Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (11- 17 February 2016)

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Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(11 – 17 February 2016)

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the oPt 6 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a young woman, were killed in the West Bank. 56 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children and a woman, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces conducted 81 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one in the central Gaza Strip.

76 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children, were arrested. Twenty-one of them, including 14 children, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem and its suburbs.

7 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were arrested in the central and southern Gaza Strip while sneaking through the border fence into Israel to look for work.

Jewish majority efforts continued in occupied East Jerusalem.

11 agricultural facilities in al-Eisawiya village, northeast of the city, were demolished.

Israeli forces issued notices for the demolition of dozens of houses in al-Eizariya village.

Settlement activities continued in the West Bank.

35 dwellings, 41 livestock barns and 26 structures attached to them in Nablus and Tubas were demolished.

22 families consisting of 164 individuals, including 105 children, were rendered homeless.

Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 9 th

Dozens of temporary checkpoints were established in the West Bank and others were re-established to obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians.

4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were arrested at military checkpoints.

A trader was arrested at Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing, north of the Gaza Strip.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (11 – 17 February 2016).

Shooting:

Israeli forces have continued to commit crimes, inflicting civilian casualties. They have also continued to use excessive force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the majority of whom were youngsters. Occupied East Jerusalem witnessed similar attacks. During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a young woman, in the West Bank, 2 of whom were killed in occupied Jerusalem. In addition, they wounded 56 civilians, including 13 children and a woman; 46 of whom, including 11 children and a woman, were in the West Bank and 10, including 2 children, were in the Gaza Strip. Concerning the nature of injuries, 46 civilians were hit with live bullets, 9 were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets and a civilian was hit with a tear gas canister right to the face.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and a young woman, and wounded 46 others, including 11 children. Forty-three of them were hit with live bullets and 3 others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets. Among the wounded were 42 civilians, who were wounded during an Israeli incursion into al-Am’ari refugee camp in al-Bireh, in the central West Bank, to carry out arrests.

Killings committed by Israeli forces in the West Bank were as follows:

On 13 February 2016, Israeli forces deployed in al-Sahlah Street in the centre of Hebron shot and killed Kalzar al-Ewaiwe (18) after she stabbed an Israeli soldier at the military checkpoint near the Shari’a Court.

On the same day, Israeli forces guarding the annexation wall, west of Jenin, killed Nehad Waked (16) and Fo’ad Waked (16), from al-Arqah village, west of Jenin. Israeli forces claimed that the two children had opened fire from a homemade automatic gun at a military vehicle guarding the wall. The Israeli media published a photo of a homemade machine gun, which was a simulation of an M16, claiming that it belonged to the 2 children.

On 14 February 2016, Israeli police officers opened fire at Mansour al-Shawamrah (20) and Omer Amr (20), both from al-Qbaiba village, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, while being present in front of the walls of the Old City, near the light rail, under the pretext of an alleged shooting at Israeli soldiers. As a result, both of them were killed with several bullets throughout their bodies. It should be noted that they were officers at the Palestinian National Security Service.

On the same day, Israeli forces stationed at “Mazmouria” checkpoint that was erected at the entrance to “HarHoma” settlement between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, opened fire at Na’im Ahmed Safi (17), from al-Ebeidiya village, east of Bethlehem, under the pretext of an alleged stabbing against an Israeli soldier at the checkpoint. As a result, Safi was shot and killed with several bullets.

Concerning injuries, 43 civilians, including 9 children, were wounded during Israeli incursions; a woman was wounded at a military checkpoint in Hebron; a 16-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the head; a civilian was wounded during a peaceful protest in Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, and a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left side during a protest around Ofer Prison, southwest of Ramallah.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 10 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children; 9 of whom were wounded during a protest along the border fence, east of al-Shaja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. In addition, a civilian was wounded during a protest near the annexation wall, east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. Three of them were hit with live bullets, 6 others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets and one was hit by a tear gas canister to the face.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 81 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 76 Palestinian civilians, including 19 children. Twenty-one of them, including 14 children, were arrested in East Jerusalem and its suburbs.

During the reporting period, following the killing of 2 Palestinian children from al-Arqah village, west of Jenin, near the annexation wall in the village, Israeli forces cordoned the village and closed its entrances with sand barriers. Israeli forces claimed that the 2 children had opened fire at a military vehicle near the annexation wall, south of the village.

In the Gaza Strip, on 17 February 2016, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion in the east of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. They levelled lands along the fence and re-deployed in al-Salqa Valley, east of Deir al-Balah.

In the same context, on 11 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, while attempting to sneak into Israel through the border fence, southeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, to look for work. They were released on the next day.

On 16 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel arrested 3 Palestinian civilians while attempting to sneak into Israel through the border fence in al-Shouka village, south of the Gaza Strip.

Efforts to Create Jewish Majority

On 15 February 2016, officers from the Israeli municipality and Nature Authority raided a parking lot belonging to Nasri Moheisen in al-Eisawiya village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They gave him 24 hours to vacate the parking lot. It should be noted that the aforementioned person uses that parking lot for his vehicles and trucks.

On 16 February 2016, the Civil Administration officers distributed notices for the demolition of dozens of houses in al-Baba Mount in al-Eizariya village, southeast of occupied Jerusalem, amidst a tight closure on the area. An eyewitness said that the demolition notices were distributed to push their owners to leave them for the interest of establishing a “National” park and other settlement projects as part of “E1” plan that would completely isolate Jerusalem.

On 17 February 2016, the Israeli municipality vehicles demolished agricultural structures and large areas of lands in al-Eisawiya village, northeast of the city. The demolitions included several dunums of agricultural lands on which 11 agricultural structures were established.

