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. 11/2006 16 - 22 March 2006

Secretary General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the main targeted person of the Israeli raid on Jericho Prison on 14 March 2006.

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue 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 (16 – 22 March 2006):

Killing: On Friday, 17 March 2006, an IOF undercover unit shot dead a Palestinian child in al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. Israeli soldiers opened fire at a car in which the child was traveling. Following investigations into the killing, IOF admitted that the undercover unit violated instructions of shooting. They claimed that Israeli soldiers ordered the driver to stop, but he did not, so they fired at the tires of the car, killing the child and injuring the driver. On Wednesday morning, 22 March 2006, IOF extra-judicially executed a member of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, in 'Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, south of Jericho. During the reported period, 7 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were wounded by the IOF gunfire.

Incursions: IOF conducted 31 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and one into the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 58 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children. In addition, IOF demolished 4 houses and transformed 7 others into military sites. IOF used undercover units and trained dogs during these incursions.

Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a comprehensive siege on the OPT, in violation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinian civilians.

IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip, transforming it into a large prison. Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world, has been partially reopened. IOF have closed all other border crossings of the Gaza Strip. Some basic foodstuffs have run out in the markets of the Gaza Strip. "Kerem Shalom" commercial crossing, southeast of Rafah, has not been operated. It was supposed to be opened on 21 March 2006 to allow the importation of some Egyptian goods, but IOF did not open it. Instead, IOF partially reopened al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City, in response to international pressure. PCHR called upon the international community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, UN agencies and all international humanitarian organizations, to take effective measures to force Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) to allow the immediate flow of food, especially flour and milk, into the Gaza Strip through al-Mentar (Karni) crossing.

IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. They have imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank as they imposed a total siege on the OPT. IOF extended the total closure imposed on the OPT. IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. During the reported period, IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 22 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 3 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank. During the reported period, IOF leveled areas of Palestinian land in Dahiat al-Barid area, north of Jerusalem, to complete the construction of a section of the Wall. On 19 March 2006, IOF issued military orders confiscating 766 donums of agricultural land in Bethlehem and Hebron. IOF also used force against peaceful demonstrations organized in the villages of Bal'ein and Beit Siera, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. Nine Palestinian civilians were injured, and a number of other civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested an Israeli solidarity activist.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (16 – 22 March 2006)

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

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east pf Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Fares al-Douda, 22, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Saddam Hussam Hannoun, 24, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Duha village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Etaf 'Olayan, who has been detained by IOF. They also raided and searched the office of Women's Purity Association. They destroyed the furniture and a number of computer sets. Before their withdrawal, IOF closed the office.

· At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They transformed a number of houses into military site. They then besieged a house belonging to the family of Durgham al-Sa'di. They called through megaphones on those who were inside the house to surrender. IOF continued to besiege the house until approximately 11:00, when 5 Palestinians got out of the house and surrendered:

IOF also arrested a sixth Palestinian in Jenin refugee camp, 19-year-old Remah Mahmoud Abu Gharib.

· At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into Hawara village, south of Nablus, and imposed a curfew. They forced Palestinians to close their shops which are located along the Nablus – Ramallah road, which crosses the village. They also prevented Palestinian civilian vehicles from traveling on the road.

· At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. IOF vehicles destroyed 3 cars while moving into the village. IOF besieged a house belonging to Mohammed 'Abdul Majid 'Owainat. They forced all those who were inside the house to get out. They then searched the house and arrested Mohammed Hazem 'Owainat, 22.

· At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired at the children, but no casualties were reported.

· At approximately 20:00, an IOF undercover unit moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin, using two civilian cars that have Palestinian registration plates. Soon, at least 17 IOF vehicles, including two bulldozers, moved into the village. They besieged a 250-square-meter, 5-storey house belonging to Zaid Morawah Zayed in the east of the village. Israeli soldiers took position on the roofs of neighboring houses, and two helicopters flew over the area. IOF opened fire indiscriminately. A Palestinian child, 8-year-old Akaber 'Abdul Rahman 'Ezzat Zayed, was killed by a live bullet to the head. In addition, Kamal Taher Zayed, 27, was wounded by two live bullets to the hand and the leg. According to eyewitnesses, the two civilians were shot when they were getting out of a car that transported them to a clinic as the child was sick. IOF fired at the car from a distance of only 5 meters. In the meantime, IOF continued to besiege the house. They called through megaphones on all those who were inside to get out and surrender. They also opened fire at the house. Dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF opened fire at these civilians, wounding two of them:

Later, residents of the house got out. IOF broke into the house and searched it. Soon after, the IOF bulldozers demolished parts of the house. They also demolished a neighboring 100-square meter house belonging to Majed Morawah Zayed. During this incursion, IOF destroyed 7 civilian cars. Before their withdrawal at approximately 08:00 on Saturday, 16 March 2006, IOF arrested 5 members of the Zayed family:

Following investigations into the child's death, IOF admitted that the undercover unit did not follow instructions when they fired at the child. They claimed that unit arrived at a house in the village having information that wanted Palestinians were there. They further claimed that Israeli soldiers noticed a taxi near the house. They thought that the wanted Palestinians were traveling in the car. They further claimed that "Israeli soldiers ordered the driver to stop, but he did not obey the order, so they opened fire first into the air and then at the tires, so the child was killed and the driver was injured."

· At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Marj area in the north of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of agricultural houses in the area and arrested two Palestinian children:

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Karma village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Faisal Mohammed Abu Shaikha, 37, and summoned Fakhri Hussein Abu Shaikha for interrogation.

· At approximately 23:40, an IOF fighter jet launched a missile at the road leading to al-Nasser village, north of Rafah. The missile made a crater into the roads and destroyed the electricity and water networks, cutting off electricity and water from al-Nasser village and al-Fukhari neighborhood. This road was recently paved.

· At approximately 00:30, an IOF fighter jet launched a missile at the entrance to Gaza Valley village, southeast of Gaza City. The missile made a large crater into the road leading to the village. Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm through its western entrance. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later, and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Nablus through its western entrance. They patrolled in the streets. They withdrew later, and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved several meters in the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. They arrested 3 Palestinian children who attempted to enter Israel to search for jobs:

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tarqoumia village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of D'iaa' al-Din Ghazi Qa'qour, 22, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beeta village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched dozens of houses. They closed the entrances to the village with sand barriers and transformed 7 houses into military sites. They also fired at Mahmoud Mohammed Hamad, 17, wounding him with a live bullet to the right foot. During this incursion, IOF arrested 10 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Shawawra village, east of Hebron. They raoded and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed 'Abdullah Shawawra, 24, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ragheb Mahmoud Zayoud, 27, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Amru Tayseer 'Amru, 21, and arrested him.

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-'Asakra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ra'ed 'Ali al-'Asakra, 21, and arrested.

· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya. They demolished a 90-square-meter house belonging to Jamal Hassan Hamad, near "Qidomim" settlement. They claimed that it was built without a license.

· At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. Dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired at these civilians, wounding two of them:

1. Tha'er Farid Zayat, 17, seriously wounded by a live bullet to the abdomen; and

· At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Taqqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Adeeb Khaled Hajjaj, 20, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Nablus and neighboring refugee camps. They besieged 'Abu 'Eisha apartment building near 'Ein Beit al-Maa' refugee camp, west of the city. They called through megaphones on residents of the building to get out and they did. IOF then arrested Mohammed Jameel Dandan, 32. IOF also raided and searched a number of houses in the city and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 15:15, IOF moved into 'Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired at the children, wounding 14-year-old Fadi Mohammed Derbas with a live bullet to the left foot. IOF also chased the children and arrested 6 of them. When their mothers intervened to free them, IOF held the mothers with the children. They threatened to shoot the children of they throw stones again. IOF released the mothers and children 3 hours later.

· At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Durgham Mohammed al-Mashni, 24, and arrested him.

· At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Taqqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed Nahid al-'Ennabi, 20.

· In the early morning, IOF moved into Beeta village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into al-Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem. They demolished two houses:

On Wednesday morning, 22 March 2006, IOF extra-judicially executed a member of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad in 'Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, southwest of Jericho. IOF claimed that they besieged 3 wanted Palestinians in a house in the refugee camp, and two of these Palestinians surrendered whereas the third one hid in a neighboring house. They further claimed that residents of the house left it as IOF fired warning bullets. They broke into the house and opened fire killing the third Palestinian, who was unarmed.

According to information available to PCHR, at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into 'Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, southwest of Jericho. They besieged a number of houses and ordered their residents through megaphones to get out. When the resident got out, IOF arrested two Palestinians:

IOF then broke into a house belonging to the family of Ramadan Mohammed Mutair, 22, a member of the Islamic Jihad. They opened fire inside the house and killed him with several live bullets throughout the body.

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

Although IOF have been redeployed around the Gaza Strip, they have maintained the occupation of the Gaza Strip through controlling all outlets and crossings.

· Rafah International Crossing Point: Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border is the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world. Working hours at the crossing have been limited to 8 hours a day. It is noted that, contrary to media reports, the commercial crossing in Rafah has not been opened. The commercial crossing still requires some technical preparations parallel to those being conducted at the Kerem Shalom crossing to the southeast of Rafah, which is designated for imports under joint Israeli-Palestinian control. For more information on the border crossings agreement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, please refer to previous PCHR's reports.

· Al-Mentar (Karni) Commercial Crossing: PCHR has called upon the international community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, UN agencies and all international humanitarian organizations, to take effective measures to force Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) to allow the immediate flow of food, especially flour and milk, into the Gaza Strip through al-Mentar (Karni) crossing. PCHR has also warned the international community of the consequences of the policy of collective punishment practiced by IOF against the Palestinian civilian population, which has peaked with the prohibition of the flow of wheat, flour and other basic foodstuffs into the markets of the Gaza Strip following the closure of al-Mentar crossing, which may lead to food and health crises for at least 1.5 million Palestinians. PCHR has followed with utmost concern the deterioration in the economic and social conditions resulting from the total closure imposed by IOF on the OPT, especially the Gaza Strip. PCHR has been concerned for the deterioration in food and health conditions of the Palestinian civilian population as bread and flour have almost run out in the markets of the Gaza Strip, where most bakeries have stopped working due to the lack of flour. Hundreds of Palestinians have been seen standing in long queues in front of some bakeries, which have continued to work but with minimum capacity, to buy bread for their families. This scene is unprecedented in the Gaza Strip. According to information available to PCHR, since 14 January 2006, IOF have closed al-Mentar (Karni) crossing for 47 separate days completely and for 4 days partially. During partial closures, IOF allowed the importation of basic foodstuffs only into the Gaza Strip. Importation of construction raw materials, medicines and others goods through the crossing has been banned. As a result of the closure of the crossing, the local markets have run out of some foodstuffs, especially milk, flour, sugar, dairy products and fruits. Exportation of agricultural and industrial products from the Gaza Strip has been banned. Palestinian farmers and traders have sustained large losses due to the blockade of their products at the Palestinian side of the crossing, as the closure coincides with the season of exportation of strawberries, flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Construction projects in the Gaza Strip have also stopped due to the lack of construction raw materials. At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 20 March 2006, IOF reopened the crossing, but closed it again 40 minutes later for no apparent reason. They allowed the entry of only 10 trucks loaded with wheat, sugar, drinks and chips in the Gaza Strip. At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 21 March 2006, IOF reopened the crossing for importation only.

· Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have prevented Palestinian workers from reaching their work places inside Israel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, including newly elected members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, and especially those from the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas, have been prevented from traveling through this crossing.

· Sofa crossing: IOF also control Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, which is designated for the transportation of construction raw materials. They close the crossing from time to time for no apparent reason. IOF have continued to close the crossing since 14 February 2006.

The closure of border crossings deprives the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip of their right to freedom of movement, education and health.

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on fishing in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 35,000 people in and around Gaza’s coastal communities rely on the fishing industry, including 2,500 fishermen, 2,500 support staff and their families. Fishermen have been subjected to intensive monitoring by the Israeli military, who use helicopter gunships and gunboats to monitor the fishermen. On a number of occasions the Israeli military has opened fire against the civilian fishermen in order to enforce the 9 nautical mile limit imposed on them. The Oslo Accords make provision for Gaza’s sea to be fished to 20 nautical miles.

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

· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in occupied Jerusalem. During the reported period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through various checkpoints around the city. IOF also reinforced their presence at these checkpoints. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday morning, 19 March 2006, dozens of civilian vehicles that have Israeli registration numbers, which belong to Palestinian civilians, were seen stopping in long lines at Dahiat al-Barid checkpoint, north of the city. IOF conducted prolonged searches for these vehicles, while Israeli settlers' cars crossed the checkpoint without any searches.

On Thursday evening, 16 March 2006, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint, east of occupied Jerusalem, arrested Mohammed Abu 'Aaria, 33, from Za'tara village east of Bethlehem.

On Saturday morning, 18 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint near "Ma'ale Adomim" settlement, east of Jerusalem. They arrested 3 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing the Reform and Change Bloc of Hamas:

On Wednesday evening, 22 March 2006, IOF positioned at the Container checkpoint, southeast of Jerusalem, arrested two members of the Palestinian National Security Forces:

· Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. During the reported period, they erected more checkpoints on the roads leading to the city. On Thursday morning, 16 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint on al-Bathan road at the northeastern entrance of Nablus. They stopped and checked hundreds of Palestinian civilians and prevented non-residents of the city from entering it. Also on Thursday morning, IOF closed Hawara and Za'tara checkpoints, south of Nablus, for several hours. They also closed the entrances to Beeta village with cement blocks. Also on Thursday, IOF closed the iron gate established at the southern entrance to Jama'in village, south of Nablus. They prohibited the movement to and from the village. On Saturday morning, 18 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance to Hawara village, south of Nablus. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and verified the identity cards of Palestinian civilians. Also on Saturday morning, IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to Ramallah. They conducted prolonged searches of vehicles and verified the identity cards of Palestinian civilians. On Sunday morning, 19 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint near Deir Sharaf village, southwest of Nablus. IOF held a number of Palestinian civilian vehicles in the area. It is worth noting that Palestinian drivers resort to agricultural roads in the area, as an alternative to Nablus – Jenin main road, which has been closed since 15 August 2005. IOF held at least 20 civilian cars from 06:00 until 12:00. Also on Sunday morning, IOF positioned at a military checkpoint erected at the entrance of Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the village.

At approximately 17:30 on Tuesday, 21 March 2006, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 16 March 2006, IOF closed the Tunnel checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. They opened fire into the air to drive Palestinian civilians away from the checkpoint. IOF closed 'Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 17 March 2006, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around the town prohibited Palestinian civilians from crossing these checkpoints. IOF chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to alternative dirt roads and held them for several hours. On Saturday, 18 March 2006, IOF positioned at Bala'a checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, forced dozens of young men to take off their upper clothes to be checked. Also on Saturday, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around the town imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from Tulkarm.

· Jenin: On Thursday morning, 16 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at 'Ein al-Hilwa intersection in the northern Jordan Valley. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. In the evening, IOF closed Tayaseer checkpoint, southeast of Jenin, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians between Tubas village and the northern Jordan Valley. On Friday morning, 17 March 2006, IOF erected two checkpoints at the entrances of 'Aqqaba village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. At noon, IOF erected two checkpoints to the south of Tubas village.

On Friday afternoon, 17 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint in Suhaila area in the east Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped a civilian car. They forced 4 civilians who were traveling in the car out and arrested them. These civilians have not been identified.

At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 19 March 2006, IOF positioned at Salem checkpoint, southwest of Jenin, arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, claiming that the were carrying explosives:

· Qalqilya: On Thursday morning, 16 March 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped Palestinian civilian vehicles and verified the identity cards of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday morning, 18 March 2006, IOF closed the entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village. They erected a number of checkpoints at its entrances. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and verified the identity cards of Palestinian civilians. They prevented Palestinian civilians from crossing these checkpoints.

· Hebron: On Thursday morning, 16 March 2006, IOF positioned at the entrance of al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, stopped 3 busses that were transporting Palestinian secondary school students. They forced students out of the busses and held them for several hours. They then arrested 3 students:

At approximately 22:00, IOF positioned in Nabi Yousef area in Halhoul village, north of Hebron, arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Al-Karama International Crossing Point: On Friday morning, 17 March 2006, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Eihab Mousa Jalouli, 23, from Kufor Ra'ei village southwest of Jenin, when he was on his way to Jordan.

· IOF continued to level land near the entrance to Dahiat al-Barid area, north of Jerusalem, to construct a new section of the Wall in the area. IOF have nearly completed the construction of a section of the Wall near Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah. They started to establish routes for vehicles at the checkpoint.

· On Sunday, 19 March 2006, IOF issued military orders confiscating 766 donums of agricultural land in the western country of Bethlehem and Hebron for the purpose of the construction of a new section of the Wall. According to local sources, IOF handed notices of confiscation to Palestinian civilians from the villages of al-Walaja, Battir, Housan, al-Qabau and Wad Foukin near Bethlehem, and Sourif village near Hebron.

· At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 17 March 2006, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and dozens of 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 rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. They also violently beat a number of demonstrators. Four demonstrators sustained bruises:

· At the same time, about 600 Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Beit Siera village, southwest of Ramallah. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. They also violently beat a number of demonstrators. Five demonstrators sustained bruises:

· On Saturday morning, 18 March 2006, IOF prevented dozens of Palestinian farmers and international solidarity activists from reaching agricultural land in Kherbat Safa area in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. According to local sources, dozens of Palestinian farmers and at least 35 international solidarity activists moved towards Kherbat Safa area to plant areas of agricultural land, which are threatened to be confiscated by IOF for the purpose of the construction of the Wall. IOF prevented them from reaching the land, and handed a military order to them, closing the area. The ar