· Israeli forces continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

- Seven civilians, including two children and a journalist, were injured.

- Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

- Israeli forces arrested two solidarity activists.

· Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian farmers and workers in border areas of the Gaza Strip and fishermen at sea.

- Two children were injured, one of them at sea and the other while collecting raw construction materials.

· Israeli forces conducted twenty-one incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

- Israeli forces arrested twenty-three Palestinian civilians, including seven children.

· Israel has continued to take measures aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem.

- Israeli forces forced a Palestinian civilian to demolish his house.

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

- Thirteen tents and one inhabited hut were destroyed in the Northern Valley.

· Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Str4ip from the outside world.

- Israeli troops stationed at military checkpoints and border crossings in the West Bank arrested two Palestinian civilians.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (01 – 06 July 2010):

Shooting: During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded nine civilians, including four children, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  

In the West Bank, Israeli forces used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall and settlement activities. As a result, seven civilians, including two children and a journalist, were wounded. Israeli forces also violently beat a number of demonstrators. 

On 02 July 2010, three Palestinian civilians, including two children, sustained shrapnel wounds in a peaceful demonstration in "Wadi Rahhal" village, south of Bethlehem. In the same demonstration, eight demonstrators, including three international solidarity activists suffered from tear gas inhalation and bruises as they were beaten by the Israeli forces.

On 04 July 2010, four demonstrators, including a child and a journalist, sustained wounds in the weekly peaceful demonstration in Beit Jala, west of Bethlehem.  A girl also suffered from tear gas inhalation and a number of participants in the demonstration sustained bruises as they were severely beaten by the Israeli forces.

In the Gaza Strip, on 05 July 2010, the Israeli forces wounded two children and killed a horse in two separate incidents.

At approximately 10:30, Israeli gunboats positioned at sea near the Gaza port, west of Gaza city, fired at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing approximately two miles off Gaza shore.  'Allam Naser Fadel Bakr, 14, from al-Shati refugee camp, was wounded as a result by two bullets in the abdomen.  The boat on which 'Allam and his father and brother were onboard was struck by two bullets in its hull.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces positioned on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials. On of the workers, Ahmed Nafez Khader Hamdan, 13, from Beit Hanoun, was wounded by a bullet in the abdomen as a result.  Ahmed was approximately 700 meters far from the borders when he was wounded.  In addition, the horse that transported Ahmed to the area was killed.

In other firing and bombarding incidents, on 01 July 2010, an Israeli F16 fighter fired a missile at Abu Jarad site near Netsarim intersection in al-Zeitoon neighborhood, east of Gaza city. The site was previously used by the National Security and is currently used by al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas armed wing). The attack caused damages to the gate and the western wall of the site and no casualties were reported.

On 02 July 2010, an Israeli F16 fighter fired a missile at Gaza International airport, southeast of Rafah.  The missile hit the runway and no casualties were reported.

Incursions: During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least twenty-one military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested twenty-three Palestinian civilians, including seven children.

During the reporting period, Israeli forces arrested two international solidarity activists who were participating in a peaceful demonstration in "Wadi Rahhal", south of Bethlehem.  The two activists suffered bruises throughout the body after they were severely beaten by the Israeli forces.  They were transported to "Kfar Etzion" settlement, south of Bethlehem, where they were held for six hours before being released.

Through PCHR documentation of violations committed by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank, it is clear that the Israeli forces are deliberate in their maltreatment of Palestinians, terrorizing them while raiding their houses and causing damages to their houses.

On 01 July 2010, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, firing sound bombs and tear gas canisters at Palestinian houses and at their surroundings.  Three civilians, including a child who suffers from leukemia, suffered from tear gas inhalation.  Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem, activist in the Popular Committee against Settlement, told the PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli forces deliberately fired a tear gas canister into a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Abu Maria.  Three people in the house suffered from gas inhalation as a result and were taken to a medical center for treatment.  The child suffering from leukemia was transferred later to a hospital in Hebron because his conditions deteriorated.

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

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for approximately three 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.  

· During the reporting period, the Israeli authorities announced the alleviation of the siege imposed on the
Gaza Strip. This siege constitutes a form of collective punishment illegally imposed on the civilian population. The Israeli policies must be radically changed in order to terminate this crisis. PCHR emphasizes that the announced steps do not constitute sufficient change and that the situation will remain the same.

· The illegal siege of the Gaza Strip has created a humanitarian crisis as well as a crisis of human rights and human dignity of Gaza civilians. The recent announcements about the alleviation of the siege are vague and ambiguous, and the measures can not terminate the crisis.  To alleviate the ongoing crisis, the siege—including the restrictions on the movement to and from the Gaza Strip and the ban on the movement of exports—must be immediately and totally lifted.  PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy aims at pushing the Gaza Strip towards a new stage of unjust siege, which may be internationally accepted.  Under this stage, Palestinians may not endure the same suffering with regard to the shortage of goods; however, they will continue to be economically dependent; they will continue to be unable to run their own affairs, and they will remain socially, culturally and academically isolated from the world.

· Increasing the number of items allowed to enter Gaza does not legitimize this recently announced policy, which is not consistent with Israel's legal obligations as an occupying power and with its other legal obligations under international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which was ratified by Israel.  The Quartet stated that the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip are not acceptable and can not be solved through the provision of humanitarian aid.  The International Committee of the Red Cross stressed that the permanent solution requires total and immediate termination of the siege.

· Facts collected by PCHR from the field refute the Israeli allegations regarding alleviation of the siege on the Gaza Strip and reduction of restrictions imposed on the delivery of goods.  No significant change has been observed with regard to the movement at commercial crossings.  A total ban has continued to be imposed on the export of products from Gaza while the Israeli forces have continued to ban the delivery of the majority of basic goods necessary for the civilian population.  Major General Eitan Dangot, Coordinator of the Israeli Government Activities in the Territories, announced last week that 150 truckloads would be allowed to enter Gaza daily.  He also announced that electrical appliances, material required for house reparation and wood furniture would be allowed to Gaza.  However, the local market has not witnessed any changes in this regard.

· The Israeli announcement regarding the entry of new items (such as soft drinks, juices, canned fruits, salads, biscuits, potato chips and mayonnaise) into Gaza and the subsequent announcement regarding the Israeli intention to allow the delivery of electrical appliances, material required for house reparation and wood furniture are attempts to delude the international community.  The items allowed to enter Gaza do not meet the minimal basic needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

· The Head of Goods Delivery Coordination Committee of the Palestinian Authority announced that the items allowed by the Israeli authorities to enter Gaza do not exceed 135 items, including 92 commercial items, 33 agricultural items and 10 types of grains.  Before mid June 2007, approximately 9,000 items were allowed to enter Gaza.  It should be noted that the local market in Gaza does not need the items which were allowed to enter Gaza recently as these items are brought in large quantities from Egypt through tunnels.

· Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of construction materials, especially cement, iron bars and aggregate, to the Gaza Strip in spite of the pressing need to reconstruct thousands of houses and public facilities which were destroyed during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.  Construction works on housing units and in al-Quds Hospital, which are overseen by UNRWA, continue to be suspended due to the shortage in construction materials.  The Israeli authorities allowed the delivery of limited quantities of aggregate and base course for UNRWA projects, totaling 1,380 tons and 1,140 tons respectively.  The Israeli authorities allowed the delivery of 17% of the construction materials required for the implementation of two housing projects.  Gaza needs 3,000 tons of cement, 2,500 tons of aggregate and 2,000 tons of iron bars daily.  The Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza announced that Gaza needs the immediate delivery of 1.1 million tons of cement, 2.5 million tons of aggregate and 1,000 tons of iron bars in order to reconstruct Gaza and the infrastructures of the housing sector.

· The Israeli authorities have continued to impose a total ban on the export of products from Gaza to the outside world, including the West Bank and Israel.  This ban has inflicted heavy losses on all sectors of the economy in the Gaza Strip, especially those who were dependent on marketing their products in the West Bank and Israel.  The majority of these establishments have been forced to close as a result.

· Al-Mentar "Karni" crossing which was dedicated for the export of products from the Gaza Strip to Israel, the West Bank and aboard has been closed since 13 June 2008.  It was operational for brief periods to deliver limited quantities of grains and fodders to Gaza.  Before the closure of the crossing, 80% of the Palestinian external trade was with Israel, and 90% of exports from Gaza were directed to Israel and the West Bank.  Since June 2007, the Israeli authorities allowed—only after an intervention from the Israeli Supreme Court—the export of 20% of flowers produced in Gaza for export and 4% of strawberries.  According to the estimates of the Agricultural Cooperative of Strawberry, Vegetable and Flower Farmers, Gaza produces approximately 60 million flowers and 1,500 tons of strawberries for the external market annually.  The continued economic and social strangulation of more than 1.5 million civilians has increased poverty and unemployment in Gaza to unprecedented levels.

· Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing has remained closed during the reporting period for Palestinians.  The Israeli authorities have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of the limited categories of persons allowed to travel via the crossing, which include: Palestinian patients seeking medical treatment, international journalists and employees of international organizations, all of whom are subjected to complicated security measures.

· Rafah International Crossing Point remained exceptionally opened during the reporting period.  Thousands of Palestinian civilians, mostly patients, students enrolled in international universities, holders of work permits abroad and holders of foreign nationalities, were allowed to leave Gaza via the crossing.  According to the Palestinian Crossings and Borders Commission, 9,900 civilians were allowed to leave Gaza and 8,800  others were allowed to enter Gaza via Rafah crossing.

West Bank

Israel has 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 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 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 have 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 eighteen 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 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.

Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem: Israeli forces have continued to take measures at creating a Jewish majority in Jerusalem. 

During the reporting period, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem forced Nayef Hamdi Kastero to demolish his house in the old city of Jerusalem, claiming it was built without license.  Mr. Kastero who has a family of five members, including three children, built his house in 2002.  Previously, Mr. Kastero was forced by to pay a 35,000 NIS fine to the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem.

On Monday, 05 July 2010, and Tuesday, 06 July 2010, the Israeli authorities launched a campaign to collect taxes in al-Mesrara market in occupied East Jerusalem.  Eyewitnesses stated to the PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli police and income tax officers raided many shops in al-Masasra market, seizing records an documents and preventing the owners of the shops from moving.  

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

During the reporting period, Israeli forces moved into al-Ras al-Ahmar, north of Tammoun village, and 'Atouf, southeast of Toubas.  There they destroyed thirteen tents and an inhabited hut. Earlier on 06 June 2010, the Israeli forces delivered notices to the residents in the two areas demanding them to leave the areas. The notices claimed that the two areas are closed military zones. It should be noted that the destroyed tents and hut are used by Palestinian farmers who come from distant areas.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (01 – 06 July 2010)

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

Thursday, 01 July 2010

· At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia city, where they raided and searched a number of houses and arrested eight Palestinian civilians:

1. Walid Sweilem, 23;

2. Ahmed Abdul Razeq Meskawi, 26;

3. Ashraf Abdul Razeq Meskawi, 24, from Kafr Saba;

4. Nemr Mohammed Nemr Zeid, 32, from Zeid al-Shamali neighborhood in Qalqilia;

5. Yousef Jamal Yousef Mohammed Dawoud, 20, from al-Ghayatha neighborhood;

6. Sa'id al-Asmar, 22;

7. Sa'id Abu Keshek, 23; and

8. Sanad Jaddou', 27, who has an Israeli ID card.

· At approximately 01:00, an Israeli F16 fighter fired a missile at Abu Jarad site near Netsarim intersection in al-Zeitoon neighborhood, east of Gaza city.  The site was previously used by the National Security and is currently used by al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas armed wing).  The attack caused damages to the gate and the western wall of the site and no casualties were reported.

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. In the Khelat Thahr al-Barahish area, in the south of Beit Ummar, they raided and searched many houses.  Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters inside the houses and at their surroundings. Three civilians, including an eleven-year-old child who suffers from leukemia, suffered from tear gas inhalation. The Israeli forces arrested four Palestinian civilians, including a child:

1. Thaer Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem, 21;

2. Isam Jamal Khalil Abu Maria, 21;

3. Khaled Sami Sabarna, 16; and

4. Tamer Ismail Awad, 23.

Those who suffered from tear gas inhalation are:

1. Ahmed Mohammed Abu Maria, 45;

2. Suheir Mahmoud al-Ajjouri, 43;

3. Shadi Ahmed Mohammed Abu Maria, 11.

Ahmed Khalil Abu Hashem, an activist in the Popular Committee against Settlement and father of one of the civilians arrested, told the PCHR fieldworker that Israeli forces raided many houses in the area, terrorized the residents and forced them at gunpoint to leave their houses and to remain outdoors for between thirty and sixty minutes.  Abu Hashem reported that the Israeli forces then arrested his son Thaer and a number of other persons.  He stated that the Israeli forces deliberately fired a tear gas canister into a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Abu Maria.  Three people in the house suffered from gas inhalation as a result and were taken to a medical center for treatment.  Shadi Abu Maria, who is the son of Ahmed Abu Maria and who suffered from gas inhalation in the incident, was transferred later to a hospital in Hebron city for treatment as his conditions deteriorated.

·  At approximately 10:30, an Israeli infantry unit of eight members raided Izbat Shofa, in southern Toulkarem.  They raided a house, currently under construction, belonging to Saher Ahmed Salim Tayeh (al-Shofani).  Shortly thereafter, three Israeli military jeeps, including two jeeps belonging to the Israeli intelligence service, arrived at a farm belonging to Saher Ahmed Salim Tayeh.  There they questioned Tayeh about five young men.  They claimed that the young men were in Tayeh's house and cursed Tayeh, after which they withdrew at approximately 11:45. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Abween village, in northern Ramallah, where they patrolled in the streets and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

Friday, 02 July 2010

· At approximately 00:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron city.  They surrounded and raided the building of the Islamic Charitable Association near al-Hawooz al-Awal crossroads, southwest of Hebron.  They searched the Association and later withdrew without reporting any confiscations of the Association's possessions or arrests among civilians. 

· At approximately 00:30, an Israeli F16 fighter fired a missile at Gaza International airport, southeast of Rafah.  The missile hit the runway and no casualties were reported.

· At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces moved into Beir Zeit village, north of Ramallah, where they patrolled the streets. They withdrew later without reporting any arrests among civilians.

Saturday, 03 July 2010

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Ein al-Sultan refugee camp, north of Jericho, where they patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Ismail Safi, 26.  Before withdrawing, they delivered a written summons to Mr. Safi requiring him to appear before the Israeli intelligence.

·  At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Oqbet Jaber, south of Jericho, where they patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to late Ayman al-Jahelin.  They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 12:10, Israeli forces moved into Jayous village, north of Qalqilia, where they patrolled in the streets and raided many houses.  Before their withdrawal at approximately 13:30, they delivered summonses to Wajdi Khaled Taher Qadoumi and Jihad Abdul Qater Taher Shahrouri requiring them to appear before the Israeli intelligence.

· At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces moved into Marda village, north of Salfit, where they patrolled in the streets and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported among Palestinian civilians.

Sunday, 04 July 2010

· At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Deir Nezam village, northwest of Ramallah, where they patrolled the streets and raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Ahmed Nassar.  Before their withdrawal at approximately 03:30, they arrested Mohammed, 16, who is the son of Nassar.  They led Mohammed to the interrogation center in "Ofer Camp," south of Ramallah.

· At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Leed village, east of Toulkarem, where they patrolled the streets and later withdrew.  No arrests were reported among Palestinian civilians.

· At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafr al-Labd village, east of Toulkarem, where they patrolled the streets and later withdrew.  No arrests were reported among Palestinian civilians.

Monday, 05 July 2010

· At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into 'Anabta village, east of Toulkarem, where they patrolled the streets.  They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

· At approximately 09:50, Israeli forces moved into Toulkarem city, where they patrolled the streets and then established their position for some time near Mega Land Station in Shweika street.  The troops then drove to Ektaba area, where they later withdrew. No arrests were reported among Palestinians.

· Also at approximately 09:50, Israeli forces moved into Deir al-Ghsoun village, north of Toulkarem, where they patrolled the streets and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported among Palestinians.

· At approximately 10:30, Israeli gunboats positioned at sea near the Gaza port, west of Gaza city, fired at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing approximately two miles off Gaza shore. 'Allam Naser Fadel Bakr, 14, from al-Shati refugee camp, was wounded as a result by two bullets in the abdomen. The boat, which belongs to Mahmoud Abu Hweidi, was struck by two bullets to its hull. On board was Mr. Bakr, his father Naser, 49, and his brother Yaser, 18.

Mr. Bakr and his father were transported by another boat to the shore. Mr. Bakr was then transported to al-Shifa Hospital for medical treatment, where his wounds were described as moderate.

Yaser Bakr, 'Allam's brother, told the PCHR fieldworker that he boarded a fishing boat with his father and his brother 'Allam at approximately 06:00. They sailed from the Gaza port and were anchored approximately two miles off the shore. They threw the net into the water at approximately 06:30. At approximately 10:30, they were surprised by firing coming from an Israeli gunboat which was approximately a half of a mile to the north. They sustained fire from the Israeli ship for approximately ten minutes. 'Allam was wounded by two bullets in the abdomen as a result and the boat was struck by two bullets in its hull Another Palestinian fishing boat transported 'Allam and his father to shore while Yaser remained on the boat. The motor of the boat was broken and Yaser remained on the boat until another Palestinian fishing boat came and pulled it to the shore.

· At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces positioned on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials. On of the workers, Ahmed Nafez Khader Hamdan, 13, from Beit Hanoun, was wounded by a bullet in the abdomen as a result. Ahmed was approximately 700 meters far from the border when he was shot. His brother Hazem, 21, carried him to the Customs Checkpoints of the Palestinian Ministry of Interior, which is located approximately 1,700 meters to the south of Beit Hanoun crossing. Ahmed was then transported by an ambulance to Kamal Odwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. 

Doctors in Kamal Odwan Hospital reported that the bullet hit Ahmed's colon and caused blood to gather in the back. They also reported that the nerves of Ahmed's back may be affected as Ahmed was suffering from severe pains in the left foot. Doctors at the hospital described Ahmed's wounds as moderate. It should be noted that during the firing the horse which Ahmed and his brother Hazem used to arrive at the sight was killed.

· At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces moved into Bedia village, northwest of Salfit, where they patrolled the streets and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

· At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafr Lakef village, east of Qalqilia, where they raided a house belonging to Sami 'Issa Yousef 'Assaf. They raided the metal workshop in the house and required the workers to leave the workshop after checking their ID cards. They arrested Mamdouh Bashir Husein Abu al-Madaneya, 21. While withdrawing from the village, the Israeli forces also arrested Medhat, 23, who is the brother of Mamdouh Bashir Husein Abu al-Madaneya. The Israelis transported the two Palestinians to the nearby settlement of " Karni shamron," where the police then transported them to "Kadomim" and then to an interrogation center in al-Ramlah. Several hours later, they were transported to Ni'lin checkpoint, west of Ramallah, where they were released.

· In the evening, Israeli forces moved into Eskaka village, northeast of Salfit, where they raided and searched a house belonging to Husam Anis Yousef Harb, 50, and arrested him.

Tuesday, 06 July 2010

· At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Azzoun village, east of Qalqilia, where they raided and searched a number of houses and arrested six Palestinian civilians, including four children:

1. Ahmed Muthanna Husein Abdul Halim Dar Husein, 21;

2. Saleh Hassan Husein, 17;

3. Khazem Saher Qura'an, 16;

4. Ala' Samir Salim, 17;

5. 'Ali Rasem 'Ali, 17;

6. Qusai Hamza Abdul Halim Dar Husein, 20;

In the evening of the same day, Qusai Hamza Abdul Halim Dar Husein was released.

· At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, where they raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil al-'Ajarba. They arrested Derar, 15, the son of Khalil al-'Ajarba.

2. Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall and settlement activities. Eight Palestinian civilians were injured, including two children and a journalist, others sustained bruises and others suffered from tear gas inhalation.

During the reporting period, Israeli Forces arrested two human rights defenders in "Wadi Rahhal" village, south of Bethlehem, who sustained bruises during the arrest. The human rights defenders were taken to the Israeli police station at "Kfar Etzion" settlement, south of the city. They were released after six hours of detention. 

· Following the Friday Prayer on 2 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall in the village of Bil'ein, west of Ramallah. They marched towards the Annexation Wall, whereupon Israeli troops stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, shooting broke out in some farms, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. 

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 2 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the village of Ne'lin, west of Ramallah, in protest against 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, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises. 

· Also following the Friday Prayer on 2 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the village of Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah, in protest against land confiscations near "Halmish" settlement. When the demonstrators attempted to reach areas of land seized by Israeli settlers near "Halmish" settlement, Israeli troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises.

· At approximately 13:00, on 2 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in "Wadi Rahhal", south of Bethlehem, in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall. At approximately 13:25, when the demonstrators approached a secondary school close to the Wall project area, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them and violently beat a number of demonstrators. As a result, three demonstrators, including two children, were injured by shrapnel; in addition to eight demonstrators, including three international activists, suffered from tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises. Israeli Forces also arrested two human rights defenders in "Wadi Rahhal" village, south of Bethlehem, who sustained bruises. The human rights defenders were taken to the Israeli police station at "Kfar Etzion" settlement, south of the Bethlehem. They were released after six hours of detention. The following persons were injured by shrapnel:

1. Layth Othman 'Isa Zeyada, 4, injured by shrapnel of sound bomb in the face and neck;

2. Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim Fawaghra, 10, injured by shrapnel of sound bomb in the right leg; and

3. Shadi Mohammed Ibrahim Fawaghra, 23, injured by shrapnel of sound bomb in the right leg and bruises in the back.

The following persons suffered from tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises:

1. 'Afif Khalil Zeyada, 37, suffered from tear gas inhalation and fainted;

2. Basem Abdul Allah Zeyada, 27, injured in the left hand and fainted;

3. Jamil Jaber Zeyada, 30, suffered from tear gas inhalation and fainted;

4. Anas Mohammed Salman Zeyada, 21, suffered from tear gas inhalation and fainted;

5. Tal Shabira, 25, sustained bruises and injured in the right leg;

6. Jalal Raja' Zeyada, 22, sustained bruises before being arrested;

7. 'Amir Sharir, 22, sustained bruises before being arrested, and

8. Asaf Jakubosn, 26, sustained bruises before being arresting.

It should be noted that during the past year, the Israeli Forces have identified the path of the Annexation Wall, which will confiscate dozens of donums. Israeli Forces have established the foundations of the Wall, three kilometers long and 15 meters width, northwest of the Wadi Rahhal village. As a result, the secondary school in the village will be about 10 meters away from the Annexation Wall. 

· In the afternoon of 2 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized their weekly peaceful demonstration in al-Ma'sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest against the construction of the Annexation Wall. When they reached the road connecting "Efrat" settlement, south of Bethlehem, with "Teqwa'" settlement, southeast of the city, the Israeli Forces forcibly stopped the demonstrators.

· On Saturday afternoon, 3 July 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders gathered in Beit Ommar village, north of Hebron. The demonstration, organized by Palestine Solidarity Project and the National Committee to Resist the Settlement, marched towards the lands confiscated by the Israeli Forces for settlements in the "Dahr al-Barahish" area, north of the "Karmi Tsur" settlement, south of the village. Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the protesters. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation, including the journalist Najeh Diab al-Hashlamon, a cameraman for the "European" news agency.

· At approximately 16:00 on 3 July 2010, the "Youth Against Settlement" group organized their weekly peaceful demonstration in Hebron, in protest against closing al-Shohada Street in the city for sixteen years. After the demonstrators moved from the Old City Square, adjacent to the settlement site "Beit Romano," to the Old City, the Israeli Forces stopped the demonstration at the intersection of the al-Ghazazin neighborhood's and prevented them from reaching the area close to the settlement site "Abraham Abino" in al-Hesba market, which is closed. The Israeli Forces attacked some of the demonstrators and prevented a group of Israeli peace activists from reaching the Old City, detaining their bus, which was carrying fifteen activists, at the entrance of the city.

· On Sunday, 5 July 2010, the Israeli Forces used excessive force to disperse a peaceful demonstration organized in Beit Jala, west of Bethlehem. As a result, four demonstrators were injured, including a child and a journalist, and a girl fainted and others sustained bruises.

According to field investigations conducted by PCHR, including the testimony of 'Imad Amin Abu Nassar, coordinator of the National Committee against the Wall and Settlement in Beit Jala, the Israeli Froces used excessive force to disperse the demonstrators who moved from new "Cremisan" Street towards the lands razed by the Israeli Forces for the construction of the Annexation Wall along road #60, west of Beit Jala. Abu Nasser added that Israeli forces fired rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators as well as deliberately firing bombs at the houses and shops after chasing the demonstrators to the area of the Orthodox Club, under PNA control. As a result, four demonstrators, including a journalist, were injured and the two houses belonging to Mahmoud Amin Abu Nassar and Khadr Shehda Buji were struck by gas bombs.

The injured are as follows:

1. The journalist Mahmoud 'Elayan, 35, working for "al-Quds Newspaper", struck by a gas bomb the head;

2. Sohaib 'Omar Maslat, 16, injured by a bullet in the right leg;

3. Fadi Ahmed Masalma, 18, injured by a bullet in the right leg; and

4. Saliba Sawi, 18, injured by a bullet in the right thigh.

3. Continued Siege on the OPT

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.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for approximately three 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.  

· On Friday, 01 January 2010, Israeli forces decided to close Nahal Ouz crossing permanently and to divert the entry of fuels through Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, citing security reasons. 

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

· The principle concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain basic necessities: food, medicine, 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 since 10 December 2008, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas and energy fuel for Gaza Power Plant.

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

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

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

· At least 800 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two and a half years. 

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

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

NOTE: the movement at border crossings will be displayed in the following weekly report for "technical reasons"

The West Bank

Israel has 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 of Jerusalem. 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, preventing Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque. 

· Ramallah: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah. Israeli troops positioned at the Jaba' and Qalandiya checkpoints, southeast of Ramallah, have imposed additional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged security checks of Palestinian civilians. During the reporting period, Israeli Forces erected a number of temporary checkpoints and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 22:00 on Friday, 2 July 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint near 'Attara village, north of Ramallah, in order to stop and search Palestinian civilians vehicles. At approximately 19:30 on Saturday, 3 July 2010, Israeli Forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Leqya village, west of Ramallah, where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

· Nablus: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Nablus. On Friday, 2 July 2010, Israeli troops established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of the northern 'Assira village, north of Nablus, where they stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. Establishing this checkpoint coincided with closing three checkpoints surrounding Nablus; Beit Forik checkpoint east of the city, Hawwara checkpoint and 'Awarta commercial checkpoints south of the city. Eyewitnesses said that these checkpoints remained closed for hours. On Sunday morning, 4 July 2010, the Israeli Forces stationed at Hawwara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians. PCHR's researcher said that the Israeli Forces stationed at the checkpoint stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. He added that the process of selecting the vehicles to be searched was random and that the Israeli Forces forced him to stop to be thoroughly searched.  

· Qalqilya: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Qalqilya. On Monday morning, 5 July 2010, Israeli Forces erected some temporary checkpoint in Qalqilya. PCHR's researcher said that the Israeli Forces established a temporary checkpoint at the intersection of Amatin village, east of the city and started searching the Palestinian civilians. On Monday morning, 5 July 2010, the Israeli Forces established a temporary checkpoint at the entrance of 'Azzon village, east of Qalqilya, and a third checkpoint at the main street connecting Qalqilya with Nabuls, near al-Fonduq village. Some hours later, the checkpoints were removed. On Monday evening, 5 July 2010, the Israeli Forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Jinsafout village, east of the city. They also established another checkpoint at the entrance of the neighboring Hajja village. After a few hours, these checkpoints were removed.  

· Jenin: Israeli Forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Jenin. 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

· At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 2 July 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Barat'a checkpoint, southwest of Jenin, arrested Ahmed Basem Mohammed Abu 'Erra, 20, from 'Aqaba village, southeast of the city, as he was crossing into the West Bank from the Green Line.

· On Monday morning, 5 July 2010, the Israeli troops stationed at the Annexation Wall's gate in Jayous village, north of Qalqilya, arrested Sami Yasser Abdul Allah Khreisha, 26, from Jayous village, as he was traveling to his land on the other side of the Wall. Later, the Israeli Troops confiscated the permits of his two brothers.

4. Measures Aimed at Creating a Jewish Demographic Majority in Jerusalem

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

· On Sunday afternoon, 4 July 2010, the Israeli Municipality forced Nayef Hamdi Kastero to demolish his house in the Old City in Jerusalem, claiming that the house was built without obtaining building permit from the municipality. Mr. Kastero's family consists of five members, including three children/ Mr. Kastero had built the house in 2002. The Israeli Municipality demanded Mr. Kastero and his family to pay a 35,000 NIS fine and then required them to demolish the house. As Mr. Kastero stated to PCHR's researcher:

"In 2002, I built a wall in the western side of the house to support an unstable wall between our house and the Qwaiders' house and Abu Baker mosque. I built the southern wall, installed iron bars on the walls and covered them with bricks. This offered me a room and a kitchen of forty-nine square meters. The settlers from "'Attirat Kohnim" Society tried more than three times to sneak into our room through an adjacent building in Housh al-Shawish to settle it. They filed complaints against me to the Israeli police and I am sure that these settlers are behind the decision of the municipality to demolish my house. I authorized a lawyer and an engineer to plan for issuing a license for the additional room in 2004. The municipality did not look into the issue. On 13 April 2010, the court ruled for the demolition of the children's room and for us to pay a fine of 8,000 NIS, in addition to the fine of 45,000 NIS that I began to pay in 2004. On Sunday afternoon, 4 July 2010, I demolished my children's room." 

· On Monday, 5 July 2010, and Tuesday, 6 July 2010, the Israeli Forces launched tax campaign in al-Mesrara market, in East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses stated to PCHR's researcher that the Israeli police and Income Tax officers broke into many shops in al-Mesrara market and seized records and papers of the markets. "Al-Salayma" shopkeeper said that the Israeli Forces and the tax officers broke into al-Mesrara market; particularly a grocery, al-Mesrara bakery and al-Mesrara supermarket. They seized the shop's truck. After the shop's owners had paid 50,000 NIS, the truck was returned. Tax Authority claimed that there a lot of debts that should be paid to the Income Tax by these shopkeepers, so they should go to the Tax Authority, schedule the debts and pay them.

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

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

1. At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, 1 July 2010, Israeli Forces, supported by military vehicles and bulldozers, broke into al-Ra's al-Ahmar area, north of Tamoun village, and 'Ataouf, southeast of Tubas.  There Israeli Forces destroyed thirteen tents and an inhabited "hut". In 6 June 2010, Israeli Forces had distributed notices to the areas' inhabitants informing them to evacuate the areas. The Israeli Forces claimed that the two areas are closed military areas and should be evacuated. It should be noted that the tents and huts are used as shelters by the Palestinian farmers, who are coming from other areas. The tents and huts belong to:

1. Mohammed and Jom'a Khadr Fayyad Bani 'Oda;

2. Mostafa Abdul Razeq Bani 'Oda;

3. Iyad Mostafa Abdul Razeq;

4. Jamal Khadr Hamed Bani 'Oda;

5. 'Ezzat Yusuf Bani 'Oda;

6. Ali 'Ezzat Yusuf Bani 'Oda;

7. Ali Fayyad Bani 'Oda;

8. Fayyad Khadr Fayyad Bani 'Oda;

9. Abdullah Hussein Abdullah Bsharat;

10. Salah Abdullah Hussein Bsharat;

11. Ayman 'Ezzat Bani 'Oda; and

12. Hassan Abdullah Bani 'Oda.

Recommendations to the International Community

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

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

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

4. PCHR calls for the 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 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.

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Public Document

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