clashes occurred during demonstrations commemorating the 68th anniversary of what Palestinians refer to as the 1948 “An Nakba”, mainly in Al ‘Eizariya and Silwan (Jerusalem) and Ni’lin (Ramallah);
In the weekly demonstrations in Kafr Qaddum (Qalqiliya); in a protest in Deir Isitya (Salfit) against the fencing of a main road impeding access to land; and during search and arrest operations. Overall, there were 82 such operations during the week.
The firing of tear gas canisters in one of the clashes in Al Fawwar refugee camp (Hebron) set on fire and burnt 45 olive and grape trees. In Gaza, two Palestinians were shot and injured by live ammunition during demonstrations near the fence.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces opened fire in the Access Restricted Areas (ARA) along the perimeter fence and in the sea on at least 13 occasions. A farmer was injured in one of the cases and ten fishermen, including a child, were forced to take off their clothes and swim towards Israeli naval forces boats, where they were taken into custody.
Despite the lack of an official announcement or demarcation, areas up to 300 metres from the perimeter fence are considered to be a “no-go” area, except for farmers who may access up to 100 metres, while areas up to 1,000 meters are considered high-risk, discouraging cultivation.
On 22 May, the Israeli authorities announced the lifting of the ban on the import of cement to the Gaza Strip for the private sector. The ban has been in place since 3 April 2016, following Israeli concerns about the diversion of building materials to armed groups and the discovery of an underground tunnel running from Gaza into Israel.
Israeli forces temporarily blocked two of the main routes to Hizma village (Jerusalem), impeding vehicular access for some 7,000 people. This followed the detonation of an improvised device at the Hizma checkpoint (controlling access to East Jerusalem) the previous week, which injured a soldier.
In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities demolished three Palestinians homes and one praying room for lack of Israeli-issued building permits, displacing 26 people including nine children, and affecting eight Since the beginning of 2016, a total of 72 structures were demolished in East Jerusalem (including three on punitive grounds) compared to 79 in the entire 2015.
On 18 May, an Israeli court ruled in favour of a settler organization claiming ownership over three apartments and two shops in the Sheikh Jarrah area of East Jerusalem, and ordered their evacuation by 10 June 2016. Four families are at imminent risk of displacement.
The establishment of Israeli settlements in the heart of Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem has resulted in increased tensions and undermined the living conditions of Palestinian residents.
In the Israeli-controlled H2 area of Hebron city, a group of Israeli settlers entered a Palestinian house and physically assaulted and injured a 16-year-old Palestinian child and his father; Israeli forces intervened and arrested the boy and his father pursuant to Israeli settler allegations that the two had previously attacked them.
An Israeli bus travelling near Tuqu’ village (Bethlehem) and the Jerusalem light train sustained damage as a result of gunfire and bottle-throwing, respectively, by suspected Palestinians, according to Israeli media reports.
The Egyptian-controlled Rafah Crossing was closed during the reporting period. The crossing last opened on 11 and 12 May, following 85 consecutive days of closure. At least 30,000 people, including around 9,500 medical cases, and 2,700 students, are registered and waiting to cross according to the Palestinian authorities. Since the beginning of 2016, Egyptian Authorities have opened Rafah Crossing on only five out of 144 calendar days.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA’s activities, please visit OCHA
A 17-year-old Palestinian girl was shot dead by the Israeli Border Police while approaching the Beit Iksa checkpoint, to the north of Jerusalem. According to Israeli media reports, the girl raised a knife and did not adhere to orders to stop before being shot.
No injuries to Israeli forces were reported. Since the beginning of 2016, 52 Palestinian suspected perpetrators were killed by Israeli forces in attacks and alleged attacks, compared to 89 in the last quarter of 2015. The circumstances of many incidents have given rise to concerns over excessive use of force.
