Sheikh Sa’ad checkpoint in occupied Jerusalem

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

IOF opened fire at areas in the Gaza Strip.

Two members of the Palestinian resistance were killed and two others were wounded in the northern Gaza Strip.

IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

3 Palestinian civilians were wounded.

IOF arrested 7 international and Israeli human rights defenders, including a journalist.  

IOF conducted 54 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.   

IOF arrested 23 Palestinians, including a child, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the former Mayor of al-Bireh.

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

IOF arrested a Palestinian patient at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.

IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians at checkpoints in the West Bank.

IOF allowed 40 members of families of Gazan prisoners in Israeli jails to visit these prisoners for the first time since 2006.

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

IOF ordered the demolition of two houses in ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.

IOF demolished 3 agricultural rooms and a well in Hebron.

Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian shepherd north of Ramallah.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (12 – 18 July 2012):

Shooting:

During the reporting period, IOF killed two members of the Palestinian resistance and wounded two others in the Gaza Strip.  They also wounded 3 Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. 

In the Gaza Strip, on 12 July 2012, IOF killed a member of the Palestinian resistance and wounded two others during an incursion into the east of Gaza City. 

On 13 July 2012, IOF killed a member of the Palestinian resistance near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northwest of Beit Lahia.  

During the reporting period, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.  As a result, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded and dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested 7 Israeli and international human rights defenders, including a journalist who was released later. 

Incursions:

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 54 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  During these incursions, IOF arrested 14 Palestinian, including a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the former Mayor of al-Bireh.  

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted two limited incursions into Palestinian areas in the east of Gaza City and in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya.  During these incursions, IOF leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.    

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.

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. 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.

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.

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 14 July 2012, Israeli settlers from “Edi Aad” settlement, north of Ramallah, attacked a Palestinian shepherd in Beer al-Hour area in the east of Turmos’iya village, nearly one kilometer away from the settlement.  The shepherd was able to flee.  The settlers slaughtered a sheep belonging to hiom and attacked other sheep using sharp tools and stones. 

On 17 July 2012, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.  They handed notices to two Palestinian civilians ordering the demolition of two under-construction houses belonging to them.

On 18 July 2012, hundreds of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed Joseph Tomb in Balata village, east of Nablus.  They conducted religious rituals in the area for some and then left. 

Also on 18 July 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Farsh al-Hawa area in the west of Hebron.  They demolished 3 agricultural rooms and a well.    

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (12 – 18 July 2012)

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

Thursday, 12 July 2012

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:

1. Firas Ahmed Mujahed, 48; and

2. Nadeem Abu Khalaf, 40.

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, west of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:

1. Hammam Mahmoud ‘Assafra, 22;

2. Safwat Ibrahim ‘Assafra, 27;

3. Islam ‘Eissa ‘Assafra, 24;

4. Ussama Fadel ‘Assafra, 24; and

5. ‘Omar Khalil ‘Assafra, 23.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Nouba village, west of Hebron.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Shadi Ibrahim Abu al-Hayat, 20.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tubas.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Jamal Rakez Maslamani, 18, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Kufor al-Labad 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 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Anabta village, east of Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

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

At approximately 05:40, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun ‘Atma village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 05:50, IOF moved nearly 300 meters into the east of al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City.  They leveled areas of Palestinian land along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel amidst sporadic shooting.  At approximately 06:40, Israeli tanks stationed in the area fired 4 shells, 3 of which landed near a number of members of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas).  As a result, 3 members were wounded, including one who was in a serious condition.  The fourth shell hit a van, from which those members had just stepped down.  The van was completely destroyed.  The three wounded persons were evacuated to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.  One of them, Mahmoud Ismail al-Haiqi, 27, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City, underwent an immediate surgery and was then taken into the intensive care unit.  He was pronounced dead at approximately 09:40.  In the meantime, IOF had moved back to the border between the Gaza Strip at approximately 09:20.  

At approximately 05:50, IOF moved into Kufor Laqef village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalya.  They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.  Palestinian farmers and workers in the area were forced to leave it due to the Israeli gunfire at the area.

At approximately 09:30, 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 10:00, 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 11:30, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, southwest 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 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 20:30, IOF moved into Dura al-Qare’ village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 13 July 2012

At approximately 00:50, IOF moved into Deir Estia village, northwest of 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 Um al-Sharayet neighborhood in al-Bireh.  They raided and searched a house belonging to Sheikh Jamal Mohammed Tawil, 49, a leader of Hamas and the former Mayor of al-Bireh, and arrested him.  They also delivered a notice to his wife summoning her for questioning by the Israeli intelligence. 

