23 oct 2015
Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (14 – 21 October 2015).
Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings
With the ongoing silence of the international community towards the Israeli grave violations in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), Israeli forces continued to commit crimes against Palestinian civilians. The reporting period witnessed bloody days and blatant disregard by Israeli forces for the lives of Palestinian civilians. Moreover, Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against Palestinians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed shooting incidents against all those suspected of attempting to stab Israeli soldiers and settlers. During the reporting period, Israeli forces, police officers and settlers killed 17 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, and a Palestinian civilian succumbed to his injury.
Fourteen of these civilians, including 4 children, were killed in the West Bank. Among the killed were 5 civilians, including a child, from occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs and the others were from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, 324 Palestinian civilians, including 46 children, 3 journalists and 6 paramedics, were wounded in the Gaza Strip and West Bank; 179 of them, including 7 children, 2 journalists and the 6 paramedics, were wounded in the Gaza Strip and the remaining others were wounded in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 14 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children. Five of these civilians, including a child, were killed in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs.
On Friday, 16 October 2015, Israeli forces deployed at the northern entrance of Hebron (Ras al-Joura) opened fire at Eyad Khalil al-Awawda (27), from al-Koum village, southwest of Hebron, after al-Awawda chased an Israeli soldier to stab him, as clashes were taking place between Palestinians and Israeli forces in that area. As a result, al-Awawda sustained several bullet wounds and fell to the ground. He was pronounced dead and his body was handed over to the Palestinian side later.
On the same day, an Israeli sniper stationed at Beit Foreek checkpoint, northwest of Nablus, opened fire at a Palestinian protestor near the checkpoint namely Ehab Jehad Yusef Hanani (19). Hanani was wounded by a bullet that entered the right side of the chest and settled in the heart. He was then transported to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus, where doctors' efforts failed to save his life. Doctors estimated that he was shot from a range of about 400 meters.
On 17 October 2015, in two wilful killing crimes, Israeli forces killed a boy and a girl from Hebron. According to PCHR's investigations regarding the first crime, at approximately 11:00, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint in the east of Hebron, opened fire at Bayan Ayman Abdul Wahab al-Esaili (16) and killed her.
At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces stationed at the military checkpoint "56" established at the entrance of the northern entrance of al-Shuhada Street in Hebron opened fire at Tareq Zeyad al-Natcha (16), from Khellet Hadhour in the south of Hebron, and killed him. Israeli forces claimed the Bayan attempted to stab a female Israeli soldier and al-Natcha stabbed an Israeli soldier. In both crimes, no eyewitnesses were present.
In another wilful killing crime, an Israeli settler killed a Palestinian youngster on the above-mentioned day under the pretext of stabbing attempt in Hebron. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, an Israeli settler opened fire at Fadel Mohammed Awad al-Qawasme (18), from al-Shaikh quarter in Hebron, and killed him.
On Tuesday, 20 October 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at Oday Hesham Mohammed Masalma (24), from Beit Awwa village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. Masalma was hit by bullets to the left leg and a bullet to the head, due to which he was killed. Israeli forces denied paramedicsaccess to the wounded for half an hour. It should be noted that the aforementioned person stabbed an Israeli soldier in the hand.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed on the main road opposite to "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. As a result, the driver, Hamza Mousa al-'Amla (25), from Beit Oula village west of Hebron, was killed by several bullets. The corpse was taken by an Israeli military ambulance to an unknown destination. Israeli forces claimed that al-'Amla had run down 2 settlers on the side of the road.
In new cold-blooded crime, Israeli forces killed on Tuesday evening two children from al-the al-Ja'bari family in the vicinity of "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron.
On 21 October 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle driven by Mohammed al-Shalalda (25), from Sa'ir village, east of Hebron, after he ran down 5 Israeli soldiers near Beit Ommar village, north of the city. As a result, he sustained several bullet wounds and was taken to Hadasa Hospital by an Israeli ambulance. His health condition is critical according to his family unlike the Israeli claim that he was killed.
In occupied Jerusalem, Israeli forces committed willful killing crimes based on suspicions. Those crimes were as follows:
On Wednesday, 14 October 2015, Israeli forces killed Basel Bassam Ragheb Seder (20), from Hebron, while he was walking in al-Amoud Gate area in the Old City, in East Jerusalem.
On the same day, an Israeli police officer serving in "Yasam" special patrol unit opened fire at Ahmed Fathi Mohammed Abu Sha'ban (23), from Ras al-Amoud neighborhood, east of the Old city in East Jerusalem, under the pretext that he attempted to stab an elderly Israeli woman in the central station in West Jerusalem. As a result, he was killed by several bullets.
On Saturday, 17 October 2015, Israeli forces shot dead Mo'taz Ahmed 'Ewisat (16), from al-Mukaber Mountain area, south of East Jerusalem. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned child attempted to stab a number of Israeli Border Guard officers stationed at a temporary checkpoint established at the entrance of "Armon Hanatziv" settlement, south of East Jerusalem. However, the Israeli officers opened fire at him according to the Israeli radio.
On the same day, Israeli forces killed Omer Mohammed al-Faqih (23), from Qatna village, northwest of East Jerusalem. They opened fire at him under the pretext of attempting to stab an Israeli soldier at Qalandia military checkpoint, north of the city. Israeli soldiers opened fire at him again from a zero distance and left him bleeding to death.
On 21 October 2015, a female Israeli soldier opened fire at Mo'taz Attallah Qasem (22), from al-Eizariya village, east of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext that he stabbed another female soldier near Jaba' crossroads, northeast of East Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained several bullet wounds from a close range causing his death.
During the reporting period, 146 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank, including 39 children; 27 of whom were wounded in occupied East Jerusalem and the others in the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 3 Palestinian civilians and a fourth one succumbed to his wound. Moreover, they wounded 179 others, including 7 children, 2 journalists and 6 paramedics. Among the paramedics, 4 suffered tear gas inhalation.
On 16 October 2015, Israeli forces stationed at and around Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun town in the north of the Gaza Strip, fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian young men, who were protesting on the road in between the Israeli and Palestinian sides of the crossing. As a result, Yehya Abdul Qader Jaber Arafat (24) was killed and 74 others were wounded, including 4 children, a journalist and 2 paramedics.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in Nahal Oz area, east of Gaza City, opened fire at Palestinian youngsters who threw stones at Israeli forces. As a result, Mahmoud Hatem Mohammed Hmaid (23), from al-Shati' refugee camp, was killed by a bullet to the head, and 30 others were wounded, including 2 children.
