12 oct 2013
Israeli troops abduct child in Batounia village
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 03- 09 October 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the northern and central West Bank. In addition, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a reporter of Palestine TV were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 51 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week, during which they abducted at least 41 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank. Four of them, including reporter of Palestine TV, were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest, west of Ramallah, while the 5th one was wounded when Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh town in the centre of the West Bank. The child was wounded when Israeli forces moved into Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus, and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters into Beit Dajan high school for girls. The 7th person was wounded when Israeli forces moved into Jenin.
On 05 October 2013, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh. Some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response.
As a result, the civilian was wounded by a bullet to the back of his head and others suffered tear gas inhalation.
On 08 October 2013, a child was hit by a sound bomb in the hand when Israeli forces moved into Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus. Israeli forces stationed around the village's school and fired sound bombs into the school yards.
On the same day, a civilian (23) was hit by a gas canister in the left leg when Israeli forces moved into Jenin.
Israeli forces maltreated a family in Hebron and attacked a number of civilians in Burin village, south of Nablus.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 6 Palestinian civilians were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
In one example of this week's 51 incursions, on Friday, 04 October 2013, at approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Khellet Hadour in the centre of the Old Town of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed near the building of Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. They also raided a 5-storey building belonging to the family of al-Syouri. They searched the house and damaged its content. Moreover, Israeli forces damaged the doors and kept the occupants of the house outdoors for 5 hours. They abducted Isma'il Salim al-Syouri (34) and Basem Salim al-Syouri (36).
Hazem al-Syouri (55) said to PCHR's fieldworker: "I live with my mother and brothers in a 5-storey building in the centre of the Old Town in Hebron. At approximately 00:00 on Thursday, 03 October 2013, I woke up as I heard knocks on the front door. I opened my apartment's door, which overlooks the yard and found a number of Israeli soldiers trying to open the gate from inside while other soldiers were doing the same from outside. I realised then that some soldiers had jumped over the wall. I tried to talk to them but they did not listen to me. In the meantime, Israeli forces raided my apartment while I was trying to open gate that got stuck because they hit it from outside.
A large number of Israeli soldiers raided the yard after the gate was open. They deployed in my apartment while other soldiers climbed the stairs leading to other apartments belonging to my brothers and mother. The soldiers were yelling and ordered me to go out. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers raided the whole building. They forced my mother, brothers and children, who were asleep, to go out as well.
They kept searching the house until 04:30. We heard the sounds of smashing glass and destroying doors. Children were crying all the time. When I tried to talk to the Israeli soldiers to allow me in, a soldier pushed me away and prevented me from talking to them, during which, two female soldiers arrived. Israeli soldiers ordered women and children to get inside to be personally searched with the metal detector. Furthermore, an Israeli soldier searched my niece Joud (17 months) and took all her clothes off.
As a result, my mother fainted. At approximately 04:00, Israeli soldiers took my 2 brothers Isma'il (34) and Basem (36) to the street, handcuffed them and made them stop by the military vehicles. Israeli forces withdrew later, so I went home and saw heavy damage. The Israeli soldiers destroyed the doors and electric appliances, damaged the furniture and closets, mixed the foodstuffs in the kitchen together and took off some of the building bricks on the roof. The damage caused to my brothers' apartments and mine are above NIS 100,000."
Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 3 limited incursions. Two incursions were carried out on 03 October 2013 in the central and southern Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence and withdrew later. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire thrice in the northern Gaza Strip. On 07 October 2013, Israeli forces stationed north of the landfill, north of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at an open area.
On 08 October 2013, Israeli forces stationed in the east of Beit Hanoun opened fire at open area as well.
On 09 October 2013, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers. As a result, the farmers fled for fear of being wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. This week, Israeli forces issued notices to demolish houses, and Israeli settlers damaged 189 olive trees in the West Bank.
On 03 October 2013, Israeli forces handed residents of Kherbet Safi al-Fouqa, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, a notice to halt work in solar power cells that would provide the Palestinian families living in that area with power. The notice was given to them under the pretext the solar power cells were being installed without a prior permit from the Israeli Civil Administration. It should be noted this area is threatened to be evacuated, as it is located in area (918), which is a military training zone according to the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
On the same day, a group of Israeli settlers from "Mitzpe Yair" settlement, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, damaged 45 olive trees in Khellet 'Azeiwah, near Kherbet Qweiwis, east of Hebron.
On 04 October 2013, Israeli settlers attacked a vehicle belonging to Abdul Rahman Awad, from Jama'in village, southwest of Nablus, while the vehicle was parking in Hara'eq al-'Awil area.
On 05 October 2013, Israeli forces handed the family of Ayman Jamil Mahdawi (28) in Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm, a notice to halt construction works in their 150-square-meter house under the pretext it is close to the annexation wall.
On the same day also, settlers from "Shavei Shomron" settlement damaged 120 olive trees and stole the olives from Deir Sharaf village, northwest of Nablus. The trees belong to Yasser Abdul Rahman Faqha, Sedqi Abdul Ghani Faqha, Mostafa Mer'i Faqha and Mostafa Ibrahim Faqha.
