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

Israeli Offensive on the Northern Gaza Strip

Israeli troops have continued their attacks on Palestinian civilians in the northern Gaza Strip since Tuesday, 28 September 2004, in disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians. They have caused dozens of casualties among Palestinian civilians and have largely destroyed civilian facilities.  During the period covered by this report, 64 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops.  Thus, the number of Palestinians killed since the beginning of this latest offensive has mounted to 74, including 34 civilians, 21 of whom were children.  In addition, at least 300 others, mostly civilians, including at least 100 children, have been injured, and a number of them have been rendered permanently disabled. In addition, large areas in the northern Gaza Strip have been isolated, while Israeli troops have seized a number of buildings, transforming their roofs into military sites. In the meantime, electricity and water supplies have been cut from these areas. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, On Thursday morning, 30 September 2004, Israeli troops moved towards Jabalya refugee camp.  They were positioned in Block 2.  They seized a number of houses and transformed their roofs into military sites. Israeli troops partially demolished a number of houses and destroyed fences of a number of UNRWA schools.  The Israeli military operation expanded to include Block 4 in the camp.  Israeli troops shelled the area intensively. Since the morning, clashes have erupted between Israeli troops and members of the Palestinian resistance.  Six members of the resistance have been killed in these clashes:

1.     Ra'fat Rafiq Jadallah, 25;

2.     Sufian Shafiq Abu al-Jedian, 33;

3.     Hamza Ahmed, 29;

4.     Mohammed al-Masri, 29;

5.     Mohammed 'Abdul Karim al-Ja'beer, 19; and

6.     Hazem Hussein Farajallah, 24. 

At approximately 11:50 on Thursday, Israeli troops positioned in Qulaibu hill opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians in the east of Beit Lahia.  One Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Yousef al-Habel, 65, was killed by a live bullet in the chest, when he was sitting in front of his shop.  At noon, Israeli troops continued to shell Palestinian residential areas. Two Palestinian civilians, including a child were killed:

1.     Mohammed Khaled Reehan, 15, hit by a live bullet to the heart; and

2.     'Aatef Jamal Rajab al-Ashqar, 27, from Beit Lahia, hit by a live bullet to the head. 

At approximately 16:20 on Thursday, an Israeli tank fired a shell for no apparent reason at a number of Palestinian children near an UNRWA school in Jabalya refugee camp. Ten Palestinian civilians, including 7 children, were killed:

1.     Mahmoud Mohammed Abu al-Jedian, 23;

2.     Mohammed Khaled Raihan, 14;

3.     Ziad 'Alaa' Shams, 14;

4.     Mohammed Ra'fat al-Reefi, 17;

5.     Mo'taz 'Abdul Malek al-Bakri, 17;

6.     Nidal Sa'id al-Beeshawi, 16;

7.     Sultan Sa'id al-Beeshawi, 14;

8.     Mahmoud Mo'een al-Madhoun, 20;

9.     Ahmed 'Adnan al-Bora'ei, 16; and

10. An unidentified child.

In addition, 25 civilians were injured by shrapnel from the shell. 

At approximately 21:35 on the same day, a mysterious explosion occurred near al-Ribat mosque in Beit Lahia, which left dead 3 members of the Palestinian resistance:

1.     Eyad Zaqqout, 30;

2.     Jadallah Abu Sukhaila, 27; and

3.     Meqbel Hazin, 25. 

As a result of the Israeli indiscriminate shelling, which continued from 14:00 to 17:00 on Thursday, 3 Palestinian children and 3 members of the Palestinian resistance were killed:

1.     Diaa' al-Din Ahmed al-Kahlout, 17;

2.     Yahia Akram Hammad, 16;

3.     Tamer 'Abdul 'Aziz Abu Eshkayan, 14;

4.     Mohammed Jamil al-Ustath, 25;

5.     'Arafat Bilal Yassin, 24; and

6.     Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Hassira. 

 At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 1 October 2004, an Israeli tank fired a shell at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near al-Bashir mosque in the east of Tal al-Za'tar area. Two members of the resistance were killed: Jihad Mahmoud Abu al-Jabeen, 26; and Mustafa Hamash, 27, and 3 others were seriously injured. 

 On Friday morning, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Ibrahim 'Ali 'Asaliya, 29, died from an injury he had sustained by the Israeli shelling on the previous day. 

 At noon, an Israeli tank fired a shell at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near al-Sikka Street in Jabalya refugee camp. Two members of the resistance were killed: Nidal 'Omar Matar, 29; and Wassim Mustafa al-Nateel, 18; and a third one was seriously injured. 

 At approximately 15:30 on Friday, Israeli troops positioned at al-Sikka Street to the east of Jabalya refugee camp fired a number of artillery shells for no apparent reason at Palestinian houses in Block 4 in the camp.  A number of houses were severely damaged, but no casualties were reported. 

