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. 38/2005 22 - 28 September 2005

Dar al-Arqam School in Gaza City which was shelled by Israeli aircrafts on 26 Sep. 2005

5 Years Since al Aqsa Intifada and Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (22-28 September 2005). Less than one month following their redeployment in the Gaza Strip, IOF escalated their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the Gaza Strip. This escalation proves that, as PCHR has always emphasized, IOF continue to substantially occupy the Gaza Strip, despite the recent evacuation of Israeli settlements. During the reporting period, IOF launched several aerial attacks against Palestinian civilian targets throughout the Gaza Strip. They also launched a series of mock aerial raids, which made Palestinian civilians, especially children, extremely terrified. IOF have also maintained control over all border crossing of the Gaza Strip, transforming it into a big jail. In addition, they have started to establish military observation towers along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

The publication of this report coincides with the 5^th anniversary of the outbreak of the al-Aqsa Intifada. During these five years, IOF killed hundreds of Palestinians, injured and arrested thousands and destroyed thousands of houses.

Killing: During the reported period, IOF killed 8 Palestinians. On 24 and 25 September 2005, IOF extra-judicially killed 4 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in two separate aerial attacks. Four civilian bystanders were also injured. IOF launched 27 aerial attacks against civilian targets in the Gaza Strip, injuring 31 Palestinian civilians and destroying or damaging several civilian facilities. In addition, they launched dozens of mock aerial raids throughout the Gaza Strip, which made Palestinian civilians, especially children, extremely terrified, and damaged civilian property. On 22 September 2005, IOF killed 4 Palestinians in two separate attacks. In the first attack, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian in Jenin. In the second attack, IOF chased and killed 3 Palestinian gunmen in 'Allar village near Tulkarm.

Incursions: IOF conducted 91 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 311 Palestinian civilians, including prominent religious, political, social, academic and media figures, mostly in the last three days covered by this report. Most of the detainees are known of their affiliation to Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, including Sheikh Hassan Yousef, the spokesman of Hamas in the West Bank; and Dr. Mohammed Ghazal, a senior leader of Hamas in the West Bank. IOF also destroyed a house in Qabatya village in the context of collective punishment measures against Palestinian families. Additionally, IOF closed two charitable societies in Jerusalem and a number of others in other areas in the West Bank.

Restrictions on Movement: Even though IOF were redeployed around the Gaza Strip, the Israeli government maintained the occupation of the Gaza Strip though controlling or outlets and crossings. Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world, has remained closed for the second consecutive week, as no deal has been reached concerning transportation across it. IOF insist to maintain control over the movement of persons and goods through the crossing point, and have actually moved equipment from the crossing point to "Kerem Shalom" area on the Egyptian – Israeli border. In the meantime, IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian workers and patients for several weeks. With the closure of Rafah International Crossing Point and Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, the Gaza Strip has been transformed into a big jail, as IOF have maintained control over the airspace and other border crossings of the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have continued to close Jenin – Nablus road since 15 August 2005. A Palestinian civilian died in Hebron as IOF obstructed his evacuation to the hospital. On 24 September 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the checkpoint. Three Palestinian civilians were wounded, including one who was in a serious condition. During the reported period, IOF positioned at various checkpoints arrested 15 Palestinian civilians.

Annexation Wall: In a recent report submitted to the United Nations General Assembly, Professor John Dugard, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, stated that the Wall being constructed by Israel in the West Bank, allegedly for security purposes, would transfer “some 55,000 Palestinians presently living in municipal area of East Jerusalem to the West Bank.” He added that some 50,000 Palestinians have Jerusalemite identity cards, but live outside the municipal area of East Jerusalem because they cannot find homes in the city due to land confiscations and the restrictions imposed by IOF on construction in the city. Professor Dugard further indicated that the Wall will affect more than 40% of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem the total number of whom is 230,000. He also asserted that “the construction of the wall, the expansion of settlements and the de-Plasticisation of Jerusalem threaten the viability of a Palestinian State.” During the reported period, IOF used force to disperse a peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. Dozens of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation and IOF arrested 9 international solidarity activists and a Palestinian civilian. A Palestinian civilian was also wounded by IOF when he was walking near the Wall.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (8-14 September 2005)

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

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including a man and his son:

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into 'Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khalil Abu 'Aker, 40, and arrested him.

