Israel committed 183 violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law during January 16-22, 2020

Reposted from PCHR report on Israeli actions during January 16-22, 2020

Civilian succumbed to wounds sustained at GMR protests in Northern Gaza Strip

Three youngsters targeted by IOF under the pretext of infiltration from eastern Maghazi refugee camp into Israel; no credible information is available about their fate.

11 shootings reported against Palestinian agricultural lands in eastern Gaza Strip, and 3 at fishing boats at western Gaza Sea

IOF aircrafts spray herbicides on agricultural lands for the second week and destroy crops, eastern Gaza Strip

During 109 IOF incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem: 82 civilians arrested, including 9 children and 3 women

IOF demolishes one house and another self-demolished, and a caravan confiscated. IOF gave out 13 notices and decisions to vacate and demolish residential buildings and houses in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.

Settlers cut 17 olive trees in Nablus and attacked a house in Hebron.

IOF established 47 temporary military checkpoints in the West Bank, where 9 Palestinian civilians were arrested

Summary

This week, PCHR documented 183 violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) by Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory. They were as follows:

In terms of the IOF shooting and excessive use of force, IOF targeted 3 youngsters, aged between 17 and 18, after they infiltrated into Israel via the border fence, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, claiming they threw a bomb at the Israeli soldiers. IOF issued a statement saying the youngsters were shot and wounded while the Israeli media said that they were killed. Moreover, their families have not received any certain information revealing their fate to date.

In the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Ministry of Health declared on 19 Janaury 2020 the death of ‘Amer Manar Mohammed al-Hajjar (33) from al-Saftawi neighbourhood in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. Al-Hajjar was wounded with a bullet to his abdomen on 14 May 2018 during his participation in the GMR protests, northeast of Jabalia, and his injury was deemed serious at the time.

Furthermore, 11 shooting incidents were reported at the agricultural lands and 2 at the fishing boats at sea in the eastern and western Gaza Strip while no casualties were reported. For the second consecutive week, IOF aircraft sprayed Herbicides at the lands along the border fence, mainly in eastern Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. It should be noted that spraying herbicides caused damage to leafy crops at lands adjacent to the border fence, which caused heavy losses. Some farmers are deterred from planting their lands that are located near the border fence in fear of such attacks. IOF claim that they intend to eliminate grass and crops that impair vision in the areas adjacent to the border fence.

On Saturday, 18 January 2020, IOF deliberately opened rainwater dam gates for the third time towards the Palestinian lands, east of Gaza City, flooding hundreds of dunums of agricultural lands planted with wheat, barley and peas, according to the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza. It should be noted that IOF opened the rainwater dams towards the Palestinian lands adjacent to the border fence in eastern Gaza city on Sunday and Thursday, 05 and 09 January 2020, flooding large tracts of crops and beehives in addition to poultry farms and greenhouses. The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture said that 1000 dunums of agricultural lands were damaged, causing a loss of $300,000.

In the West Bank, IOF wounded 6 civilians, including a child; 4 were wounded in the Kufur Qaddoum weekly protest while the 2 others were wounded during the clashes between the Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers in al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.

Under IOF incursions and house raids in addition to arresting Palestinian civilians: IOF carried out 109 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Those incursions included raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, arresting and/or injuring many others. During this week’s incursions, 82 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 children, 3 women and a journalist. The incursions also included confiscation of civilians’ vehicles and property under various pretexts.

Under the settlement expansion activities in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, PCHR documented 10 demolitions, land razing and demolition notices by IOF, including levelling 2 streets in al-Walajah village, west of Bethlehem, demolishing a tent, confiscating a caravan, north of Beit Jala, demolishing a house under the pretext of building without a license, and school foundations. Furthermore, IOF gave out a notice to stop construction works in a house in Hebron and forced a civilian to self-demolish his house in Jerusalem. Moreover, the Israeli Magistrate’s Court issued a decision to vacate Naser al-Rajabi’s building in Batn al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village in favour of “Atarit Cohanim” settlement society and gave out notices to vacate 9 other houses, claiming they are ramshackle in addition to a decision to demolish 3 residential houses in al-Humus Valley neighborhood in Jerusalem.

PCHR also documented 2 settler-attacks, including cutting 17 olive trees in Nablus and attacking a house in Hebron.

