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. 31/2005

04 - 10 August 2005

Palestinian civilian vehicles waiting at Abu Houli checkpoint, Gaza Strip.

Israeli Occupation Forces commit 49 incursions into the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) in the week before Gaza ‘disengagement’

Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (04 – 10 August 2005):

Willful Killing: On 07 August 2005, IOF opened fire at Palestinian houses in Rafah and killed a Palestinian civilian. On 08 August 2005, IOF shot dead a Palestinian child in Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. The child had not participated in the clashes that two place between the IOF and a number Palestinian children - he was visiting his relatives in the camp. During the reported period, 9 Palestinian civilians were wounded by the Israeli gunfire.

Incursions and Shelling: IOF conducted 45 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and 4 incursions into the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 45 Palestinian civilians. IOF also seized 10 houses and transformed them into military sites. During one incursion into the Gaza Strip, IOF used a Palestinian civilian as a human shield when searching houses.

Restrictions on 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). During the reported period, IOF closed the two checkpoint several times and for several hours. IOF have also imposed a complete siege on al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis, a few days before the expected implementation of the ‘disengagement’ plan. For the fourth consecutive week, IOF have continued to prevent Palestinians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point. Also for the fourth consecutive week, IOF have continued to close Za'tra checkpoint, south of Nablus, and Enab gate, east of Tulkarm, in the West Bank. They also erected a number of checkpoints and arrested at least 8 Palestinian civilians. In the West Bank PCHR field workers documented 3 cases of inhumane treatment by IOF at military checkpoints.

‘Annexation’ Wall: IOF have continued to construct the ‘Annexation’ Wall inside the West Bank territory. For this purpose, they razed more areas of agricultural land in Beit Sourik village, northwest of Jerusalem. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall. Four demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and IOF arrested 17 international and Israeli solidarity activists. IOF also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians on both sides of the Wall. On Sunday, 07 August 2005, IOF informed a Palestinian civilian in Kherbat Jebara village in Tulkram near the Wall that his house would be demolished.

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. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded by lives bullets and 6 others, including 4 children, sustained bruises. The settlers also burnt parts of a house in al-Maswasi area in Khan Yunis.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (04 - 10 August 2005)

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

· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Abu Katila neighborhood in the west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Rami Qassem al-Qawasmi, 19, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets. At approximately 04:30, they withdrew towards Beit Eiba checkpoint, northwest of the city. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nasser Mohammed al-Jamal, 19, in al-Jabriyat neighborhood, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Jenin refugee camp. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Ibrahim al-Sa'di, 22, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Ramallah. They raided a 4-storey building owned by Mazen al-Khayat. They arrested Sheikh Khader 'Adnan, 38, from 'Arraba village southwest of Jenin, a spokesman of the Islamic Jihad. They also arrested Riad Nazzal, 24.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Bethlehem and surrounding areas. They raided and searched a number of houses in 'Aaida refugee camp, north of the town, and arrested 'Alaa' Ahmed Abu Sha'ira, 20.

· At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and shops and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Bethlehem and neighboring areas. They patrolled in the streets. IOF withdrew from these areas two hours later and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and wedding parties. They held and interrogated a number of Palestinian civilians for several hours and arrested 17 Palestinian civilians.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Senjer neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses. They then transformed 'Atiya Salem Hijja's house into a military site.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Samer Mohammed Hadrab, 22, and arrested him. IOF had earlier arrested his brother at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, on 01 August 2005.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF raided and searched Rifqa Isma'il al-Qawasmi's house in al-Zahed neighborhood in the old town of Hebron. They held the six residents in one room and transformed the house into a military site. When al-Qawasmi protested, an Israeli soldier beat her. She fainted and sustained bruises throughout the body.

· At approximately 06:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided Ra'ed Yousef Hijja's house at the eastern entrance of the village and transformed it into a military site.

· At approximately 11:20, IOF raided and searched Mohammed Rabah Yaghmour's house in Khellat Hadour neighborhood in the east of Hebron. They forced the 10 residents out and transformed the house into a military site.

· At approximately 13:40, IOF positioned in a military post near "Gush Qatif" settlement bloc, north of Rafah, opened fire at 'Oraiba area in the northwest of Rafah. A Palestinian civilian, 23-year-old Nihad Shihda al-Qadi, was wounded by a live bullet to the left thigh while he was on the roof of his house, nearly 400 metres away from the source of fire.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew at approximately 04:00 and no arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Sheikh neighborhood in the centre of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bilal Mohammed Salhab, 22, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed 'Ali Shiekh 'Ali, 27.

