31 jan 2013
ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS SYMBOLISE THE ACUTE LACK OF JUSTICE EXPERIENCED BY THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
GENEVA, 31 JANUARY 2013 – The International Fact-Finding Mission on Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory today published its findings on the implications that Israeli settlements have upon the human rights of the Palestinian people.
The report states that a multitude of the human rights of the Palestinians are violated in various forms and ways due to the existence of the settlements.
These violations are all interrelated, forming part of an overall pattern of breaches that are characterised principally by the denial of the right to self-determination and systemic discrimination against the Palestinian people which occur on a daily basis.
Since 1967, Israeli governments have openly led, directly participated in, and had full control of the planning, construction, development, consolidation and encouragement of settlements, the report states.
“In compliance with Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention Israel must cease all settlement activities without preconditions,” said Ms. Christine Chanet, chair of the Mission from France.
The report states that settlements are established and developed for the exclusive benefit of Israeli Jews. The settlements are maintained and advanced through a system of total segregation between the settlers and the rest of the population living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This system of segregation is supported and facilitated by strict military and law enforcement control to the detriment of the rights of the Palestinian population.
“We are today calling on the government of Israel to ensure full accountability for all violations, put an end to the policy of impunity and to ensure justice for all victims,” said Ms. Asma Jahangir, member of the Mission from Pakistan.
The report states that Israel is committing serious breaches of its obligations under the right to self-determination and under humanitarian law. The report also concludes that the Rome Statute establishes the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over the transfer of populations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“The magnitude of violations relating to Israel’s policies of dispossessions, evictions, demolitions and displacements from land shows the widespread nature of these breaches of human rights. The motivation behind violence and intimidation against the Palestinians and their properties is to drive the local populations away from their lands, allowing the settlements to expand,” said Ms. Unity Dow, member of the Mission from Botswana.
The report states that private entities have also enabled, facilitated and profited from the construction of the settlements - both directly and indirectly.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The full report is available at:http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session19/Pages/IsraeliSettlementsInTheOPT.aspx
The press release is available in Hebrew, Arabic, French and English at:http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session19/Pages/IsraeliSettlementsInTheOPT.aspx
All media enquiries and requests for interviews should be emailed to: ffmsettlements@ohchr.org or telephone: + 41 79 752 0481.
Full title of the report: “Report of the independent international fact-finding mission to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”.
The report will be formally presented to the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 18 March 2013.
The International Fact-Finding Mission: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory was established by Human Rights Council Resolution 19/17.
On 22 March 2012, at its 19th session, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted resolution 19/17 entitled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan” by which the HRC decided to “dispatch an independent international fact-finding mission, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council, to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.”
For further information:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session19/Pages/IsraeliSettlementsInTheOPT.aspx
The report states that a multitude of the human rights of the Palestinians are violated in various forms and ways due to the existence of the settlements.
These violations are all interrelated, forming part of an overall pattern of breaches that are characterised principally by the denial of the right to self-determination and systemic discrimination against the Palestinian people which occur on a daily basis.
Since 1967, Israeli governments have openly led, directly participated in, and had full control of the planning, construction, development, consolidation and encouragement of settlements, the report states.
“In compliance with Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention Israel must cease all settlement activities without preconditions,” said Ms. Christine Chanet, chair of the Mission from France.
The report states that settlements are established and developed for the exclusive benefit of Israeli Jews. The settlements are maintained and advanced through a system of total segregation between the settlers and the rest of the population living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This system of segregation is supported and facilitated by strict military and law enforcement control to the detriment of the rights of the Palestinian population.
“We are today calling on the government of Israel to ensure full accountability for all violations, put an end to the policy of impunity and to ensure justice for all victims,” said Ms. Asma Jahangir, member of the Mission from Pakistan.
The report states that Israel is committing serious breaches of its obligations under the right to self-determination and under humanitarian law. The report also concludes that the Rome Statute establishes the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over the transfer of populations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“The magnitude of violations relating to Israel’s policies of dispossessions, evictions, demolitions and displacements from land shows the widespread nature of these breaches of human rights. The motivation behind violence and intimidation against the Palestinians and their properties is to drive the local populations away from their lands, allowing the settlements to expand,” said Ms. Unity Dow, member of the Mission from Botswana.
The report states that private entities have also enabled, facilitated and profited from the construction of the settlements - both directly and indirectly.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The full report is available at:http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session19/Pages/IsraeliSettlementsInTheOPT.aspx
The press release is available in Hebrew, Arabic, French and English at:http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session19/Pages/IsraeliSettlementsInTheOPT.aspx
All media enquiries and requests for interviews should be emailed to: ffmsettlements@ohchr.org or telephone: + 41 79 752 0481.
Full title of the report: “Report of the independent international fact-finding mission to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”.
The report will be formally presented to the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 18 March 2013.
The International Fact-Finding Mission: Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory was established by Human Rights Council Resolution 19/17.
On 22 March 2012, at its 19th session, the Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted resolution 19/17 entitled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan” by which the HRC decided to “dispatch an independent international fact-finding mission, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council, to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.”
For further information:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session19/Pages/IsraeliSettlementsInTheOPT.aspx
UNHRC to Release Report on West Bank Settlements
A UN Human Rights Council fact-finding mission on West Bank settlements is set to release its report in Geneva late Thursday morning.
Israel cut its ties with the council when it first ordered the probe last March. Jerusalem refused to cooperate with the three-member mission or to allow it entry into Israel, including into Area C of the West Bank, where the settlements are located.
The settlements probe is the sixth council investigation into Israeli activity in the Palestinian territories or on its borders, including in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
The most highly publicized council probe was the 2009 Goldstone investigation into Israeli military activity in Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009 under the IDF's Operation Case Lead.
But the settlements' report is the first one issued since the UN General Assembly upgraded the Palestinian status to that of an observer nation in November, a move that could allow it state rights before the International Criminal Court.
The Palestinians have already threatened to bring the issue of West Bank settlements before the ICC.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said that the best way to address the issue of settlements was through a negotiated peace process, but that the Palestinians have refused to talk directly with Israel.
"The question of settlements, as everyone knows, is one of the core issues between Israel and the Palestinians. It will not find any solution outside the framework of negotiations," he said.
Israel cut its ties with the council when it first ordered the probe last March. Jerusalem refused to cooperate with the three-member mission or to allow it entry into Israel, including into Area C of the West Bank, where the settlements are located.
The settlements probe is the sixth council investigation into Israeli activity in the Palestinian territories or on its borders, including in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
The most highly publicized council probe was the 2009 Goldstone investigation into Israeli military activity in Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009 under the IDF's Operation Case Lead.
But the settlements' report is the first one issued since the UN General Assembly upgraded the Palestinian status to that of an observer nation in November, a move that could allow it state rights before the International Criminal Court.
The Palestinians have already threatened to bring the issue of West Bank settlements before the ICC.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said that the best way to address the issue of settlements was through a negotiated peace process, but that the Palestinians have refused to talk directly with Israel.
"The question of settlements, as everyone knows, is one of the core issues between Israel and the Palestinians. It will not find any solution outside the framework of negotiations," he said.
