Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (28 July – 03 Aug 2011)

Thursday, 04 August 2011 | Palestinian Center for Human Rights

Fire breaks out in olive trees as Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at peaceful demonstration against the annexation wall in Bil’ein village near Ramallah


 

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

 

Two Palestinian civilians were killed and a third one was wounded by IOF in Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah.

 

A Palestinian civilian was wounded by IOF in the Gaza Strip.

 

Israeli warplanes bombarded a tunnel at the Egyptian border in the southern Gaza Strip and a training site in the north.

 

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

3 Palestinian civilians, including two children, were wounded.

IOF arrested 3 international human rights defenders.

 

IOF conducted 44 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  

IOF arrested 21 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Summary

 

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (28 July – 03 August 2011):

 

Shooting:

 

During the reporting period, IOF killed two Palestinian civilians and wounded 4 others, including two children, in the West Bank. They also wounded another civilian in the Gaza Strip. 

 

On 01 August 2011, IOF killed two Palestinian civilians and wounded a third one in Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. IOF moved into the camp to arrest a number of Palestinian civilians. 

 

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, 3 Palestinian civilians, including two children were wounded and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested 3 international human rights defenders.  

 

In the Gaza Strip, on 30 July 2011, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli soldiers stationed at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israeli opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were collecting straws. 

 

On 02 August 2011, Israeli warplanes bombarded a tunnel at the Egyptian border in the southern Gaza Strip, and a training site in the north. No casualties were reported.

 

Incursions:

 

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 44 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which they arrested 21 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. IOF also summoned 10 Palestinian civilians for interrogation.  

 

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 Soafa 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 48 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.

 

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 29 July 2011, about 100 Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, moved from “Karmi Tsur” settlement to the south of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, into nearby Palestinian areas. The settlers carried maps with them. They damaged some trees and conducted religious rituals. During this tour, which continued until 12:30, Israeli soldiers fired into the air to prevent photographing.

 

 

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (28 July – 03 August 2011)

 

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

 

Thursday, 28 July 2011

 

At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ra’ed Siam, and arrested his 14-year-old child, Hammouda.

 

At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided patrolled in the streets and arrested Yousef Ghassan al-‘Aarda, 20. They also raided and searched a number of houses and arrested another 3 Palestinian civilians:

 

‘Abdul Malek Mahmoud Abu Salah, 21;

Jawad Bassam Abu ‘Obaid, 19, whose was released later; and

Jihad Taheseen ‘Aarda, 18, who was released later.

 

IOF also summoned 5 Palestinian civilians to Salem military post, northwest of Jenin, on 04 August 2011 for interrogation.

 

At approximately 03:10, IOF moved into ‘Allar village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of As’ad Ziad Shadid, 22, and arrested him.

 

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into ‘Ein Yabroud village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later.  No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 16:00, a number of Israeli soldiers, accompanied by a settlers, stormed Janba village in the far south of Hebron. They arrested ‘Eissa and Wa’el ‘Omar Jabarin, 16 and 14 respectively. The settler claimed that the two children attacked his cattle.

 

At approximately 20:00, IOF conducted an airdrop operation onto the space area between the villages of Masliya and al-Jarba, south of Jenin. Israeli soldiers searched the area for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 21:50, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:50, IOF moved into al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

 

 

Friday, 29 July 2011

 

At approximately 01:00, 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 02:00, IOF moved into Tammoun village, southeast of Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Hamad Abu Tous, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council from the Change and Reform Bloc affiliated to Hamas, and arrested him. They also confiscated a computer set and some documented.

 

Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into ‘Aqaba village, northwest of Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Sa’id Abu ‘Erra, 60, former mayor of the village, and arrested him.

 

At approximately 05:30, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets and photographed a number of Palestinian security sites. They withdrew from the town later and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and closed all of its entrance to prevent Palestinian civilians and international human rights defender from organizing a peaceful demonstration against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Israeli soldiers arrested Muheeb Mohammed al-Barghouthi, a photojournalist of al-Hayat al-Jadeeda newspaper. They took him to a checkpoint established between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Kufor ‘Ein. There, Israeli soldiers violently beat and handcuffed him. They then dumped him on the roadside for more than 3 hours. He sustained injuries in the head and bruises throughout the body. Israeli soldiers also destroyed his camera after confiscating its memory card. 

 

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Deir Dibwan village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved in Qibya village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No 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. No arrests were reported.  

 

At approximately 18:25, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

 

 

Saturday, 30 July 2011

 

At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. 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 Jenin. 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 Deir Abu Da’if village, east 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-‘Araqa 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 10:30, IOF moved into Kfiret village, southwest of Jenin. 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 Zibda village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

Also at approximately 10:30, Israeli soldiers positioned on observation towers at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the north of Beit Lahia opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who were collecting straws nearly 400 meters away from the border. As a result, Mousa Ibrahim Abu Dhail, 25, from the Bedouin Village, was lightly wounded by a bullet to the head.

 

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Silwan village to the south of the old town of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mazen ‘Ouda, 23, and arrested him.

