PCHR Weekly Report

Israeli Occupation Forces Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Continue to Impose a Total Siege on the Gaza Strip

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (12 – 18 November 2009):

Shooting: During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child and wounded 6 civilians, including two children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

On 13 November 2009, Israeli troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Gaza Valley village, southeast of Gaza City, opened fire at 7 Palestinian children and young men who were traveling on an animal cart towards the village. As a result, a child was killed, and another one was wounded. Soon after, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the area, and arrested 4 of these civilians, including the wounded child. The detainees were released later, excluding the wounded child who was taken to an Israeli hospital.

On 15 November 2009, two Palestinian civilians were wounded in two separate gunfire attacks by Israeli troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

In the West Bank, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded when Israeli forces used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders, in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall in the West Bank.

Incursions: During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 22 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Israeli forces arrested 32, including 8 children. Israeli forces also arrested 8 Palestinian civilians during a protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall in Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkarm. Additionally, Israeli forces transformed a house in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, into a military site.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted 4 limited incursions into Palestinian communities, during which they leveled areas of land, which had previously been razed.

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

IOF have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The illegal Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

· 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

· The main concern of 1.5 million people living in the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food, medicines, water and electricity supplies.

· Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two years.

· Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding few amounts of cooking gas, since 10 December 2008.

· The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened for a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to the Gaza Strip.

· Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

· Poverty and unemployment rates stand at approximately 80% and 60% respectively in the Gaza Strip.

· Israel has continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Losses incurred to this sector are estimated at US$ 6 million.

· Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment are among the highest in the world.

· At least 900 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been denied family visitation rights for more than two years.

· Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the Gaza Strip coast.

Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

· Israeli forces have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

· There are approximately permanent 630 roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank. In addition, there are some 60-80 ‘flying’ or temporary checkpoints erected across the West Bank by Israeli forces every week.

· When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall has already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating Palestinian land.

· At least 65% of the main roads that leads to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by Israeli forces (47 out of 72 roads).

· There are around 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately one third of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a permit issued by the Israeli forces. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

· Israeli forces continue to harass, and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of the Annexation Wall.

· Palestinian civilians continue to be harassed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem, and across the West Bank, including being regularly stopped and searched in the streets.

Construction of the Annexation Wall: On 13 November 2009, Israeli forces completed establishing a fence along bypass road #55 to the north of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, allegedly to prevent stone throwing at Israeli vehicle traveling on the road, which links Nablus and Qalqilya. The fence is 3.5 kilometers long and two meters wide. Israeli forces had started establishing the fence last year. With the establishment of this fences, 'Azzoun village had become totally isolated, and at least 1,300 donums of its agricultural land have become separated from it. Israeli forces have also imposed restrictions on construction near the fence. Palestinian civilians have to resort to alternative longer roads to travel to Qalqilya and to reach their lands.

Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Majority in Jerusalem: During the reporting period, Israeli forces demolished 5 houses in East Jerusalem, rendering 41 Palestinians homeless. The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem also issued a decision ordering the demolition of a 500-square-meter, 7-storey apartment building belonging to Sharhabeel 'Alqam. The building, which was built in 2002, includes 25 flats that were purchased by Jerusalemite families at a cost of at least US$ 60,000 per flat.

Settlement Activities: Israeli forces have continued settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law and Israeli settlers living have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. On 17 November 2009, the Construction and Planning Committee of the Israeli Ministry of Interior approved the construction of 900 new housing units in "Gilo" settlement, south of East Jerusalem. This plan implies the expansion of the settlement towards al-Malha suburb. According to the Israeli daily Ha'aretz, the construction of those units is the first stage and a wider plan to expand the settlement, which the Israeli government claim to be an integral part of "Greater Jerusalem."

On 12 November 2009, Israeli forces moved into Roujib village, east of Nablus. They handed written notices to 13 Palestinian civilians ordering a cease of construction works in 12 houses and a bird farm in al-Salaht area, and requesting the civilians to report to Beit Eil Court at 09:00 on Thursday, 10 December 2009. Israeli forces then demolished the houses and the farm. On the same day, Israeli forces handed 11 notices to Palestinian civilians in Um al-Khair village, south of Hebron, ordering the demolition of 17 civilian facilities, which includes 9 houses where 57 people, including 39 children, live. The facilities are only 50-300 meters away from "Carme'el" settlement. Israeli forces gave Palestinian civilians until 10 December 2009 to appeal against the orders.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces ordered a cease of construction in al-Bireh Stadium, allegedly due to the lack of a construction license. The Mayor of al-Bireh, Jamal al-Tawil, stated that the area where the stadium is being constructed is a part of the city, which has been added to its boundaries since 1976. Since that time, the municipality has implemented many infrastructure projects in the area and offered construction licenses to many Palestinians, without facing any problem.

