PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

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

No. 17/2004

29 April - 05 May 2004

Israeli Forces Continue to Perpetrate Crimes in the OPTs

This week, Israeli occupying forces have escalated violations of human rights 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, especially in the Gaza Strip, indiscriminate shelling and house demolitions. Israeli occupying forces have also continued to impose a tight siege on the OPTs. This week, 15 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 5 children, were killed by Israeli occupying forces. One of the children was killed by the explosion of a suspicious object of the remainders of Israeli occupying forces.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 12 military incursions into Palestinian areas, especially in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah. Eight of these incursions targeted Khan Yunis, during which 3 Palestinians, including 2 children, were killed and 79 houses were destroyed. As a result, 622 people (103) families have become homeless. On 2 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 15 houses in al-Qarara village, north of Khan Yunis. As a result, 100 people have become homeless. Israeli occupying forces conducted 3 military incursions into Deir al-Balah and neighboring villages. During these incursions, Israeli troops killed one Palestinian, injured 15 others, including 2 journalists and a paramedic, destroyed at least 10 houses and razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land.

In an excessive use of force, on 1 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces killed a Palestinian child and wounded another one in al-Nada housing project in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops fired at a number of children who threw stones at them. Another Palestinian child died from an injury he sustained by Israeli troops two weeks ago in similar circumstances.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces committed more belligerent acts against Palestinian civilians. They committed 2 extra-judicial assassinations in the Nablus district, which left 5 Palestinian alleged activists dead. Three Palestinian civilians, including an old woman, were killed during Israeli military incursions into Palestinian areas. In addition, a 10-year-old Palestinian child from Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm, was killed by the explosion of a suspicious object believed to be left behind by Israeli occupying forces.

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

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Sourif village, northwest of Hebron. They arrested 14-year-old Khader 'Ali Khader Abu Far.

At approximately 02:30 Israeli occupying forces moved into Ethna village, south of Hebron. They arrested 2 Palestinians:

At approximately 06:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by 2 military bulldozers, moved into al-Fara'a refugee camp, southeast of Jenin. They raided Salah Khalaf Cultural Center (which had been used in the past as an Israeli military prison). A number of Israeli soldiers were positioned atop of its buildings. The two bulldozers started to close the entrances of the camp with rocks and sand barriers. A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the stone throwers. One tear gas canister fell into a house belonging to the family of Subhiya Mahmoud Amin Abu Libbada, 65 which caused her to lose consciousness. She died on the way to the hospital. According to information available to PCHR, she was suffering from a form of cardio disease. In addition, 12 Palestinians, including a journalist, were wounded by the Israeli gunfire:

1. Nabil Mazawa, a cameraman of al-Jazeera Satellite Channel, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg;

2. Ma'ath 'Abdul Karim al-Ghoul, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the left armpit;

4. Ahmed Salah Sawalma, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the abdomen;

5. Mohammed Kamel Abu al-Samen, 17, wounded by 2 rubber-coated metal bullets in the forehead and the right hand;

6. Wa'el Khaled Abu Tayeh, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right hand;

7. Mohammed Mahmoud Shana'a, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the back;

8. Shaher 'Abdul Karim Barahma, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left shoulder;

9. 'Alaa' Mohammed Abu Habib, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the back;

10. Mohammed 'Ali Waqed, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the thigh;

11. Ibrahim 'Ali Waqed, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left hand; and

12. Mo'tassem Mohammed al-Jawad, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right hand.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Block K in Rafah refugee camp. Two Palestinian civilians were injured:

In an excessive use of force, in the evening, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian civilian in Hares village, southwest of Nablus, when they fired at a number of Palestinian demonstrators who threw stones at them.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 18:30, a number of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance of Hares village, southwest of Nablus. They threw stones at an Israeli military post in the area. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the stone throwers. Ahmed 'Abdullah Mohammed Kulaib, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest. A passing Israeli ambulance stopped and its staff tried to offer him first medical aid, but Israeli soldiers prevented them, causing Kulaib to bleed to death.