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 (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 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.

Settlement activities:

On 11 February 2016, Israeli forces demolished 11 dwellings, 11 livestock barns and 14 structures attached to them in al-Farisiya, Ein al-Beida and Bardala areas in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. As a result, 49 families, including 25 children, were rendered homeless.

On the same day, Israeli vehicles demolished industrial facilities, an agricultural room and an artesian well and confiscated a bulldozer and a mobile house in al-Naq’a, al-Zawiya and al-Halaba areas in Beit Our al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah.

On 15 February 2016, Israeli vehicles demolished 24 residential tents, 30 livestock barns and 12 structures attached to them in al-Rashash area, south of Douma village, southeast of Nablus. As a result, 115 families, including 80 children, were rendered homeless.

Details

Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 04 February 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Taweel Mount, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ramadan Walid Jum’a al-Taweel (38), and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bassam ‘Awad Ramadan (22), and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and Tulkarm refugee camp adjacent to the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Talib Khadir Diyab (50). They withdrew later and no more incidents were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron, and stationed in al-Tharwa area, south of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Anan Yousef Zama’rah (42) and told the family to make their son Yousef (19) surrender soon.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Eibah village, west of Nablus. They raided and searched many houses and arrested Raef Mahmoud ‘Aqil (22).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Eibah village, west of Nablus. They raided and searched many houses and arrested Mo’tasem Hsan Jouda (22).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Our al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 6 civilians, including 3 children, and then took them to Benjamin police station, northeast of Jerusalem. The arrested persons were identified as:

Khalid Abed Yousef Abed al-Fatah (16), Durgham Yoused Abed al-Fatah (15), Hussain Mahmoud al-Sadeq Jadallah (27), Shaher Abdullah Mousa Othman (25), and his brother Ahmed (23),and Othman Mahmoud Othman (17).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Kherbit Khelit al-Mayiah, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jamil Shehada Makhamrah (18), and arrested him.

At approximately 05:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 6 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as :

Durgham Maher Fayiz Zakarnah (19), Mohammed Farouq Mohammed Kmail (35), ‘Alaaddin Mohammed Zakarnah (20), ‘Alaa Abdullah Ali Hathnawi (20), Ahmed Abed al-Hameed Kayed Lubani (19), and Mohammed Bassam Mohammed Kmail (19).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces arrested 4 civilians, including 3 children, while they were trying to sneak through the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, southeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip. Israeli forces took them to an unknown destination and then released them at approximately 05:00 on the next day morning. The arrested persons were identified as Husam al-Deen Mohammed Abed al-Haleem Ali (19); Ramzi Ayman Ismai’l al-Sa’afeen (15); Mohammed Ahmed ‘Awaad Abu ‘Ajami (16) and Shakir ‘Atif Shakir al-‘Awawdah (17). All the arrested persons are from al-Bureij refugee camp.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 6 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Samou’a village; Bani Na’eim village; al-Moureq village; al-Sourah village; Dir al-‘Asal village in Hebron; and ‘Anzah village, south of Jenin.

Friday, 12 February 2016

At approximately 02:45, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Our al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah. They stationed in front of a house belonging to Ibrahim Osama Yousef ‘Alan (23), who was killed along with his friend Hussain Abu ‘Oush (17), both from Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, after being shot in “Beit Horon” settlement on 25 January 2016. Israeli soldiers raided the house and handed Ibrahim’s father an administrative demolition order. No more incidents were reported.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched many houses and handed Mo’aaz Salama Jawareesh (20) and Khadir Ahmed Saqre (30) 2 summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 11:40, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqilyia. Israeli vehicles made their way into the village streets from which they detained 2 journalists and released them 5 hours later. The arrested journalists were identified as Ayman Nobani and Mohammed Turabi.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 10 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: ‘Ezbit al-Tabeeb village, east of Qalqilyia; Jayyous village, northeast of the city; Halhoul village; Ethna village; Tafouh village; Kharaas village; Kharsah village; Beit al-Rush village in Hebron; Sirees village, south of Jenin; and Nazlit ‘Isaa village, north of Tulkarm.

Saturday, 13 February 2016

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved intoTulkarm and Tulkarm refugee camp adjacent to the city. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Haitham Khalid Mohammed Farhanah (26) and Mohammed Ziyad Saleh Farhanah (34), a former prisoner. They withdrew later and no more incidents were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces deployed in al-Sahlah Street in the centre of the Old City in Hebron, killed Kalzar “Mohammed Abed al-Haleem” “Mohammed ‘Azmi” al-‘Awiwi (18), from ‘Ain Sarah neighbourhood in central Hebron. Israeli forces opened fire at her after she stabbed an Israeli soldier at the military checkpoint near the Sharia They left the girl lying on the ground, after which, she was pronounced dead. A military jeep then transported the corpse to an unknown destination. At approximately 16:00, the abovementioned girl was delivered to the Palestinian military liaison after summoning her father to identify the corpse. Medical sources stated that the preliminary autopsy results pointed out that the girl was hit with 3 live bullets that entered and exited the right elbow, chest and the lung. As a result, she suffered from severe bleeding, due to which, she was pronounced dead later.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 3 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Zaboba village; ‘Aneen village, northwest of Jenin, and ‘Alar village, north of Tulkarm.

Sunday, 14 February 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Rezeq Waleed Thawabtah (18), and Izz al-Din Sameeh Thawabtah (18).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Abayyat village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched many houses and then arrested Sadam Hussain ‘Abayyat (23).