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta, southwest 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 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 12:20, IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northwest of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia opened fire from machine guns and fired an artillery shell at a gunman who got close to the border.  He was instantly killed.  He has not been identified.  Medical crews were able to evacuate his body from the area approximately 11:00 on the following day following coordination through the ICRC.  According to medical sources, the man was hit by shrapnel to the abdomen and he sustained burns throughout the body.  He has not been identified so far. 

At approximately 11:30, 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 16:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Brouqin village, west of Salfit.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 23:00, IOF moved into Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 14 July 2012  

At approximately 20:35, IOF moved into Snirya village, southeast of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghossoun village, north of Tulkarm.  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 Deir Estia village, northwest of Salfit.  They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Hassan al-Mansour, 25, and summoned him for interrogation.

At approximately 23:55, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit.  They raided a house belonging to the family of Ussama Zaid Saleh, 19, and summoned him for interrogation.

Sunday, 15 July 2012

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Reema village, northwest of Ramallah.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Mubtassem al-Ruhaimi, 39, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Lu’ai Ziad Zakarna, 22, and arrested him.  They then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Waleed Zakarna, 30, and arrested him.  Soon after, they raided another two houses belonging to the Zakarna family, but no arrests were reported.

At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Bitounia town.  They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed ‘Abdul ‘Azizi Mubarak, 49, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council from the Change and Reform Bloc affiliated to Hamas, and arrested him.  According to Mubarak’s son, IOF confiscated 3 mobile phones belonging to his father and mother.  He added that his father suffer from diabetes, hypertension and the heat disease. 

At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abada ‘Ali ‘Atiq, 27, and arrested him.

Also at approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:00, 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.

At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah.  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 Deir Jarir village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 16 July 2012

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.  This was the second incursion into the town within 24 hours at a time Palestinian security forces began a campaign to put an end to the state of lawlessness and proliferation of weapons in the town.  

Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bourqin village, west of Jenin.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Taqqou’ village, east of Bethlehem.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Mohammed al-Badan, 17, and arrested him.  According to the child’s father, Israeli soldiers took him out of the house and violently beat him.  The father saw spots of blood on the ground after Israeli soldiers had left the area. 

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Tallouza village, northeast of Nablus.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Zakria Ahmed Salahat, 18, and arrested him.

Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northwest of Jericho.  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 Ethna village, west of Hebron.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Islam Mohammed ‘Awad, 19, and arrested him.

At approximately 04:30, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin.  They raided a bird farm belonging to Ussama Ahmed Mar’ei, 25, and arrested him.

At approximately 19:15, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.  They patrolled in the streets and raided a number of houses.  They then detained Tariq Hamed Ekhlaif, 17, near Qalqilya-Nablus road after handcuffing and blindfolding him.  The child was released at approximately 21:30.   

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

At approximately 02:00, 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 04:40, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin.  They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:

1. Namiq Tariq Abu Bakr, 19;

2. Haidar Yousef ‘Amarna, 22; and

3. Majdi Hassan ‘Amarna, 20.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Beit Siera village, southwest 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 ‘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 17:00, 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 22:30, IOF moved into Burqa village, northeast of Ramallah.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, 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 23:30, IOF moved into Jericho.  They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

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

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Sourif village, northwest of Hebron.  They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Abu Fara, 37, and arrested him. 

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, 3 Palestinian civilians were wounded and dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.  IOF also arrested 7 Israeli and international human rights defenders, including a journalist.      

Following the Friday Prayer on 13 July 2012, 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 and settlement activities.  They raised the Palestinian flag and called for ending political division. They then moved towards areas of annexation wall.  They called through megaphones on Israeli settlers in “Mitityahu” settlement to leave Palestinian land.  Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, Haitham Mohammed al-Khatib, 35, the photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall and Settlement, was hit by a tear gas canister to the right hand.  Additionally, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 13 July 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities.  The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall.   Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.  As a result, some demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 13 July 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities.  The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize.  Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands.  Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters.  As a result, some demonstrators also suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested 7 Israeli and international human rights defenders, including Ben Ahrernerk, 29, a reporter of New York Times, who was released 3 hours later.  

At approximately 13:15 also on Friday, 13 July 2012, Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continued closure of the eastern entrance of the village by IOF.  They moved towards the entrance.  Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them.  As a result, a demonstrator was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right hand, and another one was hit by two tear gas canisters to the right foot. 

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 nearly 5 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.

IOF have continued to impose total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, 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.

For approximately six 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 traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip.  On Wednesday evening, 14 March 2012, IOF arrested Ahmed Subhi al-Kahlout, 40, a trader from Gaza City, when he was traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing.

For approximately 60 months, IOF have continued to deny 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.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

11 – 17 July 2012

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

10 – 16 July 2012

Imports:

Notes:

On Tuesday, 10 July 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 248 tons of cement, 42 tons of construction steel and 2,800 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA.  They also allowed the entry of 819 tons of fodders and 117 tons of wheat.