On 12 November 2009, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yits'har" settlement, south of Nablus, uprooted 97 olive trees belonging to Akram Ibrahim 'Omran in Bourin village, south of the city.

On 13 November 2009, a number of Israeli settlers living in "Abraham Avino" settlement in the center of Hebron seized a commercial building belonging to 'Ali 'Aashour Abu Snaina in al-Sahla Street in the west of the old town for several hours. The conducted religious ceremonies in the building.

On 14 November 2009, Israeli settlers living in "Carme'el" settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian civilians from the al-Hathalin Tribe and their houses in Um al-Khair Bedouin Village. Israeli troops were present in the area, but did not intervene to stop the attack.

On the same day, a number of armed Israeli settlers from "Kharsina" settlement, east of Hebron, attacked Palestinian houses in Qaizoun area using stones and empty bottles. The windows and doors of a house belonging to Ghaleb 'Abdul Karim al-Za'tari were damaged. On the following day, the settlers attacked the same area again. They damaged 3 cars.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (12 – 18 November 2009)

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

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Jama'in village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ra'ed Ibrahim 'Amir, 35.

· Also at approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Salam Street in the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ra'ed Khader al-Natsha, 23.

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, south of Jericho. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and summoned 4 Palestinian civilians for interrogation.

· At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of Gaza Valley village, southeast of Gaza City, opened fire at 7 Palestinian children and young men who were traveling on an animal cart towards the village. As a result, Mustafa Mohammed Sabri Wadi, 15, was killed, and Ahmed Khader Sa'doun, 17, was wounded by two gunshots to the abdomen and the thigh. Soon after, Israeli forces moved nearly 300 meters into the area, and arrested 4 of these civilians, including the wounded child. The detainees were released later, excluding the wounded child who was taken to an Israeli hospital. According to one of the released detainees, the seven children and young men were on their way back from a market in Gaza City traveling on an animal cart. They saw a number of dogs. Five of them chased the dogs towards a solid waste plant, which is nearly 300 meters away from the border, and continued to chase them up to 150 meters away from the border. Israeli troops positioned at the border opened fire at them, so they attempted to hide behind a hill of sand, but gunshots hit two of them. Soon after, Israeli forces moved into the area and arrested them. According to medical sources, Wadi was hit by two gunshots to the head and the left foot.

· At approximately 08:30, Israeli troops positioned to the east of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, north of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were hunting birds nearly 500 meters away from the border. As a result, Amjad Sa'ad Hassanain, 27, was wounded by a gunshot to the left shoulder.

· At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were on their agricultural lands, nearly 400 meters away from the border. When the farmers attempted to flee from the area, Israeli troops fired at them again. As a result, Mahmoud Mohammed Shawish, 29, was wounded by a gunshot to the feet.

· At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved nearly 500 meters into Palestinian areas located to the north of the Bedouin village in the northern Gaza Strip. Until 17:00, they leveled areas of land, which had previously been razed.

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tubas village. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Far'a refugee camp, south of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Aqqaba village, west of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ahmed Kamel Thawabta, 21.

· Also at approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Fares Mohammed Sa'id, 18.

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-'Asakra village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians, including two children:

· Also at approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Zeer village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 01:15, Israeli forces moved into Katef al-Wad neighborhood in the center of Jericho. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mahmoud Mousa al-Hilu, 25.

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Madama village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Taher Yousef 'Ouda, 21.

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Isma'il Sabarna. They forced the family out and turned the house into a military site.

· At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces raided and searched greenhouse in Kufor Dan village, west of Jenin. They were allegedly searching for unlicensed wells.

· At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces moved nearly 300 meters into al-Farrahin area in 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. Until 16:00, they leveled areas of land, which they had already razed.

· At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved nearly 250 meters into Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis. Until 15:30, they leveled areas of land, which they had already razed.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a tightened blockade 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.

Israeli forces have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The illegal Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

· 1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

· The main concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food, medicines, water and electricity supplies.

· Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more than two years.

· Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding few amounts of cooking gas, since 10 December 2008.