On 20 October 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians, who were in an agricultural field that is around 350 meters away from the aforementioned fence. As a result, Ahmed Sharif al-Serhi (30), from Deir al-Balah, was killed by 3 bullets to the chest, while two others were wounded. The Israeli Army Radio reported that the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian sniper and wounded two others.
On 16 October 2015, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, declared that Shawqi Jamal Jaber Ebeid (36), from Ezbet Beit Hanoun, succumbed to his wound. It should be noted that Shawki sustained a bullet wound to the head on 09 October 2015, when he was in his work in a stone factory, 2,000 meters away from the border fence where there were clashes between Palestinian youngsters and Israeli forces, east of al-Shuhada cemetery in the east of Jabalia.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 18 October 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore in the south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing 3 nautical miles off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip.
On 19 October 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, northwest of Beit Lahia town in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles.
Incursions
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 76 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 14 ones in occupied East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 166 Palestinians, including 35 children and a woman. Forty-four of these civilians, including 19 children and the woman, were arrested in East Jerusalem.
Among the arrested was Hassan Yousef Dar Khalil (61), member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), who was arrested from his house in Beitoniya town, west of Ramallah, and Ali Abdul Karim al-Eweiwi (24), a reporter at al-Rabe'a radio, who was also arrested from his house in Hebron.
In the Gaza Strip, on 14 October 2015, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters into Damra area, north of Beit Hanoun town in the north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and opened sporadic fire, but no casualties were reported.
Restrictions on movement
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
As part of the collective punishment policy carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, since Thursday, 01 October 2015, Nablus has been cordoned in a way similar to the cordon imposed on the same city in the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada. PCHR's fieldworker said that "Yetshar" bypass road, south of Nablus, and Beit Foreik checkpoint, east of the city, were completely closed. Moreover, they redeployed at the checkpoints of Howara, Jeet, al-Naqoura village, and Deir Sharaf valley around the city. Israeli forces stationed at those checkpoints humiliate the Palestinian civilians passing through the checkpoints.
Efforts to create a Jewish majority
Following the Israeli cabinet's decision to isolate the Arab neighborhoods in response to the "attacks" in the city, the Israeli forces started imposing a cordon on the villages and neighborhoods of occupied East Jerusalem by closing their entrances with cement blocks and establishing checkpoints and iron barriers in the streets and main roads.
On 14 October 2015, Israeli forces started implemting the policy of isolating the neighborhoods of the city from each other, and erecting iron barriers and checkpoints in the streets, especially in the Old City and its markets. They tightly closed the entrances and streets leading to al-Sawana, al-Jouz Valley, Sour Baher, Jabal al-Mukaber Mountiain, al-Eisawiya, Silwan and Ras al-Amoud areas. Thus, they deliberately disrupt life in the occupied city, obstruct civilians' movement and increase their daily suffering.
In the same context, on 16 October 2015, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions in East Jerusalem. They established iron barriers and denied the Palestinian young worshipers entry to the Old City to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque. As a result, hundreds of Palestinians below 40 performed al-Fajr and al-Dhuhur prayers in the streets and near the Old City gates.
In the context of settlement activities and seizing control over Palestinian houses, on Sunday, 18 October 2015, Israeli forces fixed cement walls in Jabal al-Mukaber village, southeast of East Jerusalem, as part of the annexation wall to isolate the Arab neighbourhoods in the village from "Arom Hanatziv" settlement. Israeli forces declared that the wall is mobile and could be moved when necessary.
On Monday morning, 19 October 2015, "Ateret Cohanim" settlement organization seized control over 2 houses belonging to the Abu Nab family in Batn al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· In a wilful killing crime, with the assistance of Israeli forces, an Israeli settler killed a Palestinian young man, on Saturday, 17 October 2015, under the pretext of alleged stabbing in Hebron. According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 08:00, an Israeli settler opened fire at and killed Fadel Mohammed Awad al-Qawasme (18), from al-Shaikh neighbourhood in Hebron, who was present in the area between the entrance of al-Shuhada Street and Bab al-Daboya checkpoint in the city. A video posted on social media showed the settler with two Israeli soldiers, as the settler was trying to attack al-Qawasme who was lying on the ground. Half an hour later, al-Qawasme was transported by an Israeli ambulance to an unknown destination. In addition, the reason why al-Qawasme was present in that area has been unknown.
· At approximately 19:00 on the above-mentioned day, a group of Israeli settlers attempted to kill a Palestinian driver, Soboh al-Sha'ar (33), from al-Tour neighorhood, east of East Jerusalem, near "Mode'een Elite" settlement, west of Ramallah, while he was present in his workplace as a bus driver in "Egged" Transportation Company. Al-Sha'ar said to a PCHR fieldworker that he was surprised by a group of armed settlers knocking the door of the bus so harshly. They were chanting racist slogans against the Arabs. He added that he did not open the door and called the police after they threatened to kill him. When the Israeli police arrived, the settlers claimed that he attempted to run down one of them, but he refuted their claims.
It should be noted that about 100 Arab "Egged" bus drivers from Jerusalem and working on Mode'een Elite – Jerusalem Street had declared suspending their work due to the provocative practices and violations committed by settlers. The bus drivers stated that about 40 Jerusalemite drivers working in West Jerusalem were being subjected to provocative practices and violations by settlers, in addition to falsified stories they claim. They stressed that they would return to their work after receiving protection from the company and Israeli police.
· At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 20 October 2015, a group of Israeli settlers moved into the western entrance of Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit. They burnt tires and swore at the Arabs. The mosques warned that settlers were present in the area, due to which Palestinian civilians gathered at the abovementioned entrance and confronted them. The settlers were supported by 5 Israeli military vehicles. Moreover, an Israeli bulldozer arrived and place cement cubes to close the village. The settlers withdrew by bus under the protection of Israeli forces that withdrew.
· At approximately 13:30 on the same day, a group of Israeli settlers moved into the same village, for the second time. They also burnt the Palestinian flag while cursing and attacking Palestinian vehicles passing by.
