24 oct 2013
Olive trees destroyed by settlers south of Nablus
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 10- 23 October 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces killed a member of an armed group in the West Bank.
4 Palestinian civilians, who tried to take the corpse of the victim from the Israeli forces, were wounded. Israeli forces opened fire in the northern Gaza Strip, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In addition, Israeli forces have continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank. A Palestinian civilian was wounded during Bil'in weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a member of a Palestinian armed group and wounded 5 others in the West bank; 4 of whom were wounded when they tried to take the corpse of the victim, while the fifth one was wounded during a peaceful protest against the annexation wall in the West Bank. Israeli forces conducted 99 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. At least 48 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and a girl, were abducted in the West Bank.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 16 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a woman, were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, on Tuesday, 22 October 2013, Israeli forces killed Mohammed 'Assi, from Beit Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah. The aforementioned person was killed in an armed clash with Israeli forces after the latter surrounded a cave in which he was hiding. Israeli forces, according to Yediot Aharonot, claimed that 'Assi had planned for the explosive device that was detonated in an Israeli bus during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012.
Israeli forces kept his corpse, but a number of boys and young men gathered trying to take the corpse from an Israeli vehicle. Israeli soldiers opened fire to disperse them. As a result, 4 persons were wounded and others suffered tear gas inhalation.
On 20 October 2013, Israeli forces moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Essam Atawna (32) and took him outdoors. They attacked him and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gush Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem.
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 22 October 2013, Israeli forces stationed at Checkpoint (65), which is established at the entrance of al-Shuhada Street in the centre of Hebron, attacked Hamdan Mohammed Hamdan Sha'abnah (15) after detaining him at the aforementioned checkpoint by beating him with feet, hands and gun butts.
As a result, he fainted and then was transferred by a Palestine Red Crescent Society ambulance to the Hebron Governmental Hospital to receive treatment. An hour and a half later, a number of young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who prevented people from reaching the child to rescue him. Israeli soldiers immediately fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the stone throwers, but no injuries were reported.
It should be mentioned that the soldier was the same one who attacked 'Awni 'Emad Abu Shamsiyeh (14) while passing through a checkpoint in Tal al-Ramidah area on 15 October 2013.
Hamdan Sha'abnah (15) said to a PCHR field worker that:
"I live with my family comprised of 4 members in al-Sahlah area (H2), south of Hebron. I am in the tenth grade at Tariq Bin Ziyad School. When I want to go to the city, I take the nearest road to our house through the Islamic Cemetery near Tal al-Ramidah area and then pass through checkpoint (65), which separates between the entrance of al-Shuhada Street and Bab al-Zawiyah area.
At approximately 13:00 on 22 October 2013, I was on my way back home with my friend, Tariq Salhab (14), and we arrived at the aforementioned checkpoint. We entered a caravan room, where there was a militant predictor gate we passed through. When we went out of the caravan, one of the Israeli soldiers, who was with a light black beard, light skin and in an average height, called me and asked me to deliver my ID card.
I told him: ‘I am still young and do not have an ID card.’ He then ordered me to stand against the wall, established near the checkpoint, and raise my hands up. The soldier approached me and kicked my feet to open them, and then I said: ‘Why are you beating me?’ He hit me with the gun butt to my back and pushed me to the wall. I then looked at him, so he hit me again with the gun butt on my chest, back and shoulder.
At that time, another soldier came and twisted my hands to the back, and both of them kept kicking all over my body. Minutes after the attack on me, the soldier, who forced me to stand up, hit me with the gun butt to my head. As a result, I felt a great pain in my head and shortness of breath as a number of people gathered in the place to rescue me from the soldiers' hands, but in vain. I then fell unconscious to the ground out of pain.
At approximately 14:30, I woke up to find myself in the Hebron Governmental Hospital where doctors were giving treatment. My mother later told me that she arrived at the place and military doctors tried to save me and roll me with pieces of tin as I suffer from excessive electrical discharges and attacks of nerves.
She also told me that she waited a whole hour at the checkpoint when I was unconscious. I was then transferred by a Palestine Red Crescent ambulance to the Hebron Governmental Hospital. I still suffer till this moment from pain in the head, feet, and hands and have different bruises all over my body."
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 4 limited incursions into the central and southern Gaza Strip on 15, 20 and 22 October 2013. They levelled lands along the border fence and withdrew later. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In the context of targeting fishermen in the sea, Israeli gunboats positioned in the sea opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 5 times on 11, 12, 13 and 21 October 2013.
A companion of a Palestinian patient was abducted at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure 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. For 7 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 a grave violation of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people.
The Israeli authorities has 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 that has been aggravating for years due to the shortage of imports. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.
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.
On 19 October 2013, Israeli forces positioned along the annexation wall in Ethna village, west of Hebron, denied Palestinian farmers access to their lands to harvest the olives.
On the same day, Israeli forces prevented civilians from Kherbet Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, in the southern Hebron, from grazing their sheep in the fields around the village. At the same time, Israeli authorities allow the expansion in "Carmiel" settlement around the village.
On the same day also, Israeli forces prevented electricity workers from Ethna village from performing their work in Souba area, south of the village, under the pretext it is part of area (C) and they needed an a permit from the Israeli competent department.
On 21 October 2013, Israeli forces backed with 4 military vehicles and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into al-Se'da neighbourhood, east of Deir Samet village, southwest of Hebron. They stationed at the entrance of the neighbourhood and deployed between the houses. Moreover, the Civil Administration officer handed civilians 3 notices to demolish 2 houses and 2 sheds used for collecting scraps.
On 10 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement outpost in Tal al-Rumaida area in the centre of Hebron threw stones at Palestinian farmers while they were collecting olives.
On 11 October 2013, a group of settlers from "Najohout" settlement, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron, arrived at Tarousa Mountain and performed their religious rituals.
On the same day, a group of settlers from "Sousia" settlement, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked a number of Palestinian farmers while they were collecting olives from their lands. As a result, 3 civilians sustained minor wounds.
On the same day also, about 100 settlers from "Afrat" settlement, in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, moved into Suleiman Pools area and performed Talmudic rituals under the protection of Israeli forces.
On 16 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Beir Ein" settlement, northwest of Hebron, stole olives from lands around al-Jaba'a village, west of the city.
On 19 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, built a wooden caravan on a land belonging to Yunis Khalil Abu Rmaila (67) in order to seize the land. It should be noted the Israeli Civil Administration had issued a decision to return the land to its owner and declaring that that period of seizing the land for military purposes had been over. Israeli forces detained Manal al-Ja'bari, a researcher in B'Tselem, because she was filming the settlers’ attack.