· At approximately 07:30, IOF shot dead a Palestinian civilian when he entered "Dutan" military post, which was evacuated on the preceding day.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 07:30, 'Alaa' 'Adnan 'Abdul 'Aziz Hantouli, 19, from Seilat al-Zaher, and two of his friends went to "Dutan" military post at 'Arraba crossroads, west of Jenin, as IOF declared its evacuation on the preceding day. When he saw the post vacant, he held a Palestinian flag to raise it inside the post. Immediately, IOF fired at him. He was wounded by several live bullets. His friend fled and informed an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society about the incident. Immediately, the ambulance moved towards the area, but IOF did not allow it to enter the post. In the evening, IOF delivered the victim's body to the Palestinian liaison. The body was evacuated to Dr. Khalil Suleiman Hospital in Jenin. According to medical sources, the victim was hit by 3 live bullets to the chest and the heart. According to eyewitnesses, he did not pose any threat to IOF and did not carry any suspicious objects.

· At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and recorded information about their residents.

· At approximately 09:00, IOF raided offices of al-Rafada and Iqra' charitable societies in East Jerusalem. They forced the staff out and searched the offices. They confiscated a number of computer sets and some documents and closed these offices in accordance with an order issued by the Israeli Minister of Internal Security. Al-Rafada society has worked for one year and a half and has provided services to the al-Aqsa Mosque and prayers coming to it, while Iqra' society has worked for 3 years teaching the Qura'an. The two societies were licensed by the Israeli company registrar.

· At night, IOF killed 3 Palestinians in the north of Tulkarm. IOF chased and exchanged fire with the three Palestinians.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 23:15, an undercover unit of IOF moved into the mountainous area between 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm, and Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. Soon after, large troops of IOF, reinforced by a helicopter, arrived at the area and opened fire at 6 Palestinians who were on their way from Bala'a village towards the neighboring 'Allar village. An exchange of fire erupted between the two sides. Two Palestinians were instantly killed:

A third Palestinian was wounded. He escaped, but IOF chased him until the edges of Saida village. They shot him dead. He was identified as Sa'id Taleb Sa'id al-Ashqar, 22, from Saida village. The other three Palestinians were able to escape. On Friday morning, 23 September 2005, bodies of the three victims were transferred to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm. According to medical sources, Ja'ara was hit by 4 live bullets to the head, the chest and the right shoulder and forearm. IOF let dogs attack and tear his body. 'Ajaj was hit by several live bullets throughout the body. Al-Ashqar was hit by 5 live bullets to the right forearm, the left hand, the face, the chest and the right thigh.

· At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Jama'in village, southwest of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at them. IOF chased the children and arrested 15-year-old Nidal Saber Sa'ada.

· At approximately 05:00 on Saturday, 24 September 2005, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a house belonging to the Abu al-Laban family in the densely populated Jabalya refugee camp. The missile hit a room on the first floor of the 4-storey house, where 50 individuals (7 families) live. A woman in her fifties was moderately injured by shrapnel from the missile. IOF apparently attacked the house because a number of relatives of the family are wanted.

· At approximately 05:20, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at a blacksmith’s workshop belonging to Nahed Ghazi Abu 'Aassi in the densely populated al-Zaitoun neighborhood in Gaza City. The workshop was damaged, but no casualties were reported.

· At the same time, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, but it went astray and fell near a mosque in the area.

· At approximately 18:00, IOF raided at least 20 houses in al-Zahed neighborhood in the north of the old town of Hebron. They checked the identity cards of their residents, interrogated them, gathered information about them and photographed a number of them.

