20 nov 2016
The estimated number of children less than 18 years old mid 2016 is about 2,207,535 children in Palestine, representing about 45.8% of the population, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said on Sunday.
It said that among those children there are 1,127,283 males and 1,080,252 females, adding that the number of male children in the West Bank totaled 650,709 and the number of female children totaled 624,320. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, the number of males totaled about 476,574 while the number of females amounted to 455,932.
PCBS said, according to WAFA, that whereas children constituted 49.6% of the population of the Gaza Strip, they represented 43.4% of the total population of the West Bank.
400 children are still in Israeli jails
According to the Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP), data indicated that 2,634 children were detained during the year 2015, in addition to 1,260 children being detained during the first four months of the year 2016. 400 children, other than those who entered youth stage during their stay in Israeli jails, are still in prison .
31 children killed by Israeli forces
According to DCIP records, 31 children were killed by Israeli forces during the 2015, whereas 32 children were killed during the first ten months of 2016.
Forced displacement of children
About 2,500 citizens lost their homes, as they were subject to the demolition policy of the Israeli occupation. During the first half of the year 2016, 279 homes and housing units were demolished, in addition to the demolition of 341 establishments.
About four thousand orphaned children only are covered by social sponsorship in the West Bank
The number of the sponsored children by the UAE Red Crescent in the occupied West Bank reached 3,967 children, and the highest number of sponsored children was in the Hebron governorate, as it reached 1,095. In another aspect, the number of children who were referred to “behavior control units” in the West Bank totaled 1,481 children, while the number of children who were admitted to the Dar Al-Amal Institution for Rehabilitation and Protection (Ministry of Social Development) was 160 children, in 2015.
Children in the labor market
4.5% of the total number of children aged 10-17 years were working with or without pay in 2015; 5.7% in the West Bank and 2.8% in the Gaza Strip. The number of male children engaged in work was higher than working females, as follows: 8.5% of male children compared to 0.4% of female children.
The proportion of children attending school and also engaged in child labor was 2.3% (2.8% in West Bank and 1.4% in Gaza Strip).
In 2015, the average of daily wage for working children aged 10-17 years reached 48.7 New Israeli Shekels (NIS), and the weekly working hours were 44.4.
Drop-out rate from elementary school higher among males
The number of students for 2015/2016 academic year in Palestine reached to about 1.193 million students (1.053 million in the elementary level and 140 thousands in the secondary level), while the number of children enrolled in kindergarten, in the same academic year, arrived at about 141 thousand boys and girls.
The drop-out rate from elementary school for the 2014/2015 academic year was 1.5% among male children, compared to 1.1% among females. In the secondary level, the rate was 2.1% of males compared to 1.8% of females.
Failure rate at elementary schools, during 2014/2015, was 1.2% of males and 0.9% of females. At the secondary level, the rate was 0.4% of males and 0.3% of females.
It said that among those children there are 1,127,283 males and 1,080,252 females, adding that the number of male children in the West Bank totaled 650,709 and the number of female children totaled 624,320. Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, the number of males totaled about 476,574 while the number of females amounted to 455,932.
PCBS said, according to WAFA, that whereas children constituted 49.6% of the population of the Gaza Strip, they represented 43.4% of the total population of the West Bank.
400 children are still in Israeli jails
According to the Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP), data indicated that 2,634 children were detained during the year 2015, in addition to 1,260 children being detained during the first four months of the year 2016. 400 children, other than those who entered youth stage during their stay in Israeli jails, are still in prison .
31 children killed by Israeli forces
According to DCIP records, 31 children were killed by Israeli forces during the 2015, whereas 32 children were killed during the first ten months of 2016.
Forced displacement of children
About 2,500 citizens lost their homes, as they were subject to the demolition policy of the Israeli occupation. During the first half of the year 2016, 279 homes and housing units were demolished, in addition to the demolition of 341 establishments.
About four thousand orphaned children only are covered by social sponsorship in the West Bank
The number of the sponsored children by the UAE Red Crescent in the occupied West Bank reached 3,967 children, and the highest number of sponsored children was in the Hebron governorate, as it reached 1,095. In another aspect, the number of children who were referred to “behavior control units” in the West Bank totaled 1,481 children, while the number of children who were admitted to the Dar Al-Amal Institution for Rehabilitation and Protection (Ministry of Social Development) was 160 children, in 2015.
