PCHR
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

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

No. 07/2004

19 - 25 February 2004

Israeli Forces Continue to Perpetrate Crimes in the OPTs

This week, Israeli occupying forces continued to violate the human rights of Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Human rights violations included the use of extra-judicial assassinations and willful killings. Throughout the week, Israeli occupying forces also conducted incursions into Palestinian areas; shot at Palestinian civilians, including children; indiscriminately shelled residential areas and demolished houses; and leveled agricultural land. Israeli occupying forces have also continued construction of the “Separation Wall” inside the West Bank and have continued to impose a tight siege on the OPTs.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 7 military incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land and destroyed a number of civilian facilities. They also raided houses and arrested a number of Palestinians. Israeli forces continued to shell Palestinian residential areas, injuring 9 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children. On 21 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian from al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip while he was near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. Reasons for the victim’s presence in the area are not clear, but he was not armed.

On 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces handed written orders to a number of Palestinian families living near “Netzarim” settlement, south of Gaza City, informing them that their land would be seized for “military purposes” until the end of December 2005. Such orders mean that the land will be effectively permanently confiscated. The orders provide seven days for appeal. PCHR submitted appeal on behalf of the owners of these lands to the Israeli military legal advisor. According to the orders which were issued by the Head of the Israeli Military Southern Command, Dan Harel, “the seizure of land is carried out in light of the current security situation and for absolute military needs (security wall – Netzarim, Gaza) to establish security facilities.” The area of land subject to these orders is estimated at 27 dunums. However, the construction of a “security wall” around the Netzarim settlement is likely to involve seizure of additional Palestinian land and/or denial of access to other Palestinian land in this area. The maps annexed to the military orders show that the wall will encircle the southern part of “Netzarim” settlement; expanding an existing buffer zone around the settlement. The construction of the wall is expected to isolate hundreds of dunums of Palestinian land, which will be trapped between the settlement and the new security wall.

There has been a clear increase in the use of land seizure orders in the Gaza Strip in 2004. On 19 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces issued written orders to 10 Palestinian families in Deir el-Balah ordering the confiscation of land located northeast of “Kfar Darom” settlement. The total area affected is approximately 700 dunums. On 6 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces handed land seizure orders to 7 Palestinian families who own agricultural land to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, informing them that their land would be confiscated for security and military purposes. The area of this land is estimated at 200 dunums.

In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces conducted a series of military incursions into Palestinian areas. In an unprecedented military action ordered by a government, on 25 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces moved into the Arab Bank and the Cairo – Amman Bank in Ramallah. They checked the ID cards of the staff and clients. According to Israeli official sources, Israeli forces confiscated 40 million NIS (approximately US$ 9.1 million), which will be transferred to Israel Central Bank. The Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz claimed that “the military operation in Ramallah targeted 390 bank accounts belonging to Palestinian charitable societies.” He further claimed that intelligence revealed that “these amount of money were devoted to fund hostile attacks against Israel.”

PCHR is concerned for this action which will cause further deterioration to the Palestinian economy, which has been targeted by Israeli occupying forces since the beginning of the current Intifada. PCHR calls upon the international community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians and property and bring back the stolen money.

Israeli forces also raided and searched houses in the West Bank and arrested a number of Palestinians. They also used excessive force to disperse demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians. As a result, a number of civilians were injured.

In violation of article 33 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. This week they destroyed 4 houses in the West Bank.

As the International Court of Justice commenced consideration of the issue of the “Separation Wall” being constructed by Israeli occupying forces in the West Bank, on Tuesday, 24 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces began constructing part of the wall extending from “Alkanah” settlement, southeast of Qalqilya, to “Ofar” detention center, southwest of Ramallah. The length of this part is expected to 42km and its construction will lead to more Palestinian land confiscation.

One day before the sessions of the International Court of Justice in move intended to mislead, Israeli occupying forces began to dismantle a part of the wall to the east of Baqa al-Sharqia village, north of Tulkram. However, this part is one of two walls established around the village, therefore the village will remain separated from the Green Line. In the meantime, Israeli occupying forces have continued to raze and confiscate areas of Palestinian land for the purpose of the wall construction.