On 22 October 2013, under the protection of Israeli forces, a number of settlers rehabilitated a building near the Ibrahimi Mosque in the centre of the Old Town of Hebron.
On the same day, settlers from "Jabal Baten al-Mu'si" settlement outpost, south of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, uprooted 80 olive seedlings from a land belonging to Alaa' Omar Abu Ghalyoun (44).
On the same day also, settlers from "Afrat" settlement in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, pumped sewage water on agricultural lands in al-Abyar and al-Bassa areas, south of the city.
On the same day, about 20 settlers from "Taqou'" settlement, southeast of Bethlehem, threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving in Qaber Helwa area, east of Bethlehem. As a result, glass of some vehicles was broken.
On 23 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Beit Ein" settlement, northwest of Hebron, attacked Hamad al-Salibi (78) while he was in his land. They also insulted him and threatened him not to return to his land.
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, a civilian was hit by a gas canister to the right leg, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer, 11 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration.
Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to pass the fence before Israeli forces that are stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water at them and chased them in olive fields.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated on the spot.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the middle of Ni’lin village, in the western Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbed wire and prevented the demonstrators from passing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated at the scene.
Around the same times, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, in Nabi Saleh village, south-western Ramallah. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity resistance, and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force, near Halamish settlement.
Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they had arrived at the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased in the village.
As a result, many suffered gas inhalation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated at the scene.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ma’sara village, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstration started in front of the Candles Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. Demonstrators took to streets raising the Palestinian flag. When they had arrived at the area where the annexation wall is established, Israeli forces started firing tear gas canisters in attempt to disperse them, detained three international activists for one hour, and prevented the demonstrators from reaching the annexation wall.
At approximately 12:30, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kafr Qaddoum village, north-western Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada. Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate, which resulted in many injuries including cases of gas suffocation.
Following the Friday prayer, 18 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in village, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags before they headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village to prevent the demonstrators and journalists from participating in the demonstration.
Demonstrators marched near the concrete wall and attempted to cross the border fence. Israeli forces stationed behind the new wall in the western area and a large number of Israeli soldiers who are deployed along the wall fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and skunk water at the demonstrators and chased them in the olive fields.
As a result, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in the right leg, in addition to many cases of gas suffocation, fainting, and bruises.
Israeli forces also abducted Amjad Ayed Khalil Aburahma, 18, while he was taking photos of the demonstration, confiscated his camera and took him to Ofer prison, southwest of Ramallah.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the centre of Ni’lin, west Ramallah, to organise the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Protestors took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the entrance of the annexation wall with barbed wire. Protesters threw stones when Israeli soldiers prevented them from crossing the barbed wire, so they responded by firing live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters, and skunk water and chased them in the village, which resulted in many injuries including cases of gas suffocation and cruises due to beating.
Wounded were treated on the spot.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Shuhadaa’ square in Nabi Saleh village, in the north-western Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against the occupation and its arbitrary procedures against the Palestinian prisoners, and in support of the national unity, adherence to national principles and resisting the occupation, before they headed to the lands that Israeli settlers are trying to rob by force near Halamish Settlement.
Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they had arrived at the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased in the village.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated on the spot.
At approximately 12:30, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a demonstration in the centre of Kafr Qaddoum village, in the north-eastern Qalqilia, to the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate since the Aqsa Intifada. Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions fulfill their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
In addition, the PCHR calls 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. (Full Report)
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 10- 23 October 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces killed a member of an armed group in the West Bank.
4 Palestinian civilians, who tried to take the corpse of the victim from the Israeli forces, were wounded. Israeli forces opened fire in the northern Gaza Strip, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In addition, Israeli forces have continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank. A Palestinian civilian was wounded during Bil'in weekly protest, northwest of Ramallah.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a member of a Palestinian armed group and wounded 5 others in the West bank; 4 of whom were wounded when they tried to take the corpse of the victim, while the fifth one was wounded during a peaceful protest against the annexation wall in the West Bank. Israeli forces conducted 99 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. At least 48 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and a girl, were abducted in the West Bank.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 16 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a woman, were abducted at checkpoints in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, on Tuesday, 22 October 2013, Israeli forces killed Mohammed 'Assi, from Beit Luqia village, southwest of Ramallah. The aforementioned person was killed in an armed clash with Israeli forces after the latter surrounded a cave in which he was hiding. Israeli forces, according to Yediot Aharonot, claimed that 'Assi had planned for the explosive device that was detonated in an Israeli bus during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in November 2012.
Israeli forces kept his corpse, but a number of boys and young men gathered trying to take the corpse from an Israeli vehicle. Israeli soldiers opened fire to disperse them. As a result, 4 persons were wounded and others suffered tear gas inhalation.
On 20 October 2013, Israeli forces moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Essam Atawna (32) and took him outdoors. They attacked him and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence service in "Gush Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem.
At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 22 October 2013, Israeli forces stationed at Checkpoint (65), which is established at the entrance of al-Shuhada Street in the centre of Hebron, attacked Hamdan Mohammed Hamdan Sha'abnah (15) after detaining him at the aforementioned checkpoint by beating him with feet, hands and gun butts.
As a result, he fainted and then was transferred by a Palestine Red Crescent Society ambulance to the Hebron Governmental Hospital to receive treatment. An hour and a half later, a number of young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who prevented people from reaching the child to rescue him. Israeli soldiers immediately fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the stone throwers, but no injuries were reported.
It should be mentioned that the soldier was the same one who attacked 'Awni 'Emad Abu Shamsiyeh (14) while passing through a checkpoint in Tal al-Ramidah area on 15 October 2013.
Hamdan Sha'abnah (15) said to a PCHR field worker that:
"I live with my family comprised of 4 members in al-Sahlah area (H2), south of Hebron. I am in the tenth grade at Tariq Bin Ziyad School. When I want to go to the city, I take the nearest road to our house through the Islamic Cemetery near Tal al-Ramidah area and then pass through checkpoint (65), which separates between the entrance of al-Shuhada Street and Bab al-Zawiyah area.
At approximately 13:00 on 22 October 2013, I was on my way back home with my friend, Tariq Salhab (14), and we arrived at the aforementioned checkpoint. We entered a caravan room, where there was a militant predictor gate we passed through. When we went out of the caravan, one of the Israeli soldiers, who was with a light black beard, light skin and in an average height, called me and asked me to deliver my ID card.
I told him: ‘I am still young and do not have an ID card.’ He then ordered me to stand against the wall, established near the checkpoint, and raise my hands up. The soldier approached me and kicked my feet to open them, and then I said: ‘Why are you beating me?’ He hit me with the gun butt to my back and pushed me to the wall. I then looked at him, so he hit me again with the gun butt on my chest, back and shoulder.
At that time, another soldier came and twisted my hands to the back, and both of them kept kicking all over my body. Minutes after the attack on me, the soldier, who forced me to stand up, hit me with the gun butt to my head. As a result, I felt a great pain in my head and shortness of breath as a number of people gathered in the place to rescue me from the soldiers' hands, but in vain. I then fell unconscious to the ground out of pain.
At approximately 14:30, I woke up to find myself in the Hebron Governmental Hospital where doctors were giving treatment. My mother later told me that she arrived at the place and military doctors tried to save me and roll me with pieces of tin as I suffer from excessive electrical discharges and attacks of nerves.
She also told me that she waited a whole hour at the checkpoint when I was unconscious. I was then transferred by a Palestine Red Crescent ambulance to the Hebron Governmental Hospital. I still suffer till this moment from pain in the head, feet, and hands and have different bruises all over my body."
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces carried out 4 limited incursions into the central and southern Gaza Strip on 15, 20 and 22 October 2013. They levelled lands along the border fence and withdrew later. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported.
In the context of targeting fishermen in the sea, Israeli gunboats positioned in the sea opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 5 times on 11, 12, 13 and 21 October 2013.
A companion of a Palestinian patient was abducted at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure 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. For 7 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 a grave violation of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people.
The Israeli authorities has 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 that has been aggravating for years due to the shortage of imports. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.
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.
On 19 October 2013, Israeli forces positioned along the annexation wall in Ethna village, west of Hebron, denied Palestinian farmers access to their lands to harvest the olives.
On the same day, Israeli forces prevented civilians from Kherbet Um al-Kheir, east of Yatta, in the southern Hebron, from grazing their sheep in the fields around the village. At the same time, Israeli authorities allow the expansion in "Carmiel" settlement around the village.
On the same day also, Israeli forces prevented electricity workers from Ethna village from performing their work in Souba area, south of the village, under the pretext it is part of area (C) and they needed an a permit from the Israeli competent department.
On 21 October 2013, Israeli forces backed with 4 military vehicles and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into al-Se'da neighbourhood, east of Deir Samet village, southwest of Hebron. They stationed at the entrance of the neighbourhood and deployed between the houses. Moreover, the Civil Administration officer handed civilians 3 notices to demolish 2 houses and 2 sheds used for collecting scraps.
On 10 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Ramat Yishai" settlement outpost in Tal al-Rumaida area in the centre of Hebron threw stones at Palestinian farmers while they were collecting olives.
On 11 October 2013, a group of settlers from "Najohout" settlement, south of Doura, southwest of Hebron, arrived at Tarousa Mountain and performed their religious rituals.
On the same day, a group of settlers from "Sousia" settlement, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, attacked a number of Palestinian farmers while they were collecting olives from their lands. As a result, 3 civilians sustained minor wounds.
On the same day also, about 100 settlers from "Afrat" settlement, in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, moved into Suleiman Pools area and performed Talmudic rituals under the protection of Israeli forces.
On 16 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Beir Ein" settlement, northwest of Hebron, stole olives from lands around al-Jaba'a village, west of the city.
On 19 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, built a wooden caravan on a land belonging to Yunis Khalil Abu Rmaila (67) in order to seize the land. It should be noted the Israeli Civil Administration had issued a decision to return the land to its owner and declaring that that period of seizing the land for military purposes had been over. Israeli forces detained Manal al-Ja'bari, a researcher in B'Tselem, because she was filming the settlers’ attack.
On 22 October 2013, under the protection of Israeli forces, a number of settlers rehabilitated a building near the Ibrahimi Mosque in the centre of the Old Town of Hebron.
On the same day, settlers from "Jabal Baten al-Mu'si" settlement outpost, south of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, uprooted 80 olive seedlings from a land belonging to Alaa' Omar Abu Ghalyoun (44).
On the same day also, settlers from "Afrat" settlement in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, pumped sewage water on agricultural lands in al-Abyar and al-Bassa areas, south of the city.
On the same day, about 20 settlers from "Taqou'" settlement, southeast of Bethlehem, threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving in Qaber Helwa area, east of Bethlehem. As a result, glass of some vehicles was broken.
On 23 October 2013, a number of settlers from "Beit Ein" settlement, northwest of Hebron, attacked Hamad al-Salibi (78) while he was in his land. They also insulted him and threatened him not to return to his land.
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, a civilian was hit by a gas canister to the right leg, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Following the Friday Prayer, 11 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration.
Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to pass the fence before Israeli forces that are stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water at them and chased them in olive fields.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated on the spot.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the middle of Ni’lin village, in the western Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbed wire and prevented the demonstrators from passing to the land behind it before they responded by throwing stones.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated at the scene.
Around the same times, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities, in Nabi Saleh village, south-western Ramallah. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity resistance, and then they headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force, near Halamish settlement.
Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they had arrived at the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased in the village.
As a result, many suffered gas inhalation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated at the scene.
Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ma’sara village, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstration started in front of the Candles Cultural Centre in the centre of the village. Demonstrators took to streets raising the Palestinian flag. When they had arrived at the area where the annexation wall is established, Israeli forces started firing tear gas canisters in attempt to disperse them, detained three international activists for one hour, and prevented the demonstrators from reaching the annexation wall.
At approximately 12:30, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kafr Qaddoum village, north-western Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate, since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada. Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate, which resulted in many injuries including cases of gas suffocation.
Following the Friday prayer, 18 October 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in village, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags before they headed to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village to prevent the demonstrators and journalists from participating in the demonstration.
Demonstrators marched near the concrete wall and attempted to cross the border fence. Israeli forces stationed behind the new wall in the western area and a large number of Israeli soldiers who are deployed along the wall fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and skunk water at the demonstrators and chased them in the olive fields.
As a result, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in the right leg, in addition to many cases of gas suffocation, fainting, and bruises.
Israeli forces also abducted Amjad Ayed Khalil Aburahma, 18, while he was taking photos of the demonstration, confiscated his camera and took him to Ofer prison, southwest of Ramallah.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the centre of Ni’lin, west Ramallah, to organise the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Protestors took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the entrance of the annexation wall with barbed wire. Protesters threw stones when Israeli soldiers prevented them from crossing the barbed wire, so they responded by firing live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs, tear gas canisters, and skunk water and chased them in the village, which resulted in many injuries including cases of gas suffocation and cruises due to beating.
Wounded were treated on the spot.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Shuhadaa’ square in Nabi Saleh village, in the north-western Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against the occupation and its arbitrary procedures against the Palestinian prisoners, and in support of the national unity, adherence to national principles and resisting the occupation, before they headed to the lands that Israeli settlers are trying to rob by force near Halamish Settlement.
Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent the Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they had arrived at the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased in the village.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli forces and were treated on the spot.
At approximately 12:30, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a demonstration in the centre of Kafr Qaddoum village, in the north-eastern Qalqilia, to the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate since the Aqsa Intifada. Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces that fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate.
As a result, many suffered gas suffocation.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions fulfill their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction in order to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of a crime, to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed;
In addition, the PCHR calls 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. (Full Report)
21 oct 2013
Israeli forces arrested 14 Palestinians at the Beit Hanoun crossing, the so-called “Erez” crossing, since the beginning of 2013. The Israeli forces exploit the need of Palestinians to travel and use crossings as traps, Al Mezan center for human rights reported. The Beit Hanoun crossing (Erez) is located in the far north of the Gaza Strip between the blockaded Gaza and Israel. The crossing, which is under full Israeli control, is dedicated to pedestrians, trucks, diplomats, foreign missions, journalists, workers, Palestinian merchants and other people who have permission to cross into Israel. It is is currently used to transport Palestinian patients and injured for medical treatment to Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.
According to monitoring and documentation of the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, since the beginning of 2013, Israeli forces have arrested 14 Palestinians at the Erez crossing. Of these 14, three were patients and four were patient escorts. There were also two businessmen arrested.
The Israeli forces continue to use crossings as traps to arrest Palestinians, exploiting the need to travel. Israeli forces make use of its tightened closure of the Gaza Strip to humiliate Palestinians, arrest them, or urge them to collaborate.
Al Mezan calls on the international community to promptly intervene to stop the Israeli grave and systematic violations of IHL and human rights principles, ensure access to health care of Palestinian patients.
Al Mezan warns of deteriorating in humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip due to the Israeli siege. Al Mezan reiterates its previous calls for lifting the siege and ensuring the Israeli respect of IHL in its dealing with Palestinians.
According to monitoring and documentation of the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, since the beginning of 2013, Israeli forces have arrested 14 Palestinians at the Erez crossing. Of these 14, three were patients and four were patient escorts. There were also two businessmen arrested.
The Israeli forces continue to use crossings as traps to arrest Palestinians, exploiting the need to travel. Israeli forces make use of its tightened closure of the Gaza Strip to humiliate Palestinians, arrest them, or urge them to collaborate.
Al Mezan calls on the international community to promptly intervene to stop the Israeli grave and systematic violations of IHL and human rights principles, ensure access to health care of Palestinian patients.
Al Mezan warns of deteriorating in humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip due to the Israeli siege. Al Mezan reiterates its previous calls for lifting the siege and ensuring the Israeli respect of IHL in its dealing with Palestinians.
Violations continued to rise against journalists in Palestine during the month of September 2013, committed most notably by the Israeli occupation forces and internal security within the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has been monitoring many of the violations perpetrated by the occupation, with the most emphasised being physical assault on journalists, the use of bombs, wastewater and rubber bullets. While the internal security apparatus of the Hamas government launched an extensive campaign targeting journalists, bloggers and writers, one journalist was arrested and another called up by two members of Intelligence and Preventive Security in the West Bank.
Israeli Violations:
Israeli occupation forces prevented Omar Abu Arqoub, correspondent with Al Quds network for Community Media, from traveling through the Karama (Allenby) crossing on Sunday 1st September 2013 without stated reason.
The occupation forces assaulted big number of journalists in the West Bank and Jerusalem, firing tear gas at Ja'far Ishtayeh, photographer with France Press Agency, and Ala' Badarneh, European Agency photographer while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march near Qalqelia city on Friday 6th September 2013. Ishtayeh sustained injuries to his feet. Journalists in front of "Bab Hetta" covering the demonstrations were also assaulted, reporting the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the occupation forces who prevented prayers and allowed settlers to break in on Wednesday 11th September 2013.
In Nablus city, occupation forces also attacked Nedal Ishtayeh, photographer with the Chinese news agency, confiscating his cameras on Thursday 12th September 2013 and eventually returning them broken. Ayman Idris, photographer with Ramsat agency was wounded by two sound bombs while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march on Friday 20th September 2013.
The occupation forces attacked a group of journalists with sound bombs and waste blue water, as well as physically assaulting them, during their coverage of a protest march over the repeated incursions of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday 24th September 2013 in the area of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem.
On Friday 27th September 2013, the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists during their coverage of the weekly march in Beit Ommer, Hebron city. An Israeli soldier fired rubber bullets in the direction of Mousa Al Sha'er, French Agency photographer as he reported on events in solidarity with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and against settlements in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem city on Friday 27th September 2013. This led to the wounding of his left hand the right side of the chest.
Occupation forces prevented Esam Remawi, Al Hayat Al Jadeda photographer, and Thaer Faqosa, Public Palestinian T.V. photographer from covering the raiding of Al-Bireh city by three Israeli military jeeps on Monday 23rd September 2013.
Palestinian Violations:
Palestinian violations also increased significantly last month, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The internal security of the Hamas government called journalists Nasr Abu Fool and WAFA Agency correspondent Mohammed Khalil Abu Fayyad (40 years) to the headquarters in Gaza City on Monday 2nd September 2013, and Khan Younis on Sunday 8th September 2013. It also called writer and university lecturer Yahya Al madhon (35 years) to the headquarters in Jabalia on Tuesday 10th September 2013.
Journalist Ra'fat Abdel Ra'of Toman (34 years) was called several times to investigation in Khan Younis, beginning on Tuesday 10th September 2013. Fathi Tbeil, WAFA Agency correspondent (59 years) was called twice, the first during his coverage of the weekly feminist demands for an end to the division on Tuesday 10th September 2013, and then again on 14th September 2013.
Journalist and blogger Hatem Abdullah Salameh (38 years) has been called several times to the internal security headquarters in Khan Younis, initially on Tuesday 3rd September 2013 following exposure to the specter of violence. In the West Bank, the Palestinian intelligence service arrested Thaher Shamaly, Heyad News Agency correspondent at his home in Ramallah on Saturday 14th September 2013, while Preventive Security in the city of Hebron called Quds TV correspondent Mustafa Al Khawaja for investigation on Sunday 29th September 2013.
Recommendations:
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms expresses great concern over the escalation of violations against journalists in Palestine and demands that the concerned authorities respect the freedom of opinion and expression. MADA also demands an immediate move to stop the violations aiming to silence the press, as the majority of violations during the past month have been collectively punishments of all journalists present at events.
Internally, the concerned Palestinian authorities, especially in the Gaza Strip, demand a cessation to the policy of prosecuting and calling up journalists, and stress respect for the Palestinian constitution, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression explicitly in Article 19. MADA also expresses concern about the continued closure of the Ma'an agency and Alarabiya TV offices, and calls again to cancel the decision of closure and stop the incitement campaign against Ma'an and its chief editor Nasser Al- Lahham.
Israeli Violations:
Israeli occupation forces prevented Omar Abu Arqoub, correspondent with Al Quds network for Community Media, from traveling through the Karama (Allenby) crossing on Sunday 1st September 2013 without stated reason.
The occupation forces assaulted big number of journalists in the West Bank and Jerusalem, firing tear gas at Ja'far Ishtayeh, photographer with France Press Agency, and Ala' Badarneh, European Agency photographer while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march near Qalqelia city on Friday 6th September 2013. Ishtayeh sustained injuries to his feet. Journalists in front of "Bab Hetta" covering the demonstrations were also assaulted, reporting the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the occupation forces who prevented prayers and allowed settlers to break in on Wednesday 11th September 2013.
In Nablus city, occupation forces also attacked Nedal Ishtayeh, photographer with the Chinese news agency, confiscating his cameras on Thursday 12th September 2013 and eventually returning them broken. Ayman Idris, photographer with Ramsat agency was wounded by two sound bombs while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march on Friday 20th September 2013.
The occupation forces attacked a group of journalists with sound bombs and waste blue water, as well as physically assaulting them, during their coverage of a protest march over the repeated incursions of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday 24th September 2013 in the area of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem.
On Friday 27th September 2013, the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists during their coverage of the weekly march in Beit Ommer, Hebron city. An Israeli soldier fired rubber bullets in the direction of Mousa Al Sha'er, French Agency photographer as he reported on events in solidarity with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and against settlements in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem city on Friday 27th September 2013. This led to the wounding of his left hand the right side of the chest.
Occupation forces prevented Esam Remawi, Al Hayat Al Jadeda photographer, and Thaer Faqosa, Public Palestinian T.V. photographer from covering the raiding of Al-Bireh city by three Israeli military jeeps on Monday 23rd September 2013.
Palestinian Violations:
Palestinian violations also increased significantly last month, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The internal security of the Hamas government called journalists Nasr Abu Fool and WAFA Agency correspondent Mohammed Khalil Abu Fayyad (40 years) to the headquarters in Gaza City on Monday 2nd September 2013, and Khan Younis on Sunday 8th September 2013. It also called writer and university lecturer Yahya Al madhon (35 years) to the headquarters in Jabalia on Tuesday 10th September 2013.
Journalist Ra'fat Abdel Ra'of Toman (34 years) was called several times to investigation in Khan Younis, beginning on Tuesday 10th September 2013. Fathi Tbeil, WAFA Agency correspondent (59 years) was called twice, the first during his coverage of the weekly feminist demands for an end to the division on Tuesday 10th September 2013, and then again on 14th September 2013.
Journalist and blogger Hatem Abdullah Salameh (38 years) has been called several times to the internal security headquarters in Khan Younis, initially on Tuesday 3rd September 2013 following exposure to the specter of violence. In the West Bank, the Palestinian intelligence service arrested Thaher Shamaly, Heyad News Agency correspondent at his home in Ramallah on Saturday 14th September 2013, while Preventive Security in the city of Hebron called Quds TV correspondent Mustafa Al Khawaja for investigation on Sunday 29th September 2013.
Recommendations:
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms expresses great concern over the escalation of violations against journalists in Palestine and demands that the concerned authorities respect the freedom of opinion and expression. MADA also demands an immediate move to stop the violations aiming to silence the press, as the majority of violations during the past month have been collectively punishments of all journalists present at events.
Internally, the concerned Palestinian authorities, especially in the Gaza Strip, demand a cessation to the policy of prosecuting and calling up journalists, and stress respect for the Palestinian constitution, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression explicitly in Article 19. MADA also expresses concern about the continued closure of the Ma'an agency and Alarabiya TV offices, and calls again to cancel the decision of closure and stop the incitement campaign against Ma'an and its chief editor Nasser Al- Lahham.
17 oct 2013
Israeli Peace Now movement issued a report on Israeli settlement construction and expansion activities, and revealed that settlement construction increased by %70 in the period between January and June 2013.
Peace Now said that its data is based on survey of aerial photos, and count of all units that “started/ended to be built in each settlement.”
It said that there is a %70 increase in construction starts when compared to the same time-frame of last year, and added that constructions started for building 1708 units from January to June.
Peace Now added that 180 of these constructions are in fact located in illegal settlement outposts, comparing to 995 units in the same period of 2012.
It further stated that the construction of 1794 units have been completed, and 2840 units are still under construction.
The Movement said that %61 of the construction starts (1040 units) were in isolated illegal settlement east of the border that was proposed by the Geneva Initiative, adding that %44 of the construction starts were east of the planned rout of the Annexation Wall, and only %32 (542 units) were built on the western side of the Wall.
It also said that constructions also started for 180 public buildings, such as synagogues, schools and kindergartens, in addition to 1708 apartments, 74 industrial and agricultural buildings.
Peace Now said that all of these tenders and plans mean that when Israel declared a temporary freeze of settlement activities, until July 2013, it did not implement a general freeze or moratorium on settlement constructions, but only part of the constructions in the settlements.
PDF Map Of construction Starts – Peace Now
Examples of building sites as stated by Peace Now;
Ariel – 51 housing units
Bracha – 88 housing units
Givat Ze’ev – 106 housing units (in the haredi neighborhood)
Modi’in Illit – 108 housing units
Nili – 100 housing units
Neriah – 42 housing units
Eli – 30 housing units
Alei Zahav – 35 housing units
Etz Efraim - 51 housing units
Tekoa – 39 housing units
Beit Arieh – 38 housing units
Peace Now said that its data is based on survey of aerial photos, and count of all units that “started/ended to be built in each settlement.”
It said that there is a %70 increase in construction starts when compared to the same time-frame of last year, and added that constructions started for building 1708 units from January to June.
Peace Now added that 180 of these constructions are in fact located in illegal settlement outposts, comparing to 995 units in the same period of 2012.
It further stated that the construction of 1794 units have been completed, and 2840 units are still under construction.
The Movement said that %61 of the construction starts (1040 units) were in isolated illegal settlement east of the border that was proposed by the Geneva Initiative, adding that %44 of the construction starts were east of the planned rout of the Annexation Wall, and only %32 (542 units) were built on the western side of the Wall.
It also said that constructions also started for 180 public buildings, such as synagogues, schools and kindergartens, in addition to 1708 apartments, 74 industrial and agricultural buildings.
Peace Now said that all of these tenders and plans mean that when Israel declared a temporary freeze of settlement activities, until July 2013, it did not implement a general freeze or moratorium on settlement constructions, but only part of the constructions in the settlements.
PDF Map Of construction Starts – Peace Now
Examples of building sites as stated by Peace Now;
Ariel – 51 housing units
Bracha – 88 housing units
Givat Ze’ev – 106 housing units (in the haredi neighborhood)
Modi’in Illit – 108 housing units
Nili – 100 housing units
Neriah – 42 housing units
Eli – 30 housing units
Alei Zahav – 35 housing units
Etz Efraim - 51 housing units
Tekoa – 39 housing units
Beit Arieh – 38 housing units
16 oct 2013
The Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, said that Disruptions at Rafah Crossing highlight Israel’s duty to enable Gazans’ travel abroad, said a statement published by B’Tselem on Tuesday. It said that Israel keeps the residents of the Gaza Strip from operating an airport and sea port, bars them from traveling abroad via either the Allenby Crossing that connects the West Bank and Jordan or Israeli airports. These actions render Rafah Crossing the only exit route from the Gaza Strip.
However, even when Rafah Crossing is functioning regularly, going through it is subject to arbitrary restrictions imposed by the Egyptian authorities, and travel abroad requires a long, dangerous journey through the Sinai desert. Therefore, the passage into Egypt cannot be considered an absolute solution for travel for Gaza residents to other countries, added the statement.
Israel’s policy prevents Palestinians in Gaza from fulfilling their right to freedom of movement. Even now, eight years after Israel completed its Disengagement Plan from the Gaza Strip, the extent of its control over access to Gaza means Israel is responsible for enabling residents to fulfill their right to freedom of movement and its attendant rights, including the right to earn a living, the right to an education and the right to sustain family ties, said B’Tselem.
Its said that Israel cites security concerns as justification for some of the restrictions imposed on the residents of Gaza. Such security concerns can be addressed by means of specific restrictions on travel and by conducting individualized inspections. Yet security considerations cannot justify the comprehensive restrictions Israel imposes on all residents of the Gaza Strip.
In September 2005, Israel completed its Disengagement Plan from the Gaza Strip. Notwithstanding, Israel has retained control over all entry and exit points to and from Gaza, with the exception of Rafah Crossing. Israel controls Gaza’s sea- and air-space and prohibits the movement of aircraft or sea vessels there. With very rare exceptions, Israel also prohibits travel abroad from the Gaza Strip through Allenby Crossing in the West Bank, and never allows Palestinians to fly abroad from Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
However, even when Rafah Crossing is functioning regularly, going through it is subject to arbitrary restrictions imposed by the Egyptian authorities, and travel abroad requires a long, dangerous journey through the Sinai desert. Therefore, the passage into Egypt cannot be considered an absolute solution for travel for Gaza residents to other countries, added the statement.
Israel’s policy prevents Palestinians in Gaza from fulfilling their right to freedom of movement. Even now, eight years after Israel completed its Disengagement Plan from the Gaza Strip, the extent of its control over access to Gaza means Israel is responsible for enabling residents to fulfill their right to freedom of movement and its attendant rights, including the right to earn a living, the right to an education and the right to sustain family ties, said B’Tselem.
Its said that Israel cites security concerns as justification for some of the restrictions imposed on the residents of Gaza. Such security concerns can be addressed by means of specific restrictions on travel and by conducting individualized inspections. Yet security considerations cannot justify the comprehensive restrictions Israel imposes on all residents of the Gaza Strip.
In September 2005, Israel completed its Disengagement Plan from the Gaza Strip. Notwithstanding, Israel has retained control over all entry and exit points to and from Gaza, with the exception of Rafah Crossing. Israel controls Gaza’s sea- and air-space and prohibits the movement of aircraft or sea vessels there. With very rare exceptions, Israel also prohibits travel abroad from the Gaza Strip through Allenby Crossing in the West Bank, and never allows Palestinians to fly abroad from Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
15 oct 2013
UNICEF states that the Israeli authorities continue to violate the rights of Palestinian children detained in the Israeli detention centers, and to breach the international conventions and norms in this regard. The UN agency says in a statement the Israeli violations in treating the Palestinian child prisoners continue, seven months after it released a briefing paper titled “Children in Israeli military detention” which outlined practical measures to improve the treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military custody.
The paper was released on 6 March 2013 and stated that there appeared to be a pattern of ill-treatment during the arrest, transfer and interrogation of child detainees in the West Bank.
The UNICEF stated that the Israeli military applied only 3 recommendations out of 38 contained in the briefing paper.
Among the procedures the occupation has been trying to adopt is to issue summons of children in lieu of night arrest at home.
In April 2013, Israeli Military Order 1711 came into effect, reducing the time a Palestinian child can be detained prior to appearing before a military court judge for the first time. The new order reduces the time from four days to 24 hours for children aged 12-13, and from four to two days for children aged 14-15. While there is no change for children aged 16-17.
UNICEF in its statement reported that 19 Palestinian children suffered from Israeli violation in jails during the second quarter of this year.
It asserted it will continue to engage with Israel’s Military Advocate General and advocate for the implementation of all 38 recommendations of the briefing paper, to improve protection for children in conformity with international standards.
Israeli military forces arrested and prosecuted during the past decade about 7 thousands Palestinian children between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
UNICEF Publishes Report On Detained Palestinian Children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that Israeli violations against detained Palestinian children are still ongoing, despite an alleged Israeli decision to improve their conditions, and the methods of interrogation.
It said that Tel Aviv took steps to address some of the issues of concern outlined in a report that was released back in March of this year.
The March report indicated that detained Palestinian children face systematic mistreatment.
The UNICEF said that despite its earlier report violations against detained children are still ongoing, despite the 38 recommendations that outlined these violations and the manner to address them.
The report hoped that Israel would improve the ill treatment of children, and start treating the children within international standards.
It said that Tel Aviv is “testing some of the reformed measures” used to deal with detained children.
This includes trying to summon children for integration instead of raiding their homes late at night, especially since night invasions include violence and loud noises that can traumatize the children, and their families.
The UNICEF said that heavily armed soldiers would violently break into homes, before they force the children out of their beds, and take them to interrogation facilities, cuffed, blindfolded, and in a state of extreme fear.
It said that Israeli interrogators would question the children about allegations of throwing stones at soldiers and settlers, and that the interrogators would threaten the children with physical violence, death, in addition to sexual assault threats not only against the children, but also against a family member.
The second issue that Israel appears to have complied with, according to the report, is reducing the time detained children are imprisoned before they are sent to a military court for the first time.
Israel now allegedly detains children, aged 12-13, for 24 hours instead of four days, while children 14-15 years of age are now detained for two days before being sent to court comparing to four days as per previous measures. Yet, Israel did not change detention measures for children aged 16 -17.
The UNICEF said that Israel conducted 19 violations against detained Palestinian children in the second quarter of 2013. It added that in all documented cases, detained children were subject to physical violence, including beating, kicking and slapping.
Seventeen more violations were recorded in the same period, those violations did not include any reported physical violence, but the children were verbally abused.
The UNICEF stated that it is working closely with the Israeli Prosecutor General to ensure the implementation of the 38 recommendation, mentioned in the March report, in order to improve the protection of children in accordance with international standards.
It said that some of these recommendations included preventing the soldiers form blindfolding detained children, strip search, torture, and solitary confinement.
The UNICEF further stated that children should never be taking prisoner at night, unless under very urgent conditions, and stressed that a lawyer or a family member must be present during interrogation, and that the interrogation must be videotaped.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, interrogated and prosecuted more than 7000 Palestinian children over the last ten years.
The UNICEF reported that Israel kidnaps nearly 700 Palestinian children, aged 12 – 17, mostly males, each year.
The paper was released on 6 March 2013 and stated that there appeared to be a pattern of ill-treatment during the arrest, transfer and interrogation of child detainees in the West Bank.
The UNICEF stated that the Israeli military applied only 3 recommendations out of 38 contained in the briefing paper.
Among the procedures the occupation has been trying to adopt is to issue summons of children in lieu of night arrest at home.
In April 2013, Israeli Military Order 1711 came into effect, reducing the time a Palestinian child can be detained prior to appearing before a military court judge for the first time. The new order reduces the time from four days to 24 hours for children aged 12-13, and from four to two days for children aged 14-15. While there is no change for children aged 16-17.
UNICEF in its statement reported that 19 Palestinian children suffered from Israeli violation in jails during the second quarter of this year.
It asserted it will continue to engage with Israel’s Military Advocate General and advocate for the implementation of all 38 recommendations of the briefing paper, to improve protection for children in conformity with international standards.
Israeli military forces arrested and prosecuted during the past decade about 7 thousands Palestinian children between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
UNICEF Publishes Report On Detained Palestinian Children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that Israeli violations against detained Palestinian children are still ongoing, despite an alleged Israeli decision to improve their conditions, and the methods of interrogation.
It said that Tel Aviv took steps to address some of the issues of concern outlined in a report that was released back in March of this year.
The March report indicated that detained Palestinian children face systematic mistreatment.
The UNICEF said that despite its earlier report violations against detained children are still ongoing, despite the 38 recommendations that outlined these violations and the manner to address them.
The report hoped that Israel would improve the ill treatment of children, and start treating the children within international standards.
It said that Tel Aviv is “testing some of the reformed measures” used to deal with detained children.
This includes trying to summon children for integration instead of raiding their homes late at night, especially since night invasions include violence and loud noises that can traumatize the children, and their families.
The UNICEF said that heavily armed soldiers would violently break into homes, before they force the children out of their beds, and take them to interrogation facilities, cuffed, blindfolded, and in a state of extreme fear.
It said that Israeli interrogators would question the children about allegations of throwing stones at soldiers and settlers, and that the interrogators would threaten the children with physical violence, death, in addition to sexual assault threats not only against the children, but also against a family member.
The second issue that Israel appears to have complied with, according to the report, is reducing the time detained children are imprisoned before they are sent to a military court for the first time.
Israel now allegedly detains children, aged 12-13, for 24 hours instead of four days, while children 14-15 years of age are now detained for two days before being sent to court comparing to four days as per previous measures. Yet, Israel did not change detention measures for children aged 16 -17.
The UNICEF said that Israel conducted 19 violations against detained Palestinian children in the second quarter of 2013. It added that in all documented cases, detained children were subject to physical violence, including beating, kicking and slapping.
Seventeen more violations were recorded in the same period, those violations did not include any reported physical violence, but the children were verbally abused.
The UNICEF stated that it is working closely with the Israeli Prosecutor General to ensure the implementation of the 38 recommendation, mentioned in the March report, in order to improve the protection of children in accordance with international standards.
It said that some of these recommendations included preventing the soldiers form blindfolding detained children, strip search, torture, and solitary confinement.
The UNICEF further stated that children should never be taking prisoner at night, unless under very urgent conditions, and stressed that a lawyer or a family member must be present during interrogation, and that the interrogation must be videotaped.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, interrogated and prosecuted more than 7000 Palestinian children over the last ten years.
The UNICEF reported that Israel kidnaps nearly 700 Palestinian children, aged 12 – 17, mostly males, each year.
14 oct 2013
The Palestinian Ministry Of Detainees issued a press release revealing that Israel is currently holding captive 5200 Palestinians in 17 prisons, detention camps, and interrogation facilities.
It said that this year witnessed a sharp escalation in arrests as the soldiers kidnapped 2450 Palestinians, including 476 children and 49 women since the beginning of the year.
It said that the army kidnapped at least 600 Palestinian security and police officers, and that the number of Hamas affiliated detainees is 1100, and 365 detainees who are members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), while the rest are members of different factions.
The Ministry stated that Israel is currently holding captive 13 democratically elected legislators, and that the Israeli military kidnapped a total of 60 legislators and ministers (%46 of the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council). Among the detained legislators are Marwan Barghouthi, Ahmad Saadat and Hassan Yousef.
Furthermore, the illegitimate Israeli policy of Administrative Detention without charges
remains a systematic Israeli strategy despite repeated and extended hunger strikes by Administrative Detainees held under those arbitrary orders under “secret files” that neither the detainees nor their lawyers have no access to.
There are currently 150 Palestinians held under arbitrary Administrative Detention orders, while 23.000 Palestinians have been held under these orders since the year 2000.
Currently, detainee Akram Al-Faseesy, from Ithna town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, is ongoing with his hunger strike that started on September 29 2013.
Palestinian detainees held under Administrative Detention orders started on October 10 a series of protests against their illegal detention, this includes returning meals, boycotting Israeli military courts, and a number of open-ended hungers strikes.
As for children and women currently held by Israel, the Ministry said that there are 250 children and 13 women who are still imprisoned, and that Israel soldiers kidnapped approximately 9500 children since the year 2000.
There are 520 Palestinian detainees who are serving a minimum of one life term; this includes detainee Abdullah Barghouthi who was sentenced to 67 life-terms and additional 250 years. He was taken prisoner on March 5 2003.
The number of detainees who have been imprisoned since before the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994 is 78 detainees, 68 of them have been imprisoned since more than 20 years, and 24 have been imprisoned since more than 25 years.
In its report, the Ministry said that Israel is ongoing with its illegitimate policy of depriving the ailing detainees from the urgently needed and specialized medical care, especially since there are currently 1400 sick detainees, including 25 suffering with different types of cancer.
Dozens of detainees have been shot and injured, suffering from various conditions including paralysis, and detainees who suffer from heart, kidneys and liver conditions, while others suffer from diabetes, eye diseases and conditions, Tuberculosis, in addition to other conditions.
The Ministry further stated that there are a number of detainees who are dying and are not receiving the needed extensive and specialized medical attention.
The oldest detainee held by Israel is Fuad Shobaky, 83 years of age, followed by Omar Akkawy, 64. The number of detainees who died in prison, either due to torture, or due to being shot by the soldiers during and after their arrest currently stands at 204.
The latest casualties among the detainees are Maisara Abu Hamdiyya, 63, who died on April 2nd 2013, and Arafat Jaradat, 20, who died on February 22 2013.
Abu Hamdiyya suffered a fourth stage Carcinoma in his lung lymphatic, liver and spine, throat cancer extending to his vocal cords, and brain tumor.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Israeli Prison Administration did not grant Abu Hamdiyya the needed specialized and urgent medical treatment, until it was too late.
Detainee Arafat Jaradat, died at the Mejeddo Israeli prison, seven days after his arrest, he was a healthy young man from Sa’ir town in Hebron, and was tortured to death by Israeli interrogators.
The Ministry said that the detainees are suffering from abuse and various violations and attacks carried out against them, especially since Israel violated an agreement reached with the detainees in May of last year following an extended hunger strike.
Seventeen of the detainees who were released under the Shalit prisoner swap agreement have been rearrested and imprisoned; three of the released detainees are still not allowed back home, while dozens of detainees are still held in solitary confinement in violation of the swap agreement.
Other violations include denying the detainees the right to education, provocative searches, including strip search of the detainees and their visiting families, collective punishment, medical negligence, and denying the ailing detainees the right to healthy meals that include dietary restrictions.
It said that this year witnessed a sharp escalation in arrests as the soldiers kidnapped 2450 Palestinians, including 476 children and 49 women since the beginning of the year.
It said that the army kidnapped at least 600 Palestinian security and police officers, and that the number of Hamas affiliated detainees is 1100, and 365 detainees who are members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), while the rest are members of different factions.
The Ministry stated that Israel is currently holding captive 13 democratically elected legislators, and that the Israeli military kidnapped a total of 60 legislators and ministers (%46 of the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council). Among the detained legislators are Marwan Barghouthi, Ahmad Saadat and Hassan Yousef.
Furthermore, the illegitimate Israeli policy of Administrative Detention without charges
remains a systematic Israeli strategy despite repeated and extended hunger strikes by Administrative Detainees held under those arbitrary orders under “secret files” that neither the detainees nor their lawyers have no access to.
There are currently 150 Palestinians held under arbitrary Administrative Detention orders, while 23.000 Palestinians have been held under these orders since the year 2000.
Currently, detainee Akram Al-Faseesy, from Ithna town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, is ongoing with his hunger strike that started on September 29 2013.
Palestinian detainees held under Administrative Detention orders started on October 10 a series of protests against their illegal detention, this includes returning meals, boycotting Israeli military courts, and a number of open-ended hungers strikes.
As for children and women currently held by Israel, the Ministry said that there are 250 children and 13 women who are still imprisoned, and that Israel soldiers kidnapped approximately 9500 children since the year 2000.
There are 520 Palestinian detainees who are serving a minimum of one life term; this includes detainee Abdullah Barghouthi who was sentenced to 67 life-terms and additional 250 years. He was taken prisoner on March 5 2003.
The number of detainees who have been imprisoned since before the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994 is 78 detainees, 68 of them have been imprisoned since more than 20 years, and 24 have been imprisoned since more than 25 years.
In its report, the Ministry said that Israel is ongoing with its illegitimate policy of depriving the ailing detainees from the urgently needed and specialized medical care, especially since there are currently 1400 sick detainees, including 25 suffering with different types of cancer.
Dozens of detainees have been shot and injured, suffering from various conditions including paralysis, and detainees who suffer from heart, kidneys and liver conditions, while others suffer from diabetes, eye diseases and conditions, Tuberculosis, in addition to other conditions.
The Ministry further stated that there are a number of detainees who are dying and are not receiving the needed extensive and specialized medical attention.
The oldest detainee held by Israel is Fuad Shobaky, 83 years of age, followed by Omar Akkawy, 64. The number of detainees who died in prison, either due to torture, or due to being shot by the soldiers during and after their arrest currently stands at 204.
The latest casualties among the detainees are Maisara Abu Hamdiyya, 63, who died on April 2nd 2013, and Arafat Jaradat, 20, who died on February 22 2013.
Abu Hamdiyya suffered a fourth stage Carcinoma in his lung lymphatic, liver and spine, throat cancer extending to his vocal cords, and brain tumor.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Israeli Prison Administration did not grant Abu Hamdiyya the needed specialized and urgent medical treatment, until it was too late.
Detainee Arafat Jaradat, died at the Mejeddo Israeli prison, seven days after his arrest, he was a healthy young man from Sa’ir town in Hebron, and was tortured to death by Israeli interrogators.
The Ministry said that the detainees are suffering from abuse and various violations and attacks carried out against them, especially since Israel violated an agreement reached with the detainees in May of last year following an extended hunger strike.
Seventeen of the detainees who were released under the Shalit prisoner swap agreement have been rearrested and imprisoned; three of the released detainees are still not allowed back home, while dozens of detainees are still held in solitary confinement in violation of the swap agreement.
Other violations include denying the detainees the right to education, provocative searches, including strip search of the detainees and their visiting families, collective punishment, medical negligence, and denying the ailing detainees the right to healthy meals that include dietary restrictions.
