PCHR Weekly Report

PCHR Palestinian Centre for Human Rights http://www.pchrgaza.org
Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory	No. 35/2005 01 - 07 September 2005

Schoolchildren are forced to cross Israeli military checkpoints to reach their schools.

Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (1 – 7 September 2005):

Killing: On 6 September 2005, Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 3 others, including a child, in Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, when these civilians threw stones at a tank positioned near the evacuated Israeli settlements. On 2 September 2005, IOF opened fire and wounded two Palestinian brothers who were on their way back home near the evacuated "Qatif" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis.

Incursions: IOF conducted 24 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 19 Palestinian civilians. They also imposed curfews on a number of communities and transformed 4 houses into military sites.

Restrictions on Movement: IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians, especially in communities located near Israeli settlements. They have continued to close Erez crossing for the third consecutive week and to impose severe restrictions at other border crossings of the Gaza Strip. On 7 September 2005, IOF closed Rafah International Crossing Point, thus transforming the Gaza Strip into a big jail. IOF have also continued to close al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). In addition, IOF have continued to close a number of roads since the beginning of the current Intifada. In the West Bank, IOF have continued to close 'Ennab gate, east of Tulkarm, for the eighth consecutive week. Since the declaration of the northern West Bank as a closed military zone on Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected a number of checkpoints on the main roads. They arrested at least 10 Palestinian civilians. IOF have continued to prevent 700 Palestinian teachers from entering Jerusalem. IOF positioned on the 'Arraba crossroads, southwest of Jenin, stopped a taxi and forced 7 Palestinian civilians to strip completely, and attempted to force a girl to strip, but she refused. This crime came a few hours following an order by the Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz to his troop "not to have pity on Palestinians at military checkpoints in the OPT." Mofaz stated: "Do not have mercy on anyone even if it creates long lines and causes anger among the population."

Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. During the reported period, IOF completed the construction of a section of the Wall to the north of occupied Jerusalem. They completely closed the area surrounding Qalandya checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem. They closed the checkpoint with cement block, thus completing the section of the Wall extending from Bitounia village, west of Ramallah, passing by Qalandya Airport and Jaba’ village and ending at Hazma village, northeast of Jerusalem. As IOF is close to finish the construction of a section of the Wall in Deir Ballout village, southwest of Nablus, they razed areas of land near a military checkpoint that stands at the entrance to the aforementioned village to expand and fortify it. On Friday, 2 September 2005, IOF issued new military orders confiscating 43 donums of Palestinian land in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour towns and al-Nu’man village to the north of Bethlehem. The confiscated land is to be used to complete the construction of a section of the Wall in the area. At the beginning of the new school year, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian students and teachers living in communities isolated by the Wall. During the reported period, IOF surrounded Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah. Then, they moved into the village and surrounded the mosque before worshippers left. When the worshippers left the mosque to go to the construction site of the Wall, they fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Twelve civilians, including two journalists, suffered from tear gas inhalation and they were treated on the spot. In addition, IOF arrested 11 international solidarity activists and a Palestinian civilian.

Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property. During the reported period, Israeli settlers seized a tract of land in Wad al-Nasara neighborhood to the south of "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron. They also attacked Palestinian houses in Hebron and injured two children. In addition, Israeli settlers attacked animal farms in Yatta village, south of Hebron, and killed a number of sheep. IOF also razed areas of land at the entrance of Beit Wazan village, southwest of Nablus, to establish a military site in the area.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (1 – 7 September 2005)

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses. They handed written notices to the families summoning wanted 5 Palestinian civilians to Israeli intelligence in Hebron:

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses in the eastern and western neighborhoods in the town and the suburb of ‘Ezbat al-Jarada to the south of the town. They arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into ‘Aaida and al-‘Azza refugee camps, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child:

In addition, they handed a written order to a number of other civilians written orders summoning them to the Israeli intelligence in “Kfar Etzion” area, claiming that they are wanted. PCHR learned that Lutfi Yousef Da’amsa, Saleh ‘Abdullah Abu ‘Akar and Mahmoud Mohammed Fararja were among those who were summoned to the Israeli intelligence.

· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Khellat Hadour neighborhood in the east of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the recently released prisoner Mohammed Ziad Abu Halawa al-Ayoubi, 50. They held him and his family in one room, searched the house, destroyed the furniture and cut pictures of the ex-prisoner and the late President Yasser Arafat in the process. Israeli soldiers violently beat and abused al-Ayoubi’s wife and his two sons for more than an hour because they complained about the destruction of the furniture and cutting of pictures. Al- Ayoubi’s wife, 38-year-old Rawda, fainted and his two sons, ‘Obaida, 22; and Tariq, 20, sustained bruises throughout the body. Al-Ayoubi told a PCHR fieldworker that Israeli soldiers stormed the house, forced the family into one room, searched the house and destroyed furniture. It is worth noting that IOF released al-Ayoubi last week after serving 32 months in Israeli jails.

· At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Nasara neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to Hazem Bader Da’na and transformed its roof into a military observation point. According to eyewitnesses, IOF forced the 10 residents of the house to stay in one room on the first floor of the houses and restricted their movement.

· At approximately 00:15, IOF positioned on a tank near the evacuated Israeli settlement of “Qatif,” northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at the streets and houses in al-Satar al-Gharbi area. Two brothers were wounded while they were on their way back home near the settlement:

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into some northwestern neighborhoods in Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses in Abu Ektaila and al-Karm neighborhoods and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Kharas village, northwest of Hebron governorate. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested ‘Aziz Mahmoud Halahla, 53. It is worth noting that his sons, Tha’er, 27; and Shaher, 25, have been detained by IOF for years.

· At approximately 03:00, an infantry unit of IOF counting 80 soldiers moved into the eastern part of Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abdul Hamid al-Teerawi. The ordered him to tell his son, Jamal, 32, to surrender himself to the IOF.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets opening fire indiscriminately. No casualties or arrests were reported.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Bala’a village, east of Tulkarm, firing sound grenades at houses. They raided and searched a number of houses in the east of the village. They withdrew from the village a few hours later. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 08:00, two Israeli military jeeps moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. Israeli soldiers opened fire in the air to terrify Palestinian civilians, especially school children. The two jeeps moved then towards Ektaba area and erected a checkpoint for 3 hours.

· At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into al-Shawawra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 15:00, IOF erected a sudden checkpoint at Tammoun crossroads, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and held Palestinian civilian vehicles. A number of children from al-Fara’a refugee camp to the south of the checkpoint gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, Israeli soldiers got out of their military vehicles and fired at the children. Jihad Anwar ‘Odeh, 14, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right leg. Israeli soldiers also arrested Waleed Mohammad Abu Habeeb, 22, from al-Fara’a refugee camp.

· At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Khellat Butrokh neighborhood in the northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdullah Ibrahim Dwaik, 24, and arrested him.

· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Taffoouh village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nadeem Khalil Erzaiqat, 25, a member of the Palestinian Preventative Security Service.

· Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses, claiming that they were searching for wanted Palestinians.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bazaria village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a 110-square-meter, two-storey house belonging to Farouq Hassan Taher Hassan, who lives abroad. Israeli soldiers moved the owner’s mother, 80, who lives in the house to his brother’s house. Then, they transformed the house into a military site.

· At approximately 02:50, IOF moved into ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm. An IOF military vehicle deliberately hit a shop of construction materials belonging to Ja’far Hassan Asia, destroying it.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Beeta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and then moved towards the south. They erected a checkpoint at Tammoun – Tubas crossroads at the southern entrance of the village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 17:00, dozens of Palestinian boys gathered near the fence that separates between the evacuated "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc and Khan Yunis refugee camp. They threw stones at an Israeli tank positioned near the fence. Immediately, Israeli soldiers positioned on the tank opened fire at the stone throwers. Nemer Riad al-Da'douni, 18, was killed by a live bullet to the chest. In addition, 3 other demonstrators were wounded:

1. Shadi Fayez Abu al-'Arraj, 17, wounded by a live bullet to the left shoulder;

· At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya, and imposed a curfew. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported. IOF withdrew from the village on the following day morning.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Omar Rezeq al-Mashni, 19. They released him later.

· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Nemra neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a 5-storey house belonging to 'Awni al-Harbawi. They held the family in one room and transformed the fifth floor into a military site.

· Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into the Municipality area in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zakariya 'Abdul Qader Abu 'Ajamiya and transformed it into a military site.

IOF have continued to impose tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip for the third consecutive week. They have imposed a severe restriction on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially in areas located near the evacuated settlements. IOF have also continued to close a number of roads and border crossings since the beginning of the current Intifada.

· Internal Movement: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). Since 17 August 2005, IOF have closed the two checkpoints during the day hours. The two checkpoints are opened at night, excluding Fridays and Saturdays when the two checkpoints are opened day and night. These measures have impacted the daily lives of Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip.

IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada, such as the western Rafah – Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore, IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.

· Enclaves: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements:

o Al-Mawasi: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis and Rafah. IOF have continued to close al-Tuffah and Tal al-Sultan checkpoints at the entrances of the area for the fourth consecutive week, even though they have completed the evacuation of settlements located in the area. The closure of the area has impacted living conditions of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 3 September 2005, the first day of the new school year, IOF prevented secondary school students from leaving the area and prevented new teachers from entering it. About 1500 schoolchildren study at one school in the area, which lacks electricity and water. The school also lacks teachers of a number of subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry.

o Al-Sayafa: IOF have continued to close the area for the third consecutive week. On Saturday morning, 3 September 2005, IOF allowed 17 students to exit the area and to return at 13:00. When they came back, IOF prevented those who are over 17, whose number was 6, from entering the area.

o Al-Ma’ni: IOF have continued to close the area which is located near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip for the third consecutive week. This closure has had disastrous impacts on the economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinian civilians living there. IOF have continued to prevent 54 school children from exiting the area to go to their schools.

o Rafah International Crossing Point: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the travel of Palestinian civilians through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, in violation of their economic, social and cultural rights, under security claims. The crossing point has been the only outlet for Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip to the outside world. IOF often close the crossing point and prevent young men from traveling. Since the beginning of June, IOF have imposed more restrictions on travel through the crossing point. The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday. IOF have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling abroad. Recently, they have allowed patients and those have permanent residence in other countries to travel. IOF had allowed this large segment of Palestinian civilians to travel abroad since 20 February 2005 following nearly one year of prohibition. Since 22 July 2005, IOF have resumed using a controversial special checking machine. IOF stopped using this machine on 18 May 2005 as its use was widely criticised. On 7 September 2005, IOF informed the Palestinian side that they would close the crossing point until another notice.

o Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: IOF have continued to close the crossing for the third consecutive week. On 21 August 2005, IOF allowed 108 Palestinian workers who have permits to go to their work places inside Israel. IOF have allowed serious cases of patients and staff of international organizations to move through the crossing.

o Al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. This is despite the IOF declaration that they have eased such restrictions. These restrictions have caused goods to perish and large losses to Palestinian traders.

o Sofa crossing: IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from entering Israel through Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah. This crossing has been closed for people for more nearly two years and only raw construction materials are allowed to be entered.

IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank Territory. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.

· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to isolate East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. They have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They imposed severe restrictions at military checkpoints leading to the city. IOF have continued to prevent at least 700 teachers who have Palestinian identity cards from entering the city to go to their jobs. According to Demitri Delliani, Coordinator of the Committee of Private Education in Jerusalem, IOF agreed to issue permits for 255 teachers to enter the city, but they issued only 8 permits.

· Ramallah: On Saturday morning, 3 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Turmosa'iya crossroads, northeast of Ramallah. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also erected a checkpoint in Wad al-Haramiya areas, nearly 3 kilometers away from the first checkpoints. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. These two checkpoints restricted the movement of Palestinian civilians between Ramallah and Palestinian communities in the West Bank. On Wednesday afternoon, 7 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Surda village, north of Ramallah, and closed Ramallah – Bir Zeit road for two hours. Hundreds of Palestinian civilian vehicles were seen waiting in long lines. IOF also prevented Palestinian civilians from crossing the checkpoint on foot.

· Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 1 September 2005, IOF closed the gates of the Ibrahimi Mosque and neighboring areas. The closure continued for 3 days to allow Jewish settlers "to celebrate the new Hebrew Year." IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the old town and near the Ibrahimi Mosque. They erected a number of checkpoints in the area and stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 2 September 2005, IOF erected two new military checkpoints at the entrances of Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron near "Ramat Yishai" settlement post, and a third one at the entrance to al-Karantina neighborhood. The establishment of these checkpoints subjects Palestinian civilians from Tal Rumaida, Jabal al-Rahma and al-Karantian neighborhoods to daily checking when going to Abu Sunaina and Qaitoun neighborhoods and the old town. at approximately 07:00 on Saturday, 3 September 2005, IOF erected a number of checkpoints at the northern, southern and western entrances of Hebron. They stopped and checked hundreds of Palestinian civilians and interrogated some of them. On Saturday and Sunday, 3 and 4 September 2005, IOF positioned in the center and south of Hebron chased Palestinian civilians, especially school children, to prevent them from moving on the main road in the area. At least 200 schoolchildren were forced to resort to a longer dirt road to reach their schools. At approximately 12:00 on Monday, 5 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint near a police station in the north of Hebron. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians. IOF also prevented Palestinian policemen from leaving the police station.

On Saturday noon, 3 September 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the northern entrance of al-Fawar refugee camp, southwest of Hebron, arrested Jamal 'Abdullah al-Haddar, 27, a member of the Palestinian police from Yatta village south of Hebron.

In the evening, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Tarqoumia village, west of Hebron, arrested Ra'fat Rashed al-batran, 20, from Ethna village west of Hebron.

· Nablus: Even though, IOF completed the evacuation of "Homesh" and "Sanour" settlements at Nablus – Jenin road, they have continued to close a section of the road extending from "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus, and 'Arraba crossroads, south of Jenin. Palestinian civilians living in 9 villages in the area have been forced to use al-Bathan road, which is much longer, to travel to Nablus. As the new school year began, IOF erected several checkpoints around the city. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday morning, 5 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Eskaka village, south of Nablus. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday morning, 6 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint nearly two kilometers away from Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

On Friday morning, 2 September 2005, IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Ameen Ahmed Bisharat, 25, from Tammoun village southeast of Jenin.

At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 7 September 2005, IOF closed Hawara checkpoint and arrested a Palestinian civilian who has not been identified.

· Tulkarm: At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 1 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Bala'a crossroads, east of Tulkarm. They held and interrogated dozens of Palestinian civilians for several hours. At approximately 07:00 on Friday, 2 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the villages of Far'oun and 'Ezbat Shoufa until 12:00. On Saturday, 3 September 2005, IOF conducted prolonged checking at a checkpoint to the east of 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. Dozens of Palestinian civilians were seen waiting in long lines near the checkpoint. In the meantime, IOF closed all dirt roads used by Palestinian civilians to move out of Tulkarm. They also restricted access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural land in the area. On Sunday, 4 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint near the bridges leading to al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. They prevented the passage of Palestinian civilian vehicles for several hours. At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 5 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Thinnaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.

· Jenin: On Thursday morning, 1 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at al-Malaqi crossroads, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. In the evening, IOF closed the southern checkpoint of Tubas village and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the village. They stopped and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday evening, 3 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint to the south of Tubas village and closed the road leading to the neighboring Tammoun village and al-Fara'a refugee camp. According to eyewitnesses, IOF held dozens of civilian vehicles until the following day morning. On Sunday morning, 4 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint to the north of 'Aqqaba village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 15:00 on Monday, 5 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Tammoun crossroads, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At the same time, IOF erected a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin. They prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians.

On Saturday evening, 3 September 2005, IOF that were patrolling on Tubas – Jenin road stopped and searched two Palestinian civilian vehicles, and took them and their drivers to a military post near Tayaseer village, southeast of Jenin. The two drivers have not been identified.