At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wael Salman Sadeq al-Sha’ir (19) and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Dahyisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Salem Qasem al-Masri (22), and ‘Amar Sami Hajajrah (35).

In the morning, Israeli forces guarding the annexation wall, west of Jenin, killed 2 children in the 10th grade, from al-‘Arqah village, west of Jenin. Israeli forces claimed that the aforementioned children opened fire from an automatic homemade gun at a military vehicle stationed around the annexation wall. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 10:00, Israeli soldiers opened fire at Nihad Raied Mohammed Wakid (16), and Fo’ad Marwan Kamal Wakid (16), while they were present in the vicinity of the annexation wall established in the southern area of al-‘Arqah village (Batin al-Dabie’). As a result, the two children were hit with several live bullets to the upper parts of their bodies, so they fell to the ground. After that, Israeli forces arrived at the area and closed it, preventing the PRCS ambulances from reaching the wounded children for 45 minutes. When the ambulances were allowed to have access to the children, the later were pronounced dead. The corpses were taken by an ambulance, which was stopped for an hour. In the meantime, Israeli forces were interrogating the relatives of aforementioned children, who came to the place once they heard about the killing of the children. After which, Israeli forces allowed the ambulance to take the corpses to Dr. Khalil Suliman Hospital in Jenin. Moreover, Israeli media published a photo of a homemade machine gun claiming that the aforementioned children used that gun to open fire at the soldiers.

At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Mazmoria checkpoint at the entrance leading to “HarHoma” settlement (Abu Na’iem Mount) between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, opened fire at Na’eem Ahmed Yousef Safi (17), from al-‘Abedyia village, east of Bethlehem. Israeli forces claimed that the above-mentioned civilian intended to carry out a stabbing attack against the soldiers stationed at the checkpoint. As a result, Ahmed was shot and killed with several live bullets. According to Luba al-Samri, spokesperson for Arabic-language media, an Arab was suspected of carrying out a stabbing attack against a group of Israeli Border Guard officers, who were searching a vehicle heading to Jerusalem through Mazmoria checkpoint. An Israeli officer noticed that a suspect was coming towards the soldiers holding a knife in his hand. As a result, the soldiers directly fired live bullets at the attacker, which resulted in his killing. It should be mentioned that the aforementioned checkpoint leading to Jerusalem, is located near al-Nu’man and al-Khaas villages, north of Bethlehem.

At approximately 15:30, A group of Israeli Border Guard officers stationed at Abu al-Reesh checkpoint established at the entrance of al-Salaima neighbourhood, south of the Old City in Hebron, opened fire at Yasmeen Hiba Rashad Hijazi Zouro al-Tamimi (20), from al-Fahs area. As a result, she was hit with several live bullets. Israeli forces opened fire at Yasmeen, who was on her way to her grandfather’s house and was 20 meters away from the soldiers. Israeli forces claimed that Yasmeen had a knife and intended to carry out a stabbing, whereas a video recording taken by B’Tselem – The Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories – showed that Yasmeen was not holding a knife when she was shot. According to PCHR’s investigations, Israeli forces opened fire at Yasmeen without any justification; she was present near the abovementioned checkpoint and did not pose any threat to the security and lives of Israeli soldiers. Moreover, eyewitnesses stated that Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance arrived at the place, where Yasmeen was wounded. The ambulance driver got out of the ambulance and began to take pictures of the girl lying on the ground without offering her first aid. Ten minutes later,another MDA ambulance arrived, but the paramedics did not offer any medical assistance to Yasmeen as well. After that, an armoured vehicle arrived from which a number of soldiers got out. They took the girl without offering first aid to her on the spot. Yasmeen family knew later that their daughter was present at Tsh’ari Tseideq Hospital in Jerusalem.

At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces moved into Jabi’ village, south of Jenin. A number of young men gathered and threw stones at military vehicles. Israeli forces fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters, and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, a 19-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head and was then taken by a PRCS ambulance to Dr. Khalil Sulaiman Hospital, where medical sources classified his heath condition as stable.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 10 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Halhoul village, Dura, Sureef village, Tarqumiya village, al-Koum village, Imrish village, Hadab al-Fawar village in Hebron; Qalqilyia; al-Nabi Iyyas village and Salfit.

Monday, 15 February 2016

At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm and Tulkarm refugee camp adjacent to the city. They raided and searched 3 houses and interrogated their residents. They withdrew later and no more incidents were reported. The aforementioned houses belong to Hisham Saleem ‘Isaa Abu al-Foul (49); Ahmed Haitham Mahmoud Abu Deeb, a former prisoner; and Thaier Nafiz Ahmed Rahaymah (26), a former prisoner too who was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and has been still in detention in the Israeli jails since 2008.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 3 civilians from the Old City and al-Shamali Mount. The arrested persons were identified as Raied Sami Hamdan (23), ‘Alaa Abu Zant (22), from the Old City, and Fares Abdullah Halawa (24), from al-Shamali Mount.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron, and stationed in Hunaynah area, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house of Thaier Jihad Abu Sondos (22), and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Rashad Jaber Barghouthi from which they arrested 3 of his sons. The arrested persons were identified as Hussain (24), Mohammed (21) and Rashad (19).

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron, and stationed in al-Karmel area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Raied Ishaq Abu Hamid (40), and arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bassan Faleh Abed al-Jawad al-Razim (16), and arrested him.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arqah area, west of Jenin. Israeli bulldozers closed the village entrances with sand barriers and cordoned the village. In the meantime, more than 50 vehicles patrolled the village streets. In the morning, Israeli forces stationed at the village entrances, while the village was still cordoned. It should be mentioned that Israeli forces moved into the aforementioned village after the killing of 2 children, who were accused of opening fire at military vehicles near the annexation wall.

