17 nov 2017
(photo: house belonging to the family of Nemer al-Jamal, blown up in Beit Sorik village.)
Israeli forces continued with systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 09 – 15 November, 2017.
Israeli forces continued to apply the collective punishment policy, while a house belonging to the family of Nemer al-Jamal was blown up in Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem.
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use force against the protests in the West Bank. In the Gaze Strip, They also continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the Sea and target farmers and houses in the border areas.
In the Gaza Strip, as part of targeting fishermen in the sea, PCHR monitored the Israeli naval forces’ escalation against fishermen in the Gaza Sea although it was announced that the Gaza fishermen are allowed to sail to 9 nautical miles instead of 6. This proves that the Israeli forces continue their policy of targeting fishermen in their livelihoods. During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats chased fishing boats and opened fire at them 4 times; 3 of them in the north-western Beit Lahia and one in the western Soudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
As part of targeting the border areas, on 09 November 2017, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at the agricultural lands along the eastern areas.
On 13 November 2017, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah. As a result in both incidents, farmers there were terrified and forced to flee and leave their work behind. Neither casualties nor property damage was reorted.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to use force against the protests organized by Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders against the annexation wall, confiscation of lands and crimes of settlement expansion. During the reporting period, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 89 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank while they conducted 7 incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 48 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank while 34 civilians, including 19 children and 2 women, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.
Collective Punishment Measures:
As part of the collective punishment policy applied by the Israeli forces against the families of Palestinians accused of and/or carried out attacks against the Israeli soldiers and/or settlers, on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, Israeli soldiers blew up a house belonging to the family of Nemer Mahmoud al-Jamal in Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem. The house is an apartment in a residential building. As a result of blowing up the house, the other apartments in the building sustained severe damage in addition to the nearby houses. Residents of the area said that their houses are in danger of collapse due to the severe damage and cracked walls. It should be mentioned that al-Jamal carried out an armed attack on 27 September 2017 against the soldiers stationed at the entrance to “Har Adar” settlement and killed 3 of them before al-Jamal being killed by an Israeli military force in the area.
Measures to Make a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem
As part of house demolitions and demolition notices, on 11 November 2017, ‘Abdel Moghni Dweik self-demolished parts of his house in al-Bustan neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem’s Old City, upon a decision by the Israeli municipality, which threatened him of demolishing the house and charging him with all the demolition costs, which are usually very high. Dweik said that the Israeli Municipality threatened to fine him with 80,000 shekels. He added that he built his house 2 years ago and tried to obtain a license but in vain, noting that the 60-square-meter house sheltered 4 family members.
On 14 November 2017, Amin al-‘Abasi self-demolished his shop in ‘Ayn al-Lozah neighborhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City, upon the Israeli Municipality’s decision. The abovementioned civilian said that his 55-square-meter shop was built of reinforced sheet 2 years ago. It should be mentioned that in the latest incursion, the municipality officers orally threatened of forcing him to pay the demolition costs in case he did not self-demolish the shop.
On 15 November 2017, Israeli municipality’s heavy vehicles demolished an under-construction building belonging to Ibrahim Salamah in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of East Jerusalem, without any prior warning.
Following this, an Israeli municipality bulldozer demolished an agricultural facility belonging to ‘Omer Dari and comprised of rooms built of tin plates and a storehouse in al-‘Issawiyah village. Meanwhile in al-Joz Valley neighborhood, the Israeli municipality and Nature Authority crews demolished a storehouse and confiscated a container.
Settlement Activities and Settlers’ Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and their property:
As part of the demolition of houses and other civil facilities, on 13 November 2017, Israeli forces built a road for military purposes passing in the civilians’ lands in al-Ras al-Ahmar area in the Northern Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces destroyed 300 meters of the road between ‘Atouf and al-Ras al-Ahmar.
On the same day, the Israeli forces levelled a 70-meter waterline belonging to al-Baqi’ah Modern Company in al-Baqi’ah area in the Northern Jordan Valley. This waterline supplied 250 dunums planted with onion, so this would cause severe damage to the area.
On the same day, the Israeli forces established an iron gate, which is the third of its kind in al-Khelat in al-Ras al-Ahmar area in the Northern Jordan Valley. Therefore, civilians and owners of lands can hardly reach their lands in al-Baqi’ah area.
As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 09 November 2017, Israeli settlers in the outposts in Hebron’s Old City set up tents in al-Ibrahimiyah yard adjacent to the Ibrahimi Mosque to receive the settlers coming to the city to celebrate the “Sarah Shabbat.”
On 11 November 2017, Israeli settlers raided an archeological tomb, claiming it is a tomb for one of their ancestors namely “Othniel.” The tomb is a Palestinian archeological building on Beersheba Street where the religious rituals are held. While the Israeli soldiers were protecting settlers, an Israeli soldier attacked Ahmed Merwan Hadib (16) by hitting him with the riffle’s nozzle. As a result, Ahmed started to bleed and then taken to the government hospital in the city. A number of young men threw stones at the Israeli soldiers; meanwhile, the settlers left the area and went back behind Checkpoint 56 after finishing their religious rituals. The soldiers then randomly fired sound bombs and gas canisters at the civilians, and one of the sound bombs fell in front of Salah Wa’ed al-Zarou (22), who suffers from a mental disorder. A number of soldiers attacked him and started severely hitting him with the riffles’ butts and kicking him. He was then handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to the abovementioned military checkpoint. He was later released and taken by a PRCS ambulance to the government hospital in the city to receive medical treatment.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons. Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.