Violation of the right to life and to bodily integrity

Excessive Use of Force against Protests in the West Bank

At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 17 January 2019, a peaceful protest took off in Kufur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah, and marched towards the village’s eastern entrance, which has been closed since 2003, allegedly for the security of “Kedumim” The protestors chanted national slogans, demanded an end for the occupation and its crimes against Palestinians. The protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms and the latter responded with rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, 3 civilians were injured, including a child, namely:

Mohammed Nidal Ahmed ‘Aqel (23), was shot with a rubber bullet in the back;

Nasser Darwish Baker Barham (50), was shot with a rubber bullet in the right leg; and

Ahmed Bashar Eshtiwi (16), was shot with a rubber bullet in the right leg.

At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 19 January 2020, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip declared the death of ‘Amer Manar Mohammed al-Hajjar (33), from al-Saftawi neighborhood in northern Gaza Strip, after succumbing to wounds he sustained during his participation in the Great March of Return protests. On 14 May 2018, al-Hajjar was deemed in a serious condition after being shot and injured with a live bullet in the abdomen that penetrated his left waist, northeast of Jabalia.

Al-Hajjar’s father, Manar, told PCHR’s fieldworker that after spending 9 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), his son was transferred to Istishari Arab Hospital in Ramallah for surgeries. Afterwards, Al-Hajjar returned to the Gaza Strip and waited for the second medical follow-up at the hospital in Ramallah; however, Israeli authorities rejected his application for an exit permit. A year later, al-Hajjar’s health condition got worst, so he was sent to Egypt on 02 May 2019 where a retina was implanted in his chest and then returned to the Gaza Strip. After a while, al-Hajjar went to Egypt for follow-up, but his health condition was very serious, so he returned to the Gaza Strip. Al-Hajjar’s left kidney was removed. Al-Hajjar stayed at the Indonesian Hospital until his death was pronounced on 19 January 2020.

Shooting and other violations of the right to life and bodily integrity</li

At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 16 January 2020, Israeli aircrafts sprayed herbicides on lands along the border fence, east of Khuza’ah village, east of Khan Younis. The spraying process continued for 2 hours as IOF aircrafts headed to the east of al-Qarara. These herbicides caused damage to the leafy crops in the area adjacent to the border fence, which led to heavy losses. Moreover, some farmers were unable to reach or implant their lands due to the repeated Israeli attacks. IOF claim that they want to eliminate grass and crops for security reasons in the area.

At approximately 10:30 on the same Thursday, Israeli gunboats stationed northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 13:45 on the same Thursday, Israeli soldiers stationed at “Kissufim”military site along the border fence, northeast of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in eastern al-Qararah village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 05:40 on Friday, 17 January 2020, IOF raided al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They attacked worshippers while performing their prayer and fired rubber bullets to force them to evacuate the Dome of the rock area. As a result, 3 civilians shot and injured with rubber bullets and 7 others were arrested.

According to eyewitnesses’ statements, IOF raided al-Aqsa Mosque few minutes after dawn while thousands of worshippers, including men, women and children were at the mosque square. The eyewitnesses added that IOF patrolled the grounds and stationed all over it, surrounded the worshipers present at the roof of the Dome of the rock, chased and beat them with batons. IOF fired rubber bullets at the worshippers and forced them to leave the mosque through Bab Hetta. Eyewitnesses emphasized that IOF attacked civilians at the outside of Bab Hetta and arrested 7 and took them to a detention center in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The arrestee were identified as Mohammed Jawdat al-Shawish (30), Ibrahim ‘Ali al-Natshah (24), Mohammed Abu Shushah (24), Khalid Saleem al-Shalabi (18), Jihad Mohammed al-Shalabi, Mansour Wafi al-Tawil (27), Jihad Mohammed al-Sahalabi (19) and Qusai Mohammed al-Jabarin.

At approximately 08:25 on the same Friday, Israeli soldiers stationed in eastern Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, fired live bullets at agricultural lands in eastern Khuza’ah village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 14:25 on the same Friday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, southeast of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, fired tear gas canister at a group of civilians, who gathered near GMR camp in Khuza’ah village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 16:00, a number of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance to al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed near the military watchtower adjacent to the camp, chased stone-throwers and fired at random sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, a number of young men suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 00:40 on Saturday, 18 January 2010, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza strip, fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian shepherds, east of al-Fukhari village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 14:25 on the same day, Israeli soldiers stationed “Kissufim” military site along the border fence with Israel, northeast of Khan Yunis, opened fire at agricultural lands in al-Qararah village, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 15:30 on the same day, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip, fired live bullets at agricultural lands near the GMR camp. No casualties were reported. At approximately 18:40, IOF fired flare bombs in the sky of the abovementioned area; neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

