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

Israeli Offensive on Beit Hanoun and Neighboring Areas

Israeli occupying forces have continued their offensive on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun and neighboring areas since 28 June 2004.  Since then, a number of Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, large areas 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 03:00 on Thursday, 22 July 2004, Israeli troops destroyed a brick 500-square-meter factory and a razed a 6-donum area of agricultural land owned by Isma'il Ibrahim Abu 'Eida in the east of Jabalya, nearly 1000 meters to the west of the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. 

At approximately 12:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned atop of Wasfi al-Za'anin's house in al-Sikka Street in the west of Beit Hanoun fired at Tariq Qasfi Nasser, 20, who was walking in the street, wounding him with a live bullet in the right foot.

At approximately 17:00 on the same day, Israeli troops started to raze more areas of agricultural land near al-Sikka Street.  They also raided the building of the agricultural cooperative society and destroyed its fence. 

On Saturday evening, 24 July 2004, Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian child who was on the roof of his house.

According to the victim's cousin, Jalal Nasser, 24, who was with him, at approximately 22:30, Hussam Helmi Mahmoud Nasser, 16, was going back home, nearly 200 meters to the east of al-Sikka Street, after he had bought food.  Hussam and Jalal went up to the roof of the 3-storey house.  A few minutes later, a live bullet was fired at Hussam from a house that had been seized by Israeli troops.  The bullet hit Hussam in the chest.  The cousin rushed down and informed the family of what happened.  Immediately, Hussam was evacuated to a clinic, but he soon died from his wound. 

On Saturday morning, 25 July 2004, Israeli troops expanded their offensive on Beit Hanoun.  They moved into al-Amal neighborhood in the east of the town.  They raided a number of houses and transformed their roofs into military sites.  They also razed approximately 300 donums of agricultural land belonging to the families of al-Shawa, Shurrab and Abu 'Ouda. 

At approximately 07:30 on the same day, Israeli troops were positioned near the crossroads of al-Masriyeen Street and Khalil al-Wazir Street in the center of the town.  They opened fire at neighboring areas.  A Palestinian civilian, 'Abdul Salam Abu 'Ouda, 27, was wounded by a live bullet in the chest.  Israeli troops prevented ambulances from reaching him, so a local doctor performed a surgery for him in the town's clinic. 

At approximately 04:00 on Tuesday, 27 July 2004, 8 Israeli military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved into the north of Beit Hanoun.  They raided a school in the area, demolished its fence and severely damaged its classrooms.  Israeli troops also razed more areas of agricultural land belonging to the families of al-Shawa and Nasser. 

At approximately 10:30 on Wednesday, 28 July 2004, Israeli troops surrounded Jalal Nashwan's house at al-Sikka Street in the southwest of Beit Hanoun, and demolished its fence. 

At approximately 19:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned at the northern entrance to Beit Hanoun opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were on a neighboring muddy road.  Three civilians were wounded:

1.     Ashraf Jaber Abu 'Ouda, 30, a taxi driver, wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen;

2.     Mohammed Nabil Sorour, 16, from al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh; and

3.     Samir Khalil al-Nemnem, 40, a taxi driver from Jabalya refugee camp, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. 

At approximately 19:30 on the same day, Israeli troops partially demolished a 150-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by 'Abdul Karim Fawazi Abu Jarad, in which 20 people (3 families) lived, at al-Sikka Street.  Israeli troops had forced the families out of the house 10 days earlier and used it as a military site.   

Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a tight siege on Beit Hanoun.  Since the beginning of the Israeli offensive on the town, at least 3500 donums of Palestinian agricultural land, mostly planted with citrus which is the main agricultural product of the Gaza Strip, have been razed. 

Thursday, 22 July 2004

At approximately 00:55, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired a missile at a 70-square-meter smith workshop owned by Mohammed Mustafa Salhiya in the densely populated al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis.  The workshop which lies under Salhiya's house was completely destroyed and the house was damaged. 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 200 meters into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border.  Under the cover of intense gunfire, they demolished a 130-square-meter house owned by Ahmed Fayez Mohammed al-Rikhawi, in which 15 people (2 families) lived. 

At approximately 14:00, Israeli troops moved into Nablus.  They opened fire at houses and shops.  Dozens of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli troops.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets at the stone throwers, wounding 5:

1.     Mohammed Farouq Boubali, 18, wounded in the left shoulder;

2.     Riad Kamal Abu 'Eisha, 16, wounded in the left leg;

3.     Naji Mohammed Hamama, 16, wounded in the chest;

4.     Hassan Husni Kalbouna, 25, wounded in the right hand; and

5.     Sa'id Hani al-Kouni, 19, wounded in the left leg. 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved nearly 150 meters into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis.  Under the cover of intense gunfire, they demolished an agricultural house and a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Mohammed Madiouf Sha'at.  They also demolished 2 agricultural rooms belonging to the Sha'at family. 

At approximately 22:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Hares village, southwest of Nablus.  Israeli troops opened fire at houses.  A Palestinian woman, Lami'a Qassem Kulaib, 70, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen, when she was sitting in front of her house. 

Also at approximately 22:00, Israeli troops positioned along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town.  A Palestinian civilian, Riad Hammouda Abu Nuqaira, 18, was wounded by a live bullet in the left leg, when he was walking in al-Junaina neighborhood, nearly 900 meters away from the border. 

In the day hours, Israeli troops moved into Ramallah; Jenin; and Beit Ummar village near Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinians. 

At approximately 23:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Morag" settlement, north of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Musabbeh neighborhood to the south.  A Palestinian child, Ahmed Mohammed Abu Muhsen, 15, was wounded by a live bullet in the left hand, when he was in front of his house. 

Friday, 23 July 2004

At approximately 12:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses located to the east and north.  A number of live bullets hit rooms in Nasser Hospital, nearly 700 meters away from the source of fire.  A patient, 'Abdullah Ibrahim Abu Mustafa, 35, was injured by shrapnel in the left hand, and a number of rooms were damaged. 

In the day hours, Israeli troops moved into Ramallah; Hebron; and Tubas village, southeast of Jenin.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinians. 

At approximately 17:30, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood to the north of the border.  A Palestinian child, 'Adli Mohammed Zannoun, 13, was injured by shrapnel in the face. 

At approximately 20:00, Israeli troops positioned in a military posts in Tal Zo'rob area in the southwest of Rafah opened fire at neighboring Palestinian residential areas.  A Palestinian civilian, Hamdan 'Abdul 'Aziz al-Qadi, 34, was wounded by a live bullet in the left shoulder. 

Saturday, 24 July 2004

At approximately 01:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 200 meters into Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border.  Under the cover of intense gunfire, they totally demolished 5 houses belonging to the families of Abu Musameh, Hassouna, Salah and al-Yazji, rendering 65 people (12 families) homeless.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops moved into the old town of Nablus.  A number of Palestinian children and young men threw stones at those troops.  Immediately, those troops fired at the stone throwers, wounding 21-year-old 'Alaa' 'Omar al-Najjar with a rubber-coated metal bullet in the face. 

At approximately 11:15, Israeli troops positioned on top of Ahmed Mahmoud Swaiti's house at the entrance to Beit 'Awa village, southwest of Hebron, fired at passing Palestinian civilians.  Munther Mohammed Swaiti, 12, was wounded by a live bullet in the right leg.  Israeli troops have been positioned on the top of the house since Thursday, 22 July 2004.    

During the day, Israeli troops moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron; Tubas village, southeast of Jenin; and al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinians, including 2 brothers. 

At approximately 23:00, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved nearly 70 meters into Palestinian areas located to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah.  Israeli troops raided 5 houses belonging to the Bashir family.  They used Bashir Hassan Bashir as a human shield while searching the 5 houses.  They also broke the floor of one of the house and dug a hole.  They withdrew from the area after having warned its residents of helping members of the Palestinian resistance. 

Sunday, 25 July 2004

At approximately 01:00, Israeli troops moved into the south of Tulkram refugee camp.  They fired at a number of Palestinian civilians who were sitting near the Palestinian security compound (Muqata'a), already destroyed by those troops.  One civilian, Mohammed Amin Mohammed 'Abbas, 26, was wounded by a live bullet in the back.  He was also arrested by Israeli troops. 

At approximately 10:15, Israeli troops positioned in a military post known as "al-Nouria" and in other military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses located to the east.  Four Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded:

1.     Bayan 'Abdul Fattah Abu al-Sa'id, 15, wounded by a live bullet in the chest;

2.     Omaima Saber al-Ra'ei, 9, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot;

3.     Hamdi Fathi al-Salibi, 13, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot; and

4.     Ramadan Shalash al-Bayouk, 22, wounded by a live bullet in the back. 

At approximately 12:30, Israeli helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at a 2-storey house belonging to Bassem Jiniya in the densely populated al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City. The two missiles hit the first floor, which serves as a workshop, destroying it.  Three Palestinian civilians were injured by shrapnel from the missile.  Residents of the house, who live on the second floor, faced extreme difficulties while leaving it.  At approximately 21:50, Israeli F-16 fighter jets fired 2 missiles at the same house, completely destroying it. 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 200 meters into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis.  Throughout 3 hours, they destroyed 4 agricultural houses, a bird farm, 5 donums of agricultural land, a well and an irrigation network belonging to the al-Masri family. 

At approximately 19:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses to the east.  As a result of the Israeli gunfire, which sporadically continued for several hours, 12 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were wounded. 

At approximately 21:00, Israeli troops moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah.  They opened fire at houses.  A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at those troops.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets and raided wedding party, opening fire.  Eight Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were wounded. 

At approximately 22:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Netser Hazani" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and farms in al-Jiya area in the al-Qarara village.  A Palestinian woman, Ghalia Hammad Younis, 50, was wounded by several live bullets in the neck, the chest and the limbs, when she was sitting near her house nearly 150 meters away from the aforementioned settlement.  The woman crept towards a neighboring tent, where her relatives live.  She died as soon as she reached the tent.  The victim's sister and relatives went to a Palestinian police station in the village and informed about the incident.  Immediately, a Palestinian ambulance moved towards the areas, but Israeli troops prevented it from reaching the victim.  At approximately 02:30 on the following day, an ambulance was able to reach the areas following coordination with the Israeli side through the Palestinian liaison.  The victim was suffering from a psychological disorder and was living with other Bedouins in tents set up in the area.  On 9 September 2002, she had been wounded by 3 live bullets in the thigh, when Israeli troops fired at her near "Morag" settlement, south of Khan Yunis. 

Monday, 26 July 2004

At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Nimsawi neighborhood and the cemeteries area.  A Palestinian civilian, Ayman Yousef al-'Aa'raj, 26, was wounded by a live bullet in the right ankle. 

At approximately 16:00, 7 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beeta village, south of Nablus.  They opened fire at houses.  A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at those troops.  Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the stone throwers, wounding 'Ata 'Abdul Jaber Shaker, 21, with a live bullet in the right leg. 

At approximately 18:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Baten al-Samin area.  One live bullet penetrated a window in Mahmoud Mousa Zo'rob's house, nearly 1200 meters away from the source of fire, and hit his child Sarah, 11, in the chest.  The child died on the way to the hospital.  In addition, 12-year-old 'Ali Ahmed Hamdan was wounded by a live bullet in the right foot, when he was near his house. 

Also at approximately 18:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Netser Hazani" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and farms to the east of the aforementioned settlement.  A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Musa'ed al-Swairki, 45, was wounded by a live bullet in the right foot, when he was farming his land, nearly 300 meters away from the aforementioned settlement. 

At approximately 19:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Nablus.  Israeli troops fired at houses.  A Palestinian child, Sa'ed Sami Hamdan, 12, was injured by shrapnel from a live bullet in the neck and the right hand. 

Tuesday, 27 July 2004

At approximately 05:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved into the east of al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  Under the cover of intense gunfire, they raided a number of houses and transformed their roofs into military sites, from which they fired at the area.  Maher Hammad Abu al-'Ata, 26, was killed by a live bullet in the chest, and 5 other civilians were injured.  A number of members of the Palestinian resistance clashed with Israeli troops.  During these clashes, one member of the resistance, Fadi Ziad al-Mughanni, 22, was killed by a live bullet in the chest.  Israeli troops withdrew from the area at approximately 10:00. 

At approximately 06:20, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood to the north of the border.  A Palestinian child, Na'im Mohammed Hassan, 16, was wounded by a live bullet in the right arm. 

At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp, al-Nimsawi neighborhood and the cemeteries area.  A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed 'Omar Abu Touha, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet that entered the back and exited the chest, when he was on the ruins of his house already destroyed by Israeli troops. 

At approximately 22:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 200 meters into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis.  They demolished 7 houses belonging to the families of al-Hawari, al-Mallahi, Khudair and Abu Nemer, in which 48 people (7 families) lived.  They also leveled areas of agricultural land they had already razed. 

In the day hours, Israeli troops moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin; Nablus; and Beit Leqia and Kharbtha al-Misvah villages near Ramallah.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 24 Palestinians. 

Wednesday, 28 July 2004

At approximately 01:00, Israeli troops moved into Sheikh 'Ejlin neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.  They raided a house in the area and transformed its roof into a military site.  They closed the coastal road near the neighborhood, which links between the central Gaza Strip and Gaza City.  Then, Israeli troops started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land and demolish a number of civilian facilities.  By Thursday morning, 29 July 2004, they had razed at least 100 donums of agricultural land planted with fruits and vegetables belonging to the families of Shamallakh, Dalloul and 'Awad.  They also destroyed a 4-storey building, under which a fuel station stood, owned by Jamil Isma'il al-Essi and partners.  Israeli troops also destroyed the fencing of a number of houses and damaged a number of civilian facilities in the area.  In addition, the second floor of Talab Jamil al-Dani's house was severely damaged when it was hit by an artillery shell fired by Israeli troops. 

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Taulkarm refugee camp.  They opened fire at houses and raided some of them.  A Palestinian child, Nihad Khaled Abu al-Ghayab, 16, was wounded by a live bullet in the buttocks. 

In the day hours, Israeli troops moved into Jenin and the neighboring Tubas village; al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron; Beit Leqia village, west of Ramallah.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 17 Palestinians. 

At approximately 09:00, Israeli troops moved from Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, nearly 300 meters into Salah al-Din Street.  By 14:00, they had demolished a house owned by Kamel Mohammed Abu 'Amra, in which 9 people lived.  They had also demolished a bird farm and razed 12 donums of agricultural land planted with olives belonging to the families of Abu Taha and Qeshta. 

At approximately 17:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at houses in al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp.  A number of live bullets hit Nasser Hospital, nearly 700 meters away from the aforementioned settlement, injuring a member of its staff, Ra'fat 'Abdullah 'Eissa, 39, with shrapnel in the neck.     

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 Thursday, 22 July 2004, and Sunday, 25 July 2004, Israeli occupying forces committed 2 extra-judicial executions in Gaza City and Tulkarm respectively, killing 8 Palestinians.  Four of the victims, including 2 children, were civilian bystanders. 

According to PCHR's preliminary investigations, at approximately 20:40 on Thursday, 22 July 2004, an Israeli helicopter gunship fired 2 missiles at a civilian car that was traveling on Salah al-Din Street near Dalloul fuel station in the densely populated al-Zaytoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City.  The car was completely destroyed.  Two Palestinians, who were traveling in the car, were killed:

1.     Hazem Yasser Erhayem, 24; and

2.     'Abdul Ra'ouf Mohammed Abu 'Aassi, 20. 

Israeli occupying forces admitted responsibility for this execution and claimed that the two victims were allegedly wanted.  In addition, a passing civilian, Mohammed Talal Noufal, 22, was injured by shrapnel from the missiles. 

At approximately 20:30 on Sunday, 25 July 2004, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm using a civilian car that had a Palestinian registration.  The car stopped near a restaurant at Khaled Ben al-Walid Street in the western quarter.  Immediately, 4 or 5 gunmen who were wearing civilian clothes got out of the car and opened fire at Mohammed 'Adnan Mahmoud Shanteer, 18, who was crossing the street.  He was instantly killed by a live bullet in the head.  Then, the gunmen moved towards the aforementioned restaurant and opened fire at a number of Palestinians who were sitting there.  A few minutes later, Israeli troops arrived at the area to support the undercover unit.  In the meantime, Palestinian ambulances arrived at the area to evacuate the wounded to hospitals, but Israeli troops prevented them from reaching the wounded for nearly one hour, during which the wounded bled to death.  According to eyewitnesses, the victims were fired at from a distance of less than 10 meters.  At approximately 21:30, Israeli troops withdrew from the area, and ambulances transferred bodies of 5 Palestinians, including 2 children, to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital.  According to medical sources, the victims were hit by live bullets to their heads.  They were identified as:

1.     Ahmed Nabeel Ahmed Barrouq, 16;

2.     Sa'id Jamal Sa'id Abu Qamar, 16;

3.     Mahdi Ra'eq Na'im Tanbour, 21;

4.     Hani Yousef Mohammed 'Owaida, 26; and

5.     'Abdul Rahman Ahmed Hassan Shadeed, 33.

Tanbour and 'Owiada were local leaders of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of Fatah movement, and apparently the attack targeted them. 

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 17^th consecutive week.  They have continued to close most border crossings of the Gaza Strip.  Israeli troops have continued to close Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world since 18 July 2004., Israeli troops closed Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, only 3 days after they had reopened it.  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.  They have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip.  In the meantime, Israeli troops have continued to impose a tight siege on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun for the 5^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.  On Thursday morning, 22 July 2004, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints and held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles in between.  At approximately 16:00 on the same day, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints and forced hundreds of Palestinian civilians to wait until midnight.  At approximately 14:45 on Monday, 26 July 2004, Israeli troops closed the two checkpoints and held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles.  They arrested 5 Palestinians. 

 On 28 July 2004, Israeli troops closed the coastal road linking between the central Gaza Strip and Gaza City.  They blocked the road with sand barriers and fired at whoever attempted to travel on the road. 

 Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip.  Although Israeli troops reopened al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area on Tuesday, 27 July 2004, after they had closed it since 11 July 2004, they imposed severe restriction on the movement of Palestinian civilians through the checkpoint.  They have continued to prevent female Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 25, and male ones whose ages are between 16 and 30 from crossing the checkpoint without prior coordination. 

 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.  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. 

Since 27 June 2004, Israeli troops have continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. In the beginning of July, Israeli troops issued work permits for 500 Palestinian workers, a number which has increased to 2800 workers so far.  However, only 1500 workers are able to reach their work places inside Israel everyday, due to the restrictions imposed by Israeli troops at the crossing.  As Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun, Palestinian workers have to cross a distance of 4 kilometers on foot to reach Erez crossing.  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 crossings. 

Since Sunday morning, 18 July 2004, Israeli troops have continued to close Rafah Terminal, which has been the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world since 14 February 2001, when Israeli occupying forces destroyed the runway of Gaza International Airport.  Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have been also prevented from traveling to Jordan and other countries through al-Karama Terminal (King Hussein Bridge) on the Jordanian border.

 According to information gathered by PCHR field workers, Israeli occupying authorities have continued to close Rafah Terminal since 18 July 2004, prohibiting thousands of Palestinians from traveling.  As a result, many patients who are badly in need of special medical treatment abroad have not been able to travel, and humanitarian and medical aid provided by Arab countries to the Palestinian people has been blocked at the Egyptian side of the terminal.  According to the Palestinian civil liaison, nearly 300 Palestinian travelers have been blocked at the Egyptian side of the terminal, lacking basic services, which endangers their health.  In addition, around 2000 other travelers have been waiting on the Egyptian side outside the crossing waiting to be allowed to cross to the Gaza Strip, and many of them have been forced to travel to Egyptian cities waiting for the terminal to be reopened. 

 Recently, Israeli occupying forces have partially operated Rafah Terminal, sharply decreasing the number of travelers as they have imposed severe restrictions on travelers.  Since 18 April 2004, Israeli occupying forces have prevented Palestinians whose ages range between 16 and 35 years, including even patients and students, from traveling through the terminal.

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.  Israeli troops positioned at Na'lin checkpoint, west of Ramallah, stopped and searched Palestinian vehicles.  An Israeli intelligence officer also interrogated dozens of passengers.   On Saturday morning, 24 July 2004, Israeli troops held and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians at the western entrance to Ramallah.  On Sunday, 25 July 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint in the same area and checked the identity cards of Palestinian civilians.  This week, Israeli troops prevented Palestinians who have Israeli identity cards from entering Ramallah and al-Bireh.  On Monday morning, 26 July 2004, Israeli troops erected a temporary checkpoint near Samiramis neighborhood and held and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles.

Nablus

 Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Friday, 23 July 2004, Israeli troops imposed a curfew on the villages of al-Naqoura and Deir Sharaf.  In the meantime, Israeli troops closed a military checkpoint near al-Naqoura village, northwest of Nablus.  This week, Israeli troops erected more checkpoints around Nablus.  They stopped and searched Palestinian vehicles.  They have also continued to prevent Palestinians, who are between 16 and 30 years old, from crossing military checkpoints erected around the city.  On Saturday, 24 July 2004, Israeli troops detained dozens of young men in a tent near Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, for several hours.  On Monday, 26 July 2004, Israeli troops closed Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, declaring the area a closed military zone. 

 On Sunday morning, 25 July 2004, Israeli troops positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested Sa'ed 'Awad Hamad, 23, from Ramin village, east of Tulkarm, when was on his way to an-Najah National University in Nablus, where he studies. 

 At approximately 13:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned at Beit Eiba military checkpoint, west of Nablus, stopped Kamel Mohammed Cana'an, 26, from Jaba' village southwest of Jenin, when he was on his way back home from Nablus, and ordered him to travel back to Nablus.  When he debated with them, Israeli troops severely beat him.  When he was able to move away from Israeli troops and tried to leave the checkpoint, an Israeli soldier fired at him.  He was wounded by a live bullet in the hand. 

 At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 26 July 2004, Muntasser Hathnawi, 24, from Jenin, was on his way back to the town from Nablus.  After he had crossed an Israeli military checkpoint at the entrance of al-Naqoura village, he saw a Palestinian taxi that was facing trouble in moving.  When he realised that a patient was in the taxi, he tried to offer help.  Soon, an Israeli military jeep arrived at the area.  Three Israeli soldiers got out of the jeep and beat Hathnawi severely although he was wearing a medical uniform.  Then, they handcuffed him and took him to the aforementioned checkpoint.  He was held for one hour, until the ICRC intervened and ensured his release.  During his detention, Hathnawi was beaten twice by Israeli troops.  He sustained bruises and injuries throughout the body. 

Tulkarm

 Since Thursday, 15 July 2004, Israeli troops have continued to close an iron gate near "Enab" settlement on Tulkram – Nablus road for the 2^nd consecutive week, 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. 

Hebron

 This week, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinians civilians inside the town.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops held and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians, including a number of women and children, in al-Shuhada Street.  Israeli troops also reinforced their presence in the old town and near settlements in the center of the town.  In the meantime, Israeli troops have continued to close the entrances to Beit 'Awa village, west of Hebron.  According to eyewitnesses, Israeli troops chased Palestinian civilians who attempted to use alternative roads. 

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.  They imposed severe restriction on the movement of Palestinian trucks loaded with vegetables.    

Bethlehem

 On Tuesday morning, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint at the western entrance to Beit Jala arrested Samer Rateb Isma'il, 23, when he was on his way to his work. 

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 03:00 on Wednesday, 28 July 2004, Israeli troops moved into Tulkram refugee camp.  They surrounded a 100-square-meter, 3-storey house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ibrahim Shehada, who is allegedly wanted by those troops.  They forced the 15 residents of the house (3 families) out and planted explosives on the second floor.  Then, they destroyed the second floor.  The two other floors were damaged. 

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 NGOs 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 NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of international solidarity groups to the OPTs, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.

11. PCHR further calls on the EU heads of mission to ensure implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and to ensure freedom of access and movement for international human rights defenders.  Specifically to stop the threats and end the restrictions placed on defenders at Ben Gurion airport and the Erez Checkpoint.

12. 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”