Children in the labor market
4.5% of the total number of children aged 10-17 years were working with or without pay in 2015; 5.7% in the West Bank and 2.8% in the Gaza Strip. The number of male children engaged in work was higher than working females, as follows: 8.5% of male children compared to 0.4% of female children.
The proportion of children attending school and also engaged in child labor was 2.3% (2.8% in West Bank and 1.4% in Gaza Strip).
In 2015, the average of daily wage for working children aged 10-17 years reached 48.7 New Israeli Shekels (NIS), and the weekly working hours were 44.4.
Drop-out rate from elementary school higher among males
The number of students for 2015/2016 academic year in Palestine reached to about 1.193 million students (1.053 million in the elementary level and 140 thousands in the secondary level), while the number of children enrolled in kindergarten, in the same academic year, arrived at about 141 thousand boys and girls.
The drop-out rate from elementary school for the 2014/2015 academic year was 1.5% among male children, compared to 1.1% among females. In the secondary level, the rate was 2.1% of males compared to 1.8% of females.
Failure rate at elementary schools, during 2014/2015, was 1.2% of males and 0.9% of females. At the secondary level, the rate was 0.4% of males and 0.3% of females.
17 nov 2016
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 10 – 16 November 2016, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, on 10 November 2016, Anas Zaid (15), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, was wounded and then abducted.
The aforementioned boy was wounded then dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the northern entrance to Birzait village, north of Ramallah, to organize a protest marking the 12th death anniversary of Yasser Arafat. The protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldier, who were present in the area.
On 11 November 2016, Majdi Jom’a (13) was hit by a tear gas canister to the right leg during the Kufr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.
On 10 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Zain Awad (24) and started closing a room of an old house, in which Zain used to live.
It should be noted that Zain has been abducted by Israeli forces since 09 June 2015 under the pretext of being engaged in offering help to Palestinians from al-Makhamra family from the same city, who carried out a shooting attack in Tel Aviv in June 2015 that resulted then in the killing of 3 Israelis.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 64 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces abducted at least 57 Palestinian civilians, including 15 children and a woman. Fifteen of them, including 12 children and the woman, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
On 16 November 2016, Israeli forces raided the Health Improvement Program’s office in Ramallah and damaged its content. They then confiscated some contents and withdrew later.
On Sunday morning, 13 November 2016, Ja’abis family self-demolished 2 residential apartments in al-Mokaber Mount, southeast of Jerusalem, in implementation of the Israeli District court under the pretext of building without a license.
On the same day, two Palestinian traders namely Mohammed al-Najar and Nedal Gheith, self-demolished their shops in Beit Hanenah neighbourhood in implementation of the Israeli municipality decision under the pretext of building without a license.
On Tuesday, 15 November 2016, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a 200-square-meter barrack for horses and 15-square-meter agricultural rooms belonging to ‘Alaa’ Shweiki in al-Thawri neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of building without a license.
On the same day, the municipality bulldozers demolished the foundations of Um al-Qora Mosque in Sour Baher village, southeast of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a licence. They also demolished a barrack in the same area.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, on 11 November 2016, 4 Palestinian civilians were wounded. Three of whom participated in a peaceful protest organized at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya, east of Gaza City, while the 4th was wounded during a similar peaceful protest at the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 10 November 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
On 16 November 2016, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and abducted fishermen Abdul Hafez As’ad al-Sultan (37) and his brother Ammar (23), both from al-Salateen neighbourhood in Beit Lahia. Israeli forces also confiscated their boat.
At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 16 November 2016, the Israeli authorities released Ammar while kept his brother and the boat in custody.
On 16 November 2016, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.
Israeli Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks:
On Thursday, 10 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliya to the west, heading to al-Naqqar neighbourhood and demolished a 30-squatre-meter agricultural room built of bricks and tin-roofed and health. The vehicles then moved to the east to al-Razazah neighbourhood, where they demolished another 28-square-meter agricultural room built of bricks and tin-roofed.
On 13 November 2016, Israeli Forces confiscated a generator and light digging equipment belonging to al-Sheikh ‘Awad Hanani from Beit Foriq village used in an afforestation project in Kherbet Tana, east of Beir Foriq, east of Nablus, funded by Oxfam.
On 14 November 2016, Israeli forces demolished 28 stores in al-‘Oja village, north of Hebron belonging to Jamal Freijat (51). Six of these stores were roofed while the rest were still under-construction.
Clashes occurred between civilians and Israeli forces, who fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, the aforementioned civilian suffered tear gas inhalation and his condition was described as serious.