Recommendations to the International Community:
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.
In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil 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;
6. 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;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to 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;
10. 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;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
Fully detailed document
Israeli attacks in the West Bank & Gaza:
Shootings
With the ongoing silence of the international community towards the Israeli grave violations in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), Israeli forces continued to commit crimes against Palestinian civilians. The reporting period witnessed bloody days and blatant disregard by Israeli forces for the lives of Palestinian civilians. Moreover, Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against Palestinians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed shooting incidents against all those suspected of attempting to stab Israeli soldiers and settlers. During the reporting period, Israeli forces, police officers and settlers killed 17 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, and a Palestinian civilian succumbed to his injury.
Fourteen of these civilians, including 4 children, were killed in the West Bank. Among the killed were 5 civilians, including a child, from occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs and the others were from the Gaza Strip. Moreover, 324 Palestinian civilians, including 46 children, 3 journalists and 6 paramedics, were wounded in the Gaza Strip and West Bank; 179 of them, including 7 children, 2 journalists and the 6 paramedics, were wounded in the Gaza Strip and the remaining others were wounded in the West Bank.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 14 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children. Five of these civilians, including a child, were killed in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs.
On Friday, 16 October 2015, Israeli forces deployed at the northern entrance of Hebron (Ras al-Joura) opened fire at Eyad Khalil al-Awawda (27), from al-Koum village, southwest of Hebron, after al-Awawda chased an Israeli soldier to stab him, as clashes were taking place between Palestinians and Israeli forces in that area. As a result, al-Awawda sustained several bullet wounds and fell to the ground. He was pronounced dead and his body was handed over to the Palestinian side later.
On the same day, an Israeli sniper stationed at Beit Foreek checkpoint, northwest of Nablus, opened fire at a Palestinian protestor near the checkpoint namely Ehab Jehad Yusef Hanani (19). Hanani was wounded by a bullet that entered the right side of the chest and settled in the heart. He was then transported to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus, where doctors' efforts failed to save his life. Doctors estimated that he was shot from a range of about 400 meters.
On 17 October 2015, in two wilful killing crimes, Israeli forces killed a boy and a girl from Hebron. According to PCHR's investigations regarding the first crime, at approximately 11:00, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint in the east of Hebron, opened fire at Bayan Ayman Abdul Wahab al-Esaili (16) and killed her.
At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces stationed at the military checkpoint "56" established at the entrance of the northern entrance of al-Shuhada Street in Hebron opened fire at Tareq Zeyad al-Natcha (16), from Khellet Hadhour in the south of Hebron, and killed him. Israeli forces claimed the Bayan attempted to stab a female Israeli soldier and al-Natcha stabbed an Israeli soldier. In both crimes, no eyewitnesses were present.
In another wilful killing crime, an Israeli settler killed a Palestinian youngster on the above-mentioned day under the pretext of stabbing attempt in Hebron. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, an Israeli settler opened fire at Fadel Mohammed Awad al-Qawasme (18), from al-Shaikh quarter in Hebron, and killed him.
On Tuesday, 20 October 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at Oday Hesham Mohammed Masalma (24), from Beit Awwa village, southwest of Doura, southwest of Hebron. Masalma was hit by bullets to the left leg and a bullet to the head, due to which he was killed. Israeli forces denied paramedicsaccess to the wounded for half an hour. It should be noted that the aforementioned person stabbed an Israeli soldier in the hand.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed on the main road opposite to "Gosh Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. As a result, the driver, Hamza Mousa al-'Amla (25), from Beit Oula village west of Hebron, was killed by several bullets. The corpse was taken by an Israeli military ambulance to an unknown destination. Israeli forces claimed that al-'Amla had run down 2 settlers on the side of the road.
In new cold-blooded crime, Israeli forces killed on Tuesday evening two children from al-the al-Ja'bari family in the vicinity of "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron.
On 21 October 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle driven by Mohammed al-Shalalda (25), from Sa'ir village, east of Hebron, after he ran down 5 Israeli soldiers near Beit Ommar village, north of the city. As a result, he sustained several bullet wounds and was taken to Hadasa Hospital by an Israeli ambulance. His health condition is critical according to his family unlike the Israeli claim that he was killed.
In occupied Jerusalem, Israeli forces committed willful killing crimes based on suspicions. Those crimes were as follows:
On Wednesday, 14 October 2015, Israeli forces killed Basel Bassam Ragheb Seder (20), from Hebron, while he was walking in al-Amoud Gate area in the Old City, in East Jerusalem.
On the same day, an Israeli police officer serving in "Yasam" special patrol unit opened fire at Ahmed Fathi Mohammed Abu Sha'ban (23), from Ras al-Amoud neighborhood, east of the Old city in East Jerusalem, under the pretext that he attempted to stab an elderly Israeli woman in the central station in West Jerusalem. As a result, he was killed by several bullets.
On Saturday, 17 October 2015, Israeli forces shot dead Mo'taz Ahmed 'Ewisat (16), from al-Mukaber Mountain area, south of East Jerusalem. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned child attempted to stab a number of Israeli Border Guard officers stationed at a temporary checkpoint established at the entrance of "Armon Hanatziv" settlement, south of East Jerusalem. However, the Israeli officers opened fire at him according to the Israeli radio.
On the same day, Israeli forces killed Omer Mohammed al-Faqih (23), from Qatna village, northwest of East Jerusalem. They opened fire at him under the pretext of attempting to stab an Israeli soldier at Qalandia military checkpoint, north of the city. Israeli soldiers opened fire at him again from a zero distance and left him bleeding to death.
On 21 October 2015, a female Israeli soldier opened fire at Mo'taz Attallah Qasem (22), from al-Eizariya village, east of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext that he stabbed another female soldier near Jaba' crossroads, northeast of East Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained several bullet wounds from a close range causing his death.
During the reporting period, 146 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank, including 39 children; 27 of whom were wounded in occupied East Jerusalem and the others in the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 3 Palestinian civilians and a fourth one succumbed to his wound. Moreover, they wounded 179 others, including 7 children, 2 journalists and 6 paramedics. Among the paramedics, 4 suffered tear gas inhalation.
