PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

No. 36/2003

18-24 Sep. 2003

Israeli Forces continue to violate human rights in the OPT

As al-Aqsa Intifada approaches its 4^th year, the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) continues to deteriorate due to ongoing assaults perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians. This week, Israeli occupying forces perpetrated more violations of human rights against Palestinian civilians in the OPT, including willful killings, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, incursions into Palestinian areas, house demolitions, land leveling and arrests. They also seized more Palestinian land for the purpose of the construction of the separation wall in the West Bank and they continue to maintain a total siege on the OPT. This week, 3 Palestinians, including 2 children, were killed and 28 others, including a number of children, were wounded by Israeli occupying forces.

This morning, Thursday, 25 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces killed 2 Palestinian activists in Hebron, during exchanges of fire. The brother of one of the activists was wounded and arrested. Also, this morning, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles and 2 helicopters, moved into al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. A Palestinian was killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli forces after they raided his house and another was killed when he confronted the Israeli forces. Palestinian medical sources also declared that a 3-year-old child died from a heart attack, after heavy Israeli shelling of the area. 6 Palestinians, including a child, were wounded by the shelling (see press release for further details.)

On Monday morning, 21 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces surrounded a Palestinian home in Hebron, forcing the residents to evacuate the building. The troops then demolished the house, killing 1 Palestinian, who was wanted by Israeli occupying forces for alleged participation in attacks against Israeli targets. On the same day, medical sources at the Women’s Union Hospital in Nablus declared that 16-year-old Shadi ‘Awni Mansour succumbed to a wound he sustained by Israeli occupying forces last year in Nablus.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 13 incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they destroyed a number of Palestinian houses. This week, Israeli occupying forces completely or partially destroyed 22 Palestinian houses in Rafah and Khan Yunis. They also razed large areas of agricultural land and destroyed a number of greenhouses. On Tuesday, 23 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Manara neighborhood near the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. During the operation that was claimed to be aimed at uncovering tunnels in the area, Israeli occupying forces killed 1 Palestinian child, injured 8 civilians and destroyed 14 Palestinian houses. In another incident at approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 23 September 2003, the residents of 4 houses in Khan Younis were notified by Israeli forces through megaphones that their homes were to be demolished by the evening of the same day. The homes, in which 30 people live, are located in Gizan Abu Rashwan area in the southwest of the town. PCHR submitted an appeal to the Israeli military legal advisor on behalf of the families to stop the demolition. In his response, the Israeli military legal advisor claimed that Israeli military activities in the area were aimed at exploding landmines, rather than demolishing houses and if the Israeli military was to demolish the homes, the owners would be sent official notification to allow them to appeal the order.

In the latest attack on Palestinian educational institutions, on Tuesday morning, 23 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces opened fire at 3 UNRWA schools in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah. A teacher and a student were wounded by Israeli gunshots.

On the same day, Israeli soldiers at a military location in the vicinity of “Dogit” settlement in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at 4 PCHR staff members, including 2 internationals, who were in al-Sayafa area to investigate the living conditions of Palestinian civilians in the area. The Israeli gunfire continued for several minutes and the staff members were forced to take shelter to avoid being injured.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian controlled areas, accompanied by indiscriminate shelling and shooting. They raided houses and arrested a number of Palestinians. On Thursday morning, 18 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces invaded the northern West Bank town of Jenin. They imposed a curfew on the town and raided houses claiming to search for allegedly wanted Palestinians. They opened fire at Palestinian civilians wounding 5, including 2 children. On Monday evening, 22 September 2003, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces raided a café in Nablus. They assaulted several people in the café, arresting 27; 22 of whom were later released. The 5 others remained in custody.

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces continued to take retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, they destroyed 2 Palestinian houses in Jenin and Hebron.

While the media has focused on the alleged debate between the Israeli government and the US administration on the issue of the separation wall, Israel continues to execute plans to annex yet more Palestinian land in violation of international law. Israeli occupying forces have continued to build the separation wall in the West Bank, issuing new orders concerning the confiscation of land privately owned by Palestinians. This week, Israeli occupying forces issued a military order confiscating 150 donums of land from Artah and Far’oun villages, south of Tulkarm, located east of the wall, to use as a station for Israeli trucks and vehicles that participate in the construction of the wall.

