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. 03/2006 19 - 25 January 2006

Israeli Soldiers arrest a Palestinian after hanging campaign banners in Hebron’s old city.

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue to Perpetrate Human Rights Violations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)

Despite announcing that IOF would not initiate military actions in the OPT due to the Palestinian elections, IOF continued to conduct incursions, carry out arrests, and impose movement restrictions throughout the West Bank. In addition, IOF killed one child following their announcement.

Israeli violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (19 – 25 January 2006):

Killing: During the reported period, IOF killed 3 Palestinian civilians in clear incidents of excessive use of force. On 19 January 2006, IOF killed a Palestinian in an area north of Hebron. IOF claimed that the victim was attempting to throw a Molotov cocktail bomb at a patrol in the area. And on 21 January 2006, IOF killed a civilian and injured 2 more as they attempted to infiltrate into Israel in order to look for work. On 23 January 2006, IOF killed a Palestinian child from Al-Mughayer village, east of Ramallah. The child was killed following the IOF announcement of halting their military operations in the OPT. In addition, 4 Palestinian, including 2 children, were injured during the reporting period.

Incursions: IOF conducted 88 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 65 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and 3 females. IOF also transformed 6 houses into military sites. In addition, IOF detained 9 children attempting to infiltrate into the Israel from the Gaza Strip.

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 big prison. Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world, has been partially reopened. The crossing point is operated for 8 hours a day only. IOF reopened Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for a limited number of workers after closing it for a month. The crossing’s operation was handed to a private company, a step PCHR fears will lead to transforming it into an international border crossing. IOF continued to close al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City, since 15 January 2006.

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. IOF continue to prevent residents of Jenin and Tulkarm from passing through Za’tara checkpoint since 15 August 2005. Over the past 3 weeks, IOF have prevented northern West Bank residents, apart from a few humanitarian cases, from passing through the checkpoint. Restrictions were imposed on the movement of PLC candidates campaign activities throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In addition, most of them were prevented from commuting between the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. IOF detained 5 PLC candidates and 9 campaign activists. In addition, IOF detained 2 children at checkpoints in the West Bank.

Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. During the reported period, IOF continued to raze areas of land to the east of "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus, to establish a wall around it. IOF demolished 3 houses in Jenin under the pretext that they are close to the Wall. IOF used excessive force to disperse a peaceful demonstration by Palestinian civilians, international solidarity activists, and Israeli peace activists in Bal’ein. 11 demonstrators were injured, and a Palestinian and an Israeli were detained. IOF continued to impose restrictions on movement on both sides of the Wall, which led to preventing PLC candidates from campaigning in communities beyond the Wall.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (19 – 25 January 2006)

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

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

 Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

 Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Karma village, to the south of Dura village (west of Hebron). north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

 At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into El-Makhfeya neighborhood in the southwest of Nablus. They surrounded the Haseeba building and used loudspeakers to order residents to leave the building. This was conducted while shots were fired into the air and sound charges were detonated. IOF forced one of the residents to surrender, after forcing him to take off his clothes and walk out naked, under threat of blowing up the whole building. The man who surrendered was Ashraf Abu El-Rous, 30. In addition, IOF detained 2 civilians:

 At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into Ein El-Beida village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched one house, and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children:

 At approximately 17:00, IOF accompanied by Israeli General Security Service officers moved into Jabal El-Mukabir village, south of occupied east Jerusalem. They raided and searched the Al-Farouq Cultural Forum Association and confiscated its computers. In addition, IOF arrested the organization’s director, Nahar Halasa. IOF claimed that the organization was being used as a campaign headquarters for the Hamas “Change and Reform List.”