On 16 October 2015, Israeli forces stationed at and around Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, northwest of Beit Hanoun town in the north of the Gaza Strip, fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian young men, who were protesting on the road in between the Israeli and Palestinian sides of the crossing. As a result, Yehya Abdul Qader Jaber Arafat (24) was killed and 74 others were wounded, including 4 children, a journalist and 2 paramedics.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel in Nahal Oz area, east of Gaza City, opened fire at Palestinian youngsters who threw stones at Israeli forces. As a result, Mahmoud Hatem Mohammed Hmaid (23), from al-Shati' refugee camp, was killed by a bullet to the head, and 30 others were wounded, including 2 children.
On 20 October 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at a group of Palestinian civilians, who were in an agricultural field that is around 350 meters away from the aforementioned fence. As a result, Ahmed Sharif al-Serhi (30), from Deir al-Balah, was killed by 3 bullets to the chest, while two others were wounded. The Israeli Army Radio reported that the Israeli forces killed a Palestinian sniper and wounded two others.
On 16 October 2015, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, declared that Shawqi Jamal Jaber Ebeid (36), from Ezbet Beit Hanoun, succumbed to his wound. It should be noted that Shawki sustained a bullet wound to the head on 09 October 2015, when he was in his work in a stone factory, 2,000 meters away from the border fence where there were clashes between Palestinian youngsters and Israeli forces, east of al-Shuhada cemetery in the east of Jabalia.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, on 18 October 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Yunis shore in the south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing 3 nautical miles off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip.
On 19 October 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, northwest of Beit Lahia town in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles.
Incursions
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 76 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 14 ones in occupied East Jerusalem. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 166 Palestinians, including 35 children and a woman. Forty-four of these civilians, including 19 children and the woman, were arrested in East Jerusalem.
Among the arrested was Hassan Yousef Dar Khalil (61), member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), who was arrested from his house in Beitoniya town, west of Ramallah, and Ali Abdul Karim al-Eweiwi (24), a reporter at al-Rabe'a radio, who was also arrested from his house in Hebron.
In the Gaza Strip, on 14 October 2015, Israeli forces moved about 100 meters into Damra area, north of Beit Hanoun town in the north of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands and opened sporadic fire, but no casualties were reported.
Restrictions on movement
Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
As part of the collective punishment policy carried out by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, since Thursday, 01 October 2015, Nablus has been cordoned in a way similar to the cordon imposed on the same city in the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada. PCHR's fieldworker said that "Yetshar" bypass road, south of Nablus, and Beit Foreik checkpoint, east of the city, were completely closed. Moreover, they redeployed at the checkpoints of Howara, Jeet, al-Naqoura village, and Deir Sharaf valley around the city. Israeli forces stationed at those checkpoints humiliate the Palestinian civilians passing through the checkpoints.
Efforts to create a Jewish majority
Following the Israeli cabinet's decision to isolate the Arab neighborhoods in response to the "attacks" in the city, the Israeli forces started imposing a cordon on the villages and neighborhoods of occupied East Jerusalem by closing their entrances with cement blocks and establishing checkpoints and iron barriers in the streets and main roads.
On 14 October 2015, Israeli forces started implemting the policy of isolating the neighborhoods of the city from each other, and erecting iron barriers and checkpoints in the streets, especially in the Old City and its markets. They tightly closed the entrances and streets leading to al-Sawana, al-Jouz Valley, Sour Baher, Jabal al-Mukaber Mountiain, al-Eisawiya, Silwan and Ras al-Amoud areas. Thus, they deliberately disrupt life in the occupied city, obstruct civilians' movement and increase their daily suffering.
In the same context, on 16 October 2015, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions in East Jerusalem. They established iron barriers and denied the Palestinian young worshipers entry to the Old City to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque. As a result, hundreds of Palestinians below 40 performed al-Fajr and al-Dhuhur prayers in the streets and near the Old City gates.
In the context of settlement activities and seizing control over Palestinian houses, on Sunday, 18 October 2015, Israeli forces fixed cement walls in Jabal al-Mukaber village, southeast of East Jerusalem, as part of the annexation wall to isolate the Arab neighbourhoods in the village from "Arom Hanatziv" settlement. Israeli forces declared that the wall is mobile and could be moved when necessary.
On Monday morning, 19 October 2015, "Ateret Cohanim" settlement organization seized control over 2 houses belonging to the Abu Nab family in Batn al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem.
Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property:
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
· In a wilful killing crime, with the assistance of Israeli forces, an Israeli settler killed a Palestinian young man, on Saturday, 17 October 2015, under the pretext of alleged stabbing in Hebron. According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 08:00, an Israeli settler opened fire at and killed Fadel Mohammed Awad al-Qawasme (18), from al-Shaikh neighbourhood in Hebron, who was present in the area between the entrance of al-Shuhada Street and Bab al-Daboya checkpoint in the city. A video posted on social media showed the settler with two Israeli soldiers, as the settler was trying to attack al-Qawasme who was lying on the ground. Half an hour later, al-Qawasme was transported by an Israeli ambulance to an unknown destination. In addition, the reason why al-Qawasme was present in that area has been unknown.
· At approximately 19:00 on the above-mentioned day, a group of Israeli settlers attempted to kill a Palestinian driver, Soboh al-Sha'ar (33), from al-Tour neighorhood, east of East Jerusalem, near "Mode'een Elite" settlement, west of Ramallah, while he was present in his workplace as a bus driver in "Egged" Transportation Company. Al-Sha'ar said to a PCHR fieldworker that he was surprised by a group of armed settlers knocking the door of the bus so harshly. They were chanting racist slogans against the Arabs. He added that he did not open the door and called the police after they threatened to kill him. When the Israeli police arrived, the settlers claimed that he attempted to run down one of them, but he refuted their claims.
It should be noted that about 100 Arab "Egged" bus drivers from Jerusalem and working on Mode'een Elite – Jerusalem Street had declared suspending their work due to the provocative practices and violations committed by settlers. The bus drivers stated that about 40 Jerusalemite drivers working in West Jerusalem were being subjected to provocative practices and violations by settlers, in addition to falsified stories they claim. They stressed that they would return to their work after receiving protection from the company and Israeli police.
· At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 20 October 2015, a group of Israeli settlers moved into the western entrance of Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit. They burnt tires and swore at the Arabs. The mosques warned that settlers were present in the area, due to which Palestinian civilians gathered at the abovementioned entrance and confronted them. The settlers were supported by 5 Israeli military vehicles. Moreover, an Israeli bulldozer arrived and place cement cubes to close the village. The settlers withdrew by bus under the protection of Israeli forces that withdrew.
