29 mar 2018
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 22 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a photojournalist, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip as well, the Israeli forces continued to chase the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, target the border areas, and carry out airstrikes against objectives belongs to the Palestinian Armed Groups and open lands.
In the West Bank, on 26 March 2018, ‘Abdullah Ramadan (27) was wounded with a bullet to the right leg when an Israeli undercover unit “Mista’arvim”, whose members are dressed like Palestinian civilians, opened fire at him without any warning. The unit had sneaked into Jerusalem-Hebron Street opposite Dheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, to arrest him. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces had been chasing him for 6 months.
Moreover, 12 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a photojournalist, were wounded after Israeli forces opened fire at them and fired tear gas canisters directly at them during protests and stone-throwing at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the entrances to the Palestinian villages in the West Bank. These demonstrations are organized by Palestinian civilians in protest against the American President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and against the Israeli settlement activities and land confiscations.
In the Gaza Strip, 9 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded after Israeli forces fired bullets and tear gas canisters at them directly during protests and stone-throwing at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. These demonstrations are organized by Palestinian civilians in protest against the American President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and against the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip for 11 years consecutively.
As part of targeting fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against fishermen in the Gaza Sea, indicating to the on-going Israeli policy of targeting their livelihoods. PCHR’s fieldworkers monitored 5 shooting incidents; 2 in north-western Beit Lahia and 3 others in Western Soudaniyah, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
As part of targeting the border areas, on 24 March 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at the Palestinian farmers who were in their lands.
On 26 March 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian farmers who were in their lands. On 27 March 2018, the shooting recurred twice at the Palestinian farmers who were in their lands, east of the central Gaza Strip.
On 25 March 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the Palestinian agricultural lands, east of al-Bureij. On the same day, the Israeli forces fired 2 artillery shells at a border control checkpoint belonging al-Qassam Brigades, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, the checkpoint sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.
As part of airstrikes, on 24 March 2018, the Israeli warplanes launched 4 missiles at a military training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades, northwest of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip. As result, the site sustained severe damage, but no casualties were reported.
Efforts to Create Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem:
As part of demolitions, on 28 March 2018, the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished an under-construction house and retailing wall in addition to a cemetery in ‘Ein Jweizah in al-Waljah village, west of Bethlehem, under the pretext of unlicensed construction. An officer in al-Waljah Village Council said that large force of Israeli soldiers moved into the village and closed the entrance to ‘Ein Jweizah, north of the village. They then levelled 10 empty graves in a cemetery belonging to ‘Abed Raboh family; a retaining wall of an agricultural land belonging to Tariq Mahamid; and foundations of a 180-square-meter under-construction house belonging to Nader Abu Khyarah.
As part of settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 27 March, Israeli “alleged Temple Mount” groups hanged banners on al-Aqsa Mosque gates, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, ordering Muslims to leave and evacuate al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, 30 March 2018, coinciding the Passover Eve to offer oblations in al-Aqsa Mosque.
Settlement Activities, Demolitions, and Settlers’ Attacks against Palestinian civilians and their Property:
On 28 March 2018, Israeli forces leveled a 15-square-meter tent in Rejem al-Harma area near “Susya” settlement, south of Yata, south of Hebron. The tent belonged to Khader al-Nawaj’ah and was demolished under the pretext of unlicensed building in Area C.
As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 25 March 2018, Gom’ah Reb’ie (45) from al-Tawanah village, east of Yata, south of Hebron, sustained fractures in the left feet and wounds in the head. Gom’ah was in his land in al-Kharoubah area, east of the village, when a settler from“ Havat Ma’on” settlement outpost established on the Palestinian village lands attacked him.
On the same day, a group of settlers attacked two Palestinian farmers from Imatin village, northeast of Qalqilya, when they were plowing their lands. As a result, the first farmer namely Yousif Berry (60) was hit with a stone to his face, fracturing his lower jaw, while the other farmer namely Ra’fat Berry (22) sustained bruises throughout his body.
On 26 March 2018, Taysir Soliman (63) sustained bruises in his body and mouth and a fracture to his lower jaw. Two settlers attacked him while he was plowing a land belonging to Murad ‘Odah in al-Lahf area, west of Howarah village, south of Nablus.
Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:
Upon calls for demonstrations protesting against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Presidential Decree to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. Embassy to it, Palestinian civilians organized protests against the decision throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. As a result, 21 civilians, including 4 children and a photojournalist, were wounded. (This number does not include the number of those wounded during the incursions into the West Bank) It should be mentioned that PCHR keeps the names of wounded persons in fear of arresting them. The demonstrations were as follows:
West Bank:
‘Enayah, who was hit with a rubber bullet to the right shoulder, said to PCHR’s fieldworker:
“At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 23 March 2018, we were covering the weekly protest in Kufor Qaddoum village and the protestors who were near the closed street. An Israeli force then arrived at the area and infantry units deployed between the trees and on hills. My colleague and I were in a safe area away from the protestors and the Israeli forces. While I was preparing my camera, a soldier fired a rubber bullet at me, hitting my right shoulder. Although I was far away from them wearing my press uniform and the head helmet, the soldier deliberately attacked me. Paramedics offered me medical treatment on the spot.”
Gaza Strip:
Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:
Lawyer Khaldoun Nejem said that Asad al-Deen sustained severe burns to his back and this clarifies that he was hit with a Molotov cocktail and did not throw Molotov Cocktail as the Israeli forces claimed. He added that the Israeli forces raided the emergency department in al- Makassed Hospital and then detained Asad al-Deen in a room to prevent treating him. When the lawyer arrived at the hospital, he confirmed to the soldiers that the child has the right to receive medical treatment and held them the responsibility of any deterioration in his heath condition due to procrastination in providing medical treatment. The lawyer also said that the Israeli forces attempted to arrest Asad al-Deen and take him via a police car despite his injury.
After the hospital refusal, the Israeli ambulance crews asked Magen David Adom ambulance (MDA) to come at the hospital and take him. Meanwhile, when the lawyer asked the MDA crew to sign papers bearing full responsibility for the child health condition, especially that his father refused to transfer him to any other hospital, the crew refused to take responsibility. He added that several hours later, the Israeli occupation forces summoned a police ambulance and took him to the Hadassah-Issawiya hospital, despite the family’s refusal to do so.
Mohamed Mousa Abed Rabbu, who is in charge of Abed Rabbu Cemetery, said that the family was surprised with the destruction of the graves and so headed to the cemetery. However, the Israeli forces denied them access until the destruction operation finished. He pointed out that Jerusalem Municipality vehicles destroyed 10 graves in a land belonging to Daghsh Family and this case is pending in the Israeli Courts. He also clarified that Daghsh Family land included 2 graves of the 2 victims Abdullah Daghsh and Yousef al-‘Alari, who died on the same land and were buried in it in 1952. He added that the family used 250 square meters of the land to build a cemetery next to the 2 graves.
The family built 10 graves 2 months ago. Mohamed also said the Israeli Interior Ministry staff came into the cemetery and hanged an order to stop construction works the graves. The family then headed to al-Waljah village council and sent the order to lawyer Ghayath Naser to follow up the case. Mohamed pointed out a hearing was held in the court, in which the Israeli Interior Ministry asked the family to pay a fine of NIS 15,000 in order to get a license for the cemetery. The hearing was delayed. It should be noted that ‘Ain al-Jweizah area in al-Waljah village has been under the Jerusalem Municipality control since 1999 and around 500 persons live in this neighborhood. The Jerusalem Municipality demolished many houses in the neighborhood and handed other persons demolition notices.
Israeli forces’ attacks
Israeli settlers’ attacks
“ At approximately 05:00on Sunday, 25 March 2018, my father left the house heading to our plot of land in al-Kharroubah area, which is 1.5 kilo meters away, east of the village, to bring grasses for sheep and asked me to join him. An hour later, when I was on my way to my father, I saw him in the valley around 500 meters away from him. I continued to walk until I was 100 meters away from my father when I saw 4 Israeli settlers on a nearby hill and another settler was holding a pistol, chasing my father and throwing stones at him. Suddenly, the Israeli settler then took his pistol out and threw it at my father. As a result, my father was hit to his left leg and then fell from a height of 1.5 meters on his face. I rushed to my father, but he asked me not to approach. The Israeli settler then held the pistol and hit my father to his head and then said in Arabic: “You are allowed to come in here”.