At approximately 08:30 on Sunday, 19 January 2020, Israeli soldiers stationed in “Kissufim” military site, northeast of Khan Younis in southern Gaza strip, fired live bullets at agricultural lands in eastern al-Qararah village, adjacent to the border fence. At approximately 18:40, the shooting recurred twice. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 13:30, dozens of Palestinians, from Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron to, went to funeral procession of a civilian and headed to the Islamic Cemetery at the village eastern entrance adjacent to the bypass Road ( 60) where IOF established a military point. When civilians left the cemetery, an Israeli infantry unit patrolled ‘Asidah village area. A number of Palestinian young men threw stones at IOF, who responded with sound bombs and tear gas canisters. As a result, a number of civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation. IOF also chased stone-throwers at the village entrance and arrested 3 young men, including a child, namely Reda Mahmoud Saleh Abu ‘Ayash (14), ‘Atef Ahmed Hamdan al-‘Alami (22), and Jihad Yusuf Ibrahim Hamdan al-‘Alami (23). The detainees were taken to a detention center in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

At approximately 20:30 on Monday, 20 January 2020, Israeli gunboats stationed adjacent to Khan Younis shore in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the vicinity of Palestinian fishing boats. They also fired flare bombs in the sky of the area. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives. Neither casualties nor material damage was reported.

At approximately 20:30 on Tuesday, 21 January 2020, Israeli soldiers opened fire at 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and fired flare bombs in the sky, after they crossed the border fence in eastern al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip. Those civilians were identified as Mohamed Hani Mis’ied Abu Mandeel (17), Salem Zowaid Howaishel al-Na’ami (18), from al-Maghazi camp, and Mahmoud Khaled Mahoud Sa’ied (18), from Dir al-Balah.

IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman said: “We just identified 3 terrorists who crossed the security fence from Gaza into Israel. After our soldiers arrived at the scene, the terrorists hurled an explosive device at them. In response, our soldiers opened fire at the terrorists. Hits were identified.”

However, there were no immediate official statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Health confirming or denying the killing of the 3 civilians, while ssocial media and the Israeli media reported on the killing of the three boys inside the border fence, and the IOF’s decision to keep their bodies.

The families of the three boys told PCHR’s fieldworker, that they had not been informed by any official authority of the death of their children, and that all the information they had was from social media. They indicated that they had lost contact with their children on Tuesday evening, and they had not yet returned home. The families of the three boys confirmed that they went on Wednesday 22 January 2020, to the office of the Palestine Red Crescent Society to inform them about the incident. The PRCS said that no credible information is available about their fate.

It should be noted that the three boys are students in Shuhada al Maghazi Secondary School.

At approximately 15:00 on Wednesday, 22 January 2020, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodaniyia shore, west of Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip, chased and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boat sailing within 3 nautical miles. As a result, fishermen were forced to flee fearing for their lives. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 16:15, IOF stationed along the border fence in al-Farta area in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at border area, adjacent to the border fence. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 17:00 on Wednesday, IOF moved into Dir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. They surrounded and raided the village council office in the central of the village. Belal al-Tamimi, Head of the village council, was beaten with gun butts while he was in the office and taken to the military vehicle. IOF searched him and interrogated him before releasing him half an hour later. Al-Tamimi sustained minor wounds throughout his body. When IOF moved into the village, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the soldiers, who fired a barrage of tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. No casualties were reported. Moreover, IOF arrested Omar ‘Abed al-Ghafer al-Tamimi (38) and took him to an unknown destination.

Incursions and arrests:

Thursday, 16 January 2020:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Saf Street, in the central Bethlehem. They raided and searched Ramzi Mohammed al-Haremi’s (22) house and arrested him.

At approximately 01:20, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (3) civilians: Mohammed Shadi Mohammed Jarrar (27); Mohammed Mahmoud Kayed (25); and Ahmed Waleed Nabhan (22).

Around the same time, IOF moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Mohammed Ma’moud Hawasheen (28).

At approximately 02:00, IOF, reinforced with several military vehicles, moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched Fouad Mohammed Nawaja’a’s (35) house, and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

Around the same time, IOF moved into al-Issaweya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (4) civilians including two children: Tayseer Yousef Muhaisen (16); Naseem Amjad Muhaisen (20); Musa’ab Mahmoud Muhaisen (16); and Mohammed Ahmed Abu Ryala (19).