In the morning, Israeli forces moved into Sureef village and Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron, claiming that there was a civilian intending to carry out a stabbing attack in “Beit Ein” Israeli forces combed the area and arrested Adam Ali Ahmed al-Qadi (26), from Sureef village.

At approximately 08:00, a group of Israeli undercover agents “Mosta’rebeen” in vehicles with a Palestinian registration plate into al-Am’ary refugee camp in al-Bireh. They raided a house belonging to Ayman Abu ‘Arab to arrest him under the pretext that he was wanted for the Shin Bet intelligence agency. They also interrogated his family about his whereabouts. Moreover, they raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Diyaa Jamal Jaber (25), and Dawoud Suliman Haboub (25), and arrested both of them. In the meantime, dozens of young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers, who heavily fired Two Two bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, 42 civilians, including 9 children, were wounded. Forty-one of them were hit with live bullets, while the other civilian was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right arm. The wounded persons were then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. (PCHR keeps the name of the wounded persons)

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and stationed in the eastern side of the village as well as in Ras al-‘Ain neighborhood, south of Nablus, in order to secure the crossing of vehicles carrying settlers who wanted to perform their Talmudic prayers. Israeli forces made their way into ‘Amman street, vegetables market (al-Hesbah) and at al-Ghawi and Ras al-‘Ain intersection. A number of young men gathered and threw stones at the military vehicles. Israeli forces immediately fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs, due to which some of the protestors fell in the market yard. As a result, large boxes of vegetables and fruits were burnt. The losses were estimated at NIS 300,000. It should be noted that the boxes belong to traders Ghanem Fayez Qasem Ahmed Abu Ghunaim and Ayman Saymah.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 5 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: al-Daheryia village; Ethna village; Beit Marsam and al-Hadb villages in Hebron; Beit Lid village, east of Tulkarm.

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Rafat village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched many houses belonging to Murad Isma’il ‘Ayash (34); Nader Isma’il Shehada (37); Iyyad Isma’il Shehada (34) and Tawfiq Hussain Zidan (38). They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:10, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilyia. They raided and searched a residential building and arrested Adeeb Jaber al-Ghalban (29).

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawyia village, west of Salfit. They raided a residential building belonging to Nab’a family from which they arrested two brothers. The arrested persons were identified as Ahmed Nab’a (23), and Sa’eed Abdel ‘Azim Mousa Nab’a (26).

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into several neighbourhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Taha Husani al-Shareef (24), Hashim Hijah al-Atrash (26), Idrees Hasonah al-Ja’bari (21) and his brother Mohammed (19).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Abiyyat village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested Hani Abdullah Taqatqah (39), and Qusai Mahmoud Thawabtah (22). They also handed Mahmoud Abdullah Taqatqah (19) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement complex, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided a house belonging to Mohammed Nasri Naji Kmail (22), and arrested him.

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Bassam Shafee’ Hammad (19), and arrested him.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Obada Mohammed Khalil Hamad (16), from al-‘Arqah village, west of Jenin, and arrested him. In the meantime, they raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ammar Ibrahim Shalash Hamour (28), and arrested him too. It should be mentioned that on the previous day, Israeli forces moved into the aforementioned village and closed all the entrances with sand barriers. Additionally, they killed 2 children claiming that they opened fire at the soldiers.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel arrested 3 civilians while they were trying to sneak into Israel from al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into Dier Balout village, west of Salfit. They raided a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Adel Abdullah (18), and arrested him.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out 8 incursions in the following areas without reporting any arrests: Dura and Yatta villages; Beit Ummer and Sureef villages; al-Hadb and al-Moreq villages in Hebron; Yasouf village, east of Salfit; and Deir Balout village, west of the city.

Wednesday, 17 February 2016

At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 3 civilians; 2 of them are students at al-Najah University. The arrested persons were identified as Majdi Fayiz al-Zaghah (22); Mo’men Mounir Sabah (22), Engineering students at al-Najah University, and Majed al-Qotub (24).

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched many houses from which they arrested 3 civilians. The arrested persons were identified as Mo’men Ahmed Mostafa Abu Mo’alah (23); Mohammed Ziyad Mohammed Abu ‘Odah (26) and Raied Mohammed Abu Mo’alah (27).

At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces accompanied with 4 bulldozers moved into al-Bureij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip, 150 meters away from the fence. They sporadically opened fire and combed the lands along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Four hours later, Israeli vehicles made their way to the southern area and deployed in al-Salqa valley area, east of Deir al-Balah. Neither casualties nor material damage were reported

Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall

West Bank:

At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 11 February 2016, following the funeral procession of Omar Madi, who was killed at the southern entrance of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, on the previous day, dozens of young men gathered and threw stones at the watchtower established in the area. Israeli forces indiscriminately fired tear gas canisters at the protesters whereas other military vehicles arrived at the area. The soldiers closed the entrance and preventing the civilian vehicles from entering and exiting the village. Moreover, a number of soldiers topped residential houses and fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and no arrests were reported.

On Friday, 12 February 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the southern entrance to al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, near an UNRWA school for boys, 300 meters away from the fence of “Beit Eil” settlement, to organize a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Israeli attacks in the oPt. The demonstrators threw stones at the settlement fence, due to which, Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters and then chased them into the camp. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation, while Israeli Border Guard officers arrested Hamza Mohammed Abed al-Jalil Dalash (16) after beating him and taking him to an unknown destination.

Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian young men organized a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with journalist Mohammed al-Qeeq, the hunger striker in the Israeli jails, on the road between Selwad and Yabroud villages, northeast of Ramallah; and in the vicinity of Ofer prison, southwest of the city. Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protester. As a result, a 17-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right side and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment.

Gaza Strip:

At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 12 February 2016, dozens of young men headed to the border area between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’yia neighbourhood, east of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers stationed behind the sand barriers. Israeli forces fired live bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, 9 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. Three of them were hit with live bullets, while the 4 others were hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.

Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border area between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Burij refugee camp, in the centre of the Gaza Strip. The protesters threw stones at the soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers stationed behind sand barriers opened fire at them in response. As a result, Abdullah Abed al-Qader Mohammed al-Qalqily (22) was hit with a tear gas canister to the face and was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, after which, he was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital, because his heath condition was serious.

Demonstrations against the annexation wall and settlement activities

Following the Friday prayer, on 12 February 2016, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, to organize a peaceful demonstration in the protest at the annexation wall and Israeli settlement activities. The protesters made their way into the village streets and then headed to the annexation wall. When the protesters attempted to cross the land behind the wall, Israeli forces prevented them, due to which, the protesters threw stones at them. Israeli forces fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters in response. As a result, a 16-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah.

Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in Bil’in village, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city; and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli forces used force to disperse the protesters by firing live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many civilians suffered teas gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up

Note: PCHR keeps the names of the injured persons in the aforementioned demonstrations.

Rubber-coated metal bullets are lethally if they hit the head of victim from a close range.

Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

Date Imports Category Amount Tons Number Liters 09 February Various goods 4,801.45 Humanitarian aid 19,217 Cooking gas 243,310 Benzene 259,010 Diesel Diesel for UNRWA 744,002 38, 000 Industrial fuel 472, 462 Construction aggregates 14,480 Cement 3,400 Construction steel 420 10 February Various goods 4,836 Humanitarian aid 21,322 Cooking gas 156,800 Benzene 294,985 Diesel Diesel for UNRWA 452,962 67,000 Industrial fuel 429,100 Construction aggregates 15,360 Cement 3,880 Construction steel 1,320 11 February Various goods 4,362 Humanitarian aid 20,175 Cooking gas 199,750 Benzene 76,000 Diesel Diesel for UNRWA 616,979 38,000 Industrial fuel 517,580 White diesel 38,000 Construction aggregates 15,240 Cement 3,800 Construction steel 690 14 February Various goods 4,089.8 Humanitarian aid 21,374 Cooking gas 241,380 Benzene 149,000 Diesel Diesel for UNRWA 538,000 76,000 Industrial fuel 391,940 Construction aggregate 16,000 Cement 4,200 Construction steel 330 15 February Various goods 4,184.1 Humanitarian aid 20,682 Cooking gas 242,930 Benzene 257,000 Diesel Diesel for UNRWA 436,986 228,000 Industrial fuel 624,410 Construction aggregates 15,640 Cement 3,480 Construction steel 360

Exports:

On Tuesday, 09 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 15 truckloads of vegetables; a truckload of eggplants; and a truckload of tomatoes.

On Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 6.2 tons of strawberries; 36.4 tons of tomatoes; 20.5 tons of cucumbers; 6 tons of eggplants; 3.5 tons of cabbages; 4 tons of zucchinis; 0.6 tons of fish; 0.5 tons of garlic; 0.33 tons of mints; 22 tons of lemons and 16 tons of sweet peppers.

On Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of strawberries.

BeitHanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

09 – 16 February 2016

Category 09 February 10 February 11 February 12 February 13 February 14 February 15 February 16 February Patients 48 52 33 1 – 75 82 68 Companions 42 47 36 1 – 72 77 67 Personal needs 66 64 109 30 – 115 88 102 Families of prisoners – – – – – – 90 – Arabs from Israel 2 4 4 7 – 2 5 9 Diplomats 6 – – – – – – – International journalists – – – – – – – – International workers 27 37 69 6 – 14 38 52 Travelers abroad 3 24 9 – – 7 8 5 Business people 375 408 400 – – 538 426 453 Business meetings – – – – – – – – Security interviews 19 15 15 – – 13 8 17 VIPs – – 1 1 – 1 1 5 Ambulances to Israel 5 1 3 2 – 4 6 4 Patients’ Companions 5 2 1 2 – 2 5 4

Notes:

On Friday, 12 February 2016, Israeli authorities allowed 182 Palestinians to travel via Beit Hanoun crossing to perform prayers in al-Aqsa They also allowed on Monday, 15 February 2016, 4 officers from the General Authority of Civil Affairs to attend a meeting at the crossing.

Trader was arrested at Beit Hanoun crossing

On Tuesday, 16 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Ahmed Sa’id Mousa al-Bashiti (35), a trader of agricultural products from Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, after he was summoned for an interview with the Israeli intelligence service at Beit Hanoun crossing, north of the Gaza Strip. Mohammed’s family said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he headed to the crossing at 09:00 on the abovementioned day upon a summons from the Israeli intelligence service. He was then detained. On Wednesday, 17 February 2016, the family received a phone call from the liaison officer informing them that Mohammed was arrested and then transferred to al-Majdal Prison.

West Bank

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

Hebron: Israeli forces established 13 checkpoints all over the city. On Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, northern entrance to Hebron, entrance to al-Thaheriyah village and northern entrance to Yata. At approximately 07:00 on the same day, Israeli military bulldozers closed the road to Kherbet Khelet al-Mayeh, east of Yata, south of the city, with sand barriers in addition to the sub-road between Bypass Road (60) and Yata. The closure came without any prior warning as the area did not witness any security incidents since so long.

