Israeli occupying forces have perpetrated more violations of human rights against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces included willful 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, 4 Palestinians, including 2 handicapped civilians and one child, were killed and at least 20 others were injured by Israeli troops.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops continued to shell Palestinian residential areas, especially in Khan Yunis and Rafah. A Palestinian child was killed and 15 other civilians, including 3 children and 2 women, were injured. Israeli helicopter gunships also destroyed 2 workshops in Gaza City. Another Palestinian was killed when he exchanged fire with Israeli troops that had moved into Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. This week, Israeli occupying forces conducted 5 military incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they destroyed 2 houses in Rafah and razed 14 donums of Palestinian agricultural land in Deir al-Balah.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians. Two handicapped Palestinian civilians were killed by Israeli troops. 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, in the northern Jordan Valley and in Qalqilya. 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 areas of Palestinian land in Bethlehem for the purpose of wall construction. This week, the Israeli High Court allowed the Israeli military to level areas of Palestinian land in Shaqba village, southwest of Ramallah, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall.

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. A number of these crossings were partially reopened, but under severe restrictions. On Tuesday, 8 June 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the "Erez" industrial zone in the northern Gaza Strip, denying access of around 5000 Palestinian workers to their work places. 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.

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

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 200 meters into al-Brazil neighborhood in the south of Rafah, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They demolished a 160-square-meter, 3-storey house owned by Khalil Ibrahim Mousa, in which 9 people (3 families) lived.

Also at approximately 02:00, Israeli troops moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. They arrested 7 Palestinians:

At approximately 02:15, Israeli troops moved into Kharabtha village, south of Ramallah. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 02:30, Israeli troops moved into al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Bethlehem and the neighboring villages of al-'Ebayat and Artas. They arrested 6 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:30, Israeli troops moved into the villages of Na'lin and Qebia. They arrested 7 Palestinians:

At approximately 12:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at al-Brazil neighborhood. A Palestinian civilian, Ghassan Ahmed Abu Dibaa', 35, was wounded by a live bullet in the left knee. He was 400 meters away from the source of fire when he was wounded.

At approximately 15:00, dozens of Palestinian civilians demonstrated on the lands of Beit Luqia village, west of Ramallah, in pretest to the construction of the annexation wall in the area. A number of young men and children threw stones at Israeli military bulldozers and the escorting troops. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the stone throwers, wounding 2 brothers:

1. Ayman 'Abdullah Bader, 21, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the face; and

2. Mujahed 'Abdullah Bader, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the neck.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian agricultural land in al-Rabwat area. Shrapnel from live bullets burnt 2 donums of wheat owned by 'Othman Yousef al-Agha.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by a helicopter, moved into Artas village, south of Bethlehem. They surrounded 'Adnan al-Rassi Abu 'Ammar's house in Al-Sha'baboun area. They opened fire at the house. At approximately 23:30, Israeli troops blew up the door and broke into the house. They forced the five residents of the house out and searched it. They were searching for one of the owner's relatives, Khaled Abu 'Ammar, who is allegedly wanted by these troops. As a result of the Israeli gunfire, a room in the house was burnt.

At the same time, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Block N in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Husni Mohammed al-'Attar, 48, was wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. They arrested 'Eissa 'Abdul Fattah Salah, 33.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops moved into Zaher al-Nada village, east of Bethlehem. They arrested Khaled Hassan 'Ebayat, 26.

At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops started to level areas of Palestinian land in al-Sumairi area in al-Qarara village to the south of the "Kissufim" settler road, northeast of Khan Yunis. They created a hill of sands, apparently in preparation for establishing a military post in the area.

At noon, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Morag" settlement, south of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Gizan al-Najjar area to the north. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. Eyad 'Abdul Wahab al-Najjar, 28, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh; and

Approximately 3 hours later, Israeli troops opened fire at Abu Qarqoush area to the south of the aforementioned settlement. A Palestinian child, Najawan Hisham al-'Adini, 13, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh.