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Jabal al-Mawaleh neighborhood, in the central Bethlehem. They raided and searched Abdullah Ibrahim al-Jawareesh’s (20) and arrested him.

At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Abu Njeim village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched Zaid Mohammed al-Haremi’s (27) house and arrested him.

At approximately 14:00, IOF arrested Ra’ed Omar al-Ja’edi (22), from Beit Jala, while crossing a temporary military checkpoint near the tunnel street north of the city. Al-Ja’edi was taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched Osama Mohammed Yehya al-Tamimi’s (17) house and arrested him.

IOF carried out (29) incursions in Nablus, Qablan, Madama, Qusra, Burin, Ourif, al-Lubban al-Sharqeya, Quspin, Beit Eiba, Beit Wazn, and Ijnisinya villages in Nablus; Seela al-Thaher, Barqin, al- Fandaqumiya, and Sanaur, and Kafr Quod villages in Jenin; al-Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Ummar, Deir Razih, Tawas villages in Hebron; Zeita in Tulkarm; Yasouf and Bedia villages in Salfit; Hujja village in Qalqilya, Ramallah, al-Beira, al-Jalazoun refugee camp north of Ramallah, and Jericho. No arrests were reported.

Friday, 17 January 2020:

At approximately 09:40, IOF moved into Baqat al-Hatab, northwest of Qalqilia. They raided Baqat al-Hatab Mosque and photographed it before the withdrawal.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Bab Hatta neighborhood, one of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City’s neighborhoods. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Mohammed Khaled Shareefa (20) and Munir Salah al-Basti (25), and arrested them.

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Jiftlik village, north of Jericho. They patrolled the street between civilian’s houses, then they raided and searched Baha’ Hassan al-Jahalin’s (26) house and took him to an unknown destination.

IOF carried out (14) incursions in Ya’bod; Kufeirit, Beir al-Basha, and al-Zababeda villages in Jenin; Huwara, Jamma’in, Ourif, Einabus and Surra in Nablus; Hebron and al-Samoua’ in Hebron, Beit Liqya southwest of Ramallah; Jericho and Fasaiel village north of Jericho. No arrests were reported.

Saturday, 18 January 2020:

At approximately 01:00, IOF reinforced with heavy military vehicles moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched Mohannad Jaber Mahmoud Abu Sil’s (21) house and arrested him.

At approximately 11:00, IOF, stationed in Damascus Gate “Bab al-‘Amoud” in the occupied East Jerusalem, arrested Suzan al-Mbayed (50) from Abu Dis, claiming that she attempted to stab an Israeli soldier. Suzan was taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 16:00, IOF arrested Qusai Eshaq Abu Hitta (17), from Harat Jaber neighborhood, in Hebron, claiming that he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier. According to eyewitnesses, an Israeli soldier tried to attack the child Qusai where they quarreled, so the settler’s shoulder was injured. Meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers intervened and arrested Qusai then they took him to an unknown destination. Later, IOF announced in a press release that they arrested a Palestinian who stabbed an Israeli settler, and the settler was taken to the hospital to receive treatment.

At approximately 19:30, IOF established an Israeli temporary military checkpoint on the main street between Qalqilya and Nablus. IOF arrested (4) civilians from ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya, and confiscated their vehicles then released them lately. The arrestees are Amro Mohammed Abu Haneya (24); Nidal Safwan Saleem (22), Ali Hussam Swaidan (23), and Mansour ‘Asem Saleem (23).

IOF carried out (9) incursions in Halhoul, Beit Marsam, Umreesh in Hebron; al-Taiba and Rummanah villages in Jenin; Madama and Aseira al-Shamaley in Nablus; ‘Azoun village eats of Qalqilya; Attil village north of Tulkarm. No arrests were reported.

Sunday, 19 January 2020 :

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Wad neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Arafat Najeeb (36), Mohamed Sa’ied al-Dadou (24), and Mohamed Najdi (26). It should be noted that IOF released the arrestees on condition that they will came on next day morning to al-Moscovia Police Station for investigation.

At approximately 02:00, IOF backed by military construction vehicles moved into Tarqumiyia village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Rawan Shaker Qabajah’s (33) house and arrested her.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beit Fujjar village, south og Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Anas Shaher Dairiyia (18), ‘Awni Ahmed Taqatqah (16), Ahmed Salti Thawabtah (18), Yunis Yousef Zaki Dairiyia (15), and Raghed Hussain Dariyia (20).