On Friday, 12 February 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp and the entrance to Beit Oula village.

On Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, entrance to Beit Ummar and entrance to Sorif village.

On Monday, 15 February 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebrob, and the entrance to Beit Ummar village, south of the city.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces established two checkpoints at the southern entrance to Hebron and the entrance to Halhoul “al-Nabi Younis”.

Ramallah and al-Bireh: Israeli forces established 5 checkpoints all over the city. On Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Deir Abu Mesh’al village, northwest of Ramallah, the entrance to Senjel village, north of the city and under the bridge of Yabrud village, northeast of the city.

On Monday, 15 February 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and near the intersection of Beit Ur al-Foqa village, southwest of Ramallah.

Jericho: on Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints near Fasayel village and near the entrance to al-Zbeidat village, north of Jericho.

Jenin: At approximately 18:30 on Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Jenin and Nablus near the intersection of ‘Arrabah village, south of Jenin.

At approximately 15:30 on Saturday, 13 February 2016, Israeli forces established a similar checkpoint on the road between the villages of al-Jarba and Sanour, south of Jenin.

At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to Kfeiret village, southwest of the city.

Qalqilya: Israeli forces established 11 checkpoints all over the city. At approximately 20:30 on Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near ‘Ezbet al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya (on the main road between Qalqilya and Nablus).

At approximately 07:50 on Friday, 12 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya while at approximately 12:20 another checkpoint was established at the eastern entrance to the city. At approximately 20:30, the checkpoint was re-established at the same entrance.

On Saturday, 13 February 2016, Israeli forces established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Azoun, ‘Ezbet al-Tabib, east of Qalqilya, the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of the city and at the eastern entrance to Qalqilya. On Sunday, 14 February 2016, 4 checkpoints were established at the entrances to ‘Azoun and ‘Ezbet al-Tabib, east of Qalqilya, the intersection of Jeet village, northeast of the city, the entrance to al-Nafaq to Hablah village and the southern entrance to the city.

Salfit: On Saturday, 13 February 2016, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit, the bridge of Askaka village, east of the city and the northern entrance to the city.

Tulkarm: at approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at ‘Inab Checkpoint established on the main road between Tulkarm and Nablus, east of Tulkarm, tightened their arbitrary restrictions against Palestinian civilians and obstructed their movement at the aforementioned checkpoint. The tightening recurred at approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 14 February 2016.

At approximately 20:30 on Friday, 12 February 2016, Israeli forces established a checkpoint near the entrance to Eastern Baqah village, north of Tulkarm.

Arrests

At approximately 16:20 on Saturday, 13 February 2016, Israeli forces stationed at Za’atarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mohammed Hussein Bani ‘Odah from Tamoun village, south of Toubas, and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 15 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested Hani ‘Eid Rabay’ah (38) from al-‘Abidiyah, east of Bethlehem, when he was on his way back from work in East Jerusalem under the pretext of not having a permit.

At approximately 19:00 on the same day, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the enrance to Kafr Lubad village, east of Tulkarm. The soldiers stopped all vehicles travelled from and to the village. When a vehicle belonging to Diaa’ Mohammed Reda ‘ ‘Abdel Karim Foqahaa’ (18) and Mohammed Jamal Foqahaa’ (16) was crossing the checkpoint, the Israeli soldiers arrested both of them.

Efforts to Create Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Shooting incidents

On Sunday afternoon, 14 February 2016, Israeli police officers opened fire at two Palestinians from al-Qabibah, northwest of Jerusalem, when the later were next to the Old Wall of Jerusalem between al-‘Amoud “Damascus” Gate and al-Jadid “New” Gate near the Light Rail Station on suspicions of carrying an armed attack against Israeli soldiers. As a result, both of them were hit with bullets and died on the scene.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 22:30 on the aforementioned day, Israeli police and security border guard officers opened fire at Mansour Yaser al-Shawamrah (20) and ‘Omer Mohammed Ahmed ‘Amr (20) after the two Palestinians refused to obey the Israeli forces’ orders to stop. Israeli forces claimed that two young men attempted to fire at them, but none was wounded. Therefore, the Israeli soldiers opened fire back at them killing them immediately. When the death of two young men was declared, the Israeli authorities turned the Old City into a military barrack. They deployed their forces and patrols, established many iron barriers and carried out a wide search campaign among the Jerusalemites and their cars passing from the area. It should be mentioned that the two aforementioned young men were officers in the Palestinian National Security Services.

Incursions and arrests

At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces raided a beauty salon in Wadi Hilweh neighbourhood belonging to Rim al-Salaymah in Silwan, south of Jerusalem, under the pretext of looking for “prohibited” items. The aforementioned civilian said that Israeli Intelligence officers dressed in civil clothes raided “Katrina” Beauty Salon after surrounding it.

Rim al-Salaymah said, “I asked the officers to give me couple of minutes to put on my “hijab” as I was with a customer. However, the officers dressed in civil clothes raided the salon and asked me to stop and not interfere. They precisely searched the salon and damaged its contents. They made sure to open all closed boxes and removed parts of the dry wall in several places using hand-demolition tool. They also checked the salon’s documents and the pictures hung on the walls. They also prevented anyone from approaching the salon and prevented me from answering my phone. An Israeli Special officer beat her brother and pointed his gun at him when he attempted to enter the salon.”