· At approximately 13:30 on the same day, a group of Israeli settlers moved into the same village, for the second time. They also burnt the Palestinian flag while cursing and attacking Palestinian vehicles passing by.
Recommendations to the International Community:
PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims.
In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
2. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the oPt, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip;
3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the oPt;
4. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the concerned committees;
5. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil 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;
6. 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;
7. PCHR calls upon the international community to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities in the oPt through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them;
8. PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute;
9. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to 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;
10. 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;
11. PCHR calls upon the international community, in light of its failure to the stop the aggression on the Palestinian people, to at least fulfil its obligation to reconstruct the Gaza Strip after the series of hostilities launched by Israel which directly targeted the civilian infrastructure;
12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the European Union to express a clear position towards the annexation wall following the international recognition of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes large parts of the State of Palestine;
13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that both sides must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel, and the EU must not ignore Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians;
Fully detailed document
17 oct 2015
In its Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 08 - 13 Oct. 2015, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories
During the 7-day period outlined in the weekly report, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were killed and 183 others were wounded in Jerusalem. 15 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were killed, and 424 Palestinian civilians, including 102 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Among the wounded were 12 journalists; 3 of whom were wounded in Jerusalem, 3 others were wounded in the West Bank and the 6 others were wounded in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem:
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes against Palestinian civilians. The reporting period witnessed bloody escalation and blatant disregard by Israeli forces for the lives of Palestinian civilians. Moreover, Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against Palestinians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed shooting incidents against all those suspected of attempting to stab Israeli soldiers and settlers.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 12 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children. The killings committed by Israeli forces and police officers in Jerusalem were as follows:
On 08 October 2015, Israeli forces killed Wesam al-Mansi (20) during clashes between Palestinian civilians and Israeli forces that moved into Shu'fat refugee camp, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.
On 10 October 2015, Israeli forces killed Ahmed Salah (22) during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces around Shu'fat military checkpoint, northeast of East Jerusalem.
On the same day, Israeli police officers opened fire at Ishac Badran (16), from Kufor Aqeb village, north of East Jerusalem, after he had stabbed 2 settlers in al-Mesrara area, opposite to al-Amoud Gate in the Old City in East Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained several bullet wounds and was left bleeding to death without being offered medical treatment.
Also on the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammed Ali (19), from Shu'fat refugee camp, after he stabbed 2 Israeli special police officers from "Yasam" Unit in al-Amoud Gate area in the Old City in East Jerusalem. As a result, he was killed by several bullets.
On 12 October 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at Mostafa al-Khateeb (18), from Sour Baher village, south of East Jerusalem, once he stepped out of his car near al-Asbat Gate, which is one of the Old City gates in the city. As a result, he was killed by several bullets.
On the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Hassan Mahayna (Manasra) (15) and deliberately ran down his cousin, Ahmed Mahayna (Manasra) (13), both are from Beit Hanina village, north of East Jerusalem. They were heading to a mall near their family houses in "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement. As a result, the first child was killed by several bullets and the other one sustained serious wounds. Israeli forces claimed that the 2 boys stabbed 2 settlers.
On 13 October 2015, an Israeli security guard fired 3 bullets at Alaa Abu Jamal (33), from al-Mukaber Mountain, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem, at a bus stop on "Malkhei Yisrael" Street in West Jerusalem. In the meanwhile, an Israeli Border Guard officer arrived and killed Abu Jamal by a number of live bullets. Abu Jamal's car belonging to Israeli phone company "Bezeq" deviated towards 3 Israelis at the abovementioned bus stop. He then stepped out of the car holding a knife and stabbed a number of Israelis at the bus stop.
On the same day, Baha' Elayan (22) was killed and Belal Ghanem (23) was wounded, both are from Jabal al-Mukaber village, southeast of Jerusalem, while carrying out a shooting and stabbing attack in an Israeli bus in al-Mukaber Mountain. Ghanem has been at an Israeli hospital after he sustained serious wounds while being under arrest.
In other cities throughout the West Bank, on 09 October 2015, Israeli forces deployed along the road between the Ibrahimi Mosque and "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, killed Mohammed al-Ja'bari (19), from Khellet Hadhour, southeast of the city.
On 10 October 2015, a medical source at the Ahli Hospital in Hebron pronounced Ibrahim Awad (28), from Beit Ommer village, north of Hebron, dead of wounds he had sustained in the head on 08 October 2015, during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces.
On 11 October 2015, Ahmed Sharaka (13), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, was killed by a bullet to the head during clashes with Israeli forces at the DCO checkpoint, north of al-Bireh.
On 13 October 2015, Israeli forces stationed around Belal Bin Rabah Mosque, north of Bethlehem, killed Mo'taz Zawahra (21), from al-Dheisha refugee camp, south of the city, after they opened fire at Palestinian stone throwers. Zawahra was hit by a live bullet to the chest and was pronounced dead minutes after being admitted to Beit Jala Governmental Hospital.
During the reporting period, 420 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank, including 183 civilians in occupied East Jerusalem.
From October 8 – 13, Israeli forces conducted 36 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 115 Palestinian civilians, including 18 children, were abducted. 41 of them, including 10 children and a journalist, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli forces have turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose an illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th consecutive year. Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank and many others were re-established. 6 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were abducted at checkpoints.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 11 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a woman, and wounded 187 others, including 47 children, a woman and 6 journalists.
In excessive use of lethal force, on Friday, 09 October 2015, Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and wounded 67 others, including 16 children and a Turkish photojournalist, in 5 different locations near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Field investigations indicate that Israeli forces used excessive lethal force in the Gaza Strip in violation of the principles of proportionality and military necessity. Many of the Palestinian victims were shot in the upper parts of their bodies, reflecting an Israeli intention to cause maximum casualties among Palestinian civilians, who did not pose any serious threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers stationed in fortified military sites far away from the demonstrators.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 13:15 on Friday, 9 October 2015, dozens of young men and children headed to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, particularly the vicinity of Nahal Ouz military post, to the east of al-Shujaiya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, to express solidarity with the popular uprising in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Once they approached the border and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed behind it, Israeli forces opened fire at them. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians were killed and 31 others, including 11 children, were wounded. A Turkish journalist, Metin Kaya, an Anadolu Agency photojournalist, was also injured as a bullet hit his camera and its shrapnel hit his fingers.