30 jan 2013
Palestinians face growing food crisis
RAMALLAH, (IRIN) - Fluctuating prices, poverty and border restrictions mean growing numbers of Palestinians are facing food insecurity this year - one of the key priorities in the humanitarian community’s annual appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
This year’s Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) is for US$401.6 million, a slight decrease on last year’s $416.7 million, only 68 percent of which was financed.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which helped coordinate the CAP, estimates that 1.3 million Palestinians do not have enough food.
The latest figures show the number of households without sufficient access to food has risen by 7 percent since 2011, a trend which - if continued - would have left an estimated 41 percent of Palestinians without the necessary resources to get sufficient, safe and nutritious food at the end of 2012.
“Palestinian wages have not kept pace with inflation… Many poor Palestinians have exhausted their coping mechanisms (taking on loans, cutting back consumption) and are now much more vulnerable to small price increases than they were,” said a recent World Food Programme bulletin.
According to the CAP, the situation is further worsened by restrictions on the movement of people and goods, which have resulted in higher prices of basic food commodities and reduced the purchasing power of many vulnerable families.
Restricted access
Humanitarian agencies hope to carry out 157 projects in 2013 - 58 implemented by UN agencies, 82 by international NGOs and 17 by local NGOs.
But doing this type of work is becoming increasingly difficult, according to aid workers who say getting access to vulnerable communities became tougher in 2012 because of lengthy Israeli planning procedures and restrictions on mobility and authorization.
In 2011, UN reconstruction projects had to wait an average of eight months for approval from Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in Territories (COGAT - a unit in the Israeli Ministry of Defense that engages in coordinating civilian issues between the government of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, international organizations, diplomats, and the Palestinian Authority). By the end of 2012, the average waiting time more than doubled to 20 months, according to the CAP report.
In addition, aid workers lost some 1,959 working hours due to 535 access incidents while attempting to pass Israeli checkpoints in 2012, Maria José Torres, OCHA deputy head of office in OPT, told IRIN.
This trend is expected to worsen once the Israeli Crossing Points Administration (CPA), a civilian department linked to the Defence Ministry, begins to operate all checkpoints.
The CPA requires regular searches of UN vehicles, unless the driver is an international staff member, and national UN staff are subject to body searches and required to walk through the crossings the CPA operates. It remains unclear, however, when exactly CPA will take over.
Impact of recent political events
The recent escalation in violence in Gaza at the end of 2012 only increased humanitarian needs and added an extra $26 million to the CAP as communities try to rebuild: this year’s appeal has a tighter focus on strictly humanitarian projects that would immediately tackle suffering, said Torres.
The indebted Palestinian government in the West Bank is also struggling to provide basic services due to a shortfall in revenue provoked by declining donor support, and also the holding back of tax revenues by Israel, which objected to the State of Palestine being given the status of a non-member observer state at the UN.
A man-made crisis?
These incidents highlight the close correlation between politics and humanitarian needs in OPT.
At the CAP presentation in Ramallah, several speakers on the podium criticized Israel for provoking what they said was a man-made humanitarian crisis in OPT.
“The UN has repeatedly called upon the State of Israel to meet its obligations as an occupying power, including halting demolitions and addressing humanitarian needs. Unfortunately, these have not been met,” said the resident humanitarian coordinator in OPT, James W. Rawley.
“The international community tries to fill the gap, and this humanitarian action is essential. But it is no substitute to political action.”
Many of the Palestinian officials and humanitarian staff present told IRIN they had become frustrated by the man-made and largely unchanged humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
“After 20 years of a useless peace process with Israel, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The status quo is not working,” said Estephan Salameh, an adviser to the Palestinian Ministry of Planning in the West Bank.
This year’s Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) is for US$401.6 million, a slight decrease on last year’s $416.7 million, only 68 percent of which was financed.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which helped coordinate the CAP, estimates that 1.3 million Palestinians do not have enough food.
The latest figures show the number of households without sufficient access to food has risen by 7 percent since 2011, a trend which - if continued - would have left an estimated 41 percent of Palestinians without the necessary resources to get sufficient, safe and nutritious food at the end of 2012.
“Palestinian wages have not kept pace with inflation… Many poor Palestinians have exhausted their coping mechanisms (taking on loans, cutting back consumption) and are now much more vulnerable to small price increases than they were,” said a recent World Food Programme bulletin.
According to the CAP, the situation is further worsened by restrictions on the movement of people and goods, which have resulted in higher prices of basic food commodities and reduced the purchasing power of many vulnerable families.
Restricted access
Humanitarian agencies hope to carry out 157 projects in 2013 - 58 implemented by UN agencies, 82 by international NGOs and 17 by local NGOs.
But doing this type of work is becoming increasingly difficult, according to aid workers who say getting access to vulnerable communities became tougher in 2012 because of lengthy Israeli planning procedures and restrictions on mobility and authorization.
In 2011, UN reconstruction projects had to wait an average of eight months for approval from Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in Territories (COGAT - a unit in the Israeli Ministry of Defense that engages in coordinating civilian issues between the government of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, international organizations, diplomats, and the Palestinian Authority). By the end of 2012, the average waiting time more than doubled to 20 months, according to the CAP report.
In addition, aid workers lost some 1,959 working hours due to 535 access incidents while attempting to pass Israeli checkpoints in 2012, Maria José Torres, OCHA deputy head of office in OPT, told IRIN.
This trend is expected to worsen once the Israeli Crossing Points Administration (CPA), a civilian department linked to the Defence Ministry, begins to operate all checkpoints.
The CPA requires regular searches of UN vehicles, unless the driver is an international staff member, and national UN staff are subject to body searches and required to walk through the crossings the CPA operates. It remains unclear, however, when exactly CPA will take over.
Impact of recent political events
The recent escalation in violence in Gaza at the end of 2012 only increased humanitarian needs and added an extra $26 million to the CAP as communities try to rebuild: this year’s appeal has a tighter focus on strictly humanitarian projects that would immediately tackle suffering, said Torres.
The indebted Palestinian government in the West Bank is also struggling to provide basic services due to a shortfall in revenue provoked by declining donor support, and also the holding back of tax revenues by Israel, which objected to the State of Palestine being given the status of a non-member observer state at the UN.
A man-made crisis?
These incidents highlight the close correlation between politics and humanitarian needs in OPT.
At the CAP presentation in Ramallah, several speakers on the podium criticized Israel for provoking what they said was a man-made humanitarian crisis in OPT.
“The UN has repeatedly called upon the State of Israel to meet its obligations as an occupying power, including halting demolitions and addressing humanitarian needs. Unfortunately, these have not been met,” said the resident humanitarian coordinator in OPT, James W. Rawley.
“The international community tries to fill the gap, and this humanitarian action is essential. But it is no substitute to political action.”
Many of the Palestinian officials and humanitarian staff present told IRIN they had become frustrated by the man-made and largely unchanged humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
“After 20 years of a useless peace process with Israel, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The status quo is not working,” said Estephan Salameh, an adviser to the Palestinian Ministry of Planning in the West Bank.