· At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into al-'Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. The patrolled in the streets. No house raids or arrests were reported.

· At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City. They placed sound barriers near two houses belonging to Saqer and Khader 'Eid Abu Leila and called the 25 residents of the two houses to get out. They took the identity cards and mobile phones of male residents. Soon after, IOF used Khader Abu Leila as a human shield to search the two houses. IOF withdrew from the area two hours later and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 10:00, a unit of the Israeli "Border Guard" and "General Security Service" raided the campus of al-Quds University in East Jerusalem. They arrested 'Ali Abu Hilal, 55, Director of al-Quds Centre for Democracy and Human Rights and Member of the Palestinian National Council. According to eyewitnesses, IOF raided the campus when a meeting was being held there to discuss the status of Palestinian workers and employees who have Palestinian identity cards and work in Jerusalem. IOF released Abu Hilal the following day and prohibited him from entering Jerusalem without prior coordination.

· At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, and imposed a curfew. They stopped and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm town and refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets and fired at houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF and the IOF fired upon them, wounding 13-year-old Munther Rebhi 'Amara with a live bullet to the left foot.

· At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Burqa village, northwest of Nablus. They raided a house belonging to Tayseer Mohammed Salah, 45, and humiliated the family for several hours. In his testimony to PCHR, Salah said:

At approximately 02:15 on Sunday, 07 August 2005, I woke up hearing knocking on the door of my flat on the third floor of a 3-storey apartment building. As soon as I opened the door, 9 Israeli soldiers rushed into the flat and ordered me to bring my family (my wife and eight children). When I brought them, Israeli soldiers held us in the bedroom and closed the door. At approximately 09:00, Aseel Ayman Hijja, 10, came to the house to buy from my grocery shop, which is located under the building. When she knocked the door, Israeli soldiers caught her and held her with us. Nearly half an hour later, her mother, 30-year-old Ghada 'Adnan 'Omar, came to look for her. Israeli soldiers held her with us and refused to allow her to bring her baby from her house. At approximately 10:30, my daughter’s fiancé, 28-year-old Maher Jamal Abu 'Omar, came to the flat and Israeli soldiers held him with us. At approximately 13:00, Israeli soldiers left the flat. After they had gone, I discovered that they had damaged the furniture, toys, a computer set and some foodstuffs. I also lost an amount of 220 Jordanian Dinars (nearly US$ 315) that was in the hall.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Ram village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested a Palestinian civilian who has not been identified. At approximately 05:00, IOF blew up a civilian car and withdrew from the town.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew a few hours later and no arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Za'tara village, southeast of Bethlehem. They patrolled in the streets and closed the main entrances of the village. They then raided and searched a number of houses but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Senjer neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed the roof of Wajeeh Ahmed Qaffisha’s house into a military site.

· At approximately 08:40, IOF moved into al-Sheikh neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed one of them that was owned by Ahmed 'Abdul Qader Es'eid into a military site.

· At approximately 16:30, IOF positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire for no apparent reason at Qeshta neighborhood, nearly 500 metres to the north. A Palestinian civilian, 23-year-old Mohammed Hamdan Qeshta, was seriously wounded by a live bullet that entered his left shoulder and settled in his mouth, when he was sitting with his father near their house. He was evacuated to the hospital but medical efforts to save his life failed and he was soon pronounced dead.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin. They raided a house belonging to 'Omar Jibril. They held the eight residents in one room and transformed the house into a military site.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They opened fire at houses. They raided Ahmed al-Sayed al-Mutel's house in the north of the town. They held the residents in one room and transformed the house into a military site.

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-'Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. They raided a number of houses and summoned a number of Palestinian civilians to the Israeli intelligence.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF positioned in military posts near Rafah International Crossing Point, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Shouka area in the southwest of Rafah. A Palestinian civilian, 24-year-old Sameer 'Abdullah al-Rumailat, was injured by shrapnel to the right thigh when he was near his house, nearly 600 metres away from the source of fire.

· At approximately 04:30, IOF moved into al-Najjar quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed 'Ali al-Najjar, 19, and arrested him.