On Thursday morning, 24 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces transferred Lu’ai Tayseer ‘Ali Salama, 32, from Qariout village near Nablus to the Gaza Strip, implementing an order that “assigned his residence” to the Gaza Strip for a period of 4 years. Salama had been arrested by Israeli occupying forces in Ramallah on 12 March 2002, and detained at ‘Ofar detention center near Ramallah. One week later, a 6-month administrative detention order was issued against him and he was transferred to Negev Prison. The administrative detention order was renewed for 6 months and then twice more for 4 months in each. In the past two years, Israeli occupying forces have escalated the use of unlawful transfers against Palestinian civilians living in the West Bank. They unlawfully transferred dozens of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip for periods that ranged between 6 months and 2 years. Salama has been the second Palestinian civilian deported by Israeli occupying forces from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip in 2004. Israeli occupying forces transferred Anwar ‘Abdul Latif Salama Abu Zahu, 31, from Jenin to the Gaza Strip confining him there for a period of two years starting on 20 January 2004.

PCHR reiterates its position that the unlawful transfer of a protected person constitutes a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and a war crime, as further clarified in the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip, and imposed more restrictions on movement at border crossings and military checkpoints. They have also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints. 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.

On Wednesday, 24 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border and Sofa crossing on the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, northeast of Rafah.

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. They have blocked a number of roads using cement blocks, sand barriers, and trenches. They have also erected temporary checkpoints and arrested a number of Palestinians.

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

At approximately 01:00, and infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into Sheikh 'Ejlin neighborhood in the south of Gaza city. Israeli soldiers raided and searched Shehada Ahmed 'Awad's house. They arrested him and his five sons. The father and the sons were taken to the neighboring "Netzarim" settlement where they were interrogated. Later, Shehada and two of his sons were released, while the other three sons remained in custody: Ahmed, 23; Mohammed, 19; and Mahmoud, 21. Members of the family are relatives of the husband of the woman who carried out a bombing against Israeli soldiers at Erez crossing on 14 January 2004.

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces raided As'ad Faraj Maslamani's house in Beit Hanina neighborhood north of Jerusalem. They held the family in one room, searched the house, and then inquired about the owner's son, Faraj, 22. When the family told Israeli soldiers that he lives in the family's other house in al-Ram village, a number of soldiers went to the other house and took the owner with them, while the other soldiers continued to hold the family in the house. Israeli soldiers then raided the second house and arrested the son. Furthermore, al-Maslamani's eldest son, Ayman, has been detained by Israeli occupying forces for several months.

At approximately 05:00, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into al-Judaida village, southeast of Jenin. Israeli raided and searched Jamil Zaqzouq's house and arrested his daughter, Ghadeer, 19, a student at the Arab-American University in Jenin.

At approximately 07:45, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Rima and Deir Ghassana villages, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers took position near two schools and fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at their yards. A Palestinian child, 'Ali Samir al-Eimawi, 12, suffered from tear gas inhalation. Two other children were also wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets:

1. Walid Khaled al-Rimawi, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right hand;

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They opened fire at Palestinian houses. A Palestinian woman, Sanaa' Lutfi Dwaikat, 40, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 500m into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza city. They razed more than 120 donums of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 101-donum area of agricultural land planted with grapes owned by 'Abdul Dayem Furaih Abu Middain and his brothers.

2. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with grapes owned by Haidar Farahat al-Zahhar.

3. They razed an 8-donum area of agricultural land planted with grapes owned by Mahmoud and 'Obaid Talab Abu Kumail.

4. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with grapes owned by 'Abdul Hamid As'ad Abu Kumail.

5. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with grapes owned by Khamis As'ad Abu Kumail.

PCHR's field worker in Gaza City reported that Israeli occupying forces started to establish a settler road linking "Netzarim" settlement and the southeast of al-Mughraqa village, apparently to establish a new military location in the area.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately 200m into al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. Israeli soldiers deployed in the area ordered residents of the area leave their houses. They then closed al-Matahen road in the area with sand barriers and searched the area. Workers at al-Matahen Company in the area were not able to return to their homes until 16:00.

At approximately 07:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by a military bulldozer, moved approximately 600m into al-Birka area in the southwest of Deir al-Balah. They razed an 8-donum area of Palestinian agricultural land, 4 greenhouses planted with tomatoes stood on 4 of those donums and the remaining 4 donums were planted with olives, which were owned by Yasser Mohammed Musallam al-Riati and his brothers.