29 jan 2013
Jerusalemite Foundation reports Israeli violations in Issawiya
The Jerusalemite Grassroots Foundation has published a report concerning events in the town of Issawiya during the recent months under the title "Issawiya resists collective punishment." The report dealt with the Israeli escalation witnessed in Issawiya in the last three months, where the occupation forces have daily stormed the town as part of the Israeli collective punishment policy.
The report stated that Isawiya, like all other Palestinian towns, suffers from the continued Israeli violations, forcing people to organize demonstrations against this oppression, where Issawiya is known by its courageous and honorable role in resisting the occupation.
In recent months, there were many demonstrations and sit-ins organized in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails, causing daily confrontations with the occupation forces.
The Israeli forces set up since three months a flying military checkpoint not only for security reasons but to collect taxes and debts from Palestinian drivers without legal justification.
Concerning the Israeli arrests and raids, the report stated that the few recent months have witnessed a number of raids of the town of Issawiya carried out by the occupation forces.
The Israeli forces stormed the town in coincidence with Samer Issawi's trial on December 18, where they arrested 16 young men from the town.
Local sources estimated that 120 people were arrested during the Israeli raids of the town during the last months, including 14 minors.
The sources noted that the occupation forces that stormed the town were Special Forces and not police or regular army forces, including undercover units.
The report also pointed out to the National Park Israeli Scheme or 13900 plan approved by the Israeli authorities in 2011, where it confiscates 740 dunums of the land of Issawiya and Tour towns.
The report emphasized that the scheme aims to crack down on the town, preventing the natural expansion of the town to accommodate population growth in a town that already suffers demographic pressures.
The occupation authorities are planning to fill the valley with solid waste in order to confiscate the land and establish a national park in the area too.
The Jerusalemite Grassroots Foundation stated that there is another Israeli aim, which is connecting area E 1 with Ma'ale Adumim settlement in Jerusalem, and thus isolate the city from the rest of the West Bank and prevent territorial contiguity between the northern and southern West Bank.
The report indicated that the 13900 scheme violates the international humanitarian and human rights law.
The report stated that Isawiya, like all other Palestinian towns, suffers from the continued Israeli violations, forcing people to organize demonstrations against this oppression, where Issawiya is known by its courageous and honorable role in resisting the occupation.
In recent months, there were many demonstrations and sit-ins organized in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails, causing daily confrontations with the occupation forces.
The Israeli forces set up since three months a flying military checkpoint not only for security reasons but to collect taxes and debts from Palestinian drivers without legal justification.
Concerning the Israeli arrests and raids, the report stated that the few recent months have witnessed a number of raids of the town of Issawiya carried out by the occupation forces.
The Israeli forces stormed the town in coincidence with Samer Issawi's trial on December 18, where they arrested 16 young men from the town.
Local sources estimated that 120 people were arrested during the Israeli raids of the town during the last months, including 14 minors.
The sources noted that the occupation forces that stormed the town were Special Forces and not police or regular army forces, including undercover units.
The report also pointed out to the National Park Israeli Scheme or 13900 plan approved by the Israeli authorities in 2011, where it confiscates 740 dunums of the land of Issawiya and Tour towns.
The report emphasized that the scheme aims to crack down on the town, preventing the natural expansion of the town to accommodate population growth in a town that already suffers demographic pressures.
The occupation authorities are planning to fill the valley with solid waste in order to confiscate the land and establish a national park in the area too.
The Jerusalemite Grassroots Foundation stated that there is another Israeli aim, which is connecting area E 1 with Ma'ale Adumim settlement in Jerusalem, and thus isolate the city from the rest of the West Bank and prevent territorial contiguity between the northern and southern West Bank.
The report indicated that the 13900 scheme violates the international humanitarian and human rights law.
B’Tselem Issues Report On Army’s Use of “Crowd Control” Weapons
Still From B'Tselem Video
The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B’Tselem) issued a report on the inventory of “crowd control weapons” used by the Israeli army against Palestinian protesters in the West Bank, and said that some of these weapons can be dangerous and fatal.
B’Tselem said that such weapons, if used improperly by the army, can be deadly and that in fact have led to the death and injury of Palestinian protesters and demonstrators.
The center also called on the Israeli army to prevent the use of live ammunition against stone-throwing Palestinians, “with the exception of instances of mortal danger”.
It called on the army to use rubber-coated metal bullets before resorting to the use of live ammunition, and to completely ban the firing of gas bombs directly at protesters.
B’Tselem said that there are two main problems with the army’s use of what it called “crowd control weapons” in the occupied West Bank; “the wording of the open-fire and safety regulations is ambiguous, and in some cases the regulations cannot be properly followed. Second, when security forces in the field violate the regulations, even systematically, practically no action is taken to put an end to this wrongful conduct.”
The Israeli army said that the violations to open-fire regulations are not regular, and claimed that these violations carried out by some soldiers are “exceptions to the rule”, and that the army investigates them when they occur.
But, B’Tselem said that, even in the rare incidents when the army actually investigates the violations, “most of the cases are closed, and the soldiers who conducted the violations, or their superiors, are not held accountable.”
The army said that the B’Tselem report is biased towards the Palestinians, and that it “does not reflect the routine conduct of the army”.
There have been dozens of casualties, including fatalities, due to the army’s use of excessive force against Palestinian protesters, including the use of force against nonviolent protesters against the Annexation Wall and Settlements
The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories (B’Tselem) issued a report on the inventory of “crowd control weapons” used by the Israeli army against Palestinian protesters in the West Bank, and said that some of these weapons can be dangerous and fatal.
B’Tselem said that such weapons, if used improperly by the army, can be deadly and that in fact have led to the death and injury of Palestinian protesters and demonstrators.
The center also called on the Israeli army to prevent the use of live ammunition against stone-throwing Palestinians, “with the exception of instances of mortal danger”.
It called on the army to use rubber-coated metal bullets before resorting to the use of live ammunition, and to completely ban the firing of gas bombs directly at protesters.
B’Tselem said that there are two main problems with the army’s use of what it called “crowd control weapons” in the occupied West Bank; “the wording of the open-fire and safety regulations is ambiguous, and in some cases the regulations cannot be properly followed. Second, when security forces in the field violate the regulations, even systematically, practically no action is taken to put an end to this wrongful conduct.”
The Israeli army said that the violations to open-fire regulations are not regular, and claimed that these violations carried out by some soldiers are “exceptions to the rule”, and that the army investigates them when they occur.
But, B’Tselem said that, even in the rare incidents when the army actually investigates the violations, “most of the cases are closed, and the soldiers who conducted the violations, or their superiors, are not held accountable.”
The army said that the B’Tselem report is biased towards the Palestinians, and that it “does not reflect the routine conduct of the army”.
There have been dozens of casualties, including fatalities, due to the army’s use of excessive force against Palestinian protesters, including the use of force against nonviolent protesters against the Annexation Wall and Settlements
|
The army frequently resorts to the excessive use of force, and the intentional firing at the Palestinians and their international and Israeli supporters during the nonviolent protests against the Wall and settlements in the West Bank.
An example to the intentional infliction of harm against the Palestinians during nonviolent protests is the case of Ashraf Abu Rahma, who was arrested by the soldiers during a weekly nonviolent protest in Bil’in, on July 19 2008. |
Two years ago, Jawaher Abu Rahma, 35, died after suffering the effects of tear gas inhalation when the soldiers fired gas bombs at the weekly nonviolent protest in Bil’in village, near Ramallah, on Friday December 31, 2010.