At approximately 15:00, Israeli troops moved approximately 200 meters into Wadi al-Salqa village, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They razed a 10-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables owned by Hussein Suleiman al-Sumairi.

At approximately 21:30, 8 Israeli military jeeps, reinforced by a helicopter, moved into Ramallah. They opened fire at houses and markets. Then, they imposed a curfew on the center of the town and surrounded al-Kurdi apartment building, where a number of students of Bir Zeit University live. They forced residents of the building out and checked them. At approximately 22:00, Israeli troops broke into the building and searched it. Before their withdrawal from the town on the following morning, Israeli troops arrested 3 university students:

At approximately 22:30, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 300 meters into al-Tawashi area to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. The Israeli troops raided Salem Fadel 'Abdul Jawad's house. They handcuffed and blindfolded the owner and held him and his family in one room. They remained in the house until Satuday evening, 5 June 2004, during which time they prevented 3 of the owner's daughters from attending their school final exams. They also held all the neighbors who came to the house.

Saturday, 5 June 2004

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Bani Na'im village, east of Hebron. They arrested 4 Palestinians:

1. Rawhi Mahmoud Harahsha, 31;

2. Nasser Mousa Harahsha, 30;

3. Fawaz 'Abdul Mahdi al-Zaidat, 47; and

4. Nizar Salem Harahsha, 31.

At approixmately 04:30, Israeli troops moved into Ysouf village, south of Nablus. They arrested 6 Palestinians:

1. 'Emad Hassan Diouk, 45;

2. 'Abdul Hamid 'Ali Ahmed, 39;

3. Nejem Fu'ad al-Khuffash, 32;

4. Mahmoud Ibrahim Abu al-Haija, 30;

5. Mohammed Shafiq al-Khuffash, 18; and

6. Mahmoud Shafiq al-Khuffash, 17.

At approximately 04:30, Israeli troops moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided Mohammed 'Ali Da'ajna's house in the southwest of the village. They forced the 8 residents of the house out and searched it. Then, they held residents of the house inside it until 15:00.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli troops moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They opened fire at houses. A number of Paletsinian children gathered and threw stones at the Israeli troops. Immediately, these troops fired at the children, wounding 2 of them and a passing civilian:

1. Tha'er 'Abdul Halim al-Shaf'ei, 12, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right thigh;

2. Mujahed 'Aadel Hassan Marshoud, 11, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right foot; and

3. Yousef Mahmoud Hajjaj, 33, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot.

Sunday, 6 June 2004

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They arrested Tayseer Yousef al-Talahma, 32.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops moved into Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus. They arrested 2 Palestinians: Hikmat Khaled 'Abdul Jalil, 27; and his brother Ziad, 20.

At approximately 10:00, Isreali troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Rafah refugee camp. Four Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. Ussama Khalil Hussein, 29, wounded by a live bullet in the face while he was in his shop;

2. 'Abdul Rahman Mohammed al-Farra, 25, a policeman from Khan Yunis, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg;

3. Enshirah Mahmoud Abu 'Azzoum, 42, wounded by a live bullet in the left arm while she was in the market; and

4. Munir Humaid al-Soufi, 43, wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen while he was in the market.

At approximately 14:15, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Block O in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Nabil Mohammed Abu Naja, 17, was injured by shrapnel in the left leg and foot.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Gadid" and "Neve Dekalim" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at cemeteries and al-Nimsawi neighborhood. Nansi Yousef Mohammed Wadi, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head, when she was in her family's house in the center of Khan Yunis, around 1200 meters away from the source of fire. On the following day morning, 17-year-old Mohammed Jamal Subhi Nabhan's body was found in the cemetry. He was hit by several live bullets to the back. According to his family, he left home and went to the cemetery to visit graves of 2 of his deceased friends.

Also at approximately 17:00, a number of Palestinian children gathered at the western entrance of Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They threw stones at Israeli troops positioned at Qalandya checkpoint. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the children who then moved back to the camp. At approximately 19:00, when clashes were over, 2 Israeli military jeeps moved towards the western entrance of the camp. For no apparent reason, Israeli troops opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were standing near Qalandya Social Center. 'Arafat Ibrahim Ya'qoub, 31, who is physically handicapped, was instantly killed by 2 live bullets in the head. He was not able to have a shelter from the Israeli gunfire like other civilians. The victim had been wounded by 3 live bullets in the back fired by Israeli troops in 1992, which paralyzed him. He had been also wounded by a live bullet in the chest fired by Israeli troops in 2002. He was married and a father of 3 children.

At approximately 17:30, Israeli troops moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They opened fire at houses. A number of children gathered in the center of the camp. They threw stones at Israeli troops. Immediately, these troops fired at the children, wounding 4:

1. Amin Eyad Abu Warda, 9, wounded by a rubber-coated in the left hand;

2. Salah Fahmi Rezeq, 15, wounded by 2 rubber-coated bullets in the chest and the left thigh;

3. Ahmed Ghazi Abu Thiraa', 12, wounded by 2 rubber-coated metal bullets in the right forearm and the left leg; and

4. Mohammed Munir al-Titi, 13, wounded by a live bullet in the right forearm.

Monday, 7 June 2004

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Tammoun village near Jenin. They arrested 7 Palestinians:

1. Fares Khader Bani 'Ouda, 20;

2. Bashar 'Abdul Wali Bani 'Ouda, 23;

3. 'Essam Najib Bani 'Ouda, 20;

4. Mohammed Rashid Bani 'Ouda, 19;

5. Bassel Rashid Bani 'Ouda, 23;

6. Jihad Na'im Bani 'Ouda, 28; and

7. 'Azzam Hussein 'Abdul Wali, 22.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into Deir Ghassana village near Ramallah. They arrested 8 Palestinians:

1. Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 82;

2. Ahmed Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 29;

3. 'Abdul Latif Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 34;

4. 'Abdul Baset Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 36;

5. Mahmoud Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 41;

6. Mohammed Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 44;

7. Safi Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 52; and

8. Faisal Asa'ad al-Shu'aibi, 55.

In the morning, Israeli troops shot dead a mentally and physically handicapped Palestinian civilian in Tulkarm. They claimed they he did not obey orders to stop and was carrying a suspicious sack. According to eyewitnesses, they drew the attention of Israeli troops to the fact that he is handicapped, but they continued to fire at him.

According to PCHR's investigation, at approximately 10:30, 'Omar 'Abdul Jabbar 'Abdul Fattah Farekh, 26, from Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm, went to buy meat from the southern area of the village. While he was walking towards the area, he saw an Israeli military jeep entering the village through its eastern entrance, around 400 meters away. He escaped as he used to do when seeing Israeli troops. The jeep chased him. Then, an Israeli soldier got out of the jeep and fired at him from a distance of around 300 meters, and wounded him by a live bullet. He attempted to jump over a fence in the area, but he was not able as he had a disability in the hands, and Israeli troops continued to fire at him. He was hit by 2 other live bullets. When some civilians tried to draw the attention of Israeli troops that he is handicapped, they answered that they are in a battle field, and continued to fire at him. Around 20 minutes later, a Palestinian ambulance arrived at the area and tried to offer him help, but Israeli troops held it for around 30 minutes, during which he died. His body was transferred to a hospital in Tulkarm. According to medical sources, he was hit by several live bullets in the shoulders, the chest and the abdomen.

At approximately 13:00, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international and Israeli peace activists demonstrated in Khalayel al-Rumaila area in the west of a-Zawia village, southeast of Qalqilya, against the construction of the “annexation wall” in the area. When they tried to intercept Israeli bulldozer, Israeli troops fired at them and wounded 14-year-old Mahmoud Mustafa Shuqair with a live bullet in the hand.