· The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened for a few days for a number of patients who received medical treatment abroad and needed to return home to the Gaza Strip.

· Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

· Israel has to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Losses incurred to this sector are estimated at US$ 6 million.

· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment are among the highest in the world.

· At least 900 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been denied family visitation rights for more than two years.

· Israeli forces have continued to attack Palestinian fishermen along the Gaza Strip coast.

Date	Details
11 November 2009	31 pilgrims were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 26 Palestinian patients and 61 persons and 48 vehicles of the convoy of Miles of Smiles were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
12 November 2009	10 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 108 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
13 November 2009	61 persons from the convoy of Miles of Smiles were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 12 persons, including 8 US citizens were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
14 November 2009	9 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 8 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
15 November 2009	3 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 13 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
16 November 2009	Two Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
17 November 2009	9 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 42 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Date	Details
11 November 2009	105 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
12 November 2009	165 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
13 November 2009	Closed.
14 November 2009	Closed.
15 November 2009	113 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
16 November 2009	131 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
17 November 2009	109 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Nahal Ouz Crossing: According to Ra'ed Rajab, Director of the Petroleum Corporation in Gaza, Israeli forces allowed only 440 tons of cooking gas into the Gaza Strip this month. The average daily need of cooking gas in the Gaza Strip is estimated at 250-300 tons. Rajab indicated that the newest crisis of cooking gas started on 10 November 2009, and to be solved, at least 2,000 tons of cooking gas must be allowed into the Gaza Strip immediately. Israeli forces have decided to replace the Nahal Ouz crossing with Kerem Shalom crossing to supply the Gaza Strip with fuel; the former has the capacity to supply 500 tons of cooking gas daily, while the latter has the capacity to supply only 100 tons.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israeli forces have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, workers at international agencies and a few patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails. As mentioned above, Israeli forces have allowed a few number of patients to pass through the crossing, but under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Date	Patients	Companions	Arabs from Israel	Ambassadors	International Journalists	International Workers	Travelers abroad	Traders
Date	Patients	Companions	Arabs from Israel	Ambassadors	International Journalists	International Workers	Travelers abroad	Traders
11 November	26	23	2	12	4	18	Nil	Nil
12 November	18	16	6	16	2	70	11	2
13 November	1	1	12	Nil	6	6	Nil	Nil
14 November	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
15 November	28	28	45	Nil	5	14	Nil	Nil
16 November	37	34	2	8	Nil	12	18	1
17 November	50	47	2	Nil	5	15	Nil	1

Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: Israeli forces partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 11 November 2009, and allowed the entry of 1,440 tons of wheat, 2,800 tons of fodder, and 135 tons of aggregate for the Palestinian Water Authority. They opened it against on Monday, 16 November 2009, and allowed the entry of 920 tons of wheat, 1,800 tons of fodder, and 160 tons of aggregate for the Palestinian Water Authority.

IOF have imposed a tightened siege on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

· Jerusalem: Israeli forces 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. Israeli forces 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. Israeli forces often violently beat Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city. Israeli forces impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians on Fridays to restrict their access to the al-Aqsa Mosque.

On Wednesday evening, 11 November 2009, Israeli troops positioned at a checkpoint arrested Nelly Zahi al-Safadi, 33, from Nablus. On the following day morning, 12 November 2009, her brother, 34-year-old Fu'ad, traveled from Nablus to al-Ram town, north of Jerusalem, to look for her. Israeli troops positioned at Jaba' checkpoint, northeast of Jerusalem, arrested him. Nelly is the wife of 'Abada Sa'id Billa, who has been detained by Israeli forces since 16 April 2002 and is serving a 10.5 years sentence, the sister of Hassan al-Safadi, who has been placed under administrative detention since 29 July 2007, and the sister of Farid Zahi al-Safadi, who was killed by Israeli forces on 26 September 1996.

· Nablus: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF troops positioned at an iron gate established on the Nablus-Tulkarm road have continued to conduct prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians, especially in the morning. Israeli troops positioned at Shavi Shomron checkpoint on the Nablus-Jenin road, and at Za'tara checkpoint, south of the city, have also continued to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Monday morning, 16 November 2009, Israeli troops positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, conducted prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians.

· Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Jenin. Israeli troops positioned at Jaba'-Qalandya checkpoint, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, Israeli forces erected a number of temporary checkpoints, and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Saturday morning, 07 November 2009, Israeli forces closed re-established their presence at 'Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilians vehicles.

· Jenin: On Sunday evening, 15 November 2009, Israeli troops positioned at a checkpoint on the Jenin-Nablus road, south of Jenin, arrested two Palestinian civilians: Hamza Sa'id al-Sa'di, 22; and Mohammed Sami 'Abdul Hadi, 23.

· Hebron: At approximately 15:00 on Tuesday, 17 November 2009, Israeli troops positioned at a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Shuhada Street in the center of Hebron arrested Houriya Doufash, 40, when she refused to submit to a strip search. She was released three hours later.

On Tuesday evening, Israeli troops positioned at Halhoul checkpoint, north of Hebron, held 'Abdul Rahman Khalil al-'Abed, 24, for an hour and violently beat him. He sustained bruises throughout the body and a cut to the face.

Israeli forces have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory. During the reporting period, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall.

· On Friday, 13 November 2009, Israeli forces completed establishing a fence along bypass road #55 to the north of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, allegedly to prevent stone throwing at Israeli vehicle traveling on the road, which links between Nablus and Qalqilya. The fence is 3.5 kilometers long and two meters wide. Israeli forces had started establishing the fence last year. With the establishment of this fence, 'Azzoun village had become totally isolated, and at least 1,300 donums of its agricultural land have become separated from it. Israeli forces have also imposed restrictions on construction near the fence. Palestinian civilians have to resort to alternative longer roads to travel to Qalqilya and to reach their lands.

· Following the Friday Prayer on 13 November 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders gathered in the center of Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the Wall and, following altercations, threw stones at Israeli troops positioned in the area. Immediately, IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 13 November 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, to protest the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the Wall. Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded:

2. Sabti Mohammed Khawaja, 21, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the hand; and

3. Mo'taz Taleb Nafe', 23, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right leg.

· On Saturday noon, 14 November 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders gathered in the center of Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkarm. They moved towards the Wall and attempted to dismantle one of its gates to reach their lands. Immediately, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli troops arrested 7 Palestinian children: Hussam Faisal Muhanna, 10; Wassim Ibrahim al-Rajeh, 15; Saleem Salah Waheed, 15; Suhaib Hisham Sa'id, 15; Akram Qadri Abu 'Eissa, 15; Ashraf Khaled Rezeq, 15; Hussam Kamel Farsakh, 15; 'Ammar 'Adnan Tabbal, 17. Israeli forces detained the first child for 11 hours and photographed and violently beat him.

Israel has recently escalated arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem to force them to leave the city. PCHR has devoted this section in the Weekly Report to highlight violations of human rights perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem.

· On Tuesday morning, 17 November 2009, Israeli forces, accompanied by officials from the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem and a bulldozer, moved into al-Baq'a area in Beit Hanina village, north of Jerusalem. They demolished a 108-square-meter house belonging to 'Atiya Ahmed Qara'in, in which 11 people live.

· Also on Tuesday morning, Israeli forces, accompanied by officials from the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem and a bulldozer, moved into Wad Qaddoum area in Jerusalem. They demolished a 240-square-meter, two-storey house belonging to Nasser Nassar al-Husseini, in which 30 people live.

· On Wednesday morning, 18 November 2009, Israeli forces, accompanied by officials from the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem and a bulldozer, moved into al-'Eissawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They demolished two flats that stood on a 290 square-meter area of land and a 100-square-meter store belonging to 'Abdul Halim Dari and Ibrahim Mahmoud Dari.

· During the reporting period, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem, issued a decision ordering the demolition of a 500-square-meter, 7-storey apartment building belonging to Sharhabeel 'Alqam. The building, which was built in 2002, includes 25 flats that were purchased by Jerusalemite families at a cost of at least US$ 60,000 per flat. Seven years ago, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered the demolition of the first floor of the building. In 2006, the municipality ordered the demolition of the fourth and fifth floors. A year and a half ago, the municipality ordered the demolition of the sixth floor. During the reporting period, the municipality ordered the demolition of the whole building, and gave the families until 01 December 2009 to appeal against the order. At least 150 people would become homeless if the building was demolished.