Jawaher died at a local hospital the next day of her injury. Medical reports presented by the family showed that the woman never had any health problems prior to the attack. Medical sources reported that the cause of the death was suffocation from tear gas chemicals mixed with phosphorus. Jawaher was the sister of Bassem Abu Rahma, who was killed on April 24 2009 after being directly hit in the chest by a gas bomb fired by an Israeli soldier directed at him during a nonviolent weekly protest against the Annexation Wall in Bil'in. A video captured by a young Palestinian woman of the incident showed the soldiers forcing the bound and blindfolded Palestinian to stand in front of a military jeep;
one soldier held his hand while another soldier standing at a very close range shot Ashraf in the leg. The army later arrested the father of the young Palestinian woman who captured the assault on video. |
24 jan 2013
PCHR Weekly Report: 10 civilians, including 3 children, wounded by Israeli forces this week
Israeli soldiers attack non-violent demonstrators in Al Masara
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 17- 22 January 2012, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 4 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in the northern and central Gaza Strip.
5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh and Kofur Qaddoum peaceful protests in the center and north of the West Bank. Also, in an Israeli invasion, a Palestinian child sustained severe wounds in Ayda refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
This week in Gaza, a 2-year girl was wounded by Israeli shrapnel while she was playing in front of her family's house in al-Salqa valley in the central Gaza Strip, in addition to 3 other civilians wounded by Israeli gunfire.
In the Gaza Strip, on 17 January 2013, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. The first one was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Jabalya, opened fire at a group of civilians and farmers, who were 100 meters to the west of the fence. Five minutes later, the second person was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, north of Beit Lahia, opened fire at a group of civilians and farmers a few meters to the west of the fence.
It should be mentioned that Palestinian farmers, following the truce signed between the armed groups and Israel after the latest offensive on the Gaza Strip, went back to the buffer zone, which is 300 meters along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, in order to carry out the decision made by the Israeli forces and to help farmers have access to their lands after being denied the use of them.
On 19 January 2013, a 2-year girl was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Wadi al-Salqa village in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at the agricultural lands. The girl was playing in front of her family's house that was 1,000 meters away from the fence.
On 21 January 2013, a Palestinian boy was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned on watchtowers, northwest of Beit Lahia, opened fire at some workers who were collecting plastic, gravel and firewood a few meters away from the fence. The Israeli forces claimed that they fired at a group of boys who attempted to damage the fence in the northern Gaza Strip.
It should be noted that the Israeli forces had fired at farmers and gravel collectors in the vicinity of al-Shuhada' cemetery, east of Jabalya, but no casualties were reported.
In the context of targeting fishermen, the Israeli gunboats positioned off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 6 times on 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 January 2013. As a result, the fishermen were frightened and fled back to the shore for fear of being wounded or abducted. Neither material damage nor casualties were reported.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
The Israeli forces conducted 50 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
At least 37 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were abducted. 10 farmers, including 3 women and a mother with her baby in her arms, were abducted in eastern Yatta, south of Hebron. At least 5 Palestinian civilians were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
In one example of this week's 50 incursions, on Thursday January 17th, an Israeli undercover unit in civilian clothes moved into Kofur Ra'i village, south of Jenin. They seized a small Mercedes truck carrying a Palestinian registration plate and abducted Jalal Jamal Raja Melhem, 26, an ex-prisoner and a member of the Islamic Jihad. The Israeli forces moved later into the village and surrounded and raided a house belonging to Belal Nabil Sa'id Diab, 27, a member of the Islamic Jihad. They damaged the contents of the house and abducted the aforementioned person.
The Israeli forces raided houses of Mahmoud Matar Mohammed Melhem, 26, and Majdi Ma'moun Khalil Melhem, 26, members of the Islamic Jihad. They abducted them and transported the 4 abducted persons to an unknown destination.
It should be noted that this incursion was conducted in the context of a large-scale arrest campaign against members of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin and Tubas.
In the context of efforts to create a Jewish Majority in the Occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli forces continued to confiscate lands, demolish houses and built new settlement units. PCHR stresses that these measures come in the context of isolating East Jerusalem and annexing it to Israeli according to the Israeli policy that is in violation of the international humanitarian law.
PCHR calls upon the international community to promptly take action and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1 of the Convention.
On 20 January 2013, the Israeli forces started leveling Palestinian lands in Shu'fat village, northeast of Jerusalem. Local sources stated that these works were conducted for the benifit of road "21" that connects the center of the city with the settlements established around the city.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinians civilians and international and Israeli activists in protest of the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, 6 Palestinians, including a child, were wounded; 3 of whom were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah and 2 others were wounded in Kofur Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilia. The child was wounded at the northern entrance of Ayda refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, 6 Palestinians sustained injuries, including a child whose injury was described as critical. Dozens of demonstrators ALSO suffered from tear gas inhalation and some sustained bruises. PCHR keeps the names of the victims in fear of subjecting them to arrest by the Israeli forces.
On 19 January 2013, Israeli forces abducted 10 Palestinian farmers and activists, including three women and an infant who was with her mother, and transported them to Susyia Military Camp, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. This took place during a peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists and civilians against the Israeli land confiscating policy for settlement expansion.
Following the Friday Prayer on 18 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity. The protesters aimed to stress the need to adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the lands adjacent to the annexation wall.
The Israeli forces had closed all ways and entrances to the village since early morning hours, to prevent Palestinians, journalists and international activists from joining the protest. Upon their arrival to Abu-Lemon reserve, they attempted to cross the separating fence, adjacent to the wall. The Israeli forces positioned behind the new wall on the western side fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 18 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, 18 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, entitled: "On the Anniversary of the killing of Samir Ahmed Awad." The protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders gathered in Budrus village, west of Ramallah and al-Bireh, for a peaceful protest against the annexation wall and settlement activity. The demonstration was entitled: "On the Anniversary of the Killing of Samir Amed Awad." The demonstrators walked through the village streets and headed towards the wall. The Israeli forces closed the wall gates with barbwires, and when the demonstrators attempted to cross the wall to the lands behind it, the Israeli forces stopped them, so the demonstrators threw rocks at them. The Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets.
As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds; the first (50) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg; the second (25) sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh and the third (20) was hit in the head by a tear gas canister. Also, dozens of demonstrators suffocated from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the confiscated land and attacked the participants; as a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At approximately 12:15 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Kuffor Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the village since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. The demonstrators moved towards the entrance of the village. Immediately, Israeli forces, stationed in the surroundings of the steel gate established at the entrance, fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets.
As a result, two Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds; the first (36) sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh and the second (44) sustained a bullet wound to the back. Dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation. It should be mentioned that the number of tear gas canisters and sound bombs fired by the Israeli forces exceeded a few hundreds.
At approximately 14:30 on the same Friday, dozens of children and teenagers gathered at the eastern entrance of 'Ayda Refugee Camp, north of Bethlehem. They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the watchtower in the vicinity of Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque (Rachel's tomb), north of the city. Following that, the Israeli forces stationed at the main entrance of the camp and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters, and then opened fire at them.