 

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into ‘Ein ‘Arik village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. No arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 23:10, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, west of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

 

 

Sunday, 31 July 2011

 

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bidya village, northwest of Salfit. They raided a house belonging to Hussein Ibrahim al-Dalu, 25, and summoned him for interrogation.

 

At approximately 01:30, 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 02:00, IOF moved into Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Aahed Hussein ‘Ayaida, 50, and arrested him.

 

At approximately 02:30, 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 03:00, IOF moved into Esktaba suburb, northeast of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Omar Mahmoud Sheikh Qassem, 20, and arrested him. They also confiscated a computer hard disk.

 

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs. No casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 19:15, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of shops in the center of the village. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:00, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 20:35, IOF moved into Hares village, north of Salfit. They patrolled in the streets and detained Hassan Shareef Daoud, 25, for several hours.

 

At approximately 20:45, IOF moved into Rafat village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.  

 

Monday, 01 August 2011

 

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qalandya refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They surrounded two houses belonging to the families of al-Khatib and Manasra in ‘Antar area to arrest two civilians. Soon, a number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at IOF. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs, and brought backups. At least another 40 masked soldiers arrived at the area and joined the original force. They raided a house belonging to Mohammed Sa’id Zayed. At approximately 02:30, a vehicle that was transporting 5 Palestinian civilians arrived at the area. These civilians were surprised by the presence of IOF in the area. They stepped down and attempted to flee. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at them. As a result, ‘Ali Hassan Khalifa, 27, was seriously wounded by a bullet to the abdomen. Medical efforts to save his life failed. Additionally, Ma’moun Hassan ‘Awad, 24, was wounded by a bullet to the right shoulder. In the meantime, Mo’tassem ‘Eissa ‘Edwan, 22, got out of his house to check what was going one, but he was instantly killed by a bullet to the head. Before their withdrawal from the camp, IOF arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, including two children:

 

1- Ayman Wajeeh al-Khatib, 25;

2- Anas Manasra, 16; and

3- Sa’id Mohammed Zayed, 15.

 

Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Houssan village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Saleh al-Za’oul, 19. 

 

At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into al-‘Eissawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Waleed ‘Olayan. 

 

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time. They withdrew later and no arrests were reported.

 

At approximately 22:15, IOF moved into Jainsafout village, east of Qalqilya. They raided a number of houses and summoned 3 Palestinian civilian for interrogation. 

 

At approximately 20:20, IOF moved into Hijja village, east of Qalqilya. They raided a number of houses and summoned Mahmoud Mohammed Da’as, 18, for interrogation. 

 

Tuesday, 02 August 2011

 

At approximately 00:55, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at a tunnel on the Egyptian border near al-Brazil neighborhood in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. No casualties were reported.

 

At approximately 01:20, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 6 houses in the town, using dogs, sound bombs and tear gas canisters. They also attacked a number of Palestinian civilians. During this operation, IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians:

 

1- Mahmoud Haitham al-Slaibi, 21; and

2-Mohammed Hassan ‘Aadi, 19.

 

IOF also summoned 4 Palestinian civilians for interrogations. As a result of this operation, 6 Palestinian civilians sustained bruises.  IOF also damaged a number of houses.

 

At approximately 03:20, Israeli helicopter gunships fired two missiles at a site of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas) in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. No casualties were reported, but Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified.

 

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, including two children, were wounded, dozens of Palestinian civilians and human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises. IOF also arrested 3 international human rights defenders.         

   

Following the Friday Prayer on 29 July 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.  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 and fire broke out in some olive fields.

 

Also following the Friday Prayer on 29 July 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 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 29 July 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, in protest against land confiscations in the Wad al-Raya area between the villages of Nabi Saleh and Deir Nizam. 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, a number of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.  IOF also arrested 3 international human rights defenders.

 

Also following the Friday Prayer on 29 July 2011, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, in protest to the continued closure of the entrance of the village by IOF. Israeli soldiers prevented the demonstrators from getting close to the entrance and fired at them. As a result, 3 demonstrators, including two children, were wounded:

 

1- Ibrahim As’ad ‘Ali, 45, hit by a tear gas canister to the face;

2- Ja’far Bassam Abu Khaled, 16, hit by a tear gas canister to the left foot; and

3- Rani ‘Ali ‘Ali, 15, hit by a tear gas canister to the right foot.

 

Additionally, a number of Palestinian civilians 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

27 July – 02 August 2011

 

Day

Date

Traveling abroad

Coming into Gaza

Returned into Gaza

Wednesday

27 July 2011

725

910

8

Thursday

28 July 2011

552

878

14

Friday

29 July 2011

Saturday

30 July 2011

916

595

Sunday

31 July 2011

630

651

16

Monday

01 August 2011

683

347

10

Tuesday

02 August 2011

625

294

6

 

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

27 July – 02 August 2011

 

Imports:

 

