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

·        16 Palestinians, 2 children and 2 brothers, were killed by IOF in the OPT.  

·        12 of the victims were killed by IOF in the Gaza Strip in a few hours.

·        7 of the victims are civilians.

·        3 of the victims were extra-judicially executed by IOF.

·        61 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including a woman, were wounded by IOF gunfire in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

·        2 human rights defenders were wounded by IOF gunfire.

·        IOF conducted 23 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and 4 incursions into the Gaza Strip.

·        IOF arrested 15 Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and 4 others in the Gaza Strip.

·        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 is likely to emerge.

·        IOF positioned at various checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested 4 Palestinian civilians.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law continued in the OPT during the reporting period (21 – 27 June 2007):

Shooting: During the reporting period, IOF killed 16 Palestinians, including 2 children, and wounded 63 persons, including a woman and 2 human rights defenders, in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF killed 15 Palestinians. Twelve of these Palestinians were killed during two incursions into Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, and al-Shoja’eya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City on Wednesday, 27 June 2007. In addition, at least 50 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were wounded. These attacks came less than one week following the appointment of Ehud Barak as a new Israeli Defense Minister, and 2 days following the Arab-Israeli Sharm al-Sheikh summit which discussed the resumption of the Middle East peace process and easing the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The high number of casualties proves IOF’s disregard for the lives of civilians and indicates that IOF continue to practices policies of collective punishment in violation of article 33 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949. Also during the reporting period, IOF extra-judicially executed 3 members of the al-Quds Brigades (the military wing of Islamic Jihad) in 2 separate attacks in the Gaza Strip on 21 and 27 June 2007. Additionally, 3 civilian bystanders were wounded.

In the West Bank, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian in Hebron on 21 June 2007, claiming that he disobeyed orders to stop. On 22 June 2007, 2 international human rights defenders were wounded when IOF used force against a peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders against the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah. On 23 June 2007, a Palestinian woman was wounded in Kufor Dan village, west of Jenin, when IOF opened fire at houses during an incursion into the village. On 26 June 2006, 2 Palestinian resistance activists were wounded by the IOF gunfire in Bourqin Valley, west of Jenin.

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 23 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During those incursions, IOF arrested 15 Palestinian civilians. Thus, the number of Palestinians arrested by IOF in the West Bank since the beginning of this year has mounted to 1,440.  

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted 4 incursions into Palestinian communities. On 21 June 2007, IOF moved into the east of Jabalya town in the northern Gaza Strip and leveled areas of land they had already razed. On 26 June 2007, IOF moved into the Palestinian side of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing and destroyed the path of workers leading to the crossings. The remaining two incursions were the two aforementioned ones into Khuza’a village and al-Shoja’eya neighborhood.

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.

Gaza Strip

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

IOF have closed Rafah International Crossing Point since 25 June 2006, even though they do not directly control it. During the reporting period, the crossing point has been completely closed since Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Palestinian security forces from the crossing point. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been stuck at the Egyptian side of the crossing point.

IOF have also closed commercial crossings, especially al-Mentar (Karni) crossing. If this closure continues, a humanitarian crisis is likely to emerge in the Gaza Strip. IOF have also continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have been prevented from traveling through this crossing. During the reporting period, IOF completely closed the crossing. They prevented traders and patients from passing through. IOF allow very few patients to travel through the crossing, but following coordination through the ICRC. During the reporting period, IOF reopened Kerem Shalom crossing, southeast of Rafah, for 3 days, and Sofa crossing, northeast of the town, for 2 days.

West Bank

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 also erected more checkpoints on the main roads and intersections in the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF soldiers positioned at various checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested at least 4 Palestinian civilians.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (21 – 27 June 2007)

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

Thursday, 21 June 2007

At approximately 04:15, at least 15 IOF military vehicles, including 4 bulldozers, moved nearly 1.300 meters into the east of Jabalya town in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed. IOF pulled back towards the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel at approximately 14:00.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire indiscriminately. They then raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ahmed Mahmoud Hashash, 20. At approximately 05:00 on the following day, IOF took position in Rafidya neighborhood in the west of Nablus. They besieged Kalbouna apartment building. They called through megaphones on residents of the building to get out and they did. IOF interrogated the residents. Before their withdrawal from the city at approximately 07:00, IOF arrested 3 Palestinians who were in the building, claiming that they were wanted:

1. Yousef Abu Leila, 20;

2. Yousef Mabrouka, 30; and

3. Muheeb al-Khattari, 22.

Friday, 22 June 2007

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed ‘Ezzat Zayoud, 21.

Saturday, 23 June 2007

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire. They then raided and searched a number of houses, but neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Aaroura village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sheikh Saleh al-‘Aarouri, 43, and arrested him. Al-‘Aarouri was released from Israeli jails 3 months ago after having served 15 years.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire indiscriminately. A Palestinian woman, 26-year-old Sanaa’ ‘Othman Zaidan, was seriously wounded by a gunshot to the chest, when she was looking through the window of her house to see what was going on. IOF also raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:30, an IOF military jeep moved into al-‘Aqaba village in the northern Jordan Valley. IOF soldiers raided the house of Hajj Sami Sadiq, the mayor. They ordered him and his family to get out and bring down a Palestinian flag raised atop of the gate of the school of the village. When the family refused, IOF broke into the school and brought the flag down. They put it onto the ground and treaded on it.

Sunday, 24 June 2007

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire. They withdrew a few hours later, and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Til village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nour Ghannam ‘Assida, 25.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Saida village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire. They withdrew a few hours later, and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Zeeta village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire. They withdrew a few hours later, and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 25 June 2007

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Saffa village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed al-Hindi, 24, and arrested him.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire. They withdrew a few hours later, and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Za’tara village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nour al-Din Hussein Dannoun, 21, and arrested him.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into al-Hadab village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Malek Mohammed al-Qawmi, 27, and arrested him.

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nader Mahmoud Sawafta, 35.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Til village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into the Palestinian side of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip. They destroyed the path used by workers towards the crossing. IOF withdrew from the area at approximately 18:00, leaving large destruction.

At approximately 21:30, an IOF undercover unit moved into Bourqin Valley, west of Jenin. IOF soldiers besieged a house belonging to Mohammed Jom’a Turkman, 28. Soon after, a number of IOF military vehicles arrived at the area to support the undercover unit. IOF opened fire indiscriminately. A number of members of the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with IOF. One of the resistance members, Samer Ameen Farahati, 24, from Jenin refugee camp, was seriously wounded by a gunshot to the side. IOF continued to fire at Turkman’s house and threatened to demolish it if he did not surrender. At approximately 02:15 on the following day, IOF arrested Turkman and another Palestinian civilian who was with him, Falasteen ‘Ali Barakat, 25. According to eyewitnesses, Barakat had been already wounded.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, and imposed a curfew. IOF patrolled in the streets and opened fire indiscriminately. A sound bomb fired by IOF hit a gas refill in a restaurant belonging to Ahmed Jaber Abu Hamada in the center of the camp. Fire broke out in the restaurant. IOF then raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nour al-Din Ahmed Qaisiya, 21.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:30, IOF armored military vehicles, supported by military aircraft, moved nearly 1.5 kilometers into Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis. IOF troops stormed a number of houses in Abu Reida neighborhood in the town, and transformed many of these homes into military outposts holding residents as hostages. Palestinian resistance activists confronted the IOF troops. Two resistance activists were killed and 2 others were wounded. The activists killed are:

1. Deya’ Mohammad Abu Daqqa, 24, hit by a gunshot to the chest; and

2.  Hussam ‘Abdullah Abu To’eima, 24, hit by a gunshot to the head.

IOF called on male Palestinians aged 15-50 to get out of their houses and gather in a yard in the village and they did. IOF interrogated these Palestinians and took them to a military post at the Gaza Strip border. Armed clashes continued between IOF and Palestinian resistance activist. At approximately 14:00, Mahdi Fu’ad al-Hammami, 25, was wounded by gunshots to the chest. He bled to death as medical crews were not able to attend him due to the intense IOF shelling. Additionally, 5 Palestinians were wounded:

1. Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Lehya, 52, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;

2. Rasmi Saleem Abu Reida, 52, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;

3. Ibrahim Yousef al-Najjar, 22, wounded by shrapnel to the face;

4. Mo’taz ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Qudaih, 19, wounded by a gunshot to the left thigh; and

5. Hmaid Mohammed Qdaih, 22, wounded by a gunshot to the right thigh.

During this incursion, IOF razed at least 70 donums of agricultural land and damaged a number of houses. At approximately 22:30, IOF redeployed outside the village.

At approximately 05:00, IOF armored military vehicles, supported by military aircraft, moved into al-Shoja’eya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. IOF fired a shell at two civilians, killing them instantly:

1. Nafez Mahmoud Hilles, 27;

2.  Ahmad ‘Ayyad Hilles, 16.

Ten civilians, including a child, a girl and an elderly man, were wounded by indiscriminate IOF shelling and fire against civilian houses.

At approximately 11:30, IOF killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child and 2 brothers, in al-Shoja’eya neighborhood. IOF fired a shell at a group of 4 civilians standing in front of the house of Sa’id Jundeya in al-Muntar Street. The shell fell in the middle of the group and killed them instantly. The victims are:

1. Izzedeen Sa’id Jundeya, 14;

2. Hazem Eyad Jundeya, 23;

3. Yousef Kamal al-Manasra, 18; and

4.  Sami Kamal al-Manasra, 28.

In the afternoon, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that ‘Anan ‘Abdul ‘Aziz al-‘Ar’eer, 24, a resistance activist, died from wounds he had sustained in the morning. In addition, IOF fired a tank shell at a group of resistance activists, killing one of them instantly, Yousef Khalil Juha, 22.

In addition, to the aforementioned 10 wounded civilians, another 40 wounded from al-Shoja’eya neighborhood, including a number of women and children, were admitted into Gaza City hospitals. Most of the wounded are unarmed civilians injured by IOF indiscriminate shelling of civilian houses. In the afternoon, IOF ended their operation in al-Shoja’eya neighborhood and withdrew to the Gaza Strip border, leaving behind considerable destruction to civilian houses, property and agricultural land.

Extra-Judicial Execution

During the reporting period, IOF committed 2 extra-judicial executions in the Gaza Strip, in which they killed 3 members of the al-Quds Brigades (the military wing of Islamic Jihad), and wounded 3 civilian bystanders.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR:

At approximately 21:45 on Sunday, an IOF warplane fired a missile at a civilian car, in which 2 members of the al-Quds Brigades were traveling, in al-Nasser Street in the north of Gaza City. One member of the al-Quds Brigades, Hussam Khalil Harb, 30, from al-Shoja’eya neighborhood in Gaza City, was killed and the other one, Zakaria Younis al-Tatar, 28, was seriously wounded. Al-Tatar died from his wound on Wednesday afternoon, 27 June 2007. Additionally, 3 civilian bystanders were wounded by shrapnel throughout their bodies:

1. Islam Kamal Abu Nahel, 20;

2. Rawhi ‘Abdul Khaliq al-Hajj ‘Ali, 36; and

3. Muneer Hasan al-Talmas, 42.

At approximately 07:30 on Wednesday, an IOF warplane fired a missile at a civilian car in Baghdad Street in al-Shoja’eya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. The driver, Ra’ed Amin Abu Fannouna, 37, a member of the al-Quds Brigades, was instantly killed.

Continued Siege on the OPT

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.

Gaza Strip

OF have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip for nearly one year. 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. It has also paralyzed most economic sectors. Furthermore, severe restrictions have been imposed on the movement of the Palestinian civilian population. As a consequence of the total siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, at least 73% of the families in the Gaza Strip live below the poverty line, and unemployment has been estimated at 55%. In addition, the living conditions in the Gaza Strip have further deteriorated with the non-payment of salaries for the public sector for nearly a year as international donors have frozen aids provided to Palestinians, and Israeli authorities have suspended the transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian National Authority since March 2006. Moreover, the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip has severely impacted the flow of food, medical supplies and other necessities such as fuel, construction materials and raw materials for various economic sectors.

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. The crossing point has been closed since 25 June 2006. During the reporting period, the crossing point was completely closed after Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Palestinian security forces from the crossing point. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been stuck at the Egyptian side of the crossing point. Additionally, 8 Palestinian patients died at Egyptian hospitals, and their families have not been able to bring their bodies into the Gaza Strip.

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.  Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip had been prevented from traveling through this crossing.  IOF have allowed international workers to pass through the crossing.  With this closure, few Palestinian patients have been able to travel to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank. IOF have allowed nearly 400 traders to pass through the crossing. IOF have also continued to prevent members of the Palestinian Legislative Council representing Hamas from traveling to the West Bank and Jerusalem. On Friday, 16 February 2007, IOF opened the new Erez International Crossing Point under new procedures. Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have to obtain permits from the IOF Civil Administration as it was the case before. According to Palestinians who traveled through the new crossing point, IOF impose the same restrictions on their movement as in the past. IOF have decreased the number of patients allowed to travel through the crossing for alleged security claims, even though those patients do not pose any threat to the security of Israelis and they are badly in need for advanced medical treatment. Patients who are allowed to pass through the crossing are forced to wait for long hours to undergo complicated passage and security procedures. They are thoroughly checked in a humiliating manner. Patients are also forced to pay additional financial expenses to use Israeli ambulances to transport them from the crossing to hospitals since Palestinian ambulances are banned from transporting patients. Since the beginning of this year, IOF have allowed 10 patients daily to travel to hospitals in Israel and the West Bank through the crossing. IOF have also continued to prevent many Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. Following Hamas’ takeover in the Gaza Strip, dozens of Palestinians went to the crossing to travel to the West Bank. IOF allowed 8 Palestinian patients to travel to Israel to receive medical treatment following coordination through the ICRC.

Al-Mentar (Karni) Commercial Crossing: During the reporting period, the crossing was completely closed. The same applies to Nahal Ouz crossing, which is designed for the entry of fuels into the Gaza Strip, which was opened to allow the entry of very limited amounts of fuels. 

Sofa Crossing: During the reporting period, the crossing point was partially opened for 2 days to allow the entry of some goods for local traders.

Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom): During the reporting period, the crossing was opened for 3 days to allow the entry of humanitarian aid from Jordan and for WFP.

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. The Oslo Accords allow Palestinian fishermen to go fishing up to 20 nautical miles away from the Gaza seashore.

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.

Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 21 June 2007, IOF re-established their presence at Yits’har checkpoint, south of Nablus. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. They also imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through other checkpoints around the city. On Saturday morning, 23 June 2007, IOF re-established their presence at al-Bathan checkpoint, northeast of Nablus. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. IOF also closed Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, for 2 hours. On Sunday noon, 24 June 2007, IOF soldiers positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, conducted prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians, which made some of them sick due to the hot weather. On Monday morning, 25 June 2007, IOF closed al-Bathan checkpoint at the northeastern entrance of Nablus. On Tuesday morning, 26 June 2007, IOF closed al-Bathan checkpoint, northeast of Nablus. On Wednesday morning, 27 June 2007, IOF closed al-Bathan checkpoint again. IOF also closed Beit Eiba checkpoint, east of Nablus for 3 hours; imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians passing through Za’tara checkpoint, south of the city; and erected 2 checkpoints near Tallouza and ‘Assira villages, north of the city.

On Thursday evening, 21 June 2007, IOF soldiers positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested ‘Aamer Yasser al-Banna, 35, from Nablus.  

Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 21 June 2007, IOF erected a checkpoint to the east of Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched dozens of civilian vehicles. On the same day, IOF soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, and at Wad al-Teen checkpoint, south of the town, prevented Palestinian civilians aged under 35 from passing through the two checkpoints. Those civilians were forced to resort to alternative branch roads, but IOF soldiers arrested and beat them. On Saturday, 23 June 2007, IOF erected a number of checkpoints around Tulkarm, including one at Far’oun intersection, south of the town, and another one at the entrance of Beit Leed village, east of the town. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. On Sunday, 24 June 2007, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Ras village, south of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 25 June 2007, IOF closed Wad al-Teen checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF also closed a number of dirt roads to the west of Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. On Tuesday, IOF erected a checkpoint at Deir al-Ghosoun intersection, north of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

Hebron: On Thursday evening, 21 June 2007, IOF shot dead a Palestinian civilian when he was walking near the northern entrance of Hebron, claiming that he did not obey orders to stop. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 20:30 on Thursday, Shadi Rajeh ‘Abdullah al-Mutawar, 25, from Halhoul town north of Hebron, went out of his house wearing his pajama towards a supermarket neat the northern entrance of Hebron. As he was walking, IOF soldiers positioned at an observation tower in the area ordered him to move towards them. When he got close to the town, IOF soldiers opened fire at him. He was instantly killed by several gunshots to the head, the chest and the limbs.

At approximately 07:00 on Tuesday, 26 June 2007, IOF soldiers positioned at Kfar Etzion checkpoint on Hebron-Bethlehem road arrested Na’im Ahmed Hamda, 22, from Sourif village northwest of Hebron.

Al-Karama International Crossing Point: On Monday, 25 June 2007, IOF soldiers positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Mahmoud Ahmed Sandid, 43, from Jenin, and Ahmed ‘Azzam Hassouna, 20, when the two were on their way back to the West Bank.

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 a peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilian in protest to the construction of the Wall in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah.

Following the Friday Prayer on 22 June 2007, scores of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders demonstrated in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF soldiers had placed barbwires in the area to prevent the demonstrators from reaching the Wall. The demonstrators attempted to move forward. Immediately, IOF soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, and violently beat them. As a result, 2 international human rights defenders were wounded:

Path, 45, a Canadian citizen, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back; and

Chritia, 35, a Dutch citizen, hit by a tear gas canister to the leg. 

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.

On Friday afternoon, 22 June 2007, a number of Israeli settlers from “Teqqoa” settlement, south of Bethlehem, set fire to large areas of Palestinian agricultural land in the neighboring Taqqou’ village. According to local estimations, at least 300 donums of agricultural land were heavy damaged, and at least 400 olive trees were burnt.

At approximately 14:30 on the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from “Ramat Yishai” settlement outpost in Tal Rumaida neighborhood in the center of Hebron set fire to olive fields located to the east of the outpost. At least 50 olive trees and a number of almond and grape trees were burnt. Israeli settlers often attack Palestinian property in the area to force Palestinian civilians to leave the area.  

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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 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 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 - not 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

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