On the same day, a group of settlers from "Beit Eil" settlement, attacked Palestinian houses in the agricultural area, south of Doura al-Qare', northeast of Ramallah. They also threw stones at the houses.
On 06 October 2013, a group of settlers from "Niria" settlement, northwest of Ramallah, damaged 12 fruitful olive trees in al-Nabi 'Anir area, north of the village. The trees belong to the family of Azmi Saleh Samhan (37).
On 08 October 2013, a group of settlers from "Kerot Shomron" settlement, east of Qalqilia, attacked lands in Kofur Laqef. They cut 12 olive trees with electric saws. The olive trees belong to Suleiman Saleh Jaber, from the said village.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, 4 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday prayer, 04 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities and marking the 13th anniversary of the al-Aqsa Intifada. The demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across olive fields as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, 4 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded. Moreover, dozens of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. The first (45) was hit by a gas canister to the right leg, the second (23) was wounded by a bullet to the back, the third (19) was wounded by a bullet to the upper part of the left thigh and Ali Dar Ali (29), reporter of Palestine TV, was hit by a gas canister to the right leg.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across olive fields as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water.
As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At approximately 12:30, dozens of Palestinian civilians from Kofur Qaddoum, northeast of Qalqilia, and international activists gathered and made their way through the eastern entrance of the village in protest at closing that entrance with an iron gate since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada. Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters indiscriminately.
As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of civilians from al-Ma'sarah village, south of Bethlehem, and a number of international activists and popular resistance activists organized a peaceful protest against settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall. They gathered in front of al-Shomou' cultural centre in the centre of the village and made their way through the village streets raising the Palestinian flag. When they approached the annexation wall, Israeli forces fired sound bombs to disperse them.
As a result, dozens of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.
Around the same time on Friday, 04 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in front of Ofer Prison, southwest of Ramallah. The demonstrators headed towards the gate of the prison before Israeli forces closed it and fired live bullets, rubber coated-metal bullets and sound bombs at them.
As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces abducted Jamal Hosni Hreish (12), when he was in front of his house and took him to Ofer Prison, south of the village. However, he was released 2 hours later.
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 Palestinian leadership to sign and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human rights law and humanitarian law instruments. In addition, the PCHR called on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 03- 09 October 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the northern and central West Bank. In addition, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a reporter of Palestine TV were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 51 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week, during which they abducted at least 41 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, in the West Bank. Four of them, including reporter of Palestine TV, were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest, west of Ramallah, while the 5th one was wounded when Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh town in the centre of the West Bank. The child was wounded when Israeli forces moved into Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus, and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters into Beit Dajan high school for girls. The 7th person was wounded when Israeli forces moved into Jenin.
On 05 October 2013, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh. Some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers who fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response.
As a result, the civilian was wounded by a bullet to the back of his head and others suffered tear gas inhalation.
On 08 October 2013, a child was hit by a sound bomb in the hand when Israeli forces moved into Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus. Israeli forces stationed around the village's school and fired sound bombs into the school yards.
On the same day, a civilian (23) was hit by a gas canister in the left leg when Israeli forces moved into Jenin.
Israeli forces maltreated a family in Hebron and attacked a number of civilians in Burin village, south of Nablus.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 6 Palestinian civilians were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
In one example of this week's 51 incursions, on Friday, 04 October 2013, at approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Khellet Hadour in the centre of the Old Town of Hebron. They patrolled the streets and stationed near the building of Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. They also raided a 5-storey building belonging to the family of al-Syouri. They searched the house and damaged its content. Moreover, Israeli forces damaged the doors and kept the occupants of the house outdoors for 5 hours. They abducted Isma'il Salim al-Syouri (34) and Basem Salim al-Syouri (36).
Hazem al-Syouri (55) said to PCHR's fieldworker: "I live with my mother and brothers in a 5-storey building in the centre of the Old Town in Hebron. At approximately 00:00 on Thursday, 03 October 2013, I woke up as I heard knocks on the front door. I opened my apartment's door, which overlooks the yard and found a number of Israeli soldiers trying to open the gate from inside while other soldiers were doing the same from outside. I realised then that some soldiers had jumped over the wall. I tried to talk to them but they did not listen to me. In the meantime, Israeli forces raided my apartment while I was trying to open gate that got stuck because they hit it from outside.
A large number of Israeli soldiers raided the yard after the gate was open. They deployed in my apartment while other soldiers climbed the stairs leading to other apartments belonging to my brothers and mother. The soldiers were yelling and ordered me to go out. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers raided the whole building. They forced my mother, brothers and children, who were asleep, to go out as well.
They kept searching the house until 04:30. We heard the sounds of smashing glass and destroying doors. Children were crying all the time. When I tried to talk to the Israeli soldiers to allow me in, a soldier pushed me away and prevented me from talking to them, during which, two female soldiers arrived. Israeli soldiers ordered women and children to get inside to be personally searched with the metal detector. Furthermore, an Israeli soldier searched my niece Joud (17 months) and took all her clothes off.