· At approximately 23:50, IOF launched two aerial attacks in 10 minutes on Khan Yunis. In the first attack, Israeli aircrafts launched two missiles at a small building belonging to Maher Mahmoud al-Farra, a member of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (the military wing of Fatah movement), in the Sheikh Nasser area in the east of Khan Yunis. The building was completely destroyed. The building was attacked shortly after a number of members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade had left it. In the second attack, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at a building standing on agricultural land in Banil Suhaila village, east of Khan Yunis. The room was destroyed and two neighboring houses were damaged. IOF claimed that they attacked two stores of weapons and explosives belonging to the Fatah movement.

· At approximately 00:30, raided and searched dozens of Palestinian houses in various areas of Hebron. They arrested 19 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers, a journalist and a number of physician and university professors.

· Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 13 Palestinian civilians.

· Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Marreesh village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians: Mousa and 'Eissa Mohammed Shahin.

· At approximately 00:45, IOF moved into Kharsa village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 00:45, IOF moved into Karma village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians: Mohammed and Mousa Taha al-'Awawda.

· Also at approximately 00:45, IOF moved into al-Sammou' village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians.

· At approximately 00:50, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 00:50, IOF moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 00:50, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 00:50, IOF moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mutlaq Abu Juhaisha and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 11 Palestinian civilians.

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Deir Ghazala village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zaid Mahmoud Zakarna, 57, director of religious endowments in Jenin, and arrested him. Zakarna suffers from diabetes and has to receive insulin injections in the morning and the evening.

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into the villages of Abu Dis and al-'Eizariya, east of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians, including teachers and university professors:

· At approximately 01:10, an Israeli F-16 fighter jet launched two missiles at Dar al-Arqam Islamic School (where 1208 students receive education) in the densely populated al-Tuffah neighborhood in the northeast of Gaza City. The 3-storey administration building was destroyed and a number of classrooms and other facilities were damaged as a result. A number of neighbouring houses and civilian facilities were also severely damaged. In addition, 23 Palestinian civilians, including 7 children and a number of women, were injured by shrapnel while they were inside their houses.

· At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into 'Aqaba village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Mohammed Abu 'Erra, 45, a teacher, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Jaba' village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including one who is a human rights defender:

1. Ahmed Saleem Salatna, 42, Director of the Zakat (almsgiving) Commission in Jenin; and

· Also at approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Shaqba village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 9 Palestinian civilians.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bitounia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus and neighboring refugee camps. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Biddu village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Beit Sourik village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Qatna village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:20, IOF moved into Beit Eksa village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Munther Saleh, 37, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm and the neighboring Nour Shams refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Qebia village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Silwad village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ziad Mash'al, 45, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF launched two aerial attacks in 10 minutes on the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli military aircrafts first attacked a two-storey building in Beit Hanoun, which serves as a cultural centre for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The building and a number of neighboring buildings, including UNRWA Women's Union offices and a police station, were damaged. Israeli military aircrafts then launched a missile at a two-storey house in Jabalaya refugee camp belonging to 'Aamer 'Abdul Rahman Qarmout, 38, a member of the Popular Resistance Committee, where 8 individuals live. The missile hit a room on the second floor of the house and another room in a neighboring house. The two houses were severely damaged, but no casualties were reported.

· At approximately 03:10, IOF moved into Betllo village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:10, IOF moved into al-Bireh and the neighboring al-Am'ari refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:10, IOF moved into Deir Jareer village, east of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Huthaifa 'Abdul Karim Muhanna, 28, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Qarawat Bani Hassan village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Eskaka village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hussan Anees Harb, 35, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Bedia village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ramadan Shatat, 35, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Taqqou' village near Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 03:45, IOF moved into al-Shawawra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tariq 'Abdullah Salem, 33.

· Also at approximately 03:45, IOF moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:45, IOF moved into al-'Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 04:10, IOF moved into Za'tara village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Hassan al-Sahouri, 33, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Alaa' Hassan al-Reemawi, 34, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Qarawt Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Sa'id Nasser, 24, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into 'Aaboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed 'Abdul Hai Abu Hussein, 32, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:40, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 17 Palestinian civilians.

· Also at approximately 01:45, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm refugee camp and the neighboring 'Ezbat al-Jarad village. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:15, Israeli F-16 fighter jets launched 3 missiles at the southern entrance of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. Only one of the missiles exploded. It destroyed a maintenance workshop for agricultural equipment belonging to Khamis Hussein al-Majdalawi; damaged a factory of plastics; and injured Leila Salem Abu Hashish, 20, while she was in her home. The other two missiles made a deep crater in the ground, but did not explode.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beit Oula village near Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Taffouh villae near Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Rezeq Nayef al-Khamaisa, 31, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Eissa Mohammed al-Nattah, 31, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdul Hamid Mohammed 'Awad, 34, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:45, IOF moved into 'Anza village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sheikh Mahmoud Ahmed 'Ataya, 47, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 03:45, IOF moved into Bethlehem and neighboring refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 6 Palestinian civilians.

· Also at approximately 03:45, IOF moved into al-'Asakra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 04:00, Israeli military aircrafts launched two missiles at Martyr Majdi al-Khatib Centre, which belongs to the Fatah movement in the center of Rafah. The centre was partially destroyed and a neighboring house belonging to Radi Riad Qeshta was also damaged.

· At approximately 04:10, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at an uninhabited house belonging to Hisham 'Abed Rabbu, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, in Khan Yunis refugee camp. The house was destroyed; 6 neighboring houses where 45 individuals live were damaged; and Khaled Mohammed Gannan, 48, and his wife Halima Gannan, 43, were injured by shrapnel.

· At approximately 04:20, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at a workshop belonging to 'Omran Khalil 'Omran in Ma'an village, east of Khan Yunis. A neighboring paint factory was also damaged.

· At approximately 04:40, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at a workshop belonging to the family of Hajj Mousa Ahmed Abu Sha'ban in 'Asqoula neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. The workshop was severely damaged. The same workshop was attacked by IOF more than once during the al-Aqsa Intifada.

· At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into the industrial zone of Ramallah. They searched the area, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided Kamal Kamel Abu Zaid's house and forced

· At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Jabal Jouhar neighborhood in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nabeel Hassan al-Rujbi. They held and interrogated the 11 residents of the house. Then, they arrested 5 of the owner's sons. Several hours later, IOF released 3 of the sons. The other two sons who remained in custody are: 'Arafat, 26; and Bashar, 23.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Ein Sara and Abu Katila neighborhoods in the north and northwest of Hebron respectively. They raided a 160-square-meter, two-storey house belonging to Kamal Kamel Abu Zaid. They forced the 13 residents of the house out without allowing them to take any of their belongings. Then, they arrested the owner's son, 18-year-old Kamel. At approximately 06:00, IOF planted explosives inside the house and destroyed it. A neighboring uninhabited house and a taxi belonging to Mohammed Khaled Zakarna were also destroyed. IOF claimed that they found a pistol inside the house. During this incursion, IOF also arrested 15 Palestinian civilians.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bethlehem and the neighboring al-Duha village. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Batteer village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into 'Assira village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Rujeeb village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Bassam 'Abdul Jaleel Dwaikat, 28, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Madama village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fakher Sameer Nassar, 25, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:45, IOF moved into 'Ein Sara, Namera, Abu Sunaina, Khellat Hadour and Sha'aba neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians.

· Also at approximately 01:45, IOF moved into al-Sammou' village, southwest of Hebron, and arrested 6 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Ramallah. They raided the dormitory of College of Education in al-Masioun neighborhood and arrested 11 students.

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli F-16 fighter jets launched 3 missiles at a bridge leading to al-Sikka Street in the southwest of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. One of the missiles exploded at the northern edge of the bridge making a small hole and damaging the bridge. The second missile fell near the bridge, while the third one went astray, but they did not explode. A PCHR field worker reported that the length of each missile is two meters.

· At approximately 02:35, IOF moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, and arrested Khalil 'Ali Abu 'Amru, 35, Director of Prionsers' Support Society in Ramallah; and Ahmed Shatat, 30.

· At approximately 02:40, IOF moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron, and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:40, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron, and arrested 8 Palestinian civilians.

· Also at approximately 02:40, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron, and arrested Mohammed 'Abdul Karim Nassar.

· At approximately 02:45, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

1. Samer al-Nemer, 42, Coordinator of the Qatari Red Crescent in the West Bank; and

· Also at approximately 02:45, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, and arrested Ibrahim 'Eid al-Hathalin.

· At approximately 03:05, an Israeli F-16 fighter jet launched a missile at the same bridge mentioned above in Beit Hanoun. The missile hit the southern edge of the bridges and damaged it.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Qarawat Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 04:00, IOF moved into 'Aaroura village, northwest of Ramallah, and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 04:10, an Israeli helicopter gunship launched a missile at a money exchange shop belonging to Sadiq Mohammed al-Basheeti in the center of Khan Yunis. The shop was totally destroyed. It is worth noting that IOF arrested Ussama al-Basheeti, 30, at Rafah International Crossing Point on 24 July 2005, claiming that he was bringing money from abroad to Hamas.

· At approximately 04:15, Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at an office of Fatah movement in the center of Khan Yunis. The office was damaged.

· At approximately 12:30, IOF raided a clinic belonging to Dentist Mo'taz 'Abdul Hamid Maraqa in a building located at Bab al-Zawia Square in the center of Hebron. They checked the identity cards of all those who were in the clinic and arrested Maraqa.

· In the evening, an Israeli F-16 fighter jet launched a missile at Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. The missile fell near al-Nada housing project, but no casualties were reported. Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified. At the same time, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired 3 artillery shells onto a space area. No casualties were reported.

· At approximately 00:35, an Israeli military aircraft launched a missile at an office of Fatah movement in the densely populated al-Tauffah neighborhood in the northeast of Gaza City. The office and a number of neighboring houses were damaged.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli military aircrafts launched two missiles at an office of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine located in a 3-stoery building at the entrance of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. The office and the building were severely damaged.

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched offices of al-Zakat (almsgiving) Commission, al-Ihsan Charitable Society and the Holy Book and Sunna Society. They confiscated a number of computer sets and files from these offices and closed them all. IOF also arrested Thaker 'Abdul Rahim Mansour, 24.

· At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli military aircrafts launched two missiles at an office of the Palestinian Special Security Service in the densely populated Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the south of Gaza City. The office was damaged, but no casualties were reported.

· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched offices of the Islamic Youth Society; al-Ihsan Charitable Society; and the Holy Book and Sunna Society. They confiscated computer sets and files and closed these offices.

· At approximately 01:35, IOF moved into various areas in Hebron and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:35, IOF moved into al-Sammou' village, south of Hebron, and arrested Bassem Ahmed al-Za'areer.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Teera suburb, southwest of Ramallah, and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:20, IOF raided and searched offices of the Islamic Charitable Society in al-Hawooz area in Hebron. They confiscated at least 50 computer sets and number of printers, cameras, photocopiers, television sets, files and documents. They also arrested Jalal al-Ra’ei, 30, a supervisor of the orphan house of the society.

· Also at approximately 02:20, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided offices of the Islamic Charitable Society and confiscated a number of computer sets, printers, photocopiers, phones, files and documents. Then, they closed the offices.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beit Oula village near Hebron. They raided offices of the Islamic Charitable Society and confiscated a number of computer sets, phones, faxes and printers. Then, they closed the offices.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron. They raided offices of the Islamic Charitable Society and confiscated 4 computer sets, 4 phones and a number of files and documents. Then, they closed the offices.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided offices of the Charitable Society and confiscated its equipment. Then, they closed the offices.

· At approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Kufor ‘Ein village, northwest of Ramallah, and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Qarawat Bani Zaid village, northwest of Ramallah, and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:45, IOF moved into Rantis village, west of Ramallah, and arrested Fakher ‘Aahed Khalaf, 20.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Biddu village, northwest of Jerusalem, and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village near Hebron and arrested Hamza Mahmoud ‘Asafra, 26, a candidate for the election of the local council.

· At approximately 04:00, an Israeli F-16 fighter jet launched a missile at the main electricity transmitter in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun, cutting off electricity in wide areas in the northern Gaza Strip.

In the context of the current escalation in attacks on the Gaza Strip following its evacuation, IOF committed two extra-judicial executions, which left 4 Palestinian activists dead and injured 4 civilian bystanders. IOF admitted responsibility for the both killings.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 15:35 on Saturday, 24 September 2005, IOF extra-judicially executed two members of Hamas, when Israeli military aircrafts launched at least two missiles at two civilian cars that were traveling near al-Rahma Mosque in the densely populated al-Zaitoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City. The two cars were destroyed. The two members of Hamas were identified as:

At approximately 19:40 on Sunday, 25 September 2005, IOF extra-judicially executed two members of the Islamic Jihad, when Israeli military aircrafts launched a missile at their car that was traveling on the costal road in Sheikh 'Ejlin area in the southwest of Gaza Strip. The car was destroyed while the two members were inside. The two victims were identified as:

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.

Even though IOF were redeployed around the Gaza Strip, the Israeli government maintained the occupation of the Gaza Strip though controlling or outlets and crossings. Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world, has remained closed for the third consecutive week, as no deal has been reached concerning transportation across it. IOF insist to maintain control over the movement of persons and goods through the crossing point, and have actually moved equipment from the crossing point to "Kerem Shalom" area on the Egyptian – Israeli border. On 23 September 2005, IOF allowed the Palestinian side to reopen Rafah International Crossing Point for 48 hours to allow Palestinians waiting at the Egyptian side to travel back to the Gaza Strip and to allow patients, students and those who have residence licenses in other countries to travel out of the Gaza Strip. However, the crossing point was closed at 12:00 on Saturday, 24 September 2005, in light of the escalation in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, 25 September 2005, IOF closed Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. With the closure of Rafah International Crossing Point and Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, the Gaza Strip has been transformed into a big jail, as IOF have maintained control over the airspace and other border crossing of the Gaza Strip.

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: Since Sunday, 25 September 2005, when they imposed a total closure on the OPT, IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem. According to eyewitnesses, IOF have erected several checkpoints around the city and imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Students of al-Quds University have not been able to reach their colleges in the neighboring Abu Dis village.

· Ramallah: On Thursday morning, 22 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance to Surda village, north of Ramallah, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town for several hours.

At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 27 September 2005, IOF positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, arrested two Palestinian civilians: Nidal As'ad Subaih, 21; and Naseem 'Ali Subaih, 20, both from al-Khader village southwest of Bethlehem.

On Wednesday morning, 28 September 2005, IOF positioned at Ne'lin checkpoint, west of Ramallah, arrested 'Abdul Qaher Sorour, 35, from Ne'lin village.

· Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Hebron. On Thursday, 22 September, IOF decided to the close the Ibrahimi Mosque for 7 separate days in October for the Jewish feasts. Only Jews will be allowed to enter the mosque on those days. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 23,24 and 25 September 2005, IOF positioned in the center and south of Hebron, especially in the vicinity of the old town, stopped, held and checked many Palestinian civilians, including school children and women, and obstructed their movement in the area. On Sunday, 26 September 2005, education at 4 schools in the villages of Arab al-Ramadin and 'Ennab, southwest of Hebron, was interrupted due to restrictions imposed by IOF on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

On Thursday morning, 22 September 2005, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point arrested Samer 'Abdul Ra'ouf Farrah, 23, from Hebron, when he was on his way to Saudi Arabia.

On Friday afternoon, 23 September 2005, Mohammed Hamed Mahmoud Abu 'Eisha, 75, died as IOF positioned near "Ramat Yishai" settlement post in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron prevented an ambulance from entering the neighborhood to evacuate him to the hospital. Abu 'Eisha suffered from a heart attack. In his testimony on the incident to PCHR, Lawyer Yahia Hassan Abu Zaina said:

"At approximately 14:00 on Friday, 23 September 2005, Mohammed Hamed Mahmoud Abu 'Eisha felt severe pains in the chest when he was on his way back home after the Friday Prayer. His family asked IOF medical crews for help, but they did not respond. The family called an ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society, but IOF prevented it from attending the patient. The family and neighbors were forced to carry him and walk on foot towards the hospital. He died before they were able to bring him to the ambulance that was waiting at the entrance of the neighborhood."

At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 24 September 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint on Hebron – Bethlehem road to the east of "Kfar Etzion" settlement stopped a civilian car in which two Palestinian civilians were traveling: 'Adnan 'Eissa Shalalda, 34; and Mohammed Nayef Shalalda, 32, both from Sa'ir village northeast of Hebron. They forced the two civilians out of the car and searched the car. Then, they forced the two civilians to sit on the roadside. When the two civilians protested one hour and a half hours later, 3 Israeli soldiers violently beat them.

· Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, including their access to mosques. IOF have closed Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Sunday morning, 24 September 2005, IOF closed Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, and prohibited the movement to and from the city. On Monday evening, 26 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint in al-Bathan village and another one near al-Sairafi Parks to the northeast of Nablus. They closed the only road that links the town with its surroundings for several hours. On Tuesday, 27 September 2005, IOF prevented many Palestinian civilians from crossing Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, and forced them back. On Tuesday, 27 September 2005, IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, prevented many Palestinian civilians, especially young men, from crossing the checkpoint.

On Friday evening, 23 September 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at Jama'in crossroads, southwest of Nablus, arrested 3 Palestinian children:

At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 24 September 2005, a number of Palestinian gunmen fired at IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus. Immediately, IOF opened fire at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the checkpoint. Three civilians were wounded:

1. Mohammed Mulaq 'Abaira, 29, from Hebron, seriously wounded by a live bullet to the chest;

2. Ra'ed Wajeeh al-Tahhan, 28, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet to the left hand; and

3. 'Alaa' Mohammed al-Sayeh, 19, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet to the left foot.

At approximately 09:00 on Sunday, 25 September 2005, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested two Palestinian children claiming that they were carrying two pistols:

In the evening, IOF positioned at the same checkpoint arrested Nisreen Ahmed Khashan, 17, from Nablus.

At approximately 08:00, IOF positioned at the same checkpoint arrested 'Adli Ref'at Hashem, 34, a pharmacist from Nablus.

· Tulkarm: On Thursday morning, 22 September 2005, IOF closed a checkpoint erected to the east of ‘Anabta village for more than 4 hours for no apparent reason. Also on Thursday morning, IOF erected a checkpoint to the east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 23 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far’oun crossroads, south of Tulkarm. They prohibited the movement to and from the villages of Far’oun and ‘Ezbat Shoufa. They also held a number of young men under the sun. On Saturday morning, 24 September 2005, IOF closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, and prohibited movement to and from the town. On Sunday, 25 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the southern entrance of ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm,a dn prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians, who were forced to resort to a dirt road. IOF chased these civilians and held a number of young men for more than 4 hours under the sun.

At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 24 September 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the entrance of 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm, arrested Mo'men Rushdi 'Abdul Hamid, 21, from 'Anabta village.

· Jenin: At approximately 18:30 on Friday, 23 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the southeastern entrance of Tubas village. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Saturday, 24 September 2005, as they evacuated "Dutan" military post, southwest of Jenin, IOF stabled 3 iron gate on Jenin – Tulkarm road and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 13:00 on the same day, IOF erected a checkpoint near Tammoun crossroads, southeast of Jenin. They stopped dozens of Palestinian civilian vehicles for some time. On Sunday, 25 September 2005, IOF closed Tayaseer checkpoint to the east of Tubas village and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians and their vehicles.

At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 22 September 2005, IOF positioned at Tayaseer checkpoint, southeast of Jenin, arrested Mohammed 'Abdullah Fuqaha, 28, from Tubas village.

At approximately 18:30 on Friday, 23 September 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the northeastern entrance of Tubas village southeast of Jenin, arrested Ma'ath Mohammed al-Ghoul, 17, from al-Fara'a refugee camp southeast of Jenin.

At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 26 September 2005, IOF positioned at al-Hamra checkpoint in the central Jordan Valley arrested Sheikh 'Omar Ghanem, 50, from Jenin.

At approximately 13:15 on Wednesday, 28 September 2005, Jamal Hassan Abu Rumaila, 39, from Jenin was evacuated to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus in a critical condition as he was violently beaten by IOF and inhaled a mysterious gas. An ambulance evacuated him from Rameen flat behind "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus. According to eyewitnesses, an Israeli military jeep chased a truck that was transporting rocks. Israeli soldiers stopped the truck and violently beat the driver (Abu Rumaila). He was transferred to the intensive care unit in a critical condition. According to medical sources, he inhaled a mysterious gas which could not be identified. The administration of the hospital contacted the Palestinian liaison to ask them to inquire about the nature of the gas from IOF in order to prescribe the appropriate cure for it. Palestinian civilians have been forced to resort to this flat land as an alternative to Jenin – Nablus road which has been closed by IOF since 15 August 2005.

· Qalqilya: On Thursday morning, 22 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint on the road that links between the villages of Seer and Jayous, northeast of Qalqilya. They also erected another checkpoint at the northern entrance of 'Azzoun village, east of the town. IOF stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Saturday, 24 September 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya and obstructed the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday, 26 September 2005, IOF imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected a number of checkpoints around the town and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

On Sunday evening, 25 September 2005, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point arrested Mo'tassem Zakaria Jaber, 39, from Qalqilya.

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

· In a recent report submitted to the United Nations General Assembly, Professor John Dugard, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, stated that the Wall being constructed by Israel in the West Bank allegedly for security purposes would transfer “some 55,000 Palestinians presently living in municipal area of East Jerusalem to the West Bank.” He added that some 50,000 Palestinians have Jerusalemite identity cards, but live outside the municipal area of East Jerusalem because they cannot find homes in the city due to land confiscations and the restrictions imposed by IOF on construction in the city. Professor Dugard further indicated that the Wall will affect more than 40% of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem whose number of 230,000. He also asserted that “the construction of the wall, the expansion of settlements and the de-Palestinisation of Jerusalem threaten the viability of a Palestinian State.”

· On Friday afternoon, 23 September 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and some 30 international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. IOF also beat a number of demonstrators. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 9 international solidarity activists and a Palestinian civilian – Mahmoud Ibrahim Bernat, 30.

· At approximately 20:00 on Sunday, 25 September 2005, Israeli soldiers positioned near the Wall in Beit Ameen village, south of Qalqilya, fired at Nabeel ‘Azmi ‘Omar, 21, wounding him with a live bullet to the left foot. According to eyewitnesses, ‘Omar was on walking near the Wall going back home. It is worth noting that the Wall has isolated the village.

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.

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