PCHR Weekly Report

Israeli Forces Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and Continue to Impose a Total Closure on the Gaza Strip

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (16 – 22 July 2009):

Shooting: During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a mentally disabled Palestinian civilian and wounded another one in the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, Israeli forces used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians to protest the construction of the Annexation Wall in the West Bank. A number of demonstrators also suffered from the inhalation of a new substance used by Israeli forces. Israeli forces have used this substance since 08 August 2008, when it was first used against a peaceful demonstration protesting the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah.

Incursions: During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 25 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Israeli forces arrested 21 Palestinian civilians, including two children and one woman. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted two limited incursions into Palestinian communities, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land.

Israeli forces have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The Israeli-imposed closure of Gaza, 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 limited 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 levels are 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 have sharply mounted.

· 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 fishers 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 by Israeli forces.

· During the reporting period, Israeli troops positioned at military checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 4 Palestinian civilians.

Efforts intended to establish a Jewish majority in occupied east Jerusalem: Israeli forces have continued arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem to force them to leave the city. During the reporting period, Israeli forces forced a Palestinian civilian to demolish his house in Sour Baher village, south of Jerusalem, claiming that it was built without a license. Israeli forces also raided Nidal Center for Community Development in al-Habasha quarter in the old town in East Jerusalem. They forced the staff and participants in a summer camp out, and ordered the closure of the center until 11 August 2009, claiming that it "supports terror activities." The center belongs to the Union of Heath Work Committees in Jerusalem. It was established more than 10 years ago to provide development projects for youth. Additionally, Israeli forces stormed the lobbies of al-Hamra Castle in East Jerusalem, where a press conference was being held to launch the first hotel exhibition in Palestine in the context of the declaration of Jerusalem as a capital of the Arab culture for 2009. According to a decision issued by the Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Israeli forces prevented holding the conference claiming that it was being held under the auspices of the Palestinian National Authority. They forced the participants to vacate the place in a few minutes and closed the doors.

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 July 2009, Israeli forces issued a military order banning access of Palestinian farmers to their lands that are located east of "Carme'il" settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. The restricted area of land is estimated to be approximately 300 donums, located nearly 500 meters to the east of the aforementioned settlement. Israeli forces threatened to arrest and imposed a fine on whoever tried to reach these lands. On 18 July 2009, dozens of Palestinian farmers and international and Israeli human rights defenders gathered in Wad Abu al-Reesh area in the north of Safa village, north of Hebron, in order to organize a peaceful protest on Palestinian lands that have been subjected to confiscation and attacks by Israeli settlers. Israeli troops stormed the area. The violently beat the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Five Israeli human rights defenders sustained bruises, and Israeli troops detained 9 others for several hours. On 19 July 2009, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Bat 'Ain" settlement, northwest of Hebron, launched a series of attacks against Palestinian houses in the nearby Safa village. They opened fire at houses. Israeli troops were present in the area, but did not intervene to stop the attacks. On 20 July 2009, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling at the southern entrance of Bethlehem and on the #60 and #35 Hebron-Bethlehem roads. Israeli troops were present in these areas, but did not intervene to stop the attacks. On 21 July 2009, 4 Israeli settlers cut 24 olive trees on a tract of land belonging to Mohammed Raja al-Zain in Bourin village, south of Nablus. When Israeli troops arrived at the area, the settler fled towards the nearby "Yits'har" settlement. On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from "Gilad" settlement attacked Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on the Qalqilya-Nablus road. They threw stones at the vehicles damaging a number of them.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (16 – 22 July 2009)

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

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Atallah Saleh Msaimi, 17.

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Brigadier Kifah Barakat, an advisor in the Palestinian president's office. They claimed that Brigadier Barakat "overcame red lines" in Jerusalem, without providing any explanation.

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mahmoud Fahed 'Aadi, 17.

· Also at approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed 'Abdul Fattah Bernat, 21.

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Hashemiya village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kfairet village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Qoud village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-'Araqa village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mahmoud Zaki Bahar, 22.

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Emad Bernat, 37.

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Maher 'Abdul Mohsen al-Atrash, 19.

· At approximately 18:30, Israeli military vehicles moved nearly 150 meters into the east of Gaza City. Israeli troops shot and arrested Ahmed Zuhair al-Semari, 22. Al-Semari was hit by a gunshot that entered the abdomen and exited the back. He was transferred to an Israeli hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 16:00 on Monday, 20 July 2009. The victim was mentally disabled.

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa'ir village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two brothers:

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Sida village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians, including a woman:

· Also at approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Majdi Mahmoud Jaibat, 35.

· At approximately 05:50, Israeli forces gunboats encircled a fishing boat approximately 500 meters away from Beit Lahia coast in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli naval troops arrested the two fishers, Qussai Mohammed al-Sultan, 30, and Ra'ed 'Awad al-Sultan, 24. They detained and interrogated them. During the interrogation, the Israeli forces attempted to convince the two fishers to collaborate with them in exchange for money. The two fishers were released at approximately 19:00.