In another attack against Palestinian civilian properties, in the evening, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 20 houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and 2 helicopters, moved approximately 150 meters into Khan Yunis refugee camp. Under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, they started to destroy a number of Palestinian houses. By 05:00 on the following day, they had destroyed 12 houses totally and 8 others partially. As a result, 194 people (31 families) have become homeless. In addition, Israeli forces destroyed a football playground, 3 rooms and 3 gardens belonging to Palestinian families.

(Note: PCHR has a list of the houses that were destroyed in Khan Yunis refugee camp).

At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They arrested 6 Palestinians:

At approximately 15:30, a number of Palestinian children from al-Nada housing project in the northern Gaza Strip threw stones at Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of the neighboring "Nissanit" settlement. Israeli troops fired at the children wounding 2:

1. Mohammed 'Abdullah al-Ghoul, 15, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand; and

At approximately 16:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Rafah refugee camp. Three Palestinian civilians were wounded, including a child who was seriously wounded when he was near his home, approximately 1000 meters away from the border:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Wad Shahin neighborhood in Bethlehem. They raided and searched Ahmed Salahat's house and arrested his son, Yousef, 18.

At approximately 17:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Nablus through its western entrance. They were positioned in Faisal Street in the center of the city. Israeli troops opened fire at markets and passing Palestinian civilians. As a result, Jamal Shehada Radwan Hamdan, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the back. He was evacuated to Rafiday Hospital in the city, but all medical efforts made to save his life failed. He was pronounced dead at 20:00. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was shot from a distance of approximately 100 meters when he was near a restaurant in the area, which was completely quiet.

In the afternoon, Israeli occupying forces killed a Palestinian child and wounded another one in al-Nada housing project in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops fired at a number of children who threw stones at them.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 16:30, a number of Palestinian children gathered near the fence separating between "Nissanit" settlement, which stands on Palestinian land, and al-Nada housing project in the northern Gaza Strip. The children threw stones at Israeli troops positioned in the vicinity of the settlement. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children wounding 2. The two children were evacuated to Kamal 'Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. One of them, Khaled Bahjat Abu 'Elba, 15, from al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City, was in a serious condition as he was hit by a live bullet in the head. He was transferred to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Medical efforts made to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead late at night. The other child, Jihad Fayez al-Madhoun, 15, from Beit Lahia, was wounded by a live bullet in the right foot.

In the evening, Israeli occupying forces killed a Palestinian child and injured 9 other civilians, including 5 children in the Khan Yunis refugee camp. Investigations conducted by PCHR concluded that Israeli forces used excessive force when no threat was posed to the lives of Israeli soldiers, while disregarding the lives of Palestinian civilians, especially children.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 18:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into Khan Yunis refugee camp. Israeli forces opened fire at a number of Palestinian children near al-Shaf'ei mosque, approximately 150 meters away, injuring 3 of them. One of the injured children, Hussein Sa'id 'Abdullah Abu 'Aker, 8, died shortly after having been evacuated to the hospital. He was hit by 2 live bullets to the abdomen and the arm. Israeli forces continued to fire at the area, injuring 7 other civilians, including 3 children. One of these children, Mohammed Tawfiq Abu Than, 15, was seriously injured by a live bullet in the abdomen. According to medical sources at Nasser Hospital, which received the injured in this incident, most injuries were in the upper part of the body. The injured included:

5. Salim Hassan al-Muqannan, 18, seriously injured by a live bullet in the chest;

Israeli troops withdrew from the area at approximately 22:00 after having dug a trench, 4 meters deep and 3 meters wide in the south and southwest of the refugee camp.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood adjacent to the border. A Palestinian civilian, Khaled Kamal Mutair, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the back.