The Israeli authorities handed over the corpses of five Palestinians, suspected of perpetrating attacks against Israelis to their families. The corpses of another nine Palestinians are still being held. On 24 May, the Israeli authorities indicated that they would suspend the handover of corpses, following an alleged violation of the conditions for holding the funerals in one of the cases.
At least 49 Palestinians, including four children and one woman, were injured by Israeli forces, mostly during clashes across the West Bank.
The majority of the clashes occurred during demonstrations commemorating the 68th anniversary of what Palestinians refer to as the 1948 “An Nakba”, mainly in Al ‘Eizariya and Silwan (Jerusalem) and Ni’lin (Ramallah);
In the weekly demonstrations in Kafr Qaddum (Qalqiliya); in a protest in Deir Isitya (Salfit) against the fencing of a main road impeding access to land; and during search and arrest operations. Overall, there were 82 such operations during the week.
The firing of tear gas canisters in one of the clashes in Al Fawwar refugee camp (Hebron) set on fire and burnt 45 olive and grape trees. In Gaza, two Palestinians were shot and injured by live ammunition during demonstrations near the fence.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces opened fire in the Access Restricted Areas (ARA) along the perimeter fence and in the sea on at least 13 occasions. A farmer was injured in one of the cases and ten fishermen, including a child, were forced to take off their clothes and swim towards Israeli naval forces boats, where they were taken into custody.
Despite the lack of an official announcement or demarcation, areas up to 300 metres from the perimeter fence are considered to be a “no-go” area, except for farmers who may access up to 100 metres, while areas up to 1,000 meters are considered high-risk, discouraging cultivation.
On 22 May, the Israeli authorities announced the lifting of the ban on the import of cement to the Gaza Strip for the private sector. The ban has been in place since 3 April 2016, following Israeli concerns about the diversion of building materials to armed groups and the discovery of an underground tunnel running from Gaza into Israel.
Israeli forces temporarily blocked two of the main routes to Hizma village (Jerusalem), impeding vehicular access for some 7,000 people. This followed the detonation of an improvised device at the Hizma checkpoint (controlling access to East Jerusalem) the previous week, which injured a soldier.
In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities demolished three Palestinians homes and one praying room for lack of Israeli-issued building permits, displacing 26 people including nine children, and affecting eight Since the beginning of 2016, a total of 72 structures were demolished in East Jerusalem (including three on punitive grounds) compared to 79 in the entire 2015.
On 18 May, an Israeli court ruled in favour of a settler organization claiming ownership over three apartments and two shops in the Sheikh Jarrah area of East Jerusalem, and ordered their evacuation by 10 June 2016. Four families are at imminent risk of displacement.
The establishment of Israeli settlements in the heart of Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem has resulted in increased tensions and undermined the living conditions of Palestinian residents.
In the Israeli-controlled H2 area of Hebron city, a group of Israeli settlers entered a Palestinian house and physically assaulted and injured a 16-year-old Palestinian child and his father; Israeli forces intervened and arrested the boy and his father pursuant to Israeli settler allegations that the two had previously attacked them.
An Israeli bus travelling near Tuqu’ village (Bethlehem) and the Jerusalem light train sustained damage as a result of gunfire and bottle-throwing, respectively, by suspected Palestinians, according to Israeli media reports.
The Egyptian-controlled Rafah Crossing was closed during the reporting period. The crossing last opened on 11 and 12 May, following 85 consecutive days of closure. At least 30,000 people, including around 9,500 medical cases, and 2,700 students, are registered and waiting to cross according to the Palestinian authorities. Since the beginning of 2016, Egyptian Authorities have opened Rafah Crossing on only five out of 144 calendar days.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA’s activities, please visit OCHA
Riyad al-Ashqar, the media spokesperson of The Palestinian Prisoners’ Center for Studies, has reported that the Israeli occupation authorities issued 729 arbitrary Administrative Detention orders, since the beginning of this year, and that most of the orders were renewals of previous ones.