Israeli occupying forces have maintained a strict siege on the OPTs, particularly in the West Bank, restricting movement of Palestinian civilians. This week, in the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints, north of Khan Yunis, on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) restricted movement of Palestinian civilians traveling between the north and south of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli occupying forces have also restricted movement at border crossings of the Gaza Strip. Since 14 September 2003, al-Mentar crossing has been closed; the only commercial crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Although Israeli occupying forces reopened the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, 23 September 2003, after a 2-week closure, they continue to restrict the access of Palestinian workers to their places of work in Israel. They have stipulated that only individuals over the age of 35, with a valid work permit will be permitted to cross the border. Workers from Rafah and Khan Yunis have been totally prevented from working in Israel.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces continued to tighten their military siege on Palestinian communities. Since Thursday, 18 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces have imposed a strict siege on Jenin.

Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

Early in the morning, Israeli occupying forces invaded the northern West Bank town of Jenin. They imposed a curfew on the town and raided houses claiming to search for allegedly wanted Palestinians.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by approximately 30 military vehicles, moved into Jenin through the eastern and western entrances. Israeli soldiers took position on the roofs of a number of houses and public buildings, particularly in the eastern part of the town. Israeli forces raided dozens of Palestinian houses and forced a number of residents to evacuate the houses and held them for a number of hours to check their identities. Later, a number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the children and at houses in the vicinity. 5 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded by Israeli gunshots:

2. Mahmoud ‘Abdul Nasser Gharib, 15, wounded by pieces of shrapnel in the abdomen and the legs, and by a live bullet in the left thigh;

4. Farah Mohammed Saleh Abu Sorour, 8, wounded by a live bullet in the left leg; and

5. Ibrahim Khalil Abu al-Rub, 23, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 150m into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis. Immediately, they leveled areas of agricultural land they had razed in an operation last week and uprooted trees from a tract of land owned by Khaled Yousef Mahdi al-Banna. They also damaged a room in an uninhabited house owned by Mohammed Ahmed al-Masri.

According to eyewitnesses, Israeli military vehicles often move into the area preventing Palestinian farmers from accessing their agricultural lands. Israeli forces have also warned residents of the area against providing any assistance to Palestinian gunmen and that any attacks on the settlement will prompt the destruction of more houses and agricultural land. Many Palestinian families have been forced to leave the area as it has been subject to frequent Israeli shelling.

At approximately 07:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 150m into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Younis. They destroyed a 1-donum[1] greenhouse owned by Darwish Suleiman al-Masri.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 200m into al-Salam neighborhood adjacent to the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. They demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Ramzi ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Abdul ‘Aal, in which 7 people lived.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They destroyed a 120-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Muhareb Talal Muhareb Timraz, in which 5 people lived.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by a tank and 2 military bulldozers, moved approximately 100m into the east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. During the 4-hour incursion, the Israeli military bulldozers razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 6-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus and olives and a 200-meter-long barbwire fence owned by Jamal Hassan Yousef Abu Shanab and his brothers

2. They razed a 6-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus and olives owned by Mahmoud Yousef Abu Shanab and his brothers

At approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of “Gani Tal” settlement, northwest of Khan Younis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and farms in al-Rabwat area to the east. Several live bullets hit houses in the centre of the town. As a result, a Palestinian woman, Rizqa ‘Abed al-Saiqali, 42, was wounded by shrapnel from a live bullet in her left shoulder, while she was inside her house approximately 2km away from the source of fire.

At approximately 01:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 300m into Abu Sabt area in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Younis. Israeli soldiers raided a 3-storey house owned by Salman ‘Ali Abu Sabt, in which 3 families (13 people) live. They held the families in one room and mounted the roof, converting it into a military site. In the meantime, Israeli soldiers raided houses of Nawaf and D’iab ‘Abed Rabbu ‘Ali Abu Sabt. They forced the 16 residents of 2 of the houses to evacuate the buildings and used Nawaf as a human shield while searching his house and arrested his two sons; Rabi’, 20, and Nidal, 17.

At approximately 08:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 4 heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 150m into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the border. They destroyed a 150-square-meter house owned by Jamal D’ib Hassan Jouda, in which 8 people lived.

At approximately 13:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned in a military location in Tal Zo’rob area in the southwest of Rafah and on tanks positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Zo’rob neighborhood. A Palestinian woman, Ghalia Humaidan Zo’rob, 55, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head, while she was inside her house.