 At approximately 19:00 on the same day, medical sources at Shifa' Hospital in Gaza City declared that Hani Sa'id Mushtaha, 17, died from an injury that he had sustained from Israeli troops at al-Sikka Street to the east of Jabalya refugee camp on Wednesday, 29 September 2004.  Mushtaha was hit by a live bullet to the head. 

 At approximately 21:00 on the same day, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired a missile at a member of the Palestinian resistance near al-'Awda Hospital in Tal al-Za'tar area.  He was instantly killed and a number of civilian bystanders were injured. The victim was later identified as Ibrahim Mahmoud Abu al-Qumsan, 21, from Jabalya refugee camp. Israeli troops continued to shell densely populated areas, injuring 10 other civilians and severely damaging a number of schools. 

 In the early morning of Saturday, 2 October 2004, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved into al-Sikka and Sultan 'Abdul Hamid streets in the west of Beit Hanoun. Under the cover of indiscriminate shooting, they seized control over the area and transformed a number of houses into military posts after having expelled residents of these houses.  Thus, Israeli troops have isolated the northern Gaza Strip from surrounding areas and isolated towns from one another. 

 At approximately 01:20 on Saturday, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near al-Bashir mosque in Tal al-Za'tar area.  Two members of the resistance and a civilian bystander were instantly killed:

1.     Fathi 'Abdul Rahman 'Afana, 26, a member of the resistance;

2.     'Eid Mohammed 'Afana, 39, a member of the resistance; and

3.     Ibrahim Hassan Hamdan, 46, a civilian bystander. 

 At noon, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Waheed Talal 'Abdul Rahman, 23, from Tal al-Za'tar area, died from an injury that he had sustained on Friday morning, when an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near al-Bashir mosque in Tal al-Za'tar area. 

 At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a number of the Palestinian resistance near Sha'sha'a area in the east of Tal al-Za'tar.  One member of the resistance, Yasser Mohammed Abu Ghubait, 20, from Jabalya refugee camp, was instantly killed. 

 At approximately 00:30 on Sunday, 3 October 2004, at least 10 Israeli heavy military vehicles moved into Tal al-Za'tar in Jabalya.  They demolished at least 2 houses completely and 10 others partially.  They also demolished a kindergarten in the area.

 At approximately 02:00, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near UNRWA schools in the southeast of Jabalya refugee camp.  Two members of the resistance were killed:

1.     Rani Akram Quddas, 22; and

2.     Musbah Hussein al-Zinati, 20, both from Jabalya refugee camp. 

 At approximately 06:00 on the same day, Israeli troops fired another shell at the same area.  One member of the Palestinian resistance, Mohammed Ibrahim al-Sherafi, 22, from Jabalya refugee camp, was killed.  His body was discovered in the area 2 hours later. 

 At noon, Israeli troops shot dead Ra'ed Suleiman Abu Wawi, 36, from Tal al-Za'tar area, with a live bullet in the head, when he was on the roof of his house.  PCHR's field worker in the northern Gaza Strip reported that the victim was deaf and dumb, and that his house is nearly 150 meters away from the source of fire. 

 At approximately 13:40 on the same day, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance at Zimmu Street in Beit Hanoun.  One member of the resistance, Fadi Fareed al-Za'aneen, 23, was killed, and another member was seriously injured. 

 At approximately 15:40 on the same day, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance in Block 4 in Jabalya refugee camp.  One member of the resistance, Maher Jameel Zaqqout, 26, was killed. 

 At approximately 16:00 on the same day, Israeli troops fired at Saber Ibrahim 'Asaliya, 14, from 'Abed Rabbu area in the east of Jabalya, as he was trying to leave the area.  The child was wounded by a live bullet in the back.  He was evacuated to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, but medical efforts to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead one hour later. 

 At approximately 17:00 on the same day, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that 13-year-old Mohammed D'iab al-Najjar died from a wound he had sustained by the Israeli shelling against Jabalya refugee camp on 1 October 2004.  He was hit by a live bullet to the head. 

 At approximately 18:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned to the east of al-Sikka Street near Jabalya refugee camp opened fire at Palestinian houses in Block 4 in the camp.  A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Nidal Muhsen al-Madhoun, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the heart, when he was near his house.  He died shortly after he had been evacuated to the hospital.  

 On Monday morning, 4 October 2004, Israeli troops expanded their incursion into the towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia under the cover of indiscriminate shooting.

 At approximately 03:00 on the same day, Israeli troops fired 2 artillery shells at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance in al-Manshiya area in Beit Lahia.  Four members of the resistance were killed:

 1.  Fares 'Omar al-Habel, 21;

2.  Romel Mohammed al-Barrawi, 20;

3.     Isma'il Ibrahim Shihda, 21; and

4.     Mohammed Saber al-Baba, 23. 

 Ambulances were able to evacuate bodies of 3 of the victims, while the fourth victim's body remained in the area until 07:30. 

