PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

http://www.pchrgaza.org

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

No. 21/2004

27 May - 02 June 2004

Israeli Forces Perpetrate More Crimes in the OPTs

Israeli occupying forces have perpetrated more human rights violations against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces included willful and extra-judicial killings, incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling and house demolitions. Israeli occupying forces have also continued construction of the “Annexation Wall” inside the West Bank and have continued to impose a tight siege on the OPTs. This week, 6 Palestinian civilians were killed and at least 20 others were injured by Israeli forces.

In the Gaza Strip, 5 Palestinian civilians were killed by Israeli troops. Three of the victims were killed in another extra-judicial assassination perpetrated by Israeli troops in Gaza City on 30 May 2004. A fourth victim was killed when Israeli troops opened fire at agricultural areas in Deir al-Balah. The fifth victim died from a previous injury he had sustained during the Israeli offensive on Rafah.

This week, Israeli occupying forces conducted 12 military incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they destroyed 55 houses, including 39 in Rafah, rendering 560 Palestinian civilians (98 families) homeless. They also razed 24 donums of Palestinian agricultural land.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians, killing one of them in Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. Israeli troops also demolished 4 houses in the context of collective punishment measures against families of Palestinian activists. Israeli troops also arrested dozens of Palestinians throughout the West Bank. In addition, Israeli settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their properties.

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the “Annexation Wall” inside the West Bank, especially around Jerusalem. They razed more areas of Palestinian land and started to construct some sections of the wall around Jerusalem. Israeli occupying authorities also issued a military order seizing 5500 square meters of Palestinian land in Masha village, west of Salfit, for the purpose of wall construction.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPTs and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have continued to close most border crossings. These crossings were partially reopened at the end of this week under severe restrictions. In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli forces have also continued to prohibit Palestinians who are under 45 from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and have isolated the city form the rest of the West Bank. They also closed the Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron.

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

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 350 meters into Palestinian areas located to the northwest of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They destroyed 2 houses completely and another one partially. They also destroyed 3 fences and a water tank.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 300 meters to the north of al-Shuhada junction, south of Gaza City. They demolished 5 Palestinian houses belonging to the Abu Zaher family, opposite to the campus of al-Aqsa University, which had been destroyed a few months earlier. As a result, 24 people (5 families) have become homeless.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into 'Arraba village, south of Jenin. They arrested Huda 'Abdullah al-'Aarda, 27, whose three brothers had been already arrested.

At approximately 06:00, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 500 meters into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis. They demolished a 150-square-meter house owned by 'Abdullah 'Abdul Wahab al-Najjar. They also razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed irrigation networks owned by the al-Sha'er family. Approximately 3 hours later, Israeli troops blocked 2 branch roads leading to a number of houses in the area. They also razed 12 donums of agricultural land planted with olives and palms owned by the families of al-Masri and al-Banna.

At approximately 08:30, Israeli troops raided offices of al-Islah charitable society in Bethlehem. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 23:00, a number of Israeli heavy military vehicles moved approximately 150 meters into Zo'rob neighborhood in the southwest of Rafah. Israeli troops harassed residents of the area with megaphones. Tanks then fired a number of shells at houses. Two houses, where 46 people (8 families) live, were partially destroyed, but the families were not hurt.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles moved approximately 200 meters into al-Brazil neighborhood in the south of Rafah, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They demolished a 200-square-meter house owned by Mohammed 'Ayada al-Akhras, in which 13 people lived. The family had left the house during an Israeli offensive on the area on 19 May 2004.

In the early morning, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus, the villages of Toura and Zinnab in the northern West Bank, and Hebron and the neighboring al-Fawar refugee camp. They arrested 19 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops surrounded Hubaisha apartment building in al-Makhfiya neighborhood in Nablus. They opened fire at the building and called on 'Emad 'Aziz 'Akkouba, 22, to surrender. Israeli forces brought 'Aqqouba's mother to the area and forced her to ask her son to surrender and at approximately 10:00, 'Aqqouba surrendered. Israeli troops then raided a number of houses and arrested 10 other civilians.

At approximately 07:30, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 500 meters into Wadi al-Salqa village in the central Gaza Strip. They razed 12 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives belonging to the families of al-Zawara'a, Abu 'Otaiwi and Ghunaim.

At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops positioned in a military post near "Tal Qatif" settlement, southwest of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural lands in al-Birka area to the north. A Palestinian farmer, Tayseer Mohammed Suleiman 'Awad, 30, was killed by a live bullet in the neck. He was cultivating corns approximately 500 meters away from the source of fire. Additionally, Hayat 'Olayan Abu Haddaf, 33, from Khan Yunis, was wounded by a live bullet in the neck, while she was traveling in a taxi in the center of Deir al-Balah, approximately 2 kilometers away from the source of fire.

At noon, Israeli heavy military vehicles moved into al-Shouka area near Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border. They razed 9 donums of agricultural land planted with olives owned by the Abu Jarad family.

At approximately 14:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles moved approximately 100 meters into al-Qarara village, north of Khan Yunis, to the south of a settler road leading to the "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc. They bulldozed a number of tents, tin-made homes and animal farms belonging to the families of Farawana, Darawsha and Buriasa. Israeli troops also ordered residents of the area to leave it. Around 95 people (25 families) live in the area in tents and tin-made homes. PCHR submitted a petition on behalf of these families to the Israeli High Court against the probable demolition of their tents and homes.

At approximately 20:30, medical sources at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis declared that Ayman Khamis Hassanain, 25, from Rafah refugee camp, died from an injury he had sustained on 20 May 2004, during the Israeli offensive on Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah. According to PCHR's documentation, Hassanain was hit by a live bullet to the abdomen inside his house fired by an Israeli sniper positioned atop of a house in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood. He bled for at least an hour before an ambulance was able to reach him. He was evacuated to the hospital, where he received medical treatment until the time of his death. This death has increased the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli troops during their offensive on Rafah from 13 to 24 May 2004 to 57.

At approximately 04:30, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Jaba' village, south of Jenin, and imposed a curfew. Israeli troops raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinians: Anis Jaber Anis, 18; and Ra'ed 'Abdullah Shuqaifat, 19. At approximately 16:00, a number of children gathered in the center of the village and threw stones at Israeli military jeeps. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children and wounded 2:

1. Hamza Mahmoud Saleh Hamdan, 16, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen; and

Israeli occupying forces demolished 25 houses in Rafah refugee camp, leaving more than 350 homeless and injuring two Palestinians.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 23:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles, reinforced by helicopters, moved approximately 300 meters into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. Under cover of intense shelling, Israeli troops began to demolish a number of Palestinian houses, without allowing residents to retrieve their possessions. By 05:00 on Sunday, 30 May 2004, Israeli troops had demolished 23 houses completely and 2 others partially. As a result, 352 people (60 families) have been rendered homeless. Israeli troops also destroyed 4 donums of agricultural land, on which greenhouses planted with vegetables stood, 2 animal farms and a shop owned by the Barhoum family. During this incursion, a 60-year-old woman, Samiha Mohammed Sha'at, 60, and a doctor, Ra'ed Isma'il Khalifa, 30, were injured. The doctor was injured when he tried to offer medical help to residents in the area.

In the past two weeks, Israeli troops destroyed 360 houses in Rafah town and refugee camp, killed 57 Palestinians and injured at least 200 others, during a series of military incursions.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They opened fire at Palestinian houses. At approximately 03:00, a heavy explosion was heard on the main road in the camp. Suleiman 'Aahed Mohammed Fawaz'a, 17, was injured. He was evacuated to Dr. Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm. According to medical sources, Fawaz'a was seriously injured throughout the body. While he was receiving medical treatment, Israeli troops surrounded the hospital and arrested him.

At approximately 04:40, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into al-Ersal Street in Ramallah. Israeli troops forced a civilian car to stop at the security gate near the Palestinian presidential compound. They searched the car and arrested 2 Palestinians: Ahmed Abu 'Arram, 32; and Mahmoud 'Awaisa, 29. At approximately 05:30, Israeli troops stopped a Palestinian police car and arrested Kifah 'Ouda, 27, a bodyguard of Mr. Mahmoud 'Abbas, Secretary of the Executive Committee of the PLO.

At approximately 09:35, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Gadid" settlement, southwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian agricultural areas to the east. A Palestinian farmer, Ahmed Mohammed al-Sha'er, 44, was wounded by a live bullet in the left arm.

At approximately 10:00, 15 Israeli military jeeps moved into Ramallah, opening fire indiscriminately. Israeli troops raided the Sharia' Court and arrested Ahmed 'Abdul 'Aziz Mubarak, 41. Four Palestinian civilians were also wounded by the Israeli gunfire:

2. Yousef Mohammed Yousef, 24, from Burqa village east of Ramallah, hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head;

3. Kamal Mousa Sa'id, 35, from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head; and

4. Taha Suleiman Mas'oud, 12, from al-Jalazoun refugee camp, hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin, and arrested Faraj Talal Hamdiya, 18.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into Salfit village, south of Nablus, and arrested 2 Palestinians: Salim Mohammed Salim al-Masri, 24; and 'Ammar 'Abdul Rahim Eshtayeh, 24.

At the same time, Israeli troops moved into Yassouf village, south of Nablus, and arrested 2 bothers: Hussam Nizam 'Abdul Raziq, 22; and Samer Nizam 'Abdul Raziq, 17.

At approximately 08:30, Israeli troops arrested 'Ali Khaled al-'Amouri, 20, from al-Khader village, west of Bethlehem.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, and arrested Mousa Khalil Ahmed Dababsa, 40.

At approximately 12:30, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint at the western entrance to al-Shuhada Street in the center of Hebron stopped a number of Palestinian civilians. They forced these civilians to stand with their faces to the walls and checked and humiliated them. A number of these civilians protested and debated with an Israeli officer. Immediately, an Israeli soldier fired at these civilians and wounded 2:

2. Jihad Mohammed Bader, 34, wounded by shrapnel in the legs and the right thigh.

At approximately 21:30, 7 Israeli military jeeps moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. Israeli troops opened fire at houses and wounded 2 Palestinian civilians – a woman and her granddaughter:

1. Fathiya ‘Aadel ‘Abdul Rahman Abu Halima, 50, wounded by a live bullet in the left leg; and

At approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces demolished 2 Palestinian houses belonging to the Sulaisel family in al-Qarara village to the south of “Kissufim” settlement, north of Khan Yunis. The two houses were located in an area controlled by Israeli troops, and their 14 residents (2 families) had already left them for this reason. They were among 11 houses PCHR was able to obtain a temporary injunction issued by the Israeli High Court on 3 May 2004 stopping their demolition. On 14 May 2004, Israeli troops had also demolished 5 other houses.

In the morning, Israeli occupying forces moved into the towns of Qalqilya and Beit Sahour and the villages of ‘Asira, Far’oun, Qarawat Bani Zaid, Deir Dibwan, ‘Ein Ybroud, Bal’ein and ‘Aaboud in the West Bank. They raided a number of houses and arrested 27 Palestinians, including a woman and a child (PCHR has a list of their names).

At approximately 14:00, Israeli troops positioned at the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, east of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in 'Abasan village, east of Khan Yunis. A Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim 'Awad Ahmed Shahin, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg. He was around 900 meters away from the source of fire.

At approximately 15:30, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at al-‘Aamria UNRWA elementary school in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, around 500 meters to the north. Two pupils were wounded inside their classroom:

1. Mahmoud Nazmi Hammad, 10, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck; and

At approximately 17:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 2 helicopters, moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They surrounded ‘Abdul Basset Nazzal’s house in the west of the village. They opened fire at the house and called through megaphones on all those who were inside the house to exit and surrender. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered in the area and threw stones at Israeli troops. Immediately, Israeli troops opened fire at the stone throwers and passing civilians. Bilal ‘Omar Yousef Abu Zaid, 18, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head. He died from this wound while being evacuated to a hospital in Jenin. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops fired at the victim from a distance of 70-100 meters, when he did not pose any threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers. In addition, 5 civilians, including a woman and her child, were wounded:

Before their withdrawal from the village, Israeli troops arrested Ja’far Abu Hannana, 28, from ‘Arraba village, for allegedly being a member of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of Fatah movement.

At approximately 22:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah. A Palestinian woman, Islah Salah Ahmed, 30, was injured by shrapnel in the face, while she was inside her house.

At approximately 22:40, Israeli troops positioned in a military post near "Tal Qatif" settlement, southwest of Deir al-Balah, fired at Mohammed Joma'a Malhous, 19, wounding him with 2 live bullets in the hand and foot. The victim is mentally handicapped and was around 250 meters away from the Israeli military post when he was shot. Israeli troops evacuated him to an Israeli hospital.

Late at night, Israeli occupying forces demolished 14 Palestinian houses in Qeshta neighborhood in the south of Rafah, adjacent to the Egyptian border.

According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 23:30, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved approximately 300 meters into Qeshta neighborhood, under cover of intense shelling and then imposed a curfew on the neighborhood. A number of Israeli soldiers took position atop of houses and ordered residents of the neighborhood to leave their houses, then interrogated around 20 of these residents. During this incursion, which continued until Thursday morning, 3 June 2004, Israeli troops demolished 8 houses completely and 6 others partially, rendering 135 people (20 families) homeless. They also destroyed 2 bird farms, 7 shops and one civilian car and severely damaged the civilian infrastructure of the neighborhood.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli troops arrested Hisham Kamal al-Basha, 43, and Yahia 'Abdul Hadi, 19, from Nablus.

At the same time, Israeli troops arrested 3 Palestinians from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops arrested 4 Palestinians from Kufor al-Labad village, east of Tulkarm:

At approximately 04:30, Israeli troops arrested Ahmed Isma'il Safi, 22, from 'Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, north of Jericho.

At approximately 04:15, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, shelled the cemetery and al-Nimsawi neighborhood to the east. A number of live bullets hit the buildings of Nasser Hospital, around 700 meters away from the source of fire. A Palestinian woman, Hejar Ahmed al-Jirjawi, 50, was injured by shrapnel from a live bullet in the left hand as she was receiving medical treatment in the hospital.

In the evening, Israeli troops, who had already moved into Qeshta neighborhood, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town. Two Palestinian children were wounded:

In a continuation of the Israeli government policy of extra-judicial execution, last night Israeli occupying forces launched an aerial attack on a moving vehicle in Gaza city, leaving 3 Palestinians dead. Two of the victims were alleged to be members of the Hamas movement. The third victim was a civilian bystander killed whilst trying to offer help to the other two victims. In addition, 9 civilians, including 2 children and a woman, were injured.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 00:20 on Sunday, 30 May 2004, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a motorcycle that was traveling along Salah al-Din Street in the densely populated al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City. Two people were traveling on the motorcycle. The missile struck the motorcycle, immediately killing them both. Less than 2 minutes later, the Israeli helicopter gunship launched a second missile at a small group of Palestinian civilians who had gathered to retrieve the bodies of those killed by the first missile. One of these civilians, Madi Ahmed Madi, 18, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood, was killed, and 9 other civilians, including 2 children and a woman, were injured. The two targeted victims were later identified as:

1. Wa'el Talab Nassar, 38, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood, who had been subject to a number of previous assassination attempts by Israeli troops; and

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.

At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 27 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces moved into the old town of Nablus. They surrounded a 70-square-meter, 4-storey house owned belonging to the family of Nayef Mustafa Abu Sharekh. They forced its 10 residents (2 families) out. Then, they searched the house and planted explosives inside. At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops destroyed the house. They also arrested Abu Sharekh’s two brothers: Ghassan, 18; and Fathi, 19. They claim that Abu Sharekh is the leader of the Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigade, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

At the same time, Israeli troops surrounded a 75-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Ziad Sa’id Salama in the old town. They forced its 7 residents out. Then, they searched the house and planted explosives inside. At approximately 04:30, Israeli troops destroyed the house. The owner is the father of Sami Salama, who was killed while carrying out an attack against Israeli troops at al-Hamra checkpoint in the central Jordan Valley on 22 May 2004.

At approximately 02:00 on Monday, 31 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They surrounded a 170-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Khaled Hussein ‘Olayan Hamamra. They forced its 15 residents out. Then, they planted explosives inside the house. At approximately 04:40, Israeli troops destroyed the house. Hamamra is the father of ‘Ezziddin Hamamra, 25, who has been detained by Israeli occupying authorities.

At approximately 01:45 on Wednesday, 2 June 2004, Israeli occupying forces moved into the northern quarter of Tulkram. They surrounded a 5-storey apartment building, number 4 in a housing project. They raided a flat belonging to ‘Abdul Latif Mahdawi on the third floor of the building and forced its 8 residents out. Then, Israeli troops planted explosives inside the flat and destroyed it. As a result, 3 neighboring flats were damaged. Mahdawi has been detained by Israeli occupying forces for his resistance activities.

This week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPTs and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip for the 9^th consecutive week. On Tuesday, 25 May 2004, Israeli forces reopened Rafah Terminal, but imposed severe restrictions on travel, which has sharply decreased the number of Palestinian travelers. Israeli forces have also continued to close most border crossings of the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints to the north of Khan Yunis. They also imposed similar restrictions at all entrances to Palestinian areas located near Israeli settlements and prevented Palestinian civilians from moving freely.

On Saturday, 29 May 2004, Israeli troops held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between.

At approximately 07:00 on Sunday, 30 May 2004, Israeli troops held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between. Hundreds of vehicles were forced to wait at the two checkpoints for 4 hours.

At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 31 May 2004, Israeli troops held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between for 2 hours.

At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 1 June 2004, Israeli troops stopped a truck that was traveling towards Khan Yunis. They arrested 3 Palestinians who were traveling in the truck. Two of them were identified as ‘Alaa’ Hamdan ‘Atiya Sha’ath, 29, from Khan Yunis; and Ahmed Hassan Hussein Sabbah, 29, from Bani Suhaila.

At approximately 11:00 on the same day, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints and held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between until the evening.

For the 9^th consecutive week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to close most border crossings between the Gaza Strip and Israel, including al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City. They have not allowed entry of goods into the Gaza Strip, which has created a shortage of many goods in the Gaza Strip. According to Nabil Abu Faraj, director of the crossing, Israeli forces allowed entry of small amounts of medicines for UNRWA and some humanitarian aids for the ICRC. He stated that Palestinian goods had been blocked at the crossing for 40 days, so some of these goods damaged. It is worth noting that when the crossing is open, 300-400 trucks loaded with goods enter the Gaza Strip from Israel daily, and 80-100 move from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank and Israel.

On Sunday, 30 May 2004, Israeli forces reopened Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, following a 2-week closure, and allowed entry of construction raw materials.

On Sunday, 23 May 2004, they reopened the Erez industrial zone for owners of factories who are over 30 years old, sever restrictions on their travel still apply.

In violation of the right of health, for two weeks, Israeli occupying forces have imposed restrictions on access for Palestinian patients from the Gaza Strip to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank to receive medical care.

Although Israeli forces reopened Rafah Terminal on Tuesday, 25 May 2004, they imposed severe restrictions on travel, sharply decreasing the number of travelers. On Friday, 28 May 2004, Israeli forces closed the terminal again. They reopened it on the following day under the same severe restrictions. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians wishing to travel back to the Gaza Strip have been forced to wait at the Egyptian side of the terminal under severe conditions. Since 18 April 2004, Israeli occupying forces have continued to prohibit Palestinians between the ages of 15 and 35 from traveling through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. They have continued to close Tal al-Sultan checkpoint at the entrance to the area in Rafah and impose restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area in Khan Yunis. Israeli troops reopened al-Tuffah checkpoint, but did not allow Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 30 from crossing. At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned at al-Tuffah checkpoint opened fire at Palestinian civilians who were waiting to enter al-Mawasi area. They also held and interrogated Mohammed Nazmi Hunaideq, 22, and Rafiq Ahmed Hunaideq, 21, both from Khan Yunis refugee camp.

Israeli forces have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. In the same context, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians living in al-Ma’ni area near “Kfar Darom” settlement in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They imposed curfews on a number of villages.

For the 9^th consecutive week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to prohibit access of Palestinians who are under 45 to al-Aqsa Mosque in the old town for the Friday prayers. Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been also denied access to the city without permits.

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected more checkpoints around the city and checked and humiliated Palestinian civilians. For the second consecutive week, Israeli forces have continued to close the Ibrahimi mosque and impose a curfew on the old town of Hebron.

Israeli forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli forces harassed workers and denied them access to Jerusalem. They forced these workers to sign documents that prohibit them from entering Jerusalem.

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 29 May 2004, they closed all checkpoints around the city. On Sunday, 30 May 2004, Israeli troops positioned at Beit Fourik checkpoint, east of Nablus, prevented Palestinian medical crews from traveling to villages located to the east of the city. Israeli forces have also continued to prevent Palestinians, who are under 35, from crossing military checkpoints erected around the city.

This week, Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected a number of temporary checkpoints around the town. They stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked passengers.

On Saturday, 29 May 2004, Israeli troops positioned at al-Nowai'ema checkpint, north of Jericho, arrested Eyad Mahmoud Ermailat, 23, and Tha'er Mahmoud Ermailat, 20, both from Tulkarm.

On Tuesday, 1 June 2004, Israeli troops positioned at al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, arrested Ibrahim Mohammed Hamed, 21, and Sorour Ahmed Abu Zaina, 21, both from Tulkarm refugee camp.

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the "Annexation Wall" inside the West Bank, especially around Jerusalem.

At the beginning of this week, Israeli occupying forces issued a number of military orders seizing hundreds of donums of Palestinian land in Shu'fat, 'Anata and Hazma, east of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of the wall. The construction of the wall will separate Shu'fat refugee camp and the villages of 'Anata and Hazma from East Jerusalem, and at least 30000 Palestinians who have Jerusalemite identity cards will be living outside the city.

On Tuesday morning, 1 June 2004, Israeli troops started to erect signs that will indicating the course of the wall on al-Ram – Qalandya road, north of Jerusalem. The wall will divide Palestinian residential areas in al-Ram village. It will also isolate thousands of Palestinians from Jerusalem and will deprive them of access to their work places and educational institutions.

At the same time, Israeli military bulldozers demolished a number of fences in al-Salam neighborhood near Shu'fat refugee camp, east of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of the wall in the area.

Also on the same day, Israeli troops demolished an under-construction house belonging to the 'Alqam family in Hazma village, east of Jerusalem, claiming that it had been built without a license. However, according to eyewitnesses, the house was located on the track of the wall in the area.

On Friday, 28 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces issued a military order seizing 5500 square meters of Palestinian agricultural land belonging to the 'Aamer family in Masha village, west of Salfit, located behind the wall. These areas of land constitute the source of income for around 60 families.

On Wednesday morning, 2 June 2004, Israeli troops started to erect signs on land located to the west of al-Zawia village, southeast of Qalqilya. They informed residents of the area that the construction of the wall in their area would start on Sunday, 6 June 2004. According to local sources, the construction of the wall will isolate around 20000 donums of land.

Also on Wednesday, Israeli bulldozers demolished 3 Palestinian houses in 'Anata village, northeast of Jerusalem, claiming that they had been built without licenses. The houses were located on the track of the wall in the area.

Israeli Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israeli settlers who live in the OPTs, in violation of international humanitarian law, have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and their properties.

At approximately 17:30 on Friday, 28 May 2004, around 15 Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli troops, moved from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, and attacked Palestinian houses in Wadi al-Husain neighborhood using stones and empty bottles. A number of houses were damaged.

On Sunday morning, 30 May 2004, 3 Israeli settlers moved from "Taqqou" settlement, southeast of Bethlehem, and severely beat Khali Mustafa Safi Jibril, 55, from Taqqou village, who was grazing animals near the aforementioned settlement. He sustained injuries and fractures throughout the body.

On the same day evening, a number of Israeli settlers moved from settlements in the center of Hebron and launched a series of attacks on Palestinian civilians and their properties in Tal al-Rumaida, al-Sahla and Wadi al-Nasara neighborhoods and al-Shuhada Street using stones and empty bottles. Those settlers were escorted by Israeli troops.

On Monday morning, 31 May 2004, Israeli military bulldozers started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Jinata village, southeast of Bethlehem, for the purpose of the establishment of a bypass settler road. The road will be 4 kilometers long and is expected to seize around 400 donums of land in the village. It will also divide the village into two separated parts.

On Wednesday, 2 June 2004, Israeli military bulldozers razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land in 'Asala village, east of Qalqilya, to establish roads in order to expand a settler neighborhood located to the south of the neighboring "Alfe Menashe" settlement. At least 50 donums of Palestinian land belonging to the Suleiman family were razed for this purpose.

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. PCHR believes the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as a state above law and continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPTs and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals and to urge their governments to bring these war criminals to justice.

5. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPTs.

6. PCHR calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights.

7. PCHR welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution, which referred the issue of the Separation Wall inside the OPTs to International Court of Justice to give a consultative opinion. It is anticipated that the Court will find that the wall is illegal; PCHR expects the international community to take action to enforce this judgement.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPTs, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access for international organisations to the OPTs, PCHR calls upon European countries to apply the same travel restrictions to Israeli citizens.

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

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