PCHR Weekly Report

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

· IOF arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including two women and a child, in the West Bank.

· IOF stormed houses of a number of activists against the construction of the Annexation Wall.

· Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

· IOF troops positioned at military checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 3 Palestinian civilians (two journalists and a child).

· Israel has continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

· IOF ordered a number of Palestinian farmers to the east of 'Aqraba village near Nablus to evacuate their property.

· Israeli settlers uprooted 15 olive trees in Deir Nizam village near Ramallah.

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law continued in the OPT during the reporting period (21 – 27 January 2010).

Shooting: During the reporting period, IOF wounded two Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

On 22 January 2010, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when IOF also used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders, protesting the construction of the Annexation Wall in the West Bank.

On 23 January 2010, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when IOF fired at Palestinian civilians who gathered at the entrance of Iraq Bourin village, south of Nablus, to prevent Israeli settlers from entering the village.

On 19 January 2010, a child was wounded when IOF moved into Jenin Refugee Camp in the northern West Bank and fired at a number of children demonstrating in the area.

Two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were also wounded by Israeli troops stationed at military checkpoints.

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 19 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. IOF arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including two women and one child. IOF also stormed houses of activists against the construction of the Annexation Wall.

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.

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip over two and a half years. The illegal Israeli-imposed siege 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 the past two and a half 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 to the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have 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.

· Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty and unemployment have sharply mounted, especially in the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have 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 restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. IOF have prevented representatives of several international humanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

· Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been deprived for family visitation for more than two and a half years.

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

IOF 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.

· IOF 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 630 permanent roadblocks, 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 IOF 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 lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF (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 IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

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

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

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

On 21 January 2010, IOF moved into the Lafjam area to the east of 'Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, and handed notices to 6 Palestinian farmers from the Bani Monia and Bani Jaber families ordering them to evacuate animal sheds. Otherwise, IOF would force them to do so, confiscating the animals and forcing the farmers to pay the costs.

On 23 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers from "Brakha" settlement, south of Nablus, stormed Iraq Bourin village to the south of the settlement. In response, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the north of the village to prevent the settlers from entering the village. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at those civilians, wounding one.

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from "Halmish" settlement, northwest of Ramallah, uprooted 15 olive trees belonging to Jameel 'Abdul Qader Mezher in Deir Nizam village.

On 26 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma'oun" settlement to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, stormed al-Twana village - allegedly to look for sheep belonging to them. The armed settlers clashed with Palestinian villagers, and Israeli troops intervened to protect the settlers. Israeli troops also violently beat a villager.

On 27 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers gathered in the evacuated "Homesh" settlement, northwest of Nablus. They attacked a Palestinian farmer while he was farming his land. They also threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on the Jenin-Nablus road. No injuries were reported.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (21 – 27 January 2010)

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

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

· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

3. Mustafa Rateb 'Amira, 53, who was arrested to exert pressure on his son, 32-year-old Rateb, so he would hand himself in to IOF.

· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

During the house raids, IOF broke the door of Muhaisen 'Awadh's house and damaged the furniture. They also violently beat him, and an amount of 800 NIS (approximately US$ 200) from inside the house went missing. IOF also violently beat 'Alaa' Mahmoud al-Slaibi, 16, and his brother Ahmed, 19, and damaged a truck belonging to Yousef Khudair 'Awadh.

· At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da'if village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Deir Nizam village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mohammed Faraj al-Tamimi, 23.

· At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

During the house raids, IOF forced Diab Hassan 'Allami, 24, out of his house. The held him for more than an hour, during which time they violently beat him.

· At approximately 00:15, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahiya beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach; no casualties were reported.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Rateb Mustafa 'Amira, 32. IOF had arrested 'Aamia's father 3 days earlier to force him to hand himself in.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hani Masalma, and arrested his two sons, Malek, 19; and Mohammed, 17.

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

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· Also at approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Tammoun village, south of Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.

· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into the southern part of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No house raids or arrests were reported.

· At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Burqa village, northwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

They also informed the family of Saddam Ragheb Shraida, 19, that he must hand himself in.

· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Ammar 'Aaref Qazzaz, 19, and arrested him.

· At approximately 05:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahiya beach in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach. No casualties were reported.

· At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Qalqiliya. They patrolled in the streets and stopped and checked a number of Palestinian civilians. No house raids or arrests were reported.

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.

Israeli occupation forces have continued to impose a tightened blockade for more than two and a half years. The illegal 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 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 and a half 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 to the Gaza Strip.

· IOF have 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.

· IOF have 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.

· Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two and a half years.

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

Date	Details
20 January 2010	Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 3 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
21 January 2010	Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 81 others, as well as the body of a deceased Palestinian, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
22 January 2010	Closed.
23 January 2010	10 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 21 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
24 January 2010	5 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 23 others were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
25 January 2010	3 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
26 January 2010	Two Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Date	Details
20 January 2010	83 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders, 105 tons of cooking gas and 493,800 liters of fuel were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
21 January 2010	106 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders, and 105.57 tons of cooking gas were allowed into the Gaza Strip.
22 January 2010	Closed.
23 January 2010	Closed.
24 January 2010	72 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders, 95.49 tons of cooking gas, and 228,000 liters of fuel were allowed into the Gaza Strip. Three containers of strawberries and two containers of flowers were exported.
25 January 2010	80 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders, 104.63 tons of cooking gas, and 142,100 liters of fuel were allowed into the Gaza Strip. Three containers of strawberries were exported.
26 January 2010	100 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for local traders, 84 tons of cooking gas, and 180,000 liters of fuel were allowed into the Gaza Strip. One container of flowers was exported.

Nahal Ouz Crossing: On 01 January 2010, IOF decided to close the crossing permanently, and to only allow the entry of fuels through Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, citing security reasons.

Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: IOF partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 20 January 2010, and allowed the entry of 1,520 tons of wheat and 1,280 tons of fodders. They opened it again on Monday, 25 January 2010, and allowed the entry of 1,360 tons of wheat and 680 tons of fodders.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a small number of 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, IOF have permitted 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
20 January 2010	40	38	9	5	6	32	Nil	Nil
21 January 2010	33	34	19	11	1	74	11	3
22 January 2010	1	1	4	Nil	4	7	20	Nil
23 January 2010	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
24 January 2010	40	39	27	5	5	18	6	Nil
25 January 2010	53	48	3	3	5	25	9	6

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

· Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. Israeli occupation forces have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli occupation forces often violently beat Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city.

· Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Sunday morning, 24 January 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday morning, 26 January 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

· Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. IOF troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, IOF erected a number of temporary checkpoints, and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday evening, 26 January 2010, IOF closed Jaba' checkpoint, southeast of Ramallah, for one hour.

· Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On the morning of Sunday, 24 January 2010, IOF established a checkpoint between Rummana and Zabbouba village, west of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On the morning of Tuesday, 26 January 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Wednesday morning, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jenin, and another on the Maithaloun-Sanour road. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

· Bethlehem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 25 January 2010, IOF closed al-Nashahs intersection at the southern entrance of Bethlehem for an hour and a half. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Friday noon, Israeli troops stationed at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They searched Palestinian civilian vehicles and verified the identity cards of passengers.

· Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 21, 22 and 23 January 2010, Israeli troops stationed in al-Ras and Wadi al-Hussain neighborhoods in the southeast of Hebron imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped, checked and questioned Palestinian civilians. In the same context, Israeli troops stationed at a military checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, stopped, held, checked and questioned a number of Palestinian civilians.

· At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 21 January 2010, Israeli troops stationed in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old city of Hebron arrested Isma'il Hawamda, 16, from al-Sammou' village southwest of Hebron, claiming that he was carrying a knife.

· At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, IOF arrested Ahmed Hamza al-Kilani, 29, and Mos'ab al-Khatib, 27, two journalists working for al-Quds Television. The two journalists were preparing a television report on Ariel College, which the Israeli government intends to turn into an accredited university. When Israeli settlement security officers saw them, they called Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus. When they arrived at the area, Israeli troops confiscated the journalists' cameras and identity and press cards. They also detained and interrogated the journalists for some time.

"At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, my colleague, Mos'ab al-Khatib, and I were near 'Taffouh' and 'Ariel' settlements preparing a television report for al-Quds Television on the transformation of Ariel College into a university. Soon, two settlement security officers came to us and asked us for identity and press cards. They then called Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint. A Hummer military jeep arrived in the area. Israeli soldiers stepped out of it and ordered us to show them the video recordings and ordered us to delete them, but we refused. They asked us for identity and press cards and confiscated our cameras. They then handcuffed and blindfolded us. We were taken in an armed personnel carrier to some place. For one hour and a half, the interrogated us about what we were doing. Ten minutes later, they took us to Za'tara checkpoint, where they released us."

· On Sunday morning, 24 January 2010, Israeli troops attacked10 Palestinian workers in the Za'im area near the Annexation Wall, east of Jerusalem. As a result, Rani Hussein Salah, 26, from al-Khader village south of Bethlehem, sustained an injury in the mouth and acute bruises across his body. He also lost 6 of his teeth. The other workers sustained bruises across their bodies. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, on Sunday morning, hundreds of Palestinian workers gathered approximately 500-600 meters away from al-Za'im crossing, east of Jerusalem, wishing to enter the city to attend their jobs, as they do not have permits to enter the city. Israeli troops were patrolling in the area and chasing anyone they saw. At approximately 04:30 Israeli troops surrounded 10 workers, mostly from al-Khader village, who were on a sand hill to the east of the Wall. They forced the workers to sit down and violently beat them for more than 10 minutes. They then held the workers in a room near al-Za'im crossing for approximately 30 minutes, without offering Rani Hussein Salah, who was injured, any medical aid. They released him at approximately 07:30, and he could hardly reach a hospital in Bethlehem. The other workers were released at 13:30 of the same day.

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

· Following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders gathered in the center of Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah. They moved towards the Wall and threw stones at IOF 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 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, protesting the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with IOF troops positioned near the Wall. IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest of the construction of the Annexation Wall in al-Ma'sara village, south of Bethlehem. Israeli troops closed the entrance of the village and attacked the demonstrators. They fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators and violently beat a number of them. Israeli troops also arrested Sa'id Suleiman Braijiya, 60.

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the Wad al-Raya area between Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam villages, northwest of Ramallah. They attempted to reach their agricultural lands located near "Halmish" settlement. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at them. As a result, Mohammed Hassan al-Tamimi, 22, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left hand. Israeli troops also arrested 4 civilians, including two women:

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

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

· At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 21 January 2010, IOF moved into the Lafjam area to the east of 'Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, and handed notices to 6 Palestinian farmers from the Bani Monia and Bani Jaber families ordering them to evacuate animal sheds. Otherwise, IOF would force them to do so, confiscating animals and forcing the farmers to pay the costs.

· At approximately 15:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers from "Brakha" settlement, south of Nablus, stormed Iraq Bourin village to the south of the settlement. In response, dozens of Palestinian civilians gathered in the north of the village to prevent the settlers from entering the village. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at those civilians, wounding 20-year-old Mohammed 'Essam Faraj with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg.

· On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from "Halmish" settlement, northwest of Ramallah, uprooted 15 olive trees belonging to Jameel 'Abdul Qader Mezher in Deir Nizam village.

· At noon on Tuesday, 26 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers from "Ma'oun" settlement to the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron, stormed al-Twana village - allegedly to look for sheep belonging to them. The armed settlers clashed with Palestinian villagers, and Israeli troops intervened to protect the settlers. Israeli troops also violently beat Mufdi Ahmed Reb'ei, 40. He sustained bruises across his body.

· On Wednesday afternoon, 27 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers gathered in the evacuated "Homesh" settlement, northwest of Nablus. They attacked a Palestinian farmer from the nearby Seilat al-Zaher village, Yousef Mohammed Mar'ei, while he was farming his land. He sustained bruises across his body. The Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on the Jenin-Nablus road. No injuries were reported.

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with their legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR calls for the immediate 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 that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators 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 demand Israel 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 process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

For further information please visit our website (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	04/2010 21-27 Jan. 2010

A Palestinian woman waves her national flag in front of Israeli soldier during a peaceful demonstration organized in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall in al-Ma'sara village, south of Bethlehem