 At approximately 06:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned at al-Sikka Street to the east of Jabalya refugee camp fired at Mohammed Mousa al-Hissi, 27, when he was in a street in the camp, wounding him with a live bullet in the chest.  Ambulances were able to reach him only 20 minutes later, but he was dead. 

 At approximately 11:30 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned at al-Sikka Street to the east of Jabalya refugee camp shot dead Ramzi Shihda Hasaballah, 21, when he was in a street in the camp, with a live bullet in the chest. 

 At approximately 14:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned at al-Sikka Street to the east of Jabalya refugee camp opened fire at Palestinian houses in the area.  A Palestinian child, 15-year-old Islam Maher Dwaidar, was killed by a live bullet in the heart when she was inside her house.

 At approximately 21:30 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned at al-Sikka Street fired a number of artillery shells at Riad al-Saleheen area to the east of Block 2 in Jabalya refugee camp.  A Palestinian civilians, Wafi Salem 'Asaliya, 30, was killed by shrapnel throughout the body, and 8 other civilians were injured, two of whom were in a serious condition.  According to eyewitnesses, ambulances were not able to reach the area for one hour due to intensive Israeli gunfire. 

 At approximately 23:00 on the same day, Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinian houses in Jabalya refugee camp.  A Palestinian civilian, 'Abdullah Nadi Dardouna, 24, was killed by a live bullet in the chest. 

 On Tuesday morning, 5 October 2004, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Hussam Mohammed al-Ras, 24, from Gaza City, died from an injury he had sustained on the previous day evening, when Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at Riad al-Salheen area in the east of Jabalya refugee camp.  The victim was apparently a member of the Palestinian resistance.

 At approximately 21:35 on the same day, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance in Block 5 in Jabalya refugee camp.  Two members of the resistance, who are brothers, were killed:

1.     Mousa 'Abdul Hai Darwish, 24; and

2.     Hassan 'Abdul Hai Darwish, 30, from Beit Lahia. 

 At approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 6 October 2004, Israeli troops positioned near the directorate of education in Beit Lahia fired an artillery shell at Ghazi Jaber 'Obaid's house to the west of Sheikh Zayed project.  The shell hit the 4^th floor of the house, and its shrapnel injured 'Obaid, his wife and their 8 children.

 At approximately 01:00 on the same day, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at a residential area in the center of Beit Lahia.  A Palestinian child, 17-year-old 'Abdullah Hussein Qamhan, was killed when he was at the door of his house.  Ambulances were not able to reach the area for one hour due to the intense Israeli gunfire. 

 At approximately 02:30, Israeli troops expanded their offensive as a number of Israeli military vehicles moved towards al-Maslakh (the butchery), north of Jabalya refugee camp, and Beit Lahia housing project.  During their movement, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at a house belonging to Hamdan Baraka 'Obaid, 50, killing him and his son Hammouda, 22.  Other Israeli troops moved from Tal Qulaibu area towards Tal al-Za'tar area and took position to the north of al-'Awda Hospital.  It is worth noting that the hospital was subject to repeated Israeli shelling, and was consequently severely damaged. 

 According to information available to PCHR, Israeli troops have totally destroyed at least 60 houses and seriously damaged dozens of others since the beginning of this latest offensive on the northern Gaza Strip.  They have also razed at least 100 donums of agricultural land, and destroyed a mosque and the fence of a Roman historical site. 

 PCHR's field worker in the northern Gaza Strip reported that he received several phone calls from Palestinian civilians living at al-Sikka Street, east of Jabalya, in Beit Hanoun’s agricultural areas and in al-Nada housing project in Beit Lahia, during which they informed him about the deterioration in the humanitarian situation in these areas, caused by the lack of water, electricity and basic foodstuffs.  In addition, there are a number of patients in these areas who have not been able to reach hospitals.  PCHR's field workers reported also that a number of families in Jabalya refugee camp have not been able to participate in the funeral procession of members of these family who had been killed by Israeli troops due to the tightened siege imposed by Israeli troops on parts of the camp.  Israeli troops have also fired at ambulances, which try to offer medical aid to the wounded, and have continued to prohibit the entry of medical and humanitarian aids into the areas they had already seized, especially parts of Jabalya refugee camp.

Thursday, 30 September 2004

 At approximately 00:10, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired a missile at a large container  that serves as an office for al-Ansar Charitable Society in al-Nasser neighborhood in Gaza City.  The container was severely damaged, but no casualties were reported.  It is worth noting that the headquarters of the society had been destroyed by Israeli troops a few months ago, so the society operated from the container. 

 At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp.  A Palestinian child, Jihad Younis Hunaideq, 4, was injured by shrapnel from a live bullet in the head, when she was inside her house. 

 At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved nearly 400 meters into Heker al-Jame' area in the southeast of Deir al-Balah.  They destroyed a 1.5-donum greenhouse owned by 'Allam 'Ata al-Lahham, 30 beehives and an irrigation network. 