As a result, my mother fainted. At approximately 04:00, Israeli soldiers took my 2 brothers Isma'il (34) and Basem (36) to the street, handcuffed them and made them stop by the military vehicles. Israeli forces withdrew later, so I went home and saw heavy damage. The Israeli soldiers destroyed the doors and electric appliances, damaged the furniture and closets, mixed the foodstuffs in the kitchen together and took off some of the building bricks on the roof. The damage caused to my brothers' apartments and mine are above NIS 100,000."
Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 3 limited incursions. Two incursions were carried out on 03 October 2013 in the central and southern Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the border fence and withdrew later. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence opened fire thrice in the northern Gaza Strip. On 07 October 2013, Israeli forces stationed north of the landfill, north of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at an open area.
On 08 October 2013, Israeli forces stationed in the east of Beit Hanoun opened fire at open area as well.
On 09 October 2013, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers. As a result, the farmers fled for fear of being wounded. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. This week, Israeli forces issued notices to demolish houses, and Israeli settlers damaged 189 olive trees in the West Bank.
On 03 October 2013, Israeli forces handed residents of Kherbet Safi al-Fouqa, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, a notice to halt work in solar power cells that would provide the Palestinian families living in that area with power. The notice was given to them under the pretext the solar power cells were being installed without a prior permit from the Israeli Civil Administration. It should be noted this area is threatened to be evacuated, as it is located in area (918), which is a military training zone according to the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
On the same day, a group of Israeli settlers from "Mitzpe Yair" settlement, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, damaged 45 olive trees in Khellet 'Azeiwah, near Kherbet Qweiwis, east of Hebron.
On 04 October 2013, Israeli settlers attacked a vehicle belonging to Abdul Rahman Awad, from Jama'in village, southwest of Nablus, while the vehicle was parking in Hara'eq al-'Awil area.
On 05 October 2013, Israeli forces handed the family of Ayman Jamil Mahdawi (28) in Shweika suburb, north of Tulkarm, a notice to halt construction works in their 150-square-meter house under the pretext it is close to the annexation wall.
On the same day also, settlers from "Shavei Shomron" settlement damaged 120 olive trees and stole the olives from Deir Sharaf village, northwest of Nablus. The trees belong to Yasser Abdul Rahman Faqha, Sedqi Abdul Ghani Faqha, Mostafa Mer'i Faqha and Mostafa Ibrahim Faqha.
On the same day, a group of settlers from "Beit Eil" settlement, attacked Palestinian houses in the agricultural area, south of Doura al-Qare', northeast of Ramallah. They also threw stones at the houses.
On 06 October 2013, a group of settlers from "Niria" settlement, northwest of Ramallah, damaged 12 fruitful olive trees in al-Nabi 'Anir area, north of the village. The trees belong to the family of Azmi Saleh Samhan (37).
On 08 October 2013, a group of settlers from "Kerot Shomron" settlement, east of Qalqilia, attacked lands in Kofur Laqef. They cut 12 olive trees with electric saws. The olive trees belong to Suleiman Saleh Jaber, from the said village.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, 4 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday prayer, 04 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities and marking the 13th anniversary of the al-Aqsa Intifada. The demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across olive fields as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, 4 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded. Moreover, dozens of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. The first (45) was hit by a gas canister to the right leg, the second (23) was wounded by a bullet to the back, the third (19) was wounded by a bullet to the upper part of the left thigh and Ali Dar Ali (29), reporter of Palestine TV, was hit by a gas canister to the right leg.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across olive fields as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water.
As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
At approximately 12:30, dozens of Palestinian civilians from Kofur Qaddoum, northeast of Qalqilia, and international activists gathered and made their way through the eastern entrance of the village in protest at closing that entrance with an iron gate since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada. Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters indiscriminately.
As a result, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Also following the Friday prayer, dozens of civilians from al-Ma'sarah village, south of Bethlehem, and a number of international activists and popular resistance activists organized a peaceful protest against settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall. They gathered in front of al-Shomou' cultural centre in the centre of the village and made their way through the village streets raising the Palestinian flag. When they approached the annexation wall, Israeli forces fired sound bombs to disperse them.
As a result, dozens of protestors suffered tear gas inhalation.
Around the same time on Friday, 04 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in front of Ofer Prison, southwest of Ramallah. The demonstrators headed towards the gate of the prison before Israeli forces closed it and fired live bullets, rubber coated-metal bullets and sound bombs at them.
As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces abducted Jamal Hosni Hreish (12), when he was in front of his house and took him to Ofer Prison, south of the village. However, he was released 2 hours later.
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 Palestinian leadership to sign and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions, and calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, to encourage the State of Palestine to accede to international human rights law and humanitarian law instruments. In addition, the PCHR called on States that apply the principle of universal jurisdiction not to surrender to Israeli pressure to limit universal jurisdiction to perpetuate the impunity enjoyed by suspected Israeli war criminals.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
8 oct 2013
The Palestinian Ministry of Planning in Gaza said the occupation authorities continued during September the repressive policies against the Palestinian people, as settler attacks on Palestinians continued, while the confiscation of land has escalated. A citizen was killed while 70 others were wounded during the past month. The occupation also arrested 290 Palestinians from different parts of the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
The ministry said in its monthly report, which monitors the most prominent Israeli violations and abuses against the Palestinian people, that the month of September witnessed an escalation in attacks against the Palestinian citizens in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
It stressed that the Israeli occupation forces continued breaching the truce agreement in the Gaza Strip, where five people were wounded by Israeli fire, in addition to the repeated incursions.
