weekly report 04-10

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PCHRPalestinian Centre for Human RightsLTD (non-profit)http://www.pchrgaza.org

_________________________________

Weekly Report

On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the

Occupied Palestinian Territory

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

21 - 27 Jan. 2010NO04-2010


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Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in theOccupied Palestinian Territory

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip Tel/Fax: +972 (0)8 282 4776 282 5893

www.pchrgaza.org1

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

(OPT)

Two Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank.

IOF conducted 19 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

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

IOF stormed houses of a number of activists against the construction of the AnnexationWall.

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

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

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

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

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


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Summary

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

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

On 22 January 2010, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when IOF also used force to disperse peacefuldemonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders,

protesting the construction of the Annexation Wall in the West Bank.

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

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

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

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

Restrictions on Movement: Israel has continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed

severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, includingoccupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip over two and a half years. The illegalIsraeli-imposed siege of Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact onthe humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to

appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

The main concern of 1.5 million people living in the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food,medicines, water and electricity supplies.

Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for the past twoand a half years.

Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas, since10 December 2008.

The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened for a few days for a number of patients whoreceived medical treatment abroad and needed to return to the Gaza Strip.


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IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to theWest Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

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

IOF have continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Lossesincurred to this sector are estimated at US$ 6 million.

Israel has imposed additional restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists andhumanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. IOF have prevented representatives of several internationalhumanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

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

years.

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

West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout theWest Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank andthe Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to the

city. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

There are approximately 630 permanent roadblocks, manned and unmanned checkpoints across the WestBank. In addition, there are some 60-80 flying or temporary checkpoints erected across the West Bank

by IOF every week.

When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank,further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall has already been constructed.Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscatingPalestinian land.

At least 65% of the main roads that lead to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed orfully controlled by IOF (47 out of 72 roads).

There are around 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately onethird of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a

permit issued by the IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

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

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


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

On 21 January 2010, IOF moved into the Lafjam area to the east of 'Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, and

handed notices to 6 Palestinian farmers from the Bani Monia and Bani Jaber families ordering them toevacuate animal sheds. Otherwise, IOF would force them to do so, confiscating the animals and forcing thefarmers to pay the costs.

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

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from "Halmish" settlement, northwest of Ramallah, uprooted15 olive trees belonging to Jameel 'Abdul Qader Mezher in Deir Nizam village.

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

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


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Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (21 27 January2010)

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

Thursday, 21 January 2010

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

1. Usaid Khaled Salama, 19; and2. 'Abdul 'Aziz Khalil Jebril, 23.

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

1. Qussai Mohammed Nafe', 19;2. Barakat 'Ali al-Khawaja, 32; and3. Mustafa Rateb 'Amira, 53, who was arrested to exert pressure on his son, 32-year-old Rateb, so he

would hand himself in to IOF.

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

1. Mohammed Mahmoud al-Slaibi, 25;2. Jamal Ibrahim Ekhlil, 18;3. Mohammed Muhaisen 'Awadh, 32; and4. 'Allam Muneer Ebraighaith, 18.

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

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

Friday, 22 January 2010

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

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


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Saturday, 23 January 2010


1. Hussein Ibrahim Abu 'Ayash, 19;2. Muhannad Khaled Abu 'Awad, 20; and3. 'Eissa Mohammed 'Awadh, 21.

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

Sunday, 24 January 2010

At approximately 00:15, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahiya beach in the northern Gaza

Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach;no casualties were reported.

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

Monday, 25 January 2010

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

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

1. Mohammed 'Abdul Ghani Shqair, 22; and2. Mansour 'Abdul Khaliq 'Izziddin, 33.

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

At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, but noarrests were reported.

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

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

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

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


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Wednesday, 27 January 2010

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

1. Muneer Jamal Saif, 18;2.Nafe' Ahmed Salah, 19;3. Ashraf Rassem Hijja, 20;4. Walid Yazid Daghlas, 18; and5. Fadi Zaher Abu 'Omar, 18.

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

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a

house belonging to the family of 'Ammar 'Aaref Qazzaz, 19, and arrested him.

At approximately 05:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahiya beach in the northern GazaStrip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach.

No casualties were reported.

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

2. Continued Closure of the OPT

IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on themovement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli occupation forces have continued to impose a tightened blockade for more than two and a half years.The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had adisastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip

1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights toappropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

The main concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food, medicines,water and electricity supplies.

Israel has continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more thantwo and a half years.

Israel has not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding limited amounts of cooking gas, since10 December 2008.