At approximately 18:00 on the aforementioned Thursday, Israeli forces arrested Yousif Mohammed Yousif Masharqah (14) and Mohammed Nabil al-Tawil (13) while they were playing in East Jerusalem’s Old City. They were taken to “al-Qishlah” police station for interrogation.

At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 12 December 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyah, northeast of Jerusalem. They stationed in the vicinity of “Abu Riyalah” and “Dari” neighbourhoods, so dozens of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones at them. In response, the Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at stone-throwers. They chased them and managed to arrest ‘Abdullah Nasser Abu Khati (13) and Mahmoud Abu ‘Aweis (18). They were taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-Tur neighbourhood, east of East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 6 civilians. The arrested civilians were identified as Ahmed Akram Abu al-Hawa (21); Lo’ay Hani al-Sayyad (24); Salman Abu Sbeitan; Amin Khader Abu al-Hawa; Kefah Yasser Abu al-Hawa and Yousif Abu Jom’ah.

At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 15 February 2016, Israeli forces arrested Tasnim Taysir Abu Romouz (14) and Hanin ‘Abdul Latif Ja’abis (14) while they were at al-Dimeir Preparatory School for Girls in al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of Jerusalem. They were taken to the interrogation Department in Room 4 in al-Maskoubiyah in West Jerusalem. Their detention was extended to appear before the Magistrate’s court next day at noon. Tasnim’s sister said that following the aforementioned day afternoon when his sister was in al-Dimeiri School, she and Hanin were transferred to the Social Affairs Department in Jerusalem as the School Principal found a knife. After the two girls were arrested, the school administration told the family about what happened.

At approximately 15:00 on the same Monday, Israeli forces arrested Rama Fayez Ja’abis (15) when they were near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City under the pretext of having a knife. An eyewitness said to a PCHR fieldworker that the student was walking towards the Damascus Gate when the Israeli soldiers stopped and arrested her after beating her.

At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 16 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into Ayman Abu Rmeilah in al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem. They arrested his child Nour (14) and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 21:00 on the aforementioned Tuesday, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khaled al-Qawasmi in Sha’fout refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. They arrested his son Ahmed (17) and took him for interrogation in al-Qashlah police station after he published a post on Facebook saying “I want to be a martyr”.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging Na’im ‘Ashayer in al-Tour neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem. They arrested his son Ahmed (17) and took him to an unknown destination.

At approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, 17 February 2016, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyah village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and then arrested 4 children from the village. The arrested persons were identified as Mahmoud Ashraf Mahmoud ‘Abeid (13) ‘Adel Naser Mahmoud (16); Muhannad Ma’moun Abu ‘Asab (12) and ‘Alaa’ ‘Ali Seidawi (12).

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Qasem al-Hadrah in al-tour neighbourhood, east of Jerusalem. They arrested his son Mohammed (15) and took him to an unknown destination.

House demolitions and demolition notices:

At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 15 February 2016, Joint crews of the Israeli municipality, Nature and Parks Authority and Israeli forces raided a parking lot belonging to Nasri Sabri Mheisen in the village of ‘Issawiyah village and gave him 24 hours to evacuate it.

Mohammad Abu Hummos, member of Follow-up Committee in the village of ‘Issawiyah, said that the officers from the Israeli municipality and Nature and Parks authority raided a land belonging to Nasri Mheisen that is used as a 250s-quare-meter parking lot for his vehicles and trucks. They gave him 24 hours to evacuate it.

Abu Hummos added that the Israeli forces prevented the residents of ‘Issawiyah from using a land near the entrance of the village as a parking lot few months ago because of their daily presence in it in addition to placing cement blocks around it. The village of ‘Issawiyah lacks parking areas and one of those affected was Mheisen who was forced to use another piece of land as an alternative parking.

Abu Hummos added that Mheisen was surprised on Monday when he was given only 24 hours to evacuate the land. He pointed out that this land is under threat of being confiscated in favour of “National Parks”. The residents challenged the “National Parks” plan, which aims at seizing their lands for the interest of settlement projects.

Abu Hummos said, “The Nature and Parks Authority and the municipality are ignoring the Israeli Courts’ decisions to freeze the national parks plan until further notice. They are racing time to confiscate civilians’ lands to implement their settlement projects.”

On Tuesday, 16 February 2016, staffs from the Israeli Civil Administration and Israeli forces’ backups handed demolition notices to dozens of houses in al-Baba Mount in al-‘Izariyah village, southeast of Jerusalem while the area is under a tightened military closure. An eyewitness said to PCHR that the Israeli municipality staffs handed dozens of residents notices to evacuate their houses to demolish them later for the interest of establishing a Talmudic “national” garden and settlement projects. This is part of the most dangerous “E1” plan, which would isolate Jerusalem from its Palestinian extension, in addition to seizing hundreds of dunums for the interest of these plans. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces raided many times the area and demolished dwellings and livestock pens in the area under the pretext of no license.

At approximately 06:00 on Wednesday, 17 February 2016, Israeli municipality vehicles in Jerusalem levelled agricultural structures and large tracts of lands.

Mohammad Abu Hummos, member of Follow-up Committee in al-Issawiyah village, said that the Israeli forces along with three bulldozers and municipality crews and Nature and Parks Authority moved into the village on Wednesday at approximately 05:00. They moved into large areas of land in the eastern part of the village and demolished agricultural structures in the lands. They also removed trees and damaged agricultural roads and borders between the lands.