The settler pointed the pistol at me and told me you are not allowed to approach this area. The settler took the grasses sack and left the area towards the settlement. I approached my father and attempted to carry him, but I could not as he was not able to stand on his left leg and his head was bleeding from the back. I then contacted my relatives asking them for help, and my father remained around one house and a half on the ground. During this time, 3 Israeli soldiers arrived at the area and told me that they will bring a litter to take my father for treatment, but my father refused. The Palestinian ambulance crew then arrived and took my father to Yatta Governmental Hospital, where he received first aid and then transferred to Hebron Governmental Hospital, where he underwent a surgery because he sustained fractures.”
Yousef Mahmoud Berry said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:
“ At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 25 March 2018, a group of Palestinian farmers and I headed, from Amateen village, headed to al-Jabal area near “Gilead “settlement after getting a security permit allowing us to plow our lands for 2 days in the year. We headed there and then were surprised with Israeli settlers installing pillars in the land preparing to build a fence. We approached attempting to prevent them. Meanwhile, a force of Israeli soldiers arrived at the area and ordered us to leave. We argued with the soldiers telling them that the Israeli settlers attacked the land. The Israeli settlers approached, and took stones from the lands to throw them. I turned my back to be suddenly hit with something I could not recognize out of the pain I felt in my face. As a result, it was a huge stone that fractured my lower jaw. I also saw the Israeli settlers attacking Rafa’at Rebhi Berry (22), who was also admitted to the hospital after being attacked.”
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967. PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it.
PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005. PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law. Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 22 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a photojournalist, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip as well, the Israeli forces continued to chase the Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, target the border areas, and carry out airstrikes against objectives belongs to the Palestinian Armed Groups and open lands.
In the West Bank, on 26 March 2018, ‘Abdullah Ramadan (27) was wounded with a bullet to the right leg when an Israeli undercover unit “Mista’arvim”, whose members are dressed like Palestinian civilians, opened fire at him without any warning. The unit had sneaked into Jerusalem-Hebron Street opposite Dheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, to arrest him. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces had been chasing him for 6 months.
Moreover, 12 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a photojournalist, were wounded after Israeli forces opened fire at them and fired tear gas canisters directly at them during protests and stone-throwing at the Israeli soldiers stationed at the entrances to the Palestinian villages in the West Bank. These demonstrations are organized by Palestinian civilians in protest against the American President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and against the Israeli settlement activities and land confiscations.
In the Gaza Strip, 9 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded after Israeli forces fired bullets and tear gas canisters at them directly during protests and stone-throwing at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. These demonstrations are organized by Palestinian civilians in protest against the American President’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and against the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip for 11 years consecutively.
As part of targeting fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against fishermen in the Gaza Sea, indicating to the on-going Israeli policy of targeting their livelihoods. PCHR’s fieldworkers monitored 5 shooting incidents; 2 in north-western Beit Lahia and 3 others in Western Soudaniyah, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
As part of targeting the border areas, on 24 March 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at the Palestinian farmers who were in their lands.
On 26 March 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at the Palestinian farmers who were in their lands. On 27 March 2018, the shooting recurred twice at the Palestinian farmers who were in their lands, east of the central Gaza Strip.
On 25 March 2018, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at the Palestinian agricultural lands, east of al-Bureij. On the same day, the Israeli forces fired 2 artillery shells at a border control checkpoint belonging al-Qassam Brigades, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. As a result, the checkpoint sustained damage, but no casualties were reported.
As part of airstrikes, on 24 March 2018, the Israeli warplanes launched 4 missiles at a military training site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades, northwest of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip. As result, the site sustained severe damage, but no casualties were reported.
Efforts to Create Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem:
As part of demolitions, on 28 March 2018, the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished an under-construction house and retailing wall in addition to a cemetery in ‘Ein Jweizah in al-Waljah village, west of Bethlehem, under the pretext of unlicensed construction. An officer in al-Waljah Village Council said that large force of Israeli soldiers moved into the village and closed the entrance to ‘Ein Jweizah, north of the village. They then levelled 10 empty graves in a cemetery belonging to ‘Abed Raboh family; a retaining wall of an agricultural land belonging to Tariq Mahamid; and foundations of a 180-square-meter under-construction house belonging to Nader Abu Khyarah.
As part of settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 27 March, Israeli “alleged Temple Mount” groups hanged banners on al-Aqsa Mosque gates, in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, ordering Muslims to leave and evacuate al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, 30 March 2018, coinciding the Passover Eve to offer oblations in al-Aqsa Mosque.