At approximately 16:30, a number of Palestinian children threw stones at an Israeli military convoy on the main road near Balata and ‘Askar refugee camps, east of Nablus. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the children and a number of other civilians in the area. 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded by Israeli gunshots:

1. Yahia Zakria Hussein al-Khatib, 15, from Balata refugee camp, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen, which caused an acute internal hemorrhage;

2. Jalal Mohammed ‘Aabed Abu Salem, 25, from ‘Askar refugee camp, wounded by shrapnel in the right hand;

3. ‘Omar Jamal ‘Omar Halloush, 19, from ‘Askar refugee camp, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left side;

4. ‘Emad Jawdat Ahmed Saif, 18, from Burqa village, north of Nablus, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli soldiers in tanks positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood to the north. A number of live bullets hit an electricity transmitter, cutting electricity from the whole town until 09:00 the following day.

At approximately 08:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 200m into Zo’rob neighborhood in the south of Rafah. The destroyed a house and 2 greenhouses:

1. They destroyed a 120-square-meter house owned by Mahrous Mohammed Khalil al-Dabbas, in which 2 people lived.

2. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land, on which 2 greenhouses stood, owned by Mousa Mohammed Khalil Zo’rob.

At approximately 16:00, 2 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. Israeli soldiers in the jeeps opened fire indiscriminately at the streets. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at the jeeps. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the children, wounding 17-year-old Bader Hamdi Yousef Nasasra with a live bullet in the right knee.

An hour later, the 2 Israeli military jeeps moved to the nearby village of Beit Dajan. Israeli soldiers fired at Palestinian civilians in the center of the village for no apparent reason. Mohammed Sa’id Mustafa Abu Thabet, 18, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg.

At approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of “Morag” settlement, south of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and farms in Gizan al-Najjar area to the north. No casualties were reported, but a house owned by Mohammed Mahdi ‘Aashour was damaged.

Early in the morning, Israeli occupying forces surrounded a Palestinian home in Hebron, forced residents out and then demolished the house, killing 1 Palestinian who Israeli occupying forces claimed was wanted for alleged participation in attacks against Israeli targets.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 02:15, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into al-Bassa neighborhood in the west of Hebron. Covered by indiscriminate shooting, Israeli troops surrounded the house of Akram Mustafa ‘Abdul Hafez Shahin, home to 5 people, including a handicapped child. Israeli soldiers opened fire at the house from a distance of approximately 100m. At approximately 02:40, Israeli soldiers used megaphones to order residents of the house to immediately evacuate the house. The residents left the property and Israeli soldiers held the children in a neighboring house, and handcuffed and interrogated the owner’s wife, Zohour Hanin Shahin, 55. At approximately 03:10, Israeli occupying forces again opened fire at the house with heavy artillery, targeting it from 3 positions. At around 05:40, Israeli forces, accompanied by a bulldozer demolished the remaining structure of the house. At approximately 08:30, Israeli occupying forces fired 5 shells destroying a water-well near the house. The bulldozer continued to level the remains of the property and was later seen removing a body from the ruins. Witnesses reported seeing Israeli soldiers mutilating the body before taking it to an unknown destination. At approximately 11:00, Israeli occupying forces later identified the body as that of Bassel Shafiq ‘Abdul Qader al-Qawasmi, 26, who was allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying forces for his activities in the Hamas movement. Israeli occupying forces have kept the body and refused to deliver it to the victim’s family.

At approximately 10:00, medical sources at the Women Union Hospital in Nablus declared that 16-year-old Shadi ‘Awni Mansour succumbed to a wound he sustained by Israeli occupying forces last year in the old town of Nablus. According to PCHR’s investigations, on 25 December 2002, Israeli soldiers on tanks that had already moved into the old town of Nablus opened fire indiscriminately. Manour was wounded by a live bullet in the neck while he was near his house. He was evacuated to the Specialized Hospital in Nablus. According to medical sources, he was then transferred to a Jordanian hospital. On 17 July 2003, he was brought to the Women Union Hospital in Nablus, where he remained until he was pronounced dead.

Also at approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces started to establish a military observation tower in the vicinity of “Gush Qatif” settlement bloc, southwest of Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah. Israeli soldiers in military locations and on tanks positioned in the area opened fire at Palestinian houses and streets in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood. 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded:

2. ‘Ali Yousef al-Balbaisi, 18, wounded by shrapnel in the right shoulder; and

At approximately 13:00, Israeli occupying forces started to establish a military observation tower north of “Morag” settlement, south of Khan Yunis. Israeli levers were seen erecting cement blocks, while Israeli soldiers fortified the site, which would overlook al-Sha’er and al-Najjar neighborhood in the Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis.

In the evening, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces raided a café in Nablus. They beat people in the café’ and arrested 27 of them, 22 of whom were released later, while the others remained in custody.

