Israeli forces continue bulldozing works to construct the annexation wall and isolate al-Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem

 

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

 

IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.

Dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.

IOF arrested an activist in the campaign against the construction of the annexation wall in Bil’ein village, west of Rammallah.

 

IOF fired at Palestinian workers collecting scraps of construction materials in the northern Gaza Strip.

 

IOF conducted 58 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  

IOF arrested 8 Palestinians.

 

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

Israeli soldiers arrested 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, at various checkpoints in the West Bank.

 

Israeli has continued to construct the annexation wall inside th West Bank territory.

IOF leveled large areas of Palestinian land in al-Walaja village near Bethlehem.

 

Israel has continued measures aimed at creating a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem.

A new settlement plan in East Jerusalem was unveiled.

The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem decided to demolish the bridge of Bab al-Maghariba neighborhood.

IOF closed offices of a number of NGOs and arrested a staff member. 

 

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

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers while cropping olives in the West Bank.

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (20 – 26 October 2011):

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested an activist of peaceful protests against the construction of the wall in Bil’ein village, west of Ramallah.

 

In the Gaza Strip, IOF fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials in the northern Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 58 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 8 Palestinian civilians.   

 

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 over three years. The illegal 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. 

 

IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.

 

IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

 

The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

 

These statistics which were made available to PCHR by the Border and Crossings Department indicate a continued drop in the number of truckloads of Gaza imports and exports.

 

IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Stri, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.

 

The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza's needs of fuel.  Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

 

Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.

 

IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.

 

IOF have continued to prolong the implementation of their decision to allow 60 cars into Gaza weekly although more than 11 months have passed since they announced this decision after three years of ban imposed on the delivery of cars to Gaza. As a result, the prices of cars in Gaza have been on the rise and local markets experience serious shortage in spare parts.

 

For approximately four consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

 

Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.

 

Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.

 

For approximately 52 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.

 

West Bank

 

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 in the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

 

There are approximately 585 permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.

 

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, confiscating more 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.

 

There are approximately 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 permits issued by IOF. Such 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.

 

 

Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall

 

For the fourth consecutive week, IOF have continued bulldozing activities and uprooting of dozens of fruitful trees in al-Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem, to construct a new section of the annexation wall in preparation for the isolation of al-Walaja village from Bethlehem and the annexation of this village’s lands to the boundaries of Jerusalem Municipality.

 

According to field investigations conducted by PCHR, on 03 October 2011, IOF started bulldozing activities in farms and uprooting of trees in targeted lands in Ein al-Hadafa area, Khellet al-Samak area and Ein Jweiza area in al-Walaja village. These bulldozing activities are aimed at preparing infrastructures for the construction of a new section of the annexation wall and for the establishment of a road along the annexation wall in the west and northwest of al-Walaja village. More than 90 agricultural dunums[1] have been bulldozed since the beginning of the bulldozing activities. In addition, more than 230 olive trees, almond trees, grapevines, cypress trees and oak trees have been uprooted.

 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, since 2009, the length of the parts of the annexation wall which have been constructed in the east, west and northeast of al-Walaja village has amounted to 4,500 meters, with widths ranging between 20 and 50 meters.  As a result, 2,100 trees, including 1,000 olive, grape and almond trees, have been uprooted and 500 dunums of agricultural lands, forests and a part of a nature reserve have been destroyed.  Besides, approximately 2,000 dunums in al-Walaja village have been isolated behind the wall.

 

The wall's design plan published by the Israeli Ministry of Defense on its website on 30 April 2007 shows that the construction of the annexation wall would isolate al-Walaja village by surrounding it from the northern, eastern and western sides by the wall.  From the south, the village will be enclosed by a security road controlled by IOF and extending along bypass road no. 436, which is used by the residents of al-Walaja village to have access to services in Bethlehem. Once it is completed, the wall will isolate over 50% of the total area of the village.

 

Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in Jerusalem:

 

The engineer of the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem claimed the woody bridge of Bab al-Maghariba in the old town of Jerusalem is a ramshackle structure and that must be torn down within 30 days, in order to construct a new one. This claim was cited in a letter sent by the engineer on Sunday, 23 October 2011 to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. It should be noted that the Israeli government authorized the demolition of the bridge five month ago to construct a new one according to Israeli plans, but the Israeli police postponed the demolition out of concerns that Palestinian may organize protests. However, the Israeli Internal Security Service recommended, according to the Israeli media, demolishing the bridge. 