As a result, Saleh Ahmed al-'Amaryn (15) sustained a bullet wound to the head. He was transported to Beit Jala Public Hospital for treatment; however, he was transported later to Hadassah Medical Center where his condition was described as critical.
At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 19 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists and civilians from Qwaiqis village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, gathered for the organization of a peaceful protest against the Israeli land confiscation policy for settlement expansion.
The demonstrators marched in the streets of the village, chanting for national unity. They later headed to the farmlands threatened by confiscation in Um al-Arayes area, east of Yatta. Upon their arrival at the area, the Israeli forces attacked the peaceful demonstration, under the pretext that the area was a closed military zone.
The Israeli soldiers severely beat the demonstrators and abducted 10 of the farmers and human rights activists, including 3 women and a baby who was with her mother.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israel has continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
37 residential tents were damaged and confiscated in al-Maleh area in the northern Jordan Valley, due to which 115 persons became homeless. 6 houses and a water well were demolished and new demolition notices were issued in Hebron. The settlers uprooted 60 olive seedlings in areas south of Bethlehem.
On 17 January 2013, the Israeli forces used bulldozers to demolish tents that offered shelter to 12 families of 115 members in al-Maleh area, east of Tubas, in the northern Jordan Valley. Moreover, the Israeli forces demolished stockyards belonging to the abovementioned families.
On the same day, settlers uprooted 40 olive seedlings in Housan village, west of Bethlehem.
On 19 January 2013, a 200-member infantry unit moved into al-Maleh area for the second time. They damaged 37 tents that were given to the same families in the area. 14 tents of them were provided to the families by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
On the same day, a group of settlers from "Sidi Boaz" settlement outpost, south of Bethlehem, uprooted 20 olive seedlings in Ein Qessis area.
On 21 January 2013, the Israeli forces demolished an agricultural room inhabited by Mosa Ibrahim Abu 'Eram, in addition to a water well in She'eb al-Maghara area, east of Yatta village, south of Hebron.
On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished an under-construction house in al-Rifa'iya area, east of Yatta village.
On the same day, 4 tin-made houses in al-Rahwa area, south of al-Daheriya village in the south of Hebron, were demolished.
In the same context, on 20 January 2013, the Israeli forces submitted notices to 6 Palestinians in Wad al-Naqi area, west of Ethna village in the west of Hebron, to suspend their work in 3 houses and 3 barns under the pretext of not having obtained construction license from the Israeli authorities.
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 High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
Also, the PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 17- 22 January 2012, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 4 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in the northern and central Gaza Strip.
5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh and Kofur Qaddoum peaceful protests in the center and north of the West Bank. Also, in an Israeli invasion, a Palestinian child sustained severe wounds in Ayda refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
This week in Gaza, a 2-year girl was wounded by Israeli shrapnel while she was playing in front of her family's house in al-Salqa valley in the central Gaza Strip, in addition to 3 other civilians wounded by Israeli gunfire.
In the Gaza Strip, on 17 January 2013, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded. The first one was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Jabalya, opened fire at a group of civilians and farmers, who were 100 meters to the west of the fence. Five minutes later, the second person was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, north of Beit Lahia, opened fire at a group of civilians and farmers a few meters to the west of the fence.
It should be mentioned that Palestinian farmers, following the truce signed between the armed groups and Israel after the latest offensive on the Gaza Strip, went back to the buffer zone, which is 300 meters along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, in order to carry out the decision made by the Israeli forces and to help farmers have access to their lands after being denied the use of them.
On 19 January 2013, a 2-year girl was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Wadi al-Salqa village in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at the agricultural lands. The girl was playing in front of her family's house that was 1,000 meters away from the fence.
On 21 January 2013, a Palestinian boy was wounded when the Israeli forces positioned on watchtowers, northwest of Beit Lahia, opened fire at some workers who were collecting plastic, gravel and firewood a few meters away from the fence. The Israeli forces claimed that they fired at a group of boys who attempted to damage the fence in the northern Gaza Strip.
It should be noted that the Israeli forces had fired at farmers and gravel collectors in the vicinity of al-Shuhada' cemetery, east of Jabalya, but no casualties were reported.
In the context of targeting fishermen, the Israeli gunboats positioned off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 6 times on 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 January 2013. As a result, the fishermen were frightened and fled back to the shore for fear of being wounded or abducted. Neither material damage nor casualties were reported.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
The Israeli forces conducted 50 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
At least 37 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were abducted. 10 farmers, including 3 women and a mother with her baby in her arms, were abducted in eastern Yatta, south of Hebron. At least 5 Palestinian civilians were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
In one example of this week's 50 incursions, on Thursday January 17th, an Israeli undercover unit in civilian clothes moved into Kofur Ra'i village, south of Jenin. They seized a small Mercedes truck carrying a Palestinian registration plate and abducted Jalal Jamal Raja Melhem, 26, an ex-prisoner and a member of the Islamic Jihad. The Israeli forces moved later into the village and surrounded and raided a house belonging to Belal Nabil Sa'id Diab, 27, a member of the Islamic Jihad. They damaged the contents of the house and abducted the aforementioned person.
The Israeli forces raided houses of Mahmoud Matar Mohammed Melhem, 26, and Majdi Ma'moun Khalil Melhem, 26, members of the Islamic Jihad. They abducted them and transported the 4 abducted persons to an unknown destination.
It should be noted that this incursion was conducted in the context of a large-scale arrest campaign against members of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin and Tubas.
In the context of efforts to create a Jewish Majority in the Occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli forces continued to confiscate lands, demolish houses and built new settlement units. PCHR stresses that these measures come in the context of isolating East Jerusalem and annexing it to Israeli according to the Israeli policy that is in violation of the international humanitarian law.
PCHR calls upon the international community to promptly take action and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1 of the Convention.
On 20 January 2013, the Israeli forces started leveling Palestinian lands in Shu'fat village, northeast of Jerusalem. Local sources stated that these works were conducted for the benifit of road "21" that connects the center of the city with the settlements established around the city.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinians civilians and international and Israeli activists in protest of the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, 6 Palestinians, including a child, were wounded; 3 of whom were wounded in al-Nabi Saleh weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah and 2 others were wounded in Kofur Qaddoum weekly protest, northeast of Qalqilia. The child was wounded at the northern entrance of Ayda refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, 6 Palestinians sustained injuries, including a child whose injury was described as critical. Dozens of demonstrators ALSO suffered from tear gas inhalation and some sustained bruises. PCHR keeps the names of the victims in fear of subjecting them to arrest by the Israeli forces.
On 19 January 2013, Israeli forces abducted 10 Palestinian farmers and activists, including three women and an infant who was with her mother, and transported them to Susyia Military Camp, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron. This took place during a peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists and civilians against the Israeli land confiscating policy for settlement expansion.
Following the Friday Prayer on 18 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity. The protesters aimed to stress the need to adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the lands adjacent to the annexation wall.