Al-Ashqar stated that these numbers are a %35 increase of the same period of last years, when Israel issued 493 orders.
“This is very serious, very dangerous; in the past Israel used to issue such numbers of orders every few years – now, we are witnessing this serious increase in just few months,” he added, “Israel uses this policy to hold hundreds of prisoners captive, without charges or trial, and largely keeps renewing them.”
He added that among the 729 orders, 433 were renewals of existing ones, with some detainees receiving renewals for the eighth consecutive time, and that the extensions are usually between two and six months each time.
The longest serving Administrative Detainee is Hamad Ahmad Abu Fannouna, from the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
He was kidnapped on July, 7, 2013, and his Administrative Detention orders were renewed eight consecutive time since then.
Also, detainee Soheib Jamal Sharouf, 27, from Hebron, was kidnapped on November 15, 2013, and received eight consecutive Administrative Detention orders.
Furthermore, Israel issued new Administrative Detention orders against 296 detainees, who were kidnapped in different parts of the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem.
The Administrative Detention orders that were issued since the beginning of this years are distributed as follows;
He also urged the Palestinian Authority to head to international courts, as Administrative detention is immoral and illegal.
Al-Ashqar stated that these numbers are a %35 increase of the same period of last years, when Israel issued 493 orders.
“This is very serious, very dangerous; in the past Israel used to issue such numbers of orders every few years – now, we are witnessing this serious increase in just few months,” he added, “Israel uses this policy to hold hundreds of prisoners captive, without charges or trial, and largely keeps renewing them.”
He added that among the 729 orders, 433 were renewals of existing ones, with some detainees receiving renewals for the eighth consecutive time, and that the extensions are usually between two and six months each time.
The longest serving Administrative Detainee is Hamad Ahmad Abu Fannouna, from the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
He was kidnapped on July, 7, 2013, and his Administrative Detention orders were renewed eight consecutive time since then.
Also, detainee Soheib Jamal Sharouf, 27, from Hebron, was kidnapped on November 15, 2013, and received eight consecutive Administrative Detention orders.
Furthermore, Israel issued new Administrative Detention orders against 296 detainees, who were kidnapped in different parts of the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem.
The Administrative Detention orders that were issued since the beginning of this years are distributed as follows;
- 117 orders in January.
- 157 orders in February.
- 152 orders in March.
- 186 orders in April.
- 117 orders in the current month of May.
He also urged the Palestinian Authority to head to international courts, as Administrative detention is immoral and illegal.
27 may 2016
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 19 – 25 May 2016, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces this week continued their systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. A Palestinian girl was killed at a military checkpoint, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, while 5 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In addition, 54 civilians, including at least 16 children, were abducted by Israeli troops this week.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week, and 7 others in occupied Jerusalem. 54 civilians, including 16 children, were abducted. 13 of them, including 8 children,were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
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 woman, were abducted at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, in excessive use of force, on 23 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at BeitEksa checkpoint, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, killed Sawsan Ali Dawood Mansour (17), from the nearby Beddou village. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned child approached the checkpoint and attempted to stab an Israeli soldier. Israeli forces opened fire at her in response, due to which she sustained serious wounds. Israeli forces abducted her, but she died later. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces denied medical crews access to the scene and left her bleeding for about an hour.
In the context of Israeli forces using force against peaceful protests, a Palestinian civilianwas hit during KuforQaddoum weekly protests, northeast ofQalqilya, with a tear gas canister to the neck, while a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right knee while participating in a peaceful protests at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
On 23 May 2016, a Palestinian civilian was hit with a bullet to the thigh when Israeli ofrces moved into Ein al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem’s Old City. In the meantime, a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers that fired sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets in response.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea. Israeli forces abducted 10 fishermen after wounding 3 of them, including a child, and confiscated 5 fishing boats.