At approximately 08:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Ras al-'Ein neighborhood in Nablus. Israeli occupying forces opened fire at houses and streets. As a result, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. 'Aamid Munjed 'Abdul Latif Madhi, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head; and

At approximately 12:20, Israeli soldiers positioned in military locations near "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Amal neighborhood to the southeast. Two Palestinian children were wounded while on their way to a mosque:

1. Khalil Jamil Faisal Ramadan, 11, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot; and

2. Mohammed Khaled Mohammed 'Arafa, 13, wounded by a live bullet in the right foot.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Duha village, southwest of Deir al-Balah. They raided and searched Hussein Haroun Fararja's house and arrested his son, Ashraf, 27.

In an excessive use of force, in the morning of 21 February, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian civilian from al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, while he was near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip and east of the refugee camp.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 08:00, Israeli soldiers fired at Ussama Yousef Salama al-Mughari, 33, from al-Boreij refugee camp, while he was near the eastern border of the Gaza Strip and wounded him by a live bullet in the chest. Al-Mughari remained on the site bleeding until 11:00 when Israeli occupying forces informed the Palestinian side that a civilian was wounded in the area. Immediately, an ambulance was dispatched to the area, but by the time it reached al-Mughari, he had already died. The ambulance evacuated his body to a hospital in Deir al-Balah. Al-Mughari was a member of Palestinian security services, and there is no information on the reasons of his presence in the area. In addition, al-Mughari did not have any kind of weapons when he was shot.

At approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by military bulldozers, moved approximately 400m into the Shallouf area, southeast of Gaza city, and razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed an 8-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Rashad Mohammed Salman al-Dahdouh.

2. They razed an 8-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus and fruits owned by the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments and rented by Hammad 'Olaiwa.

3. They razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by the Dalloul family.

At approximately 14:00, Israeli occupying forces, accompanied by a military bulldozer, moved approximately 200m into 'Oraiba area in the north of Rafah. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land, on which 3 greenhouses planted with potatoes stood, owned by 'Omar 'Ali al-Agha and farmed by Walid 'Abdullah al-Namouli. They also partially demolished a 200-square-meter, iron-roofed house owned by 'Ouda Swailem al-Malalha, in which 13 people (3 families) live.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at al-Salam neighborhood. A Palestinian civilian, Harb Hassan Barakat, 35, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen. He was approximately 200m away from the border when he was wounded.

In the morning, Israeli occupying forces handed written orders to a number of Palestinian families living near “Netzarim” settlement, south of Gaza city, informing them that their land would be seized for “military purposes” until the end of December 2005. Such orders mean that the land will be effectively confiscated. The orders provide seven days for appeal. PCHR submitted an appeal on behalf of the owners of these lands to the Israeli military legal advisor.

According to the orders which were issued by the Head of the Israeli Military Southern Command, Dan Harel, “the seizure of land is carried out in light of the current security situation and for absolute military needs (security wall – Netzarim, Gaza) to establish security facilities.”

The area of land subject to these orders is estimated at 27 dunums. However, the construction of a “security wall” around the Netzarim settlement is likely to involve seizure of additional Palestinian land and/or denial of access to other areas of Palestinian land in this locale. The maps annexed to the military orders show that the wall will encircle the southern part of “Netzarim” settlement which will expand an existing buffer zone around the settlement. The construction of the wall is expected to isolate hundreds of dunums of Palestinian land, which will be trapped between the settlement and the new security wall.

PCHR remains concerned that these latest seizure orders near “Netzarim” settlement are part of a broader plan to expand direct Israeli territorial control in many areas of the Gaza Strip. There has been a clear increase in the use of land seizure orders in the Gaza Strip in 2004. On 19 January 2004, Israeli occupying forces issued written orders to 10 Palestinian families in Deir el-Balah ordering the confiscation of land located northeast of “Kfar Darom” settlement, with a total area of approximately 700 dunums. On 6 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces handed land seizure orders to 7 Palestinian families who own agricultural land to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, informing them that their land would be confiscated for security and military purposes. The area of this land is estimated at 200 dunums.

PCHR is currently appealing the military orders in both these instances. In the first case, PCHR’s first appeal to the Israeli military legal advisor was rejected. PCHR subsequently submitted an appeal to the Israeli High Court. The High Court will reconvene on 26 February 2004. The court has thus far refused to issue an interim injunction to halt the seizure orders. With regard to the second case, PCHR submitted an appeal on behalf of the seven families to the Israeli military legal advisor. No response has yet been received.

At approximately 17:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas in the town. A Palestinian civilian, Sami Yasser Hammad, 21, was wounded by a live bullet in the left arm, while he was in al-Junaina neighborhood, approximately 700m away from the source of fire.

At approximately 03:30, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched Sabri Abu Lail's house and arrested his two sons: Ahmed 25; and Amjad, 23.

At the same time, 15 Israeli military vehicles moved into Bethlehem and into 'Aaida refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinians from 'Aaida refugee camp:

In the morning, Israeli occupying forces raided and searched a number of houses in Housan village, west of Bethlehem. They arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 10:30, Israeli marine troops on a gunboat opened fire at a number of Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing approximately 2km away from the Deir al-Balah seashore. A number of boats were able to escape towards the seashore, while one boat remained in the area. Israeli troops moved towards the boat and ordered the six fishermen from Deir al-Balah who were on its boars to jump into the water and swim towards them. Soon, another Israeli gunboat arrived at the area. Israeli troops handcuffed 5 of the fishermen and arrested them:

As the International Court of Justice convened in the Hague to consider the issue of the "Separation Wall" which is being constructed by Israeli occupying forces in the West Bank, Palestinian civilians organized peaceful marches throughout the OPTs. Israeli occupying forces used excessive force to disperse these civilians. As a result, a number of civilians were injured and others suffered from tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 12:00, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful march in Hebron. When the march arrived at the center of the town, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets at the march. A number of demonstrators threw stones in the direction of Israeli soldiers. In these clashes, 8 Palestinian civilians – one medic staff member, 3 children and 4 women – were wounded:

1. Salama Mohammed Abu Sakout, 42, a medic of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg;

3. Safaa' 'Abdul Hafez al-'Ashi, 25, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the back;

5. Wafaa' 'Abed al-Ja'bari, 35, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left shoulder;

6. Mohammed Zakaria al-Ja'bari, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right hand;

7. Rajaa' Mohammed Nasser al-Din, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right hand; and

In Bethlehem, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration near Bilal Ben Rabah Mosque (Rachel’s Tomb) in the north of the town. Israeli soldiers positioned in the area fired tear gas at the demonstrators. Four civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation and were evacuated to the hospital.

In Tulkarm, Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of the town. When the demonstrators got near to the '' Separation Wall", Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at them. Two schoolchildren were wounded:

2. Musa'ab Fawaz Barakat, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head.

In Qalqilya, Israeli occupying forces fired live ammunition and tear gas canisters at thousands of Palestinian civilians who were demonstrating at the southern entrance of the town. A number of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation, 3 of whom were evacuated to hospitals.

In Jenin, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Toura village, west of the town. They fired live ammunition and tear gas at Palestinian civilians; three civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Israeli occupying forces also fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians who were participating in a peaceful demonstration in al-Mutalla area, east of Jenin. At least 20 civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

In Budrus and Qebia villages, west of Ramallah, Israeli occupying forces fired dozens of tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians who were demonstrating in the area. Dozens of civilians, including children and women, suffered from tear gas inhalation.

At approximately 01:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 800m into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. Israeli soldiers raided ‘Abdul Samad Mahmoud al-Masri’s house and held its 12 residents on one room. They searched the house and transformed it into a military site. They withdrew from the house at 12:00, arresting the owner’s son, Yasser, 21. They also destroyed the house’s fence.

At approximately 01:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tarqoumia village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched Ghazi 'Adul Hamid Qa'qour's house and arrested his son, 'Alaa' al-Din, 23, a university student.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Dura village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Bethlehem and Beit Jala towns, al-Duhaisha refugee camp and al-Duha village. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Oun Shibli Rizqallah, 56, from Beit Jala.

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-'Orouj village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Ali Ahmed al-'Orouj, 18.

At approximately 19:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 4 heavy military vehicles, moved hundreds of meters into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of Rafah. Israeli soldiers intercepted a Palestinian vehicle belonging to Nayef Mohammed ‘Eid al-Rumailat, 40. They forced him and his two friends traveling with him out of the vehicle and searched it. A few minutes later, they stopped another vehicle belonging to Baker ‘Abdul Raziq Abu Bakra, 26, and arrested him. Israeli soldiers also raided a house belonging to the Sallouf family and checked 15 Palestinian civilians who were inside the house.

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm and raided offices of a charitable organization. They broke the doors and confiscated equipment of the offices, including computers, telephones, files, and furniture and closed the offices. Employees have not been able to enter the offices.

At approximately 02:00, 25 Israeli military vehicles moved into Tubas village, east of Jenin. Israeli soldiers surrounded Mustafa Mas'oud Abu Naa'sa's house and ordered all those who were inside through loudspeakers to get out. Israeli soldiers then brought Ahmed Lufi Daraghma's mother to the area and ordered her to call on her son to surrender. At approximately 07:00, 4 Palestinians got out of the house and surrendered to Israeli occupying forces:

Also at approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinians:

At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebon. They arrested Tariq Harb Huraizat, 24, a university student.

At approximately 03:00, 4 Israeli military jeeps moved into 'Anza village, south of Hebron. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Seilat al-Harthia village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians:

At approximately 04:15, 10 Israeli military jeeps moved into Artas village, south of Bethlehem. They raided the house of Isma'il Asa'ad Khalil, 45, while firing live ammunition and sound bombs. They then searched the house and arrested Khalil.

In an unprecedented action taken by an army upon orders from its government, Israeli occupying forces moved into the Arab Bank and the Cairo – Amman Bank in Ramallah. They checked the ID cards of the staff and clients. According to Israeli official sources, Israeli forces confiscated 40 million NIS (approximately US$ 9.1 million), which will be transferred to Israel Central Bank. The Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz claimed that “the military operation in Ramallah targeted 390 bank accounts belonging to Palestinian charitable societies.” He further claimed that intelligence revealed that “these amounts of money were devoted to fund hostile attacks against Israel.”

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 10:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Ramallah and al-Bireh. They imposed a curfew on the center of the two towns. A number of Israeli soldiers surrounded banks in the area. They broke into the Arab Bank and Cairo – Amman Bank. They pointed their guns at the staff and clients and checked their ID cards. Then, they released the clients and some staff members, while continued to hold a number of staff members. Israeli soldiers forced staff members to open the computers they use, and some persons in civilian uniform, apparently accountants who came with Israeli forces, checked the data on these computers. This Israeli military operation continued until midnight, during which Israeli forces confiscated approximately 40 million NIS (approximately US$ 9.1 million), according to Israeli sources.

During this operation, a number of Palestinian children gathered near al-Manara Square in the center of Ramallah and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the children. As a result, 16 Palestinian civilians were injured (PCHR has a list of their names).

At approximately 16:10, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations near “Netser Hazani” settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at al-Satar al-Gharbi area. Three Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. Mohammed ‘Abdul Hamid al-Astal, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh;

Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets

In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for “an offence he or she has not personally committed,” Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.

At approximately 01:00 on Thursday, 19 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces moved into Salfit village, south of Nablus. They surrounded a 3-storey house owned by the heirs of 'Abdul Qader Ahmed al-Halabi. They forced residents of the house out without allowing them a chance to vacate their belongings. Soon after, Israeli soldiers planted explosives on the second floor of the house and destroyed the house, which housed three families (10 people). Hussan 'Abdul Qader al-Halabi is currently serving a life sentence in Israeli jails and his son is currently serving a 4-year sentence.

At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 19 February 2004, 20 Israeli military vehicles moved into Seilat al-Harthia village, west of Jenin. They surrounded Mohammed Mot'eb Daoud al-Tahaina's house in the center of the village. They forced the 11 residents (2 families) of the 185-square-meter, 2-storey house out and destroyed it.

On Monday morning, 23 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces moved into Salfit village, south of Nablus, surrounded 'Abdul Qader Ibrahim Salim's house, and forced the 6 residents of the 120-square-meter, 2-storey house out. At approximately 04:00, Israeli soldiers destroyed the house. The owner's son, Ahmed, 21, is currently serving a life sentence in Israeli jails.

Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the "Separation Wall" inside the West Bank. They confiscated more areas of Palestinian land for this purpose.

This week, Israeli military bulldozers continued to raze areas of Palestinian land in ‘Asala village, southeast of Qalqilya. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli occupying forces have established a road, 2km long and 8m wide, linking between “Alfe Menasheh” settlement and the site of land leveling in the village, apparently to build a new settlement post. Israeli occupying forces razed more than 80 donums of the land of the village behind the wall in the past two weeks. According to the local council of the village, the construction of the wall has isolated more than 3500 donums of the land of the village (approximately 85%) of the total area of the village. In addition, Israeli occupying forces obligate the villagers to get permits to access their lands.

On Tuesday morning, 24 February 2004, Israeli military bulldozers demolished a 150-square-meter house owned by Jamil Shuqairat, in which 9 people lived, in the al-Shayah area in al-Sawahra village, east of Jerusalem. Israeli forces claimed that the house was built without a license. Israeli forces did not allow residents of the house to vacate their belongings. They also warned a number of families in the area that their houses would be demolished under the same pretext.

On the same day, Israeli occupying forces threatened to confiscate blue ID cards of Palestinians living near the wall in al-Dawahra al-Sharqia, Abu Dis and Eizaria villages if they do not move to live in other areas of Jerusalem.

Also on Tuesday morning, Israeli occupying forces started construction works of a part of the wall extending from “Alkanah” settlement, southeast of Qalqilya, to “Ofar” detention center, southwest of Ramallah. The length of this part is expected to 42km and its construction will lead to confiscation of more Palestinian land.

Residents of Qutna village, northwest of Jerusalem, are worried that the construction of the wall may force them to leave their homes and lands. Six families living in the village had been already informed by Israeli occupying forces that their homes would be demolished, to occur at any time without warning. According to the maps of the wall, more than 900 donums of the land of the village will be confiscated.

According to the bureau of national economy in Tulkarm, the construction of the wall has so far seized 39860 donums of Palestinian agricultural land and 6 water wells in the district. The construction of the wall has also isolated thousands of Palestinians in the villages of Baqa al-Sharqia, Nazlat ‘Eissa, Nazlat Abu Nar and Kherbat Jebara. The number of families in these communities is 1119 (totaling 7166 persons). The wall has also isolated 473 economic facilities and 982 houses. Israeli occupying forces have also destroyed 235 economic facilities, mostly in Nazlat ‘Eissa village. The infrastructure of these villages was also destroyed. Losses are estimated at approximately US$ 13.3 million.

According to a recent report issued by the National Information Center at the State Information Service, Israeli occupying forces have seized at least 165000 donums of Palestinian land in Qalqilya and Jenin for the purpose of the construction of the wall. They have also razed 22298 donums of Palestinian land in the two districts. According to the same report, the wall will isolate 126 Palestinian communities. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 220 Palestinian civilians living behind the wall lack basic medical services.

On Tuesday morning, 24 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces began razing areas of Palestinian land in Beit Sourik village, southwest of Ramallah, after they had declared that they had initiated construction of a new part of the wall. They also started to raze areas of Palestinian land in the villages of Biddu, Nabi Samuel and Qutna. In Qutna village, they have so far razed 40 donums of land. According to the maps distributed by Israeli forces, they will raze areas of land in the villages of Beit Eksa, Beit Sourik, Beit Ejza, Beit Diqqu, Beit ‘Anan, Qutna, Um al-Lahem and al-Qebia.

Israeli occupying forces used force against Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists who demonstrated in protest to the construction of the wall. On Tuesday, 24 February 2004, 7 land owners in Beit Sourik, southeast of Ramallah, were injured when Israeli soldiers proceeded to beat them. In addition, 17 other civilians were injured when Israeli soldiers beat and fired at them in Beit Seera village, west of Ramallah. Three of the injured were evacuated to a hospital in Ramallah:

On Wednesday, 25 February 2004, a number of Palestinian civilians and 20 international and Israeli solidarity activists were injured by Israeli soldiers, when they attempted to stop razing Palestinian lands in Beir Sourik village.

This week, Israeli occupying forces razed more area of Palestinian land in the northern Jordan Valley for the purpose of the construction of the wall in the area.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip, and imposed more restrictions on movement at border crossing and military checkpoints. They have also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints. 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.

At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 21 February 2004, Israeli forces closed the two checkpoints. They held a number of Palestinian vehicles and searched them.

On Sunday morning, 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces restricted movement of Palestinian vehicles, and in the evening they closed the two checkpoints for two hours, during which time they held a number of Palestinian vehicles in between and searched them. They held a Palestinian police officer for three hours.

On Tuesday morning, 24 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, the only outlet of the Gaza Strip to the outside work since the beginning of the current Intifada. They also closed Sofa crossing at the border with Israel, northeast of Rafah. The terminal was reopened on Wednesday morning, 25 February 2004.

On Monday, 23 February 2004, Israeli forces at Rafah Terminal arrested D’ib Mohammed Abu Sultan, 25, from Jabalya, while he was on his way back to the Gaza Strip from Egypt.

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. On Tuesday, 24 February 2004, Israeli forces closed al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area in Khan Yunis.

Following the adoption of new procedures at Erez crossing on Sunday 18 January 2004, access for registered Palestinian workers has been severely restricted. A number of witnesses reported to PCHR that Israeli soldiers at Erez crossing are now forcing Palestinian workers to remove their outer garments and walk slowly with their hands raised above their heads before entering the checking area. Workers have also been prevented from carrying anything on their person, including food, and they are escorted throughout the checking procedure by Israeli soldiers. In addition, Israeli troops have closed 20 of the 24 waiting lines at the security checking area in the Erez crossing. These new procedures have resulted in extensive delays in passage.

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.

On Sunday, 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces declared Bethlehem a closed military zone. They closed checkpoints at the entrances of the town and denied access of hundreds of Palestinian civilians to their homes.

Israeli soldiers positioned at Qalnadya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, continued to deny passage for Palestinian civilians who do not have checkpoint permits. They also searched Palestinian vehicles moving from and into the town.

On Sunday morning, 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed military checkpoints at the entrances to the city, but reopened them later. They have also continued to prevent Palestinians under 35 years old from crossing military checkpoints around the city. On Tuesday morning, 24 February 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit Fourik and Salem checkpoints denied access of Palestinian villagers to the city.

On Sunday morning, 22 February 2004, Israeli forces erected a number of sudden checkpoints on the main roads and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

On Sunday morning, 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the Jenin – Nablus road and denied access of Palestinian civilians living in neighboring villages to the town. Israeli forces also erected a number of sudden checkpoints in the Northern Jordan Valley and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday, 23 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces denied movement of Palestinian vehicles on al-Midraj road near the Jordan Valley, which links between the northern West Bank and other parts of the West Bank.

On Tuesday, 24 February 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Jalama checkpoint, north of Jenin, arrested Mohammed Shehada Jalamna, 30, from Jenin.

On Sunday morning, 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces closed the entrances to the city for several hours and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They also imposed further restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through various checkpoints around the city. Israeli soldiers also erected a military checkpoint at the eastern entrance to ‘Eizaria village and searched Palestinian vehicles. They also erected other checkpoints at the entrances to neighborhoods of East Jerusalem.

Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli soldiers and military vehicles were deployed at the entrances to the town and restricted movement of Palestinian civilians through military checkpoints. They also erected a number of checkpoints around the town.

On Tuesday afternoon, 24 February 2004, Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Jaroushia checkpoint, north of the town, arrested Mohammed ‘Othman Kittana, 36, from Baqa al-Sharqia village, north of the town, while he was on his way back to his village from the town.

Israeli Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

In addition to the construction of the "Separation Wall", this week, Israeli occupying forces carried out a number of settlement activities in the West Bank.

On Thursday morning, 12 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces issued a military order and confiscated a 15-donum area of land owned by Kayed Shaker al-Swaiti, located approximately 700m to the west of "Nigihot" settlement, southwest of Hebron. According to al-Swaiti, Israeli forces summoned him and informed him about this military order and that Israeli engineers would later survey the land for the purpose of confiscation.

On Sunday, 15 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces issued a military order confiscating an area of land owned by Mohammed Salim Eshtayeh in the southwest of Til village, southwest of Nbalus. According to chairman of the local council of the village 'Adnan al-Saifi, the purpose of this confiscation is to establish an observation tower that will overlook a bypass road extending from Jeet village in the west to Hawara village in the east. According to the military order, this confiscation will continue until 30 January 2005. Israeli occupying forces have used this method to confiscate thousands of donums of Palestinian land, but these lands have not been returned to their original owners on the times specified in military orders.

1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their obligations under article 1 and article 146.

3. Upon the international community to investigate and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches perpetrated in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.

6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.