At approximately 15:30, in the context of the planned construction of a separating fence along the "Kissufim" settler road, northeast of Khan Yunis, Israeli troops began putting barbwire along an 800-meter-long section of the road. The new fence is 20-30 meters away from an old one that was established in the beginning of the current Intifada inside Palestinian areas, around 70 meters away from the road. As a consequence of establishing the new fence, a 170-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Isma'il Jama'an al-Sumairi, in which 7 people live, has become trapped between the two fences. Israeli troops have started to establish a fence along the "Kissufim" settler road since 6 May 2004, around 200-400 meters inside Palestinian areas.

Tuesday, 8 June 2004

At approximately 01:00, Israeli troops moved into Tulkarm. They raided offices of al-Ihsan charitable society in the eastern part of the town. They searched the offices and confiscated cheques whose value is about 50,000 NIS (about US$ 11,100), an amount of 5000 NIS (US$ 1,100), stamps, 2 computer sets, a printer and a photocopier. They also closed the offices according to a military order. The society provides aids to poor families.

At the same time, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 700 meters into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. Israeli troops raided and searched 'Ali Hassan Ben Sa'id's 3-storey house. They held the 6 residents of the house in one room and transformed it into a military post. At approximately 06:00, an Israeli military bulldozer arrived at the area. It razed a 500-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed an agricultural pool owned by Ben Sa'id. Israeli troops left the house at approximately 07:00.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Nablus and neighboring refugee camps. They arrested 4 Palestinians:

1. Ibrahim Ahmed Abu 'Aziz, 20;

2. Hazem Isma'il Harb, 19;

3. 'Omar Bassan al-Attira, 22; and

4. 'Omar Shawkat Abu Wahdan, 25.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They arrested 5 Palestinians:

1. Isma'il Mahmoud Abu Zahra, 60;

2. Nasser Isma'il Mahmoud Abu Zahra, 32;

3. Maher Isma'il Mahmoud Abu Zahra, 25;

4. Mohammed Isma'il Mahmoud Abu Zahra, 23; and

5. Yasser Isma'il Mahmoud Abu Zahra, 28.

At approximately 03:45, Israeli troops arrested Ashraf Ramadan al-Natsheh, 27, from Hebron.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops arrested Kraim 'Ali al-Hour, from al-'Arroub refugee camp.

At the same time, Israeli troops arrested Hassan Rafiq Nour, 22, from 'Anabta village near Tulkarm.

At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops positioned at 'Atara checkpoint near Ramallah fired at 31-year-old 'Emad Mohammed Nabhan and seriously wounded him with 2 live bullets in the back and the side, while he was repairing his car.

At approximately 11:00, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. Israeli troops surrounded a house belonging to the family of Khaled Nayef Ramadan, 24. Soon, more Israeli troops, supported by a helicopter, moved into the camp. When Ramadan noticed the presence of Israeli troops, he attempted to escape, but Israeli troops fired at him. He was wounded by 2 live bullets in the left hand and right foot. Israeli troops then arrested him. They also arrested Ahmed Mohammed al-Zaghari, 34.

At approximately 14:00, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of international and Israeli peace activists demonstrated on the lands of al-Zawia village, southeast of Qalqilya, against the construction of the “annexation wall” in the area. Israeli troops fired at the demonstrators wounding 2:

1. 'Adnan Shaker 'Abdul Qader, 18, hit by a tear gas canister to the head; and

2. Sami Hussein Raddad, 33, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh.

At approximately 14:40, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Gadid" settlement, southwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Baten al-Samin area to the east. A Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim Khader al-Bagari, 19, was wounded by a live bullet in the left foot.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts around "Qatif" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Paletsinian houses in al-Satar al-Gharbi area. Two Palestinian civilian were wounded:

1. Hilal Mohammed Abu Shabab, 18, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand; and

2. Aaya Mohammed Abu Shabab, 12, wounded by a live bullet in the back.

At approximately 21:00, Israeli troops moved approximately 400 meters into al-Salam neighborhood in the south of Rafah, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They demolished a 120-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Khaled 'Abdul Fattah 'Aziz, in which 5 people lived.