· At approximately 13:00, an Israeli forces undercover unit moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, traveling in a commercial vehicle with a Palestinian registration plate. Israeli troops stormed a car maintenance workshop and arrested Yousef Ahmed Zain, 29.

· Also at approximately 13:00, Israeli forces moved nearly 500 meters into 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. They leveled areas of Palestinian land, which they had already razed. During this operation, Israeli forces opened fire indiscriminately. As a result, Majed Majdi al-Farra, 20, was wounded by shrapnel to the right hand.

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Nablus and the neighboring 'Askar refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

· Also at approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Nouba village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and summoned two Palestinian civilians for questioning.

· At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

· At approximately 02:00, IO Israeli forces F moved into Deir Sharaf village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Hassan 'Essam Fuqaha, 26.

· At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses. No arrests were reported.

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure on the oPT and has 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 Israeli-imposed closure 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 limited 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 in the Gaza Strip stand at approximately 80% and 60% respectively.

· 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.

· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have sharply mounted.

· 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 fishers along the Gaza Strip coast.

Date	Details
08 July 2009	103 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
09 July 2009	77 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
10 July 2009	Closed.
11 July 2009	Closed.
12 July 2009	77 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
13 July 2009	63 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
14 July 2009	63 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
15 July 2009	76 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
16 July 2009	82 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
17 July 2009	51 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
18 July 2009	Closed.
19 July 2009	69 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
20 July 2009	87 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
21 July 2009	69 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Date	Details
08 July 2009	103 Palestinians, mostly patients, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
09 July 2009	36 Palestinians, including a 33-member UNRWA delegation, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 31 patients were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
10 July 2009	10 patients and the body of a dead man were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
11 July 2009	5 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 12 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
12 July 2009	4 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt.
13 July 2009	3 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 4 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
14 July 2009	Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 12 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
15 July 2009	13 persons, including 8 internationals, were allowed to travel to Egypt and 297 persons, including 169 internationals of the Life Artery convoy in solidarity with Gaza, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
16 July 2009	180 persons, including 166 internationals of the Life Artery convoy, were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 28 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
17 July 2009	58 Palestinians representing factions participating the Palestinian dialogue in Cairo were allowed to travel to Egypt.
18 July 2009	40 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 17 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
19 July 2009	52 persons, including two ones from Amnesty International, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
20 July 2009	10 persons, including two internationals, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
21 July 2009	One Palestinian was allowed to travel to Egypt and 9 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has 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. The limited number of patients allowed to pass through the crossing, have been subject to severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Date	Patients	Companions	Traders and Businessmen	International Journalists	International Workers	Travelers abroad
Date	Patients	Companions	Traders and Businessmen	International Journalists	International Workers	Travelers abroad
15 July 2009	11	9	Nil	3	34	3
16 July 2009	23	21	Nil	5	71	13
17 July 2009	Nil	Nil	Nil	2	14	Nil
18 July 2009	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
19 July 2009	23	23	Nil	4	16	5
20 July 2009	38	39	Nil	3	12	5
21 July 2009	19	17	Nil	2	7	5

Date	Cooking Gas (tons)	Energy Fuel (liters)
15 July 2009	311.200	744,100
16 July 2009	Nil	Nil
17 July 2009	Nil	Nil
18 July 2009	Nil	Nil
19 July 2009	Nil	Nil
20 July 2009	305.860	709,230
21 July 2009	282.070	793,230

Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: Israel partially opened the crossing on Monday, 20 July 2009, and allowed the entry of 2,150 tons of seeds and fodders. They opened it again on Tuesday, 21 July 2009, and allowed the entry of 1,750 tons of seeds and fodders.

Israel imposes a tight closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israel 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 Thursday morning, 16 July 2009, Israeli forces troops positioned at a checkpoint near Jaba' village, north of Jerusalem, arrested Helmi Khaled Bisharat, 26.

· Nablus: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli 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.

· Jenin: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 16 July 2009, Israeli forces erected a checkpoint at 'Arraba intersection, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Friday morning, 17 July 2009, Israeli forces erected a checkpoint at Hijja intersection, south of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 17 July 2009, Israeli troops positioned at a checkpoint on the road leading to "Ariel" settlement, north of Salfit, arrested Sa'ed Fareed Lahlouh, 30, from Jenin, and confiscated his car.

· Ramallah: Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, Israeli forces erected more checkpoints on the roads leading to the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Saturday noon, 18 July 2009, Israeli forces closed 'Attar checkpoint, north of Ramallah, for nearly an hour.

On Thursday morning, 16 July 2009, Israeli troops positioned at al-Karama International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border arrested Tamer 'Omar al-Khatib, 23, from Bal'ein village west of Ramallah.

On Thursday evening, 16 July 2009, Israeli troops positioned at Ne'lin checkpoint, west of Ramallah, arrested Bassel Na'im Bernat, 19, from Bal'ein villag west of Ramallah.

· Bethlehem: 16 July 2009, have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, Israeli troops positioned at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They conducted prolonged checking on civilian passing through the checkpoint. On Friday, 17 July 2009, 16 July 2009, closed the northern entrance of Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem. The closure remained effective until Saturday, 18 July 2009.

16 July 2009, have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory. During the reporting period, 16 July 2009, used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall.

· Following the Friday Prayer on 17 July 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the center of Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the Wall, and following confrontations, threw stones at Israeli troops positioned in the area. 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 forces also used a substance with a disgusting smell against the demonstrators.

· Following the Friday Prayer on 17 July 2009, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest to the construction of the Wall in al-Ma'sara village, south of Bethlehem. Israeli troops positioned at the main entrance of the village near "Efrat" settlement fired tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, and then chased and violently beat a number of demonstrators. As a result, 3 demonstrators, including a child, sustained bruises: Bilal Hassan Braijiya, 14; Mohammed Ya'qoub Zawahra, 19; and 'Ali Suleiman Braijiya, 20.

4. Efforts Intended to Establish a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem

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.

· During the reporting period, Israeli forces forced Saleh Kahlil Nemer to demolish his house, in which 9 individuals live, in Sour Baher village, south of Jerusalem. The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem ordered the demolition of the house two months ago, claiming that it was built without a license. Recently, Israeli forces ordered Nemer to demolish his house by Sunday, 19 July 2009; otherwise, they would do it themselves and wound force him to pay the expenses in addition to a fine; Nemer was forced to demolish his house on Saturday, 18 July 2009. On the following day, official of the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem arrived at the area and ordered Nemer to remove the rubble of his house in one day. Nemer was forced to pay a fine of 100,000 NIS (approximately US$ 25,000) four years ago allegedly for unlicensed building.

· On Thursday noon, 16 July 2009, Israeli forces raided Nidal Center for Community Development in al-Habasha quarter in the old town in East Jerusalem. They forced the staff and participants in a summer camp out, and ordered the closure of the center until 11 August 2009, claiming that it "supports terror activities." The center belongs to the Union of Heath Work Committees in Jerusalem. It was established more than 10 years ago to provide development projects for the youth.

· At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stormed the lobbies of al-Hamra Castle in East Jerusalem, where a press conference was being held to launch the first hotel exhibition in Palestine in the context of the declaration of Jerusalem as a capital of Arab culture for 2009. According to a decision issued by the Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Israeli forces prevented the conference claiming that it was being held under the auspices of the Palestinian National Authority. They forced the participants to vacate the place in a few minutes and closed the doors. The press conference had been attended by Palestinian Minister of Tourism, Kholoud Du'aibes; Head of the Palestinian President's office, Rafeeq al-Husseni; Advisor of Palestinian Prime Minister for Arab Funds, Jawad Naji; and a number of political figures in Jerusalem.

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

Israel has 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 morning, 17 July 2009, Israeli forces issued a military order banning access of Palestinian farmers to their lands that are located east of "Carme'il" settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron. The restricted are of land is estimated at least 300 donums, located nearly 500 meters to the east of the aforementioned settlement. Israeli forces threatened to arrest and imposed a fine on whoever tried to reach these lands.

· At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 18 July 2009, dozens of Palestinian farmers and international and Israeli human rights defenders gathered in Wad Abu al-Reesh area in the north of Safa village, north of Hebron, in order to organize a peaceful protest on Palestinian lands that have been subjected to confiscation and attacks by Israeli settlers. Israeli troops stormed the area. The violently beat the demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. Five Israeli human rights defenders sustained bruises, and Israeli troops detained 9 others for several hours.

· On Sunday evening, 19 July 2009, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Bat 'Ain" settlement, northwest of Hebron, launched a series of attacks against Palestinian houses in the nearby Safa village. They opened fire at houses. Israeli troops were present in the area, but did not intervene to stop such attacks.

· On Monday afternoon, 20 July 2009, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling at the southern entrance of Bethlehem and on the #60 and #35 Hebron-Bethlehem roads. Israeli troops were present in these areas, but did not intervene to stop the attacks.

· At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 21 July 2009, 4 Israeli settlers cut 24 olive trees on a tract of land belonging to Mohammed Raja al-Zain in Bourin village, south of Nablus. When Israeli troops arrived at the area, the settler fled towards the nearby "Yits'har" settlement.

· On Tuesday noon, a number of Israeli settlers from "Gilad" settlement attacked Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on Qalqilya-Nablus road. They threw stones at the vehicles damaging a number of them.

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. 29/2009 16 - 22 July 2009

A peaceful demonstration organized in Safa village, north of Hebron, in protest to attacks by Israeli settlers