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched Ameen Hussain Siyam (28)’s house and arrested him.

At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Ramallah and stationed in al-Tira neighborhood. They raided and searched Osama Mu’amer ‘Arabi Nakhla (26)’s house after blowing up its front door. IOF arrested Nakhla and took him to an unknown destination. Osama’s father said that at least 40 Israeli soldiers raided his house after blowing up the front door. He added that IOF arrested his son Osama after beating him with a rifle’s nozzle all over his body. He also stated that IOF blindfolded and handcuffed him and stopped him from helping his son and threatened shoot him. He also said that IOF took Osama to a military SUV and then to an unknown destination. He added that Osama is a former prisoner and this was his 2 nd arrest.

arrest. At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched the house of Head of the Supreme Islamic Organization and Khatib of al-Aqsa Mosque, ‘Akrama ‘Abdullah Sabri (81). The IOF handed him a notice to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in al-Qashlah Police Station in occupied East Jerusalem.

‘Akrama Sabri’s family said that IOF ordered him to refer to al-Qashlah police station for investigation at 13:00. He headed there and Israeli intelligence officers interrogated him and accused him of inciting against them as a preacher of al-Aqsa Mosque. They asked him about how long he worked as a preacher. Shaiekh ‘Akrama was banned from entering al-Aqsa Mosque for a week and summoned for investigation the next Saturday at al-Qashlah Police Station.

Note: IOF carried out (3) incursions in Jenin city, Ya’boud, Zabouba in Jenin; Taffouh, al-Moreq, and Beit ‘Awaa in Hebron. No arrests were reported.

Monday, 20 January 2020:

At approximately 01:00, IOF backed by military vehicles moved into Kharsa village in western Hebron. They raided and searched Anas Ibrahim Shadeed’s (28) house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF backed by military vehicles moved into Hebron and stationed and deployed in al-Dahdah area. IOF raided and searched Miqdad ‘Abdullah al-Qawasmah (28) and Mo’tasem Mohamed al-Natsha (30)’s houses. No arrests were reported.

Around the same time, IOF moved into al-Ram village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Karam Sa’ied al-Qaddoumi (23)’s house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF backed by military vehicles moved into Yatta in southern Hebron. They stationed in al-Swidan and Fattouh areas in central Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses, from which they arrested Samer Mousa al-Dababsah (24), Mohanad Mahmoud Abu Malash (25) and Ibrahim Khalil ‘Atiyah (27).

Around the same time, IOF moved into Marah Rabah village in southern Bethlehem. They raided and searched Ibrahim Ma’ouz ‘obaid (22)’s house and arrested him.

Around the same time, IOF moved into Jayyous village in northern Qalqiliyia. They raided and searched Mahmoud ‘Abed al-Hameed al-Khatib (52)’s house and arrested his son Ra’fat (18).

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Beit Fujjar village in southern Bethlehem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Ameer Ahmed Mahmoud Taqatqah (16) and ‘Abdullaj Diab Thawabtah (17). Both of them were later arrested and taken to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, IOF moved into ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched houses and arrested Mahmoud ‘Abed al-Kareem Haroun (23).

At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Abu Shikhidam village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ameer Mohamed Mahmoud Abu Daher (26), Mohamed Suhail Harb Abu SHikhadam (29), and Laith Mohamed Shareef Qendah (21). IOF also handed Moayad Qendah (20) a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Ofer” Prison in Betunia, west of Ramallah.

At approximately 06:10, IOF moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses and arrested Ahmed Hamdan Abu Sabri (19).

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Ibrahim Ma’ouz ‘Obaid’s (63) house and arrested him.

At approximately 18:50, IOF arrested 3 civilians, including a child, while getting out of al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. IOF severely beat them and took them to al-Qashla Police Station. The arrestees were identified as Aya Abu Nab (21), Hamza Abu-Nab (17) and Mohamed Khaled Sharifa (20).

Eyewitnesses said that IOF stopped Aya while getting out of Hatta Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates, detained her and confiscated her cell phone without giving reason. The IOF also attacked the worshipers, surrounded them and beat them up with batons. It should be noted that IOF summoned Aya last week for investigation and arrested Moahmed Sharifa last Thursday and later released him.

IOF carried out (5) incursions in Beit Ola, Sureef, al-‘Aqlah, al-Hadab, and Beit ‘omara in Hebron; and Kafur ‘Ain village, northwest of Ramallah. No arrests were reported.