The Israeli forces had closed all ways and entrances to the village since early morning hours, to prevent Palestinians, journalists and international activists from joining the protest. Upon their arrival to Abu-Lemon reserve, they attempted to cross the separating fence, adjacent to the wall. The Israeli forces positioned behind the new wall on the western side fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 18 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, 18 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, entitled: "On the Anniversary of the killing of Samir Ahmed Awad." The protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders gathered in Budrus village, west of Ramallah and al-Bireh, for a peaceful protest against the annexation wall and settlement activity. The demonstration was entitled: "On the Anniversary of the Killing of Samir Amed Awad." The demonstrators walked through the village streets and headed towards the wall. The Israeli forces closed the wall gates with barbwires, and when the demonstrators attempted to cross the wall to the lands behind it, the Israeli forces stopped them, so the demonstrators threw rocks at them. The Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets.
As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds; the first (50) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg; the second (25) sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh and the third (20) was hit in the head by a tear gas canister. Also, dozens of demonstrators suffocated from tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the confiscated land and attacked the participants; as a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At approximately 12:15 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Kuffor Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the village since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. The demonstrators moved towards the entrance of the village. Immediately, Israeli forces, stationed in the surroundings of the steel gate established at the entrance, fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets.
As a result, two Palestinian civilians sustained bullet wounds; the first (36) sustained a bullet wound to the right thigh and the second (44) sustained a bullet wound to the back. Dozens of demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation. It should be mentioned that the number of tear gas canisters and sound bombs fired by the Israeli forces exceeded a few hundreds.
At approximately 14:30 on the same Friday, dozens of children and teenagers gathered at the eastern entrance of 'Ayda Refugee Camp, north of Bethlehem. They threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed on the watchtower in the vicinity of Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque (Rachel's tomb), north of the city. Following that, the Israeli forces stationed at the main entrance of the camp and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters, and then opened fire at them.
As a result, Saleh Ahmed al-'Amaryn (15) sustained a bullet wound to the head. He was transported to Beit Jala Public Hospital for treatment; however, he was transported later to Hadassah Medical Center where his condition was described as critical.
At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 19 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists and civilians from Qwaiqis village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, gathered for the organization of a peaceful protest against the Israeli land confiscation policy for settlement expansion.
The demonstrators marched in the streets of the village, chanting for national unity. They later headed to the farmlands threatened by confiscation in Um al-Arayes area, east of Yatta. Upon their arrival at the area, the Israeli forces attacked the peaceful demonstration, under the pretext that the area was a closed military zone.
The Israeli soldiers severely beat the demonstrators and abducted 10 of the farmers and human rights activists, including 3 women and a baby who was with her mother.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israel has continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
37 residential tents were damaged and confiscated in al-Maleh area in the northern Jordan Valley, due to which 115 persons became homeless. 6 houses and a water well were demolished and new demolition notices were issued in Hebron. The settlers uprooted 60 olive seedlings in areas south of Bethlehem.
On 17 January 2013, the Israeli forces used bulldozers to demolish tents that offered shelter to 12 families of 115 members in al-Maleh area, east of Tubas, in the northern Jordan Valley. Moreover, the Israeli forces demolished stockyards belonging to the abovementioned families.
On the same day, settlers uprooted 40 olive seedlings in Housan village, west of Bethlehem.
On 19 January 2013, a 200-member infantry unit moved into al-Maleh area for the second time. They damaged 37 tents that were given to the same families in the area. 14 tents of them were provided to the families by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
On the same day, a group of settlers from "Sidi Boaz" settlement outpost, south of Bethlehem, uprooted 20 olive seedlings in Ein Qessis area.
On 21 January 2013, the Israeli forces demolished an agricultural room inhabited by Mosa Ibrahim Abu 'Eram, in addition to a water well in She'eb al-Maghara area, east of Yatta village, south of Hebron.
On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished an under-construction house in al-Rifa'iya area, east of Yatta village.
On the same day, 4 tin-made houses in al-Rahwa area, south of al-Daheriya village in the south of Hebron, were demolished.
In the same context, on 20 January 2013, the Israeli forces submitted notices to 6 Palestinians in Wad al-Naqi area, west of Ethna village in the west of Hebron, to suspend their work in 3 houses and 3 barns under the pretext of not having obtained construction license from the Israeli authorities.
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 High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
Also, the PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
22 jan 2013
UNRWA: Sharp rise in children suffering post-war traumas in Gaza
The UNRWA said the incidence of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Gaza Strip has risen by more than 100 percent following the last Israel war. It added that the number of Gazans it was treating from November to December for psychological traumas had doubled, 42 percent of them are under age nine.
These UNRWA statistics agrees with the findings of a recent survey on Gazan children conducted by the UNICEF, which found sharp rises in conflict-related psychological disturbances.
"These figures represent a significant rise in mental health problems," Akihiro Seita, director of the UNRWA’s health program said. "From my experience, I would say this is evidence of a psychological trauma and PTSD epidemic.
"Remember that these statistics do not reflect our anecdotal evidence, which suggests there are a huge number of unreported cases," Seita added.
"On my first visit to Gaza after the war, I was overwhelmed by how much mothers and children suffered from the sheer scale and magnitude of the bombardments. All the mothers I met in UNRWA’s health centers said their children behaved differently during and after the war. Some don’t sleep well, some do not eat well, and some do not speak well. It is heart-breaking," she stressed.
These UNRWA statistics agrees with the findings of a recent survey on Gazan children conducted by the UNICEF, which found sharp rises in conflict-related psychological disturbances.
"These figures represent a significant rise in mental health problems," Akihiro Seita, director of the UNRWA’s health program said. "From my experience, I would say this is evidence of a psychological trauma and PTSD epidemic.
"Remember that these statistics do not reflect our anecdotal evidence, which suggests there are a huge number of unreported cases," Seita added.
"On my first visit to Gaza after the war, I was overwhelmed by how much mothers and children suffered from the sheer scale and magnitude of the bombardments. All the mothers I met in UNRWA’s health centers said their children behaved differently during and after the war. Some don’t sleep well, some do not eat well, and some do not speak well. It is heart-breaking," she stressed.
Jerusalem Legal Aid Accuses Israel of Violating Privacy
The Jerusalem Legal Aid accused the Israeli Ministry of Interior of violating the privacy of Palestinian applicants for family reunification. The Jerusalem Legal Aid said that in two cases it (the center) was following for Palestinian spouses applying for family reunification, the Interior Ministry has asked them for details about conversations and telephone calls between them.
The ministry has asked the couple, in addition to providing it with many other documents regarding the person applying for family reunification to their spouse, telephone conversations and emails exchanges between them.
"This is an illegal procedure and the questions asked by the Ministry of Interior are an invasion of personal privacy and the right of the individual to keep this private information to themselves," said the statement.
The center called on people applying for family reunification not to agree to these terms.
The ministry has asked the couple, in addition to providing it with many other documents regarding the person applying for family reunification to their spouse, telephone conversations and emails exchanges between them.
"This is an illegal procedure and the questions asked by the Ministry of Interior are an invasion of personal privacy and the right of the individual to keep this private information to themselves," said the statement.
The center called on people applying for family reunification not to agree to these terms.