According to PCHR’s investigation, at approximately 18:30, a Palestinian registered civilian jeep stopped near Rabah al-Diwani café on Rafidya Street northwest of Nablus. 40 Palestinians were inside the café. Immediately, 4 persons in civilian clothes, who were holding M16 guns, got out of the jeep. They pointed their guns at all of those present in the café and ordered them to raise their hands. A few minutes later, more Israeli forces arrived in the area to reinforce the undercover unit. Israeli soldiers forced the detained Palestinians to get out of the café and stand near a wall with their hands up. Israeli soldiers beat and interrogated most of these Palestinians. Approximately half an hour later, Israeli soldiers released all of those who were over 40. Then, they handcuffed 27 Palestinians and took them to Hawara detention center. There, Israeli soldiers blindfolded them and left them without food until 10:00 on the following day. 22 of the detainees were released, while the other 5 remained in custody.

At approximately 08:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 200m into al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. Israeli soldiers raided the house of ‘Abdul Ra’ouf al-Sheikh Mohammed, 70, in which 9 people live. They also raided a house that was under-construction, owned by the same Palestinian. Israeli soldiers forced residents in near-by houses and the workers of the house that was under-construction out into the street. They checked the ID cards of the 14 males that were present, and then handcuffed and blindfolded them. Then, they took these males on foot to an Israeli military location at the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. Israeli intelligence officers interrogated each of these civilians. They were released at approximately 12:00.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 150m into Gizan Abu Rashwan area in the southwest of Khan Yunis, north of a settler road linking the “Morag” settlement and “Gush Qatif” settlement blocs. They destroyed a rural house and leveled areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with tomatoes stood, and destroyed an 80-square-meter rural house, an agricultural pool and an irrigation network owned by Mohammed ‘Abdullah al-Sha’er.

2. They razed a 3.5-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with cucumbers stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Fadhel Hijazi ‘Ouda Hijazi.

3. They razed a 3.5-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with cucumbers stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Khaled Hijazi ‘Ouda Hijazi.

4. They razed a 3.5-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with cucumbers stood, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Hussein Hijazi ‘Ouda Hijazi.

Israeli occupying forces informed 30 residents of 4 houses in Khan Yunis through megaphones that their houses would be demolished by the evening. PCHR, on behalf of these families, submitted an appeal to the Israeli military legal advisor to stop the demolition. In his response, the Israeli military legal advisor claimed that Israeli military activities in the area were at exploding landmines, rather than demolishing houses, and if the Israeli military was to demolish them, it would send official notifications to their owners to allow them to reject before relevant official parties. However, in the evening, Israeli occupying forces blocked a branch road leading to these houses with sand barriers. As a result, residents of the houses were not able to reach their houses and were forced to spend the night outdoors.

1. A 120-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned Salema Suleiman ‘Ali al-Tarabin, in which 8 people live. The house stands on a 500-square-meter area of land, which also includes an animal farm.

2. A 120-square-meter, iron-roofed house owned Saleh Jermi ‘Atiya al-Tarabin, in which 7 people live. There is also an animal farm near the house.

3. A 120-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned Zer’eia Musleh ‘Ouda al-Tarabin, in which 6 people live.

4. A 120-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned Fyez Jermi ‘Atiya al-Tarabin, in which 9 people live.

In another attack on Palestinian educational institutions, Israeli occupying forces opened fire at 3 UNRWA schools in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah. A teacher and a student were wounded by Israeli gunshots.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in a military location in Tal Zo’rob area in the southwest of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses and 3 UNRWA schools in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood to the north. A teacher and student in one of these schools were wounded:

1. Isma’il ‘Awadh Mansour, 26, a teacher, wounded by a live bullet in the buttocks; and

In addition, 10 students fainted and the three schools were damaged. The three schools are located approximately 700m away from the Israeli military location. They are clearly marked with UNRWA flags.

Approximately an hour later, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 500m into Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis. They razed areas of agricultural land and demolished a rural house and a bird farm:

1. They demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed rural house and a 150-square-meter, iron-roofed bird farm, razed a 500-square-meter area of agricultural land and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mahmoud Suleiman Qudaih.

2. They razed a 1–donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and a 100-meter-long row of wild figs, and demolished 2 rooms owned by Amin Sa’adat Salman Rouk.

3. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Rasmia Suleiman Mohammed Qudaih.