On Tuesday, 15 November 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization Department and bulldozer moved into Kherbet Um al-Kheir, southeast of Yatta.
They demolished Um al-Kheir Social Centre, which was only built of pillars and a shader cloth by the residents on the rubbles of the centre demolished months ago under the pretext of building without a license.
They also levelled a 20-square-meter residential tent belonging to ‘Ali Mohammed Khalil Hathalin and his 4-memebr family. The Israeli forces then demolished a water well belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud al-‘Adrah in al-Hayah area, east of al-Dirat village.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the past week, Israeli troops engaged in the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 10 November 2016, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the northern entrance to Birzeit village (Atarah Bridge), north of Ramallah, to organize a protest commemorating the 12th anniversary of the death of the late President Yasser Arafat.
The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets and metal bullets in response. As a result, Anas Mohammed Jaber Zaid (15), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, sustained wounds. The Israeli soldiers then abducted him and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 13:15, on Friday, 11 November 2016, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate.
When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Majdi Majed Abdul Mo’men Jom’ah (13) was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.
Following the Friday prayer also, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protesters, firing live and metal bullets and sound bombs.
They also chased the protesters into olive fields and houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
At approximately 2:00 pm following Friday prayer, 11 November 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip, to participate in activities supporting Jerusalem.
They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protesters in response. As a result, ‘Aref Awad Mohammed Abu Jaber (24) sustained a live bullet wound to the left feet. He then was transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir El-Balah to receive the necessary medical treatment.
At approximately 03:00 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli, east of al-Sheja’eya neighbourhood, east of Gaza city, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian young men, who were in their way to “Nahal Oz” area, east of al- Sheja’eya neighbourhood, to participate in activities supporting Jerusalem.
As a result, 3 civilians sustained wounds. The wounded were transferred by an ambulance of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to al-Shifaa’ Hospital in Gaza to receive medical treatment. Their wounds ranged between moderate and minor.
The wounded civilians were identified as: Saed al-Abed Mohammed Eshlash (32). He sustained a live bullet wound to the leg and his injury was classified as minor; Mousa Monther Fathi Abu Dalal (19).
He sustained a live bullet wound to the leg and his injury was classified as minor; and Mohammed Naser Mansour al-Qarm (22). He sustained a live bullet wound to the leg as his injury was classified as moderate.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) made several recommendations to the international community.
Among these were a recommendation that the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressure Israel to comply with their provisions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in its reports submitted to the concerned committees.
Click here for the full text of the report.
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, on 10 November 2016, Anas Zaid (15), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, was wounded and then abducted.
The aforementioned boy was wounded then dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered at the northern entrance to Birzait village, north of Ramallah, to organize a protest marking the 12th death anniversary of Yasser Arafat. The protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldier, who were present in the area.
On 11 November 2016, Majdi Jom’a (13) was hit by a tear gas canister to the right leg during the Kufr Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilya.
On 10 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Zain Awad (24) and started closing a room of an old house, in which Zain used to live.
It should be noted that Zain has been abducted by Israeli forces since 09 June 2015 under the pretext of being engaged in offering help to Palestinians from al-Makhamra family from the same city, who carried out a shooting attack in Tel Aviv in June 2015 that resulted then in the killing of 3 Israelis.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 64 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 6 others in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces abducted at least 57 Palestinian civilians, including 15 children and a woman. Fifteen of them, including 12 children and the woman, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
On 16 November 2016, Israeli forces raided the Health Improvement Program’s office in Ramallah and damaged its content. They then confiscated some contents and withdrew later.
On Sunday morning, 13 November 2016, Ja’abis family self-demolished 2 residential apartments in al-Mokaber Mount, southeast of Jerusalem, in implementation of the Israeli District court under the pretext of building without a license.
On the same day, two Palestinian traders namely Mohammed al-Najar and Nedal Gheith, self-demolished their shops in Beit Hanenah neighbourhood in implementation of the Israeli municipality decision under the pretext of building without a license.
On Tuesday, 15 November 2016, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished a 200-square-meter barrack for horses and 15-square-meter agricultural rooms belonging to ‘Alaa’ Shweiki in al-Thawri neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of building without a license.
