Introduction

 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 and extra-judicial killings, incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling and house demolitions.  This week, 6 Palestinians, including 3 civilians, one of whom is a child, were killed and a number of other civilians were injured by Israeli troops.    

 In the Gaza Strip, on 18 July 2004, a 4-year-old child from Rafah died form an injury she had sustained by Israeli troops last week.  This week, 10 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 2 women, were injured when Israeli troops shelled Palestinian residential area.  Israeli troops conducted 4 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the Gaza Strip, the widest of which was into Rafah, during which Israeli troops demolished 22 houses, rendering 292 people (50 families) homeless.  Israeli troops have continued their wide scale offensive on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun for the 4^th consecutive week.  This week, they razed more areas of agricultural land and destroyed some civilian facilities in the town.  On 19 and 20 July 2004, Israeli troops launched 2 aerial attacks against a house in al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, in an attempt to assassinate an allegedly wanted Palestinian, but he survived these attacks.   

 In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians.  Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were killed by Israeli troops in Balata refugee camp on 17 and 19 July 2004.  Three other Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops that attempted to arrest or kill them in Hebron town and Saida village in Tulkarm on 15 and 19 July 2004 respectively.  A number of Palestinian civilians were also wounded by the Israeli gunfire.  Israeli troops also arrested dozens of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank. 

 Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the annexation wall inside the West Bank, especially in Bethlehem and Jenin districts, despite a resolution approved by the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, 21 July 2004, calling for the adoption of an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on 9 July 2004 demanding that Israel halt construction of the annexation wall since it is illegal. 

 Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPTs and have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.  Israeli troops positioned at military checkpoints fired at Palestinian civilians, injuring 6 of them.  In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops have continued to close most border crossing.   On Sunday morning, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border. They have also continued to close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip for the 2^nd consecutive week.  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

Israeli Offensive on Beit Hanoun

Israeli occupying forces have continued their offensive on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun since 28 June 2004.  Since then, a number of Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, hundreds of donums[1] of Palestinian agricultural land have been razed and the civilian infrastructure of the town has been largely destroyed.  Israeli troops have also isolated the town from the rest of the Gaza Strip. 

 At approximately 12:30 on Friday, 16 July 2004, Israeli troops started to demolish a number of civilian facilities in the southwest of Beit Hanoun.  By 18:00, they had demolished 3 brick factories owned by Ahmed Hassan Musleh, Jaber 'Abdu Daifallah and Mahmoud Hassan Musleh.  They had also demolished a desalination facility owned by Habeeb al-Basiouni, a tin-made house owned by 'Eid al-Sawarka, and fences of 6 houses belonging to al-Basiouni family. 

 At approximately 14:00 on the same day, Israeli troops razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land planted with citrus near al-Shawa fuel station to the west of Salah al-Din Street in the west of Beit Hanoun. 

 At approximately 15:30 on the same day, Israeli troops started to raze large areas of Palestinian agricultural land in the east of Jabalya.  By 19:00, they had razed nearly 50 donums of agricultural land belonging to the al-Jadba. 

 At approximately 02:00 on Saturday, 17 July 2004, Israeli troops shelled Palestinian houses in al-Masryeen area.  Shrapnel from artillery shells hit Jamil Rabah al-Masri's house, and injured his child, Kholoud, 7, who was sleeping, in her right shoulder. 

 At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 18 July 2004, Israeli troop razed large areas of agricultural land planted with citrus and vegetables belonging to the families of al-Shanti and Qassem at al-Sultan Street in the west of Beit Hanoun.  They also destroyed fences of a number of houses and 2 civilian cars.  In the meantime, Israeli troops continued to raze areas of agricultural land in the east of the town. 

 At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 19 July 2004, Israeli troops razed more areas of agricultural land in al-Basha area in the east of Beit Hanoun.  They also started to establish a military post in the area.  Israeli troops blocked a muddy road leading to the area. 

 At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 19 July 2004, 10 Israeli military vehicles moved into al-Na'aima Street.  They surrounded a 180-square-meter, 2-storey house belonging to Nahed 'Abdul Rahman Abu 'Ouda, who was killed by Israeli troops near his house last week.  Israeli troops surrounded the house and neighboring houses.  At approximately 07:00, Israeli troops demolished Abu 'Ouda's house and his brother's house.  Four neighboring houses belonging to the Abu 'Ouda family and store owned by Fayez Jadallah al-Kafarna were severely damaged. 