· At approximately 21:20, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They were positioned on Nablus – Tulkarm road. A number of Israeli soldiers were positioned on the roof of a house in the area. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF opened fire at houses. Two Palestinian children were wounded:

1. Tamer Asa'ad Khader Jaber, 17, seriously wounded by a live bullet to the head and he later died in the hospital; and

2. Mohammed Khaled Khader Jaber, 15, wounded by a live bullet to the right elbow.

IOF claimed that the victim threw 3 Molotov cocktails at them. However, according to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers positioned on the roof of a house fired at the two children who were sitting near their house, nearly 150 metres away. The two children did no participate in the clashes. The victim is a resident of Saudi Arabia. He was in a visiting his relatives and was supposed to travel back to Saudi Arabia the next day.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud 'Ali 'Eissa, 28. They violently beat him. He sustained bruises and was evacuated to the hospital.

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and withdrew at approximately 04:00, no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin. They raided a 3-storey apartment building belonging to Mohammed Sadiq al-Akhras. They held the 30 residents (6 families) in one room on the first floor and transformed the building into a military site.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jameel 'Abdul 'Aal Estaiti and arrested three of his sons: 'Alaa', 34; Bahaa', 33; and Diaa', 31.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to 'Abbas Abu Rahma. They held the family in one room and transformed the house into a military site.

· At approximately 19:00, IOF moved into Um al-Tout village, northeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets but no arrests were reported. IOF withdrew from the village a few hours later.

· At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Wad Ma'ali neighborhood in Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hussein al-Kamel and arrested his two sons: 'Aahed, 23; and 'Aamer, 26.

· At approximately 20:30, an undercover of IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. Israeli soldiers stopped Tahssen Sayel Zaidan, 24, when he was traveling in his car and arrested him.

· At approximately 00:00, IOF positioned in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ashraf Mohammed Sha'at, 30, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew a few hours later and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into the villages of Bardala, Kardala and 'Ein al-Baida in the northern Jordan Valley, southeast of Jenin. They imposed a curfew and patrolled in the streets. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets. No house raids or arrests were reported.

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-Najjar quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 08:30, a number of Israeli citizens, escorted by IOF, started to search for antiques on the land of al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northwest of Ramallah. A number of Palestinian villagers attempted to expel them from the village. Immediately, IOF opened fire at these villagers, wounding 5:

1. Bajes Salah Samhan, 40, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the thigh;

2. Munther Mousa Samhan, 39, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg;

3. Waleed Ahmed Abu Salem, 41, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the foot;

4. Mohammed Mazen Abu Salama, 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the hand; and

5. Hani Lutfi Abu Salama, 41, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the hand.

· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Deir Estia village, southwest of Nablus. A number of Palestinian children gathered an threw stones at IOF. Immediately, IOF chased the children and arrested one of them, 13-year-old Muntasser Mohammed al-Qaisi.

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 severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, especially at Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border.

· 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). During the reported period, IOF closed the two checkpoint several times and for several hours.

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 announced that they would close al-Tuffah checkpoint in Khan Yunis and open Tal al-Sultan checkpoint in Rafah during the implementation of the ‘disengagement’ plan. IOF also closed the main road that links between the two parts of al-Mawasi area in Rafah and Khan Yunis. On 09 August 2005, IOF reopened the road between the two parts of the area but continued to close the two checkpoints at its entrances. On 10 August 2005, IOF positioned at al-Tuffah checkpoint prevented entering re-examination papers of the General Certificate of Education (Tawjihi) into the area in spite of prior coordination. So, the Palestinian Ministry of Education was forced to send the papers by fax. The tightened siege imposed on the area has left disastrous impacts on the economic situation of Palestinian civilians living in the area.

o al-Sayafa: approximately 180 Palestinians civilians live in al-Sayafa, an area located between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. Restrictions imposed on the movement of residents include: (1) Palestinian civilians under the age of 30 are prohibited from moving out and into the area without prior coordination; (2) A limited number of farmers are allowed to enter the area but only following prior coordination. Farmers face extreme difficulties in marketing their products or bringing agricultural equipment into the area. ; (3) University students have been forced to live outside the area due to the prohibition imposed on the movement of those who are under 30; (4) the area lacks paved roads, which makes transportation extremely difficult, so residents of the area have to move on foot; (5) IOF open the iron gate at the entrance of the area between 07:00 to 09:00 and 14:00 to 17:00 only; (6) The area lacks basic services, such as electricity, as IOF have prevented establishing an electricity network in the area; and (7) Medical patients have to walk or use animal cart as ambulances are not allowed to enter the area without lengthy prior coordination.

o al-Ma’ni: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip where approximately 140 Palestinians reside. The area has lacked water and telephone networks for three years after IOF destroyed this infrastructure. According to residents of the area, they obtain water from a well in the area or bring it from Deir al-Balah.