 In the evening, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian and arrested another north of Hebron. IOF claimed that the dead Palestinian attempted to throw a Molotov cocktail at an IOF patrol in the area. PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 18:00, IOF troops on patrol in the vicinity of Teliem settlement, north of Hebron, opened fire at two Palestinian civilians in the area. As a result, Zeyad Ali Hasan Al-Zuhur, 20, of Beit Kahel village was hit by several bullets and died instantly. IOF withheld the body of the deceased. After going through the coordination process, the body was given to a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance the next day. In addition, IOF arrested Bara’ Jihad Mohammad Asafra, 21.

 At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus and surrounded the Antar building in the Al-Daheya neighborhood, in the southeast of the city. Samir Abel Hafiz Hasan Antar, 22, who carried out the Tel Aviv bombing on 19 January 2006 had lived in the building. IOF forced the residents of the 5-storey building to go out in the street and subjected them to field interrogations. Troops then stormed the building and searched it. IOF detained 4 Palestinian civilians:

 Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched the house of Ibrahim Ahmad Mahmoud Ekhmeis, 20, before arresting him.

 Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Kufr Nema village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

 Also at approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Al-Khadir village, southwest of Bethlehem. They chased a group of Palestinian children, and arrested 2 of them under the claim that they threw stones at IOF vehicles. The detained children are:

 Also at approximately 17:00, IOF troops stationed on the border east of Bureij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip detained 3 children from Nuseirat refugee camp when they went near to the border. IOF chased them inside PA territory. The detained children are:

 Also at approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched the house of Abdel Rahman El-Halies. Then they used the house as a military outpost.

 Also at approximately 21:00, IOF troops moved into El-Surra village, southwest of Durra village (southwest of Hebron). They searched the house of Majed Mahmoud Salem El-Awawda, and then used it as a military outpost.

 Also at approximately 21:00, IOF troops moved into Sanjer neighborhood in the east of Durra village, southwest of Hebron. They searched the house of Hussein El-Shawabka, and then used it as a military outpost.

 Also at approximately 22:00, IOF troops moved into Sa’eer village, east of Hebron. They searched the house of Ra’ed Ahmad Hammad El-Farroukh (23) before detaining him.

 At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Hebron. They raided and searched the home of Musa Ibrahim Wazuoz, 24, in the Abu Sneina neighborhood. The search was conducted under the cover of heavy gunfire. The troops forced the house residents to go outside and abused them, before arresting Musa.

 At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Sielet El-Hartheya village, southwest of Jenin. They surrounded the home of Hussein Bahjat Anis Jaradat, 31. Through loudspeakers, the troops ordered Hussein to surrender; and he complied. After that, the troops stormed the house and searched it. IOF claimed that Hussein had been wanted for being a member of Islamic Jihad.

 At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They arrested Jawad Jamil Huweisha, 21, after raiding and searching his home.

 Also at approximately 04:00, IOF moved in El-Surra village, southwest of Durra village (southwest of Hebron). They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

 Also at approximately 05:00, IOF arrested 4 Palestinian children from Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. The children were attempting to infiltrate into Israel from an area east of Bureij refugee camp to look for work. The children were:

 In an incident of excessive use of lethal force, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian and injured two as they attempted to infiltrate into Israel through the border to the east of Beit Hanoun, to search for work. PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 20:00, IOF troops stationed at the border to the east of Beit Hanoun fired at 3 Palestinian youths, who were attempting to come near the border. One was killed instantly, and the others were injured. IOF informed the Palestinian side that there was a dead person and two injured in the area. A Palestinian ambulance headed to the area. However, IOF only allowed the ambulance to reach the scene of the incident 30 minutes following its arrival to the area. The casualties were taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The dead youth was identified as Mo’min Majed Weshah, 18, from Nuseirat refugee camp. He was hit by bullets in the neck and legs. The injured youths were:

The ambulance crew informed PCHR that they did not find any weapons or combat equipment on the youths. It is noted that cross-border infiltration attempts have increased lately due to the closure of most land crossing points and the deteriorating economy.

 At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into the village of Sourif, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses under the cover of gunfire. During the incursion, IOF raided the home of Ali Mohammad Ameen Ghuneimat, 24, to arrest him. When he tried to flee, they opened fire at him, and hit him with a bullet to the stomach. He was arrested after being injured. In addition, IOF detained 3 civilians:

 At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Quffeen village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses after ordering residents, through loudspeakers, to leave their homes. The civilians, residents of the eastern part of the village, were detained outside under a heavy downpour of rain. IOF arrested the child Mujahed Hasan Khashan, 16, and took him to the Qadomim detention center, according to his relatives.

 At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into the village of Beit Qad, east of Jenin. They raided and searched the home of Yousef Abu El-Nawwaf and used the house as a military outpost.

 At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into the village of El-Surra, south of Durra village (southwest of Hebron). They raided and searched the home of Hani Ahmad El-Masri and used the house as a military outpost.

 At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into the village of Yasid, north of Nablus. They patrolled the village streets in a provocative manner before withdrawing. No arrests were reported.

 At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Roujeeb village, east of Nablus. They patrolled the village streets in a provocative manner before withdrawing. No arrests were reported.

 At approximately 06:00, IOF moved into Zabouba village, northeast of Jenin, under the cover of gunfire and sound charges. They patrolled the village streets in a provocative manner before withdrawing. No arrests were reported.

 At approximately 16:00, IOF stationed on the Gaza Strip border to the east of Bureij refugee camp opened fire at 3 children attempting to infiltrate into Israel to look for work. Sami Ibrahim El-Rabai’a, 16, of Jabalia refugee camp was injured by a bullet that penetrated his back and kidney. Khaled Maher El-Hasnan and Bader Maher El-Hasnan, both 16, were arrested.

 At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, north of Hebron. They raided the house belonging to Mohannad Mohammad Thieb Asafra, 25, and arrested him after searching the house.

 At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into the village of Bani Na’em, east of Hebron, and raided the house of Dawoud Issa Qasim Manasra. The troops searched the house and detained the 13-member family in one room. The remainder of the 2-storey house was used by the soldiers as a military outpost.

 At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm and surrounded the home of Ahmad El-Ammouri, in the city’s southern neighborhood. They detained El-Ammouri and his family in the open, while searching the house. In addition, they detained Raja Ahmad El-Ammoure, 22, before withdrawing.

 At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

 At approximately 02:15, IOF moved into Qetna village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

 At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

 At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Sielet El-Hartheya village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

 At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into the village of Al-Mazra’a Al-Qebleya, west of Ramallah. They raided the house belonging to Ali Hannoun, 27, and arrested him after searching the house. It is noted that Ali is visually handicapped and works as an Islamic preacher in the villages of Ramallah and El-Bireh.

 In an incident of excessive use of lethal force, IOF killed a Palestinian child from El-Mughayer village, northeast of Ramallah. IOF claimed that they opened fire at a group of Palestinians planting a “suspicious object” on a road. Israeli media sources stated that the child was getting ready to throw stones near the settlement of Shilo. The next day, the IOF spokesman stated that the circumstances of the child’s death warranted an investigation.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at 17:00, IOF opened fire from inside a military jeep towards a group of Palestinian children on the settler road passing to the east of El-Mughayer village. Munadel Mohammad Saleh Abu Elai’a, 13, was hit with a bullet that penetrated the right side of his back, going through his chest. He died instantly. Witnesses stated that they heard gunfire from the settler road and then saw IOF arrive in the area in large numbers. It was later discovered that these forces fired at the child and killed him.

 At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into El-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem. They raided the house of Hamza M’sallam Issa Breijna, 21, and arrested him after searching the house.

 At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Ramallah and raided a residential building in the Ein Misbah area, arresting Abdallah Arar, 30.

 At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 civilians, including 3 women:

 At approximately 02:00, an undercover IOF unit disguised as Palestinian civilians infiltrated into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They surrounded the home of Nasri Omar El-Sarsur in the eastern area of the village. Five minutes later, IOF regular forces moved into the village and surrounded the target area. Using loudspeakers, they ordered the resident of the house to come out. And at 04:30, 3 civilians came out and surrendered to the IOF. They were:

 At approximately the same time as the above incident, IOF moved into Aneen village, west of Jenin. They raided the house of Mohammad Tawfiq Mansour, 21, and arrested him after searching the house.

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.

Even though IOF were 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 are 8 hours per day. No IOF violations have been registered regarding freedom of movement through this checkpoint since its opening. However, the agreement governing the operation of the crossing effectively institutionalizes the Israeli occupation. 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 reports.

 Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: This is the only crossing point for Gaza Strip workers, medical cases, traders or ordinary citizens into Israel and to the West Bank. The crossing was reopened on 22 January 2006, after a week of closure. It is noted that prior to the previous opening of the crossing on 15 January, it had been closed for a month. On 15 January, it was opened for 184 workers with special permits and for some medical cases. It is noted that workers endure prolonged waiting and humiliation, while passing through this crossing to reach their work places. On Friday, 20 January 2006, IOF handed the operation of the crossing to a private company. However, only one isle was opened. As a result, there was severe overcrowding and waiting. Only 2000 workers, out of 5000 with valid permits, were able to pass through the crossing, as a result.

 Al-Mentar (Karni) Commercial Crossing: Since the evacuation of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, IOF have repeatedly closed the crossing. IOF have closed the crossing since 15 January 2006 for undisclosed security reasons. This closure has severely impacted the Palestinian agricultural exports and caused material losses for farmers.

 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.

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 2500 fishermen, 2500 support staff and their families.

Fishermen have been subjected to intensive monitoring by the Israeli military. The military have used helicopter gunships and gunboats to monitor the fishermen. On a number of occasions the Israeli military opened fire against 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 up 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: During the run up to PLC elections, IOF tightened security procedures at the entrances to occupied east Jerusalem. On the morning of Sunday, 22 January 2006, IOF troops stationed at the Daheyat al-Barid checkpoint conducted humiliating search procedures against Palestinian civilians, hindering them from entering the city. Scores of soldiers were deployed in the area around the checkpoint. In addition, a police patrol in the area stopped Palestinian vehicles. It is noted that there are two isles in the checkpoint: one for Palestinians and the other for settlers. IOF implement discriminatory procedures against Palestinians, while allowing settlers to pass through quickly. This policy is implemented in all checkpoints around the occupied city.

Contrary to public statements on allowing campaign activities for the upcoming PLC elections, IOF harassed candidates and activists, restricted their movement, and detained some of them.

 Ramallah: IOF continued to impose restriction on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. PCHR’s fieldworker reported that IOF have re-established their presence at Attara bridge checkpoint, on the northern entrance of Birzeit, north of Ramallah. IOF troops at the checkpoint follow very slow search procedures that delay civilians from reaching their destinations. And during the reporting period, IOF erected a number of checkpoints on main intersections such as Attara-Beit Siena, Eyon El-Harameya, Sanjal, and Turmos’aya.

Since reopening the Qalandiya checkpoint nearly a month ago, IOF are implementing complicated search procedures for Palestinian civilians. Commuters enter rooms with glass barriers separating them from soldiers. Then they are subjected to 3 search phases. It usually takes 2 hours for a civilian to pass through the checkpoint.

 Nablus: IOF have continued to impose strict closure measures in Nablus. PCHR’s fieldworker indicated that IOF continue to restrict the movement of civilians at the permanent checkpoints on the entrances of Nablus. In addition, IOF erect temporary checkpoints on main roads. The fieldworker reported that IOF troops stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, prevented Palestinian civilians from Tulkarm and Jenin from passing through the checkpoint. They were forced to take a long detour that took several hours to complete. And throughout the reporting period, IOF stationed at Jeet village intersection, southwest of Nablus, subjected Palestinian civilians to humiliating search procedures. IOF troops stationed at the checkpoint near the settlement of Shavi Shamron continue to prevent Palestinians from passing through, except for medical staff. It is noted that the Shavi Shamron checkpoint has been closed since 15 August 2005, when the implementation of the disengagement plan commenced.

 Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose an exceptionally strict closure on Tulkarm for the second consecutive month. On Friday, 20 January 2006, IOF closed the road connecting Tulkarm with its surrounding villages. They erected a checkpoint near the Tien vally and detained hundreds of civilians. At the same time, IOF troops stationed at El-Jarousha checkpoint, north of Tulkarm, prevented hundreds of civilians from passing through. Only the elderly were allowed to pass through. Hundreds of youths, who had attempted to bypass the checkpoint, were detained under a heavy downpour of rain after having their ID cards taken away by soldiers. In addition, IOF troops stationed at the Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, prevented commuters from passing through towards Nablus. It is noted that civilians have been barred from passing through this checkpoint for a month and a half.

On Saturday, 21 January 2006, IOF continued to subject Palestinians to arbitrary and humiliating practices. Soldiers on checkpoints throughout the Tulkarm governorate prevented everyone from entering the Tulkarm or leaving it.

On Sunday, 22 January 2006, IOF prevented civilians from passing through the Wadi E’Tien checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. Soldiers fired at civilians to prevent them from reaching the checkpoint. Leena Ismail Mohammad Jadallah, 35, was injured by shrapnel in her neck.

On Monday, 23 January, 2006, IOF closed the Wadi E’Tien checkpoint. The residents of al-Kufriyat villages were prevented from reaching Tulkarm for several days. As a result, hundreds of civilians were prevented from reaching their places of employment and education. In addition, IOF prevented hundreds of people of a young age from reaching Tulkarm from al-Sharaweya area, north of the city. Only commuters over 50 years old were allowed to pass through on foot and forced to walk a long distance. And at 13:00, IOF stationed at Ennab checkpoint opened fire and threw tear gas bombs and sound charges at civilians prevented from passing through the checkpoint. Scores of civilians were injured and fainted, including women and children. They were treated on the spot.

 Jenin: In the morning of Tuesday, 24 January 2006, IOF troops stationed in the vicinity of the Israeli Military Liaison Office in Salem, west of Jenin, arrested two children on their way to apply for a magnetic card. The detained children were:

Restrictions on the Movement of Candidates for Legislative Elections and Election Staff

During the preparations for the PLC elections and the campaigning by candidates and parties, IOF imposed restrictions on the movement of candidates, campaign activists, and staff of the Central Elections Committee. During the reporting period, 5 candidates and 9 activists were detained.

 In the evening of Thursday, 19 January 2006, IOF detained the Fatah candidate from Jerusalem, Ahmad Abdel Rahman. He was taken to the al-Maskoobeya (Russian Compound) detention center in Jerusalem. He was detained during a campaign rally in Shufat village, north of Jerusalem.

 In the afternoon of Friday, 20 January 2006, IOF troops stationed at the iron gate located in the Annexation Wall section near the entrance of Azoun Etma village, south of Qalqilya, prevented the Fatah list candidates from entering the village. The candidates were: Waleed Mahmoud Assaf and Ahmad Heza’ Shreim. And in the evening, IOF raided a Fatah campaign rally held in the Tur neighborhood of Jerusalem. IOF detained the candidate Othman Abu Gharbeya and took him to the Russian Compound. It is noted that Abu Gharbeya held the post of Commissioner-General of Political Guidance in the PNA before his candidature.

 On Saturday, 21 January 2006, IOF troops, stationed at an iron gate located in the Annexation Wall section in Jenin, prevented candidates of the Hamas “Change and Reform List” from entering the villages beyond the Wall. They were prevented from reaching the villages of Barta’a, Um El-Riehan, El-Taybeh, and Toura al-Gharbeya.

 In the morning of Sunday, 22 January 2006, IOF stationed at the Kabsa checkpoint, east of Jerusalem, prevented Eman Saleh, candidate in the “Badeel” list, from entering Jerusalem to participate in a lecture for women organized by the “Badeel” in the old city. IOF claimed that the candidate did not have a permit to enter Jerusalem.

 And at approximately 19:00 on Sunday, 22 January 2006, Israeli police and border policemen raided “Dream Hall” in the al-Hawouz area of Jerusalem. They arrested the Jerusalem candidate Abdel Latif Gheith and 9 of his campaign activists. The raid took place during a campaign rally and the detainees were taken to the Russian Compound. The detained activists were:

And in the evening of the same day, IOF arrested the “Change and Reform List” candidate Mohammad Totah. He was taken to the Russian Compound. He was detained as he was leaving a Jerusalem hotel after a campaign meeting with Jerusalemites.

 In the afternoon of Monday, 23 January 2006, IOF arrested PLC candidate Sa’id Yaqin, from Bedou village, northwest of Jerusalem. He was detained as he was campaigning in Jerusalem. IOF claimed that he had no permit to enter the city.

 In the morning of Tuesday, 24 January 2006, IOF stationed at El-Jarousha checkpoint, north of Tulkarm, prevented vehicles transporting ballot boxes from entering al-Sharaweya area. Mustafa El-Zarieny, Director of the Central Elections Committee in Tulkarm, stated that soldiers prevented the vehicles from passing and forced them to return to Tulkarm, under the pretext of a “security operation.” It is noted that there are 21 election centers in al-Sharaweya.

IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory. IOF continued the land leveling of the areas around the settlement of Shavi Shamron, northwest of Nablus, in order to construct a wall around it. In addition, IOF continued bulldozing land in the village of Abood, northwest of Ramallah; Bal’ein, west of Ramallah; and around Beit Jala. Further, some of the most noted violations during the reporting period were:

 At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 19 January 2006, IOF moved into El-Taiba village, southwest of Jenin. They surrounded two houses and demolished them completely using bulldozers. IOF claimed that the houses were close to the Annexation Wall segment built in the area. The targeted houses were:

1. A house belonging to Omar Mas’oud Jabarin. It was under construction on an area of 120 square meters; and

2. A house belonging to Tawfiq Ahmad Tawfiq Jabarin. It was a 100 square meters, one-storey house, inhabited a family of 10.

 At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 19 January 2006, IOF moved into Sielet El-Maleh village, southwest of Jenin. They demolished the house belonging to Yousef Subhi Mohammad El-Khatib. The house was built on an area of 150 square meters. IOF claimed that the house was close to the Annexation Wall segment being constructed in the area.

 At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 20 January 2006, three thousand Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli peace activists, and PLC candidates organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators and assaulted them with batons and gun butts. Eleven demonstrators were injured. IOF also arrested an Israeli demonstrator and a Palestinian demonstrator. Both were released later after being beaten severely by IOF troops.

 In the evening of Saturday, 21 January 2006, IOF detained 50 Palestinian civilians from Beit El-Rosh El-Foqa village, southwest of Hebron. They were detained in a location adjacent to the Annexation Wall section in the area. They were subjected to a field interrogation about a missing segment of the wire fence which was part of the wall.

 On the morning of Sunday, 22 January 2006, IOF, stationed at the iron gate located in the Wall section near the entrance of Azzoun Etma village, south of Qalqilya, prevented the Palestinian Minister of Local Government, Khaled El-Qawasmi, from entering the village.

 On the morning of Monday, 23 January 2006, IOF, stationed at the iron gate located in the Wall section southwest of J’bara village, closed the gate, preventing Palestinian civilians from leaving their village all day.

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 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 proposed Gaza disengagement plan 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 the 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.

*Office Hours are between 0800 – 1600 hours (0500 GMT – 1300 GMT) Sun – Thurs.

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

*Office Hours are between 0800 – 1600 hours (0500 GMT – 1300 GMT) Sun – Thurs.

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