Demonstrations in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities
West Bank:
Collective Punishment Procedures:
According to PCHR’s investigation and eyewitnesses’ accounts, at approximately 05:00 on Wednesday, large force of Israeli soldiers moved into Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem and imposed a security cordon on it. They then surrounded the neighborhood, raided the house of Nemer Mahmoud al-Jamal and forced its residents, who were about 15 persons, to leave it immediately. The soldiers also evacuated the neighboring houses and gathered all the residents in a school yard in the village. Following that, special forces planted a big amount of explosives in the house, which is an apartment in a residential building and then blew it up.
As a result, the apartment was demolished, and the other apartments sustained cracks. Moreover, the owners of the neighboring houses said that their houses might collapse due to the material damage as the walls cracked. It should be noted that the Israeli forces handed the family through their lawyer an evacuation decision until the 4th of this month in preamble to demolish it. They also raided the house on 09 November 2017 and handed al-Jamal family a decision to evacuate the house within a week to demolish it. It should be noted that al-Jamal carried out an armed attack on 27 September 2017 against Israeli soldiers stationed at the entrance to “Har Adar” settlement. As a result, 3 soldiers were killed and then al-Jamal was killed by an Israeli military force that was in the area.
Efforts to Create 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:
Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee, said that the Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff and bulldozers moved into al-‘Issawiyia village and stationed in the center of the village. The Israeli forces surrounded a residential building belonging to Ibrahim Mousa Salamah and denied him access to the building. They then demolished the building under the pretext of non-licensing. Ibrahim Salamah said that he was surprised with a phone call from one of the neighbors informing him of the demolition. When Ibrahim arrived at the village, the Israeli forces refused to allow him to enter the area until they finish the demolition. Ibrahim said that he received a demolition decision under the pretext of licensing months ago, and his lawyer managed to extend the demolition decision until Wednesday, 15 November 2017, but the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished the building without waiting the court to issue the decision to stop the demolition. It should be noted that Salamah built the 350-square-meter building 8 months ago comprised of 2 floors and another one under-construction. Lately, the Israeli Municipality targeted al-‘Issawiyia village by raiding the village and taking photos of houses, buildings and shops.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli Forces’ attacks
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 continued with systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), for the week of 09 – 15 November, 2017.
Israeli forces continued to apply the collective punishment policy, while a house belonging to the family of Nemer al-Jamal was blown up in Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem.
Shooting:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued to use force against the protests in the West Bank. In the Gaze Strip, They also continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the Sea and target farmers and houses in the border areas.
In the Gaza Strip, as part of targeting fishermen in the sea, PCHR monitored the Israeli naval forces’ escalation against fishermen in the Gaza Sea although it was announced that the Gaza fishermen are allowed to sail to 9 nautical miles instead of 6. This proves that the Israeli forces continue their policy of targeting fishermen in their livelihoods. During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats chased fishing boats and opened fire at them 4 times; 3 of them in the north-western Beit Lahia and one in the western Soudaniyah area, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
As part of targeting the border areas, on 09 November 2017, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at the agricultural lands along the eastern areas.
On 13 November 2017, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah. As a result in both incidents, farmers there were terrified and forced to flee and leave their work behind. Neither casualties nor property damage was reorted.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to use force against the protests organized by Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders against the annexation wall, confiscation of lands and crimes of settlement expansion. During the reporting period, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
Incursions:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 89 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank while they conducted 7 incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 48 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank while 34 civilians, including 19 children and 2 women, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.
Collective Punishment Measures:
As part of the collective punishment policy applied by the Israeli forces against the families of Palestinians accused of and/or carried out attacks against the Israeli soldiers and/or settlers, on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, Israeli soldiers blew up a house belonging to the family of Nemer Mahmoud al-Jamal in Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem. The house is an apartment in a residential building. As a result of blowing up the house, the other apartments in the building sustained severe damage in addition to the nearby houses. Residents of the area said that their houses are in danger of collapse due to the severe damage and cracked walls. It should be mentioned that al-Jamal carried out an armed attack on 27 September 2017 against the soldiers stationed at the entrance to “Har Adar” settlement and killed 3 of them before al-Jamal being killed by an Israeli military force in the area.
Measures to Make a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem
As part of house demolitions and demolition notices, on 11 November 2017, ‘Abdel Moghni Dweik self-demolished parts of his house in al-Bustan neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of Jerusalem’s Old City, upon a decision by the Israeli municipality, which threatened him of demolishing the house and charging him with all the demolition costs, which are usually very high. Dweik said that the Israeli Municipality threatened to fine him with 80,000 shekels. He added that he built his house 2 years ago and tried to obtain a license but in vain, noting that the 60-square-meter house sheltered 4 family members.
On 14 November 2017, Amin al-‘Abasi self-demolished his shop in ‘Ayn al-Lozah neighborhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City, upon the Israeli Municipality’s decision. The abovementioned civilian said that his 55-square-meter shop was built of reinforced sheet 2 years ago. It should be mentioned that in the latest incursion, the municipality officers orally threatened of forcing him to pay the demolition costs in case he did not self-demolish the shop.
On 15 November 2017, Israeli municipality’s heavy vehicles demolished an under-construction building belonging to Ibrahim Salamah in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of East Jerusalem, without any prior warning.
Following this, an Israeli municipality bulldozer demolished an agricultural facility belonging to ‘Omer Dari and comprised of rooms built of tin plates and a storehouse in al-‘Issawiyah village. Meanwhile in al-Joz Valley neighborhood, the Israeli municipality and Nature Authority crews demolished a storehouse and confiscated a container.
Settlement Activities and Settlers’ Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and their property:
As part of the demolition of houses and other civil facilities, on 13 November 2017, Israeli forces built a road for military purposes passing in the civilians’ lands in al-Ras al-Ahmar area in the Northern Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces destroyed 300 meters of the road between ‘Atouf and al-Ras al-Ahmar.
On the same day, the Israeli forces levelled a 70-meter waterline belonging to al-Baqi’ah Modern Company in al-Baqi’ah area in the Northern Jordan Valley. This waterline supplied 250 dunums planted with onion, so this would cause severe damage to the area.
On the same day, the Israeli forces established an iron gate, which is the third of its kind in al-Khelat in al-Ras al-Ahmar area in the Northern Jordan Valley. Therefore, civilians and owners of lands can hardly reach their lands in al-Baqi’ah area.
As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 09 November 2017, Israeli settlers in the outposts in Hebron’s Old City set up tents in al-Ibrahimiyah yard adjacent to the Ibrahimi Mosque to receive the settlers coming to the city to celebrate the “Sarah Shabbat.”
On 11 November 2017, Israeli settlers raided an archeological tomb, claiming it is a tomb for one of their ancestors namely “Othniel.” The tomb is a Palestinian archeological building on Beersheba Street where the religious rituals are held. While the Israeli soldiers were protecting settlers, an Israeli soldier attacked Ahmed Merwan Hadib (16) by hitting him with the riffle’s nozzle. As a result, Ahmed started to bleed and then taken to the government hospital in the city. A number of young men threw stones at the Israeli soldiers; meanwhile, the settlers left the area and went back behind Checkpoint 56 after finishing their religious rituals. The soldiers then randomly fired sound bombs and gas canisters at the civilians, and one of the sound bombs fell in front of Salah Wa’ed al-Zarou (22), who suffers from a mental disorder. A number of soldiers attacked him and started severely hitting him with the riffles’ butts and kicking him. He was then handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to the abovementioned military checkpoint. He was later released and taken by a PRCS ambulance to the government hospital in the city to receive medical treatment.
Restrictions on movement:
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons. Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.
Demonstrations in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities
West Bank:
- Following Friday prayer on 10 November 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
- Following the end of Friday prayer, dozens of civilians from Kherbet Qalqas, east of Hebron, organized a protest at the southern entrance to the village that has been closed by the Israeli forces for 17 years under security claims, hindering the movement of the village residents. Large Israeli forces arrived at the area, and an Israeli officer in the Civil Administration known as “Hariz” promised the residents to find solutions. However, the soldiers threatened the residents if they do not leave the area they will use force to disperse them. It should be noted that the village residents are about 1300 persons, who take dirt roads while others use the entrance, which is closed with sand down to the main street. During those years, 7 deaths were reported in the village due to run-over accidents by the vehicles on the bypass road when civilians walk on it.
Collective Punishment Procedures:
- As part of the collective punishment policy applied by the Israeli forces against the Palestinian families of those accused of carrying out attacks against the Israeli forces and/or settlers, on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, Israeli forces blew up a house belonging to the family of Nemer Mahmoud al-Jamal from Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem.
According to PCHR’s investigation and eyewitnesses’ accounts, at approximately 05:00 on Wednesday, large force of Israeli soldiers moved into Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem and imposed a security cordon on it. They then surrounded the neighborhood, raided the house of Nemer Mahmoud al-Jamal and forced its residents, who were about 15 persons, to leave it immediately. The soldiers also evacuated the neighboring houses and gathered all the residents in a school yard in the village. Following that, special forces planted a big amount of explosives in the house, which is an apartment in a residential building and then blew it up.
As a result, the apartment was demolished, and the other apartments sustained cracks. Moreover, the owners of the neighboring houses said that their houses might collapse due to the material damage as the walls cracked. It should be noted that the Israeli forces handed the family through their lawyer an evacuation decision until the 4th of this month in preamble to demolish it. They also raided the house on 09 November 2017 and handed al-Jamal family a decision to evacuate the house within a week to demolish it. It should be noted that al-Jamal carried out an armed attack on 27 September 2017 against Israeli soldiers stationed at the entrance to “Har Adar” settlement. As a result, 3 soldiers were killed and then al-Jamal was killed by an Israeli military force that was in the area.
Efforts to Create 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 00:00 on Thursday, 09 November 2017, Israeli forces moved into Beit Sorik village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nemer al-Jamal and handed his family a decision to vacate the house within this week to demolish it.
- At approximately 02:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces moved into Hizmah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khattab al-Khatib and arrested his son Suliman (24) and his daughter Mervat.
- At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 10 November 2017, Israeli forces arrested Rami ‘Emad Mmansour (19), from Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem. Rami was arrested while he was near “Kochav Ya’akov” settlement, northeast of the city. The Israeli police later issued a statement claiming that Rami was arrested under the pretext of attempting to carry out a stabbing attack in the area.
- At approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 11 November 2017, Israeli forces arrested Ameer Khalid Abu Mefreh (15) while walking in al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.
- At approximately 01:30 on Sunday, 12 November 2017, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 5 civilians, including 4 children. The arrested persons were then taken to al-Mascobiyia police center in West Jerusalem. They arrested persons were identified as Abed al-Rahman Showiki (14), Qusai Husam Zaitoun (13), ‘Imran Mofeed Mansour (15), Mahdi Mofeed Mansour (12) and Khalid Waleed Abu Maiyalah (20).
- At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, Israeli forces moved into Beit Haninah neighborhood, north of occupied Jerusalem. They raided a house belonging to the colonel in the Palestinian police, Hussain al-Kasawani, who was not home during the incursion. The Israeli forces then arrested his wife and 2 children, taking them to a police station in “Prophet Jacob” Colonel Hussain al-Kasawani said that the Israeli forces along with Israeli Intelligence officers raided and searched his house for 3 hours and then arrested his wife and 2 children. He added that the Israeli forces called him and summoned him for interrogation. Al-Kasawani said that the Israeli Intelligence Service did not tell him anything about the arrest or summons reasons. It should be noted that the Israeli forces arrested the Police Chief of Jerusalem’s Suburbs, Colonel Ali al-Qumairi, 2 days ago and asked him about the Palestinian Security Services’ activities in the areas around occupied Jerusalem. The Israeli forces released later him.
- At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 14 November 2017, Israeli forces moved into many neighborhoods in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 5 children. The arrested children were identified as Mo’taz Abdullah Zaytoun (15), Mohamed Zaytoun (16), Qusai Nidal al-Rajbi (11), ‘Odai al-Rajbi (16) and Mahdi Qara’een (14).
- At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 14 November 2017, Israeli forces moved into ‘Anata village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Baraa’ Khalil ‘Isaa (22) and arrested him.
- At approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses from which they arrested 16 civilians, including 7 children. The arrested persons were then taken to Salah al-Deen Police Station for investigation. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested persons.
- House Demolitions and Notices:
- On Saturday, 11 November 2017, ‘Abed al-Moghni al-Doweek self-demolished parts of his house in al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, after the Israeli municipality threatened to demolish his house and force him to pay all demolition costs. Al-Doweek said that on Saturday, he vacated his house contents and then demolished it to implement the Municipality decision. The Israeli Municipality threatened him to fine him with NIS 80,000, unless he demolished it himself. Abed al- Moghni said that his house was built 2 years ago and he attempted to license it but in vain. The abovementioned 60-square-meter house was comprised of 2 rooms and sheltered 4 persons.
- On Friday, 10 November 2017, the Israeli Municipality staff, under the Israeli forces’ protection, moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The Municipality staff took photos of the houses and streets in many neighborhoods before handing house demolition notices to civilian under the pretext of non-licensing.
- On Monday, 13 November 2017, the Israeli Municipality staff took photos of shops in al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee, said that the Israeli Municipality staff accompanied with an Israeli military force moved into al-‘Issawiyia village and took photos of 5 shops, including a pharmacy. He also said that the Municipality staff hanged a decision to vacate and remove a commercial container in the village. It should be noted in the morning that the Municipality staff handed administrative demolition notices and summonses for many civilians, ordering them to refer to the Israeli Municipality, west of the city, regarding their houses under the pretext of building without licenses.
- At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 13 November 2017, Ameen al-‘Abasi self-demolished his shop in ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, to implement the Israeli Municipality decision. Ameen said that he forced to demolish his house after the Israeli Municipality raided his shop many times and 2 weeks ago the Municipality raided the shop and hanged a demolition decision issued by the Israeli Court. The Israeli Municipality gave Ameen 30 days to carry out the demolition. Ameen said that his 55-square-meter shop was built of tin plates 2 years ago. It should be noted that the Israeli Municipality staff orally threatened him of paying the Municipality’s demolition costs, if he did not obey the orders.
- At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, Israeli Municipality bulldozer without prior warning demolished an under-construction residential building in al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee, said that the Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff and bulldozers moved into al-‘Issawiyia village and stationed in the center of the village. The Israeli forces surrounded a residential building belonging to Ibrahim Mousa Salamah and denied him access to the building. They then demolished the building under the pretext of non-licensing. Ibrahim Salamah said that he was surprised with a phone call from one of the neighbors informing him of the demolition. When Ibrahim arrived at the village, the Israeli forces refused to allow him to enter the area until they finish the demolition. Ibrahim said that he received a demolition decision under the pretext of licensing months ago, and his lawyer managed to extend the demolition decision until Wednesday, 15 November 2017, but the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished the building without waiting the court to issue the decision to stop the demolition. It should be noted that Salamah built the 350-square-meter building 8 months ago comprised of 2 floors and another one under-construction. Lately, the Israeli Municipality targeted al-‘Issawiyia village by raiding the village and taking photos of houses, buildings and shops.
- In the same context, at approximately 12:00, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished an agricultural facility and storehouse in al-‘Issawiyia village. Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee, said that the Israeli Municipality bulldozers demolished an agricultural facility comprised of many agricultural rooms built of tin plates. The agricultural facility belonging to Omar Dari was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that Dari attempted to license the facility and had a decision to stop the demolition. Abu al-Humus added that the demolition was in the area, which is threatened of confiscation in favor of the “National Park.”
- In al-Joz Valley neighborhood, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, the Israeli Municipality accompanied with the Nature Authority staff demolished a storehouse and also confiscated a container in Imro’a al-Qais Street in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood.
- Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and property
- At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 13 November 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 military bulldozers moved into Ras al-Ahmar area in Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers built a road for military purposes in the civilian’s lands. The road is 1000 meters long and 6 meters wide. While building the road, the Israeli forces destroyed parts of a road between ‘Atouf and Ras al-Ahmar. The destroyed parts were 300 meters long. This project was carried out at the end of 2016 and donated by institutions in the European Union (EU).
- At approximately 09:00 on Monday, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer moved into al-Boq’iyia al-Haditha area in Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozer demolished a 700- meter -long water line belonging to al-Boq’iyia al-Haditha Company. It should be noted that the abovementioned water line was supplying a 250-dumums planted with onion. This demolition completely damaged the area.
- At approximately 14:30 on Monday, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer and a crane moved into al-Khilaat area in al-Ras alAhmar in Northern Jordan Valley. They established an iron gate in the area, which is the 3rd one in the area. As a result, civilians and lands’ owner were denied access to their lands located in al-Boqi’a area.
- On Tuesday, 14 November 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with a military vehicle and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Khelit al-Dabie’ area, between “Mitzpe Yair” and “Maon” settlements, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed Jaber Ali al-Dababsah (39) a notice to stop construction and vacated his 40-square-meter house, which is comprised of 2 rooms built of bricks and roofed with tin plates, under the pretext of non-licensing. Jaber was given 7 days to carry out the orders.
- At approximately 14:55 on Tuesday, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed a notice to stop building of an under-construction house belonging to Husam Ali Jaber. Moreover, Jameel Moahmed Dawoud was handed a notice to stop construction a barrack for breeding livestock, under the pretext of non-licensing in the area (C) which is under the Israeli control, according to Oslo Accord.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israeli Forces’ attacks
- At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 13 November 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 military bulldozers moved into Ras al-Ahmar area in Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers built a 1000-meter road for military purposes on Palestinians’ lands. While building the road, the Israeli forces destroyed 300 meters of the road between ‘Atouf and Ras al-Ahmar.
- At approximately 09:00 on Monday, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer moved into al-Boq’iyia al-Haditha area in Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozer demolished a 700-meter waterline belonging to al-Boq’iyia Modern Company. It should be noted that the abovementioned waterline was supplying 250 dumums planted with onion, so this would completely damage the area.At approximately 14:30 on Monday, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer and crane moved into al-Khilaat area in al-Ras alAhmar in Northern Jordan Valley. They established an iron gate in the area, which is the 3rd of its kind in the area. As a result, civilians and lands’ owner were denied access to their lands in al-Boqi’a area.
- On Tuesday, 14 November 2017, Israeli forces accompanied with a military vehicle and vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Khelit al-Dabie’ area, between “Mitzpe Yair” and “Maon” settlements, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed Jaber Ali al-Dababsah (39) a notice to stop the construction and vacated his 40-square-meter house, which is comprised of 2 rooms built of bricks and roofed with tin plates, under the pretext of non-licensing. Jaber was given 7 days to apply the notice.
- At approximately 14:55 on Tuesday, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed a notice to stop the construction works in an under-construction house belonging to Husam Ali Jaber. Moreover, Jameel Moahmed Dawoud was handed a notice to stop construction works in a barrack for breeding livestock under the pretext of non-licensing in Area (C) which is under the Israeli control, according to Oslo Accords.
- Israeli settlers’ attacks
- On Thursday, 09 November 2017, Israeli settlers from the outposts in Hebron’s Old City, set up tents in in al-Ibrahimiyah yard adjacent to the Ibrahimi Mosque in order to receive settlers coming to the city to celebrate the “Sarah Shabbat”. This coincided with the Israeli closure of the area and tightening the security measures in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi Mosque and checkpoints leading to the Old City. The Israeli forces also prevented civilians outside the village from entering the area.
- At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 11 November 2017, Israeli forces closed Bab al-Zawiyia area and Beersheba Street in the center of Hebron and forced the shops’ owners to close. A large force of Israeli soldiers and border guard officers deployed in the area in preparation for the arrival of Israeli settlers via the closed Shushed Street at an archeological site, which the settlers claim it is a tomb for one of their ancestors namely “Othniel.” The tomb is a Palestinian archeological building on Beersheba Street where the religious rituals are held. While settlers were passing by, some of them attempted to climb to remove the Palestinian flags attached to the shops’ doors in the area. The Palestinians who were in the area expressed their anger by chanting slogans and exclaiming Allah is great under the very eye of the Israeli soldiers. During the soldiers’ movement between the gathered civilians, an Israeli soldier attacked Ahmed Merwan Hadib (16) by hitting him with the riffle’s nozzle. As a result, Hadeeb started to bleed and then taken to the government hospital in the city. A number of young men threw stones at the Israeli soldiers; meanwhile, the settlers left the area and went back behind Checkpoint 56 after finishing their religious rituals. The soldiers then randomly fired sound bombs and gas canisters at the civilians, and one of the sound bombs fell in front of Salah Wa’ed al-Zarou (22), who suffers from a mental disorder. As a result, his pants was torn, and a number of soldiers attacked him and started severely hitting him with the riffles’ butts and kicking him. He was then handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to the abovementioned military checkpoint. A number of civilians attempted to intervene so he would be released, but in vain. His detention continued for a few hours before being released and taken by a PRCS ambulance to the government hospital in the city 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.
Fully detailed document available at the official website of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR).
11 nov 2017
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 02– 08 November 2017, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the Gaza Strip. 67 civilians, including 4 children and 7 women, were abducted.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank while they conducted 6 incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces abducted at least 54 Palestinian civilians, including a child and woman, in the West Bank. Thirteen civilians, including 3 children and 6 women, were abducted in Jerusalem and its suburbs. The female arrestees are wife of a prisoner, a kindergarten’s principle and 3 teachers.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to use force against the protests organized by Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders against the annexation wall, confiscation of lands and settlement expansion crimes. During the reporting period, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
As part of targeting Education Facilities in occupied Jerusalem, on 06 November 2017, Israeli forces raided “Zahwet al-Quds” Kindergarten and School in Beit Hanina neighbourhood, north of the city. They raided and searched the classrooms and took the teachers’ ID cards to take photos of them after questioning the teachers. The Israeli soldiers then abducted the School Principle and 3 teachers and later withdrew. Following this, the Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Mona al-Karawi, Director of the School’s Society, and abducted her along with her husband.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 5 Palestinian civilians, including 3 fishermen in the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip as well, Israeli naval forces continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the Sea and target farmers and houses in the border areas.
In the Gaza Strip, on 06 November 2017, 2 Palestinian fishermen, who are brothers as well, were wounded when Israeli gunboats stationed offshore in the northern Gaza Strip heavily opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles. One of the fishermen was wounded with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right thigh while the other was wounded with a bullet down the left knee and other rubber-coated metal bullets in the right thigh and the right foot joint. They were both then abducted and taken to Ashdod Seaport while their boat was confiscated with all its equipment. Later, they were released while their boat is so far under custody.
On 08 November 2017, a Palestinian fisherman was wounded with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right hand when Israeli forces heavily opened fire at Palestinian fisherman boats sailing within 4 nautical miles offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia.
In the same context, PCHR has monitored the escalation of Israeli attacks against fishermen in the Gaza Sea although it was announced that the Gaza fishermen are allowed to sail to 9 nautical miles instead of 6. This proves the Israeli ongoing policy of targeting fishermen in their livelihoods. During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats chased fishing boats and opened fire at them 5 times. Due to the 5 shooting incidents occurred in the north-western side of Beit Lahia, a fishing boat was confiscated and another sustained damage after being hit with several bullets in addition to losing the fishing nets.
In the Gaza Strip, the border areas witnessed protests against the unjust closure imposed on the Gaza population. Israeli forces used force against the protestors, and the shooting to disperse those protests resulted in the injury of 2 civilians, one of whom was wounded in Eastern Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip while the other was wounded in Eastern al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Moreover, during the reporting period, 4 shooting incidents targeted the following:
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli settlers continued their expansion of their territory onto Palestinian land through the use of force.
As part of the demolition of houses and other civil facilities, On 07 November 2017, Israeli forces demolished 3 houses in al-Jiftlik area in the Central Jordan Valley, north of Jericho. The first house belongs to Ahmed Bani ‘Odah, comprised of 2 floors and built on an area of 130 square meters, sheltering 10 family members, including 3 children. The second house belongs to the family of Mousa al-Jahalin and sheltered 12 members, including 7 children, while the third house belongs to Ahmed and Jihad Ibrahim Abu ‘Aram and sheltered both brothers along with their 12-member family, including 8 children.
On the same day, Israeli forces demolished an under-construction agricultural room in Froush Beit Dejen village in the central Jordan Valley, east of Nablus. The 26-square-meter room built of bricks belongs to Qassem Abu Jeish. Due to the demolition, an agricultural pond was affected and the started leaking from it. It should be mentioned that building the room and pond cost JD 7,000 according to the abovementioned civilian.
As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, a settler beat up Zamel Daraghmah (56) from Tubas when he was near his farm in the Northern Jordan Valley. According to Daraghmah, on 03 November 2017, a settler interpreted his way when Daraghmah was heading from his house to his farm in ‘Ein al-Beida area in the Northern Jordan Valley, traveling his car. While on his way, Daraghmah was surprised with a settler coming from the opposite side and stopping next to his car. The settler then stepped out of the car and went to Daraghmah’s car. He then punched him many times to the face.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces again attacked the weekly non-violent demonstrations held each week in various locations to protest the Wall and settlements.
Following Friday prayer on 03 November 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 03 November 2017, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuhada’a Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, in protest against the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip. The youngsters gathered near the security fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 22-year-old civilian, from al-Jaren neighborhood in Jabalia, was hit with a bullet which penetrated the left thigh. The wounded civilian was taken by a Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulance to the Indonesian Hospital. His medical condition was classified 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-Buraij refugee in the central Gaza Strip, in protest against the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip. The youngsters gathered near the security fence and set fire to tires. They also raised banners and flags and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets and tear gas canisters for half an hour at the protestors. As a result, a civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the left foot. He was transferred to al-Aqsa Hospital to receive medical treatment. His medical condition was classified as moderate.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community intervene 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.
In addition, 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.
For the full text of the report, click here.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank while they conducted 6 incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces abducted at least 54 Palestinian civilians, including a child and woman, in the West Bank. Thirteen civilians, including 3 children and 6 women, were abducted in Jerusalem and its suburbs. The female arrestees are wife of a prisoner, a kindergarten’s principle and 3 teachers.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to use force against the protests organized by Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders against the annexation wall, confiscation of lands and settlement expansion crimes. During the reporting period, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
As part of targeting Education Facilities in occupied Jerusalem, on 06 November 2017, Israeli forces raided “Zahwet al-Quds” Kindergarten and School in Beit Hanina neighbourhood, north of the city. They raided and searched the classrooms and took the teachers’ ID cards to take photos of them after questioning the teachers. The Israeli soldiers then abducted the School Principle and 3 teachers and later withdrew. Following this, the Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Mona al-Karawi, Director of the School’s Society, and abducted her along with her husband.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 5 Palestinian civilians, including 3 fishermen in the Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip as well, Israeli naval forces continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the Sea and target farmers and houses in the border areas.
In the Gaza Strip, on 06 November 2017, 2 Palestinian fishermen, who are brothers as well, were wounded when Israeli gunboats stationed offshore in the northern Gaza Strip heavily opened fire at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles. One of the fishermen was wounded with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right thigh while the other was wounded with a bullet down the left knee and other rubber-coated metal bullets in the right thigh and the right foot joint. They were both then abducted and taken to Ashdod Seaport while their boat was confiscated with all its equipment. Later, they were released while their boat is so far under custody.
On 08 November 2017, a Palestinian fisherman was wounded with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right hand when Israeli forces heavily opened fire at Palestinian fisherman boats sailing within 4 nautical miles offshore, northwest of Beit Lahia.
In the same context, PCHR has monitored the escalation of Israeli attacks against fishermen in the Gaza Sea although it was announced that the Gaza fishermen are allowed to sail to 9 nautical miles instead of 6. This proves the Israeli ongoing policy of targeting fishermen in their livelihoods. During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats chased fishing boats and opened fire at them 5 times. Due to the 5 shooting incidents occurred in the north-western side of Beit Lahia, a fishing boat was confiscated and another sustained damage after being hit with several bullets in addition to losing the fishing nets.
In the Gaza Strip, the border areas witnessed protests against the unjust closure imposed on the Gaza population. Israeli forces used force against the protestors, and the shooting to disperse those protests resulted in the injury of 2 civilians, one of whom was wounded in Eastern Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip while the other was wounded in Eastern al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Moreover, during the reporting period, 4 shooting incidents targeted the following:
- On 05 November 2017, fishermen setting their fishing net from shore, west of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.
- On 02 November 2017, agricultural lands, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.
- On 06 November 2017, agricultural lands, east of Gaza Valley village in the central Gaza Strip.
- On 07 November 2017, vacant lands, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli settlers continued their expansion of their territory onto Palestinian land through the use of force.
As part of the demolition of houses and other civil facilities, On 07 November 2017, Israeli forces demolished 3 houses in al-Jiftlik area in the Central Jordan Valley, north of Jericho. The first house belongs to Ahmed Bani ‘Odah, comprised of 2 floors and built on an area of 130 square meters, sheltering 10 family members, including 3 children. The second house belongs to the family of Mousa al-Jahalin and sheltered 12 members, including 7 children, while the third house belongs to Ahmed and Jihad Ibrahim Abu ‘Aram and sheltered both brothers along with their 12-member family, including 8 children.
On the same day, Israeli forces demolished an under-construction agricultural room in Froush Beit Dejen village in the central Jordan Valley, east of Nablus. The 26-square-meter room built of bricks belongs to Qassem Abu Jeish. Due to the demolition, an agricultural pond was affected and the started leaking from it. It should be mentioned that building the room and pond cost JD 7,000 according to the abovementioned civilian.
As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, a settler beat up Zamel Daraghmah (56) from Tubas when he was near his farm in the Northern Jordan Valley. According to Daraghmah, on 03 November 2017, a settler interpreted his way when Daraghmah was heading from his house to his farm in ‘Ein al-Beida area in the Northern Jordan Valley, traveling his car. While on his way, Daraghmah was surprised with a settler coming from the opposite side and stopping next to his car. The settler then stepped out of the car and went to Daraghmah’s car. He then punched him many times to the face.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces again attacked the weekly non-violent demonstrations held each week in various locations to protest the Wall and settlements.
Following Friday prayer on 03 November 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians, international human rights defenders and Israelis organized protests in Ni’lin and Bil’in villages, west of Ramallah, al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city, and Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased the protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, many of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises due to being beaten up by the Israeli soldiers.
At approximately 14:30 on Friday, 03 November 2017, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuhada’a Cemetery, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, in protest against the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip. The youngsters gathered near the security fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 22-year-old civilian, from al-Jaren neighborhood in Jabalia, was hit with a bullet which penetrated the left thigh. The wounded civilian was taken by a Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulance to the Indonesian Hospital. His medical condition was classified 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-Buraij refugee in the central Gaza Strip, in protest against the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip. The youngsters gathered near the security fence and set fire to tires. They also raised banners and flags and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers sporadically fired live bullets and tear gas canisters for half an hour at the protestors. As a result, a civilian sustained a live bullet wound to the left foot. He was transferred to al-Aqsa Hospital to receive medical treatment. His medical condition was classified as moderate.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community intervene 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.
In addition, 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.
For the full text of the report, click here.
7 nov 2017
The United Nations expressed on Monday concerns over the situation of 500 Palestinian children incarcerated in Israeli jails.
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said during a press conference held at the UN headquarters in New York that the number of Palestinian minors held in Israeli lock-ups has hit 500.
The UN official called on Israel to either work out the legal situation of minor detainees and of all Palestinians held with neither charge nor trial in occupation prisons, or to release them immediately.
Palestinian children in Israeli penitentiaries have been made to endure dire detention conditions and harsh torture tactics, most notorious among which being strip-searches, heavy beating, verbal assaults, and exhaustive interrogation to force confession.
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said during a press conference held at the UN headquarters in New York that the number of Palestinian minors held in Israeli lock-ups has hit 500.
The UN official called on Israel to either work out the legal situation of minor detainees and of all Palestinians held with neither charge nor trial in occupation prisons, or to release them immediately.
Palestinian children in Israeli penitentiaries have been made to endure dire detention conditions and harsh torture tactics, most notorious among which being strip-searches, heavy beating, verbal assaults, and exhaustive interrogation to force confession.
6 nov 2017
A report issued by Detainees and Ex-detainees Committee on Monday showed that two Palestinian imprisoned brothers: Tareq and Ahmad Baja, 26 and 19 years old respectively, were subjected to ill-treatment and abuse by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) during their arrest.
The two captives, who are from Jayyous town in Qalqilya, narrated their story of arrest to lawyer Hanan al-Khatib. She reported that they were rounded up at midnight after storming and wreaking havoc inside their home. IOF soldiers blindfolded them both, then took them to a military jeep to be transferred to a nearby military camp.
They told the lawyer that the soldiers did not stop abusing them ... beating, screaming, cursing and insulting them all along the journey. What provoked them the most was the soldiers taking a selfie for themselves with the captives while being tortured, the lawyer said.
The detainees were taken to Huwara detention center then to Megiddo jail where they were strip-searched.
The report also stated that two other prisoners: Murad al-Araj, 25, from Anabta town in Tulkarem and Tarik Abu Tabikh, from Jenin refugee camp, were also tortured and ill-treated during detention and investigation.
Soldiers Take ‘Selfie’ with Injured Palestinian Detainees
Two Palestinian prisoners, including one teenager, gave testimonies to the Palestinian Committee of Prisoners’ Affairs, detailing the abuse and harassment they faced at the hands of Israeli forces during their arrests.
The committee released a statement on Monday saying that Israeli forces raided the home of brothers Tariq Baajeh, 26, and Ahmad Baajeh, 19, in the Qalqilia-area town of Jayyus in the northern occupied West Bank around midnight on Sunday.
According to the brothers’ testimonies, soldiers handcuffed and blindfolded the brothers before transferring them to a military zone near Qalqiliya in a military jeep.
“The Baajeh brothers were assaulted and insulted the entire time they were held at the military zone,” the statement said, adding that after the soldiers beat up the brothers, soldier took a “selfie” with the injured brothers “in order to provoke them.”
The brothers were then transferred to the Huwwara detention center near Nablus, and then to the Megiddo prison north of the West Bank, where they were strip searched.
Israeli raids in Palestinian towns, villages, and refugee camps are a daily occurrence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Ma;an News Agency further reports.
According to United Nations documentation, Israeli forces conducted 196 search and arrest operations across the West Bank, including nine children, between October 10 and October 23.
Human rights groups have widely documented the abuse of Palestinians by Israeli forces during night raids, and the harsh interrogation practices used to force their confessions, which has long been the target of criticism by the international community.
Defense for Children International – Palestine has said their research showed that almost two-thirds of Palestinian children detained in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces had endured physical violence after their arrest.
The two captives, who are from Jayyous town in Qalqilya, narrated their story of arrest to lawyer Hanan al-Khatib. She reported that they were rounded up at midnight after storming and wreaking havoc inside their home. IOF soldiers blindfolded them both, then took them to a military jeep to be transferred to a nearby military camp.
They told the lawyer that the soldiers did not stop abusing them ... beating, screaming, cursing and insulting them all along the journey. What provoked them the most was the soldiers taking a selfie for themselves with the captives while being tortured, the lawyer said.
The detainees were taken to Huwara detention center then to Megiddo jail where they were strip-searched.
The report also stated that two other prisoners: Murad al-Araj, 25, from Anabta town in Tulkarem and Tarik Abu Tabikh, from Jenin refugee camp, were also tortured and ill-treated during detention and investigation.
Soldiers Take ‘Selfie’ with Injured Palestinian Detainees
Two Palestinian prisoners, including one teenager, gave testimonies to the Palestinian Committee of Prisoners’ Affairs, detailing the abuse and harassment they faced at the hands of Israeli forces during their arrests.
The committee released a statement on Monday saying that Israeli forces raided the home of brothers Tariq Baajeh, 26, and Ahmad Baajeh, 19, in the Qalqilia-area town of Jayyus in the northern occupied West Bank around midnight on Sunday.
According to the brothers’ testimonies, soldiers handcuffed and blindfolded the brothers before transferring them to a military zone near Qalqiliya in a military jeep.
“The Baajeh brothers were assaulted and insulted the entire time they were held at the military zone,” the statement said, adding that after the soldiers beat up the brothers, soldier took a “selfie” with the injured brothers “in order to provoke them.”
The brothers were then transferred to the Huwwara detention center near Nablus, and then to the Megiddo prison north of the West Bank, where they were strip searched.
Israeli raids in Palestinian towns, villages, and refugee camps are a daily occurrence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Ma;an News Agency further reports.
According to United Nations documentation, Israeli forces conducted 196 search and arrest operations across the West Bank, including nine children, between October 10 and October 23.
Human rights groups have widely documented the abuse of Palestinians by Israeli forces during night raids, and the harsh interrogation practices used to force their confessions, which has long been the target of criticism by the international community.
Defense for Children International – Palestine has said their research showed that almost two-thirds of Palestinian children detained in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces had endured physical violence after their arrest.
Amnesty International on Sunday condemned Israel’s decision to deny an Amnesty International USA staff member entry to the West Bank.
According to a statement issued by Amnesty International, Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA, was stopped at the King Hussein crossing (Karama) between Jordan and the West Bank. He was on a personal trip to visit his family in Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) following the recent death of his father.
Jarrar was interrogated by Israeli officials about the reasons for his visit, his work with Amnesty International and in particular the organization’s denunciation of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, before being denied entry and forced to return back to Jordan.
“The fact that Raed Jarrar was barred from entry after being interrogated about his work with Amnesty International appears to suggest that this move was taken in retaliation for the organization’s work on human rights violations in the OPT,” Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East, said.
“This appears to be another ominous signal of the Israeli authorities’ resolve to silence human rights organizations and activists who are critical of the Israeli government. It flies in the face of the government’s repeated claims that Israel is a tolerant state, respectful of human rights.” he added.
“Refusing entry to a human rights advocate because he works for an organization that has criticized human rights violations by Israel would constitute a blatant assault on freedom of expression,” Philip Luther stated.
According to a statement issued by Amnesty International, Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International USA, was stopped at the King Hussein crossing (Karama) between Jordan and the West Bank. He was on a personal trip to visit his family in Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) following the recent death of his father.
Jarrar was interrogated by Israeli officials about the reasons for his visit, his work with Amnesty International and in particular the organization’s denunciation of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, before being denied entry and forced to return back to Jordan.
“The fact that Raed Jarrar was barred from entry after being interrogated about his work with Amnesty International appears to suggest that this move was taken in retaliation for the organization’s work on human rights violations in the OPT,” Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East, said.
“This appears to be another ominous signal of the Israeli authorities’ resolve to silence human rights organizations and activists who are critical of the Israeli government. It flies in the face of the government’s repeated claims that Israel is a tolerant state, respectful of human rights.” he added.
“Refusing entry to a human rights advocate because he works for an organization that has criticized human rights violations by Israel would constitute a blatant assault on freedom of expression,” Philip Luther stated.