On the same day, the municipality bulldozers demolished the foundations of Um al-Qora Mosque in Sour Baher village, southeast of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of building without a licence. They also demolished a barrack in the same area.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, on 11 November 2016, 4 Palestinian civilians were wounded. Three of whom participated in a peaceful protest organized at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya, east of Gaza City, while the 4th was wounded during a similar peaceful protest at the border fence, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 10 November 2016, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
On 16 November 2016, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats and abducted fishermen Abdul Hafez As’ad al-Sultan (37) and his brother Ammar (23), both from al-Salateen neighbourhood in Beit Lahia. Israeli forces also confiscated their boat.
At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 16 November 2016, the Israeli authorities released Ammar while kept his brother and the boat in custody.
On 16 November 2016, Israeli gunboats opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 5 nautical miles off al-Sudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.
Israeli Settlement activities and settlers’ attacks:
On Thursday, 10 November 2016, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliya to the west, heading to al-Naqqar neighbourhood and demolished a 30-squatre-meter agricultural room built of bricks and tin-roofed and health. The vehicles then moved to the east to al-Razazah neighbourhood, where they demolished another 28-square-meter agricultural room built of bricks and tin-roofed.
On 13 November 2016, Israeli Forces confiscated a generator and light digging equipment belonging to al-Sheikh ‘Awad Hanani from Beit Foriq village used in an afforestation project in Kherbet Tana, east of Beir Foriq, east of Nablus, funded by Oxfam.
On 14 November 2016, Israeli forces demolished 28 stores in al-‘Oja village, north of Hebron belonging to Jamal Freijat (51). Six of these stores were roofed while the rest were still under-construction.
Clashes occurred between civilians and Israeli forces, who fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, the aforementioned civilian suffered tear gas inhalation and his condition was described as serious.
On Tuesday, 15 November 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Israeli Construction and Organization Department and bulldozer moved into Kherbet Um al-Kheir, southeast of Yatta.
They demolished Um al-Kheir Social Centre, which was only built of pillars and a shader cloth by the residents on the rubbles of the centre demolished months ago under the pretext of building without a license.
They also levelled a 20-square-meter residential tent belonging to ‘Ali Mohammed Khalil Hathalin and his 4-memebr family. The Israeli forces then demolished a water well belonging to Mohammed Mahmoud al-‘Adrah in al-Hayah area, east of al-Dirat village.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the past week, Israeli troops engaged in the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall
At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 10 November 2016, dozens of Palestinians gathered at the northern entrance to Birzeit village (Atarah Bridge), north of Ramallah, to organize a protest commemorating the 12th anniversary of the death of the late President Yasser Arafat.
The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets and metal bullets in response. As a result, Anas Mohammed Jaber Zaid (15), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, sustained wounds. The Israeli soldiers then abducted him and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately 13:15, on Friday, 11 November 2016, Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a protest in the center of Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya, and then made their way to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate.
When the protesters approached the entrance, Israeli forces fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Majdi Majed Abdul Mo’men Jom’ah (13) was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg.
Following the Friday prayer also, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized demonstrations in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, protesting against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protesters, firing live and metal bullets and sound bombs.
They also chased the protesters into olive fields and houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
At approximately 2:00 pm following Friday prayer, 11 November 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip, to participate in activities supporting Jerusalem.
They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who immediately fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protesters in response. As a result, ‘Aref Awad Mohammed Abu Jaber (24) sustained a live bullet wound to the left feet. He then was transported to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir El-Balah to receive the necessary medical treatment.
At approximately 03:00 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israeli, east of al-Sheja’eya neighbourhood, east of Gaza city, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian young men, who were in their way to “Nahal Oz” area, east of al- Sheja’eya neighbourhood, to participate in activities supporting Jerusalem.
As a result, 3 civilians sustained wounds. The wounded were transferred by an ambulance of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to al-Shifaa’ Hospital in Gaza to receive medical treatment. Their wounds ranged between moderate and minor.
The wounded civilians were identified as: Saed al-Abed Mohammed Eshlash (32). He sustained a live bullet wound to the leg and his injury was classified as minor; Mousa Monther Fathi Abu Dalal (19).
He sustained a live bullet wound to the leg and his injury was classified as minor; and Mohammed Naser Mansour al-Qarm (22). He sustained a live bullet wound to the leg as his injury was classified as moderate.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) made several recommendations to the international community.
Among these were a recommendation that the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressure Israel to comply with their provisions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in its reports submitted to the concerned committees.
Click here for the full text of the report.
16 nov 2016
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) follows up with concern the security chaos in Nablus, the latest of which were the clashes between Palestinian security services and a number of armed persons today morning.