At approximately 00:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 300 meters into al-Qarara village, north of Khan Yunis. They razed a 2-donum area of Palestinian agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mohammed 'Abdul Rahman al-Sheebi. They also dug a trench to the south of al-Matahen checkpoint in the area.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron. They raided a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinians:

At approximately 13:45, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian civilians who were participating in the funeral procession of Hussein Abu 'Aker, who was killed by Israeli troops on Saturday evening. Two civilians, including a child, were wounded:

At approximately 16:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They opened fire at Palestinian houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered in the center of the village and threw stones at Israeli troops. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children, wounding 13-year-old Zakaria Yahia 'Abdul Raziq with a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head.

Also at approximately 16:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Wadi al-Salqa village to the north of "Kissufim" settler road, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They raided 'Atiya Mohammed Abu Zaher's house. They held the 12 residents of the house in one room and transformed its roof into a military site. About 5 hours later, Israeli military reinforcements were brought to the area. Israeli troops called through megaphones on residents of the area to leave their homes. Residents of the area left their homes taking some of their belongings with them. Soon after, Israeli troops destroyed some areas of agricultural land and civilian properties. During their incursion, which continued until the following day until noon, 3 May 2004, Israeli troops raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Marwan Salem Abu 'Eid, 22, and arrested him.

(Note: PCHR has a list of the civilians’ properties that were destroyed in the area).

In a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, article 33 of which prohibits collective punishment, Israeli forces demolished 15 Palestinian houses that night. The houses were located to the south of the "Kissufim" settler road in the center of the Gaza Strip. They also forced the occupants of 11 other houses to leave their premises. PCHR anticipates that these houses will also be demolished.

According to investigations, conducted by PCHR, on Sunday around noon, Israeli troops, accompanied by 6 military bulldozers, moved into the Palestinian residential areas located to the south of "Kissufim" settler road, northeast of Khan Yunis. They surrounded about 20 houses in the Abu Haddaf area, and ordered the residents of these houses to vacate them. Then a number of Israeli soldiers raided Salem Esleem Abu Farraj's house and forced the whole family to leave, except for the owner. They occupied the house and transformed it into a military facility. The owner was held inside the house until the following morning. At that time, the residents of the other homes were allowed to re-enter their homes. That evening, Israeli forces opened fire at these other houses, which forced the residents to leave their houses for the second time. Soon after, Israeli troops started to demolish these houses. By Monday morning, 3 May 2004, they had demolished 15 houses belonging to the families of al-Qedra, al-'Adini, al-Zar, Abu Farraj and Abu Sinjar. As a result, about 100 people have become homeless. In addition, 11 other houses belonging to the families of al-Masalha, Abu Sulaisel, Abu Rezeq and Abu Farraj, are threatened with demolition. PCHR submitted an appeal to the Israeli High Court, on Sunday, to stop these demolitions. The court issued a temporary injunction stopping the demolitions. Residents of these houses are now trying to remove their belongings as the houses are expected to be demolished in the imminent future.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 300 meters into al-Mughraqa village near "Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza City. They destroyed al-Qadisiya Street and blocked it with sand barriers. Israeli troops raided and searched a number of houses, then seized control over 2 houses owned by Ziad al-'Aaidi and Sha'ban al-Hilu and transformed them into military sites. Approximately an hour later, Israeli troops started to destroy some civilian properties in the village. By Tuesday morning, 4 May 2004, Israeli troops had completely destroyed 4 houses and 2 others partially, rendering 32 people form the al-Hilu family homeless. They had also razed a 6-donum area of agricultural land.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin. They raided a number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces arrested 4 Palestinians in Jenin:

At approximately 04:30, Israeli occupying forces arrested 2 Palestinians in Jalboun village, east of Jenin:

At approximately 08:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into the eastern part of Jenin. They opened fire at Palestinian houses, wounding 12-year-old Farraj Mustafa Najjar.

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces which had moved into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in Rafah. A Palestinian woman, Howaida D'ib Abu Ramadan, 25, was seriously wounded by a live bullet that entered the left shoulder and settled in the chest. According to eyewitnesses, the woman, who is 7 months pregnant, was near her house, about 2000 meters away from the sources of fire, when she was shot.

At approximately 09:30, 4 Israeli tanks and 3 military bulldozers moved approximately 300 meters into Baten al-Samin area in the southwest of Khan Yunis. They opened fire at Palestinian houses in the area. During this 5-hour incursion, Israeli troops razed an 11-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables and destroyed agricultural equipments belonging to the families of al-Sha'er and Zo'rob. They also destroyed the southern fence of Khan Yunis cemeteries and the fence of a well. Also during this incursion, an artillery shell fired by Israeli troops hit a bird farm owned by Salah 'Omar Yousef Durgham. Two houses in the area were also damaged by the Israeli gunfire.

At approximately 01:00, medical sources at al-Quds Hospital of Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza City declared that Ahmed Jihad al-Khawalda, 16, from Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, succumbed to a wound he sustained about 2 weeks ago. According to PCHR's documentation, al-Khawalda was hit by a live bullet to the head fired by Israeli occupying forces that had moved into al-Nada housing project in the northern Gaza Strip on 20 April 2004. This Israeli attack left dead 4 Palestinian civilians and injured about 30 others, including al-Khawalda, at the time being declared clinically dead.

At noon, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Rafah refugee camp. Two Palestinian schoolchildren were injured while they were on their way back home from school:

At approximately 16:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Nissanit" settlement in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a number of Palestinian children who threw stones at these forces. Four children were wounded:

1. Mahmoud Na'im Abu Salama, 14, from Jabalya refugee camp, hit by a live bullet to the right foot;

2. Eyad Sa'ad al-Aa'raj, 16, from Jabalya refugee camp, hit by a live bullet to the left thigh;

3. Shaker Thabet al-Zawarqa, 16, from Beit Lahia, hit by a live bullet to the right foot; and

4. Hamza Mansour Abu Jalhoum, 17, from Jabalya refugee camp, hit by shrapnel to the face.

On the morning of Tuesday 4^th May, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injured 24 others, including 2 children, in Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip. They also destroyed 34 houses totally and 8 others partially. These attacks took place during a wide scale Israeli military incursion into the camp.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 23:15 on Monday, 3 May 2004, Israeli forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and 3 helicopters, moved into al-Sad al-Aali area in Khan Yunis refugee camp. Under the cover of intense shelling, they started to demolish some Palestinian houses. By 05:00 on Tuesday, they had demolished 34 houses totally and 8 others partially. As a consequence, 299 Palestinian refugees (48 families) have become homeless. PCHR's field worker in Khan Yunis reported that the families escaped from their homes before being able to vacate their belongings. Israeli forces also destroyed the fence of an UNRWA elementary school in the area. Many houses in the area were demolished by Israeli forces last year, and with this latest destruction, the area has become almost vacant.

At approximately 02:15 on Tuesday, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a number of Palestinians, including a number of members of the Palestinian resistance. The missile exploded and its shrapnel killed 2 Palestinians, including a child:

2. Bilal Mohammed Hamdan, 25, a member of the Palestinian resistance, hit by shrapnel throughout the body.

In addition, 24 Palestinians were injured, including 3 whose condition was described by medical sources as serious.

(Note: PCHR has names of those who were injured and details of the houses that were destroyed).

Also in the early morning, Israeli forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 600 meters into Wadi al-Salqa village, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They raided a house belonging to the family of Jamal Mohammed Abu Haddaf, who was detained by Israeli authorities. They held residents of the house in one room and transformed the house into a military site. Later, Israeli troops razed 10-donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives, almonds and vegetables owned by the families of Abu Mughassib, al-Sumairi, al-Hilu and Abu Than.

At approximately 02:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 200 meters into Abu Zaher area in al-Qarara village to the south of "Kissufim" settler road, northeast of Khan Yunis. Israeli troops raided Samir 'Atwa Abu Zaher's house and held its 9 residents in one room. They searched the house and arrested one of the owner's sons, Akram, 22, a university student.

At approximately 13:30, a number of Palestinian boys gathered near the fence separating between "Nissanit" settlement and al-Hawouz area in the northern Gaza Strip. They threw stones at Israeli troops positioned in the vicinity of the aforementioned settlement. Immediately, Israeli troops opened fire at the boys wounding 5:

1. Mohammed Nizar Rayan, 16, from Jabalya refugee camp, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh;

2. Mohammed Shihda Abu al-'Eish, 17, from Jabalya refugee camp, seriously wounded by a live bullet that entered the left shoulder and settled in the neck;

3. Ibrahim As'ad al-Mannaa', 19, from Um al-Nasser village, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen;

4. Mohammed Mohammed Abu Jasser, 16, from Jabalya refugee camp, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh; and

5. Salah Tala'at Mousa, 14, from Jabalya refugee camp, wounded by a live bullet in the left knee.

Late at night, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and 2 helicopters, moved into Block I in Khan Yunis refugee camp. Under the cover of intense shelling, they started to demolish a number of Palestinian houses. By Wednesday morning, 5 May 2004, they had demolished 16 houses totally and a 17^th one partially. As a consequence, 129 people (24 families) have become homeless. These houses belong to the families of Hunaideq, Abu Rezeq and Abu Shalloula. One of these houses, a 220-square-meter, 2-storey one, belong to Farhan Abu Shalloula, whose two sons had been killed by Israeli troops earlier in the current Intifada. This operation was the third of its kind in Khan Yunis refugee camp this week. In the three operations, Israeli forces destroyed 78 Palestinian houses.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 200 meters into al-Brazil neighborhood in Rafah, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They opened fire at Palestinian houses. The Israeli military vehicles destroyed a number of roads in the area. They withdrew from the area at approximately 05:15 the following day.

At approximately 00:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by about 30 heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 700 meters into Palestinian areas located to the northwest of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They opened fire at Palestinian houses in the area. At approximately 02:00, Israeli troops raided 2 houses owned by Sami Ibrahim Abu Sultan and Fu'ad al-Sayed Abu Musabbeh. They held residents of each house in one room and transformed the two houses into military sites. During these raids, Israeli troops used Abu Sultan as a human shield while searching his house. They handcuffed and blindfolded Abu Musabbeh and his sons. Israeli troops fired at the area from the two houses. At approximately 08:00, a member of the Palestinian National Security Force, 'Abdullah 'Ali 'Abdul Fattah al-Jammal, 35, from al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, was killed and one of his colleagues was injured, when Israeli forces opened fire at their station. At approximately 10:00, at least 12 Palestinian civilians were injured by Israeli gunfire. This number includes 2 journalists and one paramedic:

3. Mohammed Khamis al-Salhi, 35, a paramedic for the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

During this incursion, which continued until noon, Israeli troops razed 47 donums of Palestinian agricultural land belonging to the families of Abu Salim, Abu Musabbeh, Abu Samra, Abu Nasser, Abu Sultan, Dalloul, al-Masri and Lubbad.

(Note: PCHR has a list of those who were injured and details of the agricultural areas that were razed).

At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Jenin. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp and arrested 8 Palestinians:

Between 09:00 and 14:00, Israeli occupying forces arrested about 60 Palestinians in Hebron. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops transported these Palestinians in a bus to an unknown destination.

At approximately 11:00, a number of Palestinian boys gathered near the fence separating between "Nissanit" settlement and Palestinian areas in the northern Gaza Strip. The boys threw stones at Israeli troops in the area. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the stone throwers wounding 4:

1. Ibrahim Rabah Abu Shehada, 17, from Jabalya refugee camp, hit by a live bullet to the right thigh;

2. Hassan Ahmed al-Numailat, 17, from the Bedouin village, hit by a live bullet to the left thigh;

3. Ibrahim Mohammed al-Balbissi, 16, from Jabalya refugee camp, hit by a live bullet to the right foot; and

4. Majed 'Omar al-Jammali, 16, from Gaza City, hit by a live bullet to the right thigh.

This week, Israeli occupying forces committed 2 extra-judicial executions in the West Bank, which left 5 Palestinians dead.

On Sunday evening, 2 May, 2004, Israeli forces extra-judicially executed 4 Palestinians in Nablus. The victims were members of the Fatah movement, who were wanted by Israeli forces. An Israeli military spokesman admitted Israeli responsibility for this attack, saying that "helicopters attacked a car belonging to some prominent activists of Fatah organization," and that Israeli forces "resorted to this operation after all other efforts made to arrest them had failed." According to PCHR's documentation, this extra-judicial execution was the 5th in 10 days. These latest extra-judicial executions left 14 Palestinians dead.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 21:30 on Sunday, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a civilian car that was traveling near the old district court in the center of Nablus. The missile hit the car and completely destroyed it. All those who were traveling in the car were instantly killed. Their burnt bodies were transferred to Rafidya Hospital. They were identified as:

1. Hashem Daoud Eshtaiwi Abu Hamdan, 25, from Balata refugee camp east of Nablus;

4. Mohammed Hussein Hamdan Abu Hamdan, 24, from Habla village in Qalqilya district.

On Wednesday evening, 5 May 2004, Israeli forces extra-judicially assassinated 'Emad Mohammed Hafez Janajra, 33, from Tallouza village, north of Nablus. Israeli forces admitted responsibility for this crime and claimed that the victim was wanted for being a Hamas activist. On 24 April 2004, Israeli troops attempted to assassinate or arrest Janajar when they moved into Tallouza village. However, Israeli troops killed a university lecturer. They admitted that the lecturer was killed by mistake.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, on Wednesday evening, an undercover unit of Israeli forces moved into Tallouza village, north of Nablus. Israeli soldiers took up position on olive fields at the road linking between the village and the neighboring Yassid village. At approximately 19:00, sounds of intense gunfire were heard in the area. Soon after, 6 Israeli military jeeps arrived at the area and closed it. Israeli soldiers opened fire at Palestinian houses. Later, Janajra was reported to be killed in this attack. Israeli troops transferred his body in a military jeep to an unknown destination.

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. In this context, on Thursday, 29 April 2004, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 2 houses in Surra village, southwest of Nablus.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 01:00 on Thursday 29 April 2004, 13 Israeli military jeeps moved into Surra village. A number of Israeli soldiers took up positions on top of a number of houses. Israeli troops surrounded 2 houses owned by Jasser D’ib ‘Ouda and Ghaleb Mahmoud ‘Abdullah. They ordered residents of the two houses to leave witihin 15 minutes. Israeli troops then planted explosive devices inside the two houses. At approximately 05:00, they destroyed ‘Ouda’s 160-square-meter, 2-storey house, rendering 9 people homeless. About 10 minutes later, they destroyed ‘Abdullah’s 130-square-meter, 2-storey house, rendering 11 people homeless. ‘Ouda and ‘Abdullah are fathers of two Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.

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 further tightened the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. This week, they divided the Gaza Strip into 3 isolated zones. For the 6^th consecutive week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to close all border crossings into the Gaza Strip. They also imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians at all entrances to Palestinian areas located near Israeli settlements and prevented Palestinian civilians from moving freely. Such restrictions on freedom of movement are in contravention of international human rights law, to which Israel is a state party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. They have also negatively affected activities of humanitarian organizations.

Israeli forces positioned at the Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip, continued to obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians. The two checkpoints, which are open for a maximum of a few hours each day, have become notorious for acts of humiliation and harassment by Israeli soldiers.

At approximately 06:00 on Saturday, 1 May 2004, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints. They held dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between the two checkpoints and searched passengers. They arrested one Palestinian who has not yet been identified.

On Sunday morning, 2 May 2004, Israeli occupying forces divided the Gaza Strip into 3 isolated zones. They closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints, separating between the south and the middle, and closed the coastal road linking between the middle and the north of the Gaza Strip. This closure continued until 09:00 on Tuesday, 4 May 2004. Israeli sources claimed that these measures were taken for security reasons. When the two checkpoints were reopened, Israeli troops held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between. This measure continued until Tuesday evening.

For the 6^th consecutive week, Israeli forces have continued to close border crossings between the Gaza Strip and Israel, denying access of thousands of Palestinian workers to their work places in Israel. They have also closed the Erez industrial zone.

In violation of the right of health, for two weeks, Israeli occupying forces have denied access for Palestinian patients from the Gaza Strip to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank to receive medical care. They have also denied entry of medicines into the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces have imposed more restrictions at Rafah Terminal, the only outlet from the Gaza Strip to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada. The Israeli intelligence services often summon and interrogate a number of Palestinian travelers.

In a continued breach of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits, collective punishment, Israeli forces have continued to prohibit Palestinians between the ages of 16 and 35 from traveling through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, since the 16th April 2004.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a strict siege on the 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 forces have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces have also 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 forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They imposed curfews on a number of villages.

Israeli forces imposed further restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They closed the entrances to Shu'fat refugee camp and 'Anata village, northeast of the city. They also imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through Dahiat al-Barid checkpoint, north of the city. Israeli forces erected a checkpoint in Nusaiba neighborhood to prohibit Palestinian civilians from resorting to branch roads. For the 5^th consecutive week, Israeli forces have denied access for Palestinians who are under 45 to the al-Aqsa Mosque in the old town for Friday prayers.

Israeli forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through the military checkpoint surrounding the town. On Sunday, 2 May 2004, Israeli troops closed Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, for several hours. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops positioned at Halmish checkpoint, north of Ramallah, imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli troops also erected a checkpoint at the entrance to Surda village, north of Ramallah.

Israeli forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected more checkpoints inside the town. Since Thursday evening, 29 April 2004, Israeli troops have closed the northern and northwestern entrances of the town. They have also erected a number of checkpoints at the other entrances of the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilians.

Israeli forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They closed all checkpoints around the city. This week, Israeli troops repeatedly closed checkpoints at the entrances of the city and separated it from the surrounding countryside.

Israeli forces have imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected more checkpoints around the town. They checked and humiliated Palestinian civilians traveling between the town and other Palestinian communities.

Israeli troops reinforced their presence at military checkpoints erected on the main roads in the district. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops erected 3 military checkpoints on the roads linking between the town and Tulkarm and Nablus districts.

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.

On Thursday morning, 29 April 2004, an armed Israeli settler seized by force a 6-donum area of Palestinian agricultural land owned by 'Emad 'Ali Salah in the west of al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem.

On Friday evening, 30 April 2004, a number of Israeli settlers moved from "Shakid" and "Hananit" settlements, southwest of Jenin, and raided the neighboring Um al-Rihan village. According to eyewitnesses, dozens of settlers, escorted by Israeli troops, moved into the village. The beat a number of Palestinian villagers and threatened to destroy an elementary school, claiming that its students threw stones at their vehicles. Um al-Rihan village has been isolated from its surroundings by the “Annexation Wall”. Its residents are allowed to exit and enter it through an iron gate at its western entrance controlled by Israeli troops.

On Sunday evening, 2 May 2004, about 150 Israeli settlers broke into, and seized 2 Palestinian houses in Abu Dis town, east of occupied Jerusalem. According to eyewitnesses, settlers, who were escorted by Israeli troops, brought 15 trucks loaded with furniture to the area.