Settlement Activities, Demolitions, and Settlers’ Attacks against Palestinian civilians and their Property:
On 28 March 2018, Israeli forces leveled a 15-square-meter tent in Rejem al-Harma area near “Susya” settlement, south of Yata, south of Hebron. The tent belonged to Khader al-Nawaj’ah and was demolished under the pretext of unlicensed building in Area C.
As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinian civilians and their property, on 25 March 2018, Gom’ah Reb’ie (45) from al-Tawanah village, east of Yata, south of Hebron, sustained fractures in the left feet and wounds in the head. Gom’ah was in his land in al-Kharoubah area, east of the village, when a settler from“ Havat Ma’on” settlement outpost established on the Palestinian village lands attacked him.
On the same day, a group of settlers attacked two Palestinian farmers from Imatin village, northeast of Qalqilya, when they were plowing their lands. As a result, the first farmer namely Yousif Berry (60) was hit with a stone to his face, fracturing his lower jaw, while the other farmer namely Ra’fat Berry (22) sustained bruises throughout his body.
On 26 March 2018, Taysir Soliman (63) sustained bruises in his body and mouth and a fracture to his lower jaw. Two settlers attacked him while he was plowing a land belonging to Murad ‘Odah in al-Lahf area, west of Howarah village, south of Nablus.
Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:
Upon calls for demonstrations protesting against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Presidential Decree to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. Embassy to it, Palestinian civilians organized protests against the decision throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. As a result, 21 civilians, including 4 children and a photojournalist, were wounded. (This number does not include the number of those wounded during the incursions into the West Bank) It should be mentioned that PCHR keeps the names of wounded persons in fear of arresting them. The demonstrations were as follows:
West Bank:
- Following the Friday prayer on 23 March 2018, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized protests in al-Mazr’ah al-Gharbiyah villages, northwest of the Ramallah. They threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers stationed at the village entrance. The Israeli fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 4 civilians, including a child, were wounded. They were transferred by Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulances to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. Doctors classified his injury as moderate. The soldiers also arrested Mohammed Sa’ed Abu Qare’a (30).
- At approximately 12:45, dozens of Palestinians and international activists organized a protest from the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah and headed to the eastern entrance to the village, which has been closed for 15 years. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed at the abovementioned entrance. The Israeli soldiers fired live rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 4 civilians, including 2 children and Mohammed Mahmoud ‘Enaya (28), a photojournalist at Palestine TV Channel, were wounded.
‘Enayah, who was hit with a rubber bullet to the right shoulder, said to PCHR’s fieldworker:
“At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 23 March 2018, we were covering the weekly protest in Kufor Qaddoum village and the protestors who were near the closed street. An Israeli force then arrived at the area and infantry units deployed between the trees and on hills. My colleague and I were in a safe area away from the protestors and the Israeli forces. While I was preparing my camera, a soldier fired a rubber bullet at me, hitting my right shoulder. Although I was far away from them wearing my press uniform and the head helmet, the soldier deliberately attacked me. Paramedics offered me medical treatment on the spot.”
- At approximately 16:45, a group of Palestinian civilians protested at the northern entrance to Qalqiliyah “Eyal” crossing in protest against the U.S President Donald Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed at the abovementioned checkpoint. The soldiers fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, 4 civilians were wounded. Moreover, Mazen Salamah Mohyee Eden Salamah (14) sustained bruises to the head after being attacked by the Israeli soldiers, who arrested and later released him.
Gaza Strip:
- At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 23 March 2018, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the vicinity of al-Sheja’eya neighborhood intersection, east of Gaza city and then headed to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel (near former Nahel Oz). The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 3 civilians were wounded.
- Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian young men made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel east of Khuza’a and ‘Abasan villages, east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, in protest against the U.S President Donald Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The clashes continued in the area for hours during which the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence sporadically fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors and the area to the west of the border fence. As a result, a civilian was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and then transferred to Gaza European Hospital, southeast of the city to receive medical treatment. Doctors classified his injuries as moderate.
- Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Burij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, in protest against the U.S President Donald Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The youngsters set fire to tires and then threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barriers along the border fence. The Israeli soldier then fired tear gas canisters and live bullets at them. As a result, 4 civilians, including a child, were hit with live bullets to the lower limbs and then transferred by a PRCS ambulance to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Their injuries were classified as moderate.