At the same time, Israeli troops moved into Ramallah and arrested Jihad Khalil al-Silwadi, 28.

At approximately 11:30, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched 3 missiles at 2 workshops for maintainance of motorcycles and motors owned by Mustafa Khader al-Dayeh on the first floor of a 2-storey building owned by the Qannita family in al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The two workshops were detsroyed and a number of neighboring houses were damaged.

Wednesday, 9 June 2004

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Jenin. They arrested 4 Palestinians:

1. Nasser Ayoub al-Sa'di, 36;

2. Ayoub Mohammed Samoudi, 35;

3. Samer 'Abdullah al-Sanouri, 28; and

4. Eihab Ahmed al-Sa'di, 22.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into al-Khader village near Bethlehem and arrested 2 Paletsinians:

1. Ahmed Hussein Salah, 20; and

2. Hamza Mustafa Salah, 21.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops arrested Mahmoud Salem Hussein 'Eid, 26, from Hourat al-Shama'a village near Bethlehem.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops moved approximately 400 meters into the northeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. They raided a 2-storey uninhabited house owned by Fu'ad al-Shoubaki and transformed it into a military post. At approximately 16:30, a number of members of the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with Israeli troops. One member of the resistance, Walid 'Awad 'Aashour, 22, was wounded by several live bullets in the pelvis and the legs. Ambulances were not able to reach him for more than 3 hours, and he bled to death. Israeli troops withdrew from the area later.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Block O in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Khaled 'Abdul 'Aziz al-'Arja, 19, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli troops moved into al-Jabal al-Shamali area in Nablus. They stopped near an elementary school in the area. Soon, Israeli troops opened fire at the area for no apparent reason. A Palestinian civilian, Zuhdi 'Abdul Hakim al-Masri, 30, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen. Al-Masri is a telephone technician who was working in the area.

Continued Siege on the OPT

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

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip for the 10^th consecutive week. Israeli forces imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints to the north of Khan Yunis. On Thursday morning, 3 June 2004, Israeli troops held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between. At approximately 14:00, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints. This closure continued until 19:30, during which Israeli troops fired at Palestinian civilians and vehicles waiting at Abu Houli checkpoint. On Monday, 7 June 2004, Israeli troops closed held and searched a number of vehicles randomly. The same happened on Wednesday, 9 June 2004.

For the 10^th consecutive week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to close most border crossings between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Even though Israeli occupying forces partially reopened al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City, they imposed severe restrictions on the flow of goods through the crossing. On Friday afternoon, Israeli troops moved into the crossing and closed it. They checked all those who were at the crossing in a humiliating manner. They arrested 5 Palestinians who work at the crossing:

1. Darwish Khaled Faraj, 34, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza City;

2. Hazem Nazir Muhaisen, 25, from al-Shojaeya neighborhood in Gaza City;

3. Mo'ein 'Abdul Malek Ahmed, 39, from Beit Lahia;

4. Bilal Jamil Abu al-Jedian, 24, from Jabalya; and

5. Sa'id Mohammed Abu al-Jedian, 51.

On Tuesday, 8 June 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the "Erez" industrial zone in the northern Gaza Strip, denying access of around 4000 Palestinian workers to the area.

In violation of the right of health, for two weeks, Israeli occupying forces have imposed restrictions on access of 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. On Friday, 4 June 2004, Israeli troops arrested Jamil Mohammed Abu al-Jedian, 46, from Jabalya, while he was on his way back to the Gaza Strip. Since 18 April 2004, Israeli occupying forces have continued to prohibit Palestinians between the ages of 16 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.

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.

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. They imposed curfews on a number of villages.

Jerusalem

This week, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. According to eyewitnesses, on Sunday morning, Israeli military bulldozers blocked all branch roads leading to Jerusalem – Ramallah road.

Ramallah

Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They imposed more checkpoints around the town. They obstructed the movement of Palestinian vehicles for long hours.

On Thursday, 3 June 2004, Israeli troops positioned at 'Attara checkpoint, arrested Nidal Saleh al-Barghouthi, 24, a university student from 'Aaboud village, northwest of Ramallah.

Nablus

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They forced Palestinian civilians and vehicles to wait for long hours at military checkpoints. Israeli forces have also continued to prevent Palestinians under 35, from crossing military checkpoints erected around the city.

Tulkarm

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. They have also continued to close the iron gate at the eastern entrance to 'Anabta village.

On Thursday morning, 3 June 2004, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint to the east of Tulkarm arrested Shadi 'Omar Tarif, 21, from Nour Shams refugee camp.

Hebron

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. On Thursday, 3 June 2004, Israeli forces closed the Ibrahimi mosque and parts of the old town of Hebron.

Bethlehem

On Saturday, 5 June 2004, Israeli troops moved into Housan village, west of the town, and imposed a curfew. Israeli forces also imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

On Tuesday morning, 8 June 2004, Israeli troops positioned at Gilo checkpoint, north of the town, arrested Isma'il Jaber Salah, 26; and 'Ouda 'Eissa Salah, 33, from al-Khader village, southwest of the town.

Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall in the West Bank

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the annexation wall inside the West Bank, especially around Jerusalem and in Salafit and the northern Jordan Valley.

On Thursday, 3 June 2004, Israeli occupying forces issued a military order seizing 11.5 donums of Palestinian land in Beit Jala in the south of the West Bank, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall in the area.

This week, Israeli troops closed the western part of al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem, near bypass road (60) with barbwire, denying the access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural land. They also closed the southern part of Housan village, west of Bethlehem, with barbwire after having razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land.

On Friday morning, Israeli troops demolished 3 Palestinian houses in 'Arab al-Ramadin village, southwest of Hebron, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall:

1. A 130-square-meter house owned by Ibrahim Mohammed al-Masamra, in which 15 people lived;

2. A 110-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Salah Mohammed al-Masamra, in which 8 people lived; and

3. A 120-square-meter, under-construction house owned by Isma'il Mohammed al-Masamra.

This week, Israeli troops intensified the construction of the section of the wall around Jerusalem. They razed more areas of Palestinian land and placed cement blocks in certain areas for this purpose. They even paved a number of roads for the use of trucks and bulldozers that work in the area.

In the northern Jordan Valley, Israeli troops surveyed areas of Palestinian land around Salfit for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall in the area.

Also this week, Israeli troops razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land in al-Zawia village, southeast of Qalqilya, for the purpose of a section of the wall, which will isolate at least 20,000 donums of the vilage's agricultural land.

On Tuesday morning, 8 June 2004, Israeli military bulldozers destroyed a car park of al-Quds University in Abu Dis village, east of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of a section 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 16:00 on Saturday, 5 June 2004, a number of Israeli settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, severely beat Ahlam Mohammed Saber Jaber, 14, when she was near her family's house in Hebron. She sustained bruises throughout the body.

On Sunday morning, 6 June 2004, a number of armed Israeli settlers seized a 1.5-donum garden near the Ibrahimi mosque in the old town of Hebron.

Also on Sunday morning, a number of armed Israeli settlers from "Gil'ad" settlement near Qalqilya opened fire at herd of sheep belonging to Palestinians from Far'ata and Amatin villages, northeast of Qalqilya, killing a number of them. Israeli troops arrested 2 Palestinian civilians for several hours as they protested against this action: Sidqi Sawan, 45; and Tariq Sadiq, 25.

On Tuesday evening, 8 June 2004, dozens of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli troops moved from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, and attacked Palestinian civilians in Wad al-Nasara neighborhood with stones.

This week, Israeli settlers from "Qidumim" settlement, northeast of Qalqilya, prevented Palestinian farmers from the neighboring Kufor Qaddoum village from reaching their agricultural land.

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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 Territories. PCHR believes the conspiracy of inaction 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 solidarity groups 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 set