 At approximately 23:30, on the same day, Israeli military vehicles moved from Erez crossing towards the east of Beit Lahia.  They started to establish a road between the area and Salah al-Din Street in the east, by razing large areas of agricultural land planted with citrus owned belonging to the families of Abu Jarad and 'Abdul Dayem. 

 At approximately 12:30 on Tuesday, 20 July 2004, a number of Israeli military vehicles moved towards the southern entrance of Beit Hanoun.  They surrounded the municipality of the town and held its staff inside for 2 hours. 

 At approximately 15:30 on the same day, Israeli troops destroyed 2 sites of the Palestinian National Security Force in the south of Beit Hanoun. 

 At approximately 17:30 on the same day, Israeli troops started to destroy a number of civilian facilities in the west of Beit Hanoun.  By 20:30, they had destroyed a 1-donum agricultural nursery, a vegetable fridge, an electricity generator, a bird farm, agricultural equipments and a well.    

 At approximately 18:00 on Wednesday, 21 July 2004, Israeli troops destroyed al-Sikka Street in the west of Beit Hanoun.  They destroyed the water and sewage networks of the area.  They also destroyed a well owned by Mohammed Mousa Shabat; a deserted house owned by Tayseer al-Hwaihi; fences of 2 houses; and a shop.

 This week, PCHR received appeals from Palestinian civilians living in Beit Hanoun, complaining about a shortage of foodstuffs.  Israeli troops established a muddy road, nearly 1 kilometer away from the town to allow Palestinian civilians to move on feet.  Electricity and water supplies have been cut from several parts of the town. 

Thursday, 15 July 2004

 In the early morning, Israeli troops moved into Tulkarm refugee camp.  They opened fire at houses.  A Palestinian civilian, 'Alaa' Rafiq Haikal Dumairi, 23, was wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder. 

 Throughout the day, Israeli troops moved into the towns of Ramallah, al-Bireh, Jenin, Tulkarm and Bethlehem, and the villages of Yatta and Beit 'Awa near Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 21 Palestinians, including 2 women and 3 children. 

 At approximately 12:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by a tank and a military bulldozer, moved nearly 150 meters into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis.  They demolished a 120-square-meter house owned by Ahmed Mahmoud Abu Nar, in which 6 people (2 families) lived.  Israeli troops had already forced the two families to vacate the house on 30 June 2004. 

 At approximately 17:10, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood.  A Palestinian woman, Randa Mohammed Abu Hilal, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. 

 In the evening, Israeli troops shot dead Malek 'Abdul Salam Nasser al-Din, 44, from Hebron, after they had surrounded the house where he hid from several hours.  They claimed that he was wanted for being a member of the 'Ezziddin al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of Hamas movement. 

 According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 18:30, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces, moved into al-Hawooz area in the southwest of Hebron, using 2 civilian cars that had Palestinian registrations.  Soon, 8 armed masked persons got out of the two cars and surrounded a 3-storey apartment building belonging to the Farrah family, in which 35 people (5 families) live.  A few minutes later, more Israeli troops arrived and tightened their control over the area.  They opened fire at the building.  Then, they called on residents of the building through megaphones to leave it with their hands up.  When the residents got out of the house, Israeli troops checked them and interrogated them about Nasser al-Din.  At approximately 19:20, Israeli troops resumed firing at the building.  They called on Nasser al-Din to surrender, but he attempted to resist.  Nasser al-Din's father and brother came to the area, and Israeli troops forced them to enter the building twice to try to convince him to surrender.  At approximately 20:20, an Israeli military bulldozer moved towards the building and started to demolish it over Nasser al-Din, so he was forced to get out.  As soon as he appeared through the entrance of the building, Israeli troops opened fire at him before the eyes of his family, residents of the area and a number of journalists.  He was killed by more than 50 live bullets.  At approximately 21:30, Israeli troops withdrew from the area after they had arrested the victim's brother, Falah, 50.  As a result of the Israeli gunfire, the building and 2 neighboring shops were damaged. 

 At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Rafah refugee camp.  A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Kamel al-Sedoudi, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the back, when he was inside his house.   