- At approximately 14:30, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in the northern Gaza Strip. The youngsters approached the security fence and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers stationed in military watchtowers and in their vicinity at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun village, fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 19-year-old civilian was hit with 2 live bullets to the legs. He was taken via PRCS ambulances to Beit Hanoun Hospital to receive medical treatment. Due to the serious injury, the civilian was transferred to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia. After conducting the needed medical examinations, doctors found that he suffers fractures in the legs and cuts in the veins and tendons, so he was directly admitted to the Operating Room. Doctors classified his injury as serious.
- Efforts to Create A Jewish majority
Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:
- Arrests and Incursions:
- At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 22 March 2018, Israeli forces raided al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital in al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They arrested Asad al-Deen Ibrahim Abu al-Hawa (14), from the emergency department, despite sustaining severe burns to the back. The Israeli forces claimed that Asad al-Deen attempted to throw Molotov Cocktails at the Israeli soldiers during clashes erupted in the neighborhood.
Lawyer Khaldoun Nejem said that Asad al-Deen sustained severe burns to his back and this clarifies that he was hit with a Molotov cocktail and did not throw Molotov Cocktail as the Israeli forces claimed. He added that the Israeli forces raided the emergency department in al- Makassed Hospital and then detained Asad al-Deen in a room to prevent treating him. When the lawyer arrived at the hospital, he confirmed to the soldiers that the child has the right to receive medical treatment and held them the responsibility of any deterioration in his heath condition due to procrastination in providing medical treatment. The lawyer also said that the Israeli forces attempted to arrest Asad al-Deen and take him via a police car despite his injury.
After the hospital refusal, the Israeli ambulance crews asked Magen David Adom ambulance (MDA) to come at the hospital and take him. Meanwhile, when the lawyer asked the MDA crew to sign papers bearing full responsibility for the child health condition, especially that his father refused to transfer him to any other hospital, the crew refused to take responsibility. He added that several hours later, the Israeli occupation forces summoned a police ambulance and took him to the Hadassah-Issawiya hospital, despite the family’s refusal to do so.
- On Thursday, Israeli forces accompanied with a helicopter moved into Sho’fat Refugee Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, from several entrances. They raided and searched dozens houses and then arrested 19 Palestinian civilians. Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces raided and searched dozens houses, arrested civilians, and raided shops and stores after broking their doors. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested persons.
- At approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 25 March 2018, Israeli forces moved into Ras Khamis neighborhood in Sho’fat Refugee Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’tasem Mohamed Sheikha (13) and arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 26 March 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 8 civilians, including 4 children and a woman. PCHR keeps the name of the arrested persons.
- At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anata village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child. The arrested persons were identified as Ahmed Akram al-Yaseni (14), ‘Odai Raied al-Nimer al-Jazmawi (23), and Waleed Wajeeh al-Nimer al-Jazmawi.
- At approximately 06:00 on Monday, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Ibrahim Zahidah and then arrested him.
- At approximately 00:00 on Wednesday, 28 March 2018, Israeli forces moved into Qalandia Refugee Camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omar Abu Latifah (27) and then arrested him.
- At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Waseem Nayif ‘Obaid and then arrested him and his wife Ibtisam ‘Obaid.
- Attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
- On Tuesday, 27 March 2018, groups of the alleged Temple hanged banners on al-Aqsa Mosque Gates in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, ordering Palestinian Muslims to vacate and leave the mosque on Friday, 30 March 2018, which marks the Jewish Passover Holiday. The banner included: “For Muslim Jerusalemites, we on behalf of the Jewish people, ask you to leave the Temple Mount area on March 30, 2018, at approximately 06:00, to perform Jewish religious rituals and offer Jewish Passover Holiday oblations on the Temple Mount.” It should be noted that it is not the first time that such banners being hanged on al-Aqsa Mosque Gates before the Jewish Passover marking on Friday. Moreover, on Monday, 26 March 2018, the alleged Temple groups performed rituals and organized a training to slaughter Passover oblations near the southern wall of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and for the first time these rituals take place few meters away from the mosque and supported by the Israeli police.