At approximately 14:45, dozens of young men and children gathered in the east of al-Farrahin area in Abassan village and Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis. They headed towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel raising Palestinian flags. Once they approached the border and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed there, Israeli soldiers opened fire at them. Israeli soldiers continued to fire at the Palestinian demonstrators sporadically until the evening. As a result of the Israeli gunfire, two Palestinian civilians, were killed and 11 others were wounded, including a young man who was seriously wounded and was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.
Similar clashes erupted between Palestinian civilians and Israeli forces near the border between the Gaza Strip to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah and al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, and in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces fired at those civilians wounding 26 of them, including 5 children.
On 10 October 2015, 2 Palestinians, including a child, were killed when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian protestors. Moreover, they wounded 3 others. Six Palestinian civilians were wounded, including 2 children, in 2 separate protests around Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing and in the east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. On 11 October 2015, a Palestinian civilian was wounded around Beit Hanoun crossing in similar circumstances.
In a heinous willful killing crime, on 11 October 2015, an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a 160-square-meter house belonging to Yehya Sa'di Mohammed Hassan (26) in al-Zaitoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City. As a result of the explosion that rocked the area, 5-month pregnant Nour Rasmi Mohammed Hassan (26) and her child, Rahaf Yehya Sa'di Hassan (3), were killed. Moreover, Nour's husband sustained shrapnel wounds throughout his body and fractures to the legs and their son, Mohammed Yehya Sa'di Hassan (5), sustained shrapnel wounds throughout the body. Three others, who are the cousins of Yehya and living near his house, including a child.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 10 October 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishermen. Similar attacks occurred twice on 13 October 2015, but off al-Waha shore. However, no casualties were reported.
Israeli settler/paramilitary activities:
Israeli settler/paramilitary forces escalated their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property and settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
The settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles and seriously wounded a Palestinian civilian.
On Thursday afternoon, 08 October 2015, a number of settlers from "Kiryat Arba'" settlement established on Palestinian lands in the eastern side of Hebron attacked civilians' houses adjacent to the aforementioned settlement from the western side with stones and tried to burn empty shades. As a result, families and children were terrified. All of this happened under the Israeli forces' intensive protection as they stood still watching the settlers' attacks.
On the same day, a group of settlers from a Subaru car traveling an Israeli registration plate threw stones at the Palestinian cars on "Yitsahar" road branching from Ramallah-Nablus Street. The windows of 3 vehicles passing on this Street were broken, and a child and his father were injured in their faces. The father's condition was described as critical and was taken to "Beilinson" Hospital in Israel, while the 9-year-old child sustained wounds to his face and fracture in the nose. His condition was described as stable.
On 10 October 2015, a group of settlers from "Nof Zion" settlement in Jabal al-Mukaber village, attacked Ms. Yosra Zahayka and her 2 kids while going back home in the village. She could drive and escape along with her 2 children, who were exposed to danger.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces continued their attacks on nonviolent demonstrations held each week in the West Bank.
At approximately 13:30 on Friday, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kafor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs. As a result, a 60- year-old civilian sustained 2 bullets wounds to the abdomen and the right thigh. He was then taken to Rafidah Governmental Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment.
Following the Friday prayer on 02 October 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities The protestors tried to sneak the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased them into the olive fields and into residential houses in response. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind the Annexation Wall, so they threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement Activity. The demonstrators headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent them from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and were chased into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community acts to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them.
In addition, the PCHR callsed upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute
For the full text of the report, click on the link
During the 7-day period outlined in the weekly report, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were killed and 183 others were wounded in Jerusalem. 15 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a woman, were killed, and 424 Palestinian civilians, including 102 children, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Among the wounded were 12 journalists; 3 of whom were wounded in Jerusalem, 3 others were wounded in the West Bank and the 6 others were wounded in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem:
Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes against Palestinian civilians. The reporting period witnessed bloody escalation and blatant disregard by Israeli forces for the lives of Palestinian civilians. Moreover, Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against Palestinians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed shooting incidents against all those suspected of attempting to stab Israeli soldiers and settlers.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 12 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children. The killings committed by Israeli forces and police officers in Jerusalem were as follows:
On 08 October 2015, Israeli forces killed Wesam al-Mansi (20) during clashes between Palestinian civilians and Israeli forces that moved into Shu'fat refugee camp, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem.
On 10 October 2015, Israeli forces killed Ahmed Salah (22) during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces around Shu'fat military checkpoint, northeast of East Jerusalem.
On the same day, Israeli police officers opened fire at Ishac Badran (16), from Kufor Aqeb village, north of East Jerusalem, after he had stabbed 2 settlers in al-Mesrara area, opposite to al-Amoud Gate in the Old City in East Jerusalem. As a result, he sustained several bullet wounds and was left bleeding to death without being offered medical treatment.
Also on the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammed Ali (19), from Shu'fat refugee camp, after he stabbed 2 Israeli special police officers from "Yasam" Unit in al-Amoud Gate area in the Old City in East Jerusalem. As a result, he was killed by several bullets.
On 12 October 2015, Israeli forces opened fire at Mostafa al-Khateeb (18), from Sour Baher village, south of East Jerusalem, once he stepped out of his car near al-Asbat Gate, which is one of the Old City gates in the city. As a result, he was killed by several bullets.
On the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Hassan Mahayna (Manasra) (15) and deliberately ran down his cousin, Ahmed Mahayna (Manasra) (13), both are from Beit Hanina village, north of East Jerusalem. They were heading to a mall near their family houses in "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement. As a result, the first child was killed by several bullets and the other one sustained serious wounds. Israeli forces claimed that the 2 boys stabbed 2 settlers.
On 13 October 2015, an Israeli security guard fired 3 bullets at Alaa Abu Jamal (33), from al-Mukaber Mountain, southeast of occupied East Jerusalem, at a bus stop on "Malkhei Yisrael" Street in West Jerusalem. In the meanwhile, an Israeli Border Guard officer arrived and killed Abu Jamal by a number of live bullets. Abu Jamal's car belonging to Israeli phone company "Bezeq" deviated towards 3 Israelis at the abovementioned bus stop. He then stepped out of the car holding a knife and stabbed a number of Israelis at the bus stop.
On the same day, Baha' Elayan (22) was killed and Belal Ghanem (23) was wounded, both are from Jabal al-Mukaber village, southeast of Jerusalem, while carrying out a shooting and stabbing attack in an Israeli bus in al-Mukaber Mountain. Ghanem has been at an Israeli hospital after he sustained serious wounds while being under arrest.
In other cities throughout the West Bank, on 09 October 2015, Israeli forces deployed along the road between the Ibrahimi Mosque and "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, killed Mohammed al-Ja'bari (19), from Khellet Hadhour, southeast of the city.
On 10 October 2015, a medical source at the Ahli Hospital in Hebron pronounced Ibrahim Awad (28), from Beit Ommer village, north of Hebron, dead of wounds he had sustained in the head on 08 October 2015, during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces.
On 11 October 2015, Ahmed Sharaka (13), from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, was killed by a bullet to the head during clashes with Israeli forces at the DCO checkpoint, north of al-Bireh.
On 13 October 2015, Israeli forces stationed around Belal Bin Rabah Mosque, north of Bethlehem, killed Mo'taz Zawahra (21), from al-Dheisha refugee camp, south of the city, after they opened fire at Palestinian stone throwers. Zawahra was hit by a live bullet to the chest and was pronounced dead minutes after being admitted to Beit Jala Governmental Hospital.
During the reporting period, 420 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank, including 183 civilians in occupied East Jerusalem.
From October 8 – 13, Israeli forces conducted 36 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 115 Palestinian civilians, including 18 children, were abducted. 41 of them, including 10 children and a journalist, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli forces have turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose an illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9th consecutive year. Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank and many others were re-established. 6 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were abducted at checkpoints.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 11 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children and a woman, and wounded 187 others, including 47 children, a woman and 6 journalists.
In excessive use of lethal force, on Friday, 09 October 2015, Israeli forces killed 7 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and wounded 67 others, including 16 children and a Turkish photojournalist, in 5 different locations near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Field investigations indicate that Israeli forces used excessive lethal force in the Gaza Strip in violation of the principles of proportionality and military necessity. Many of the Palestinian victims were shot in the upper parts of their bodies, reflecting an Israeli intention to cause maximum casualties among Palestinian civilians, who did not pose any serious threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers stationed in fortified military sites far away from the demonstrators.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 13:15 on Friday, 9 October 2015, dozens of young men and children headed to the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, particularly the vicinity of Nahal Ouz military post, to the east of al-Shujaiya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, to express solidarity with the popular uprising in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Once they approached the border and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed behind it, Israeli forces opened fire at them. As a result, 4 Palestinian civilians were killed and 31 others, including 11 children, were wounded. A Turkish journalist, Metin Kaya, an Anadolu Agency photojournalist, was also injured as a bullet hit his camera and its shrapnel hit his fingers.
At approximately 14:45, dozens of young men and children gathered in the east of al-Farrahin area in Abassan village and Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis. They headed towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel raising Palestinian flags. Once they approached the border and threw stones at Israeli forces stationed there, Israeli soldiers opened fire at them. Israeli soldiers continued to fire at the Palestinian demonstrators sporadically until the evening. As a result of the Israeli gunfire, two Palestinian civilians, were killed and 11 others were wounded, including a young man who was seriously wounded and was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.
Similar clashes erupted between Palestinian civilians and Israeli forces near the border between the Gaza Strip to the east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah and al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, and in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces fired at those civilians wounding 26 of them, including 5 children.
On 10 October 2015, 2 Palestinians, including a child, were killed when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian protestors. Moreover, they wounded 3 others. Six Palestinian civilians were wounded, including 2 children, in 2 separate protests around Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing and in the east of al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. On 11 October 2015, a Palestinian civilian was wounded around Beit Hanoun crossing in similar circumstances.
In a heinous willful killing crime, on 11 October 2015, an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a 160-square-meter house belonging to Yehya Sa'di Mohammed Hassan (26) in al-Zaitoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City. As a result of the explosion that rocked the area, 5-month pregnant Nour Rasmi Mohammed Hassan (26) and her child, Rahaf Yehya Sa'di Hassan (3), were killed. Moreover, Nour's husband sustained shrapnel wounds throughout his body and fractures to the legs and their son, Mohammed Yehya Sa'di Hassan (5), sustained shrapnel wounds throughout the body. Three others, who are the cousins of Yehya and living near his house, including a child.
In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 10 October 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sudaniya shore, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishermen. Similar attacks occurred twice on 13 October 2015, but off al-Waha shore. However, no casualties were reported.
Israeli settler/paramilitary activities:
Israeli settler/paramilitary forces escalated their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property and settlement activities continued in the West Bank.
The settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles and seriously wounded a Palestinian civilian.
On Thursday afternoon, 08 October 2015, a number of settlers from "Kiryat Arba'" settlement established on Palestinian lands in the eastern side of Hebron attacked civilians' houses adjacent to the aforementioned settlement from the western side with stones and tried to burn empty shades. As a result, families and children were terrified. All of this happened under the Israeli forces' intensive protection as they stood still watching the settlers' attacks.
On the same day, a group of settlers from a Subaru car traveling an Israeli registration plate threw stones at the Palestinian cars on "Yitsahar" road branching from Ramallah-Nablus Street. The windows of 3 vehicles passing on this Street were broken, and a child and his father were injured in their faces. The father's condition was described as critical and was taken to "Beilinson" Hospital in Israel, while the 9-year-old child sustained wounds to his face and fracture in the nose. His condition was described as stable.
On 10 October 2015, a group of settlers from "Nof Zion" settlement in Jabal al-Mukaber village, attacked Ms. Yosra Zahayka and her 2 kids while going back home in the village. She could drive and escape along with her 2 children, who were exposed to danger.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces continued their attacks on nonviolent demonstrations held each week in the West Bank.
At approximately 13:30 on Friday, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kafor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs. As a result, a 60- year-old civilian sustained 2 bullets wounds to the abdomen and the right thigh. He was then taken to Rafidah Governmental Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment.
Following the Friday prayer on 02 October 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities The protestors tried to sneak the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased them into the olive fields and into residential houses in response. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind the Annexation Wall, so they threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement Activity. The demonstrators headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent them from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and were chased into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the international community acts to stop all Israeli settlement expansion activities through imposing sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminalizing trading with them.
In addition, the PCHR callsed upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council in order to refer it to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute
For the full text of the report, click on the link
12 oct 2015
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns in the strongest terms the crime committed by Israeli forces on Monday morning, 12 October 2015, in occupied East Jerusalem, which resulted in killing Mostafa al-Khateeb on the grounds of suspicions, as this crime amounts to extra-judicial execution.
Committing such crimes as a policy adopted by Israeli forces is a translation of the decisions taken by the Israeli government and statements made by its members inciting for killing Palestinian civilians, who carry out and/or attempt to carry out stabbings against Israeli forces, police and settlers.
Furthermore, PCHR denounces this crime that is added to the series of Israeli crimes committed in East Jerusalem in particular, and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) in general. Therefore, PCHR calls upon the international community to take immediate action and fulfill its legal and moral obligations to protect the Palestinian civilians in the oPt. PCHR believes that the silence of the international community towards these crimes encourages the Israeli government to continue its policy that violates international humanitarian law.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 08:20, on the abovementioned day, while Mostafa Adel al-Khateeb (18), from Sour Baher village south of occupied East Jerusalem, was inside his car near al-Asbat Gate, which is one of the Old City gates, Israeli forces ordered him to step out of the car to be searched. Once he did, Israeli forces directly opened fire at him, as he was putting his hand in his pocket, raising suspicion for Israeli forces of an attempt to stab Israeli soldiers in the area. As a result, he was killed by over 10 bullets; some bullets hit him in the head and others penetrated his body.
The Israeli police was confused when addressing the incident. In the first statement made by the Israeli police, it was reported that the young man had stabbed a settler. However, they issued another statement claiming that he stabbed an Israeli soldier, but a third statement claimed that he refused to obey the Israeli Border Guard officer's orders to be searched and that he was hiding a knife in his pocket to stab somebody over there. The final statement explained that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier in the place, but the bulletproof vest protected the soldier.
It should be noted that this crime is the fifth of its kind committed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem within 10 days. On 03 October 2015, Israeli special officers killed Mohannad Shafiq Halabi (19) on the grounds of stabbing 2 settlers near the Hospice Hotel in al-Wad Street in the Old City. Few hours later, an Israeli police officer opened fire from a close range at Fadi Samir Mostafa Aloon (19), from al-Eisawiya village, northeast of East Jerusalem, as they claimed that he attempted to stab a 15-year-old settler. In addition, on 10 October 2015, Israeli police officers opened fire at Ishac Qasem Badran (16), from Kufor Aqeb north of the city, after he stabbed 2 settlers in al-Mesrara area, where he was left bleeding to death. Also on the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammed Sa'id Mohammed Ali (19), from Shu'fat refugee camp, after he stabbed 2 officers of the Israeli special forces in al-Amoud Gate area. As a result, Ali was immediately killed.
PCHR strongly condemns the use of excessive force by Israeli forces against the Palestinian civilians in disregard for their lives. PCHR stresses that in the above-mentioned cases, Israeli forces could have used less force against the victims or could have arrested them. PCHR calls upon the international community to take immediate and effective actions to put an end to such crimes and reiterates its call for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to fulfill their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances, and their obligation under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention. These grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions.
Committing such crimes as a policy adopted by Israeli forces is a translation of the decisions taken by the Israeli government and statements made by its members inciting for killing Palestinian civilians, who carry out and/or attempt to carry out stabbings against Israeli forces, police and settlers.
Furthermore, PCHR denounces this crime that is added to the series of Israeli crimes committed in East Jerusalem in particular, and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) in general. Therefore, PCHR calls upon the international community to take immediate action and fulfill its legal and moral obligations to protect the Palestinian civilians in the oPt. PCHR believes that the silence of the international community towards these crimes encourages the Israeli government to continue its policy that violates international humanitarian law.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 08:20, on the abovementioned day, while Mostafa Adel al-Khateeb (18), from Sour Baher village south of occupied East Jerusalem, was inside his car near al-Asbat Gate, which is one of the Old City gates, Israeli forces ordered him to step out of the car to be searched. Once he did, Israeli forces directly opened fire at him, as he was putting his hand in his pocket, raising suspicion for Israeli forces of an attempt to stab Israeli soldiers in the area. As a result, he was killed by over 10 bullets; some bullets hit him in the head and others penetrated his body.
The Israeli police was confused when addressing the incident. In the first statement made by the Israeli police, it was reported that the young man had stabbed a settler. However, they issued another statement claiming that he stabbed an Israeli soldier, but a third statement claimed that he refused to obey the Israeli Border Guard officer's orders to be searched and that he was hiding a knife in his pocket to stab somebody over there. The final statement explained that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier in the place, but the bulletproof vest protected the soldier.
It should be noted that this crime is the fifth of its kind committed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem within 10 days. On 03 October 2015, Israeli special officers killed Mohannad Shafiq Halabi (19) on the grounds of stabbing 2 settlers near the Hospice Hotel in al-Wad Street in the Old City. Few hours later, an Israeli police officer opened fire from a close range at Fadi Samir Mostafa Aloon (19), from al-Eisawiya village, northeast of East Jerusalem, as they claimed that he attempted to stab a 15-year-old settler. In addition, on 10 October 2015, Israeli police officers opened fire at Ishac Qasem Badran (16), from Kufor Aqeb north of the city, after he stabbed 2 settlers in al-Mesrara area, where he was left bleeding to death. Also on the same day, Israeli forces opened fire at Mohammed Sa'id Mohammed Ali (19), from Shu'fat refugee camp, after he stabbed 2 officers of the Israeli special forces in al-Amoud Gate area. As a result, Ali was immediately killed.
PCHR strongly condemns the use of excessive force by Israeli forces against the Palestinian civilians in disregard for their lives. PCHR stresses that in the above-mentioned cases, Israeli forces could have used less force against the victims or could have arrested them. PCHR calls upon the international community to take immediate and effective actions to put an end to such crimes and reiterates its call for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to fulfill their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances, and their obligation under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention. These grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions.