Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Especially the Gaza Strip

• During the reporting period 23 Palestinians, including one civilian, were killed by IOF in the Gaza Strip.

• Ten of the victims were extra-judicially executed by IOF.

• Eight of the victims were killed by IOF during an offensive on al-Musaddar village in the central Gaza Strip.

• Thirty-two Palestinians were wounded by IOF gunfire in the Gaza Strip, and nine people, including an American human rights defender, were wounded by IOF in the West Bank.

• IOF invaded al-Musaddar village in the central Gaza Strip.

• IOF razed 133 donums[1] of agricultural land.

• IOF partially destroyed 10 houses and arrested one Palestinian.

• IOF transformed a number of houses into military sites.

• IOF conducted 24 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

• IOF arrested 87 Palestinian civilians, including a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, in the West Bank.

• IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT.

• IOF have isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world and a humanitarian crisis has emerged.

• IOF prevented at least 150 Palestinian pilgrims from traveling through Erez crossing.

• IOF troops positioned at checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 3 Palestinian civilians.

• IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

• IOF demolished a house in Jerusalem.

• Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian farmer in Nablus.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law continued in the OPT during the reporting period (13 – 26 December 2007):

Shooting: During the reporting period, IOF killed 23 Palestinians. Ten of the victims were extra-judicially executed in 3 IOF air strikes carried out in less than 9 hours, on December 18, the eve of the Eid al-Adha. The victims were all members of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad). In addition, 10 civilian bystanders were wounded.

On 20 December 2007, IOF killed 8 members of the Palestinian resistance during an incursion into al-Musaddar village in the central Gaza Strip. In addition, 21 Palestinians, including a woman, two children and two journalists, were wounded.

On 18 December, an IOF air strike killed 2 police officers in Rafah. On 21 December 2007, IOF killed a member of the Palestinian resistance in Abasan village, east of Khan Yunis. On 24 December, IOF killed 2 members of the Palestinian resistance in al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

On 23 December, a Palestinian civilian was wounded by a gunshot fired by IOF, when he was on his land east of Deir al-Balah town in the central Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, 13 Palestinian civilians and an American human rights defender were wounded by IOF gunfire.

On 14 and 21 December, nine Palestinian civilians and an American human rights defender were wounded when IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, organized in protest of the construction of the Annexation Wall. On 14 December, a Palestinian civilian was wounded by IOF gunfire near the Annexation Wall to the south of Hebron. On 23 December IOF troops positioned at a checkpoint near Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, wounded and arrested a Palestinian civilian. On 24 December, two Palestinian children were wounded by IOF gunfire in Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.   

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 24 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested 87 Palestinian civilians, including two children, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) two members of the municipal council of Nablus and three university professors. The number of Palestinians arrested by IOF in the West Bank since the beginning of 2007 now stands at 2,640.

IOF also made incursions into the Gaza Strip. On 20 December, the second day of the Eid al-Adha, IOF moved into al-Musaddar village in the central Gaza Strip. During this incursion, IOF killed eight Palestinians, and wounded another twenty one. They also razed 73 donums of agricultural land and partially destroyed 10 houses. In addition, IOF arrested a Palestinian civilian. On 21 December, an IOF infantry unit moved into Abasan village, east of Khan Yunis. During this incursion, IOF troops killed a member of the Palestinian resistance. 

Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT, and in addition imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

The Gaza Strip

To date, IOF have closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for almost 18 months continuously. The total siege imposed by IOF on the Gaza Strip has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and has violated the economic and social rights of the Palestinian civilian population, particularly their rights to appropriate living conditions, health and education. The siege has also paralyzed most economic sectors. Furthermore, severe restrictions have been imposed on the movement of the Palestinian civilian population. The siege imposed on the Gaza Strip has also severely affected the flow of food, medical supplies and other necessities, such as fuel, construction materials and raw materials for various economic sectors. IOF have further tightened the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip in June 2007, and the living and economic conditions of Palestinian civilians in Gaza have continued to deteriorate. On 19 September 2007, the Israeli government declared the Gaza Strip “A hostile entity,” and at this point measures of collective punishment against the civilian population escalated. Since September 2007, IOF have limited the goods exported to the Gaza Strip to just nine basic materials. As a direct consequence, local markets ran out of many goods, causing a sharp increase in prices, which in some cases amounted to 500%. The IOF have also banned the import of some medicines, furniture, electrical appliances and cigarettes, as well as decreasing the amounts of some other goods being imported into the Gaza Strip, such as fruits, milk and some other dairy products.

The West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians across the West Bank and Gaza Strip (WB/GS) Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the WB/GS have been denied access to Jerusalem. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside Jerusalem. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, in order to prevent them from praying at the Jerusalem al-Aqsa Mosque. IOF often violently assault Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city.

IOF have also tightened the siege imposed on Palestinian communities across the West Bank. IOF positioned at various checkpoints across the West Bank have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have also erected more checkpoints on the main roads and intersections across the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF troops positioned at checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested at least three Palestinian civilians.

Settlement Activities: IOF have continued settlement activities and Israeli settlers living in the OPT, in violation of international humanitarian law, have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. During the reporting period, IOF demolished a Palestinian house in the Wad al-Jouz neighborhood of East Jerusalem. A number of Israeli settlers also attacked a Palestinian farmer in Til village, southwest of Nablus. The farmer was injured.  

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (13 – 26 December 2007)

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

Thursday, 13 December

·      At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses, and arrested Mohammed Muhareb Jabarin, aged 26, and his brother Yousef, 19.

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They forced Palestinian civilians out of their houses, and searched the houses. They arrested 15 Palestinian civilians, but released them later, excluding:

1.      Bassir Mohammed Ghanem, 27

2.      Mahmoud Riad Fraij, 26

3.      Ibrahim Qassem al-‘Ajouz, 27

4.      Mohammed Mazen al-Hajar, 24.

·      Also, at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Sami ‘Abdul Karim Eshtaiwi, 23

2.      ‘Alaa’ Ghazi Barham, 24.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

·      At approximately 20:00, an IOF undercover unit moved into Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, traveling in a civilian vehicle with a Palestinian registration plate. The vehicle stopped near a coffee shop belonging to Hussein Faisal Abu Sirriya. IOF troops raided the coffee shop. They arrested 12 Palestinian civilians:

1.      ‘Abdul Rahman Hussein al-Wahesh, 22.

2.      ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Hussein al-Wahesh, 22.

3.      Mohammed ‘Eissa Qanouh, 35.

4.      Ahmed Rida Mer’eb, 21.

5.      Hasan ‘Omar Matahen, 28.

6.      Ahmed Bahar ‘Ammouri, 25.

7.      Mohammed ‘Awni al-Badawi, 30.

8.      Mahmoud Marwan al-Sous, 18.

9.      Ahmed Mohammed Sha’ban, 24

10.  ‘Abdul Rahman Mahmoud Masharqa, 18.

11.  Hussein Faisal Abu Sirriya, 26.

12.  Akram Mahmoud Nassar, 42.

Friday, 14 December

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

Saturday, 15 December

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Battir village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Mo’ammar Mohammed Mo’ammar, 27.

2.      ‘Aassem Isma’il Mo’ammar, 25.

3.      Saleh No’man Mo’ammar, 22.

4.      ‘Omar Sameer Abu Ne’ma, 21.

5.      Nidal Mohammed Abu Ne’ma, 25.

Sunday, 16 December  

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and arrested 25 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Ahmed al-Haj ‘Ali Mutair, 69, Member of the PLC representing Hamas

2.      Ahmed Isma’il Doula, 45.

3.      Dr. Mustafa al-Haj Hamad, 48, a university professor

4.      Muntasser Mustafa al-Haj Hamad, 17.

5.      Ghassan Thouqan, 46, a university professor

6.      Ma’ath Ghassan Thouqan, 21.

7.      ‘Anan Ghazal, 48, member of the Municipal Council

8.      ‘Abada ‘Anan Ghazal, 21.

9.      ‘Abdul Jabbar Dwaikat, 49, member of the Municipal Council

10.  ‘Aadel ‘Abdul Jabbar Dwaikat, 22.

11.  ‘Abdullah ‘Abdul Jabbar Dwaikat, 19.

12.  Sami al-‘Aassi, 30, a journalist

13.  Fadel Hamed al-Beetawi, 31, an engineer.

14.  Ahmed Hamed al-Beetawi, 26, a journalist

15.  Dr. Khader Sarandak, 48, Dean of the Faculty of Sharia’ (Legislation) at an-Najah National University.

16.  Anas Khader Sarandak, 27.

17.  Hussam Makkawi al-Kharraz, 49.

18.  Ayman al-Kharraz, 22.

19.  Mo’ayad al-Kharraz, 19.

20.  Marwan Nabeel ‘Aj’aj, 27.

21.  Walaa’ Nabeel Aj’aj, 25.

22.  Mohammed Fu’ad al-Hilali, 19.

23.  Ahmed Fu’ad al-Hilali, 20.

24.  Ibrahim Ya’qoub Batta, 21.

25.  Mohammed Hasan al-Hilali.

Monday, 17 December

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Lu’ai Mohammed Ghayaza, 22.

2.      Rezeq Mohammed Ghayaza, 28.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Fara’a refugee camp, south of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      ‘Azzam ‘Ali Jawabra, 44.

2.      Eyad Mohammed Sarhan, 37.

Tuesday, 18 December  

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Bassa neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Murad Bader Shaheen, 30, director of the office of members of the PLC representing Hamas, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 10:45, an IOF aircraft fired a missile at a police station of the dismissed Palestinian government in Musabbeh neighborhood in the north of Rafah. Two police officers were killed:

1.      Hani Najeh Barhoum, 21.

2.      Mohammed Khaled al-Shareef, 20.

Thursday, 20 December

·      IOF Offensive on al-Musaddar Village in the Central Gaza Strip

In the early morning, IOF moved into al-Musaddar village in the central Gaza Strip. They raided a number of houses and transformed them into military sites. During this incursion, which continued until the evening, IOF killed 8 members of the Palestinian resistance and wounded 21 other Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 2 journalists. IOF also partially destroyed 10 houses, razed 73 donums of agricultural land and arrested a Palestinian civilian.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 00:30, an IOF infantry unit moved nearly 1,000 meters into al-Musaddar village in the central Gaza Strip. IOF troops raided seven houses and transformed them into military sites. At approximately 06:00, IOF sent back-up troops into the area, who raided more houses. During these house raids, IOF troops wounded Zaid Salem Thabet, aged14, as he attempted to escape. IOF troops also violently beat women and detained men in a house belonging to Kamal al-Telbani. At approximately 07:00, a number of activists of the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with IOF troops. Three resistance activists were killed as a result of the exchange of fire.

1.      Waleed Hasan Kalloub, 28.

2.      Jihad Mousa Jaber, 19.

3.      Ibrahim ‘Aa’ed Abu Middain, 24.

During the offensive on al-Musaddar Village, IOF troops opened fire indiscriminately. A tank shell fired by IOF troops fell near a slaughter-house in the east of the neighboring al-Maghazi refugee camp. Five Palestinian civilians were wounded, including 7-year-old Qais Sami Jaber.

At approximately 08:30, Nihad Khalil Shana’a, 30, a Reuters cameraman, was wounded in the left thigh by a gunshot fired by IOF troops, whilst filming the military operation in the area.

At approximately 09:30, IOF troops opened fire on a number of Palestinian resistance activists, killing 28-year-old Mahmoud Mahmoud al-Mis’hal.

At approximately 14:00, three Palestinian resistance activists clashed with IOF troops who were positioned on top of a house belonging to Mohsen al-Musaddar. The three activists were killed in the clash:

1.      Hamza Salem Abu Tiour, 24.

2.      Samer Helmi Abu Saif, 23.

3.      Khalil Bajes al-‘Eissawi, 22.

At approximately 15:20, an IOF aircraft fired a missile at a number of Palestinian resistance activists in al-Maghazi refugee camp. As a result, one resistance activist, 22-year-old Naim Suleiman al-‘Arrouqi, was killed, and Rami Tayseer Abu Dayyah, 22, a correspondent from the local al-Aqsa TV, was wounded in the head by shrapnel.  

The IOF continued to shell houses. Two missiles hit a house belonging to ‘Abdul Hakim Ahmed al-Musaddar, the mayor of al-Musaddar village. The house was damaged, and the brother of the mayor sustained shrapnel wounds to his face and shoulders.

During this incursion, IOF razed 73 donums of agricultural land planted with olive and citrus trees, and also partially destroyed 10 houses.

At approximately 17:00, IOF troops redeployed outside the village, taking at least 50 Palestinian civilians with them. IOF interrogated these civilians, and then released them, excluding Khaled ‘Ali Sa’id, aged 37.

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Waleed Kamel Burhom, 38.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into ‘Aaida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tha’er Ibrahim al-Jawarish, 23, and arrested him.

Friday, 21 December

·      At approximately 02:00, an IOF infantry unit moved nearly 800 meters into ‘Abasan village, east of Khan Yunis. A number of Palestinian resistance activists clashed with the IOF troops. A resistance activist, ‘Awadh Naji Mohammed al-Fujom, 21, from nearby Bani Suhaila village, was seriously wounded by several gunshots. Medical efforts to save him failed and he was pronounced dead at approximately 06:00.

Saturday, 22 December

·      At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Skafiya neighborhood to the west of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported. A number of houses were damaged. 

Sunday, 23 December  

·      At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Abu Snaina and Deir Bahha neighborhoods in the south and west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Jameel Zakaria al-Jamal, 23.

2.      Mahmoud ‘Eissa Abu Snaina, 22.

3.      Hamza ‘Othman al-‘Owaiwi, 36.

4.      ‘Ammar ‘Othman al-‘Owaiwi, 28.

5.      Eyad Isma’il Mujahed, 39.

6.      Nour Khaled Shawar, 19

7.      Ja’far ‘Abdullah Shawar, 22.

·      At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Shuhada Triangle village, south of Jenin. They besieged a house belonging to the family of Rabee’ Hussein ‘As’ous, aged 21. They opened fire at the house, forcing the residents outside. IOF then called on ‘As’ous to surrender, threatening to destroy the house if he did not. Half an hour later, ‘As’ous surrendered, and IOF troops arrested him.

·      At approximately 15:15, IOF troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at ‘Abdul Rahman Salem Abu Hamam, aged 40, who was in the company of a friend and a child. They were all standing on a tract of land almost 350 meters away from the border. The land belongs to Abu Hamam. No one was hurt, and the three Palestinians climbed into Abu Hamam’s car in order to leave the area. As they were departing, IOF troops fired at them again. At this point Abu Hamam was wounded by a gunshot to the back.

Monday, 24 December  

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Rasheed Nasri Sabarna, 23.

2.      Mahmoud Faisal Khamis, 24.

·      At approximately 01:30, an IOF aircraft fired a missile at three Palestinian resistance activists, who were nearly 500 meters away from the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Boreij refugee camp. Two of the activists were killed:

1.      ‘Atallah Ahmed al-‘Awawda, 25

2.      Jom’a Mefleh Abu Hjayer, 25.

·      At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, and opened fire at houses and shops. Dozens of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF military vehicles. IOF troops immediately fired at the children wounding 2 of them:

1.      Eyad ‘Abdul Qader Swaidan, aged 16, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head.

2.      Yazeed Hussein ‘Enaya, aged 6, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left foot.

Tuesday, 25 December  

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Marda village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 10 Palestinian civilians, including a child:

1.      ‘Ezzat Sa’di Khuffash, 20.

2.      Ameer Nasfat Hjair, 20.

3.      Tamer Mohammed Suleiman, 20.

4.      ‘Abdul Qader Saleh Semari, 20.

5.      Ahmed Rasmi Khuffash, 21.

6.      Jalal Tariq Khuffash, 24.

7.      Mahmoud Ameen Khuffash, 14.

8.      Jdai Ahmed Ebdah, 22.

9.      Hazem Ibrahim Ebdah, 26.

10.  Mazen Ibrahim Ebdah, 20.

Wednesday, 26 December

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring refugee camps. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Ghassan Bassam Shatawi, 21.

2.      Radi Nemer Hashash, 20.

3.      ‘Abdul Rahman Khaled Abu Jnaid, 19.

4.      Haitham Sa’id ‘Atalllah, 28.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Roujib village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      ‘Abdul Karim Majed al-Halabi, 33.

2.      Eyad Mohammed Dwaikat, 35.

·      At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Kufor Qallil village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Saddam ‘Atiya Mansour, 19; and

2.      Adham Shihada ‘Aamer, 19.

·      At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Til village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Mohammed ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Assida, 24.

2.      Khaled ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Assida, 22.

2.      Extra-Judicial Executions

·      At approximately 20:30 on Monday, 17 December 2007, an IOF aircraft fired a missile at a white Skoda car, in al-Nasser Street in the north of Gaza City. The commander of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) and his bodyguard were inside the car. The missile hit the car and killed the two occupants:

1.      Majed Yousef al-Harazin, 35, from al-Shoja’eya neighborhood in Gaza City, commander of the al-Quds Brigades.

2.      Jihad al-Sayed Dhaher, 39, from al-Karama neighborhood in Gaza City, his bodyguard.

In addition, five 5 children living in the area of the attack were wounded:

1.      Mohsen Hasan Skaik, 16, wounded by shrapnel to the chest

2.      Yousef Hasan Skaik, 12, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body

3.      Mahmoud ‘Essam ‘Adas, 17, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body

4.      Ahmed Riadh al-Hayek, 16, wounded by shrapnel to the head and the feet

5.      Kamal Ahmed al-Sourani, 16, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body.

·      At approximately 23:30 on Monday December 17, IOF troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Gaza City, fired a surface-to-surface missile at 4 activists of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), who were walking in al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City, nearly 3,000 meters away from the border. The four activists were killed:

1.      Ayman ‘Abdul Latif al-‘Eila, 25, from al-Shati refugee camp.

2.      Kareem Marwan al-Dahdouh, 24, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

3.      Na’ed Rushdi Tafesh, 34, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

4.      ‘Ammar Abu Sa’id, 34, from al-Sabra neighborhood.

·      At approximately 05:30 on Tuesday, 18 December, an IOF aircraft fired a missile at 4 activists of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad). The activists were walking in Block 9 in the densely populated Jabalya refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, having just prayed in al-Tawba Mosque. The four activists were killed:

1.      Mohammed Sa’id al-Taramsi, 34.

2.      Sameer ‘Awadallah Baker, 33.

3.      Ussama ‘Ali Yassin, 32.

4.      Hussam Mahmoud Abu Jabal, 36.

Five civilian bystanders were also wounded:

1.      Fat’hi Mohammed Zumlot, 55.

2.      Mohammed Hasan Ahmed, 41.

3.      As’ad Wajeeh Msallam, 28.

4.      Yasser Bassem Abu Jalala, 26.

5.      Ibrahim Jom’a Baroud, 27.

3. Continued Siege on the OPT

IOF have continued to impose a total 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.

Gaza Strip

IOF have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip for nearly 18 months. The total siege imposed by IOF on the Gaza Strip has left disastrous impacts on the humanitarian situation and has violated the economic and social rights of the Palestinian civilian population, particularly the rights to appropriate living conditions, health and education. During the reporting period, the Israeli government once again declared the Gaza Strip as “a hostile entity,” which implies imposing more restrictions and measures of collective punishment against the Palestinian civilian population. 

·      Rafah International Crossing Point: Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border is the only crossing from the Gaza Strip to a country other than Israel. The IOF have closed Rafah International Crossing Point, although they do not directly control the Crossing Point. The IOF have also prevented European Union observers working at the crossing point from reaching it. Rafah crossing point has been closed since 25 June 2006. Since that date thousands of Palestinian civilians have been stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing, and twenty four civilians, including eight women and a child, have died. The bodies were returned to Gaza via the Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. In addition, thousands of travelers were allowed to return to the Gaza Strip through al-Ojah crossing, which lies eight kilometers to the east of Rafah International Crossing Point.    From there, they were transported to Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing to enter the Gaza Strip.  Hundreds of Palestinian civilians who have residencies in other countries were allowed to travel out of the Gaza Strip via Erez Crossing. However, at least 1,500 Palestinians remain stranded on the Egyptian side of Rafah International Crossing Point, waiting to be allowed to travel back to the Gaza Strip. In addition, thirty Palestinians remain stranded at al-‘Areesh Airport in Egypt. On 3-4 December 2007, the Egyptian authorities allowed 2,200 Palestinian pilgrims to pass through Rafah International Crossing Point to travel to Saudi Arabia.

·      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 via Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing.  Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have been prevented from traveling through this crossing. Only a small number of Palestinian patients have been allowed to travel to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF allowed 520 Christians to travel from the Gaza Strip to Bethlehem for Christmas. On 16-17 December, 700 Muslim pilgrims were also allowed to pass through the crossing to travel to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but 150 others were prevented from leaving the Gaza Strip. A small number of Palestinian patients have been allowed to travel to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank. The following table shows the number of patients who were allowed to pass through Erez crossing during the reporting period, in order to travel to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank:

·       Al-Mentar (Karni) Commercial Crossing: During the reporting period, IOF partially reopened the crossing for several hours on 4 separate days, to allow the entry of 216 containers of animal feed.

·      Nahal Ouz crossing: this crossing is designed for the entry of fuel into the Gaza Strip. On 28 November 2007, IOF imposed a new reduction in the supply of fuel to the Gaza Strip, despite the Gaza Strip already suffering from serious fuel shortages. PCHR has noted that this decision pre-empted a pending decision by the Israeli High Court on a petition submitted by PCHR and several other human rights organizations against the IOF decision, on 25 October 2007, to reduce fuel and electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip. On November 30, the Israeli High Court held a session in order to review the petition, and subsequently rejected it. Statistics indicate that fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip were reduced by more than 50% since the IOF decision was issued on 25 October 2007. During the reporting period, IOF increased the amount of gasoline allowed into the Gaza Strip to 250,000 litres a day, and benzene to 70,000 litres a day.  However, the amount of natural gas allowed into the Gaza Strip has dropped to 100 tons a day due to a technical problem.  

·      Sofa Crossing: During the reporting period, IOF partially reopened the crossing for 3 days allowing the entry of cows, humanitarian aid and some goods. On 16 and 17 December, IOF allowed the entry of 1,900 cows, sheep and camels into the Gaza Strip. On 23 December, IOF allowed the entry of 15 containers of flour for UNRWA and 15 containers of fruits for local traders. On 24 December, IOF allowed the entry of 14 containers of flour for UNRWA and 14 containers of fruits for local traders. On 25 December, IOF allowed the entry of 15 containers of foodstuffs and 15 containers of fruits for local traders.

·      Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing: During the reporting period, there was some movement at the crossing. On 12 December, 53 containers of goods and humanitarian aid were allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 2 containers of flowers were exported. On 13 December, 56 containers of goods for local traders and humanitarian aid were allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 6 containers of strawberries and flowers were exported. On 14 December, 7 containers of goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip. On 17 December, 33 containers of goods were allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 4 containers of flowers and strawberries were exported. On 18 December, 34 containers of goods and humanitarian aid were allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 4 containers of flowers were exported. On 19 December, 5 containers of goods were allowed into the Gaza Strip. On 20 December, 45 containers of goods and humanitarian aid were allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 2 containers of flowers were exported. On 21 December, 44 containers of goods and humanitarian aids were allowed into the Gaza Strip. On 23 December, 47 containers of goods were allowed into the Gaza Strip and 2 containers of flowers were exported. On 24 December, 58 containers of goods were allowed into the Gaza Strip and 2 containers of flowers were exported. On 25 December, 65 containers of goods were allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 2 containers of flowers were exported.

PCHR is following the deterioration of economic and social conditions resulting from the total siege imposed by Israel on the Occupied Palestinian Territory with the utmost concern, especially as regards the Gaza Strip. PCHR is extremely concerned that living standards of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza will further deteriorate if the recommendations of the Israeli Security committee continue to be implemented, as this will result in at least 60% of the Palestinian civilian population being deprived of electricity supplies. In addition, many facilities that provide vital civilian services would be curtailed, due to the lack of electricity.  

The closure of border crossings deprives the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip of their right to freedom of movement, education and health. In addition, IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on fishing in the Gaza Strip. Following the attack on IOF on 25 June 2006, IOF have consistently prevented local fishermen from fishing in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 35,000 people in and around Gaza’s coastal communities are economically dependent 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 gun-ships and gunboats for this purpose. Under the Oslo Accords, Palestinian are permitted to fish up to 20 nautical miles from the Gaza coastline.  

The West Bank

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 severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays to prevent them from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. IOF often violently beat Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city. IOF impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians on Fridays to restrict their access to the al-Aqsa Mosque.

• Bethlehem: IOF have imposed additional restrictions on the freedom of movement, including the access of pilgrims to the holy sites in Bethlehem. On 22 December 2007, IOF troops positioned at a permanent checkpoint established at the southwestern entrance of Bethlehem conducted prolonged checks on Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Sunday, 23 December, IOF closed the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem. The closure continued for 2 hours, following which IOF troops conducted prolonged checks on Palestinian civilians wishing to pass through the checkpoint. On Monday, 24 December, IOF reinforced their presence at Ras Beit Jala checkpoint, west of Bethlehem. They imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Christian pilgrims wishing to enter the town.

On Tuesday 11 December, IOF troops positioned at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, arrested 2 Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip:

·        Murad Khalil Hasan al-Wawi, 29.

·        Hussein Khalil al-Wawi, 27.

·      Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside and around the city. On 14- 15 December, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Hebron. During the Eid al-Adha, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the center and the south of Hebron. They stopped and conducted prolonged checks on civilians.

At approximately 05:00 on Sunday, 23 December, IOF troops positioned at the eastern entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, fired at Mohammed Mahmoud ‘Awadh, aged 21, when he wanted to get out of the village. He was wounded by a gunshot to the right foot. IOF troops then arrested him.

·      Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. During the Eid al-Adha, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They closed checkpoints arbitrarily. At the end of the Eid holidays, IOF troops positioned at various checkpoints around the city imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially employees wishing to travel to work in Ramallah.

At approximately 16:30 on Saturday, 8 December, IOF closed Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus. They arrested Jihad Mahmoud Bisharat, aged 16, claiming that he was carrying explosives.

At approximately 08:30 on Sunday, 9 December, IOF troops positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested ‘Abdul Latif Mohammed Nabhan, 55, from Jenin.

At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 10 December, IOF troops positioned at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Rashad Basem Melhem, 25, from Tulkarm.

On Monday noon, IOF troops positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border, arrested Saif Abu Keshek, 28, from ‘Askar refugee camp northeast of Nablus, when he was on his way back to the West Bank.

·      Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 13 December, IOF closed Wad al-Teen checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. On Sunday, 16 December IOF erected a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday, 18 December, IOF closed all military checkpoints leading to Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town. On 19 December, the first day of the Eid al-Adha, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On 20 December, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of Bala’a village, east of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town. On 23 December, IOF closed Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm until noon.

·      Jenin: At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 25 December, IOF troops positioned at a checkpoint on Sanour-Qabatya road, southeast of Jenin, arrested Fadi Ghazi al-Sa’di, 24, from Jenin, when he was traveling to the town.

3.     Construction of the Annexation Wall

IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory. During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilian in protest to the construction of the Wall in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, and al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem.

·      Following the Friday Prayer on 14 December 2007, scores of Palestinian civilians, plus international and Israeli human rights defenders demonstrated in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the Wall. IOF troops had placed barbwire in the area to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the Wall. The demonstrators attempted to move forward. Immediately, IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, and violently beat them. As a result, 4 demonstrators were wounded:

1.      Samed Hani Abu Rahma, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

2.      Mohammed Ahmed Yassin, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

3.      ‘Omar Hisham Nasser, 24, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

4.      Ibrahim ‘Abdul Fattah Bernat, 25, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

·      Also on December 14^th, following the Friday Prayers, scores of Palestinian civilians, plus international and Israeli human rights defenders demonstrated in al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF troops had placed barbwire in the area to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the Wall. The demonstrators attempted to move towards the Wall. Immediately, IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, and violently beat them. As a result, 2 demonstrators sustained bruises:

1.      Saleem Mohammed al-‘Omour, 29.

2.      Lu’ai Hussein Braijiya, 25.

·      At approximately 14:30 on the same day, IOF troops positioned near the Wall, southwest of Hebron, fired at Mohammed Ahmed al-Hroush, 30, from Mnaizel village, south of Hebron, when he was en route to his land, which is located near the Wall. He was wounded by a gunshot to the left foot.

·      Following the Friday Prayer on 21 December, scores of Palestinian civilians plus international and Israeli human rights defenders demonstrated in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF troops had placed barbwire in the area to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the Wall. The demonstrators attempted to move forward. Immediately, IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, and violently beat them. As a result, 5 demonstrators were wounded:

1.      Ashraf Mohammed al-Khatib, 25, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

2.      Clayton, 24, an American human rights defender, hit by a tear gas canister to the head.

3.      Eyad Mohammed Bernat, 24, hit by a tear gas canister to the leg.

4.      Mahdi ‘Abdul Mo’men Abu Rahma, 18, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

5.      Ibrahim ‘Abdul Fattah Bernat, 25, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.  

·      Following the Friday Prayers on 21 December, scores of Palestinian civilians plus international and Israeli human rights defenders demonstrated in al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF troops had placed barbwires in the area to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the Wall. The demonstrators attempted to move towards the Wall. Immediately, IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, and violently beat them. As a result, three demonstrators sustained bruises. IOF troops also arrested Mohammed Hasan Braijiya, aged 53.

4.      Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property

IOF have continued settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

·      At approximately 11:00 on 25 December, IOF moved into Wad al-Jouz neighborhood in East Jerusalem. They besieged a 70-square-meter house belonging to Akram al-‘Owaiwi, in which 6 people live. They forced the residents out and did not allow them to take any of their belongings. IOF then demolished the house.

·      At approximately 11:15 on the same day, a number of Israeli settlers attacked three Palestinian civilians, including a child, southwest of Nablus. One of the civilian sustained a facture to the left forearm and a large cut to the head.

In his testimony to PCHR, the victim, Hashem Mustafa Hamad, 50, stated:

“At approximately 11:15 on Tuesday, 25 December 2007, I was farming my land in the southwest of Til village, southwest of Nablus, nearly 100 meters a way from a settler bypass road, and 50 meters away from the newly-established ‘Gilad’ settlement. Hussein Ahmed Ayoub, 45, was helping me, and my nephew, 16-year-old ‘Omar Hisham Hamad, was grazing animals in the area. I saw 5 masked Israeli settlers moving towards us. I shouted to them: ‘ Get Back. Back.’ However, they proceeded towards us. They surrounded us, and one of them produced a gas canister, which he sprayed on Ayoub’s face. Ayoub cried out and fell onto the ground. I attempted to pick up a stone to throw it at the settler, but he sprayed gas into my right eye. He then hit me on my head with a stick.

 Ayoub and my nephew fled. The settlers all  gathered around me and violently beat me. A few minutes later, Ayoub brought a taxi, which evacuated me to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus.”

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Recommendations to the International Community

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 their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4.      PCHR calls for the immediately implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5.      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.

6.      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.

7.      PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented last year, for what it is. This disengagement plan does not represent an end to occupation, but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. 

8.      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.

9.      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.

10.  PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.

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

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Public Document

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).