9 mar 2019
Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 28 February – 06 March, 2019
Israeli forces kill two Palestinian civilians and wound another one, west of Ramallah. Five civilians, including three children, were wounded in different incidents in the West Bank. Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. 92 civilians, including 26 children, two women, a journalist, and three paramedics, were wounded. The injuries of three of them were reported as serious.
Shooting:
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 49th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank.
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded 6 others, including 3 children.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 92 civilians, including 26 children, 2 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics, while participating in the Return March. The injury of three of them was reported serious.
In the West Bank, in new crime of excessive use of force, at early dawn hours Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded another one in Kaffur Ni’ma village, west of Ramallah. The Israeli forces claimed that the three civilians carried out a run-over attack, which resulted in the injury of two Israeli soldiers. Other Israeli soldiers opened fire at them, killed two of them and wounded another one. Investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements refute the Israeli forces’ claims. The eyewitnesses said that the three civilians were heading to their work at a bakery, where they should be at early hours. While the civilians were on their way to work, they were surprised with Israeli vehicles and crashed one of them. As a result, the civilians’ car hood was damaged.
In the same context, Israeli forces wounded five civilians, including three children, during the Israeli forces’ incursion into Nablus. Palestinian young men and children gathered to confront the Israeli forces.
In the Gaza Strip, using excessive lethal force against the peaceful protesters in eastern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 92 civilians, including 26 children, 2 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics, while participating in the Return March. The injury of three of them was reported serious.
Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 28 February to 06 March 2019 According to the Governorate
Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 12 6 0 0 0 0
Gaza City 28 4 0 1 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 18 6 0 0 0 1
Khan Yunis 17 6 1 0 2 1
Rafah 17 4 1 0 1 1
Total 92 26 2 1 3 3
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 67 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 32 Palestinians, including 3 children and a woman, from the West Bank, while 11 other civilians were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.
In the Gaza Strip, on 24 February 2019, Israeli forces moved around 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israeli, east of al-Buriej Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli vehicles levelled and combed lands, headed to the south and then arrived at eastern Khan Yunis before redeploying along the border fence.
Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 02 March 2019, Husam al-‘Abasi self-demolished his house in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing. He said that the Israeli Municipality issued a decision to self-demolish his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood in Silwan village and ordered him to demolish it or the Israeli vehicles will implement the demolition during 2 weeks. He added that that Municipality informed him that if he does not demolish the house, he will pay the demolition cost, which is estimated at NIS 80,000. He also said that he built a 70-sqaure-meter storey above his family house a year ago, where he along with his wife and their child live in.
As part of seizing Palestinian civilians’ property in favor of settlement associations, Israeli settlers seized a building in ‘Aqabet Darwish in Jerusalem’s Old City. Eyewitnesses said that a group of Israeli settlers raided a house belonging to al-Halabi family while they were outside the house. The Israeli settlers closed the house with locks and then started to install cameras and put wires on the building’s walls and roof. It should be noted that the building belongs to Jerusalemite families. Around 60% of the building was given to the Israeli settlers while al-Halabi family managed to maintain the other 40% (100 square meters). Two of Jawdat al-Halabi’s heirs live in the building.
In the same context, the Israeli authorities issued judicial notices against Maragha family, claiming their plot of land, where a building was established in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Wadi al-Helwa Information Center said that “Ateret Cohanim” Settlement Association handed Maragha family judicial notices for 9 of the family members, claiming their plot of land, where a building was established in Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in the village. The building is comprised of 5 apartments and a parking. The building shelters 15 members.
Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property
Monday, 25 February 2019
Majed Abu Rahma, an eyewitness, said to PCHR’s fieldworker:
“I was heading to my work at Itihad Juice Company, which is located at the entrance to Kafur Nie’mah village. I passed through the city center and I did not notice any suspicious movements. It was approximately 03:00 and the weather was rainy and foggy. When I was on the village’s road, the vision was clear, as there were lights on the road, but when I exited it and moved towards the company, the road was sloppy and there was no lights. When I was around 150 away from the company, I was surprised with Israeli soldiers deploying on the road. I recognized that they were Israeli soldiers as one of them lighted military torches at me. I was driving at approximately 30 km/h and I was around 6-10 meters away from them.
One of them stopped me and said in Arabic, ‘get away from here, one of our vehicles is damaged.’ I moved back, I was around 150 meters away from them, and it was approximately 03:20. I saw a car driving at approximately 60-70 km/h coming from the village and moving in the same direction. They lighted the military torches at it. The car then deviated from its path and hit the Israeli military vehicle that was blocking the road. I heard the crash and minutes after, I heard continuous shooting and I estimate that 15-20 bullets were fired.”
Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:
Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:
Gaza Strip:
On Friday, 01 March 2019; the 49th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 92 civilians, including 26 children, 2 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics. The injuries of 3 of them were classified as serious. The incidents were as follows:
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:
Notices and House Demolitions:
On Saturday, 02 March 2019, Husam al-‘Abasi self-demolished his house in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing. He said that the Israeli Municipality issued a decision to self-demolish his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood in Silwan village and ordered him to demolish it or the Israeli vehicles will implement the demolition during 2 weeks. He added that that Municipality informed him that if he does not demolish the house, he will pay the demolition cost, which is estimated at NIS 80,000. He also said that he built a 70-sqaure-meter story above his family house a year ago, where he along with his wife and their child live in.
Seizing Palestinian Civilians’ Property in Favor of Settlement Association:
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli forces’ attacks:
Israeli settlers’ attacks:
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.
Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).
Israeli forces kill two Palestinian civilians and wound another one, west of Ramallah. Five civilians, including three children, were wounded in different incidents in the West Bank. Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip. 92 civilians, including 26 children, two women, a journalist, and three paramedics, were wounded. The injuries of three of them were reported as serious.
Shooting:
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 49th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank.
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded 6 others, including 3 children.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 92 civilians, including 26 children, 2 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics, while participating in the Return March. The injury of three of them was reported serious.
In the West Bank, in new crime of excessive use of force, at early dawn hours Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded another one in Kaffur Ni’ma village, west of Ramallah. The Israeli forces claimed that the three civilians carried out a run-over attack, which resulted in the injury of two Israeli soldiers. Other Israeli soldiers opened fire at them, killed two of them and wounded another one. Investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements refute the Israeli forces’ claims. The eyewitnesses said that the three civilians were heading to their work at a bakery, where they should be at early hours. While the civilians were on their way to work, they were surprised with Israeli vehicles and crashed one of them. As a result, the civilians’ car hood was damaged.
In the same context, Israeli forces wounded five civilians, including three children, during the Israeli forces’ incursion into Nablus. Palestinian young men and children gathered to confront the Israeli forces.
In the Gaza Strip, using excessive lethal force against the peaceful protesters in eastern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 92 civilians, including 26 children, 2 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics, while participating in the Return March. The injury of three of them was reported serious.
Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 28 February to 06 March 2019 According to the Governorate
Governorate Injuries
Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries
Northern Gaza Strip 12 6 0 0 0 0
Gaza City 28 4 0 1 0 0
Central Gaza Strip 18 6 0 0 0 1
Khan Yunis 17 6 1 0 2 1
Rafah 17 4 1 0 1 1
Total 92 26 2 1 3 3
- As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 3n incidents were as follows: 2 incidents adjacent to al-Waha Resort and 1 incident off Rafah Shore, north and south of the Gaza Strip.
- As part of targeting the border areas, on 28 February 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands and shepherds, east Dir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. At approximately 11:30, the Israeli shooting recurred.
- On 02 March 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands in the eastern ‘Abasan al-Saghira, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli shooting recurred on 04 March 2019. As a result, the farmers and shepherds were forced to leave for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 67 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 other incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 32 Palestinians, including 3 children and a woman, from the West Bank, while 11 other civilians were arrested from Jerusalem and its suburbs.
In the Gaza Strip, on 24 February 2019, Israeli forces moved around 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israeli, east of al-Buriej Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli vehicles levelled and combed lands, headed to the south and then arrived at eastern Khan Yunis before redeploying along the border fence.
Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 02 March 2019, Husam al-‘Abasi self-demolished his house in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing. He said that the Israeli Municipality issued a decision to self-demolish his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood in Silwan village and ordered him to demolish it or the Israeli vehicles will implement the demolition during 2 weeks. He added that that Municipality informed him that if he does not demolish the house, he will pay the demolition cost, which is estimated at NIS 80,000. He also said that he built a 70-sqaure-meter storey above his family house a year ago, where he along with his wife and their child live in.
As part of seizing Palestinian civilians’ property in favor of settlement associations, Israeli settlers seized a building in ‘Aqabet Darwish in Jerusalem’s Old City. Eyewitnesses said that a group of Israeli settlers raided a house belonging to al-Halabi family while they were outside the house. The Israeli settlers closed the house with locks and then started to install cameras and put wires on the building’s walls and roof. It should be noted that the building belongs to Jerusalemite families. Around 60% of the building was given to the Israeli settlers while al-Halabi family managed to maintain the other 40% (100 square meters). Two of Jawdat al-Halabi’s heirs live in the building.
In the same context, the Israeli authorities issued judicial notices against Maragha family, claiming their plot of land, where a building was established in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Wadi al-Helwa Information Center said that “Ateret Cohanim” Settlement Association handed Maragha family judicial notices for 9 of the family members, claiming their plot of land, where a building was established in Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in the village. The building is comprised of 5 apartments and a parking. The building shelters 15 members.
Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property
- On 05 March 2019, Israeli forces confiscated a bulldozer belonging to the Israeli Ma’is Company. The bulldozer was cleaning rubbles on the main street near Doma village, southeast of Nablus. The bulldozer was taken to “Taffouh” settlement near Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus.
- As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, on 05 March 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement established in the northern side of ‘Oreef village’s lands, south of Nablus. The settlers raided Palestinian civilians’ houses and ‘Oreef Secondary School, under the Israeli forces’ protection. As a result, some windows belonging to Moneer Suliman al-Nori’s house were broken.
Monday, 25 February 2019
- In new crime of excessive use of force, at early dawn hours Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian civilians and wounded another one in Kaffur Ni’ma village, west of Ramallah. The Israeli forces claimed that the three civilians carried out a run-over attack, which resulted in the injury of two Israeli soldiers. Other Israeli soldiers opened fire at them, killed two of them and wounded another one. Investigations and eyewitnesses’ statements refute the Israeli forces’ claims. The eyewitnesses said that the three civilians were heading to their work at a bakery, where they should be at early hours. While the civilians were on their way to work, they were surprised with Israeli vehicles and crashed one of them. As a result, the civilians’ car hood was damaged. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 02:30 on Monday, Israeli forces backed by three military vehicles moved into Kafur Nie’mah village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yousef Mahmoud al-Deek (42) and arrested him, taking him at the village entrance, where the Israeli vehicles stationed. One of the Israeli vehicles was damaged before their withdrawal from the village. At approximately 03:20, the three civilians were heading to their work via a car with an Israeli registration plate, meanwhile, the diver was surprised with Israeli vehicles at the village’s entrance. As a result, the driver could not control the car and crashed one of the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers immediately opened fire at the civilians, killed two of them and wounded another one. The wounded civilian was arrested while the victims’ bodies were kept in the Israeli custody. The two victims were identified as Ameer Mahmoud Darraj (20), from Khebitha al-Mosbbah village, and Yousef Raied Anqawi (20), from Beit Sirah village. The wounded civilian was identified as Hitham Basem ‘Alqam (20), from Safa village, west of Ramallah.
Majed Abu Rahma, an eyewitness, said to PCHR’s fieldworker:
“I was heading to my work at Itihad Juice Company, which is located at the entrance to Kafur Nie’mah village. I passed through the city center and I did not notice any suspicious movements. It was approximately 03:00 and the weather was rainy and foggy. When I was on the village’s road, the vision was clear, as there were lights on the road, but when I exited it and moved towards the company, the road was sloppy and there was no lights. When I was around 150 away from the company, I was surprised with Israeli soldiers deploying on the road. I recognized that they were Israeli soldiers as one of them lighted military torches at me. I was driving at approximately 30 km/h and I was around 6-10 meters away from them.
One of them stopped me and said in Arabic, ‘get away from here, one of our vehicles is damaged.’ I moved back, I was around 150 meters away from them, and it was approximately 03:20. I saw a car driving at approximately 60-70 km/h coming from the village and moving in the same direction. They lighted the military torches at it. The car then deviated from its path and hit the Israeli military vehicle that was blocking the road. I heard the crash and minutes after, I heard continuous shooting and I estimate that 15-20 bullets were fired.”
Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:
Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:
Gaza Strip:
On Friday, 01 March 2019; the 49th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 92 civilians, including 26 children, 2 women, a journalist, and 3 paramedics. The injuries of 3 of them were classified as serious. The incidents were as follows:
- Northern Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 12 civilians, including six children. Two of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and ten were directly hit with tear gas canisters.
- Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 28 civilians, including four children and a journalist. Ten of then were hit with live bullet and shrapnel and, 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and six with rubber bullets. The wounded journalist identified as Mohammad al-Dwaik was hit with a rubber bullet to the leg.Mohammad works as a reporter at Ithad Press.
- Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and throwing tear gas canisters at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 17:30, resulted in the injury of 18 civilians, including six children. Five of them were hit with a live bullet and shrapnel and 13 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and the injury of one of them was classified as serious.
- Khan Yunis: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 17:30, resulted in the injury of 17 civilians, including six children, a woman and two Civil Defense paramedics. Doctors classified the injury of one of the children as serious.
- Rafah: The Israeli shooting and firing tear gas canisters at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued from 14:00 until 17:00, resulted in the injury of 17 civilians, including four children, a woman and a paramedic. Five of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified the injury of one of them as serious. The wounded paramedic identified as ‘Abuld Razzaq Ibrahim Ijme’an Abu ‘Athra (36) was hit with a tear gas canister to the lower limbs. ‘Abdul Razzaq is a volunteer paramedic at the PRCS.
- 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:
- On Sunday, 03 March 2019, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Tawfiq ‘Othman, ‘Abed al-Raheem Khalil al-‘Abasi, Nidal Sufyian al-Natshah, Tareq Sa’adah al-‘Abasi, Majd Ahmed al-A’war, and Mahmoud Najeeb al-A’war.
- At approximately 01:00 on Monday, 04 March 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Isawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omar Abu Suninah and then arrested him.
- At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into a house belonging to Mohamed Khaled Sharirah in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City and then arrested him.
- At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Anan village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wisam Hussain Rabie’ and then arrested him.
- Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Badow village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hisham Hamidan and then arrested him.
- On Monday, Israeli forces arrested ‘Abed al-Rahman Mahmoud (39), from al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. ‘Abed al-Rahman was arrested after summonsing him for investigation in “’Ofer” Prison, west of Ramallah. He was then taken to al-Maskopiyia Police Station in West Jerusalem. It should be noted that ‘Abed al-Raham served 17 years in the Israeli jails and was released last week on condition that he will deport from his village to Jericho for 10 days.
Notices and House Demolitions:
On Saturday, 02 March 2019, Husam al-‘Abasi self-demolished his house in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision under the pretext of non-licensing. He said that the Israeli Municipality issued a decision to self-demolish his house in Ras al-‘Amoud neighborhood in Silwan village and ordered him to demolish it or the Israeli vehicles will implement the demolition during 2 weeks. He added that that Municipality informed him that if he does not demolish the house, he will pay the demolition cost, which is estimated at NIS 80,000. He also said that he built a 70-sqaure-meter story above his family house a year ago, where he along with his wife and their child live in.
Seizing Palestinian Civilians’ Property in Favor of Settlement Association:
- On Tuesday, 05 March 2019, Israeli settlers seized a building in ‘Aqabet Darwish in Jerusalem’s Old City. Eyewitnesses said that a group of Israeli settlers raided a house belonging to al-Halabi family while they were outside the house. The Israeli settlers closed the house with locks and then started to install cameras and put wires on the building’s walls and roof. It should be noted that the building belongs to Jerusalemite families. Around 60% of the building was given to the Israeli settlers while al-Halabi family managed to maintain the other 40% (100 square meters). Two of Jawdat al-Halabi’s heirs live in the building.
- In the same context, the Israeli authorities issued judicial notices against Maragha family, claiming their plot of land, where a building was established in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. Wadi al-Helwa Information Center said that “Ateret Cohanim” Settlement Association handed Maragha family judicial notices for 9 of the family members, claiming their plot of land, where a building was established in Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in the village. The building is comprised of 5 apartments and a parking. The building shelters 15 members. The family said that they live in the building for more than 100 years and they have the documents proving their ownership. Moreover, Batn al-Hawa neighborhood committee said that Maragha Family building is part of “Ateret Cohanim” settlement association’s plan to seize 5,200 square meters of al-Hara al-Wosta neighborhood in Batn al-Hawa area. “Ateret Cohanim” settlement association claimed that the land belongs to Jews from Yemen since 1881 and the Israeli Supreme approved the seetler’s ownership to the land. The committee added that 30-35 residential building are established on the land threatened by “Ateret Cohanim” settlement association and around 80 families, including 436 members, live in it. The village’s residents live in the neighborhood 10 years ago after buying lands and property from form their former owners with official documents.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli forces’ attacks:
- At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 03 March 2019, Israeli forces backed by 2 military vehicles and accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Beit Ta’mour village, southeast of Bethlehem. The Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Nayif Hasan Zawahrah (39) and then took photos of it. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed Zawahrah a demolition notice under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities handed Nayif a notice to stop construction work during June 2018.
- At approximately 15:30 on Tuesday, 05 March 2019, Israeli forces confiscated a bulldozer belonging to the Israeli Ma’is Company. The bulldozer was cleaning rubbles on the main street near Doma village, southeast of Nablus. After that, 2 military jeeps arrived at the area, stopped the bulldozer while working and then informed the diver that they want to confiscate the bulldozer without giving him any reasons. The driver told them that the bulldozer is licensed and belongs to Sadeq Murshed Bani FaDEL, FROM ‘Aqraba village, southeast of the city. The bulldozer was taken to “Taffouh” settlement near Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus.
Israeli settlers’ attacks:
- At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 05 March 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement established in the northern side of ‘Oreef village’s lands, south of Nablus. The settlers raided Palestinian civilians’ houses and ‘Oreef Secondary School, under the Israeli forces’ protection. As a result, some windows belonging to Moneer Suliman al-Nori’s house were broken.
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.
Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).
7 mar 2019
The Palestinian Center For Human Rights (PCHR):The term “buffer zone” in land and at sea is used for land and sea areas, which were unilaterally and illegally declared by Israeli forces as areas with no access along the eastern and northern borders and in the sea of the Gaza Strip following the Israeli Disengagement Plan in 2005.
In violation of the provisions of the international humanitarian law, the Gaza Strip’s population are denied access to their property in the “buffer zone” in land while the fishermen are prevented from sailing and fishing in the “buffer zone” at sea.
The area of the buffer zone vary from time to time according to the Israeli forces declarations, without taking in consideration the international law that bans any changes to the occupied territories.
According to Israeli forces instructions, the “buffer zone” extends to an area ranging between 100 to 1,500 meters in some eastern land borders, while ranges between 3 to 9 nautical miles in the Gaza Strip sea.
Israeli forces expanded the fishing area in the Gaza Strip from 3 to 6 nautical miles following the ceasefire agreement post November 2012 Israeli offensive. However, there is conflict over the Access Restricted Area (ARA) in land, which increases the risks endured by the Palestinian civilians.
In a statement on his official website, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) declared that fishermen could now access the sea up to 6 nautical miles offshore, and that farmers could now access lands in the border area up to 100 meters from the border fence.
However, both references have since been removed from the statement, which obviously indicates the Israeli forces retreat of the above-mentioned ceasefire.
On 21 March 2013, the Israeli forces’ spokesperson announced re-reducing the fishing area allowed for Palestinian fishermen from 6 nautical miles to 3 nautical miles. The same announcement also included the re-expansion of the “buffer zone” in land up to 300 meters. However, on 21 May 2013, the Israeli authorities decided to allow fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles.
Following the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in 2014, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian armed groups was brokered by the Egyptian government, which allowed fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles. However, the Israeli naval forces have not allowed fishermen to sail up to this limit.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) observed that all the Israeli attacks have taken place within less than 6 nautical miles. On 07 March 2015, the Israeli naval forces declared via loud speakers that the allowed fishing area reduced to 4 nautical miles and warned Palestinian fishermen from approaching this area along the Gaza Sea.
On 01 April 2016, the Israeli authorities expanded the fishing area from 6 to 9 nautical miles between the area from Gaza valley to the southern Gaza Strip, while denied access to more than 6 miles in the other areas. On 03 May 2017, the Israeli authorities allowed fishermen to fish up to 9 nautical miles, instead of 6 nautical miles in the Sea in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip.
According to field updates followed up by PCHR, the Israeli occupation forces have escalated their attacks against the Palestinian civilians, including farmers and fishermen, and prevented them from safe and free access to their lands and fishing areas.
This constitutes a violation of their rights according to the international human rights standards, including their right to security, personal safety and protection of their property, their right to work, the right to adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire which has often led to direct targeting of civilians, is a war crime, where killings under these circumstances constitute a wilful killing in grave violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Attacks
February 2019
Attacks Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Shelling 3 3 0
Shooting 300 267 33
Incursions 5 5 0
Land levelling 0 0 0
Detention incidents 5 3 2
Total incidents 313 278 35
Consequences of attacks
February 2019
Consequences Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Death of persons 5 5 0
Minors 4 4 0
Women 0 0 0
Injury of persons 448 445 3
Minors 124 124 0
Women 22 22 0
February 2019
Consequences Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Property damaged 0 0 0
Property confiscated 2 0 2
Dunums razed 0 0 0
February 2019
Consequences Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Total persons detained 11 7 4
Minors detained 7 7 0
Women detained 0 0 0
In violation of the provisions of the international humanitarian law, the Gaza Strip’s population are denied access to their property in the “buffer zone” in land while the fishermen are prevented from sailing and fishing in the “buffer zone” at sea.
The area of the buffer zone vary from time to time according to the Israeli forces declarations, without taking in consideration the international law that bans any changes to the occupied territories.
According to Israeli forces instructions, the “buffer zone” extends to an area ranging between 100 to 1,500 meters in some eastern land borders, while ranges between 3 to 9 nautical miles in the Gaza Strip sea.
Israeli forces expanded the fishing area in the Gaza Strip from 3 to 6 nautical miles following the ceasefire agreement post November 2012 Israeli offensive. However, there is conflict over the Access Restricted Area (ARA) in land, which increases the risks endured by the Palestinian civilians.
In a statement on his official website, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) declared that fishermen could now access the sea up to 6 nautical miles offshore, and that farmers could now access lands in the border area up to 100 meters from the border fence.
However, both references have since been removed from the statement, which obviously indicates the Israeli forces retreat of the above-mentioned ceasefire.
On 21 March 2013, the Israeli forces’ spokesperson announced re-reducing the fishing area allowed for Palestinian fishermen from 6 nautical miles to 3 nautical miles. The same announcement also included the re-expansion of the “buffer zone” in land up to 300 meters. However, on 21 May 2013, the Israeli authorities decided to allow fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles.
Following the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in 2014, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian armed groups was brokered by the Egyptian government, which allowed fishermen to sail up to 6 nautical miles. However, the Israeli naval forces have not allowed fishermen to sail up to this limit.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) observed that all the Israeli attacks have taken place within less than 6 nautical miles. On 07 March 2015, the Israeli naval forces declared via loud speakers that the allowed fishing area reduced to 4 nautical miles and warned Palestinian fishermen from approaching this area along the Gaza Sea.
On 01 April 2016, the Israeli authorities expanded the fishing area from 6 to 9 nautical miles between the area from Gaza valley to the southern Gaza Strip, while denied access to more than 6 miles in the other areas. On 03 May 2017, the Israeli authorities allowed fishermen to fish up to 9 nautical miles, instead of 6 nautical miles in the Sea in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip.
According to field updates followed up by PCHR, the Israeli occupation forces have escalated their attacks against the Palestinian civilians, including farmers and fishermen, and prevented them from safe and free access to their lands and fishing areas.
This constitutes a violation of their rights according to the international human rights standards, including their right to security, personal safety and protection of their property, their right to work, the right to adequate standard of living, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
Enforcing the “buffer zone” through the use of live fire which has often led to direct targeting of civilians, is a war crime, where killings under these circumstances constitute a wilful killing in grave violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Attacks
February 2019
Attacks Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Shelling 3 3 0
Shooting 300 267 33
Incursions 5 5 0
Land levelling 0 0 0
Detention incidents 5 3 2
Total incidents 313 278 35
Consequences of attacks
- Deaths and injuries
February 2019
Consequences Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Death of persons 5 5 0
Minors 4 4 0
Women 0 0 0
Injury of persons 448 445 3
Minors 124 124 0
Women 22 22 0
- Property related violations
February 2019
Consequences Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Property damaged 0 0 0
Property confiscated 2 0 2
Dunums razed 0 0 0
- Detention
February 2019
Consequences Total “Buffer zone” on land “Buffer zone” at sea
Total persons detained 11 7 4
Minors detained 7 7 0
Women detained 0 0 0
1 mar 2019
On 49th Friday of Great March of Return and Breaking Siege, Israeli Forces Wound 83 Civilians, including 23 Children, Woman, 3 Paramedics, and Journalist.
Report By The Palestinian Center For Human Right (PCHR).
On Friday evening, 01 March 2019, in excessive use of force against peaceful protesters on the 49th Friday of the March of Return and Breaking the Siege, Israeli forces wounded 83 civilians, including 23 children, a woman, three paramedics, and a journalist, in eastern Gaza Strip. The injury of three of the wounded civilians was reported serious.
According to observations by PCHR’s fieldworkers, the Israeli forces who stationed in prone positions and in military jeeps along the fence with Israel continued to use excessive force against the demonstrators by opening fire and firing tear gas canisters at them.
As a result, dozens of the demonstrators were hit with bullets and teargas canisters without posing any imminent threat or danger to the life of soldiers.
These new violations come one day after The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violations committed in the oPt, published their findings and results during the period from 30 March to 31 December 2018.
These incidents confirm that Israel continues to violate the rules of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
It should be noted that The UN Commission found that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli soldiers violated the international humanitarian law and international human rights law during the demonstrations of the Great March of Return.
Moreover, these violations may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, and Israel should investigate them immediately.
On Friday, 01 March 2019, the incidents were as follows:
At approximately 15:00, thousands of civilians, including women, children and entire families, started swarming to the five encampments established by the Supreme National Authority of Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege adjacent to the border fence with Israel in eastern Gaza Strip cities.
Hundreds, including children and women, approached the border fence with Israel in front of each encampment and gathered tens of meters away from the main border fence, attempting to throw stones at the Israeli forces and firing incendiary balloons along the border fence.
Demonstrators chanted slogans, raised flags and, attempted to approach the border fence, set fire to tires and tried to throw stones at the Israeli forces.
Although the demonstrators gathered in areas open to the Israeli snipers stationed on the top of the sand berms and military watchtowers and inside and behind the military jeeps, the Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets in addition to a barrage of tear gas canisters.
The Israeli shooting, which continued at around 17:30, resulted in the injury of 83 Palestinian civilians, including a child, a woman, a journalist, and three paramedics.
Two of the wounded paramedics work at the Palestinian Civil Defense and the third one is a volunteer at PRCS, east of Rafah. The injury of 3 of the wounded civilians was reported serious.
In addition, dozens of demonstrators, paramedics and journalists suffered tear gas inhalation and seizures due to tear gas canisters that were fired by the Israeli forces from the military jeeps and riffles in the eastern Gaza Strip. Moreover, a PRCS ambulance was directly hit with a tear gas canister, east of Rafah.
The following table shows the number of civilian victims due to the Israeli forces’ suppression of the Great March of Return since its beginning on 30 March:
Wounded Killed
2103 40 Children
331 2 Women
177 2 Journalists
176 3 Medical Crews
– 8 Disabilities
11071 190 Total
Notes Among those wounded, 529 are in serious condition and 101 had their lower or upper limbs amputated; 89 lower-limb amputations, 2 upper-limb amputations, 10 finger amputations and 17 children had their limbs amputated according to the Ministry of Health. The number of those wounded only include those wounded with live bullets and directly hit with tear gas canisters, as there have been thousand others who suffered tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises.
PCHR emphasizes that continuously targeting civilians, who exercise their right to peaceful assembly or while carrying out their humanitarian duty, is a serious violation of the rules of international law, international humanitarian law, the ICC Rome Statute and Fourth Geneva Convention. Thus, PCHR calls upon the ICC Prosecutor to open an official investigation in these crimes and to prosecute and hold accountable all those applying or involved in issuing orders within the Israeli Forces at the security and political echelons.
PCHR hereby condemns the excessive use of force and commission of crimes by the Israeli forces despite the prevailed calmness, believing it is as a result of Israel’s enjoying impunity thanks to the U.S. and so encouraging the Israeli forces to commit further crimes upon an official decision by the highest military and political echelons.
PCHR welcomes again the results of the international investigation into the Great March of Return; and:
1- Calls upon the UN Human Rights Council to adopt and ratify the report when it is discussed on 18 March at the 40th session of the Council.
2- Calls upon the Member States of the Human Rights Council to adopt a decision to renew the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry, in the light of the continuation of Return March and the ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Israeli forces during the period following the Committee’s work period.
3- Calls upon the High Commissioner for Human Rights to submit the report to the International Criminal Court.
4- Reiterates its call for the Prosecutor of the ICC to open an official investigation to these crimes, and to pursue and hold accountable those involved in the issuance of decisions in the Israeli army at the political and security level and who carried out these decisions.
PCHR also reiterates its call upon the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances and their obligations under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
PCHR calls upon Switzerland, in its capacity as the Depository State for the Convention, to demand the High Contracting Parties to convene a meeting and ensure Israel’s respect for this Convention, noting that these grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol (I) Additional to the Geneva Conventions regarding the guarantee of Palestinian civilians’ right to protection in the occupied territories
Public Document
**************************************
Follow PCHR on Facebook and Twitter
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 – 2825893
Gaza- Jamal ‘Abdel Nasser “al-Thalathini” Street – Al-Roya Building- Floor 12 , El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
Report By The Palestinian Center For Human Right (PCHR).
On Friday evening, 01 March 2019, in excessive use of force against peaceful protesters on the 49th Friday of the March of Return and Breaking the Siege, Israeli forces wounded 83 civilians, including 23 children, a woman, three paramedics, and a journalist, in eastern Gaza Strip. The injury of three of the wounded civilians was reported serious.
According to observations by PCHR’s fieldworkers, the Israeli forces who stationed in prone positions and in military jeeps along the fence with Israel continued to use excessive force against the demonstrators by opening fire and firing tear gas canisters at them.
As a result, dozens of the demonstrators were hit with bullets and teargas canisters without posing any imminent threat or danger to the life of soldiers.
These new violations come one day after The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violations committed in the oPt, published their findings and results during the period from 30 March to 31 December 2018.
These incidents confirm that Israel continues to violate the rules of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
It should be noted that The UN Commission found that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli soldiers violated the international humanitarian law and international human rights law during the demonstrations of the Great March of Return.
Moreover, these violations may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, and Israel should investigate them immediately.
On Friday, 01 March 2019, the incidents were as follows:
At approximately 15:00, thousands of civilians, including women, children and entire families, started swarming to the five encampments established by the Supreme National Authority of Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege adjacent to the border fence with Israel in eastern Gaza Strip cities.
Hundreds, including children and women, approached the border fence with Israel in front of each encampment and gathered tens of meters away from the main border fence, attempting to throw stones at the Israeli forces and firing incendiary balloons along the border fence.
Demonstrators chanted slogans, raised flags and, attempted to approach the border fence, set fire to tires and tried to throw stones at the Israeli forces.
Although the demonstrators gathered in areas open to the Israeli snipers stationed on the top of the sand berms and military watchtowers and inside and behind the military jeeps, the Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets in addition to a barrage of tear gas canisters.
The Israeli shooting, which continued at around 17:30, resulted in the injury of 83 Palestinian civilians, including a child, a woman, a journalist, and three paramedics.
Two of the wounded paramedics work at the Palestinian Civil Defense and the third one is a volunteer at PRCS, east of Rafah. The injury of 3 of the wounded civilians was reported serious.
In addition, dozens of demonstrators, paramedics and journalists suffered tear gas inhalation and seizures due to tear gas canisters that were fired by the Israeli forces from the military jeeps and riffles in the eastern Gaza Strip. Moreover, a PRCS ambulance was directly hit with a tear gas canister, east of Rafah.
The following table shows the number of civilian victims due to the Israeli forces’ suppression of the Great March of Return since its beginning on 30 March:
Wounded Killed
2103 40 Children
331 2 Women
177 2 Journalists
176 3 Medical Crews
– 8 Disabilities
11071 190 Total
Notes Among those wounded, 529 are in serious condition and 101 had their lower or upper limbs amputated; 89 lower-limb amputations, 2 upper-limb amputations, 10 finger amputations and 17 children had their limbs amputated according to the Ministry of Health. The number of those wounded only include those wounded with live bullets and directly hit with tear gas canisters, as there have been thousand others who suffered tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises.
PCHR emphasizes that continuously targeting civilians, who exercise their right to peaceful assembly or while carrying out their humanitarian duty, is a serious violation of the rules of international law, international humanitarian law, the ICC Rome Statute and Fourth Geneva Convention. Thus, PCHR calls upon the ICC Prosecutor to open an official investigation in these crimes and to prosecute and hold accountable all those applying or involved in issuing orders within the Israeli Forces at the security and political echelons.
PCHR hereby condemns the excessive use of force and commission of crimes by the Israeli forces despite the prevailed calmness, believing it is as a result of Israel’s enjoying impunity thanks to the U.S. and so encouraging the Israeli forces to commit further crimes upon an official decision by the highest military and political echelons.
PCHR welcomes again the results of the international investigation into the Great March of Return; and:
1- Calls upon the UN Human Rights Council to adopt and ratify the report when it is discussed on 18 March at the 40th session of the Council.
2- Calls upon the Member States of the Human Rights Council to adopt a decision to renew the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry, in the light of the continuation of Return March and the ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Israeli forces during the period following the Committee’s work period.
3- Calls upon the High Commissioner for Human Rights to submit the report to the International Criminal Court.
4- Reiterates its call for the Prosecutor of the ICC to open an official investigation to these crimes, and to pursue and hold accountable those involved in the issuance of decisions in the Israeli army at the political and security level and who carried out these decisions.
PCHR also reiterates its call upon the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances and their obligations under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
PCHR calls upon Switzerland, in its capacity as the Depository State for the Convention, to demand the High Contracting Parties to convene a meeting and ensure Israel’s respect for this Convention, noting that these grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol (I) Additional to the Geneva Conventions regarding the guarantee of Palestinian civilians’ right to protection in the occupied territories
Public Document
**************************************
Follow PCHR on Facebook and Twitter
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 – 2825893
Gaza- Jamal ‘Abdel Nasser “al-Thalathini” Street – Al-Roya Building- Floor 12 , El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