The Rafah International Crossing Point has been opened for a few days for a number of patients whoreceived medical treatment abroad and needed to return to the Gaza Strip.


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IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing to Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to theWest Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

IOF have continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Lossesincurred to this sector are estimated at US$ 6 million.

Israel has imposed additional restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists andhumanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. IOF have prevented representatives of several internationalhumanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.

Living conditions of the Palestinian civilian population have seriously deteriorated; levels of poverty andunemployment have sharply mounted.

Palestinian prisoners from Gaza in Israeli jails have been deprived of family visitation for more than two

and a half years.


Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

20 26 January 2010

Date Details

20 January 2010

Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 3 others were allowed into

the Gaza Strip.

21 January 2010Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 81 others, as well as the bodyof a deceased Palestinian, were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

22 January 2010 Closed.

23 January 201010 Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 21 others were allowed into theGaza Strip.


25 January 2010 3 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

26 January 2010 Two Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

20 26 January 2010

Date Details

20 January 201083 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods forlocal traders, 105 tons of cooking gas and 493,800 liters of fuel were allowed intothe Gaza Strip.

21 January 2010106 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goodsfor local traders, and 105.57 tons of cooking gas were allowed into the Gaza Strip.



24 January 2010 72 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for


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local traders, 95.49 tons of cooking gas, and 228,000 liters of fuel were allowed intothe Gaza Strip. Three containers of strawberries and two containers of flowers wereexported.

25 January 2010

80 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods for

local traders, 104.63 tons of cooking gas, and 142,100 liters of fuel were allowedinto the Gaza Strip. Three containers of strawberries were exported.

26 January 2010100 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goodsfor local traders, 84 tons of cooking gas, and 180,000 liters of fuel were allowed intothe Gaza Strip. One container of flowers was exported.

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

Al-Mentar (Karni) Crossing: IOF partially opened the crossing on Wednesday, 20 January 2010, and

allowed the entry of 1,520 tons of wheat and 1,280 tons of fodders. They opened it again on Monday, 25January 2010, and allowed the entry of 1,360 tons of wheat and 680 tons of fodders.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movementof Palestinian civilians. They have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, employeesof international agencies and a small number of patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through thecrossing. They have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detainedin Israeli jails. As mentioned above, IOF have permitted a few number of patients to pass through thecrossing, but under severe restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

20 25 January 2010

Date Patients Companions Arabsfrom Israel

Ambassadors InternationalJournalists

InternationalWorkers

Travelersabroad

Traders

20 January2010 40 38 9 5 6 32 Nil Nil

21 January2010 33 34 19 11 1 74 11 3

22 January2010 1 1 4 Nil 4 7 20 Nil

23 January2010 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

24 January2010 40 39 27 5 5 18 6 Nil

25 January2010 53 48 3 3 5 25 9 6

The West Bank

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

Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians toand from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have beendenied access to the city. Israeli occupation forces have established many checkpoints around and inside

the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing


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Muslim Palestinians from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli occupation forces often violently beatPalestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city.

Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On

Sunday morning, 24 January 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus,imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday morning, 26January 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additionalrestrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

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

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

Bethlehem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 25 January 2010, IOF closed al-Nashahs intersection at the southern

entrance of Bethlehem for an hour and a half. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.On Friday noon, Israeli troops stationed at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed severerestrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They searched Palestinian civilian vehicles andverified the identity cards of passengers.

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

stopped, held, checked and questioned a number of Palestinian civilians.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

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

At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, IOF arrested Ahmed Hamza al-Kilani, 29, andMos'ab al-Khatib, 27, two journalists working for al-Quds Television. The two journalists were preparinga television report on Ariel College, which the Israeli government intends to turn into an accredited

university. When Israeli settlement security officers saw them, they called Israeli troops stationed atZa'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus. When they arrived at the area, Israeli troops confiscated the


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journalists' cameras and identity and press cards. They also detained and interrogated the journalists forsome time.

In his testimony to PCHR, journalist Ahmed al-Kilani stated:

"At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, my colleague, Mos'ab al-Khatib, and

I were near 'Taffouh' and 'Ariel' settlements preparing a television report for al-QudsTelevision on the transformation of Ariel College into a university. Soon, two settlement

security officers came to us and asked us for identity and press cards. They then called Israeli

troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint. A Hummer military jeep arrived in the area. Israelisoldiers stepped out of it and ordered us to show them the video recordings and ordered us to

delete them, but we refused. They asked us for identity and press cards and confiscated ourcameras. They then handcuffed and blindfolded us. We were taken in an armed personnel

carrier to some place. For one hour and a half, the interrogated us about what we were

doing. Ten minutes later, they took us to Za'tara checkpoint, where they released us."

Harassments at Military Checkpoints

On Sunday morning, 24 January 2010, Israeli troops attacked10 Palestinian workers in the Za'im areanear the Annexation Wall, east of Jerusalem. As a result, Rani Hussein Salah, 26, from al-Khader villagesouth of Bethlehem, sustained an injury in the mouth and acute bruises across his body. He also lost 6 ofhis teeth. The other workers sustained bruises across their bodies. According to investigations conducted

by PCHR, on Sunday morning, hundreds of Palestinian workers gathered approximately 500-600 metersaway from al-Za'im crossing, east of Jerusalem, wishing to enter the city to attend their jobs, as they donot have permits to enter the city. Israeli troops were patrolling in the area and chasing anyone they saw.At approximately 04:30 Israeli troops surrounded 10 workers, mostly from al-Khader village, who were

on a sand hill to the east of the Wall. They forced the workers to sit down and violently beat them formore than 10 minutes. They then held the workers in a room near al-Za'im crossing for approximately 30minutes, without offering Rani Hussein Salah, who was injured, any medical aid. They released him atapproximately 07:30, and he could hardly reach a hospital in Bethlehem. The other workers werereleased at 13:30 of the same day.

3. Construction of the Annexation Wall

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

Following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international andIsraeli human rights defenders gathered in the center of Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah. They movedtowards the Wall and threw stones at IOF troops positioned in the area. Immediately, IOF troops firedrubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Dozens ofdemonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and internationaland human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah,

protesting the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with IOF troops positioned near the

Wall. IOF troops fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at demonstrators.Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.


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Also following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and internationalhuman rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in protest of the construction of theAnnexation Wall in al-Ma'sara village, south of Bethlehem. Israeli troops closed the entrance of the

village and attacked the demonstrators. They fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at thedemonstrators and violently beat a number of them. Israeli troops also arrested Sa'id Suleiman Braijiya,60.

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

1. 'Atallah Tamim al-Tamimi, 60;

2. Murad 'Abdul Karim al-Tamimi, 38;3. Maha Hussein al-Tamimi, 31; and4. Manal 'Abdul Salam al-Tamimi, 33.

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Wednesday afternoon, 27 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers gathered in the evacuated"Homesh" settlement, northwest of Nablus. They attacked a Palestinian farmer from the nearby Seilat al-Zaher village, Yousef Mohammed Mar'ei, while he was farming his land. He sustained bruises across his

body. The Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles traveling on the Jenin-Nablusroad. No injuries were reported.


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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 andmoral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in theOccupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by theinternational community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israelcontinue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conferenceto 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 responsiblefor grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR calls for the immediate implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Courtof 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 ofinternational 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 goodsproduced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which wasimplemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of theoccupation 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 toincrease 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, barassociations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments tosecure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to demand Israel end its attacks on Palestiniancivilians.

10.PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed bythe Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.


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11.PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law andhumanitarian 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 oragreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights andhumanitarian law.

Public Document

For further information please visit our website (www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHRs office in GazaCity, Gaza Strip by email ([email protected]) or telephone (+972 (0)8 2824776 2825893).


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Palestinian Centre for Human Rights,29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip Tel/Fax: +972 (0)8 282 4776 282 5893

www.pchrgaza.org1

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

(OPT)

Two Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank.

IOF conducted 19 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

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

IOF stormed houses of a number of activists against the construction of the Annexation

Wall.

IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and have isolated the GazaStrip from the outside world.

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

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

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

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


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Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law escalated in the OPT during the reporting period(21 27 January 2010):

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

On 22 January 2010, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when IOF also used force to disperse peacefuldemonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders, in

protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall in the West Bank.

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

On 19 January 2010, a child was wounded when IOF moved into Jenin refugee camp in the northern WeatBank and fired at a number of children who demonstrated in the area.

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

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 19 military incursions into Palestiniancommunities in the West Bank. IOF arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children. IOF alsostormed houses of activists against the construction of the Annexation Wall.

Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposedsevere restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, includingoccupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

IOF have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The Israeli siegeof Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian andeconomic situation in the Gaza Strip.

1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights to

appropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

The main concern of 1.5 million people living in the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food,medicines, water and electricity supplies.

IOF have continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more thantwo years.

IOF have not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding few amounts of cooking gas, since 10December 2008.

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


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IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the face of Palestinian civilians wishing totravel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

Poverty and unemployment have sharply mounted in the Gaza Strip.

IOF have continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Lossesincurred to this sector is estimated at US$ 6 million.

IOF have imposed additional restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists andhumanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several internationalhumanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.


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


West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout theWest Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank andthe Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.

IOF have established checkpoints in and around Jerusalem, severely restricting Palestinian access to thecity. Civilians are frequently prevented from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

There are approximately permanent 630 roadblocks, manned and unmanned checkpoints across the WestBank. In addition, there are some 60-80 flying or temporary checkpoints erected across the West Bank

by IOF every week.

When complete, the illegal Annexation Wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank,further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the Wall has already been constructed.Approximately 99% of the Wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, further confiscating

Palestinian land.

At least 65% of the main roads that leads to 18 Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed orfully controlled by IOF (47 out of 72 roads).

There are around 500 kilometers of restricted roads across the West Bank. In addition, approximately onethird of the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, is inaccessible to Palestinians without a

permit issued by the IOF. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain.

IOF continue to harass, and assault demonstrators who hold peaceful protests against the construction of

the Annexation Wall.


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

Settlement Activities: IOF have continued settlement activities and Israeli settlers living in the OPT in

violation of international humanitarian law have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 21 January 2010, IOF moved into Lafjam area to the east of 'Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, handednotices to 6 Palestinian farmers from the Bani Monia and Bani Jaber families ordering them to evacuate

barracks of animals; otherwise, IOF would force them to do so, confiscate animals and force the farmers topay the costs.

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

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from "Halmish" settlement, northwest of Ramallah, uprooted15 olive trees belonging to Jameel 'Abdul Qader Mezher in Deir Nizam village.

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

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


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Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (21 27 January2010)

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

Thursday, 21 January 2010

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

1. Usaid Khaled Salama, 19; and2. 'Abdul 'Aziz Khalil Jebril, 23.

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

1. Qussai Mohammed Nafe', 19;2. Barakat 'Ali al-Khawaja, 32; and3. Mustaf Rateb 'Amira, 53, who was arrested to force his son, 23-year-old Rateb, to give up to IOF.


1. Mohammed Mahmoud al-Slaibi, 25;2. Jamal Ibrahim Ekhlil, 18;3. Mohammed Muhaisen 'Awadh, 32; and4. 'Allam Muneer Ebraighaith, 18.

During the house raids, IOF broke the door Muhaisen 'Awadh's house and damaged the furniture. Theyalso violently beat him, and an amount of 800 NIS (approximately US$ 200) was lost in the house. IOFalso violently beat 'Alaa' Mahmoud al-Slaibi, 16, and his brother Ahmed, 19, and damaged a truck

belonging to Yousef Khudair 'Awadh.

At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da'if village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and

searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.

Friday, 22 January 2010

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

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

Saturday, 23 January 2010


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1. Hussein Ibrahim Abu 'Ayash, 19;

2. Muhannad Khaled Abu 'Awad, 20; and3. 'Eissa Mohammed 'Awadh, 21.

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

Sunday, 24 January 2010

At approximately 00:15, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern GazaStrip opened fire at Palestinian fishing bots. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beachand no casualties were reported.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched anumber of houses and arrested Rateb Mustafa 'Amira, 32. IOF had arrested 'Aamia's father 3 days earlierto force him to give in to them.

Monday, 25 January 2010

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

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

1. Mohammed 'Abdul Ghani Shqair, 22; and2. Mansour 'Abdul Khaliq 'Izziddin, 33.

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

At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into Tubas. They raided and searched a number of houses, but noarrests were reported.

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

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

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

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

Wednesday, 27 January 2010


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

1. Muneer Jamal Saif, 18;2.Nafe' Ahmed Salah, 19;3. Ashraf Rassem Hijja, 20;4. Walid Yazid Daghlas, 18; and5. Fadi Zaher Abu 'Omar, 18.

They also informed the family of Saddam Ragheb Shraida, 19, that he must give in to them.

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

At approximately 05:00, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia beach in the northern GazaStrip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. Palestinian fishermen were forced to sail back to the beach.

No casualties were reported.

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

2. Continued Siege on the OPT

IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the

movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

IOF have continued to close all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than two years. The Israeli siegeof Gaza, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian andeconomic situation in the Gaza Strip.

1.5 million people are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, and their rights toappropriate living conditions, work, health and education.

The main concern of the population of the Gaza Strip is to obtain their basic needs of food, medicines,water and electricity supplies.

IOF have continued to prevent the entry of raw construction materials into the Gaza Strip for more thantwo years.

IOF have not allowed fuel supplies into the Gaza Strip, excluding few amounts of cooking gas, since 10December 2008.

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


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IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the face of Palestinian civilians wishing totravel to the West Bank and Israeli for medical treatment, trade or social visits.

IOF have continued to prevent the entry of spare parts form water networks and sewage systems. Losses

incurred to this sector is estimated at US$ 6 million.

IOF have imposed additional restrictions on access of international diplomats, journalists andhumanitarian workers to the Gaza Strip. They have prevented representatives of several internationalhumanitarian organizations from entering the Gaza Strip.


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


Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point

20 26 January 2010

Date Details

20 January 2010Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt, and 3 others were allowed intothe Gaza Strip.

21 January 2010 Two Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt and 81 others and the body of adead one were allowed into the Gaza Strip.




25 January 2010 3 Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

26 January 2010 Two Palestinians were allowed into the Gaza Strip.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing

20 26 January 2010

Date Details

20 January 201083 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods forlocal traders, 105 tons of cooking gas and 493,800 liters of energy fuel were allowedinto the Gaza Strip.

21 January 2010106 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goodsfor local traders and 105.570 tons of cooking gas were allowed into the Gaza Strip.



24 January 2010 72 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods forlocal traders, 95.490 tons of cooking gas and 228,000 liters of energy fuel were


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allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 3 containers of strawberries and two ones offlowers were exported.

25 January 201080 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goods forlocal traders, 104.630 tons of cooking gas and 142,100 liters of energy fuel were

allowed into the Gaza Strip, and 3 containers of strawberries were exported.

26 January 2010100 containers of food aid for international humanitarian organizations and goodsfor local traders, 84 tons of cooking gas and 180,000 liters of energy fuel wereallowed into the Gaza Strip, and one container of flowers was exported.

Nahal Ouz Crossing: On Friday, 01 January 2010, IOF decided to close the crossing permanently, and toallow the entry of fuels through Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, for securityclaims.

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

January 2010, and allowed the entry of 1,360 tons of wheat and 680 tons of fodders.

Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the movementof Palestinian civilians. They have allowed only diplomats, a number of international journalists, workers atinternational agencies and a few patients who suffer from serious diseases to pass through the crossing. Theyhave continued to prevent Palestinian civilians from visiting their relatives who are detained in Israeli jails.As mentioned above, IOF have allowed a few number of patients to pass through the crossing, but undersevere restrictions that include prolonged checking.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing

20 25 January 2010

Date Patients Companions Arabs fromIsrael

Ambassadors InternationalJournalists

InternationalWorkers

Travelersabroad

Traders

20 January 2010 40 38 9 5 6 32 Nil Nil

21 January 2010 33 34 19 11 1 74 11 3

22 January 2010 1 1 4 Nil 4 7 20 Nil

23 January 2010 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

24 January 2010 40 39 27 5 5 18 6 Nil

25 January 2010 53 48 3 3 5 25 9 6

The West Bank

IOF have imposed a tightened siege on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additionalrestrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians toand from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have beendenied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictionsof the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays to prevent them from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. IOF often violently beat Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter

the city. IOF impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians on Fridays to restricttheir access to the al-Aqsa Mosque.


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Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. OnFriday and Saturday, 15 and January 2010, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of North'Assira village, north of Nablus. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday

morning, 24 January 2010, Israeli troops stationed at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposedadditional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday morning, 26 January 2010,Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on themovement of Palestinian civilians.

Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of the Palestinian civiliansin Ramallah. IOF troops positioned at Jaba'-Qalandya checkpoint, southeast of Ramallah, have imposedadditional restrictions on movement and conducted prolonged checking on Palestinian civilians. Duringthe reporting period, IOF erected a number of temporary checkpoints, and stopped and searchedPalestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday evening, 26 January 2010, IOF closed Jaba' checkpoint,southeast of Ramallah for an hour.

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

Bethlehem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

At approximately 13:00 on Tuesday, 25 January 2010, IOF closed al-Nashahs interserction at thesouthern entrance of Bethlehem for an hour and a half. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilianvehicles. On Friday noon, Israeli troops stationed at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, imposed severerestrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They searched Palestinian civilian vehicles andverified the identity cards of passengers.