On Tuesday afternoon, 6 September 2005, IOF positioned on the 'Arraba crossroads, southwest of Jenin, stopped a taxi and forced 7 Palestinian civilians to strip completely, and attempted to force a girl to strip, but she refused. In his testimony to PCHR, the taxi driver, Bassam Hasan Sobeh, 42, ID no. 970280988, from Kufor Ra’ei village to the southwest of Jenin, said:

“At 12:30 on Tuesday 6 Sep 2005, I was returning from Jenin in my taxi. I had 8 passengers including a girl from Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of the city. I was taking the 'Arraba plain road, a dirt road we were allowed to use after IOF closed the Jenin-Nablus road on 15 August 2005. An IOF jeep was parked on the road, about 200 meters to the west of the gate into 'Arraba village, installed by IOF on 15 Aug 2005 near the "Maveh Dotan" military outpost. Through a loudspeaker, a soldier said, ‘driver, raise your hand and remain inside the car.’ I raised my left hand and turned off the car. At the same time, I saw a group of soldiers from the outpost come to the jeep. A soldier inside the jeep ordered me to raise my hands and get out of the car and said, ‘take off your shirt.’ I did; then he said, ‘and the pants.’ I did; then he said, ‘the undershirt and underwear.’ I begged him not to force me; and he said, ‘I’ll shoot you.’ And all the soldiers pointed their guns at me. I took off my underclothes and stood naked in front of everybody. He ordered, ‘proceed with your hands up.’ I came up to him and he gave me a transparent plastic bag to cover myself. He blindfolded me and made me sit 20 meters away. Then the soldier shouted at a passenger called Islam 'Abed al-Sheikh Ibrahim, 18, who was sitting in the front seat, and ordered him to get out of the car. He told the soldier that his leg was broken, but the soldier insisted. He Islam got out and stood on his crutches. The soldier ordered him to take off his clothes. He tried by failed. The soldier came to me and removed the binding off my eyes and told me at gunpoint to go and help him take off his clothes. I went and helped the passenger take off all his clothes. The soldier told me to help him walk to the soldier. We walked up and he gave me another nylon bag for Islam. Then, he told us to sit on the ground. Soon after, the soldier ordered another passenger, Yasser Rasheed al-Sheikh Ibrahim,60, to get out of the car and take off his clothes like us. He did and sat beside us. Then, he ordered Reyad Mahmoud Mohammed Melhem, 49, As’ad Faleh Yehya, 35, and 'Ali Sa’abna,43, to get out of the car and take off their clothes, and they obeyed the order. Soon after, the soldier asked the girl to take off her head cover and she did. Then, he ordered her to take off her clothes. She screamed at him, ‘I won’t even if you shoot me.’ Then, he told her to come and sit next to us. The soldier asked us to get into the jeep and we obeyed. He took us to "Maveh Dotan" outpost, where we sat for 5 hours without anyone saying a word to us. After that, an intelligence officer came and said, ‘Kufor Ra'ei and Fahma, stand up.” Five of us stood and he told us to get into the jeep. They took us to where we came from. When we reached the place, we were still naked and had the nylon bags only. We did not find our clothes or the car. I called my nephew, Rami, and told him what happened. He told me that the car was with people from 'Arraba. We went there and found our clothes in the car, except for the clothes of Yasser and Reyad.”

At approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 6 September 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in Taqqou' area, south of Bethlehem, arrested Haitham 'Ata Kabaha, 22, from Jenin.

· Qalqilya: On Thursday morning, 1 September 2005, IOF erected 3 checkpoints on Qalqilya – Nablus road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Wednesday morning, 7 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the northern entrance of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalailya, and another one on the road the links between the villages of Jayous and Seer, north of Qalqilya.

At approximately 18:00 on Monday, 5 September 2005, IOF positioned an iron gate on the Annexation Wall at the entrance of 'Azzoun 'Atma village, south of Qalqilya, arrested 'Eissa 'Ali al-Sheikh, 33, from Sineeria village south of Qalqilya.

IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. They have confiscated more Palestinian land for this purpose.

· During the reported period, IOF completed the construction of a section of the Wall to the north of occupied Jerusalem. According to eyewitnesses, IOF completely closed the area surrounding Qalandya checkpoint between Ramallah and Jerusalem. They closed the checkpoint with cement block, thus completing the section of the Wall extending from Bitounia village, west of Ramallah, passing by Qalandya Airport and Jaba’ village and ending at Hazma village, northeast of Jerusalem. According to Israeli plans, the section of the Wall in the area will extend to link it with other sections in ‘Anata village, northeast of Jerusalem, al-‘Eizariya and Abu Dis villages and “Male Adomim” settlement.

· As IOF is close to finish the construction of a section of the Wall in Deir Ballout village, southwest of Nablus, they razed areas of land near a military checkpoint that stands at the entrance to the aforementioned village to expand and fortify it. This checkpoint has been established since the beginning of the current Intifada.