Overnight, in a serious escalation of attacks against Palestinian civilians, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Manara neighborhood near the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. During an operation that was claimed to be aimed at uncovering tunnels in the area, Israeli occupying forces killed one Palestinian child, injured 8 civilians and destroyed 14 Palestinian houses.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 23:30 on Tuesday, 23 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with around 20 tanks and a bulldozer, moved approximately 200m into al-Manara neighborhood near the Egyptian border, south of Rafah. The incursion was accompanied by indiscriminate shelling during which Israeli forces raided a house and used it as a military site, from which they shot at Palestinian civilians and exchanged gunfire with a number of Palestinian gunmen.

The Israeli military operation, which continued until 05:30, left dead 16-year-old Mohammed ‘Eissa Hamdan, who was hit by shrapnel throughout the body. 8 other Palestinians were also wounded:

1. ‘Essam ‘Omar al-Mughayar, 18, seriously wounded by shrapnel in the right hand;

2. Ashraf Fathi Abu Hilal, 23, seriously wounded by shrapnel in the head and the right leg;

During this incursion, Israeli occupying forces completely demolished 3 Palestinian houses:

1. A 300-square-meter house owned by Faraj Khalil Ahmed al-Sha’er, in which 29 people (4 families) lived;

2. A 130-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Akram Mahmoud ‘Abdullah Abu Taqiya, in which 13 people (2 families) lived; and

3. A 130-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Majed Mahmoud ‘Abdullah Abu Taqiya, in which 9 people (2 families) lived

In addition, they partially destroyed 11 other houses, leaving 185 people (24 families) homeless. Israeli forces also destroyed fences surrounding land in the area.

At midnight, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 100 meters into the Gizan al-Najar area, west of “Morag” settlement south of Khan Yunis. Israeli occupying soldiers raided al-Aqsa kindergarten, where they took position until 08:00. Israeli forces had previously raided the kindergarten and used windows in the second floor classrooms to shoot at nearby areas. The kindergarten has been evacuated due to the dangerous situation in the area.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations around “Gani Tal” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, shelled and opened fire at homes and agricultural areas in the western Rabawat area to the east. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 21:45, Israeli occupying forces, positioned in military locations in the vicinity of the “Kfar Darom” settlement, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian homes west of the settlement. A Palestinian civilian, Majid ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Abu ‘Amra, 16, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli soldiers positioned in military sites around and between “Gani Tal” and “Neve Dekalim” settlements, West of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian homes east of the settlements. A number of bullets reached the center and outskirts of Khan-Yunis. A Palestinian woman, Mariam Khalil al-Masri, 51, was wounded by shrapnel from a live bullet in the left shoulder while in her home in the center of Khan Yunis.

Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.

On Friday morning, 19 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces destroyed the home of ‘Abdul Qader Mohammad abu-Salim, 45, from Rantis, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli forces claimed that his son Ehab, 19, carried out a bombing in Tel Aviv on 9 September 2003.

According to PCHR’s investigations and eyewitnesses’ reports, at approximately 23:15 on Thursday, 18, September 2003, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy vehicles, moved into Rantis village, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli forces raided the home of ‘Abdul Qader Mohammad Abu Salim, 45, in the east of the village, ordering its residents to evacuate without taking anything with them. Israeli forces planted explosives in the house and blew it up at 01:20 on the following morning, 19 September 2003, destroying it completely.

The 120 square-meter, one story house was home to a family of 9 members including 3 children. Ten days ago, Israeli occupying forces arrested ‘Abdul Qader Abu Salim and his eldest son Mohammad, 21, on grounds of this case. The farther was released at the night his home was destroyed, while the son remained in custody.

Following the re-invasion of the town of Jenin on Thursday, 18 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces, on the following day, Friday 19 September 2003, destroyed the home of Zakaria Sa’id al-Tubasy in Wadi Burqin neighborhood, west of the town. Israeli forces claimed that his son Shadi, 18, carried out a bombing in Haifa a year and a half ago. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 01:00, an Israeli military unit of 5 jeeps and 2 armored personnel carriers surrounded the home of al-Tubasy. Israeli soldiers raided the house, forcing its residents to evacuate it within 10 minuets. Israeli soldiers then planted explosives in the house, and blew it up at 03:00. The 150-square-meter, 2-story house was a home to 2 families, totaling 20 people, including 3 children.