These latest clashes resulted in the killing of a woman inside her house and injury of five Palestinian police officers. PCHR calls upon the Attorney General to investigate this incident, publish the results and take the necessary measures against those involved.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 16 November 2016, an armed group attacked Palestinian security officers from the National Security Service, Police and Special Units, which is always present in Daraj al-Aqaba area in Nablus’ Old City, north of the West Bank. Violent clashes erupted between the two parties, due to which 5 Palestinian police officers were wounded. They were identified as:
1. Shadi Mas’oud al-Lahham (22), who sustained a shrapnel wound to the left leg;
2. Mohammed Tawfiq al-Jamal (26), who sustained a shrapnel wound to the left arm;
3. Jab Mofeed Abed Rabbu (34), who sustained a shrapnel wound to the head;
4. Alaa Bassam al-Shorafi (34), who sustained a bullet wound to the left leg; and
5. Anwar Isma’il al-Masri (47), who sustained a shrapnel wound to his finger.
At approximately 06:30, the clashes intensified, as a result, a bullet penetrated a window of a house belonging to Hilda Bassam al-Osta (38). The bullet hit Hilda in the chest, due to which she died even before she was taken to hospital.
In a subsequent development today morning, outraged persons organized a protest at Nablus intersection in the center of the city and closed the stores. The security officers confronted them and opened fire in the air and fired tear gas canisters.
Moreover, they chased a number of civilians into the Old City streets. Palestinian security services declared Nablus Old City and intersection as closed military zones.
In his comment on the incident, Nablus’ Mayor major-general Akram Rjoub stated to local media, “Armed persons attacked Palestinian security officers after Israeli forces had finished their incursion into the city. As a result, a number of Palestinian security officers were seriously injured while a woman, who was in her house balcony, was killed.” He added that investigations were ongoing to identify the source of the bullet that killed the woman.
PCHR condemns the killing of al-Osta and injury of Palestinian police officers, and:
1. Calls upon the Attorney General to investigate the incident, publish the results and take the necessary measures against those involved;
2. Is concerned over the deteriorating security chaos, especially in Nablus, and the increasing number of victims due to the use of firearms; and Calls upon the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to put an end to the proliferation of weapons, maintain the safety and security of civilians and meet the human rights standards when dealing with fugitives from justice.
These latest clashes resulted in the killing of a woman inside her house and injury of five Palestinian police officers. PCHR calls upon the Attorney General to investigate this incident, publish the results and take the necessary measures against those involved.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 16 November 2016, an armed group attacked Palestinian security officers from the National Security Service, Police and Special Units, which is always present in Daraj al-Aqaba area in Nablus’ Old City, north of the West Bank. Violent clashes erupted between the two parties, due to which 5 Palestinian police officers were wounded. They were identified as:
1. Shadi Mas’oud al-Lahham (22), who sustained a shrapnel wound to the left leg;
2. Mohammed Tawfiq al-Jamal (26), who sustained a shrapnel wound to the left arm;
3. Jab Mofeed Abed Rabbu (34), who sustained a shrapnel wound to the head;
4. Alaa Bassam al-Shorafi (34), who sustained a bullet wound to the left leg; and
5. Anwar Isma’il al-Masri (47), who sustained a shrapnel wound to his finger.
At approximately 06:30, the clashes intensified, as a result, a bullet penetrated a window of a house belonging to Hilda Bassam al-Osta (38). The bullet hit Hilda in the chest, due to which she died even before she was taken to hospital.
In a subsequent development today morning, outraged persons organized a protest at Nablus intersection in the center of the city and closed the stores. The security officers confronted them and opened fire in the air and fired tear gas canisters.
Moreover, they chased a number of civilians into the Old City streets. Palestinian security services declared Nablus Old City and intersection as closed military zones.
In his comment on the incident, Nablus’ Mayor major-general Akram Rjoub stated to local media, “Armed persons attacked Palestinian security officers after Israeli forces had finished their incursion into the city. As a result, a number of Palestinian security officers were seriously injured while a woman, who was in her house balcony, was killed.” He added that investigations were ongoing to identify the source of the bullet that killed the woman.
PCHR condemns the killing of al-Osta and injury of Palestinian police officers, and:
1. Calls upon the Attorney General to investigate the incident, publish the results and take the necessary measures against those involved;
2. Is concerned over the deteriorating security chaos, especially in Nablus, and the increasing number of victims due to the use of firearms; and Calls upon the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to put an end to the proliferation of weapons, maintain the safety and security of civilians and meet the human rights standards when dealing with fugitives from justice.