Friday, 16 July 2004

 In the early morning, Israeli troops moved into Tulkarm refugee camp.  They opened fire at houses.  A Palestinian child, 15-year-old Mohammed 'Omar Ghanem, was wounded by a live bullet in the left hand, when he was near his house. 

 Also in the morning, Israeli troops moved into the villages of 'Arraba and Qabatya near Jenin.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinians. 

 At approximately 23:10, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood.  A Palestinian civilian, Talab Ahmed al-Debari, 19, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg. 

Saturday, 17 July 2004

 At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops moved into Masha village in Tulkarm.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinians.

 At approximately 15:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town.  Two Palestinian civilians were wounded:

 1.     Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Tu'aima, 35, wounded by shrapnel from a live bullet in the head; and

2.     Rami 'Atallah 'Aabed, 16, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg. 

 At approximately 18:00, Israeli troops positioned in a military post near "Tal Qatif" settlement, southwest of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Birka area.  A Palestinian woman, Salwa Salim Abu Katifa, 35, was wounded by a live bullet in the buttocks, when she was on the beach, nearly 300 away from the source of fire. 

 At approximately 19:15, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus.  They were positioned near the cemetery of the camp.  A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at the jeeps.  When a young man, Yasser Khalil 'Abed Tantawi, 21, attempted to get close to the cemetery, Israeli troops shot him dead with 3 live bullets in the head, the chest and the abdomen.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops fired at him from a distance of nearly 10 meters only.  The victim's bother, Mahmoud, had been killed by Israeli troops on 28 February 2002.  In addition, 3 children were wounded by Israeli troops during these clashes:

 1.     'Ameed 'Adnan Sa'd, 9, wounded by shrapnel in the face and the neck;

2.     Adham Ziad Khaled, 11, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand; and

3.     Waleed Mohammed 'Abdul Jaleel, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand. 

Sunday, 18 July 2004

 In the morning, Israeli troops moved into Bethlehem and the neighboring al-Khader village; 'Azzoun village near Qalqilya; Beit Reema village near Rammalah; and 'Askar refugee camp near Nablus.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 8 Palestinians. 

 At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in the town.  A Palestinian civilian, 'Abed Hassan 'Abdul Qader 'Othman, 52, was wounded by shrapnel in the right forehand and the left leg. 

 At approximately 17:30, Israeli troops positioned near Salah al-Din Gate on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were trying to offer help to a member of the Palestinian resistance who had been injured by those troops.  One of these civilians, Isma'il 'Abdul 'Aziz Abu 'Anza, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest.  According to eyewitnesses, the injured member of the resistance bled to death, as Israeli troops fired at whoever attempted to offer him help. 

 Also at approximately 17:30, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at al-Barahma area.  A Palestinian civilian, 'Emad Suleiman Barhoum, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh, when he was near his house. 

 At approximately 21:15, medical sources at Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis declared that 4-year-old Samar 'Omar Fouju, from Rafah, died form an injury she had sustained by Israeli troops last week. 

 According to PCHR's documentation, this child was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head, when Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at the Zo'rob neighborhood, where she lives.  In addition to this child, 8 other civilians, including 3 women and 3 children, were wounded by the Israeli gunfire. 

Monday, 19 July 2004

 At approximately 02:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by a military bulldozer and 3 helicopters, moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm.  They surrounded a number of houses and opened fire at them.  Then, they forced residents of these houses out and held them in 2 other houses.  Israeli troops opened fire at 2 houses belonging to Ahmed Yousef Hamad and Fateh Fathi Hajja, where a number of allegedly wanted Palestinians were hiding.  One of these Palestinians, Saher Subhi Ahmed Hajjaj exchanged fire with Israeli troops and was able to escape from the area.  Israeli troops chased him.  They shot him dead with several live bullets throughout the body.  Another Palestinian, Bassel Abu Shihab, 26, was also killed by Israeli troops, which claimed that he blew up an explosive belt he was carrying.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops shelled the house where Shihab was hiding, killing him.  In addition, Samir Fathi 'Ajaj, 25, was wounded by 2 live bullets in the shoulder and the leg.  He was arrested together with 4 other Palestinians by Israeli troops. 

 At approximately 03:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved nearly 150 meters into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City.  Israeli troops raided and searched a 2-storey house owned by Saqer 'Eid Abu Leila, in which 15 people live.  They also checked the identity cards of residents of the house.  Then, they transformed the roof of the house into a military site, where they remained until 09:00.  According to residents of the house, Israeli troops confiscated some of their personal belongings.   

At approximately 13:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in the town.  A Palestinian child, Warda Mohammed Fathi 'Aabdin, 3, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck, when she was inside her family's house in Jourat al-Lout area, nearly 1500 meters away from the source of fire. 

 At approximately 14:30, Israeli troops positioned in a military post near "Netser Hazani" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Jeya area in al-Qarara village.  A Palestinian child, Nisma Saleh Saqer, 12, was wounded by a live bullet in the left foot, when she was inside her house, nearly 200 meters away from the source of fire. 

 At approximately 15:00, 9 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beeta village, south of Nablus.  Israeli troops opened fire at houses.  A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli military jeeps.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the stone throwers, wounding 5 children. 

 At approximately 20:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus.  They were positioned near the cemetery of the camp.  Dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at the jeeps.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the stone throwers.  Ussama Sameeh Daoud Zaitoun, 17, was instantly killed by a live bullet in the chest.  According to eyewitnesses, the child was shot by Israeli troops positioned atop of a house belonging to the al-Sal'ous family inside the cemetery, from a distance of less than 40 meters.  Israeli troops claimed that they shot dead an armed Palestinian in Balata refugee camp, but eyewitnesses asserted than the victim was not armed. 

 In the day hours, Israeli troops moved into Tammoun village, east of Jenin; Bazaria village, northwest of Nablus; Yatta village, south of Hebron; Tulkarm and the neighboring Saida village; Salfit; and the villages of Bitounia and Mazare' al-Noubani near Ramallah.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 21 Palestinians.    

Tuesday, 20 July 2004

 At approximately 00:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved nearly 200 meters into Palestinian areas located to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah.  They raided a 2-storey house owned by 'Ali Mohammed Abu Qassem, in which 19 people (2 families) live.  They held residents of the house on the first floor and transformed the roof into a military site.  They left the house 4 hours later. 

 At approximately 07:30, Israeli troops, accompanied by 10 military bulldozers, moved into Barata'a al-Sharqia village, southwest of Jenin.  Immediately, the bulldozer started to tear down a number of civilian facilities that were allegedly constructed without proper licenses.  These facilities are located neat the annexation wall, which has isolated the village from its surroundings.  Palestinian villagers gathered in the area, and a number of children and young men threw stones at Israeli troops.  Immediately, Israeli troops opened fire at the villagers.  As a result, 6 villagers, including a child, were wounded.  They were all evacuated to Israeli hospitals.  During this operation, the Israeli military bulldozers tore down 4 civilian facilities in the village, without allowing their owners to appeal against the demolition order.  Israeli troops also arrested 2 Palestinian villagers (see details below). 

 At approximately 20:00, Israeli troops moved into Nablus and neighboring refugee camps.  They opened fire at houses, wounding 8 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children. 

 In the day hours, Israeli troops moved into 'Anata village, east of Jerusalem; the villages of Hawara and 'Assira al-Shamalia near Nablus; the villages of Silwad, Biddu and Kufor Ne'ma near Ramallah; Hebron; Barta'a al-Sharqia village near Jenin.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 22 Palestinians. 

Wednesday, 21 July 2004

 At approximately 00:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved nearly 500 meters into al-Salam and al-Brazil neighborhoods adjacent to the Egyptian border, south of Rafah.  They opened fire at Palestinian houses.  Israeli troops seized control over the area and started to demolish a number of houses.  By 07:00 on Thursday, 22 July 2004, Israeli troops had demolished 18 houses completely and 4 others partially, rendering 292 people (50 families) homeless.  A number of houses were also damaged by the Israeli shelling. 

 At approximately 20:50, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian houses located to the north of the aforementioned settlement.  A Palestinian civilian, 'Aadel Isma'il Bashir, 40, was wounded by a live bullet in the left shoulder, when he was near his house, around 300 meter away from the source of fire.   

A Failed Extra-Judicial Execution

 In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial execution officially adopted by the Israeli political and military establishments in violation of international law and humanitarian law, on Monday afternoon, 19 July 2004, and Tuesday morning, 20 July 2004, Israeli occupying forces launched 2 aerial attacks on a house in al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City belonging to al-'Abed Yousef al-'Abed al-Qouqa, 41, a prominent leader of the Palestinian Popular Resistance Committees.  Al-Qouqa survived the attacks, but 5 other civilians were injured and his house and 3 neighboring houses were severely damaged.  In addition, 13 other houses were lightly damaged.  Israeli troops admitted responsibility for these attacks.  Israeli security sources also claimed that Israeli troops had attempted to assassinate al-Qouqa 10 days earlier, when Israeli helicopter gunships attacked a civilian car in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City. 

 According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 16:30 on Monday, 19 July 2004, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired a missile at a 180-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by al-Qouqa, in which 15 people (3 families) live.  The missile struck the roof and its shrapnel injured two of al-Qouqa's friends who were waiting him there.  No casualties were reported among residents of the house.  PCHR's field worker in Gaza City who saw the house after this attack reported that the missile spread tiny cubic objects when it exploded.  Apparently, Israeli troops used this kind of missiles, which do not cause severe damage to properties, for the first time.  At approximately 02:30 on Tuesday, 20 July 2004, Israeli helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at the same house.  One of the missiles penetrated the roof and destroyed the second floor, whereas the other missile hit the first floor and a neighboring house.  As result, 3 Palestinian civilians were injured, and 13 neighboring houses were damaged. 

Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall

 In a challenge for the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice which considered the construction of the annexation wall inside the West Bank illegal, the Israeli government has continued to construct the wall, especially in Bethlehem and Jenin. 

 On Friday morning, 16 July 2004, Israeli troops started to stable cameras and lights on the section of the annexation wall near "Kharsina" settlement, east of Hebron.  Israeli troops have continued to deny access of Palestinian civilians to their land in 'Ein Bani Salim area, which has been isolated behind the wall. 

 Also on Friday morning, 16 July 2004, an engineering unit of the so-called Israeli Civil Administration started to survey areas of Palestinian land in Artas village, south of Bethlehem, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the wall in the area.  According to local sources, this surveillance, which had continued for 3 days, included 3000 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives, grapes and vegetables in Abu Zunaid, Khellat al-Nakhla and Khellat al-Qutan areas in the south of the village.  The same sources added that this planned section of the wall wound extend from Beit Ta'mar area in the southeast of Bethlehem towards Wad Rahhal area and them to "Kfar Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem. 

 On Sunday, 18 July 2004, Israeli occupying authorities delivered notices to 4 Palestinian civilians, informing them that their 2 houses and 2 bird farms, which are located near the annexation wall would be demolished.  According to local sources, the two houses belong to Naji Taher Qabaha and Mohammed Ahmed Khader, whereas the bird farms belong to Taher Qabaha and Fayez Khalil Qabaha. 

In Qalqilya, this week, engineering units of Israeli occupying forces started to survey hundreds of donums of Palestinian agricultural land in Jayous village, northeast of the town, to the east of the annexation wall.  These units placed signs that determine tracks of roads to be established in the area. 

 On Tuesday morning, 20 July 2004, Israeli troops destroyed an olive press, a carpentry workshop, a sewing facility and an under-construction house in Barta'a al-Sharqia village, southwest of Jenin, claiming that they had been established without proper licenses.  These facilities are located near the annexation wall. 

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 16^th consecutive week.  They have continued to close most border crossings of the Gaza Strip.  Israeli troops have also continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints to the north of Khan Yunis.  On Sunday morning, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, only 3 days after they had reopened it.  They have also continued to close al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis for the second consecutive week.  In the meantime, Israeli troops have continued to impose a tight siege on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun for the 4^th consecutive week.  

 This week, Israeli troops imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians at Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints to the north of Khan Yunis.  At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 15 July 2004, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints for 5 hours and held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles in between.  They arrested one Palestinian.  The same happened on Friday morning, 16 July 2004.  At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 17 July 2004, Israeli troops positioned on observation towers between the two checkpoints opened fire at passing Palestinian vehicles.  A Palestinian civilian, Hammad Mahmoud Ibrahim Baraka, 25, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen.  At approximately 14:45 on Tuesday, 20 July 2004, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints and held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles in between.  For the 4^th consecutive week, Israeli troops have continued to prevent private cars from crossing the two checkpoints. 

 Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip.  This week, Israeli troops launched attacks against Palestinian civilians living in the area.  At approximately 07:20 on Sunday, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops positioned at al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area opened fire at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the checkpoint.  Five civilians were injured:

1.     Khalil 'Abdullah Ahmed al-Bardawil, 60, injured by shrapnel in the left hand;

2.     Na'im Mhamoud Abu Hannoun, 47, injured by shrapnel in the left hand;

3.     'Abdul Nasser Khalil al-Njajar, 40, injured by shrapnel in the back;

4.     Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Salima, 35, injured by shrapnel in the back; and

5.     Suleiman Yahia al-Astal, 41, injured by shrapnel in the left leg. 

 At approximately 22:00 on the same day, Israeli troops raided and searched Na'im Mohammed al-Lahham's house in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis, and arrested his son, Mahmoud, 25, a farmer.  In the meantime, Israeli troops have continued to close Tal al-Sultan checkpoint at the entrance to the area in Rafah.  When al-Tuffah checkpoint is open, Israeli troops do not allow male Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 30 and females whose ages are between 16 and 25 from crossing.

 Israeli forces have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip.  The have denied entry of domestic gas to the area.  They have also imposed severe restrictions of the movement of Palestinian farmers, and continued to prevent those whose ages are under 30 from moving out and into the area.  Israeli troops allow only 5 persons to get out of the area everyday to bring foodstuffs.  In the same context, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians living in al-Ma’ni area near “Kfar Darom” settlement in the central Gaza Strip. 

 Israeli troops have continued to close border crossing in the face of Palestinian workers and patients.  Since 27 June 2004, Israeli troops have continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, prohibiting access of Palestinian workers to their work places inside Israel.  Even though Israeli occupying forces partially reopened al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City, and Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, they have imposed severe restrictions on the flow of goods through the two crossing. 

 On Sunday morning, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, which has been the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada.  They claim that they are searching for smuggling tunnels near the terminal.  Israeli occupying forces have continued to prohibit male Palestinians between the ages of 16 and 35 from traveling through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border.

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.  

Ramallah  

This week, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  They erected more checkpoints around the town and obstructed the movement of Palestinian vehicles for long hours.  On Saturday morning, 17 July 2004, Israeli troops positioned at Qalandya checkpoint held 9 Palestinian children who were on their way to al-Ram village to participate in a summer camp.  They forced these children to sit on cement blocks under the sun.  They also held a number of young men the same way. 

Bethlehem

 This week, Israeli troops positioned at Gilo checkpoint, north of Bethlehem, imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  Israeli troops have continued to close the western entrance to al-Khader village, southwest of the town, denying movement of Palestinian civilians living in the western villages of Bethlehem and Hebron. 

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.  This week, Israeli troops erected more checkpoints on the old Nablus – Ramallah road.  They stopped and searched Palestinian vehicles.  They have also continued to prevent Palestinians, who are under 40, from crossing military checkpoints erected around the city. 

 On Sunday, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Ayman al-Zubaidi, 23, from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. 

Tulkarm  

Since Thursday, 15 July 2004, Israeli troops have closed an iron gate near "Enab" settlement on Tulkram – Nablus road, prohibiting movement of Palestinian vehicles in the area.  Israeli troops also erected a number of checkpoints around the town and restricted movement of Palestinians civilians.  On Thursday, 15 July 2004, Israeli troops held a bus, in which around 60 Palestinian students were traveling from Tulkarm to al-Kafriyat area to the south, for 3 hours. 

Qalqilya

 This week, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinians civilians.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops positioned at an iron gate on the annexation wall imposed severe restrictions on access of Palestinian civilians from Jayous village to their land.  On Sunday, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops prevented a Belgian delegation from entering 'Azzoun – 'Atma village.  The delegation, which included a number of psychiatrists, intended to visit an elementary school in the village to provide Palestinian children with psychological guidance and support. 

The Jordan Valley

 This week, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  Israeli troops positioned at military checkpoints in the area held and searched Palestinian vehicles and obstructed their movement for long hours.  Israeli troops also erected more checkpoints in the area to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians. 

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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 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 settlements in the OPTs.

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

7.     PCHR welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution, which referred the issue of the Separation Wall inside the OPTs to International Court of Justice to give a consultative opinion.  There is no doubt that the wall is illegal, which obligates the international community to take steps that amount to the level of the expected decision by the court.

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

9.     PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and solidarity groups, 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”