 At approximately 16:15, Israeli troops positioned along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town.  Three Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded:

1.     'Emad 'Aatef Abu al-Sa'id, 12, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand, when he was on the roof of his house in al-Shaboura refugee camp;

2.     Hazem Ahmed Hijazi, 18, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg, when he was near Rafah Terminal; and

3.     Ahmed al-'Abed al-Hams, 21, wounded by a live bullet in the eye, when he was in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood.

 At approximately 17:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 30 meters into 'Oraiba area in the northwest of Rafah.  They destroyed 2 houses belonging to the families of al-Hashash and Abu Samhadana. 

 In the hours of the day, Israeli troops moved into Qalandya refugee camp near Ramallah; Faqqou'a and al-Yamoun villages near Jenin; 'Azzoun village near Qalqilya; Nablus; and Hebron and the neighboring Dura village.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 16 Palestinians, including a number of brothers and a girl and her father. 

Friday, 1 October 2004

 At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops positioned in a military post in Tal Zo'rob area in the southwest of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses in Zo'rob neighborhood.  The Israeli gunfire continued sporadically until 11:00.  A woman and a child were wounded:

1.     Amal Sa'id Zo'rob, 27, wounded by shrapnel in the head; and

2.     Mousa Hamad Abu Jazar, 8, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand. 

 At approximately 14:40, Israeli troops positioned along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses near Gaza International Airport.  A Palestinian child, 10-year-old Mohammed Akram Abu Taqiya, was wounded by a live bullet in the right forearm. 

 At approximately 19:30, Israeli helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at a workshop owned by Mohammed Hijazi in al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City.  The workshop was severely damaged and a neighboring house was lightly damaged.

Saturday, 2 October 2004

 At approximately 05:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of the "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc, northwest of Rafah, opened fire at 'Orabia area to the southeast.  An elderly Palestinian civilian, Mahmoud Mohammed al-Hashash, 62, was killed by a live bullet in the abdomen when he was sleeping in an iron-made room annexed to his house.

At approximately 08:00, a number of Palestinian schoolchildren gathered and threw stones at Israeli troops positioned in the vicinity of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children, wounding 4.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops moved nearly 300 meters into al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the northwest of Khan Yunis.  They opened fire at Palestinian houses in the area.  Some live bullets hit an elementary school in the area.  According to the director of the school, he was forced to evacuate the school, in which 942 children have classes, as they were extremely scared. 

At approximately 10:40, Israeli troops broke into the campus of Hebron University in the north of Hebron.  They checked the identity of dozens of students and arrested 3 of them. 

At approximately 11:20, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refuge camp and al-Nimswai neighborhood.  Two Palestinian civilians were injured:

1.     Mohammed 'Abdul Qader al-Mughrabi, 11, injured by shrapnel in the back; and

2.     'Omar Mohammed al-Qouqa, 43, injured by shrapnel in the back and the ear. 

At noon, dozens of Palestinian schoolchildren demonstrated in various areas of Hebron in protest to the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.  They threw stones at Israeli troops.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children, wounding 7.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops fired at 2 children from a close distance as they were able to escape from theses troops.  The two children were first arrested and severely beaten by Israeli troops. 

At approximately 15:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Khan Yunis refugee camp.  A Palestinian child, 11-year-old Ahmed 'Omar 'Othman, was injured by shrapnel from a live bullet in the right arm.

At approximately 16:30, Israeli troops moved nearly 200 meters into Abu Haddaf area in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis.  They raided and searched a number of houses.  They arrested and interrogated Ahmed Joma'a al-Sumairi, 39, but released him later. 

Also at approximately 16:30, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 300 meters into 'Oraiba area in the northwest of Rafah.  They called through megaphones on residents of a number of houses to vacate them as they would be demolished.  Israeli troops also opened fire at houses and agricultural area.  A Palestinian woman, Ameena Farhan al-Hashash, 22, who is in the 6^th month of her pregnancy, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head.  During this incursion, which continued until 19:00, Israeli troops demolished 4 houses belonging to the al-Hashash family, rendering 25 people (5 families) homeless.

At approximately 18:00, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that a Palestinian child, Mahmoud Tharwat Mohammed 'Abdul Qader, 12, from Khan Yunis, died from a wound he had sustained by Israeli troops at the end of last July.  According to PCHR's documentation, at approximately 13:45 on Friday, 30 July 2004, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian civilians who gathered on sand dunes near the settlement and threw stone at those troops.  Six civilians, including 3 children, were wounded.  One of them, Mohammed Mahmoud Khalfallah, 15, died one hour later from a wound he sustained in the head.  Another child, 12-year-old Mahmoud Tharwat Mohammed 'Abdul Qader, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head.  He received medical attention in Israeli hospitals and Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.  The victim's sister, 12-year-old Rana, was killed by Israeli troops in 1992 during the first Palestinian Intifada. 

