On Wednesday night, 14 April 2004, Israeli heavy military vehicles, reinforced by helicopters, moved into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They opened fire at Palestinian houses and seized control over the area. On Thursday morning, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a crowd of Palestinian civilians, wounding 21, including 11 children. Four of the wounded remain in a serious condition. At the time of the writing of this weekly report, Israeli forces are demolishing a number of Palestinian houses.

This week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to perpetrate 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, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed by Israeli occupying forces.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 8 military incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they destroyed 2 houses in Rafah and Gaza and razed 9 donums of Palestinian agricultural land in Rafah and Khan Yunis. They also raided and searched houses in Deir al-Balah. In the same context, Israeli forces have in total destroyed 186 donums of Palestinian agricultural land so far in al-Mawasi area in order to annex them to Israeli settlements.

On Saturday, 10 April 2004, a 12-year-old Palestinian child was killed when Israeli forces shelled Palestinian residential areas in Khan Yunis.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces conducted a series of military incursions into Palestinian areas and fired at Palestinian demonstrations. One palestinian civilian was killed, and dozens of others were wounded or arrested. Israeli forces also destroyed a house in Nablus as a means of punishment.

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the "Annexation Wall" inside the West Bank, especially in the Jerusalem district and in Housan village, west of Bethlehem. Israeli forces used force against Palestinian civilians who organized peaceful protests against the construction of the wall.

In addition 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. They denied access of Christians to Jerusalem and Bethlehem for the celebration of Easter. They have closed all border crossings into the Gaza Strip, and divided it into 3 isolated zones. They have also closed 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.

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

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 9 Palestinians, including a child and his brother, two women, and three brothers:

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm, and raided and searched Akram Jamal al-Teerawi’s house in the southwestern part of the town. They arrested his son, Eyad, 24, and two other Palestinians who were in the house: Rami Yousef al-Barri, 23; and Mo’ayad al-Jallad, 24.

In the early morning, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 300 meters into al-Ja’farawi area in Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. Israeli soldiers raided Sohout Hassan Abu Mughassib’s house, and checked the identity cards of its 8 residents. They beat the owner’s son, Hassan Muhaisen Abu Mughassib, 23, as a result of which he sustained injuries in the hand. Israeli soldiers then held residents of the house in one room before leaving. No arrests were reported. Israeli soldiers also raided Fadel Hussein Hammouda’s house. They held its 8 residents in one room and severely beat two of the owner’s sons: Mohammed, 22; and Baraa’, 18. Israeli soldiers left the house at 02:00, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:10, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp and al-Duha village, south of Bethlehem. At approximately 01:30, Israeli soldiers raided and searched Ahmed ‘Abdullah al-Akhras’ house and arrested his daughter, Iman, 24. At the same time, Israeli soldiers raided and searched Mousa Mohammed Hammash’s house and arrested his son, Mahmoud, 19. At approximately 03:00, Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khalil Ishaq Abu Hammad, 30, and arrested him.

At approximately 01:20, 6 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Kahel village, west of Hebron. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 02:00, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

At approximately 02:20, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tarqoumia village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched Mohammed Isma’il Qabaja’s house and arrested his son, Isma’il 22.

At approximately 03:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 700 meters into agricultural areas to the northeast of “Kfar Darom” settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. Israeli soldiers raided Farhana Ghaith al-Louh’s house and its 37 residents in one room. They transformed the house’s roof into a military post, where they remained until 05:30.

At approximately 03:30, 3 Israeli heavy military vehicles moved approximately 300 meters into ‘Oraiba area in the northwest of Rafah. They destroyed a well owned by Hussein ‘Ouda Madi, which provided water to an area of agricultural land estimated at 300 donums. They also destroyed a 4-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with vegetables stood, owned by Mohammed Hamad Abu Zaid.

At approximately 08:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including bulldozers, moved approximately 500 meters into al-Mawasi areas in al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. They began building a road inside Palestinian agricultural land to link the coast with a settler road that had been built in the beginning of the current Intifada. The length of the road is expected to be 900 meters. These actions continued until Tuesday evening, 13 April 2004, with Israeli soldiers firing at whoever tried to reach the area. All Palestinian agricultural land located between the road and the neighboring “Tal Qatif” settlement are effectively annexed to the settlement. The area of this land is estimated at 186 donums, and is planted with guavas, citrus and palm trees. The following shows details of the some of the areas of land affected by the recent Israeli military actions:

At approximately 09:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned in a military post to the west of Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses in the neighborhood. A Palestinian civilian, Ziad Fathi al-Sidoudi, 30, was wounded by a live bullet in the head while working at a construction site. He had been the third worker to be wounded by the Israeli gunfire in the same area and manner in the past three weeks.

At approximately 10:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Ersal Street in al-Bireh. They surrounded Shalash building, which includes offices of a number of governmental institutions. After imposing a curfew on the area, they raided and searched the building. Israeli soldiers then checked all in the building and arrested Mohammed Faqiyat, 30, from Dura village, an employee of the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners’ Affairs.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-‘Adissa village, northeast of Hebron. They raided Hassan ‘Abdul Rahim al-Mutawar’s house, which is located near a settler road. They held the 12 residents of the house in one room and transformed it into a military site.

At approximately 22:40, 8 Israeli military jeeps moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. Israeli soldiers raided al-Salam internet café and arrested Nassim ‘Abed Abu Qubaita, 27.

At approximately 00:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into Abu Zaher area in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses belonging to the Abu Zaher family. They withdrew from the area at 05:00, and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into ‘Aaida village, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Badran ‘Abdul Qader Budair, 32.

At approximately 18:50, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military posts in the vicinity of “Netzer Hazani” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in al-Qarara village to the east. A Palestinian child, Daoud ‘Adnan Abu Rahma, 14, was wounded by a live bullet in the right side. The child was on his way to a mosque in the area, approximately 250 meters away from the source of fire, when he was hit by a live bullet.

At approximately 22:10, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military posts in the vicinity of “Gani Tal” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Amal neighborhood. A Palestinian civilian, Samer Helmi Hammouda, 24, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg, when he was walking approximately 300 meters away from the source of fire.

At approximately 01:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into Abu Zaher area in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Azmi Mohammed Abu Zaher, 24, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Dinnaba neighborhood in the east of Tulkarm. They raided Husni Naji Barakat’s house. They forced the family out, and used the owner’s daughter, Hadil, 12, as a human shield to search the house. When they withdrew from the area, they arrested the owner’s son, Hani, 23. While they were withdrawing from the area, they fired at ‘Atiya Yousef ‘Atiq, 30, who looked through the door of his house to see what was going on. He was injured by shrapnel in the left thigh.

At approximately 02:15, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus and neighboring refugee camps. They raided a 9-storey building owned by the Nassif family. They forced all residents of the building on the first floor. Ten Israeli military jeeps were positioned in Haifa Street, opposite to ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp. Israeli soldiers surrounded Shu’aibu building. Later, Israeli soldiers raided a kindergarten in Roujib housing project in the east of the city, forced the children out and searched it. Israeli soldiers also raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 9 Palestinians; 8 of them were released in the evening, while the ninth one, ‘Emad al-Sarkaji, 23, remains in custody.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Taqqou’ village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided and searched ‘Abdul Ghani Anis Hassan’s house and arrested his son, Ibrahim, 19. At approximately 04:15, they raided and searched Mohammed Hassan Radwan’s house and arrested his son, Jaber, 21, and his relative, Mo’ammar Fawzi Raswan, 18.

At approximately 05:15, an Israeli gunboat chased a number of Palestinian fishermen while they were fishing opposite to Deir al-Balah seashore. Israeli soldiers positioned in a military post inside Tal Qtif settlement, south of Deir al-Balah, approximately 700 meters away from the seashore, opened fire at one of the escaping boats. A Palestinian child, Nayef Mohammed al-‘Aqra’, 12, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg, while he was together with his brothers fishing.

At approximately 10:30, 4 Israeli military jeeps moved into Dura village, west of Hebron. Israeli soldiers provoked Palestinian schoolchildren in the village, after which a number of schoolchildren threw stones at the Israeli military jeeps. Soon, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the children. Nine children suffered from tear gas inhalation. Three other children were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets:

In the afternoon, Israeli occupying forces opened fire at al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis, killing a 12-year-old Palestinian child when she was inside her family’s house.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 12:50, Israeli occupying forces positioned in “Gani Tal” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Amal neighborhood to the southeast. A live bullet penetrated a window of Mohammed Khalil Tulba’s house, and hit his daughter, Iman, 12, in the head, when she was in the kitchen opposite to the window. Her family evacuated her to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, but all medical efforts made to save her life failed and she was pronounced dead a few minutes later. The family’s house is approximately 600 meters away from the aforementioned settlement.

At approximately 16:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 200 meters into al-Rabwat area in the northwest of Khan Yunis. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with potatoes and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Yassin Khamis al-Astal.

2. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with potatoes and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Hassan Mousa al-Astal.

In an apparent case of willful killing, in the early morning, Israeli occupying forces killed a Palestinian civilian in ‘Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus. Apparently, they were targeting his bother, as they claimed that they had killed one Palestinian while they were attempting to arrest two other Palestinian activists. They further claimed that “the two activists surrendered, while a third Palestinian was killed.”

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 01:00, 20 Israeli military vehicles moved into ‘Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus. They surrounded and threw stones at Mahmoud ‘Abdul Rahman’s Diriya’s house. When his son, Mohammed, 36, accompanied by his mother opened the door, Israeli soldiers immediately fired at him from a distance of a few meters. He was killed by a live bullet in the head in front of his mother. Israeli soldiers took his body to a military jeep that then left the area. Israeli soldiers broke into the house. They searched it and arrested the victim’s brother, Ibrahim, 28. They also arrested Yousef Hamed Bani Jaber, 32, from a neighboring house. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces delivered the victim’s body to a Palestinian ambulance. They did not hand the victim’s identity card and clothes to the ambulance. The victim was married and a father of 6.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into ‘Ezbat al-Jarad village, east of Tulkarm. They raided a house belonging to the family of Nayef ‘Abdul Rahim Jarad, a member of the Palestinian National Council, and another house belonging to the family of Manosur Shuraim. The two have been detained by Israeli occupying forces. The two families were warned that ‘Abdul Rahim Nayef Jaradat and ‘Emad Saleh Shuraim must surrender to Israeli forces.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into Beit Sourik village, northwest of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians, including a child, for their participation in protests against the construction of the apartheid separation wall:

At approximately 15:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus through its southern entrance. They surrounded Balata refugee camp, east of the city. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at Israeli forces. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the stone throwers, wounding one of them and a passing civilian:

1. ‘Aadel Hussein Abu Rabi’, 28, from Balata refugee camp, wounded by shrapnel in the head and the neck; and

2. Tawfiq Saleh Abu Laimoun, 20, from Nablus, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right leg.

At approximately 17:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into al-Zababda village, east of Jenin. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at the jeeps. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at these civilians wounding 3:

2. Munadel ‘Abdul Rahim Sharqawi, 21, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; and

At approximately 17:30, Israeli occupying forces raided Yousef Ahmed Abu Jalal’s house at Kharsa junction, southwest of Hebron. They forced the 10 residents of the house to stay on the first floor, and brought military equipment to the third floor, which they transformed into a military location.

At approximately 23:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided a café in the center of the town and arrested ‘Aayed Nader Yahia, 19.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Jenin and opened fire at Palestinian houses. This incursion continued until 05:30 and no arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:00, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Abdullah Joma’a, 50, and arrested him.

At approximately 10:30, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces traveling in a civilian car moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. Soon after, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into the village opening fire indiscriminately. The civilian car stopped in front of the Arab Bank. A number of armed persons got out of the car and pointed their guns at Firas Salem Abu ‘Alia, 35, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp, a guard at the bank, and arrested him.

At approximately 16:00, an Israeli military helicopter landed on Wad al-Nafia area in Ethna village, west of Hebron. Israeli soldiers arrested Isma’il ‘Ali Mutlaq al-Jayawi, 20, while his animals were grazing.

At approximately 20:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into Sheikh ‘Ejlin neighborhood in the south of Gaza city. They demolished a 3-storey house owned by Mohammed Bekhit Abu Khousa, in which 7 people used to live, located approximately 120 meters away. Israeli forces had seized the house for 7 months starting from December 2000, then later allowed the family to return. However, Israeli forces have seized the house again since the 12 March 2002.

At approximately 01:00, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Nablus. They opened fire at Palestinian houses. A Palestinian civilian, Ragheb Isma’il al-Kharraz, 40, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left foot. Then, Israeli forces surrounded al-‘Esraa’ apartment building in al-Makhfia neighborhood. They forced its 50 residents to get out of the building and held them in two rooms in a neighboring house, which was still under construction. Israeli soldiers used megaphones to request the surrender of Ja’far Mohammed al-Masri, 35, but he was not in his flat. An Israeli officer interrogated his wife, his two children and his brother about him. Then, Israeli forces shelled the building sporadically until 16:00, when they withdrew from the area they arrested al-Masri’s wife, Suhair Marwan Yousef al-Masri, 24, and his bother, ‘Azmi, 37. Al-Masri’s flat was burnt by the Israeli shelling. At least 132 people live in this 6-storey building. This number includes 70 university students, who were not there on that day as study at an-Najah National University was suspended. Al-Masri is wanted, and a building belonging to him was destroyed by Israeli forces a few months ago, when the Israeli Forces killed Mohammed ‘Abdul Rahim al-Hanbali.

At approximately 02:15, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to Hashem Abu Zughaib, 22, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian children:

At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into ‘Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Kafr al-Labad village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and the Al-Mithalouni commercial building and arrested Mohammed Abu al-‘Abbas, 23.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles moved into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They leveled a number of houses which they had already demolished. An hour later, more Israeli military reinforcements, supported by a helicopter, were brought to the area. They demolished a 180-square-meter house, which was still under construction, owned by Ziad ‘Abdul Rahman al-Mishal.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 200 meters into the Al-Rabwat area in the northwest of Khan Yunis. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and demolished 2 agricultural rooms owned by Hammad Mustafa al-Majaida.

Wednesday, 14 April 2004

At approximately 03:00, 6 Israeli military jeeps moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Yousef Bassam Mallah, 26, and arrested him.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Kherbat Roqa’a area to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched Hussein Abu ‘Arram’s house and arrested his son, Anas, 22.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces raided ‘Ez Rajab Majah’s house in al-Thawri neighborhood in the old town of Jerusalem. They beat members of the family and arrested the owner’s son, Mahmoud, 18.

At approximately 11:00, around 300 Palestinian civilians and some international and Israeli peace activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Biddu village, northwest of Jerusalem, protesting against the construction of the “Annexation Wall” in the area. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. About 20 demonstrators were wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets or suffered from tear gas inhalation. Two of the wounded were evacuated to a hospital in Ramallah:

1. Mohammed Farid Mansour, 14, seriously wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head; and

2. Ziad Nasser Abu ‘Eid, 19, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the back.

At approximately 12:00, Israeli occupying forces arrested a Palestinian girl, Maisoun Abu ‘Eisha, 24, in the old town of Hebron.

At approximately 23:00, around 40 Israeli heavy military vehicles, reinforced by helicopters, moved into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They opened fire at Palestinian houses and seized control over the area. On Thursday morning, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a crowd of Palestinian civilians, wounding 21, including 11 children. Four of the wounded remain in a serious condition. At the time of writing, Israeli forces are demolishing a number of Palestinian houses. More details will be available in the next report.

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 which Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.

At approximately 02:00 on Wednesday, 14 April 2004, 15 Israeli military jeeps moved into Rafidya neighborhood in the west of Nablus. Israeli soldiers surrounded a 200-square-meter house owned by Kamal Asa’ad Abu al-So’oud. They gave the five residents of the house 10 minutes to vacate it. Then, they planted explosives inside the house. At approximately 03:30, they destroyed the house. The owner is the father of Subaih Abu al-So’oud, 16, who was killed on 3 November 2003. Israeli forces had claimed that he carried an explosive belt and was on his way to carry out an attack inside Israel.

Continued Construction of the “Annexation Wall"

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the “Annexation Wall" inside the West Bank, especially in the villages of Biddu and Beit Sourik, which witnessed protests by Palestinian civilians against this construction. Israeli military bulldozers continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Biddu village for the purpose of the construction of the wall.

On Sunday evening, 11 April 2004, Israeli forces imposed a curfew on al-Sahel area in Biddu village, claiming that they discovered a bomb that targeted the equipments used in the construction of the wall. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of neighboring Palestinian houses.

On Tuesday noon, 13 April 2004, Israeli military bulldozers started to raze large areas of Palestinian agricultural land planted with figs and grapes in Housan village, west of Bethlehem. According to the local council of the village, the land leveling took place 2350 meters inside the West Bank territory.

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

For the third consecutive week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a total siege on the Gaza Strip. They closed 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.

Israeli occupying 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.

On Thursday morning, 8 April 2004, Israeli forces loosened restrictions at the two checkpoints. However they continued to hold dozens of Palestinian vehicles in between and searched the passengers.

Since 22 March 2004, Israeli occupying forces have continued to close Erez crossing at the northern entrance to the Gaza Strip, denying access of thousands of Palestinian workers to their work places in Israel. They have also imposed more restrictions on Palestinian workers working in the Erez industrial zone, including prolonged checking.

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

Israeli occupying forces have maintained the closure of Sofa crossing, allowing the entry of only a small number.

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

They have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces allow Palestinian civilians to exit the area after 10:00, which means that schoolchildren are not allowed to go to their schools. 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.

Since 22 March 2004, Israeli occupying forces have imposed more restrictions at Rafah Terminal, the only outlet of the Gaza Strip to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada. Only 200 Palestinians can travel through the terminal everyday instead of 400 in the past. The Israeli intelligence services often stop and interrogate a number of Palestinian travelers. On Friday, 9 April 2004, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians:

1. Eyad Hassan al-Sumairi, 29; and

2. Nabil Ahmed al-Farra, 25.

In addition, Israeli occupying forces have continued to close Rafah commercial crossing, allowing entry of a small number of people and some cement.

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 have blocked a number of roads using cement blocks, sand barriers and trenches, and imposed curfews on a number of villages.

Jerusalem

Israeli occupying forces have imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 10 April 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at Dahiat al-Barid military checkpoint at the northern entrance to the city and Gilo checkpoint at the southern entrance to the city denied access of hundreds of Palestinian Christians to the city to celebrate Easter.

Ramallah

On Saturday morning, 10 April 2004, Israeli forces erected a military checkpoint on ‘Atara Bridge, north of Bir Zeit village. They imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli soldiers positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, south of the town, have continued to deny passage for Palestinian civilians who do not have checkpoint permits.

Bethlehem

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They denied access to thousands of Christians to the town to celebrate Easter. For the second consecutive week, they have continued to deny access of Palestinian employees to the building of the Ministry of Religious Endowments, which is located neat Bilal Ben Rabah mosque (Rachel’s Tomb) in the north of the town.

On Sunday evening, 11 April 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at Za’tara checkpoint, southeast of the town, beat ‘Emad Ahmed Ramis, 26, from Za’tara village, and Wafa Mohammed Abu Mariya, 25, from al-Fredis village, while they were grazing animals in the area. The two sustained bruises. They were evacuated to a medical clinic in Za’tara village.

On Monday, 12 April 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Container checkpoint, east of Bethlehem, severely beat a number of Palestinian civilians who wished to cross the checkpoint. Three of these civilians sustained bruises and injuries throughout the body.

Nablus

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected more checkpoints around the city. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces reinforced their presence around the city and erected temporary checkpoints, which served as ambushes to arrest wanted Palestinians.

On Saturday, 10 April 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of the city, arrested Mohammed Sa’di Barham, 19, from Ramin village, east of Tulkarm.

Salfit

On Tuesday morning, 13 April 2004, Israeli forces erected more checkpoints on the main roads and imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

Hebron

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday morning, 10 April 2004, Israeli forces erected a number of checkpoints on the roads leading to Hebron University. They also erected a checkpoint on the road leading to a Palestinian police station in Nimra area and checked Palestinian policemen who were on their way to the station.

Jenin

On Saturday morning, 10 April 2004, Israeli forces erected more checkpoints around the town. They imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and out of the town.

Tulkarm

On Saturday morning, 10 April 2004, Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians between the town and neighboring villages. They closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town. On Monday evening, 12 April 2004, they moved into Tulkarm refugee camp and closed its four entrances.

On Wednesday morning, 14 April 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at a military checkpoint at the entrance to Bala’a village, east of the town, arrested Mohammed Hassan Jeetawi, 23. On the same day, Israeli soldiers positioned at a checkpoint erected at the entrance to Beit Leed village, east of the town, arrested Hisham Mohammed Duraidi, 27.

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 11:00 on Sunday, 11 April 2004, a number of armed Israeli settlers broke into al-Aqtab mosque. They threw its contents, including the holy Qur’an, Islamic books and carpets out. They brought new furniture into the mosque in an attempt to transform it into a settlement center. This attack took place before the eyes of Israeli soldiers who did not move to stop it. According to Saleh al-Natsha, Director of Religious Endowments in Hebron, he, accompanied by a lawyer, submitted a complaint to the Israeli police in the town. Although the police confirmed that the attack took place, they did not do anything to change the situation.

On the same day, a number of armed Israeli settlers moved from “Allon Mreih” settlement, east of Nablus, moved into ‘Azmout village. They attacked Palestinian civilian properties and stole a horse owned by Ra’eq Subaih Thawabta.

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 12 April 2004, a number of Israeli settlers from “Susia” settlement, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian farmers and agricultural areas. They damaged more about 14 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with wheat, Barley and olives owned by the al-Nawaja’a family.

On Tuesday morning, 13 April 2004, about 50 armed Israeli settlers moved from “Kiryat Arba” settlement, east of Hebron, and launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and properties in al-Masharqa neighborhood in the southeast of the town. They attacked civilians and their houses with iron bars and empty bottles. All these attacks took place in front of Israeli soldiers. Four Palestinian civilians were injured:

1. Suleiman ‘Abdul Hai Matariya, 27, injured in the head;

2. Rami ‘Abdul Hai Matariya, 20, sustained bruises and injuries throughout the body;

3. Jamal Jamil Matariya, 32, sustained injuries and bruises throughout the body; and

4. Mohammed ‘Orabi al-Ja’bari, 27, injured in the head.

In addition, 6 houses were damaged.

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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 silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as a state beyond the 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.

No.	Owner	Area in donums	Plantation
1.	Heirs of Sidqi al-‘Abadla	65	Guavas, palms and citrus
2.	Heirs of ‘Abdul Hamid Hafez al-‘Abadla	6	Guavas, palms and citrus
3.	Heirs of Jamil al-‘Abadla	20	Guavas, palms and citrus
4.	Mohammed Jamil al-‘Abadla	3	Guavas, palms and citrus
5.	Al-‘Abdala partners	56	Guavas, palms and citrus
6.	Nayef ‘Abdullah al-‘Abadla	8	Guavas, palms and citrus
7.	Heirs of Sa’id al-‘Abadla	8	Guavas, palms and citrus
8.	‘Adli Mustafa al-‘Abadla	0.5	Guavas, palms and citrus