Thursday, 21 January 2020:

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into the Eastern neighborhood and Nour Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Rami Asa’ad Abu Shalbaya (37) and Husain Helmi Abu Shanab (26), and then arrested them.

Around the same time, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles, moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses and arrested (5) civilians: Maher Zuhair Abu Warda (26); Qusai Wael Badawi (29); Ashraf Samir Jawabra (30); Rani Mohammed Hudaib (33); and Mohor Mahmoud Ja’ara (56).

At approximately 02:00, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles, moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses and before the withdrawal, they handed Mohammed Musa Za’aqiq (18) and Malik Ayesh Abu Maria (18) summonses to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services in “Gush Etzion” settlement south of Bethlehem. IOF also arrested (3) civilians: Rashed Bashar Issa Za’aqiq (18), Mohsen Mohammed Mohsen Za’aqiq (18), and Malik Ayesh Abu Maria (18).

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Zawata village, west of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Ahmed Mazen Saleh (23).

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Burin, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Abdulrahman Mashhour Mohammed al-Najjar (24).

At approximately 06:00, IOF stationed at al-Hamra checkpoint, northeast of Nablus, arrested Munir Ibrahim Fuqaha (27) and Yazan Ghaleb Sawafta (28), from Tubas. Munir and Yazan were taken to an unknown destination.

At approximately 14:00, IOF established a temporary military checkpoint on route 505 highway, southeast of Nablus. Before removing the checkpoint, they arrested the photojournalist Yazan Ja’far Fawzi Abdullah Abu Salah (26), a photographer at al-Hadaf Magazine and Beesan Association who live in ‘Araba, southwest of Jenin. He was arrested while passing through the checkpoint in a taxi, and then he was taken to an unknown destination.

Around the same time, IOF established a temporary military checkpoint on the western entrance of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, arrested Mousa Munir Ja’ar (25), from Hebron. Mousa was taken to an unknown destination.

IOF carried out (5) incursion in Nablus, Dura, Bani Na’em, al-Samoua, and Tarkoumiya in Hebron. No arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 22 January 2020:

At approximately 02:00, IOF reinforced with several military vehicles, moved into Deir Samit village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Da’oud Abdulwahab al-Horoub’s (33) house and arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Sebastia, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Mohammed Nour al-Deen Mukhaimer (42).

At approximately 09:00, IOF stationed on the entrance of “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem, arrested Mohammed Yousef Abu ‘Arqoub (29), from Tawas village, southwest of Hebron. Mohammed received a phone call to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Services (Shin Bet) before he was arrested.

At approximately 11:00, IOF, stationed on “Abu al-Rish” military checkpoint on the southern entrance of Hebron’s Old City, arrested Mohammed Khaled Abu Turkey (19) who is mentally ill. IOF claimed that Mohammed was found in possession of a knife, so he was taken to the investigation center of “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron.

IOF carried out (3) incursions in Beit Ula, Beit Awwa village, and al-Hadab village in Hebron.

Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem

Demolition and Confiscation of Civilian Property for Settlement Expansion Activities

At approximately 05:00 on Thursday, 16 January 2020, IOF construction vehicles demolished 2 streets in Khelet al-Khour neighborhood in western Bethlehem. IOF handed Waleed Moahmed al-Atrash a notice to demolish retaining walls and a door in his 600-sqaure-meter agricultural land, in addition to uprooting all crops without giving any reasons.

At approximately 06:00, IOF demolished a tent and confiscated a caravan property of Mohamed Mousa Zarinah in Bir’ounah area in northern Beit Jala, under the pretext of non-licensing. Zarinah said that a military force attacked and demolished the tent, which was established months ago and sheltered his family. He clarified that the force confiscated a caravan placed in his land and sheep. The family became homeless after their tent was demolished for the 6 th It should be noted the family’s house was previously demolished by IOF.