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. Contrary to recent Israeli claims regarding easing restrictions on movement at crossing roads, since the beginning of June 2005, 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 who 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. On 22 July 2005, IOF resumed using a controversial special checking machine. IOF stopped using this machine on 18 May 2005 as its use was widely criticised.

o Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: IOF have partially operated the crossing. They have allowed only 2000 Palestinian workers to reach their work places in Israel under strict conditions. IOF have also allowed a few patients to go to hospitals in the West Bank and Israel.

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. During the reporting period they allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel and 270 to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. 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 than one year 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 isolated East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank since 13 July 2005 when they imposed a comprehensive closure on the OPT. Palestinian civilians, including those who have permits, have been prevented from entering the city. IOF have also imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the city. They have erected more checkpoints and stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 05 August 2005, IOF prevented hundreds of young Palestinian men from praying in al-Aqsa Mosque.

· Ramallah: On Thursday afternoon, 04 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint between the villages of Deir Ebzei' and Kufor Ne'ma, west of Ramallah. They stopped and checked hundreds of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, 07 August 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They closed a number of checkpoints around the town. This closure continued until 15:00.

Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 04 August 2005, IOF closed two roads and two entrances of the old town with iron gates. On Thursday evening, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in al-Sheikh neighborhood in the centre of Hebron stopped and violently beat 'Ata Mohammed Yaghmour, 21. He was evacuated to the hospital. On Friday morning, 05 August 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Many Palestinian civilians were not able to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque for the Friday Prayer. Also on Friday morning, IOF erected a checkpoint at Senjer crossroads on the road that links between Hebron and Dura village to the southwest. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Friday morning, 5 August 2005, IOF positioned near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, arrested Mohammed Khalil Abu Turk, 32. On Friday morning, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in Senjer neighborhood stopped and violently beat 15-year-old Zaid Subhi Eqnaibi. He sustained injuries and bruises to the face and the back. At noon the same day, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in al-Masharqa area in the southeast of Hebron stopped and violently beat Shadi Yaqin al-Ja'bari, 20. He was evacuated to the hospital as he sustained bruises. On Sunday afternoon, 7 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in Abu Sunaina neighborhood in the south of Hebron arrested Hammam Taleb Abu Turki, 17.

Bethlehem: At noon on Thursday, 04 August 2005, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Hebron, arrested Ayman Radi Ibrahim, 25. At approximately 08:00 on Sunday, 06 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on the road that links between al-'Obaidiya village and Beit Sahour town, east of Bethlehem. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. At noon on Thursday, 8 August 2005, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint arrested Bashir Mahmoud Hamdan, 23, from Ethna village west of Hebron.

Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. During the reported period, IOF positioned in the area imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, have prevented Palestinian civilians from Tulkarm and Jenin from entering Nablus. IOF positioned at the newly established checkpoint near "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus, have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 4 August 2005, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Jamal Mustafa 'Abdullah, 48, from Deir al-Hatab village east of the city. At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 5 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint near "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus, arrested Jawad Subhi Furaihat, 20, from al-Yamoun village west of Jenin. At approximately 07:00 on Monday, 8 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at al-Bathan crossroads, northeast of Nablus. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilian vehicles. IOF dismantled the checkpoint at 13:00.

· Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on Tulkarm for the fifth consecutive week. At approximately 05:00 on Thursday, 04 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at al-Jarousha crossroads, north of Tulkarm, and prevented Palestinian civilians from traveling to the town. They also detained those who resorted to branch roads for several hours. In the meantime, IOF positioned at a checkpoint near the eastern entrance of 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm, stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Friday, 05 August 2005, IOF erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and checked a number of Palestinian civilians. They also erected a checkpoint on the road between the villages of Bala'a and 'Attara, northeast of Tulkarm. They imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 06 August 2005, IOF erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of the villages of 'Allar and Saida, north of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians in the area. On Sunday, 07 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of Tulkarm. They imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Monday morning, 08 August 2005, IOF positioned at al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, arrested Ahmed Abu Khalil, 24. On Wednesday morning, 10 August 2005, IOF positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, arrested Mohammed 'Aazem Abu Hijja, 25, from 'Attil village north of the town.