In the Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds while participating in a protest near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 22 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed in the seas to the northwest of al-Waha beach, northwest of BeitLahia, north of the Gaza Strip, escalated their attacks against Palestinian fishermen. As a result, 10 fishermen, including a child, were abducted and 5 fishing boats were confiscated. After the 10 fishermen were released at night, it was found out that 3 of them, including the child, were wounded.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces this week continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters.
Following the Friday prayer, on 20 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “BeitEil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp. As a result, a 17-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right knee and was then taken to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Medical sources classified his injuries as moderate.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, and in the vicinity of “Ofer” prison,southwest of the city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protestors by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 20 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border area between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij in the center of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed along the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at the protesters. As a result, 2 civilians were hit with live bullets and were then taken by PRCS ambulances to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive medical treatment. Medical sources classified their injuries as moderate.
At approximately 13:00, on Friday, 20 May 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of KuforQaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, a 46-year-old male was hit with a tear gas canister to the neck.
Around the same time,Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of Dersityia village, north of Salfit, and then made their way to the bypass road (Abu Naser valley), west of the city, in protest against closing it with metal checkpoints. The demonstrators expressed their protest viaknocking on the checkpoints. Israeli forces immediately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community and the United Nations 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.
Click here for the full text of the report.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 56 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week, and 7 others in occupied Jerusalem. 54 civilians, including 16 children, were abducted. 13 of them, including 8 children,were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
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 woman, were abducted at military checkpoints in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, in excessive use of force, on 23 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed at BeitEksa checkpoint, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, killed Sawsan Ali Dawood Mansour (17), from the nearby Beddou village. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned child approached the checkpoint and attempted to stab an Israeli soldier. Israeli forces opened fire at her in response, due to which she sustained serious wounds. Israeli forces abducted her, but she died later. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces denied medical crews access to the scene and left her bleeding for about an hour.
In the context of Israeli forces using force against peaceful protests, a Palestinian civilianwas hit during KuforQaddoum weekly protests, northeast ofQalqilya, with a tear gas canister to the neck, while a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right knee while participating in a peaceful protests at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah.
On 23 May 2016, a Palestinian civilian was hit with a bullet to the thigh when Israeli ofrces moved into Ein al-Louza neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem’s Old City. In the meantime, a number of youngsters gathered and threw stones at Israeli soldiers that fired sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets in response.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea. Israeli forces abducted 10 fishermen after wounding 3 of them, including a child, and confiscated 5 fishing boats.
In the Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds while participating in a protest near the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip Sea, on 22 May 2016, Israeli forces stationed in the seas to the northwest of al-Waha beach, northwest of BeitLahia, north of the Gaza Strip, escalated their attacks against Palestinian fishermen. As a result, 10 fishermen, including a child, were abducted and 5 fishing boats were confiscated. After the 10 fishermen were released at night, it was found out that 3 of them, including the child, were wounded.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces this week continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters.
Following the Friday prayer, on 20 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “BeitEil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp. As a result, a 17-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right knee and was then taken to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Medical sources classified his injuries as moderate.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests against the Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, and in the vicinity of “Ofer” prison,southwest of the city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protestors by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 20 May 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border area between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij in the center of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed along the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at the protesters. As a result, 2 civilians were hit with live bullets and were then taken by PRCS ambulances to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive medical treatment. Medical sources classified their injuries as moderate.
At approximately 13:00, on Friday, 20 May 2016, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of KuforQaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, a 46-year-old male was hit with a tear gas canister to the neck.
Around the same time,Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the centre of Dersityia village, north of Salfit, and then made their way to the bypass road (Abu Naser valley), west of the city, in protest against closing it with metal checkpoints. The demonstrators expressed their protest viaknocking on the checkpoints. Israeli forces immediately fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised protests against the annexation wall and settlement activities in Bil’in and Nil’in villages, west of Ramallah and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of city. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased the protesters into the olive fields and between houses. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community and the United Nations 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.
Click here for the full text of the report.