In the context of collective punishment measures, Israeli occupying forces closed 2 Palestinian houses in Wadi al-Nasara neighborhood in Hebron, to allegedly ensure security for Israeli settlers in the town.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 16:00, Israeli occupying forces closed 2 Palestinian houses, which are located at the road linking the Ibrahimi Mosque in the center of the town and “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of the town:

1. A 150-square-meter house owned by Munther Mohammed ‘Ali Da’na, in which 8 people live; and

2. A 200-square-meter, under-construction house owned by Nafez Mohammed ‘Ali Da’na.

Israeli occupying forces claimed that the two houses were closed to ensure protection for Israeli settlers while traveling in the area.

While the media has focused on the “debate” between the Israeli government and the US administration on the tract of the separation wall, Israel continues to execute plans to annex more Palestinian land in violation of international law. Israeli occupying forces have continued to build the separation wall in the West Bank, issuing new orders concerning the confiscation of land privately owned by Palestinians.

This week, Israeli occupying forces issued a military order confiscating 150 donums of land from Artah and Far’oun villages, south of Tulkarm, located east of the wall, to use it as a station for Israeli trucks and vehicles that participate in the construction of the wall.

The Arabic web site of Israeli daily Yediot Aharanot reported that the section of the separation wall being constructed in the “Gilboa” area (Jenin) would be equipped with highly developed weaponry, including mounted machine guns that are operated by remote control, to be used to fire at any Palestinian who may attempt to infiltrate into Israel. The newspaper further added that according to the Israeli military Deputy Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, the official in charge of the separation wall project, that he received instructions to install “smart” machine guns on certain sections of the wall, which can be controlled by observation sites along the wall.

Israeli occupying forces have maintained a strict siege on the OPTs, particularly in the West Bank, restricting movement of Palestinian civilians, and goods and services.

In the Gaza Strip, this week, Israeli occupying forces at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints, north of Khan Yunis, on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) restricted movement of Palestinian civilians traveling between the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Israeli occupying forces have also maintained the closure of the western road between Rafah and Khan Yunis; a section of Salah al-Din Street in the central Gaza Strip; Abu al-‘Ajin road between Wadi al-Salqa and al-Qarara villages, north of Khan Yunis; and a number of branch roads. In addition, Israeli occupying forces have maintained a strict siege on the al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip and al-Sayafa area in the north.

Israeli occupying forces re-erected 2 observation towers at Abu Houli and al-Matahen junctions on Salah al-Din Street north of Khan Yunis on Tuesday, 9 September 2003, and have once again placed sever restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians in this area. Vehicles are stopped at each checkpoint. Only 5 vehicles are allowed to cross a checkpoint at a time, as such Palestinian attempting to drive through the area are forced to wait in long lines. Traffic congestion and delays at these checkpoints are particularly serious in the morning and the afternoon, which are the periods that witness active movement of Palestinian civilians. Palestinian civilians are allowed to cross the two checkpoints between 03:00 and 20:00.

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 19 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints. They blocked 7 Palestinian vehicles between the two checkpoints and searched them. No arrests were reported and the two checkpoints were reopened at approximately 10:30.

At approximately 13:15 on Monday, 22 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces again blocked and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles between the two checkpoints. Hundreds of Palestinian vehicles were forced to wait at both sides in long rows. The closure of the checkpoints coincided with the passage of a convoy that included Cardinal Bernardlo of Boston State, Michelle Sabbah, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Manuel Musallam, Pastor of the Latin Sect. The convoy was on its way to Gaza city after a visit to Gaza International Airport. It had to wait at al-Matahen checkpoint until it was reopened.

At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 23 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints again and blocked and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers arrested a Palestinian, who has not been identified. The two checkpoints were reopened at approximately 13:30.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. Since the beginning of this school year, Israeli occupying forces have delayed opening the gates at entrances of the area, which has forced school children in the area to arrive at school late.

Israeli occupying forces have also restricted movement at border crossings of the Gaza Strip. They have closed al-Mentar crossing, the only commercial crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, since 14 September 2003.

Although Israeli occupying forces reopened Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, 23 September 2003, after a 2-week closure which prevented Palestinians in Gaza from reaching their work places in Israel. Furthermore, a worker who wishes to go to work in Israel must have a valid work permit and must be over 35. Workers from Rafah and Khan Yunis have been totally prevented from working in Israel.

On Monday morning, 22 September 2003, Israeli occupying forces imposed a curfew on the southwest of Hebron during a military operation they conducted in the area. The curfew was lifted 10 hours later.

1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their obligations under article 1 and article 146, to ensure respect for the Convention.

3. Upon the international community to investigate and prosecute before international courts those believed to have committed war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.

6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.

[1] 1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.

For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893