In the West Bank, the citizen Islam Toubasi, aged 20, was killed by Israeli fire during a raid into his house in the Jenin refugee camp.
The occupation forces also suppressed the almost daily peaceful demonstrations, staged against the wall and the settlements, which coincided with the anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. The confrontations between the forces and demonstrators resulted in injuring 65 citizens and causing dozens of others to suffocate.
The ministry's report said that the number of detainees during the month of September reached 290, pointing that there are 5,250 Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails, including 12 women, 13 MPs, a Minister, 220 children and 90 administrative detainees.
It also dealt with the bad conditions of detainees inside the Israeli prisons, pointing to the forms of torture, the strip searches, the medical negligence, the solitary confinement and the raids of prisoners' rooms.
Regarding the demolitions, the report noted that the occupation forces destroyed during the past month 31 homes and properties, and demolished the village of Araqib for the 55th time, in addition to demolishing Khirbet Makhool in the Northern Jordan Valley without prior notice which displaced 20 families.
The report also talked about the occupation forces' attacks on journalists, which included arrests and attacks on a number of them while covering the events in the Aqsa Mosque or the anti-wall marches.
The occupation continued its aggressions and abuses against the fishermen. The Israeli forces continued to open fire at fishermen injuring one of them, and damaged some fishing boats, while confiscated others.
The Ministry dealt with the occupation forces' attack on Islamic and Christian holy sites; pointing to the decision to close the Ibrahimi Mosque before the Mulim worshipers, and the attack on a Christian cemetery in Jerusalem by a group of Jewish extremists.
The Israeli forces continued their arbitrary procedures against Jerusalem and its citizens; in order to Judaize it and displace its residents.
The Ministry of Planning urged at the end of its report the Ramallah authority to stop the futile negotiations with the occupation, which have failed for 20 years and served only the occupation plans.
The ministry said in its monthly report, which monitors the most prominent Israeli violations and abuses against the Palestinian people, that the month of September witnessed an escalation in attacks against the Palestinian citizens in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
It stressed that the Israeli occupation forces continued breaching the truce agreement in the Gaza Strip, where five people were wounded by Israeli fire, in addition to the repeated incursions.
In the West Bank, the citizen Islam Toubasi, aged 20, was killed by Israeli fire during a raid into his house in the Jenin refugee camp.
The occupation forces also suppressed the almost daily peaceful demonstrations, staged against the wall and the settlements, which coincided with the anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. The confrontations between the forces and demonstrators resulted in injuring 65 citizens and causing dozens of others to suffocate.
The ministry's report said that the number of detainees during the month of September reached 290, pointing that there are 5,250 Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails, including 12 women, 13 MPs, a Minister, 220 children and 90 administrative detainees.
It also dealt with the bad conditions of detainees inside the Israeli prisons, pointing to the forms of torture, the strip searches, the medical negligence, the solitary confinement and the raids of prisoners' rooms.
Regarding the demolitions, the report noted that the occupation forces destroyed during the past month 31 homes and properties, and demolished the village of Araqib for the 55th time, in addition to demolishing Khirbet Makhool in the Northern Jordan Valley without prior notice which displaced 20 families.
The report also talked about the occupation forces' attacks on journalists, which included arrests and attacks on a number of them while covering the events in the Aqsa Mosque or the anti-wall marches.
The occupation continued its aggressions and abuses against the fishermen. The Israeli forces continued to open fire at fishermen injuring one of them, and damaged some fishing boats, while confiscated others.
The Ministry dealt with the occupation forces' attack on Islamic and Christian holy sites; pointing to the decision to close the Ibrahimi Mosque before the Mulim worshipers, and the attack on a Christian cemetery in Jerusalem by a group of Jewish extremists.
The Israeli forces continued their arbitrary procedures against Jerusalem and its citizens; in order to Judaize it and displace its residents.
The Ministry of Planning urged at the end of its report the Ramallah authority to stop the futile negotiations with the occupation, which have failed for 20 years and served only the occupation plans.
7 oct 2013
Factsheet
Israeli naval forces continued to carry out attacks on Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip during the reporting period (01-30 September 2013), including (6) shooting incidents that led to wounding one fisherman and causing partial material damages to a fishing boat, and a chasing incident that led to the confiscation of two fishing boats.
The issuance of this factsheet coincides with the aggravation of Palestinian fishermen’s suffering in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli naval blockade and preventing fishermen from fishing freely as well as the severe lack of fuel supplies needed to run the fishing boats and equipment. According to PCHR’s follow-up, hundreds of Palestinian boats have broken down and more than 4,000 fishermen have suffered due to being denied access to the fuel needed for their work.
This has led to serious deterioration in living conditions of a population of more than 75,000 that depends on the fishing sector as a main livelihood.
Although Israeli authorities limited the fishing distance in Gaza Sea to 6 nautical miles, they neither complied with that distance nor allowed Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip to sail and fish freely, and continued their attacks against them. PCHR documented all attacks carried out within the distance of 6 nautical miles, which proves that Israeli forces' policies aim to tighten restrictions on the Gaza Strip's fishermen and their sources of livelihood.
Violations of the International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law
Israel’s attacks against Palestinian fishermen, who do not pose any threat to Israeli soldiers, in the Gaza Strip constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, relevant to the protection of the civilian population and respect for its rights, including every person's right to work, and the right to life, liberty and security of person, as codified in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), despite the fact that Israel is a State Party to the Covenant.
Furthermore, these attacks occurred in a time where the fishers did not pose any threat to the Israeli naval troops, as they were doing their job to secure a living. Israeli violations in the reporting period were as follows:
First: Firing at Fishing Boats in the Gaza Strip Waters
During the reporting period, PCHR documented 6 cases in which Israeli forces fired at Palestinian fishermen in the sea off the Gaza Strip shore. These attacks took place within the 6 nautical miles allowed for fishermen to sail and fish in, according to the cease fire agreement concluded between Israel and Palestinian armed groups under Egyptian and international auspices.
Second: Wounding a Fisherman
On 18 September 2013, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat off the Gaza Valley. As a result, the crane of the boat was hit and its belt fell on Salim Khalil Salim al-Fassih, 48, which resulted in injuries in his right hand’s fingers that led to severe bleeding. Al-Fassih was transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza, and the doctors had to amputate one of his right hand’s fingers.
Third: Confiscation of Fishing Equipment
During the reporting period, PCHR documented the confiscation of two fishing boats by Israeli naval forces. The confiscation incidents were as follows:
- On 10 September 2013, Israeli naval forces confiscated two fishing boats belonging to Khalil Ibrahim al-Bardawil, 38, and Nabil Khalil al-Bardawil, 48,
while sailing at approximately one nautical mile off Rafah port. Khalil Ibrahim al-Bardawil said that there weren’t any fishermen on the two fishing boats, and that Israeli naval forces confiscated two generators and six torches from the boats.
Fourth: Damaging Fishing Equipment
During the reporting period, PCHR documented two incidents of damaging boats. The incidents were as follows:
- At approximately 18 September 2013, Israeli naval forces opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat belonging to Saleh Kabajah while sailing at approximately 4 nautical miles off Gaza Valley.
Israeli naval forces continued to carry out attacks on Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip during the reporting period (01-30 September 2013), including (6) shooting incidents that led to wounding one fisherman and causing partial material damages to a fishing boat, and a chasing incident that led to the confiscation of two fishing boats.
The issuance of this factsheet coincides with the aggravation of Palestinian fishermen’s suffering in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli naval blockade and preventing fishermen from fishing freely as well as the severe lack of fuel supplies needed to run the fishing boats and equipment. According to PCHR’s follow-up, hundreds of Palestinian boats have broken down and more than 4,000 fishermen have suffered due to being denied access to the fuel needed for their work.
This has led to serious deterioration in living conditions of a population of more than 75,000 that depends on the fishing sector as a main livelihood.
Although Israeli authorities limited the fishing distance in Gaza Sea to 6 nautical miles, they neither complied with that distance nor allowed Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip to sail and fish freely, and continued their attacks against them. PCHR documented all attacks carried out within the distance of 6 nautical miles, which proves that Israeli forces' policies aim to tighten restrictions on the Gaza Strip's fishermen and their sources of livelihood.
Violations of the International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law
Israel’s attacks against Palestinian fishermen, who do not pose any threat to Israeli soldiers, in the Gaza Strip constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, relevant to the protection of the civilian population and respect for its rights, including every person's right to work, and the right to life, liberty and security of person, as codified in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), despite the fact that Israel is a State Party to the Covenant.
Furthermore, these attacks occurred in a time where the fishers did not pose any threat to the Israeli naval troops, as they were doing their job to secure a living. Israeli violations in the reporting period were as follows:
First: Firing at Fishing Boats in the Gaza Strip Waters
During the reporting period, PCHR documented 6 cases in which Israeli forces fired at Palestinian fishermen in the sea off the Gaza Strip shore. These attacks took place within the 6 nautical miles allowed for fishermen to sail and fish in, according to the cease fire agreement concluded between Israel and Palestinian armed groups under Egyptian and international auspices.
Second: Wounding a Fisherman
On 18 September 2013, Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat off the Gaza Valley. As a result, the crane of the boat was hit and its belt fell on Salim Khalil Salim al-Fassih, 48, which resulted in injuries in his right hand’s fingers that led to severe bleeding. Al-Fassih was transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza, and the doctors had to amputate one of his right hand’s fingers.
Third: Confiscation of Fishing Equipment
During the reporting period, PCHR documented the confiscation of two fishing boats by Israeli naval forces. The confiscation incidents were as follows:
- On 10 September 2013, Israeli naval forces confiscated two fishing boats belonging to Khalil Ibrahim al-Bardawil, 38, and Nabil Khalil al-Bardawil, 48,
while sailing at approximately one nautical mile off Rafah port. Khalil Ibrahim al-Bardawil said that there weren’t any fishermen on the two fishing boats, and that Israeli naval forces confiscated two generators and six torches from the boats.
Fourth: Damaging Fishing Equipment
During the reporting period, PCHR documented two incidents of damaging boats. The incidents were as follows:
- At approximately 18 September 2013, Israeli naval forces opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat belonging to Saleh Kabajah while sailing at approximately 4 nautical miles off Gaza Valley.
On the occasion of Arab Housing Day, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) presented in a press release the main indicators of housing conditions in Palestine during 2012.
The Council of Arab Housing and Reconstruction Ministers, within the framework of the League of Arab States, took the decision to adopt the first Monday of October annually as Arab Housing Day. The logo for 2013 is "Better Housing for a Better Life without Slums".
Apartments Most Common Type of Housing Unit in Palestine
Data indicate that 2.0% of households in Palestine live in a villa, 43.3% live in a house and 53.7% live in an apartment. The percentage of households that own their housing unit in Palestine is 77%: 73.8% in the West Bank and 83.0% in the Gaza Strip.
1.5 Persons per Room in Housing Unit
The results show that average housing density in Palestine in 2012 was 1.5 persons per room: 1.4 in the West Bank and an average of 1.6 in the Gaza Strip. Around 7.6% of households in Palestine live in housing units with three persons or more per room: 6.5% in the West Bank and 9.6% in the Gaza Strip.
In 2012 the average number of rooms per housing unit in Palestine was 3.6. Around 14.9% of households in Palestine live in housing units with 1-2 rooms: 14.4% in the West Bank and 15.8% in the Gaza Strip.
Average Monthly Rent for Housing Unit
In 2012 the average monthly rent for a housing unit in Palestine was 157 Jordanian dinars: (172 JDs in the West Bank and 109 JDs in the Gaza Strip). Data also indicate that 38.5% of households in the West Bank living in a rented housing unit pay a monthly rent of 150 JDs or more compared to 8.9% in the Gaza Strip.
More than Half of Households in Palestine Need Housing in the Next Ten Years
Around 62.2% of households in Palestine are in need new housing units to be built during the next ten years: 61.9% in the West Bank and 62.2% in the Gaza Strip.
The Council of Arab Housing and Reconstruction Ministers, within the framework of the League of Arab States, took the decision to adopt the first Monday of October annually as Arab Housing Day. The logo for 2013 is "Better Housing for a Better Life without Slums".
Apartments Most Common Type of Housing Unit in Palestine
Data indicate that 2.0% of households in Palestine live in a villa, 43.3% live in a house and 53.7% live in an apartment. The percentage of households that own their housing unit in Palestine is 77%: 73.8% in the West Bank and 83.0% in the Gaza Strip.
1.5 Persons per Room in Housing Unit
The results show that average housing density in Palestine in 2012 was 1.5 persons per room: 1.4 in the West Bank and an average of 1.6 in the Gaza Strip. Around 7.6% of households in Palestine live in housing units with three persons or more per room: 6.5% in the West Bank and 9.6% in the Gaza Strip.
In 2012 the average number of rooms per housing unit in Palestine was 3.6. Around 14.9% of households in Palestine live in housing units with 1-2 rooms: 14.4% in the West Bank and 15.8% in the Gaza Strip.
Average Monthly Rent for Housing Unit
In 2012 the average monthly rent for a housing unit in Palestine was 157 Jordanian dinars: (172 JDs in the West Bank and 109 JDs in the Gaza Strip). Data also indicate that 38.5% of households in the West Bank living in a rented housing unit pay a monthly rent of 150 JDs or more compared to 8.9% in the Gaza Strip.
More than Half of Households in Palestine Need Housing in the Next Ten Years
Around 62.2% of households in Palestine are in need new housing units to be built during the next ten years: 61.9% in the West Bank and 62.2% in the Gaza Strip.
6 oct 2013
The information center of Wadi Hilwa district said that the occupied city of Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque saw during last September serious Israeli violations either by the Israeli occupation authority or the extremist Jewish groups. In a report on Saturday, Wadi Hilwa center said that the IOA closed the Aqsa Mosque seven times and allowed hundreds of extremist Jewish settlers to defile it.
The center noted that head of the Knesset interior committee Miri Regev called for officially dividing the Aqsa Mosque spatially and temporally between Muslims and Jews as is the case with the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil, affirming that her proposal was supported by her right-wing colleagues and many extremist Jewish figures, who attended the session.
According to its report, more than 1,595 Jewish settlers, including senior officials and rabbis, desecrated the Aqsa Mosque under police and military protection during their holidays last month.
The Jewish settlers also performed rituals at the Aqsa Mosque and removed stones from its courtyard during their break-ins.
More than 6,000 Jewish settlers have violated the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the current year, the report pointed out.
Different Israeli security forces also stormed the Aqsa Mosque three times during the reporting month and used unprecedented violence to suppress Palestinian worshipers.
Dozens of Palestinian worshipers suffered injuries and were detained during those Israeli raids on the Mosque.
During that month, the Israeli occupation forces detained more than 180 Jerusalemite citizens, including a lady and about 30 minors, in the Old City.
The Jewish settlers, in turn, sabotaged two churches and one Christian cemetery in Jerusalem and spray-painted racist slurs on some of its gravestones.
They also damaged and ruined Palestinian cars and property in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan districts.
Wadi Hilwa information center documented more than 165 attacks by the extremist Jewish gang known as the price tag on Palestinians and their property in the 1948 occupied land and some areas near Jerusalem.
The center noted that head of the Knesset interior committee Miri Regev called for officially dividing the Aqsa Mosque spatially and temporally between Muslims and Jews as is the case with the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil, affirming that her proposal was supported by her right-wing colleagues and many extremist Jewish figures, who attended the session.
According to its report, more than 1,595 Jewish settlers, including senior officials and rabbis, desecrated the Aqsa Mosque under police and military protection during their holidays last month.
The Jewish settlers also performed rituals at the Aqsa Mosque and removed stones from its courtyard during their break-ins.
More than 6,000 Jewish settlers have violated the sanctity of the Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the current year, the report pointed out.
Different Israeli security forces also stormed the Aqsa Mosque three times during the reporting month and used unprecedented violence to suppress Palestinian worshipers.
Dozens of Palestinian worshipers suffered injuries and were detained during those Israeli raids on the Mosque.
During that month, the Israeli occupation forces detained more than 180 Jerusalemite citizens, including a lady and about 30 minors, in the Old City.
The Jewish settlers, in turn, sabotaged two churches and one Christian cemetery in Jerusalem and spray-painted racist slurs on some of its gravestones.
They also damaged and ruined Palestinian cars and property in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan districts.
Wadi Hilwa information center documented more than 165 attacks by the extremist Jewish gang known as the price tag on Palestinians and their property in the 1948 occupied land and some areas near Jerusalem.
5 oct 2013
UNESCO voted for six decisions condemning the Israeli aggressions against the cultural and historical heritage of occupied Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem and Gaza, Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported. The vote happened Friday in Paris during the UNESCO's 192nd Session of the Executive Board.
Jordanian and Palestinian delegations, in close cooperation with the Arab and Islamic countries, led a successful drive to get the adoption of the decisions, added Petra.
A few European state members (mainly UK and Italy) abstained from voting in favor of the decisions, while the United States was the only country to vote against them among the 58 UNESCO members entitled to vote.
The decisions expressed deep concern over the continuing Israeli occupation illegal excavations in and around the Old City and its Walls.
They strongly deplored Israel for not providing UNESCO with information about these secret and damaging excavations and for banning UNESCO experts from access to Jerusalem historic sites.
The Board requested Israel to immediately desist from all acts, omissions and the harmful excavations and asks Israel to stop all violations that damage the authenticity and integrity of the Old City of Jerusalem, especially the recent escalatory measures that have been taken against Al Aqsa Mosque and the obstruction of the Jordanian Awqaf’s conservation of the Holy Sites.
The decisions also deplored the Israeli extremist groups' provocative incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound through the Magharbeh Gate, and demanded the Israeli occupation to take the necessary measures to prevent such violations of the sanctity and integrity of Al-Aqsa.
The UNESCO delegations have been very busy with the question of how the international community can pressure Israel to commit to the international law and the Geneva Conventions that call for the occupation power to respect authenticity and integrity of occupied heritage property.
Jerusalem and its old wall were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1981 and to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1982.
Jordanian and Palestinian delegations, in close cooperation with the Arab and Islamic countries, led a successful drive to get the adoption of the decisions, added Petra.
A few European state members (mainly UK and Italy) abstained from voting in favor of the decisions, while the United States was the only country to vote against them among the 58 UNESCO members entitled to vote.
The decisions expressed deep concern over the continuing Israeli occupation illegal excavations in and around the Old City and its Walls.
They strongly deplored Israel for not providing UNESCO with information about these secret and damaging excavations and for banning UNESCO experts from access to Jerusalem historic sites.
The Board requested Israel to immediately desist from all acts, omissions and the harmful excavations and asks Israel to stop all violations that damage the authenticity and integrity of the Old City of Jerusalem, especially the recent escalatory measures that have been taken against Al Aqsa Mosque and the obstruction of the Jordanian Awqaf’s conservation of the Holy Sites.
The decisions also deplored the Israeli extremist groups' provocative incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound through the Magharbeh Gate, and demanded the Israeli occupation to take the necessary measures to prevent such violations of the sanctity and integrity of Al-Aqsa.
The UNESCO delegations have been very busy with the question of how the international community can pressure Israel to commit to the international law and the Geneva Conventions that call for the occupation power to respect authenticity and integrity of occupied heritage property.
Jerusalem and its old wall were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1981 and to the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1982.
4 oct 2013
Palestinian civilian abducted by Israeli troops this week
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 26 Sep.- 02 Oct. 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that a Palestinian civilian was killed and another one was wounded and abducted by Israeli forces in the northern Gaza Strip.
In addition, 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in Hebron, including one of the children who lost an eye. 17 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded when Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
This week, Israeli troops wounded 22 civilians, including 7 children and a journalist, in the West Bank. 17 of those civilians, including 5 children, were wounded in peaceful protests, while the other 5 ones, including 2 children, were wounded during Israeli military incursions into Palestinian communities.
16 of those civilians were wounded during peaceful demonstrations on the 13th anniversary of the al-Aqsa Intifada. The wounded a cameraman of France Press Agency. Dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Israeli forces conducted 45 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. At least 23 Palestinian civilians, including 1 child, were abducted in the West Bank.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 10 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded and abducted another one in the Gaza Strip.
In the Gaza Strip, on 30 September 2013, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded and abducted another one near the border with Israel to the east of Beit Hanoun town. The victim was hit by several bullets to the back and one bullet to the head. He was unarmed, and according to his family, he attempted to cross the border into Israel to search for a job.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has 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.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Israeli settlers set fire to 2 cars in Dura al-Qare’ village, north of Ramallah.
Israeli settlers blocked roads in the northern West Bank and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
In the West Bank, 22 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, were wounded by Israeli forces while protesting the Israeli annexation wall and settlements.
On 27 September 2013, a 6-year-old child and his 14-year-old sister were wounded in al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. The child was hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right eye and consequently, he lost his sight n it.
On the same day, 3 civilians were wounded during clashed with Israeli forces in the center of Hebron.
16 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded when Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstration organized in the West Bank on the 13th anniversary of the al-Aqsa Intifada.
On Friday, 27 September 2013, at approximately 16:00, Israeli forces closed the main entrance to al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They deployed in lands around bypass road (60). Some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation. In the meantime, a soldier fired rubber-coated metal bullets at a woman and her children while they were standing around.
As a result, Mos'ab Isma'il Sarahna (6) was wounded by a bullet to the right eye. As a result, he lost his sight. Moreover, his sister Hajar (14) was wounded by a bullet to the left leg. The wounded were taken to Abu al-Hassan al-Qasem Hospital in Yatta by a private vehicle, while Mos'ab was taken to Hebron Governmental Hospital and then transferred to St. John's Hospital in Jerusalem. The child underwent a surgery. It was found out that he lost his eye, as he was shot from a close range with a rubber-coated metal bullet that caused him distortion in the face.
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 he United Nations confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights and victims.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 26 Sep.- 02 Oct. 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that a Palestinian civilian was killed and another one was wounded and abducted by Israeli forces in the northern Gaza Strip.
In addition, 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in Hebron, including one of the children who lost an eye. 17 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded when Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
This week, Israeli troops wounded 22 civilians, including 7 children and a journalist, in the West Bank. 17 of those civilians, including 5 children, were wounded in peaceful protests, while the other 5 ones, including 2 children, were wounded during Israeli military incursions into Palestinian communities.
16 of those civilians were wounded during peaceful demonstrations on the 13th anniversary of the al-Aqsa Intifada. The wounded a cameraman of France Press Agency. Dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation.
Israeli forces conducted 45 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. At least 23 Palestinian civilians, including 1 child, were abducted in the West Bank.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 10 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded and abducted another one in the Gaza Strip.
In the Gaza Strip, on 30 September 2013, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded and abducted another one near the border with Israel to the east of Beit Hanoun town. The victim was hit by several bullets to the back and one bullet to the head. He was unarmed, and according to his family, he attempted to cross the border into Israel to search for a job.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has 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.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Israeli settlers set fire to 2 cars in Dura al-Qare’ village, north of Ramallah.
Israeli settlers blocked roads in the northern West Bank and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
In the West Bank, 22 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, were wounded by Israeli forces while protesting the Israeli annexation wall and settlements.
On 27 September 2013, a 6-year-old child and his 14-year-old sister were wounded in al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. The child was hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right eye and consequently, he lost his sight n it.
On the same day, 3 civilians were wounded during clashed with Israeli forces in the center of Hebron.
16 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, were wounded when Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstration organized in the West Bank on the 13th anniversary of the al-Aqsa Intifada.
On Friday, 27 September 2013, at approximately 16:00, Israeli forces closed the main entrance to al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They deployed in lands around bypass road (60). Some boys gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas canisters in response. As a result, a number of boys suffered tear gas inhalation. In the meantime, a soldier fired rubber-coated metal bullets at a woman and her children while they were standing around.
As a result, Mos'ab Isma'il Sarahna (6) was wounded by a bullet to the right eye. As a result, he lost his sight. Moreover, his sister Hajar (14) was wounded by a bullet to the left leg. The wounded were taken to Abu al-Hassan al-Qasem Hospital in Yatta by a private vehicle, while Mos'ab was taken to Hebron Governmental Hospital and then transferred to St. John's Hospital in Jerusalem. The child underwent a surgery. It was found out that he lost his eye, as he was shot from a close range with a rubber-coated metal bullet that caused him distortion in the face.
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 he United Nations confirm that holding war criminals in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a precondition to achieve stability and peace in the regions, and that peace cannot be built on the expense of human rights and victims.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council to explicitly declare that the Israeli closure policy in Gaza and the annexation wall in the West Bank are illegal, and accordingly refer the two issues to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel to compel it to remove them.
For the full text of the report, click on the link