Abu Hummos added that the leveled lands are aimed to be confiscated by the Israeli authorities in favor of the “National Parks” project and to connect the settlement of “Maale Adomim” with the city of Jerusalem. Several appeals were submitted by the residents of al-‘Issawiyah and Al-Tur against this settlement project in the last few years resulting in the cancellation of the project. The National Committee for Planning and Building decided in 2014 to freeze the project and conditioned the Jerusalem municipality and Nature and Parks authority to study the residents’ needs in terms of schools, kindergartens, homes and medical centers before proceeding the project.

The municipality vehicles leveled the following:

Two tracts of land belonging to ‘Adnan Dariwsh; one of which is around 8 dunums and another is around half dunum. Moreover, dozens of planted trees in both tracts were leveled and uprooted. A livestock barn built of wood and steel and the surrounding land of 600 square meters in addition to damaging fodders. All of the aforementioned belong to Saleh Turok. A 1-dunum farm, 4 livestock barn and 2 barracks in addition to damaging fodders. All of the aforementioned belong to Murad Mustafa. An 18-square-meter container, fences and a land in addition to damaging a land used as a parking lot. All of the aforementioned belong to Nasri Mheisen. A farm and its facilities, barn built of tin plates and bricks, two containers of 80 square meters. All of the aforementioned belong to Sa’ed Sheikah ‘Abeid.

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.

Settlement activities

At approximately 05:30 on Thursday, 11 February 2016, Israeli forces bulldozed industrial facilities, agricultural structures and artesian wells and confiscated a bulldozer and mobile house in the areas of al-Naq’a, al-Zawiyah and al-Halabah in Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta village, southwest of Ramallah.

According to information obtained by a PCHR fieldworker from the facilities’ owners, Israeli forces backed by an armoured personnel carrier, 3 bulldozers and an Israeli Civil Administration officer moved into al- Naq’ah, al-Zawiyah and al-Halabah in Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta village at the southern, eastern and western entrances to Beit ‘Oar al-Tahta village. They imposed a military cordon on it and the bulldozers proceed to levelled until at approximately 08:30. Israeli forces levelled and confiscated the following:

An artesian well located in the south of the village belongs to Hamdan ‘Atalah Mohammed Soliman; A 10-square-meter structure roofed with tin plates, west of the village, belongs to Thafer ‘Allan; A garage for second-hand machine parts belongs to Sultan Soliman and Hani Ahmed Rayan, 4 illegal cars, 16-square-meter yard made of concrete and a caravan’s roof in addition to confiscating another caravan; and Confiscated a JCB bulldozer belongs to Moukhtar Mohammed Helal.

At approximately 07:30 on Thursday, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into the areas of al-Farisiyah, ‘Ein al-Beida and Bardala in the Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozer immediately proceeded to level dwellings, livestock pens and barracks belonging to dozens of Palestinian families living in the aforementioned areas. Israeli forces levelled the following:

Two residential tents, 3 barracks, 3 livestock pens, bakery oven “Taboun” , and bathroom belonging to the 2-member family of Talal Yousif Mohammed ‘Aydah in al-Farisiyah area. A residential tent, bathroom, kitchen, water tank and 7 batteries for solar power belonging to the 5-member family of ‘Allan Lafi Daraghmah in al-Farisiyah area. Two residential tents, bathroom and water tank belonging to the 3-member family of Mohammed Faris Fayyad Subeih in al-Farisiyah area. A residential tent, 200- square – meter barrack for livestock and 150-square-meter livestock pen belonging to the 9-member family of Hamed Rezeq Daraghmah in al-Farisiyah. A residential tent and another tent used as a livestock pen belonging to the 5-memmber family of Ziad ‘Adnan Sa’id Dababat in al-Farisiyah area. A residential tent, another ten used as a livestock pen, bathroom and bakery oven belonging to the 2-member family of ‘Adnan Sa’id Dababat in al-Farisiyah area. A residential tent belonging to the 3-member family of Yousif Talal Yousif ‘Aydah in al-Farisiyah. A residential tent and bathroom belonging to the 5-member family of Burhan Lafi Daraghmah in al-Farisiyah area. A 50-square-meter caravan belonging to the 8-member family of Ziad Shehadah ‘Ali Foqahaa’ in Bardala area. A residential tent, livestock barrack built of tin plates, 150–square-meter tents for fodder storage, milking machine.

At approximately 09:30 on Sunday, 14 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration moved into al-Baq’ah area, east of Hebron, adjacent to “Kiryat Arba” settlement. The Civil Administration officer handed each of Nemer Fahmi Jaber and Hani Salim Jaber two notices to stop construction works in their under-construction houses of 120 square meters under the pretext of building without a permit.

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 15 February 2016, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle belonging to the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into al-Rashash area, south of Douma village, southeast of Nablus. The bulldozer proceeded to level residential tents, livestock pens and barracks belonging to 12 Palestinian families. Israeli forces levelled the following:

Two residential tents, 4 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 13-member family of Soliman Salamah Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 3 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 10-member family of ‘Ali Salamah Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 2 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 8-member family of Mohammed Hassan Sharay’ah al-Faqir. Two residential tents, 2 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 4-member family of Salamah Soliman Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 2 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 7-member family of Salamah Soliman Zawahrah. Three residential tents, 3 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 4-member family of Khaled Salamah Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 4 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 11-member family of ‘Eid Salamah Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 2 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 12-member family of Khaled Salamah Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 2 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 4-member family of Mohammed Soliman Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 3 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 14-member family of Mohammed Soliman Zawahrah. A residential tent, 3 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 8-member family of Khaled Ahmed Zawahrah. Two residential tents, 2 livestock barracks and a bathroom belonging to the 4-member family of Ahmed Hasan Zawaharah.

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:

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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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; 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;

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Public Document

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