- House Notices and Demolitions:
- At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 28 March 2018, the Israeli Municipality bulldozer demolished an under-construction house, retaining wall, and Abed Rabbu Cemetery in ‘Ain Jweizah area in al-Waljah village, west of Bethlehem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Majdi Abu al-Teen, Member of Al Walaja Village Council, said that a large force of Israeli soldiers moved into al-Waljah village and closed the entrances to ‘Ain al-Jowizah area, north of the village. They then demolished 10 empty graves belonging to Abed Rabbu Family and a retaining wall of an agricultural land belonging to Tareq Mahameed, and foundations of a 180-sqaure-meter under-construction house belonging to Nader Abu Khiyarah.
Mohamed Mousa Abed Rabbu, who is in charge of Abed Rabbu Cemetery, said that the family was surprised with the destruction of the graves and so headed to the cemetery. However, the Israeli forces denied them access until the destruction operation finished. He pointed out that Jerusalem Municipality vehicles destroyed 10 graves in a land belonging to Daghsh Family and this case is pending in the Israeli Courts. He also clarified that Daghsh Family land included 2 graves of the 2 victims Abdullah Daghsh and Yousef al-‘Alari, who died on the same land and were buried in it in 1952. He added that the family used 250 square meters of the land to build a cemetery next to the 2 graves.
The family built 10 graves 2 months ago. Mohamed also said the Israeli Interior Ministry staff came into the cemetery and hanged an order to stop construction works the graves. The family then headed to al-Waljah village council and sent the order to lawyer Ghayath Naser to follow up the case. Mohamed pointed out a hearing was held in the court, in which the Israeli Interior Ministry asked the family to pay a fine of NIS 15,000 in order to get a license for the cemetery. The hearing was delayed. It should be noted that ‘Ain al-Jweizah area in al-Waljah village has been under the Jerusalem Municipality control since 1999 and around 500 persons live in this neighborhood. The Jerusalem Municipality demolished many houses in the neighborhood and handed other persons demolition notices.
- Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli forces’ attacks
- At approximately 15:00 on Wednesday, 28 March 2018, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into Rajem al-Hamrah area near “Susya“ settlement, south of Yatta, south of Hebron. The bulldozer demolished a 15-sqaure-meter tent belonging to Khadir al-Nawaj’ah under the pretext of non-licensing in Area C.
Israeli settlers’ attacks
- At approximately 06:00 on Sunday, 25 March 2018, Jum’a Mousa Reb’ie (45), from al-Tawanah village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, sustained fractures to his left leg and sustained wounds to the head. He was in his plot of land in al-Kharroubah area, east of the village when an Israeli settler from “Havat Mor” settlement attacked him. Jum’a was then taken via a PRCS ambulance to Hebron Governmental Hospital, where he underwent a surgery in his left leg. Al- Tawanah village witnessed within 3 days Israeli settlers’ attacks, including stone-throwing at Palestinian civilians’ vehicles, beating the village residents, and cutting olive trees in al-Kharroubah area. Rafat Reb’ie, Jum’a’s son, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that :
“ At approximately 05:00on Sunday, 25 March 2018, my father left the house heading to our plot of land in al-Kharroubah area, which is 1.5 kilo meters away, east of the village, to bring grasses for sheep and asked me to join him. An hour later, when I was on my way to my father, I saw him in the valley around 500 meters away from him. I continued to walk until I was 100 meters away from my father when I saw 4 Israeli settlers on a nearby hill and another settler was holding a pistol, chasing my father and throwing stones at him. Suddenly, the Israeli settler then took his pistol out and threw it at my father. As a result, my father was hit to his left leg and then fell from a height of 1.5 meters on his face. I rushed to my father, but he asked me not to approach. The Israeli settler then held the pistol and hit my father to his head and then said in Arabic: “You are allowed to come in here”.
The settler pointed the pistol at me and told me you are not allowed to approach this area. The settler took the grasses sack and left the area towards the settlement. I approached my father and attempted to carry him, but I could not as he was not able to stand on his left leg and his head was bleeding from the back. I then contacted my relatives asking them for help, and my father remained around one house and a half on the ground. During this time, 3 Israeli soldiers arrived at the area and told me that they will bring a litter to take my father for treatment, but my father refused. The Palestinian ambulance crew then arrived and took my father to Yatta Governmental Hospital, where he received first aid and then transferred to Hebron Governmental Hospital, where he underwent a surgery because he sustained fractures.”