· On Friday, 2 September 2005, IOF issued new military orders confiscating 43 donums of Palestinian land in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour towns and al-Nu’man village to the north of Bethlehem. The confiscated land is to be used to complete the construction of a section of the Wall in the area. According to local sources in al-Nu’man village, the Wall will totally isolate their village completely, and will cut it off from Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

· At 11:00 on Friday 2 September 2005, IOF surrounded Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah. Then, they moved into the village and surrounded the mosque before worshippers left. When the worshippers left the mosque to go to the construction site of the Wall, they fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Twelve civilians, including two journalists, suffered from tear gas inhalation and they were treated on the spot:

In addition, IOF arrested 11 international solidarity activists and a Palestinian civilian, Mohammad al-Khatib, 38.

· At the beginning of the new school year, at least 800 Palestinian students and a number of their teachers in 5 schools isolated by the Annexation Wall are suffering from severe restriction on their movement across the Wall’s electronic gates. The schools are located in the villages of Barta’a (3 schools), Kherbet Barta’a (one school) and Um al-Rihan, southwest of Jenin. Students and teachers, including female ones, are forced to pass through electronic gates daily, and are subject to humiliating searches. IOF open those gates between 07:00 and 19:00 everyday. According to sources of the Palestinian Ministry of Education in Jenin, the Ministry tried to overcome the teachers’ problem by keeping them in their local schools. However, the need for some majors in other schools forced 9 teachers from outside the isolated areas to teach in these schools and two from the isolated areas to teach outside. According to sources of the isolated schools, IOF positioned at the sole electronic gate leading to Barta’a village prevent the passage of lab chemicals towards schools. In addition, they prevent the entry of computers and electrical equipment to the schools. It is worth noting that students of the science section study at the Barta’a secondary school.

· In the same context, restrictions imposed by IOF on the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians living in communities isolated by the Wall hindered access of dozens of students from al-Nu’man village, north of Bethlehem, to their school in the neighboring al-Khas village. According to local sources, students are forced to walk one kilometer on a dirt road to reach their school. Al-Nu’man village has been separated by the Wall from Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

Israeli settlers (living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law) have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property:

· At approximately 10:00 on Friday 2 September 2002, about 50 settlers, most of them were armed, from the “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron, stormed a tract of land belong to Mahmoud al-Bouti Jaber in Wad al-Nasara neighborhood to the south. They seized the land and set up tents and umbrellas as a prelude to establish a settlement post. IOF did not intervene to stop this attack.

· At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 4 September 2005, 12 Israeli settlers armed with pistols, knives and iron bars, moved from “Ma’oun” settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They attacked tents and cattle farms belonging to a number of Palestinian civilians in the Khalayel al-‘Adra area to the west of the aforementioned settlement. They killed 6 sheep, injured 10 others and damaged the farms. According to eyewitnesses, 3 Israeli military jeeps were present in the area. The settlers used sharp tools in killing the sheep, in an attempt to frighten Palestinian civilians and force them to leave the area.

· At approximately 20:00 on Monday, 5 September 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from “Kiryat Arba” settlement, southeast of Hebron, and threw stones and empty bottles at Palestinian houses in al-Kassara neighborhood to the south of the aforementioned settlement. Two Palestinian children, Ziad Sa’di Jaber, 3; and Nour Hafez al-Rujbi, 12, were injured in the limbs. A number of houses were also damaged. IOF were present in the area, but did not intervene to stop this attack.

· At approximately 12:00 on Tuesday, 6 September 2005, IOF razed a 3-donum area of Palestinian land at the southwestern entrance of Beit Wazan village, southwest of Nablus, to establish a military site.

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 Territory. PCHR believes the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel 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 OPT 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 those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people 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 OPT.

6. PCHR calls upon the member States of the EU, and all other states, to adopt a voting pattern at the UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights which is keeping with international law.

7. PCHR demands that the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion be immediately implemented by the international community.

8. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the proposed Gaza disengagement plan for what it is - not an end to occupation but compounding the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

9. 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 OPT, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

10. 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 OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

11. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access for international organizations to the OPT, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.

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.

[1] 1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.

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