At approximately 21:45, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp, al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Baten al-Samin area.  A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Hussein Husni Safi, 24, was injured by shrapnel in the left arm, when he was near his house in Baten al-Samin area. 

At approximately 23:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 500 meters into Baten al-Samin area in the southwest of Khan Yunis.  Under the cover of intense gunfire, they started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land.  By 03:00 on the following day, they had razed 14 donums of agricultural land planted with citrus and olives, on which 4 greenhouses stood, belonging to the families of al-Sha'er and al-Bashiti. 

In the hours of the day, Israeli troops moved into Artas and Abu Nujaim villages near Bethlehem; Beit Ummar village near Hebron; and Toura village near Jenin.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 10 Palestinians.    

Sunday, 3 October 2004

 At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts between "Gani Tal" and "Neve Dekalim" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Anmal neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp.  Two schoolchildren were wounded:

1.     Fidaa' Jawad Hamdan, 14, wounded by shrapnel from a live bullet in the right foot; and

2.     Jamal Basem al-Qedra, 5, wounded by a live bullet in the back. 

 At approximately 15:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Gan Aur" settlement, southwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Gizan Abu Rashwan area to the east.  A Palestinian civilian, Jihad Hamad al-Sane', 18, from Rafah, who was in a visit to a relative, was wounded by a live bullet in the right foot. 

 At approximately 16:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement and al-Tuffah checkpoint, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  Two Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1.     Nizar Ahmed Abu Sahloul, 39, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot; and

2.     Khaled Ahmed Mohammed al-Souso, 43, injured by shrapnel in the face. 

 At approximately 19:00, Israeli troops on tanks positioned in the vicinity of "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc, northwest of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Bader area in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah.  A Palestinian civilian, Mohamemd Khamis al-Ra'ei, 50, was wounded by a live bullet in the back. 

Monday, 4 October 2004

 In the morning, medical sources at an Israeli hospital declared that an elderly Palestinian woman, Lam'eya Qassem 'Abdul Ghani Kulaib, 70, from Hares village, southwest of Nablus, died from a previous injury she had sustained in July.  According to PCHR's documentation, at approximately 22:00 on Thursday, 22 July 2004, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Hares village, southwest of Nablus.  Israeli troops opened fire at Palestinian houses.  The aforementioned woman was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen when she was sitting in front of her house.  She was first evacuated to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus, and as she was in a serious condition, she was transferred to an Israeli hospital.

 At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  Five Palestinian civilians, including a woman and a child, were injured:

1.     Najah Zaki 'Ali al-Shawa, 35, seriously wounded by a live bullet the entered the right shoulder and settled in the chest causing an acute hemorrhage;

2.     Mohammed Samir Ahmed, 17, injured by shrapnel in the left hand;

3.     Samir Hassan Ahmed, 49, injured by shrapnel in the back;

4.     Fadi Hamad Abu Rahhal, 23, injured by shrapnel in the right hand; and

5.     Hassan Joma'a Mohammed Abu Nemer, 90, injured by shrapnel in the right hand. 

 At approximately 13:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved from the eastern border of the Gaza Strip nearly 70 meters into Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis.  They opened fire indiscriminately at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas.  A Palestinian child, 4-year-old Lu'ai Ayman Mohammed al-Najjar, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head when he was playing near his family home, nearly 400 meters away from the source of fire.  He died on the way to the hospital. 

 At approximately 16:10, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement and al-Tuffah checkpoint, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood.  A Palestinian woman, Nahla Mohammed Khalafallah, 27, was wounded by a live bullet in the left foot, when she was inside her house in al-Nimsawi neighborhood. 

 At approximately 21:45, an undercover unit of Israeli troops disguised in civilian clothes and traveling in a civilian car that has a Palestinian registration moved into Ramallah.  The car stopped nearly 50 meters away from Ramallah church.  In the meantime, a Palestinian civilian car stopped nearly 20 meters away from the church, and 2 persons got out of it and entered a shop opposite to the church.  Immediately, members of the undercover unit got out of their car and ordered the two persons to surrender.  A third person, who accompanied the two persons in the car, fired at members of the Israeli undercover unit, who opened fire at the two persons and their colleague. The two persons who were at the shop were killed: Fawaz Mashour Mohammed Fahana, 28, hit by several live bullets in the shoulder and the back; and Ibrahim Ahmed Nasser al-Tawai'a, 35, hit by several live bullets in the back, and their colleague, Meziad Sawafta, 27, from Tubas village near Jenin, was wounded in the feet and was arrested by Israeli troops.  More Israeli troops were brought to the area to cover the withdrawal of the undercover unit.  They arrested the shop's owner and his son. 

 In the hours of the day, Israeli troops moved into the villages of D'innaba and Saida near Tulkarm; Ramallah and the neighboring Beit Leqia village; al-Duhaisha refugee camp and al-Duha village near Bethlehem; and Hebron and the neighboring al-Fawar refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 13 Palestinians.