Date

Imports

Category

Amount

Tons

Number

Liters

27 July 2011

Foodstuffs

746

Agricultural materials

1,333

Various goods

Refrigerators

Washing machines

Cartons of clothes

Cartons of shoes

Water tanks

Glass boards

1,251

385

47

1,541

1,591

256

520

Humanitarian aid

Cars for UNRWA

1,211

7

cooking gas

161.160

28 July 2011

Foodstuffs

1,038

Agricultural materials

1,025

Various goods

Refrigerators

Cartons of clothes

Cartons of shoes

Cars

Water tanks

Gas canisters

1,291

241

1,740

2,319

20

353

128

Humanitarian aid

559

cooking gas

161.000

31 July 2011

Foodstuffs

1,371

Agricultural materials

429

Various goods

Cartons of clothes

Cartons of shoes

Refrigerators

Electricity generators

1,392

 

632

1,942

87

18

Humanitarian aid

4,998

cooking gas

182.130

01 August 2011

Foodstuffs

1,228

Agricultural materials

Cows

Sheep

632

 

210

132

Various goods

Refrigerators

Washing machines

Cartons of clothes

Cartons of shoes

1,252

679

240

1,691

1,972

Humanitarian aid

2,916

cooking gas

138.450

02 August 2011

Foodstuffs

1,220

Agricultural materials

1,356

Various goods

Cartons of clothes

Cartons of shoes

Refrigerators

Washing machines

Air conditioners

Chips machine

Cars

Care tires  

1,207

1,506

137

260

194

549

1

20

396

Humanitarian aid

4,841

1

cooking gas

179.830

 

Notes:

 

On Wednesday, 27 July 2011, IOF allowed the entry 320 tons of cement and 116 tons of construction iron for UNRWA, and of 300 tons of cement for the Palestinian Water Authority. They also allowed the entry of 1,209 tons of fodders and 117 tons of wheat.

 

On Thursday, 28 July 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 146 tons of construction iron for UNRWA, 120 tons of cement for UNDP and 40 tons of construction iron for ANERA. They also allowed the entry of 195 tons of wheat and 741 tons of fodders.  

 

On Sunday, 31 July 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 580 tons of cement, 199 tons of construction iron and 3,850 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA, and 118 tons of cement for UNDP.  They also allowed the entry of 429 tons of fodders.

 

On Monday, 01 August 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 680 tons of cement, 170 tons of construction iron and 2,310 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA, and 54 tons of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 546 tons of fodders and 40 tons of wheat. 

 

On Tuesday, 02 August 2011, IOF allowed the entry of 280 tons of cement, 146 tons of construction iron, 16 tons of gypsum and 3,804 tons of construction aggregate for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 1,287 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

27 July – 02 August 2011

 

Date

27 July

28 July

29 July

30July

31 July

01 August

02 August

Patients

28

31

3

Nil

31

38

32

Companions

28

31

3

Nil

27

41

27

Arabs from Israel

9

30

Nil

Nil

39

Nil

16

Diplomats

5

3

5

Nil

Nil

9

Nil

International Journalists

1

1

1

Nil

Nil

1

Nil

International Workers

46

40

30

Nil

12

7

19

Travelers abroad

2

13

Nil

Nil

1

Nil

2

Business People

62

59

Nil

Nil

61

60

54

Economic Meetings

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Security Interviews

3

Nil

Nil

Nil

1

1

2

VIP’s

1

Nil

1

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Ambulances to Israel

2

3

1

Nil

4

2

Nil

Ambulances from Israel

1

2

1

Nil

2

1

3

 

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 the Palestinian civilians in Ramallah.  At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 28 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint on Bet Bitounia – Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa road, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 18:30 on the same day, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 08:30 on Friday, 29 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint near the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 13:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Lubban al-Gharbi village, northwest of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.  At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 30 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit ‘Aur al-Fouqa village, west of Ramallah. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.        

 

Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.  At approximately 08:25 on Thursday, 28 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 20:25 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Jeet intersection, northeast of Qalqilya. At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 29 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 13:00 on Sunday, 31 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.       

 

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 22:00 on Friday, 29 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at Kfiret intersection, southwest of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.  

 

Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 28 July 2011, Israeli soldiers stationed at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 22:00 on the same day, IOF established a checkpoint at Beit Leed intersection, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At approximately 18:30 on Friday, 29 July 2011, Israeli soldiers stationed at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.     

 

Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 28 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. At 18:00 on Friday, 29 July 2011, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. 

 

Harassments at Military Checkpoints

 

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 29 July 2011, IOF held Mustafa ‘Abdul Qader Yamin, 38, and his 10-year-old child, Qussai, from Jeet village northeast of Qalqilya. Yamin and his child went to the family’s land, which is located near mobile homes of “Qidoumim” settlement to crop almonds. Israeli soldiers stopped the man and his child, and held them until 12:00. They then ordered him to obtain a permit when he wants to go to this area.

 

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 07:00 on Friday, 29 July 2011, about 100 Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, moved from “Karmi Tsur” settlement to the south of Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, into nearby Palestinian areas. The settlers carried maps with them. They damaged some trees and conducted religious rituals. During this tour, which continued until 12:30, Israeli soldiers fired into the air to prevent photographing.

 

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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 ( pchr@pchrgaza.org ) or telephone (+972 (0)8 282 4776 – 282 5893).

Source & More Reports at the Website of PCHR

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