· During the reporting period, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered the demolition of the building of the Old Town Women Society in Wadi Hilwa quarter in Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. The owner of the building, Eyad Ramadan, received the demolition order on 09 November 2009. Ramadan told PCHR that municipal officials, escorted by Israeli forces, photographed the building more than 15 months ago. The building originally stood on a 20-square-meter area, but and additional 30-square-meter area has been added to it. The Old Town Women Society provides services to at least 70 Palestinian families in Jerusalem. Soon after, Israeli forces demolished an 80s-quare-meter house belonging to 'Abbas al-Rwaidi in Be'r Ayoub area in the village.

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

Israeli forces 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 Thursday early morning, 12 November 2009, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yits'har" settlement, south of Nablus, uprooted 97 olive trees belonging to Akram Ibrahim 'Omran in Bourin village, south of the city.

· At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 12 November 2009, Israeli forces moved into Roujib village, east of Nablus. They handed written notices to 13 Palestinian civilians ordering a stoppage of construction works in 12 houses and a bird farm in al-Salaht area, and requesting them to report to Beit Eil Court at 09:00 on Thursday, 10 December 2009. Israeli forces then demolished the houses and the farm:

1. A 150-square-meter house belonging to 'Ali Isma'il Sharai'a, in which 8 individuals, including 6 children, live;

2. A 150-square-meter house belonging to S'oud Mousa Dwaikat, in which 4 individuals, including two children, live;

3. A 160-square-meter house belonging to Sofian Mohammed Bahnajawi, in which 10 individuals, including 7 children, live;

4. A 150-square-meter house belonging to Jebril Mohammed Bahnajawi, in which 5 individuals, including 3 children, live;

5. A 150-square-meter house belonging to Is'haq Ahmed Shihada, in which 6 individuals, including 4 children, live;

· Also on Thursday morning, Israeli forces handed 11 notices to Palestinian civilians in Um al-Khair village, south of Hebron, ordering the demolition of 17 civilian facilities, which includes 9 houses where 57 people, including 39 children, live. The facilities are only 50-300 meters away from "Carme'el" settlement. IOF gave Palestinian civilians until 10 December 2009 to appeal against the orders.

· On Friday evening, 13 November 2009, a number of Israeli settlers living in "Abraham Avino" settlement in the center of Hebron seized a commercial building belonging to 'Ali 'Aashour Abu Snaina in al-Sahla Street in the west of the old town for several hours. The conducted religious ceremonies in the building.

· On Saturday afternoon, 14 November 2009, Israeli settlers living in "Carme'el" settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron, attacked Palestinian civilians from the al-Hathalin Tribe and their houses in Um al-Khair Bedouin Village. Israeli troops were present in the area, but did not intervene to stop the attack. 'Eida Yamin al-Hathalin, 65, sustained bruises. According to Yasser al-Hathalin, 8-10 settlers attacked the woman's house with stones. She sustained bruises to the back, the chest and the lower limbs. The settlers also damaged a car.

· At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, a number of armed Israeli settlers from "Kharsina" settlement, east of Hebron, attacked Palestinian houses in Qaizoun area using stones and empty bottles. The windows and doors of a house belonging to Ghaleb 'Abdul Karim al-Za'tari were damaged. Israeli forces arrived at the area and violently beat one of al-Za'tari's sons, while forcing the family to get into their house. At approximately 03:00 on the following day, the settlers attacked the same area again. They damaged 3 cars belonging to Musbah 'Abdul Karim al-Za'tari, Ghaleb 'Abdul Karim al-Za'tari and Dr. Sofian Mohammed Sultan.

· On Tuesday, 17 November 2009, the Construction and Planning Committee of the Israeli Ministry of Interior approved the construction of 900 new housing units in "Gilo" settlement, south of East Jerusalem. This plan implies the expansion of the settlement towards al-Malha suburb. According to the Israeli daily Ha'aretz, the construction of those units is the first stage and a wider plan to expand the settlement, which the Israeli government claim to be an integral part of "Greater Jerusalem."

· During the reporting period, Israeli forces ordered a halt to construction in al-Bireh Stadium, allegedly due to the lack of a construction license. The Mayor of al-Bireh, Jamal al-Tawil, stated that the area where the stadium is being constructed is a part of the city, which has been added to its boundaries since 1976. Since that time, the municipality has implemented many infrastructure projects in the area and offered construction licenses to many Palestinians, without facing any problem.

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 in September 2005, 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.

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).

PCHR Palestinian Centre for Human Rights LTD (non-profit) http://www.pchrgaza.org
Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory	No. 45/2009 12-18 Nov. 2009

Ongoing construction in "Gilo" settlement, south of Jerusalem, following an Israeli decision to expand the settlement