It should be noted the family’s house was previously demolished by IOF. At approximately 09:00, IOF accompanied with Israeli Civil Administration officers and backed by military construction vehicles moved into al-Rafi’iyia village in southern Hebron. They demolished Hussain Moahmed Salam Rab’i’s 80-sqaure-meter house nunder the pretext of non-licensing. The house sheltered 10 people, including 6 children. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities handed Rab’i a notice to stop construction works and demolish his house. They also ordered him to license the house in the Construction and Licensing Department of “Beit Eill” settlement. A verbal altercation occurred between IOF and civilians during the demolition. As a result, IOF arrested Mohamed Eyad Mohamed Rab’i(18) and Zakria Hitham Jebreel Rab’i (18), and took them to an unknown destination. Furthermore, IOF fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to disperse the civilians, who suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 13:00, IOF accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration officers and backed by military construction vehicles moved into Kherbet Bireen in eastern Hebron. The soldiers were deployed at the village entrance while the construction vehicles destroyed 640 square meters of a school’s concrete foundations (under construction). Four days ago, the Israeli authorities handed construction workers at the building site, a 96-hour notice under the pretext of non-licensing, so there was no time to challenge before the Israeli Courts.

At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 17 January 2020, ‘Ammar Nassar implemented the Israeli Municipality decision and self-demolished his house in al-Mokaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing. Nassar said that the municipality staff came into his house and ordered him to self-demolish his house. They gave him until Tuesday to implement the demolition, otherwise they would do it and bill him. Nassar clarified that his 60-sqaure-meter house sheltered 6 people, including 4 children, and was built 8 years ago. He added that his brothers Maher and Mohammed implemented the municipality decision and demolished their houses 2 weeks ago. The three brothers and their families became homeless in the cold weather.

On Sunday, 19 January 2020, the Israeli Magistrates Court issued a decision to vacate Naser al-Rajbi’s building in Batern al-Hawa neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, in favor of “Ateret Cohanim” settlement Association. “Ateret Cohanim” Settlement Association claimed that Yemeni Jews own the land on which the building is constructed.

Baten al-Hawa Committee said that in 2016 the Israeli Magistrates Court judge rejected Al-Rajabi family’s objection to the judicial notices they it received from “Ateret Cohanim,” and since then the family has been fighting to prove their ownership of the land and the 3-apartment building that sheltered 16 people, including children, elderlies, and persons with disabilities. The committee clarified that the last court hearing was in September 2019 and the court issued a decision in favor of “Ateret Cohanim” Settlement Association, which had obtained the right to run the properties of the Jewish Society that claims ownership of the land in 2001, and has been sending notices to the neighborhood’s residents since September 2015 to vacate. 84 Palestinian families received notices to vacate their homes. The committee explained that al-Rajabi family’s building is located within the settlement expansion scheme to take over 5 dunums and 200 square meters of Al-Hara Al-Wusta neighborhood in Batn al-Hawa area, divided to 6 plots of land (73, 75, 88, 95, 96, 97) as the Association alleges that Yemeni Jews own the lands since 1881. “Ateret Cohanim” Settlement Association claims that the Israeli Supreme Court recognized the ownership of Jews from Yemen over the land; however, the local committee asserts that residents bought these lands decades ago and have the official papers to support their claim.

The residents pointed out that about (26) families and (3) shops are under the threat of receiving eviction orders by the Israeli Municipality, because their houses sustained damage. The residents affirmed their rejection of the eviction orders and leaving their houses, stressing their deep fear of transferring the ownership of their houses to the settlers. They also emphasized that the Israeli municipality evaded its responsibilities to restore their houses and repair the old water networks, which were heavily damaged by the Israeli excavations under the Old City.

At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 20 January 2020, IOF accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration officers and backed by military construction vehicles moved into Wad Jehish area in southern Hebron. They handed Hisham Khalil Salama Nawaj’ah (33) a notice to stop construction works in his 35-square-meter house built of bricks, under the pretext of non-licensing.

On the same day morning, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a decision to demolish 3 residential facilities in Wadi al-Humus neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext of being near the annexation wall established on the village lands. The Committee of Wadi al-Humus neighborhood stated that the Palestinian Ministry of Local Government licenses the residential facilities, which are threatened to be demolished, as most of the buildings are located in Area “A” that is under the Palestinian Authority control according to the Oslo Accords. The facilities belong to Na’im al-Atrash, Mohammad Abu Tair, and Naeem Eliwa, noting that the Israeli authorities demolished 10 residential buildings near the wall in July 2019, according to Military Order (80/11) which prohibits construction works near the annexation wall regardless of the land classification, and whether it is in Area A or B, according to the Oslo Agreement.



Israeli Settler Violence

On Friday, 17 January 2020, Israeli settlers, from “Rehlim” settlement, which is established in northern al-Sawiyia village, southeast of Nablus, attacked Palestinians’ lands in al-Wad area, which is classified as Area C according to Oslo Accord. The settlers cut 17 olive trees, property of ‘Abed al-Raheem Mohamed Yousef, which was planted 8-10 years ago.

At approximately 23:00 on Saturday, 18 January 2020, Israeli settlers, under the tight IOF’s protection, moved into Jaber neighborhood in eastern Hebron. The settlers threw stones at Fawaaz Zaraqou’s house and cursed his wife and son. After that, IOF intervened and dispersed them from the area. Ni injuries were reported. Suzan Zaraqou said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “I saw settlers walking on the street with IOF while I was in the balcony. When settlers approached my house, they cursed me and my son Mohamed (17) without any intervention from the IOF. After that, the settlers threw stones at us. I brought a camera and photographed them, meanwhile, the IOF intervened and dispersed them.”

Closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and goods

West Bank

In addition to permanent checkpoints and closed roads, this week witnessed the establishment of more temporary checkpoints that restrict the goods and individuals movement between villages and cities and deny civilians’ access to their work. IOF established 47 temporary checkpoints, where they searched Palestinians’ vehicles, checked their IDs and arrested 9 of them.

The military checkpoint were as follows:

Jerusalem:

On Thursday, 16 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to ‘Anata, Badou and al-Jadirah villages.

On Saturday, 18 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to ‘Anata village.

Bethlehem:

On Thursday, 16 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the western entrance to Beit Fujjar village, in ‘Aqbat Hasnah area, and near al-Nashnash area.

On Friday, 17 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Beit Jala village and at the entrance to Um Rokaba village.

On Saturday, 18 January 2020, IOF tightened their measures at al-Container checkpoint, northeast of the city, and obstructed the vehicles’ movement.

On Sunday, 19 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Faridas village and near al-Nashnash area.

Hebron:

On Thursday, 16 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Ethna village and at the northern entrance to Hebron.

On Friday, 17 January 2020, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrance to al-Fawwar refugee camp, at the southern entrance to Halhoul village, and at the entrances to Sa’ir and Beit ‘Awaa villages.

On Saturday, 18 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Koum, Dura and Yatta villages.

On Sunday, 19 January 2020, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Shayyoukh, Beit Kahel and Dura villages, and at the entrance to al-Fawwar refugee camp.

On Monday, 20 January 2020, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhoul city, at the northern entrance to Yatta village, and on Kharsa village road.

On Tuesday, 21 January 2020, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the entrances to al-Shayyoukh, al-Moreq and Ethna villages, at the southern entrance to Halhoul.

On Wednesday, 22 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance to Hebron and at the eastern entrance to Dura village.

Salfit:

On Friday, 17 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Kaful Hares village.

Tulkarm:

On Friday, 17 January 2020, IOF tightened their measures at ‘Inab military checkpoint east of Tulkarm.

Jenin:

On Sunday, 19 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints in al-Moraba’a area, at the southern entrance to Tal village, at the entrance to Bazariyia village, branching from Nablus-Jenin street. Also IOF stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, at the4 southeastern entrance to Nablus, Shafi Shamroun, on Jenin-Nablus street, Beit Foreek, at the northeastern entrance to Nablus, tightened their arbitrary measures against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.

Nablus:

On Friday, 17 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-Nasraniyia village, northeast of Nablus. IOF stationed at Hawarah checkpoint and at the southeastern entrance to Nablus, tightened their arbitrary measures against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.

On Sunday, 19 January 2020, IOF established 2 checkpoints in al-Moraba’a area, at the southern entrance to Tal village, at the entrance to Bazariyia village, branching from Nablus-Jenin street. Also IOF stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, at thesoutheastern entrance to Nablus, Shafi Shamroun, on Jenin-Nablus street, Beit Foreek, at the northeastern entrance to Nablus, tightened their arbitrary measures against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.

On Monday, 20 January 2020, IOF stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, at the southeastern entrance to Nablus, tightened their arbitrary restrictions against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.

On Wednesday, 22 January 2020, IOF stationed at Hawarah checkpoint, at thesoutheastern entrance to Nablus, Shafi Shamroun, on Jenin-Nablus street, at the northwestern entrance to Nablus, tightened their arbitrary measures against the Palestinian civilians who cross the checkpoint and undergo thorough searches before being allowed to cross.

Ramallah:

On Saturday, 18 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Biten village, northeast of Ramallah.

On Sunday, 19 January 2020, a similar checkpoint was established at the entrance to Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah.

On Tuesday, 21 January 2020, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah.

Jericho: