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. 33/2006 17 - 23 August 2006

A house in Rafah belonging Mansour Abu Humaid, which was bombarded by Israeli warplanes on 22 August 2006, after Israeli Occupation Forces had telephoned the family ordering the evacuation of the house.

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

As the international community has remained silent, IOF have continued to wage a full scale offensive on the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip. During the reported period, IOF have continued their attacks on Palestinian civilians and property.

PCHR, monitoring with utmost concern the developments of this offensive, calls upon the international community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and United Nations, to immediately intervene to force IOF to stop this offensive and lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.

o 216 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 45 children and 11 women, have been killed by IOF.

o At least 842 Palestinian civilians, including 240 children and 28 women, have been wounded by the IOF gunfire.

o At least 221 air-to-surface missiles and hundreds of artillery shells have been fired at Palestinian civilian and military targets in the Gaza Strip.

o Buildings of the Palestinian Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National economy, the office of the Palestinian Prime Minister and a number of educational institutions have been destroyed.

o The electricity generation plant, providing 45% of the electricity of the Gaza Strip, was destroyed, and electricity networks and transmitters have been repeatedly attacked.

o 6 bridges linking Gaza City with the central Gaza Strip and a number of roads have been destroyed.

o Hundreds of donums of agricultural land and dozens of houses have been destroyed.

o Hundreds of Palestinian civilians, including 9 ministers and 30 members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Secretary, have been arrested. Minster of Prisoners’ Affairs, Minister of Labor and Second Deputy Speaker of the PLC were released.

o Many families in Rafah, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia have been forced to leave their houses.

o IOF intelligence has warned some Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip by phone to evacuate their houses, which would be attacked.

o 27 houses belonging to activists of Palestinian factions were destroyed by IOF warplanes.

o IOF have imposed a strict siege on the OPT, and have isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

Israeli violations of international law continued in the OPT during the reported period (17 – 23 August 2006):

Killing: During the reported period, IOF killed two Palestinian civilians and 3 members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. On 17 August 2006, IOF shot dead a deaf Palestinian civilian near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of the al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, when he was cutting grass. On 18 August 2006, IOF shot dead a Palestinian civilian in Beit Lahia, when he was grazing animals near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel. In the two crimes, IOF did not warn the victims. On 22 August 2006, IOF killed 3 members of the al-Quds Brigades, when they were in al-Qarara village, nearly 500 meters away from the border. The victims apparently bled to death. They were not armed. On 20 August 2006, a woman from Rfah died from a wound she had sustained on 5 August 2006, when an IOF drones fired a missile at her and her children. Two of her children were also killed in the attack. In addition, 11 Palestinian civilians, including a woman and two children, were wounded by the IOF gunfire.

Thus, the number of Palestinians killed by IOF in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of “Operation Summer Rains” on 25 June 2006 has increased to 193, including 43 children and 11 women. In addition, 726 others, mostly civilians, including 196 children, 27 women, 4 paramedics and 4 journalists, have been wounded.

IOF also launched at least two air strikes on two houses in the Gaza Strip belonging to Palestinian resistance activists. These houses were destroyed, and a number of neighboring houses and civilian facilities were severely damaged. IOF intelligence officers ordered owners of these houses by phone to evacuate their houses.

During the reported, IOF fired dozens of artillery shells at Palestinian residential areas and agricultural land in the Gaza Strip. A number of Palestinian civilians were killed or wounded and a number of houses were damaged.

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinian civilians were killed by IOF. On 18 August 2006, IOF extra-judicially executed two members of the Islamic Jihad in al-‘Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem. On 20 August 2006, IOF killed a Palestinian worker and wounded two others. IOF fired at the taxi, in which the three victims were traveling, when the driver attempted to bypass Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, as IOF prevented Palestinians aged below 30 from crossing the checkpoint.

In addition, 15 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, a journalist and a member of the Islamic Jihad, whom IOF attempted to extra-judicially executed, were wounded by IOF gunfire.

Incursions: During the reported period, IOF conducted at least 44 military incursions into Palestinian communities, during which they raided dozens of houses and arrested 64 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children, 4 women and an old man. IOF also arrested the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Nasser al-Din al-Sha’er, and the Secretary of the PLC, Dr. Mahmoud al-Ramahi. In addition, IOF raided 3 charitable societies in Hebron. In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted two incursions into Gaza and Khan Yunis, during which they wounded 5 Palestinian civilians, arrested 5 others and razed at least 30 donums of agricultural land.

Restrictions on Movement: 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.

IOF have imposed a strict siege on the Gaza Strip. They have closed its border crossings as a form of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians.

IOF have closed Rafah International Crossing Point, even though they do not directly control it. They have prevented European observers working at the crossing point form reaching it. IOF have closed commercial crossings of the Gaza Strip, especially al-Mentar (Karni) crossing. As a consequence, the economic situation inside the Gaza Strip has further deteriorated and many goods have been lacked in markets. IOF have also continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. In addition, IOF have prevented Palestinian fishermen from fishing.

IOF have tightened the siege imposed on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. They have isolated Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have continued to separate between the north and south of the West Bank. During the reported period, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 18 August 2006, IOF prevented Palestinian aged below 45 from going to the al-Aqsa Mosque for the Friday prayer. During the reported period, IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 9 Palestinian civilians, including two children.

Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank. During the reported period, IOF resumed the construction of sections of the Wall near “Shavi Shomron” settlement, northwest of Nablus. IOF completed the construction of a section of the Wall to the east of the aforementioned settlement at the beginning of 2006. “Shavi Shomron” settlement serves as a military base for IOF, from which they conduct incursion into Palestinian communities. On 17 August 2006, IOF handed a military order to a number of Palestinian civilians, confiscating dozens of donums of agricultural land in the west of Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. The military order was issued on 21 June 2006, which does not allow Palestinian civilians to appeal against it. In addition, a journalist was wounded and 7 demonstrators sustained bruises, when IOF used force against a peaceful demonstration organized in protest to the construction of the Wall in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (17 – 23 August 2006)

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched two houses belonging to the Shuqair family and arrested two members of the family:

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They opened fire at houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. IOF soldiers opened fire indiscriminately at Palestinian civilians and shops. As a result, two children, who were buying things from the market, were wounded:

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire at houses. As a result, a number of houses were damaged.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They opened fire, wounding Mohammed ‘Adnan Abu ‘Ouda, 20, from Qabatya village southeast of Jenin, with a live bullet to the left arm.

· At approximately 04:30, IOF moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. They opened fire at houses. They withdrew from the village a few hours later, and no casualties or arrests were reported.

· At approximately 06:00, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Boreij refugee camp, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian who was cutting grass near the border. He was instantly killed by several live bullets throughout the body. At approximately 10:30, IOF informed the Palestinian side that there was a body near the border. Immediately, a Palestinian ambulance moved towards the area. The medical crew found the body nearly 50 meters away from the border. The victim was identifies as Ahmed Mousa Mohammed Abu Bakra, 23, from al-Boreij refugee camp. According to his family, he was deaf. The family used to live nearly 400 meters away from the border, but left the area one month ago.

· At approximately 23:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Beit Hanoun, fired a number of artillery shells at al-Nada tower buildings, west of the town. As a result, Yousef ‘Aadel Subeh, 32, from Beit Lahia, was wounded by shrapnel to the right foot.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Ramallah. They besieged a house belonging to Dr. Nasser al-Din Mohammed al-Sha’er, 45, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, in al-Masyoun neighborhood in the south of the town. They ordered him through a megaphone to surrender. Soon, IOF soldiers raided the house and arrested Dr. al-Sha’er. According to his wife, the IOF raid was fast and lasted only for 10 minutes. Dr. al-Sha’er is originally from Sabastya village, northwest of Nablus. He was arrested several times by IOF.

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, and imposed a curfew. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested Younis Khalil Zain, 33.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF warplanes fired two missiles at a 70-square-meter workshop belonging to Samneer Ayoub Ayoub, 42, in al-Daraj neighborhood in the center of Gaza City. The workshop was destroyed and two neighboring houses were severely damaged. In addition, two Palestinian civilians, including an old woman, were wounded by shrapnel:

· At approximately 02:55, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring ‘Askar refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 17:00, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, north of Beit Lahia, opened fire at Ghanem Khalil Ahmed al-Khatib, 33, from the Bedouin village north of Beit Lahia, when he and 3 children were grazing animals, nearly 400 meters away from the border. He was seriously wounded by a live bullet to the chest. An ambulance evacuated him to the hospital, following coordination with IOF. However, medical efforts made to save his life failed, and he was pronounced dead a few minutes later.

· At approximately 17:10, IOF positioned in Gaza International Airport, southeast of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Shouka village. A s a result, Eyad Mahmoud Mo’ammar, 34, was wounded by a live bullet to the right thigh, when he was near his house.

· In the evening, two Palestinian civilians were wounded by the explosion of a mysterious object in ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus: Mahmoud ‘Ezziddin Abu Sa’da, 30; and ‘Ali ‘Ezziddin Abu Sa’da, 15. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 19:50, a mysterious object exploded, when the two brothers were searching for iron in the debris of a house belonging to the al-Nadi family, which was destroyed by IOF on 15 August 2006. The two brothers sustained burns throughout the body.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah. As a result, Sameer Salman ‘Abdul ‘Aal, 30, was wounded by two live bullets to the back and the right thigh, when he was inside his house.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Halhoul town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched offices of Halhoul Almsgiving Committee. They confiscated two computer sets and a number of files. It is worth noting that the committee provides assistance to at least 200 orphans. It also has a school and a kindergarten, where at least 230 children receive education.

· At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Tammoun village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and erected a checkpoint in al-Berka area. They withdrew from the village later, and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Ata Subhi Eshtaiwi. They forced residents of the house out and interrogated them. IOF vehicles also destroyed a car belonging to Sami Mohammed Eshtaiwi. IOF withdrew from the village later, and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 14:00, IOF moved into Til village, southwest of Nablus. They patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF soldiers fired at these civilians, wounding 4 of them, including 3 children:

1. Mujahed Waleed Ramadan, 15, seriously wounded by a live bullet to the right side;

2. Mohammed Farhan Ramadan, 18, wounded by a live bullet to the right thigh and shrapnel throughout the body;

4. Mohammed Mousa Hindi, 14, wounded by a live bullet to the left leg and shrapnel throughout the body.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Dar Salah village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Khaled ‘Ali Abu Haniya, 31, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Oula village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched offices and schools of the Islamic Charitable Society in the center of the village. They confiscated a computer set and some documents, and damaged some of the furniture. This raid on the society was the fifth of its kind in 6 years.

· At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into al-Fraidees village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ya’qoub Mohammed ‘Askar, 23, and arrested him.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Jericho. They besieged a number of houses in the center of the town. They ordered residents of these houses through megaphones to get out. IOF held and verified the identity cards of the residents, and then arrested 6 of them. IOF interrogated them and released them at noon.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched 3 houses and arrested 3 Palestinian women:

· At approximately 08:30, IOF positioned near the industrial zone in the northern Gaza Strip fired at a number of Palestinian civilians who were collecting iron. As a result, Tamer ‘Ali Abu Banat, 18, was wounded by a live bullet to the right foot.

· At approximately 09:00, medical sources at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis declared that Huda ‘Eissa al-Nouri, 44, from Rafah, died from a wound she had sustained on 5 August 2006. According to PCHR’s documentation, an IOF drone fired a missile at a group of civilians trying to flee their houses in Tannour neighborhood, when IOF moved into the neighboring al-Shouka village. The missile hit al-‘Oroba Street in the neighborhood in the midst of a fleeing family. Two children were killed. Their mother, 44-year-old Huda ‘Eissa al-Nouri, and their brother, 13-year-old Na’el Rajaa’ al-Natour, were seriously wounded. The mother was evacuated to the intensive care unit at Nasser Hospital. She had remained there until her death.

· At approximately 03:00, an IOF undercover unit moved into al-Bireht. IOF soldiers hid near the Shari’a School, which is located near a house belonging to Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed al-Ramahi, 43, Secretary of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). When Dr. al-Ramahi was about to enter the house, IOF soldiers arrested him. Soon, IOF military vehicles moved into the town to secure the withdrawal of the undercover unit. Thus, the number of PLC members arrested by IOF has increased to 30, including the Speaker, Dr. ‘Aziz al-Dwaik, who was arrested on 6 August 2006.

· At approximately 19:20, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Boreij refugee camp, fired at two Palestinian farmers, who were cultivating grapes from their land, nearly 800 meters away from the border. The two farmers were wounded:

1. Furaih Suleiman Abu Jalal, 32, wounded by a live bullet to the right hand, and his hand was amputated; and

· At approximately 21:30, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Deir Al-Balah, fired two shells at Qouz al-Hamam area in the east of Deir al-Balah. One shell hit a house belonging to Yahi Khamis al-Louh, in which 17 people live. The house and a car belonging to al-Louh were damaged. Two Palestinian civilians were also wounded by shrapnel from the other shell:

2. Mohammed ‘Abdul Samee’ al-Masri, 17, wounded by shrapnel to the left hand.

· At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched the compound of institutions in the center of the village, which includes a charitable society, a school and a clinic. They held two guards and searched and damaged the compound. They then confiscated two computer sets, a fax machine and some documents.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Roujib village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a child:

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched two houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers:

· Also at approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Kufor Rumman village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahdi Munther al-Haj ‘Ali, 26, and arrested him.

· At approximately 16:00, an IOF undercover unit moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, traveling in a civilian car with a Palestinian registration plate. The car stopped near a house belonging to Saqer Ibrahim Salim in the center of the village. IOF soldiers got out of the car and besieged the house. Soon, IOF military vehicles moved into the village to reinforce the undercover unit. IOF called through megaphones on Ahmed Saqer Salim, 24, to get out together with other residents of the house and surrender. The residents got out, but Salim remained inside. IOF verified the identity cards of the residents. Nearly an hour and a half later, Salim got out of the house. IOF arrested him and his two brothers: Mohammed, 28; and Murad, 18. IOF also arrested Fadi Khader Sukkar, 23; and Zaid Hussam Salim, 18. Several hours later, IOF released the four other detainees, whereas Salim remained in custody. IOF claim that Salim is a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fatah movement.

· At approximately 23:10, an IOF fighter jets dropped two bombs on a 320-square-meter, two-storey house, in which 18 people (3 families) live, belonging to Hashem Mohammed ‘Asaliya in the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya. The house was destroyed and two neighboring houses were damaged. The owner’s son, 20-year-old Mohammed, is a member of the Islamic Jihad. According to the owner’s other son, 18-year-old Islam, he received a phone call at approximately 22:30 on his mobile phone from a person, who informed him that the house would be bombarded in half an hour. The number of the caller appeared on the screen of the mobile phone for the first time since IOF started to use this method to destroy houses in the Gaza Strip. The family immediately evacuated the house and informed the neighbors. Following the bombardment of the house, the same person phones again and ordered the family to move away from the house, because IOF wanted to be certain that the house was destroyed.

· At approximately 00:00, IOF positioned on tanks at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, fired a number of shells and live bullets at al-Qarara village to the west of the border. In the meantime, an IOF drone was flying over the area. A few hours later, an IOF spokesman claimed that IOF shot dead 3 Palestinian militants, who were getting close to the border carrying suspicious objects. At approximately 10:00, IOF allowed Palestinian medical crews to enter the area. They found bodies of 3 young men, who were in civilian clothes, nearly 500 meters away from the border. They found a knife and a pistol near the bodies. The body of one of the young men was cut into two parts. The three bodies were evacuated to the hospital. The three victims were members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. They were apparently monitoring IOF military posts in the area. They were identified as:

1. Saleh Musbah ‘Abdul Ra’ouf ‘Abdul Ghafour, 26, from Khan Yunis, hit by shrapnel throughout the body;

2. Bassam Yousef ‘Othman Shurrab, 22, from Khan Yunis, his body was cut into two parts; and

3. Sa’id ‘Abdul Haq Sa’id al-Farra, 22, also from Khan Yunis, hit by shrapnel throughout the body.

· At approximately 00:30, IOF warplanes fired two missiles at a 260-square-meter house, in which 13 people (4 families) live, belonging to Mansour Ahmed Abu Humaid, 64, a prominent leader of Hamas, in al-Shaboura refugee camp in Rafah. The house was destroyed, and 5 neighboring houses and offices of al-Shalah Islamic Society were severely damaged. According to Abu Humaid, he received a phone call an hour earlier from a person who claimed to be an Israeli intelligence officer. He informed Abu Humaid that the house would be bombarded. A few minutes later, Abu Humaid’s son also received a similar phone call.

· Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Karza village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 00:40, IOF moved into Wadi al-Tuffah neighborhood in the northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Zaidan Na’im al-Natsha, 21, and arrested him.

· Also at approximately 00:40, IOF moved into Kuraisa village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, an IOF undercover unit moved from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza City, moved into al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of the city. IOF soldiers surprised Shaiboub, 30, near his house. They ordered him to stop and raise his hands and he did. However, his brother, 35-year-old ‘Antar fired at IOF soldiers, so Shaiboub was able to escape to his house after he had been wounded to the feet. The two men then went to a house belonging to their brother, 25-year-old Nazeh. Soon, IOF heavy military vehicles moved nearly 700 meters into the area to reinforce the undercover unit. They besieged 3 houses belonging to the Helles family and ordered their residents to get out and they did. IOF then raided and searched these houses and arrested the three brothers. IOF also raided other houses and arrested two other Palestinian civilians:

3. During this incursion, IOF razed a 13-dvoum area of agricultural land planted with olives belonging to the Helles family. During their redeployment for the area, IOF exchanged fire with a number of Palestinian militants and wounded two of them.

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers:

· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Taqqou’ village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed ‘Abdul ‘Afu ‘Olayat, 22, and arrested him. They also raided a house belonging to the family of Malek Jaber Yassin, who was killed by a mysterious explosion on 18 August 2006, and confiscated a computer set.

· Also at approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jericho. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into the old town of Nbalus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into the eastern part of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 17-year-old Mohammed Fawzi Tanbour.

· At approximately 06:00, IOF moved nearly 800 meters into Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis. They opened fire, wounding two Palestinian civilians, including a child:

During this incursion, IOF razed at least 20 donums of agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables belonging to the families of Abu Rujaila, Qudaih and Sadiq. At approximately 15:00, IOF redeployed from the area, opening fire indiscriminately. As a result, Hanadi Suleiman Abu Rouk, 12, was wounded by a live bullet to the abdomen.

· At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into al-Ras village, south of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of shops in the center of the village. They forced traders to cut posters of some Palestinians who were killed by IOF during the al-Aqsa Intifada. IOF also raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Mas’oud ‘Awad.

· At approximately 00:20, IOF moved into Beit Oula village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Eyad ‘Aziz al-‘Amla, 23, and arrested him.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Sourif village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a woman:

· At approximately 01:30, IOF permanently positioned in the center and south of Hebron raided offices of the Municipality Police, and transformed them into a military site until 06:00.

During the reported period, IOF committed to extra-judicial executions in the West Bank, which killed two members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, and wounded a third one.

· At approximately 04:10 on Friday, 18 August 2006, IOF, supported by a helicopter, moved into al-‘Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem, and imposed a curfew. They besieged a field on al-Hadadiya Mount, southeast of the village. They fired live bullets and flash bombs. IOF then opened fire and the helicopter fired a missile at two Palestinian civilians who were on the field. The two Palestinians were instantly killed:

The latter’s brother, 42-year-old Ahmed Suleiman Shanaita, told PCHR that the two victims were killed when they were nearly 600 meters away from their houses. They were hit by dozens of live bullets, and fire broke out in the field. IOF claimed that the two victims were wanted for being members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. The two victims were released from Israeli jails 5 months ago.

· At approximately 21:00 on Wednesday, 23 August 2006, an IOF undercover unit moved into Jenin refugee camp, traveling in a civilian car with a Palestinian registration plate. The car stopped in al-Hawashin area. IOF soldiers opened fire from inside the car at Hussam Lutfi Jaradat, 42, who was sitting on a chair near a house belonging to al-Sabbagh family. He was seriously wounded by a live bullet to the head. Soon, IOF vehicles moved into the camp to secure the withdrawal of the undercover unit. Jaradat is a senior leader of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad.

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.

Following an attack launched by Palestinian militants on 25 June 2006 near the Israeli-Egyptian border, southeast of Rafah, which left two IOF soldiers and two of the attackers dead and a third IOF soldier missing, IOF have closed all border crossings of the Gaza Strip:

· Rafah International Crossing Point: Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border is the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world. IOF have closed Rafah International Crossing Point, even though they do not directly control it. They have prevented European observers working at the crossing point form reaching it. PCHR has always warned following the agreement reached between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, which was brokered by the United States and the European Union, that IOF have complete, even though indirect, control over the crossing point. Thousands of Palestinian civilians have been stuck at the Egyptian side of the crossing, and hundreds of others have been deprived of their right to receive medical treatment abroad. During the reported period, the crossing point was completely closed. The crossing point was partially reopened on 18 and 19 July 2006 to allow thousands of Palestinians stuck at the Egyptian side to cross towards the Gaza Strip. Thousands of Palestinians visiting the Gaza Strip from other Arab countries have been stuck inside the Gaza Strip. On Thursday morning, 10 August 2006, Ms. Maria Teleria, Press and Public Information Officer of the EU observers at Rafah International Crossing Point, issued a press release, declaring that the crossing point would be opened from 08:30 to 20:00. However, the crossing point was opened at 10:00 and was re-closed at 12:45 as the EU observers withdrew from it. Approximately 1596 Palestinians were able to travel to Egypt and other countries through the crossing point. On Friday, 11 August 2006, the crossing was opened at 10:00, but it was re-closed at 14:00. Approximately 2800 Palestinian were able to travel from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and other countries. The suffering of thousands of Palestinians as a result of the closure of the crossing has continued since 25 June 2006. At least 10000, including hundreds of families who live abroad, have been waiting for the crossing point to be reopened. These families are threatened to loose their residence in countries where they live and work. Hundreds of patients, who need medical treatment abroad, have not been able to travel. In addition, hundreds of university students who came to the Gaza Strip to spend their vacation have been stuck in the Gaza Strip, and other students who wish to register at university abroad have not been able to travel. Additionally, NGOs, who have activities abroad, have their activities paralyzed.

· Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have completely closed Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, which links the Gaza Strip with Israel and the West Bank. Before this latest closure, IOF had prevented Palestinian workers from reaching their work places inside Israel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing since 12 March 2006. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip had been prevented from traveling through this crossing. IOF had allowed international workers and Palestinian National Authority officials who have VIP cards to pass through the crossing, but without their private cars. With this closure, few Palestinian patients have been able to travel to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank.

· Al-Mentar (Karni) Commercial Crossing: IOF have closed the crossing, which is the main commercial crossing for the Gaza Strip. As a consequence, the economic situation inside the Gaza Strip has further deteriorated and many goods have been lacked in markets. Nahal Ouz crossing, east of Gaza City, which is designed for the importation of fuel, has been operated at a low capacity, which has created a crisis of fuel in the Gaza Strip, especially following the destruction of the electricity generation plant.

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. Following the attack on IOF on 25 June 2006, IOF prevented fishing. 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 IOF, which use helicopter gunships and gunboats to monitor the fishermen. On a number of occasions, IOF 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 imposed a tightened siege on 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 a strict siege on the city. On Thursday and Friday, 17 and 18 August 2006, IOF closed all entrances to the city, and imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday, 18 August 2006, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially in the old town. According to eyewitnesses, IOF prevented Palestinians aged below 45 from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. On Sunday morning, 20 August 2006, IOF chased Palestinian civilians coming to the city from other areas in the West Bank. They beat and arrested dozens of them.

On Saturday evening, 19 August 2006, IOF positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, arrested Ashraf Rebhi Hanaisha, 24, from Qabatya village southeast of Jenin. They claimed that he stabbed an Italian tourist on 10 August 2006 in Jerusalem.

· Hebron: IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have closed a number of roads and entrances of some neighborhoods and erected some checkpoints inside and around the town. IOF have also patrolled in streets. Additionally, they have imposed additional restrictions at permanent checkpoints. On Friday and Saturday, 18 and 19 August 2006, IOF closed all gates and checkpoints at the entrances of the old town and prevented Palestinian civilians from praying in mosques. IOF also erected more checkpoints around the town. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians.

On Sunday evening, 20 August 2006, IOF positioned at al-Akrad intersection, northeast of Hebron, arrested two unknown Palestinian civilians.

At approximately 12:00 on Monday, 21 August 2006, IOF permanently positioned in the center and south of Hebron arrested Ibrahim Sa’di al-Heeh, 16.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 21 August 2006, IOF permanently positioned in the old town of Hebron stopped and violently beat Ghaleb Fadel Jaber, 22, when he was on his way back home. He sustained bruises throughout the body.

On Wednesday afternoon, 23 August 2006, IOF positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Nasser Rateb Abu Samra, 25, from Yatta village south of Hebron.

· Bethlehem: On Saturday, 19 August 2006, IOF closed the permanent checkpoint erected at the western entrance of Beit Jala. They prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilian vehicles through the checkpoint.

On Monday morning, 22 August 2006, IOF positioned at the northern entrance of Bethlehem violently beat Eyad Tawfiq Sha’lan, 23, from al-Duhaisha refugee camp south of the town. They also held him for 3 hours.

· Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 17 August 2006, IOF positioned at checkpoints south of the city imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to Ramallah. They forced Palestinian civilian vehicles to wait for several hours. They also chased civilian vehicles that attempted to resort to alternative roads. On Friday, 18 August 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint on Nablus – Ramallah road, south of the city. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday morning, 20 August 2006, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF positioned at checkpoints located to the south of the city prevented Palestinians aged below 35 from crossing these checkpoints. IOF also closed the checkpoint knows as “17” at the northern entrance of the city until 10:00.

On Thursday, 17 August 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint in al-Fara’a area, northeast of Nablus, arrested two unknown Palestinians.

Also on Thursday, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested an unknown Palestinian.

At approximately 14:00 on Saturday, 19 August 2006, IOF soldiers positioned in a military jeeps opened fire at a Palestinian civilian vehicle that attempted to bypass Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus. As a result, two civilians were wounded:

1. Ahmed ‘Aadel Mishqar, 26, from ‘Askar refugee camp, wounded by a live bullet to the left foot; and

2. ‘Eissa ‘Othman Khalil, 28, from ‘Askar refugee camp, wounded by shrapnel to the head.

At approximately 04:30 on Sunday, 20 August 2006, a Palestinian taxi, that transported a number of workers, was traveling on a dirt road near Nablus – Ramallah road. The taxi resorted to the dirt road as IOF closed Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, in the face of Palestinians aged below 30. The taxi driver was surprised by the presence of IOF on the dirt road. IOF were holding two Palestinian vehicles. The driver moved back fearing that his car and the occupants would be held by IOF. Immediately, IOF opened fire at the car. As a result, 3 workers were wounded. IOF arrested one of the wounded workers. He died from his wound later. He was identified as Jalal Hussam ‘Ouda, 26, from Deir al-Hatab village east of Nablus. The other two workers were evacuated to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus. They were identified as:

1. ‘Esmat Qassem ‘Aamer, 29, from Kufor Qallil village, wounded by a live bullet to the right foot; and

2. Qais Hani Eshtayeh, 22, from Salem village, wounded by a live bullet to the left foot.

When Eshtayeh was wounded, he phoned his brother, 24-year-old Burhan, a taxi driver, who was waiting at Hawara checkpoint, and told him that he was wounded. Immediately, he left his car and started searching for his brother. An IOF soldier noticed him, and fired at him. He was wounded, and IOF arrested him. It is worth noting that IOF often hold Palestinian civilian vehicles and their occupants, when these vehicles resort to dirt roads to avoid congestion at military checkpoints.

· Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 17 August 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at Bala’a intersection on Tulkarm – Nablus road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to alternative dirt roads, and held them for several hours. On Friday, 18 August 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles, and prevented Palestinians aged below 35 from crossing the checkpoint. They also chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to alternative branch roads and held dozens of them for several hours. On Saturday, 19 August 2006, IOF closed an iron gate established on Tulkarm – Nablus road, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians on the road. On Sunday, 20 August 2006, IOF closed all dirt roads located near Wad al-Teen checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, and ‘Ennab checkpoint, east of the town. They also continued to prevent Palestinians aged below 35 from crossing these checkpoints.

· Jenin: IOF have continued to severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 17 August 2006, IOF erected two checkpoints at the entrances of al-Zababda and Haddad villages, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched dozens of civilian vehicles. On Saturday morning, 19 August 2006, IOF erected a number of checkpoints near al-Far’a Valley. At noon, IOF closed the central Jordan Valley, southeast of Jenin. On Sunday morning, 20 August 2006, IOF erected two checkpoints in Jenin – Nablus road, southwest of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday afternoon, 22 August 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at al-Mansoura intersection on Jenin – Nablus road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

On Thursday, 17 August 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint erected at the northern entrance of ‘Aqqaba village, southeast of Jenin, arrested Ahmed Bani ‘Ouda, 17, from Tammoun village southeast of Jenin.

· During the reported period, IOF resumed the construction of sections of the Wall near “Shavi Shomron” settlement, northwest of Nablus. IOF completed the construction of a section of the Wall to the east of the aforementioned settlement at the beginning of 2006. IOF demanded residents of Deir Sharaf village to remove electricity and telephone towers from their place as they would be isolated behind the Wall. “Shavi Shomron” settlement serves as a military base for IOF, from which they conduct incursion into Palestinian communities. Last year, the Israeli High Court issued a temporary injunction stopping the construction of the Wall in the area, in response to an appeal submitted by the local councils of Deir Sharaf, al-Naqoura and Sabastia villages. However, on 30 May 20006, the court approved resuming the construction of the Wall in the area, and on 3 June 2006, IOF resumed the construction.

· On Thursday, 17 August 2006, IOF handed a military order to a number of Palestinian civilians, confiscating dozens of donums of agricultural land in the west of Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. The military order was issued on 21 June 2006, which does not allow Palestinian civilians to appeal against it.

· At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 18 August 2006, at least 300 Palestinian civilians and 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, sound bombes and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, Rami ‘Abed Rabbu, 28, a cameraman of Associated Press, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back. In addition, IOF violently beat 7 demonstrators.

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 that 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 exposing 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 Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented last year, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of 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 the facilitation of 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 with Israeli citizens in a similar manner.

12. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

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

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).