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

stopped, held, checked and questioned a number of Palestinian civilians.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

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

At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, IOF arrested Ahmed Hamza al-Kilani, 29, andMos'ab al-Khatib, 27, working for al-Quds Television. The two journalists were preparing a televisionreport on Ariel College, which IOF intend to turn into a university. When Israeli settlement security

officers saw them, they called Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablys. When they


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arrived at the area, Israeli troops confiscated the journalists' cameras and identity and press cards. Theyalso detained and interrogated the journalists for some time.

In his testimony to PCHR, journalist Ahmed al-Kilani stated:

"At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 23 January 2010, my colleague, Mos'ab al-Khatib,and I were near 'Taffouh' and 'Ariel' settlements preparing a television report for al-Quds

Television on the transformation of Ariel College into a university. Soon, two settlement security officers came to us and asked us for identity and press cards. They then called

Israeli troops stationed at Za'tara checkpoint. A Hummer military jeep arrived at the area.

Israeli soldiers stepped down from it and ordered us to show them the video recordingsand ordered us to delete them, but we refused. They asked us for identity and press cards

and confiscated our cameras. They then handcuffed and blindfolded us. We were taken inan armed personnel carrier to some place. An hour and a half, the interrogated us about

what we were doing. Ten minutes later, they took us to Za'tara checkpoint, where they

released us."

Harassments at Military Checkpoints

On Sunday morning, 24 January 2010, Israeli troops attacked10 Palestinian workers in al-Za'im area nearthe Annexation Wall, east of Jerusalem. As a result, Rani Hussein Salah, 26, from al-Khader villagesouth of Bethlehem, sustained an injury in the mouth and acute bruises throughout the body. He also lost6 of his teeth. The other workers sustained bruises throughout their bodies. According to investigationsconducted by PCHR, on Sunday morning, hundreds of Palestinian workers gathered nearly 500-600meters away from al-Za'im crossing, east of Jerusalem, wishing to enter the city to attend their jobs asthey do not have permits to enter the city. Israeli troops were patrolling in the area and chasing anyonethey noticed. At approximately 04:30, while 10 workers, mostly from al-Khader villag, were on a sandhill to the east of the Wall, Israeli troops surrounded them. They forced the workers to sit down andviolently beat them for more than 10 minutes. They then held the workers in a room near al-Za'imcrossing for approximately 30 minutes, without offering Rani Hussein Salah, who was injured, anymedical aid. They released him at approximately 07:30, and he could hardly reach a hospital inBethlehem. The other workers were released at 13:30 on the same day.

3. Construction of the Annexation Wall

IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory. During the reporting

period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and internationaland Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall.

Following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international andIsraeli human rights defenders gathered in the center of Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. They movedtowards the Wall and threw stones at IOF troops positioned in the area. Immediately, IOF troops firedrubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Dozens ofdemonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 22 January 2010, dozens of Palestinian civilians and internationaland human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne'lin village, west of Ramallah, in

protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall. They clashed with IOF troops positioned near the


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

At approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 21 January 2010, IOF moved into Lafjam area to the east of'Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, handed notices to 6 Palestinian farmers from the Bani Monia andBani Jaber families ordering them to evacuate barracks of animals; otherwise, IOF would force them todo so, confiscate animals and force the farmers to pay the costs.

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

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

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

On Wednesday afternoon, 27 January 2010, a number of Israeli settlers gathered in the evacuated"Homesh" settlement, northwest of Nablus. They attacked a Palestinian farmer from the nearby Seilat al-

Zaher village, Yousef Mohammed Mar'ei, while he was farming his land. He sustained bruisesthroughout the body. The Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian civilians vehicles traveling onJenin-Nablus road. No injuries were reported.


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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 andmoral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in theOccupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by theinternational community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israelcontinue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

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

protection for Palestinian civilians.

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

4. PCHR calls for the immediately implementation of the Advisory Opinion issued by the InternationalCourt of Justice, which considers the construction of the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank illegal.

5. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, barassociations and NGOs to participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches ofinternational law and to urge their governments to bring these people to justice.

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement,which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation

between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goodsproduced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which wasimplemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of theoccupation 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 Palestinianprisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, barassociations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments tosecure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10.PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure Israel to lift the severe restrictions imposed bythe Israeli government and its occupation forces on access for international organizations to the OPT.


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11.PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law andhumanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an

arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights andhumanitarian law.

Public Document

For further information please visit our website (http://www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHRs office inGaza City, Gaza Strip by email ([email protected]) or telephone (+972 (0)8 2824776 2825893).

weekly report 04-10

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