On Wednesday, 11 July2012, IOF allowed the entry of 240 tons of cement, 2,940 tons of construction aggregates and 38 tons of construction steel for UNRWA.  They also allowed the entry of 585 tons of fodders and 195 tons of wheat.

On Thursday, 12 July 2012, IOF allowed the entry 120 tons of cement and 1,470 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA; and 2,030 tons of construction aggregates for the Palestinian Water Authority.  They also allowed the entry of 429 tons of fodders and 195 tons of wheat. 

On Sunday, 13 July 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 385 tons of cement, 2,800 tons of construction aggregates and 72 tons of construction steel for UNRWA.  They also allowed the entry of 468 tons of fodders and 195 tons of wheat.

On Monday, 14 July 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 200 tons of cement and 2,660 tons of construction aggregates for UNRWA.  They also allowed the entry of 390 tons of fodders and 195 tons of wheat.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

11 – 17 July 2012

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.

There are approximately hundreds of 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.

Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to East Jerusalem, through a strict system of permits and a network of checkpoints.

IOF have completed controlled access to the Jordan Valley through 4 permanent checkpoints established at its entrances.  Palestinians living outside the area are not allowed to enter it without permits.

Settlement activities and expansion of settlements impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. 

IOF have continued to restrict access to gunfire areas and natural reserves, which constitute about 26% of the total area of the West Bank.

Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods throughout the West Bank.

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

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

Qalqilya:  IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  On Thursday, 12 July 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya.  At approximately 21:50 on Friday, 13 July 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ematin village, northeast of Qalqilya.  At approximately 20:00 on Saturday, 14 July 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Hijja village, east of Qalqilya.  At approximately 22:15, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.  On Monday, 16 July 2012, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Qalqilya.                

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 08:30 on Saturday, 14 July 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Arraba intersection, south of Jenin.    

Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 12:30 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12, 13 and 14 July 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab intersection, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.   

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 12 July 2012, IOF arrested two Palestinians who were near the annexation wall to the west of Deir Ballout, west of Salfit:

1. Mohammed Adeeb Abu al-Khair, 19; and

2. Mohammed Marwan ‘Abdullah, 19.

At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 15 July 2012, the family of Rawhi Fu’ad Qazqaz, 43, from the northern Gaza Strip town of Jablya, was informed that he had been arrested by IOF at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.  According to investigations conducted by PCHR, Qazqaz who suffers from unbalanced knee meniscus intended to travel to al-Maqassed Hospital in Jerusalem for medical treatment on 04 July 2012.  He was summoned by the Israeli security services for an interview on Sunday, 15 July 2012.  He went to the crossing on that date at approximately 08:00, and IOF arrested him and transferred him to Ashkelon Prison inside Israel.     

IOF Allows Family Visitation to a Limited Number of Gazan Prisoners in Israeli Jails

At approximately 06:00 on Monday, 16 July 2012, IOF positioned at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip allowed 40 members of families of 25 Gazan prisoners in Israel jails to enter Israel to visit these prisoners.  This is the first time IOF allow family visitation to Gazan Prisoners in Israeli jails since 2006.  The number of Gazan prisoners in Israeli jails is currently estimated at 450. 

4. 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 17:40 on Saturday evening, 14 July 2012, at least 10 Israeli settlers from “Edi Aad” settlement, north of Ramallah, attacked Haassan Mahmoud Abu ‘Alia, 49, when he was grazing sheep in Beer al-Hour area in the east of Turmos’iya village, nearly one kilometer away from the settlement.  Abu ‘Alia was able to flee.  The settlers slaughtered a sheep belonging to Abu ‘Alia and attacked other sheep using sharp tools and stones.  Ten minutes later, a guard of “Shilo” settlement arrived at the area, and the settlers immediately fled. The guard contacted the Israeli police and IOF and they arrived at the area and photographed the scene.  They also requested Abu ‘Ali to refer to an Israeli police station near Ramallah to file his compliant.

At approximately 13:30 on Tuesday, 17 July 2012, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya.  They handed notices to Hani ‘Abdul Fattah Abu Haniya and Salah Farouq Abu Haniya ordering the demolition of two under-construction houses belonging to them.

On Wednesday morning, 18 July 2012, hundreds of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, stormed Joseph Tomb in Balata village, east of Nablus.  They conducted religious rituals in the area for some and then left. 

At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 18 July 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Farsh al-Hawa area in the west of Hebron.  They demolished two agricultural rooms and a well belonging to Robin al-Joulani.  They then demolished another agricultural room belonging to ‘Aadel al-Haimouni.     

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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

For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).