· Jenin: During the reported period, IOF positioned at Tayaseer checkpoint, southeast of Jenin prevented Palestinian civilians aged under 30 from crossing the checkpoint. On Sunday morning, 07 August 2005, IOF erected a number of checkpoints on the roads that links between the town and neighboring villages. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 21:00 on Tuesday, 09 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint to the south of Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. The stopped 6 Palestinian farmers and held them for more than two hours.

IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.

· During the reported period, IOF continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Beit Sourik village, northwest of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of the Wall. They uprooted dozens of olive trees.

· On Friday afternoon, 05 August 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bale'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Four demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 17 international and Israeli solidarity activists.

· On Saturday morning, 0 August 2005, IOF prevented dozens of Palestinian farmers from Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya, from reaching their agricultural land to the west of the village. According to local sources, IOF closed the iron gates on the Wall and prevented the farmers from reaching their agricultural land, which is located behind the Wall. It is worth noting that the Wall has isolated at least 9000 donums of agricultural land belonging to the village. IOF have controlled access of Palestinian farmers to their land through iron gates established along the Wall.

· On Sunday morning, 07 August 2005, IOF that have been constructing a section of the Wall in 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, surrounded a number of Palestinian farmers who were on their agricultural land. They arrested five farmers. Three of the farmers were released later, while the other two remained in custody:

· At approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 7 August 2005, IOF, accompanied by an official of the so-called Planning and Construction Department, moved into Kherbat Jebara village, southwest of Tulkarm. They raided a 140-square-metre house, in which 5 individuals live, owned by D'iab 'Abdullah Abu Safiya, which is located near the Wall, and informed him that his house would be demolished. They gave him three days to appeal against this decision. The whole village has been isolated behind the Wall.

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 04:00 on Friday, 05 August 2005, an Israeli settler who was traveling in a car that moved from "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, threw a Molotov Cocktail at a 4-storey house belonging Khaled Isma'il al-Agha, in which 4 families live, in al-Mawasi area to the west of the the settlement. Fire broke out into the first floor but a number of residents of the area were able to put out fire.

· At midnight on Saturday, 06 August 2005, a number of Israeli settlers from "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, set fire to a number of greenhouses of the settlement. Then, they moved into agricultural land belonging to Yousef Suleiman al-Agha and put the substances they used in setting the fire there in an attempt to accuse him of burning their greenhouses.

· On Saturday morning, 06 August 2005, a number of Israeli settlers moved from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron, violently beat 'Odai 'Abdul Karim al-Ja'bari, 14, from Hebron, when he was on his family's land. He sustained bruised throughout the body and an injury to the forehead. He was evacuated to the hospital.

· On Saturday noon, 06 August 2005, three Israeli settlers from "Beit Hadasa" settlement post in the centre of Hebron, attacked 16-year-old Anas Zuhair al-Bayed. He sustained injuries to the mouth, the neck and the right leg, and bruises throughout the body.

· On Saturday evening, 06 August 2005, an Israeli settler opened fire at a civilian car that was transporting a number of Palestinian workers from their work places inside Israel to their homes in the West Bank.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 18:30, a civilian car that has an Israeli registration plate was transporting 8 Palestinian workers from their work places inside Israel to their homes in the villages of Beit Oula and Nouba, west of Hebron. An Israeli civilian car chased them. When the workers' car tried to resort to a branch road, a settler in the second car opened fire at them from a pistol. Two workers were wounded:

1. Mahmoud Hassan al-'Adam, 24, seriously wounded by a live bullet that that entered the right shoulder and exited the chest; and

According to an eyewitness, the attack took place only one kilometre away from Tarqoumia crossing, where IOF are permanently present.

· At approximately 10:30 on Sunday, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma'oun" settlement, south of Hebron, attacked a number of Palestinian farmers in Khalayel al-'Edra area to the west of the settlement. Four farmers sustained bruises throughout the body:

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.

For further information please visit our website (http://www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email (pchr@pchrgaza.org) or telephone (+972 (0)8 2824776 – 2825893).

29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip tel/fax: +972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893