 

On the same day, IOF stormed the head offices of al-Quds Development Association in Dahiat al-Barid area in the north of East Jerusalem. They searched the office and arrested Kifah Sarhan, Director of the Social Department in the Association. They then moved to Ras al-‘Aamoud neighborhood. They raided and searched Sarhan’s house and confiscated some documents and computer sets. According to Sarhan’s wife, IOF confiscated also 200,000 ILS.

 

On 25 October 2011, IOF closed 3 offices of al-Quds Development Association in Dahiat al-Barid area in the north of Jerusalem, and Shu’aa’ Women Association in Shu’fat neighborhood for a renewable one month. IOF stormed the offices and expelled the staff. IOF claimed that they closed two offices and an association affiliated to Hamas and a third one of an association affiliated to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Attorney Khaled Zabarqa, Director of al-Quds Development Association, stated that his organization, which is licensed by Israeli authorities, provides legal, humanitarian and social services to poor families. 

 

On 24 October 2011, the website of the Israeli daily Yediot Aharanot unveiled an Israeli settlement plan in East Jerusalem. It reported that the Israeli government is preparing for establishing a new settlement neighborhood in the south of East Jerusalem near Beit Safafa village. The project will divided into 3 phases, which include the construction of 4,000 housing units. The Israeli Organization and Construction Committee has approved the first phase, which includes the construction of 2,610 housing units. 

 

Settlement Activities:  

 

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

 

On 21 October 2011, a number of Israeli settlers, one of them was armed with a machine gun, from “Yish Kodesh” settlement, southeast of Nablus, attacked a number of Palestinian farmers and international solidarity activists who were cropping olives. The settlers used stones, sharp tools and sticks. As a result, two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were injured. IOF arrived at the area and fired tear gas canisters at the farmer and solidarity activists. Dozens of farmers and solidarity activists suffered from tear gas inhalation and they were forced to leave the area.

 

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, attacked Palestinian farmers and expelled them from their lands while they were cropping olives in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, because of the weekly demonstration organized by villagers. Israeli soldiers stated to villagers through megaphones that they are banned from cropping olives until they stop the weekly demonstrations. IOF and settlers expelled the farmers from their lands.

 

On 22 October 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Rafafa” settlement attacked Palestinian agricultural lands in Qarawat Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They expelled a Palestinian family from their land while members of the family were cropping olives. 

 

 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (20 – 26 October 2011)

 

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

 

Thursday, 20 October 2011

 

At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Qub al-Janeb neighborhood in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ramzi Omar al-Turk, 25, and arrested him, claiming that they found a weapon near the house.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into ‘Aboud village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:30, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sounds bombs at them. A number of Palestinian civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:15, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.  

 

 

 

 

Friday, 21 October 2011

 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Ramin village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Thinnaba suburb, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets and arrested Waleed Tariq Hamous, 23.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Saturday, 22 October 2011

 

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into ‘Aboud village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:35, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hamza Marwan Bouziya, 20, and summoned him for interrogation.

 

Sunday, 23 October 2011

 

At approximately 06:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into ‘Izbat al-Tayah area, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 08:30, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Deir Dibwan village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Qibya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:10, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Soon after, IOF moved into Tulkarm. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, windows of a number of cars were broken, but no casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 17:30, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials from the industrial zone to the southwest of the crossing. The workers were forced to flee from the area and no casualties were reported.

 

Monday, 24 October 2011

 

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Hares village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

 

Sofian Waleed Daoud, 20; and

Rami ‘Emad Souf, 18.

 

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Bireh town. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:45, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials from the industrial zone to the southwest of the crossing. The workers were forced to flee from the area and no casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Maithaloun village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Sirris village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets 3 oil presses and questioned Palestinian civilians who were there. They withdrew later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into al-Hfaira village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Tuesday, 25 October 2011

 

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Marda village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

 

‘Aziz Khaled Suleiman, 23; and

Mohammed Shareef Ma’touq, 25.

 

At approximately 09:50, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 09:50, IOF moved into Saida village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Kfair village, southeast of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Seer village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into al-Ras village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Beit Leed village, east of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:00, IOF moved into Kufor Sour village, south of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into Bal’a village, northeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 18:30, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into ‘Ein ‘Arik village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:10, IOF moved into Bitounia town, southwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:55, IOF moved into Jainsafout village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

 

At approximately 03:45, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Bassel Nash’at Samara, 19.   

 

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

 

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 and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, dozens of Palestinian civilians, including a photojournalist, and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. 

   

Following the Friday Prayer on 21 October 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall. They raised the Palestinian flag and portraits of Marwan al-Barghouthi and Ahmed Sa’adat, Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council who have been detained by IOF. They then moved towards areas of Palestinian land, which the Israeli High Court ordered to be returned to their Palestinian owners. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested Ashraf Ibrahim Abu Rahma, 30. 

 

Also following the Friday Prayer on 21 October 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall. They chanted slogans calling for Palestinian reconciliation, adherence to the Palestinian inalienable rights and resistance of the occupation. Additionally, they chanted "194 is the State of Palestine" and other slogans against the American President and his speech at the United Nations that was defended the Israeli occupation.  They clashed with Israeli troops positioned near the annexation wall. Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at demonstrators. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. 

 

Also following the Friday Prayer on 21 October 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilya, in protest to continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village by IOF. IOF intercepted the demonstration and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 6 demonstrators, including an old woman, suffered from tear gas inhalation: Salima Ahmed Eshtaiwi, 70; Bashar Khaled Abu Khaled, 20; Bassam Mohammed Eshtaiwi, 40; Mohammed Maher Jom’a, 25; Aws ‘Abdul Raziq ‘Aamer, 21; and ‘Alaa’ Mohammed Rsaheed, 25.

 

At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 22 October 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They moved towards the agricultural lands Khillat al-Kutla area, which have been closed by IOF, near “Karmi Tsur” settlement, south of the town. Israeli soldiers attacked the demonstrators and declared the area a closed military zone. They violently beat a number of demonstrators and fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

 

3. Continued Closure of the OPT

 

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of 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 over three years. The illegal 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. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. PCHR is concerned that the new Israeli policy is simply shifting Gaza to another form of illegal blockade, one that may become internationally accepted and institutionalized. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

 

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

 

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

19 – 25 October 2011

 

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

19 – 25 October 2011

 

Imports:

 

 

Notes:

 

On Sunday, 23 October 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 440 tons of cement, 1,960 tons of construction aggregate and 74 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,443 tons of fodders.

 

On Monday, 24 October 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement, 1,960 tons of construction aggregate and 66 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; 34 tons of cement and 108 tons of construction steel for the Palestinian Water Authority; and 40 tons of cement of UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 1,443 tons of wheat.

 

ON Tuesday, 25 October 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 800 tons of cement, 2,310 tons of construction aggregate and 64 tons of construction steel for UNRWA, and 80 tons of cement and 32 tons of construction steel for the Cooperative Housing Foundation. They also allowed the entry of 1,677 tons of fodders. 

 

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employees of international agencies and a limited 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. The small number of patients permitted to pass through the crossing is only able to do so under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking. 

 

 

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

19 – 25 October 2011

 

 

The West Bank

 

Israel has 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. IOF 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: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 20 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on the road linking between Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta and Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa villages, west of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00 on Friday, 21 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on the road liking between Silwad and al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya villages, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 22 October 2011, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 17:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa intersection, west of Ramallah.

 

Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Thursday, 20 October 2011, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. On Friday, 21 October 2011, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. On Saturday, 22 October 2011, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Monday, 24 October 2011, IOF established two checkpoints around Qalqilya.         

 

Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 20 October 2011, IOF established 4 checkpoints around the town. At approximately 13:00 on Friday, 21 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Attil intersection, north of Tulkarm. On Sunday, 23 October 2011, IOF closed Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm. The closure would continue until 01 November 2011 allegedly for maintenance works.   

 

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 20 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Rummana village, northwest of Jenin. On Saturday, 22 October 2011, IOF established two checkpoints around the town. At approximately 12:30 on the same day, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians passing through Movo Dutan checkpoint, north of Jenin. 

 

Jericho: IOF have continued to impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 19:30 on Thursday, 20 October 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho.  

 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

 

At approximately 15:30 on Friday, 21 October 2011, IOF arrested 4 Palestinian civilians when they were on fields in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, claiming that they were present in a closed military zone:

 

1- Saleem Mohammed ‘Aadi, 40;

2- Mohammed Mufleh ‘Aadi, 35;

3- Mufleh Mohammed ‘Aadi, 18; and

4- Jamal Mohammed ‘Aai, 15.

 

4. Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall

 

For the fourth consecutive week, IOF have continued bulldozing activities and uprooting of dozens of fruitful trees in al-Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem, to construct a new section of the annexation wall in preparation for the isolation of al-Walaja village from Bethlehem and the annexation of this village’s lands to the boundaries of Jerusalem Municipality. PCHR condemns these bulldozing activities and recalls the Advisory Opinion issued on 09 July 2004 by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the annexation wall inside the West Bank illegal and calls for its dismantlement.

 

According to field investigations conducted by PCHR, on 03 October 2011, IOF started bulldozing activities in farms and uprooting of trees in targeted lands in Ein al-Hadafa area, Khellet al-Samak area and Ein Jweiza area in al-Walaja village. These bulldozing activities are aimed at preparing infrastructures for the construction of a new section of the annexation wall and for the establishment of a road along the annexation wall in the west and northwest of al-Walaja village. More than 90 agricultural dunums have been bulldozed since the beginning of the bulldozing activities. In addition, more than 230 olive trees, almond trees, grapevines, cypress trees and oak trees have been uprooted.

 

In this context, a PCHR fieldworker reported that IOF have bulldozed approximately across a length of 1,800 meters with widths between 20 and 30 meters.  In addition, IOF have isolated other large areas in the west of al-Walaja village, including the cemetery of the village.  The PCHR fieldworker also reported that these bulldozing activities coincide with the construction of the annexation wall in "al-Natouf" and "Ras Krimzan" areas in the east of al-Walaja village.  The length of this section part of the annexation wall will be 2,000 meters, with widths ranging between 30 and 50 meters.  This section will be connected to the new section referred to above.

 

Owners of the affected lands include ‘Abdul Rahman Mohammed Abu al-Tin; ‘Eissa Ja’far Hajajla; Ahmed ‘Abdul Rahman Dras’; ‘Ata Mohammed al-Aa’raj; Ahmed Saleh Barghouth; Jamal Saleh Barghouth; ‘Omar ‘Eissa Hajajla; ‘Abdullah Dawood Rabah; ‘Abdul Qader Dawood Rabah; Khalil ‘Ali al-Aa’raj; ‘Omar Dawood al-Saifi; Mohammed Hassan al-Atrash; Tariq Mansour; Fakhri ‘Eid Abu Sadoud; and ‘Abdul Fattah ‘Abed Rabbu.

 

The resumption of the construction works in this new section of the annexation wall has been based on a decision issued on 23 August 2011 by the Israeli High Court which rejected a petition filed by residents of al-Walaja village requesting a change of the route of the said section of the annexation wall.  In its reasoning of the rejection of the petition, the Israeli High Court stated: "The route of the wall is necessary for the security of Israel and its citizens." The Court disregarded the theft of Palestinians' lands and the resulting negative impact on the residents of al-Walaja village and their livelihoods.

 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, since 2009, the length of the parts of the annexation wall which have been constructed in the east, west and northeast of al-Walaja village has amounted to 4,500 meters, with widths ranging between 20 and 50 meters.  As a result, 2,100 trees, including 1,000 olive, grape and almond trees, have been uprooted and 500 dunums of agricultural lands, forests and a part of a nature reserve have been destroyed.  Besides, approximately 2,000 dunums in al-Walaja village have been isolated behind the wall.

 

The wall's design plan published by the Israeli Ministry of Defense on its website on 30 April 2007 shows that the construction of the annexation wall would isolate al-Walaja village by surrounding it from the northern, eastern and western sides by the wall.  From the south, the village will be enclosed by a security road controlled by IOF and extending along bypass road no. 436, which is used by the residents of al-Walaja village to have access to services in Bethlehem. Once it is completed, the wall will isolate over 50% of the total area of the village.

 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR and based on the Israeli military order no. (T/25/06) which was issued in 2006, IOF have been establishing a new crossing in the annexation wall in the east of al-Walaja village.  This crossing is named "Har Gilo".  Eventually, the wall will completely isolate the village from all of the other Palestinian villages and towns, service providing institutions and vital facilities in the Bethlehem governorate.

 

5. Efforts to Create a Jewish Majority in East Jerusalem

 

Israeli occupation authorities have continued to make persistent efforts to create a Jewish majority in East Jerusalem and expel Palestinian civilians in the city. 

 

The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem Decides to Demolish Bab al-Maghariba Woody Bridge

 

The engineer of the Israeli municipality of Jerusalem claimed the woody bridge of Bab al-Maghariba in the old town of Jerusalem is a ramshackle structure and that must be torn down within 30 days, in order to construct a new one. This claim was cited in a letter sent by the engineer on Sunday, 23 October 2011 to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. It should be noted that the Israeli government authorized the demolition of the bridge five month ago to construct a new one according to Israeli plans, but the Israeli police postponed the demolition out of concerns that Palestinian may organize protests. However, the Israeli Internal Security Service recommended, according to the Israeli media, demolishing the bridge. 

 

The engineer’s letter stated: “According to the law, this temporary bridge should be demolished using non-flammable materials in accordance with such rules, standards and specifications decided by engineers. This step may provoke a wave of protests by in the Palestinian territories and abroad.”

 

Sheikh ‘Azzam al-Tamimi, Director of the Waqf Department in Jerusalem, stated that Bab al-Maghariba hill, on which the bridge stands, is an Islamic waqf and a major gate of the al-Aqsa Mosque. He pointed out that the Waqf Department is the only party authorized to make reparations in it. 

 

Closure of NGOs and Raids on Staff’s Houses

 

At approximately 12:00 on Sunday, 23 October 2011, IOF stormed the head offices of al-Quds Development Association in Dahiat al-Barid area in the north of East Jerusalem. They searched the office and arrested Kifah Sarhan, Director of the Social Department in the Association. They then moved to Ras al-‘Aamoud neighborhood. They besieged Sarhan’s house, which was empty at the time, and attempted to break into it. His father was able to convince them to wait until Sarhan’s wife come back home. When she came back home at approximately 14:30, IOF raided and searched the house and confiscated some documents and computer sets. According to Sarhan’s wife, IOF confiscated also 200,000 ILS.

 

At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 23 October 2011, IOF stormed al-Iman School in Beit Hanina village, north of Jerusalem. They arrested a teacher, Fua’d Hamdiya. They took him to his house in Wad al-Jouz neighborhood. They raided and searched the house and confiscated communication devices and 3 computer sets.

 

On Tuesday, 25 October 2011, IOF closed 3 offices of al-Quds Development Association in Dahiat al-Barid area in the north of Jerusalem, and Shu’aa’ Women Association in Shu’fat neighborhood for a renewable one month. IOF stormed the offices and expelled the staff. IOF claimed that they closed two offices and an association affiliated to Hamas and a third one of an association affiliated to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Attorney Khaled Zabarqa, Director of al-Quds Development Association, stated that his organization, which is licensed by Israeli authorities, provides legal, humanitarian and social services to poor families.  

 

A New Settlement Plan

 

On Monday, 24 October 2011, the website of the Israeli daily Yediot Aharanot unveiled an Israeli settlement plan in East Jerusalem. It reported that the Israeli government is preparing for establishing a new settlement neighborhood in the south of East Jerusalem near Beit Safafa village. The project will divided into 3 phases, which include the construction of 4,000 housing units. The Israeli Organization and Construction Committee has approved the first phase, which includes the construction of 2,610 housing units. All plans of this project were presented to the Israeli government for approval. The Committee will hold a meeting on 08 December 2011 to approve the second phase of the project. The new project will complete the settlement belt in the south of East Jerusalem.  

  

6. 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, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

 

At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 21 October 2011, a number of Israeli settlers, one of them was armed with a machine gun, from “Yish Kodesh” settlement, southeast of Nablus, attacked a number of Palestinian farmers and international solidarity activists who were cropping olives. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, about 150 persons were cropping olives on a farm belonging to Mahmoud Tubasi ‘Aabed in al-Kurkuffa area, which is under Israeli security control, to the east of Jaloud village, southeast of Nablus.  The settlers attacked them using stones, sharp tools and sticks. As a result, Mahmoud ‘Aabed, 45, was injured in the head, and Adham Wasfi Mohammed, 15, was injured in the right eye and sustained bruises to the face. Soon after, IOF arrived at the area and fired tear gas canisters at the farmer and solidarity activists. Dozens of farmers and solidarity activists suffered from tear gas inhalation and they were forced to leave the area.

 

At approximately 13:50 on the same day, a number of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, attacked Palestinian farmers and expelled them from their lands while they were cropping olives in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, because of the weekly demonstration organized by villagers. Israeli soldiers stated to villagers through megaphones that they are banned from cropping olives until they stop the weekly demonstrations. IOF and settlers expelled the farmers from their lands.

 

At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 22 October 2011, a number of Israeli settlers from “Rafafa” settlement attacked Palestinian agricultural lands in Qarawat Bani Hassan village, northwest of Salfit. They expelled Hamad Sa’id Mar’ei, 31, and his family from their land while members of the family were cropping olives. 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

 

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Public Document

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