Tuesday, 5 October 2004

 At approximately 02:30, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved nearly 300 meters into al-Rabwat al-Gharbiya area in the north west of Khan Yunis.   Under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, they surrounded 9 houses and forced their residents out.  They interrogated these residents and took 4 of them to the neighboring "Gani Tal" settlement.  They searched the 9 houses.  Then, Israeli troops started to demolish a number of houses and raze areas of agricultural land.  At approximately 07:00, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired a missile at an animal cart near al-Zahraa' mosque in the area.  The cart was destroyed and the animal was killed.  At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 6 October 2004, Israeli troops destroyed a 400-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Ibrahim Mohammed Hijazi, in which 25 people (4 families) live, claiming that a tunnel was found under the house.  Also during this incursion, Israeli troops 6 houses completely, rendering 82 people (18 families) homeless, and 2 other houses partially.  These houses belong to the families of al-'Adini, Saqer, al-Buhairi, al-Astal, al-'Azzazi, Abu Tu'aima and al-'Abeed.  Israeli troops also razed 52 donums of agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables, and destroyed an irrigation network, a well, an agricultural pool and 2 animal farms.  These areas of land belong to the families of al-Astal and al-Agha.  As a result of the Israeli shelling and gunfire, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded:

1.     Mahmoud 'Omar al-Astal, 38, wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder;

2.     Yahia 'Abdul Majid al-Astal, 8, wounded by shrapnel in the right hand; and

3.     Akram 'Abdul Rahim al-Astal, 20, wounded by shrapnel in the abdomen. 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Kherbat al-Dawara area in the south of Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron.  At approximately 03:30, sounds of intense gunfire were heard in the area.  At approximately 07:00, local residents saw a body on the ground surrounded by Israeli troops.  At approximately 08:00, the body was transferred to an unknown destination.  The victim was later identified as Mousa Mohammed Hamed Jabarin, 45, from Sa'ir village.  According to local residents, they heard sounds of an exchange of fire between Jabarin and Israeli troops.  Jabarin was allegedly wanted by Israeli occupation authorities for being a member of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fatah movement. 

 At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin.  They imposed a curfew on the village and ordered male residents whose ages are between 15 and 30 to gather in a public yard.  They interrogated these young men and arrested at least 60 to complete the interrogation.  During this incursion, Israeli troops fired at houses.  A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Mo'tassem Mohammed Kumayel, was injured by shrapnel in the head. 

 In the morning, in an apparent willful killing, Israeli troops killed a 13-year-old Palestinian schoolchild when she was, for no apparent reason, near an Israeli military post in Rafah. 

 According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 06:30, 13-year-old Iman Samir al-Hams went to her school in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood, nearly 500 meters to the north of an Israeli military post in Tal Zo'rob area in the southwest of Rafah.  Before the beginning of classes, the child got out of her school with her bag on her shoulders and went towards the aforementioned Israeli military post for no apparent reason.  When she got close to the gate of the post, Israeli troops opened fire at her.  The child escaped towards her school.  However, 3 Israeli soldiers chased her.  They opened fire at her.  The child fell onto the ground as she was hit by live bullets.  The soldiers moved towards her and took her bag and fired at it.  They left her bleed in the area.  One hour later, Israeli troops allowed a Palestinian ambulance to transport the child who was dead.  The child was taken to a hospital in Rafah.  According to medical sources, the child was hit by at least 15 live bullets in the upper part of the body. 

 At approximately 07:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Netser Hazani" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Qarara village.  An elderly Palestinian civilian, 'Abdullah 'Othman Sidqi al-'Abadla, 73, was wounded by a live bullet in the chest, when he was inside his house. 

Wednesday, 6 October 2004

 In the early morning, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying troops in civilian clothes moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm.  Israeli troops raided 2 houses, one of which is uninhabited and the other is inhabited by an old woman, the troops then hid inside.  A few hours later, while a number of Palestinian schoolchildren were going to their schools, they threw stones at the two houses as they knew that Israeli troops were hiding inside.  Immediately, Israeli troops opened fire at the children, killing 16-year-old Mohammed Rasem Rashid Raddad with several live bullets in the abdomen and the armpit.  Soon, 6 Israeli military jeeps arrived at the area and transported the undercover unit. 

 At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into Palestinian agricultural areas located to the south of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah.  They razed 8 donums of agricultural land belonging to the families of al-Falleet, Shahin and Abu Mughassib, and destroyed 3 animal farms.  They also partially demolished a house.

Extra-Judicial Execution

 In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial execution officially adopted by the Israeli political and military establishments, this week, Israeli troops carried out 3 extra-judicial assassination attempts.  One of these attempts failed, but the other two attempts left   4 Palestinians dead. 

 According to PCHR's preliminary investigations, on the first attempt, at approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 2 October 2004, an Israeli aircraft fired 2 missiles at a civilian car, a white Mitsubishi, in which 2 members of the 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, were traveling.  The car was traveling near Fattouh fuel station at Salah al-Din Street in the northeast of Gaza City, which is a densely populated area. One of the missiles struck the car directly and burnt it, killing the two passengers. The other missile hit a shop of car parts, totally destroying it and severely damaging a number of neighboring stores.  In addition, 4 civilian bystanders, including a 14-year-old child, were injured by shrapnel from the missiles.  The victims were later identified as: 

1.     Mahdi Jamal Mushtaha, 30, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza City; and

2.     Khaled Ramadan al-'Amreeti, 28, from al-Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City.

 According to PCHR's investigations on the second attempt, at approximately 00:10 on Monday, 4 October 2004, an Israeli aircraft fired 2 missiles at 2 members of the 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, who were walking near al-Tawfiq mosque in al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  The two were injured by shrapnel from the missiles.  A woman, Ra'eda 'Abdul Hadi Habeeb, 20, was also injured by shrapnel when she was inside her house. 

 According to PCHR's investigations on the third attempt, at approximately 17:40 on Tuesday, 5 October 2004, an Israeli aircraft fired a missile at a civilian car, a white Subaru, that was traveling in 'Izziddin al-Qassam Street in the center of Gaza City, which is a densely populated area.  The missile struck and burnt the car.  Two Palestinians who were traveling in the car were killed:

1.     Bashir Khalil al-Dabash, 42, from al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City; and

2.     Zarif Yousef al-'Are'ir, 30, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza City. 

 The two are members of the Islamic Jihad.  Three passing civilians were also injured.

Continued Siege on the OPTs

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. 

Gaza Strip

 This week, Israeli occupying troops have imposed a very tightened siege on the Gaza Strip.  They have divided the Gaza Strip into 3 separate zones by closing the coastal road between Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip, and at al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip.  In addition, Israeli occupying troops have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip either partially or completely. 

 Since the beginning of their offensive on the northern Gaza Strip on 28 September 2004, Israeli occupying troops have seized control over several Palestinian communities in the area.  They have also seized a number of buildings and transformed their roofs into military posts.  Electricity has been also cut from these areas.  As a result of these measures, daily activities in the area have been paralyzed.  Access to food and medical services has also been obstructed by Israeli troops. 

 As a result of the Israeli closure measures imposed throughout the Gaza Strip, local markets have suffered a shortage of basic foodstuffs and fuels, the educational process has been suspended, and access to medical services has been extremely difficult.  For example, on Sunday, 3 October 2004, Israeli troops obstructed the transportation of a Palestinian child, who was killed by these troops, from Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. These measures have also obstructed the work of international humanitarian agencies, such as UNRWA, which issued a press release stating that the Israeli military operation obstructed many of the UNRWA operations, including the distribution of foodstuffs[1]. 

 Israeli troops positioned on the coastal road between Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian civilians who moved between Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip along the beach on foot.  A Palestinian child, 15-year-old Lu'ai Mohammed Dughmosh, was wounded by a live bullet in the left foot.

 At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 4 October 2004, Israeli troops opened al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street and the coastal road.  They re-closed them at 19:00.    

 Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip.  They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the area.  Israeli troops have closed al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area since Thursday morning, 23 September 2004.  They have also continued to prevent female Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 25, and male ones whose ages are between 16 and 30 from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint, when it is open, without prior coordination. 

 Israeli troops have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip.  They have also imposed severe restrictions of the movement of Palestinian farmers.  In the same context, Israeli troops 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 troops have continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip for the fourth consecutive week.   Even though Israeli occupying troops partially reopened al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City, they have imposed severe restrictions on the flow of goods through the two crossing.  As result, the Palestinian market has lacked several basic goods.  On 3 October 2004, Israeli troops reopened Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, and allowed the entry of construction raw materials.    

 Israeli troops have continued to impose severe restrictions on traveling through Rafah Terminal, which has been the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world since 14 February 2001, when Israeli occupying forces destroyed the runway of Gaza International Airport.   The number of Palestinians allowed to travel through the terminal daily is very limited.  As a result, many patients who are badly in need of special medical treatment abroad have not been able to travel.  On Saturday morning, 2 October 2004, Israeli troops closed the terminal for no apparent reason.  This closure continued for one day.  Israeli troops have continued to prevent Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 35 from traveling through the terminal since 16 April 2004, although they claimed that they cancelled this policy on the 9 August 2004.       

The West Bank

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

Jerusalem

 Israeli troops imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Friday morning, 1 October 2004, Israeli troops prevented Palestinians who are under 40 from reaching al-Aqsa Mosque in the old town for the Friday prayer.  On Monday, 4 October 2004, Israeli troops declared the city a closed military zone until the end of the week.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops erected more checkpoints on the main and branch roads leading to the city.

Ramallah

 Israeli troops imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially at Na'leen checkpoint, west of the town.  They forced these civilians to wait for long hours before allowing them to cross the checkpoint. 

Hebron

 For the ^5th consecutive week, Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on Hebron.  They have isolated the town from its surroundings.  They chased Palestinian civilians who attempted to travel to and from the town.  Israeli troops also imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the town.  They stopped and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians in various areas in the town.  On Sunday morning, 3 October 2004, Israeli troops closed the Ibrahimi mosque to Muslims.  This closure continued for 2 days. 

Nablus

 Israeli troops started to close military checkpoints around the city at 17:00 everyday.  These checkpoints are opened at 06:00 everyday.  This time limit obstructs the daily activities of Palestinian civilians, especially university students and employees. 

Tulkarm

 Israeli troops erected a number of temporary checkpoints on the main roads.  They have also continued to close al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town and 'Ennab gate on Nablus –Tulkarm road in the face of cars, but allowed Palestinian civilians to cross the checkpoint and the gate on foot. 

Jenin

 On Thursday morning, 30 September 2004, Israeli troops declared the northern and central Jordan Valley areas closed military zones.  They closed the iron gate located to the east of Tayaseer village, east of Jenin. They also imposed a tightened siege on Palestinian communities in the area.  In addition, Israeli troops decided to prevent Palestinian vehicles from traveling on road (90) near Jordan River. 

Curfews

 On Saturday, 2 October 2004, Israeli troops imposed a strict curfew on the old town and the center of Hebron. 

 On Tuesday, 5 October 2004, Israeli troops imposed a curfew on Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin.  They closed all of its entrances with sand barriers. 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

 On Thursday evening, 30 September 2004, Israeli troops positioned at a temporary checkpoint at the entrance to Jeet village, east of Qalqilya, arrested Hani Sa'id Mahmoud Sukkar, 18, from the village.

 On Friday morning, 1 October 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint to the east of Tubas village near Jenin.  They arrested 5 Palestinians and took the car in which the five were traveling. 

 On Saturday morning, 2 October 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint in Tunisia Street in the west of Nablus.  They arrested 2 Palestinians: Ameer Talal Abu al-So'ud, 24; and his brother Ashraf, 27. 

 On Tuesday morning, 5 October 2004, Israeli troops positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallh, arrested Mahmoud Basem Fayadh, 23, from Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm, while he was traveling to Bir Zeit University. 

Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall

 Israeli troops have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory, especially in East Jerusalem and Hebron.

 Israeli troops intensified continued construction the section of the wall extending from Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, and Dahiat al-Barid checkpoint, north of east of Jerusalem.  They have divided the main road linking between the two checkpoints into two sections, an eastern one and a western one, thus separating between al-Ram village and Dahiat al-Barid on one hand and a number of NGOs and educational institutions on the other hand.  The construction of this section of the wall will cause extreme difficulties for Palestinian civilians in their movement.  Israeli troops started to raze areas of Palestinian land in 'Ayad area to the east of al-Ram village to establish a new settler road between "Neve Ya'qoub" and "Adam" settlements, northeast of Jerusalem.  The establishment of the new road will hinder the natural growth of Palestinian communities in the area.    

 On Monday morning, 4 October 2004, Israeli troops started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in the west of Shwaika village, north of Tulkarm.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops uprooted at least 120 olives trees belonging to the families of Na'aloh and Abu 'Aaisha. 

 For the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall in Hebron, on Monday afternoon, 4 October 2004, Israeli troops started to raze large areas of Paletsinian agricultural land in Sourif village, northwest of Hebron.  They have uprooted at least 200 olive trees.  On Tuesday morning, 5 October 2004, Israeli troops prevented Palestinian farmers from reaching their agricultural land.   

Settlement Activities and Settlers' Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Properties

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

 At approximately 11:30 on Sunday, 3 October 2004, an Israeli civilian car that was traveling fast ran down a Palestinian woman, Ibtissam Bder Ghaith, 42, from Hebron, when she was crossing bypass road 35 near Hebron.  The driver escaped without offering her any help.  Then, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint in the area stopped an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society, which evacuated the woman to a hospital in Hebron.  According to medical sources, she sustained a serious fracture in the pelvis and suffered from an acute hemorrhage.  As she was in a serious condition, she was transferred to a hospital in Jerusalem.

*****

Recommendations to the International Community

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 Territory.  PCHR calls on the international community to immediately “ensure respect” for the Convention.

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.

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 people 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. PCHR also requests the application of the EU Guidelines on Arms Sales and requests that EU Missions and Embassies in Israel and the OPTss press the Israeli government to apply and implement in full the recently agreed EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders.  PCHR further requests of the EU donor states to claim compensation for the damage done by Israeli troops to projects funded by the EU or its member states.

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 requests that the international community follow the advisory opinion of the ICJ when it called on the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention, through the UNGA and UNSC, to take effective measures to stop the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank.

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, trade 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 of international solidarity groups to the OPTs, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with 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.

“END”