- On Sunday, a group of Israeli settlers from “Gilead “settlement, attacked Palestinian farmers from Amateen village, northeast of Qalqiliyia while plowing their lands after getting a security coordination to enter the area. As a result, Yousef Mahmoud Berry (60) was hit with a stone to his face and sustained fractures to his lower jaw; while Rafa’at Rebhi Berry (22) sustained bruises throughout his body. Both of them were then taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment.
Yousef Mahmoud Berry said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:
“ At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 25 March 2018, a group of Palestinian farmers and I headed, from Amateen village, headed to al-Jabal area near “Gilead “settlement after getting a security permit allowing us to plow our lands for 2 days in the year. We headed there and then were surprised with Israeli settlers installing pillars in the land preparing to build a fence. We approached attempting to prevent them. Meanwhile, a force of Israeli soldiers arrived at the area and ordered us to leave. We argued with the soldiers telling them that the Israeli settlers attacked the land. The Israeli settlers approached, and took stones from the lands to throw them. I turned my back to be suddenly hit with something I could not recognize out of the pain I felt in my face. As a result, it was a huge stone that fractured my lower jaw. I also saw the Israeli settlers attacking Rafa’at Rebhi Berry (22), who was also admitted to the hospital after being attacked.”
- At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 26 March 2018, Tayseer Hasan Ahmed Suliman (63) was plowing a plot of land belonging to Murad Tawfiq Mahmoud ‘Odah using a tractor in al-Lahf area, west of Hawarah village, south of Nablus. Suliman was surprised with 2 Israeli settlers coming from “Yatizhar” settlement and throwing stones at him. As a result, he sustained bruises throughout his body and sustained a fracture to his lower jaw. He was then taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment.
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR warns of the escalating settlement construction in the West Bank, the attempts to legitimize settlement outposts established on Palestinian lands in the West Bank and the continued summary executions of Palestinian civilians under the pretext that they pose a security threat to the Israeli forces. PCHR reminds the international community that thousands of Palestinian civilians have been rendered homeless and lived in caravans under tragic circumstances due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has been under a tight closure for almost 11 years. PCHR welcomes the UN Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334, which states that settlements are a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions and calls upon Israel to stop them and not to recognize any demographic change in the oPt since 1967. PCHR hopes this resolution will pave the way for eliminating the settlement crime and bring to justice those responsible for it.
PCHR further reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation in spite of Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan of 2005. PCHR emphasizes that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and international humanitarian law. Israel is bound to apply international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for the victims.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
- PCHR calls upon the ICC this year to open an investigation into Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and the 2014 offensive on the Gaza Strip.
- PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
- PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to condemn summary executions carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinians and to pressurize Israel to stop them.
- PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
- PCHR calls upon the international community to speed up the reconstruction process necessary because of the destruction inflicted by the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
- PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
- PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
- PCHR calls upon the international community, especially states that import Israeli weapons and military services, to meet their moral and legal responsibility not to allow Israel to use the offensive in Gaza to test new weapons and not accept training services based on the field experience in Gaza in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and military tactics.
- PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
- PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.
The number of structures demolished in Bedouin Palestinian communities in Israel nearly doubled in 2017, compared to the previous year, according to a report in Haaretz.
Official government data for 2017 revealed that 2,220 structures were demolished overall, compared to 1,158 in 2016.
More than 70 per cent of the destroyed structures were demolished by the owners themselves, so as to avoid the “heavy financial penalties” imposed on them by occupation forces if Israel completes the demolition.
PNN further reports that, according to Haaretz, “police see the rise in owner-demolitions as a positive trend, because it prevents confrontations between the police and the Bedouin community.”
Bedouin Palestinian citizens of Israel, largely located in the southern Naqab/Negev region, say that they are being subjected to “behind the scenes” pressure and threats by authorities, leading people to demolish their own homes and other structures.
Haya Noah, director of the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality, told the paper that “the threats and pressure have their effect”.
“They’ve [Israeli authorities] developed a mechanism of intimidation that makes in unnecessary to file suits afterward,” she said.
The 2017 figure for demolitions is reportedly the highest since the state started keeping track in 2013.
The structures demolished include not just homes, but also gates, sheds and other agriculture-related structures.
Israeli authorities have refused to “legalize” dozens of Bedouin Palestinian communities in the Negev, and restricted the ability of “recognized” communities to naturally grow.