20 jan 2013
Report: settlements have doubled four times over the past year
Hamas Media Bureau said in a report issued concerning the escalating Israeli settlement schemes over the past year, that the settlements have increased four times in 2012 compared with 2011.
The report pointed out that during 2012 the Israeli occupation government put 6932 new housing units in West Bank and occupied Jerusalem settlements to tender compared with 1772 housing units in 2011, and 569 housing units in 2010. The report stressed that the IOA approved during the past year huge settlement projects in "Gilo "and" Har Homa "and the" Givat Hamatos "south of Jerusalem, and in the" Pisgat Ze'ev "and" Ramat Shlomo "north of the city.
It also noted that the occupation continued in implementing this settlement policy at an accelerated pace with the beginning of this year to include plans to build thousands of settlement units in the area known as the "E-1" located between Jerusalem and the settlement of "Ma'ale Adumim".
The occupation seized tens of thousands of acres in al-Khalil and surrounding towns and villages, where about a thousand Palestinians received notices to evacuate their homes in the northern Jordan Valley at the pretext of conducting military exercises.
The occupation forces started demolishing houses in Jerusalem and imposing expensive fines and handing dozens of demolition notices, and announced the establishment of a new outpost in the Ras al-Amud in Jerusalem, in addition to confiscating lands of the Palestinian village of Beit Iksa.
The report pointed out that during 2012 the Israeli occupation government put 6932 new housing units in West Bank and occupied Jerusalem settlements to tender compared with 1772 housing units in 2011, and 569 housing units in 2010. The report stressed that the IOA approved during the past year huge settlement projects in "Gilo "and" Har Homa "and the" Givat Hamatos "south of Jerusalem, and in the" Pisgat Ze'ev "and" Ramat Shlomo "north of the city.
It also noted that the occupation continued in implementing this settlement policy at an accelerated pace with the beginning of this year to include plans to build thousands of settlement units in the area known as the "E-1" located between Jerusalem and the settlement of "Ma'ale Adumim".
The occupation seized tens of thousands of acres in al-Khalil and surrounding towns and villages, where about a thousand Palestinians received notices to evacuate their homes in the northern Jordan Valley at the pretext of conducting military exercises.
The occupation forces started demolishing houses in Jerusalem and imposing expensive fines and handing dozens of demolition notices, and announced the establishment of a new outpost in the Ras al-Amud in Jerusalem, in addition to confiscating lands of the Palestinian village of Beit Iksa.
18 jan 2013
PCHR Weekly Report: 4 civilians killed, including 1 child, by Israeli forces this week
Two homes demolished by israeli troops this week
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 10- 16 January 2012, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The 4 civilians were killed at the border area as a result of excessive use of force.
Also, 2 Palestinian civilians were shot by Israeli settlers in the northern West Bank.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and wounded a third.
On 12 January 2013, the Israeli forces positioned along the security fence, south of al-Ramadin village in the south of Hebron, killed a Palestinian worker named Oday al-Daraweesh, 21, from Doura in the southwest of Hebron.
On 15 January 2013, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child from Budros village, west of Ramallah and al-Bireh, while he was with his friends near the annexation wall.
In the context of efforts to create a Jewish Majority in the Occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli forces continued to confiscate lands, demolish houses and built new settlement units. PCHR stresses that these measures come in the context of isolating East Jerusalem and annexing it to Israeli according to the Israeli policy that is in violation of the international humanitarian law. PCHR calls upon the international community to promptly take action and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1 of the Convention.
On the level of house demolitions, the Israeli forces demolished 2 houses in Beit Hanina suburb and Sour Baher village, which caused 15 Palestinians to be made homeless. At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 14 January 2013, Israeli forces accompanied by a number if military vehicles and two military bulldozers, raided al-Hathalin neighborhood in Um al-Khair Kehrba area, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron.
The forces patrolled the area, the soldiers were deployed in its surroundings and banned the civilians from transporting. The military bulldozer started demolishing a house made of tin and stones, built on an area of 60 square meters, occupied by Shu'aib al-Hathalin's, 65, family of 8.
It should also be mentioned that Mr. al-Hathalin is physically disabled. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Khalil Shu'ain al-Hathalin said that the Israeli forces raided the area early in the morning and forced his family to evacuate the house, during the recent cold wave. The bulldozer destroyed the house under pretext of not obtaining a permit.
On 15 January 2013, the Israeli forces moved into al-Ashqariya neighborhood in Beit Hanina suburb, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to Nasser Awad al-Rajabi, 42, and demolished the house without a prior notice.
At the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Sour Baher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to Aref Hussain 'Amira, 71, and demolished his 2-storey house.
During the reporting period, the Israeli forces conducted at least 40 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, the Israeli forces abducted at least 29 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded a third one. On 11 January 2013, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded a second one.
On 14 January 2013, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip while he was standing with his friends in a farmland 1,200 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces conducted 2 limited incursions. The first incursion was on 10 January 2013, when they moved approximately 200 meters to the west of the border fence, east of Gaza Valley (Johr al-Deek) village.
The second incursion was conducted on 14 January 2013, when Israeli forces moved 100 meters to the west of the border fence in Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis.
In the Gaza Strip also, on 12 January 2013, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of al-Salqa valley, east of Deir al-Balah, abducted a young man and a boy from the village, as they attempted to cross the border into Israel.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israel has continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in 2 separate shooting incidents carried out by armed settlers in Nablus on 10 January 2013. The first incident happened when a group of settlers from "Yitzhar" settlement attacked a number of Palestinian civilians from Ourif village, south of Nablus. The other incident took place when an armed settler opened fire at Palestinian civilians, wounding Ammar Masamir, 20.
On 13 January 2013, the Israeli forces submitted a notice to Ehssan Hussain Shnaran, 45, from Wad al-Rakheem area, south of Yatta, to demolish his tent where 10 individuals live. They also submitted a notice to demolish a Kindergarten in Kherbet Sousia, southeast of Hebron.
On 14 January 2013, the Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to the family of Sho'aib al-Hathalin, 65, from Kerbet Um al-Khair, south of Hebron. The house was built of stones and roofed by tin plates on an area of 60 square meters.
On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished a farmhouse in Hawwara area, south of Hebron, belonging to Mohammed Ali Issa Atiya, 45. This house was used as shelter for a 9-member family and to raise livestock.
On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished 2 barns in the vicinity of Kherbet Hawwara belonging to Ziad Yunis Makhamra, 55, and Walid Ahmed al-Jbour, 50, under the pretext of not obtaining building licenses.
In addition to the 2 abovementioned shooting incidents, on 10 January 2013, a group of settlers from "Yesh Kodesh" settlement, southeast of Nablus, damaged 210 live trees in the southwest of Qasra village.