Official government data for 2017 revealed that 2,220 structures were demolished overall, compared to 1,158 in 2016.
More than 70 per cent of the destroyed structures were demolished by the owners themselves, so as to avoid the “heavy financial penalties” imposed on them by occupation forces if Israel completes the demolition.
PNN further reports that, according to Haaretz, “police see the rise in owner-demolitions as a positive trend, because it prevents confrontations between the police and the Bedouin community.”
Bedouin Palestinian citizens of Israel, largely located in the southern Naqab/Negev region, say that they are being subjected to “behind the scenes” pressure and threats by authorities, leading people to demolish their own homes and other structures.
Haya Noah, director of the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality, told the paper that “the threats and pressure have their effect”.
“They’ve [Israeli authorities] developed a mechanism of intimidation that makes in unnecessary to file suits afterward,” she said.
The 2017 figure for demolitions is reportedly the highest since the state started keeping track in 2013.
The structures demolished include not just homes, but also gates, sheds and other agriculture-related structures.
Israeli authorities have refused to “legalize” dozens of Bedouin Palestinian communities in the Negev, and restricted the ability of “recognized” communities to naturally grow.
28 mar 2018
B'Tselem organization on Tuesday launched a petition to foil an Israeli plan to displace thousands of Palestinians who live in about 200 communities in Area C in the West Bank.
B'Tselem said in a report, "It's happening right now and every day. Israel is trying to displace thousands of Palestinians who live in about 200 farming-shepherding communities in Area C of the West Bank. Dozens of these communities face imminent expulsion, and others are subject to various forms of abuse, violence and dispossession."
The organization affirmed that Israel's goal is to establish as many facts on the ground as possible in order to make more land available for settlements.
The report noted that Israel is focusing its military campaign on three areas in the West Bank.
The first area is located south of al-Khalil mountains. Nearly 1,000 people, about half of whom are minors, live in this area. The Israeli army began transferring out local residents in late 1999 arguing that the land had been declared a "firing zone" since the 1980s.
The Second area is Ma'ale Adumim. In the 1980s and 1990s Israel expelled hundreds of Bedouins of the Jahalin tribe in order to establish and later expand the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. The Palestinians were transferred to a permanent site created for them near Abu Dis garbage dump losing access to the farmlands that were their livelihood.
Now, the report said, another 3,000 local residents are facing imminent expulsion. This number includes about 1,400 who live in an area that Israel has designated E1 and earmarked for expanding Ma'ale Adumim to create a contiguous urban bloc between the settlement and East Jerusalem.
The third area is Jordan Valley. About 2,700 Palestinians live in this area in about 20 shepherding communities. The Israeli army has declared much of these communities "firing zones" and regularly conducts training exercises near them. Residents in some communities are repeatedly forced to evacuate their homes so soldiers can train nearby.
B'Tselem said in a report, "It's happening right now and every day. Israel is trying to displace thousands of Palestinians who live in about 200 farming-shepherding communities in Area C of the West Bank. Dozens of these communities face imminent expulsion, and others are subject to various forms of abuse, violence and dispossession."
The organization affirmed that Israel's goal is to establish as many facts on the ground as possible in order to make more land available for settlements.
The report noted that Israel is focusing its military campaign on three areas in the West Bank.
The first area is located south of al-Khalil mountains. Nearly 1,000 people, about half of whom are minors, live in this area. The Israeli army began transferring out local residents in late 1999 arguing that the land had been declared a "firing zone" since the 1980s.
The Second area is Ma'ale Adumim. In the 1980s and 1990s Israel expelled hundreds of Bedouins of the Jahalin tribe in order to establish and later expand the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. The Palestinians were transferred to a permanent site created for them near Abu Dis garbage dump losing access to the farmlands that were their livelihood.
Now, the report said, another 3,000 local residents are facing imminent expulsion. This number includes about 1,400 who live in an area that Israel has designated E1 and earmarked for expanding Ma'ale Adumim to create a contiguous urban bloc between the settlement and East Jerusalem.
The third area is Jordan Valley. About 2,700 Palestinians live in this area in about 20 shepherding communities. The Israeli army has declared much of these communities "firing zones" and regularly conducts training exercises near them. Residents in some communities are repeatedly forced to evacuate their homes so soldiers can train nearby.