Israeli attacks on nonviolent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, a 21-year-old Palestinian civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh, in Nabi Saleh weekly peaceful demonstration, northwest of Ramallah; 6 Israeli and international human rights activists were detained by Israeli forces and transported to an unknown destination. Also dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and some sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 11 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity. The protesters aimed to stress the need to adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the wall. They called through megaphones for Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to leave Palestinian land. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 11 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, 11 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, a Palestinian civilian, 21, sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh. He was transported to Palestine Health Complex in Ramallah for treatment. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. Moreover, the Israeli forces abducted 6 Israeli and international human rights activists and transported them to an unknown destination.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the confiscated land and attacked the participants;
As a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At approximately 12:15 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Kuffor Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the village since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. The demonstrators moved towards the entrance of the village. Immediately, Israeli forces, stationed in the surroundings of the steel gate established at the entrance, fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated bullets.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 11:30 on Tuesday, 15 January 2013, Palestinian civilians and activists in the Popular Committees against the Wall and international human rights activist organized a demonstration in solidarity with the people of al-Jab'a village, northwest of Hebron. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the gate separating al-Jab'a and Sourif villages, west of Hebro. The demonstrators broke the steel gate, installed by the Israeli forces approximately 13 years ago, and opened it for civilian movement. The Israeli forces surrounded the area, and some soldiers attacked the demonstrators and got in a hand-fight with them.
As a result, some of the demonstrators sustained bruises.
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 High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
The PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 10- 16 January 2012, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The 4 civilians were killed at the border area as a result of excessive use of force.
Also, 2 Palestinian civilians were shot by Israeli settlers in the northern West Bank.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and wounded a third.
On 12 January 2013, the Israeli forces positioned along the security fence, south of al-Ramadin village in the south of Hebron, killed a Palestinian worker named Oday al-Daraweesh, 21, from Doura in the southwest of Hebron.
On 15 January 2013, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child from Budros village, west of Ramallah and al-Bireh, while he was with his friends near the annexation wall.
In the context of efforts to create a Jewish Majority in the Occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli forces continued to confiscate lands, demolish houses and built new settlement units. PCHR stresses that these measures come in the context of isolating East Jerusalem and annexing it to Israeli according to the Israeli policy that is in violation of the international humanitarian law. PCHR calls upon the international community to promptly take action and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1 of the Convention.
On the level of house demolitions, the Israeli forces demolished 2 houses in Beit Hanina suburb and Sour Baher village, which caused 15 Palestinians to be made homeless. At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 14 January 2013, Israeli forces accompanied by a number if military vehicles and two military bulldozers, raided al-Hathalin neighborhood in Um al-Khair Kehrba area, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron.
The forces patrolled the area, the soldiers were deployed in its surroundings and banned the civilians from transporting. The military bulldozer started demolishing a house made of tin and stones, built on an area of 60 square meters, occupied by Shu'aib al-Hathalin's, 65, family of 8.
It should also be mentioned that Mr. al-Hathalin is physically disabled. In his testimony to a PCHR fieldworker, Khalil Shu'ain al-Hathalin said that the Israeli forces raided the area early in the morning and forced his family to evacuate the house, during the recent cold wave. The bulldozer destroyed the house under pretext of not obtaining a permit.
On 15 January 2013, the Israeli forces moved into al-Ashqariya neighborhood in Beit Hanina suburb, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to Nasser Awad al-Rajabi, 42, and demolished the house without a prior notice.
At the same time, the Israeli forces moved into Sour Baher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to Aref Hussain 'Amira, 71, and demolished his 2-storey house.
During the reporting period, the Israeli forces conducted at least 40 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, the Israeli forces abducted at least 29 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded a third one. On 11 January 2013, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded a second one.
On 14 January 2013, the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian from Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip while he was standing with his friends in a farmland 1,200 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces conducted 2 limited incursions. The first incursion was on 10 January 2013, when they moved approximately 200 meters to the west of the border fence, east of Gaza Valley (Johr al-Deek) village.
The second incursion was conducted on 14 January 2013, when Israeli forces moved 100 meters to the west of the border fence in Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis.
In the Gaza Strip also, on 12 January 2013, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of al-Salqa valley, east of Deir al-Balah, abducted a young man and a boy from the village, as they attempted to cross the border into Israel.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israel has continued settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in 2 separate shooting incidents carried out by armed settlers in Nablus on 10 January 2013. The first incident happened when a group of settlers from "Yitzhar" settlement attacked a number of Palestinian civilians from Ourif village, south of Nablus. The other incident took place when an armed settler opened fire at Palestinian civilians, wounding Ammar Masamir, 20.
On 13 January 2013, the Israeli forces submitted a notice to Ehssan Hussain Shnaran, 45, from Wad al-Rakheem area, south of Yatta, to demolish his tent where 10 individuals live. They also submitted a notice to demolish a Kindergarten in Kherbet Sousia, southeast of Hebron.
On 14 January 2013, the Israeli forces demolished a house belonging to the family of Sho'aib al-Hathalin, 65, from Kerbet Um al-Khair, south of Hebron. The house was built of stones and roofed by tin plates on an area of 60 square meters.
On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished a farmhouse in Hawwara area, south of Hebron, belonging to Mohammed Ali Issa Atiya, 45. This house was used as shelter for a 9-member family and to raise livestock.
On the same day, the Israeli forces demolished 2 barns in the vicinity of Kherbet Hawwara belonging to Ziad Yunis Makhamra, 55, and Walid Ahmed al-Jbour, 50, under the pretext of not obtaining building licenses.
In addition to the 2 abovementioned shooting incidents, on 10 January 2013, a group of settlers from "Yesh Kodesh" settlement, southeast of Nablus, damaged 210 live trees in the southwest of Qasra village.
Israeli attacks on nonviolent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, a 21-year-old Palestinian civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh, in Nabi Saleh weekly peaceful demonstration, northwest of Ramallah; 6 Israeli and international human rights activists were detained by Israeli forces and transported to an unknown destination. Also dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and some sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer on 11 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. The demonstrators gathered in the streets of the village, chanting slogans calling for national unity. The protesters aimed to stress the need to adhere to national principles and the right of return, to resist the occupation and to call for the release of all Palestinian prisoners. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the wall. They called through megaphones for Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to leave Palestinian land. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer on 11 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, 11 January 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by Israeli forces near the entrance of the village, which leads to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.
As a result, a Palestinian civilian, 21, sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh. He was transported to Palestine Health Complex in Ramallah for treatment. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. Moreover, the Israeli forces abducted 6 Israeli and international human rights activists and transported them to an unknown destination.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the ongoing construction of the annexation wall. As the protestors moved towards the gate of the village, the Israeli forces closed it to prevent the demonstration from gaining access to the confiscated land and attacked the participants;
As a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At approximately 12:15 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Kuffor Kadoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continuous closure of the eastern entrance of the village since the outbreak of al-Aqsa Intifada. The demonstrators moved towards the entrance of the village. Immediately, Israeli forces, stationed in the surroundings of the steel gate established at the entrance, fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated bullets.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.
At approximately 11:30 on Tuesday, 15 January 2013, Palestinian civilians and activists in the Popular Committees against the Wall and international human rights activist organized a demonstration in solidarity with the people of al-Jab'a village, northwest of Hebron. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and made their way towards the gate separating al-Jab'a and Sourif villages, west of Hebro. The demonstrators broke the steel gate, installed by the Israeli forces approximately 13 years ago, and opened it for civilian movement. The Israeli forces surrounded the area, and some soldiers attacked the demonstrators and got in a hand-fight with them.
As a result, some of the demonstrators sustained bruises.
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 High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.
The PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
For the full text of the report, click on the link