Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) (03-09 January 2019)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip

• 56 civilians, including 10 children, 3 women, 5 journalists, and 6 paramedics, were wounded; the injury of one of them was reported serious.

• Ten civilians, including 4 children, a woman and a paramedic, were wounded, in the West Bank.

• Israeli forces continued to open fire at the border areas in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

• Israeli warplanes fired 5 missiles at 2 checkpoints belonging to the Palestinian armed groups and damaged them.
• Israeli forces conducted 82 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 4 limited incursions into the Gaza Strip.
• 49 civilians, including 14 children, were arrested in the West Bank.
• 2 of them were arrested in Jerusalem.

• Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces uprooted 50 olive trees planted in 3 dunums in western Salfit.
• Israeli settlers uprooted 75 olive seedlings and trees in northern and southern Hebron.
• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose theillegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 12^thconsecutive year.

• 103 permanent checkpoints, 96 temporary checkpoints and 14 closed roads obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
• 8 civilians, including a woman, were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (03-09 January 2019).

Shooting:

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 41^th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. Moreover, the Israeli forces use force against civilians who participate in demonstrations during the Israeli incursions in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces wounded 56 civilians, including 10 children, 3 women, 5 journalists and 6 paramedics. The injury of 1 of those wounded was reported serious.  In the West Bank, the Israeli forces wounded 10 civilians, including 4 children, a woman, a journalist, and a paramedic.

As part of using excessive force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 56 civilians, including 10 children, 3 women, 5 journalists, and 6 paramedics.  The injury of 1 of those wounded was reported serious.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip between 02- 03 January 2019 According to the Governorate

As part of targeting the border areas, on 03 January 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Showka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at a checkpoint belonging to the field border control officers. The soldiers also opened fire at Palestinian shepherds.

On 05 January 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Dir al-Balah, in the center of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds.

On 06 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed in a military watchtower, east of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in the border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israeli. On the same day, the Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Na’imah Street, east of Biet Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. On the same day, the Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Gaza’s valley in the central Gaza Strip. They also opened fire at the field border control officers and agricultural lands, east of al-Showka village, east of Rafah, but no casualties were reported.

On 07 January 2019, Israeli soldiers opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah.

As part of the airstrikes, on 06 January 2019, Israeli helicopters fired 2 missiles at a military site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, adjacent to the border fence with Israel, east of Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis, but no casualties were reported.

On 07 January 2019, Israeli warplanes separately fired 3 missiles at ‘Asqalan military site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades ( the armed wing of Hamas Movement) in al-Sifa area, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

In the West Bank, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 10 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, a woman, a journalist, and a paramedic, in separate shooting incidents.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 82 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 similar incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 47 Palestinians, including 14 children, in the West Bank.  Moreover, 2 others were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs.

In the Gaza Strip, on 04 January 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. They patrolled the area and placed barbed wires that is around 50 meters away from the border fence with Israel.

On 07 January 2019, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into the southern side of border fence with Israel in Abu Samra area, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. On the same day, the Israeli forces moved 100 meters into eastern Dir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. On 08 January 2019, the Israeli forces moved 100 meters into Abu Samra area amidst Israeli sporadic shooting.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

As part of settlement crimes and demolitions, on 03 January 2019, Israeli forces uprooted and damaged 50 olive trees planted in 3 dunams al-Ba’aan area, which belong to Bruqeen village, west of Salfit. The Israeli forces claimed that, according to the Ottoman law, the land’s ownership was shifted to become State’s territory, as they were not planted for 10 consecutive years. The land belongs to Ziad Barakat Abu Zaid.

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, on 03 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers attacked a vehicle at the entrance to “’Ofra” settlement, east of Ramallah, and damaged its left rear window.

On 04 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement, moved into al-Safafeer area in the eastern side of ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus, under the Israeli forces’ protection.  The settlers threw stones at ‘Oreef Secondary School.

On 06 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Asfar” settlement, uprooted 60 olive seedlings planted 3 years ago in the northeast of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron. The seedlings were planted  in 320 dunum belonging to the heirs of the late Mousa Ahmed ‘Ayaydah.

On 08 January 2019, a group of settlers cut 15 olive trees planted 15 years ago in al-Hamra area, east of Yatta City, south of Hebron. They also wrote racist slogans on walls such as Death for Arabs and Revenge. The 15 tress belong to Mohammed Sulaiman Rab’ey from At-Tuwani village.

Details

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

Thursday, 3 January 2019:

• At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into the eastern area of Nablus in order to protect dozens of Israeli settlers who came to Joseph’s Tomb area to perform their religious rituals. In the meantime, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers. The Israeli forces immediately fired live bullets and sound bombs at the Palestinians. Moreover, the Israeli forces directly fired rubber bullets at Baker Mohammad Sabbah Mamdouh ‘Abed al-Hakq (29), a reporter at Palestine T.V., wounding him to the left foot. They also wounded Yasseen Samir Mostafa ‘Omran (19), a paramedic at Palestinian Medical Relief Society, with 2 rubber bullets to the face and the lower jaw. Both of the wounded civilians were taken to Rafidia Hospital to receive treatment. They also arrested Mohammad al-Sa’oudi (27) and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin Refugee Camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Mahmoud Torkman (23) and Hussam Sameer Atia (21), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Nahalin village, west of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a houses belonging to Mohammad ‘Ali Sbaitan (26). They later withdrew and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron and stationed in Sh’abeen and Sheikh Neighborhoods. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Morad Mohammad al-Nawaj’a and Yousef ‘Ayed al-Nawaj’a. They later withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Taffuh village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Eyad ‘Aqel Khamaissah (33) and Hussien Mohammad al-Najar (36). They later withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Dir Abu Mash’al village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested ‘Emad Nasser Khalil Habees (25), Mohammad Khalid Abed al-Kareem (22), ‘Ali Hussein al-Barghouti (28) and Khaled Jameel Jubran (24).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Faqqua’ village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Brakat Omar Naji al-‘Omary (47), Head of Faqqua’ village council, and then arrested him. They arrested him and took him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 9:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, near Sofa military site, east of Shawka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at a checkpoint belonging to the field border control officers, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 12:30, Israeli forces moved into Tall village, southeast of Nablus. They then arrested Islam Mahmoud Noffal Hamad (28), who works at the Palestinian National Security Service. At approximately 21:30, they released him blindfolded and handcuffed on the road between “Yitzhar” settlement and Burin village, south of Nablus. Islam said to the PCHR’s fieldworker:

“At approximately 12:30, on 03 January 2019, while I was driving my car, coming back from my work in Nablus, I arrived at my house located in al-Gharbeya neighborhood in Tell village. After that, I was surprised with an Israeli military vehicle that got on my way. Four soldiers stepped out of their vehicle and ordered me to step out of my car. They blindfolded and tied my hands behind my back. I was then taken to a military Jeep in order to take me to the military checkpoint in Tall Mount, west of the village. They threw me in front of the gate and beat me up several times. In addition, they prevented me from urinating or drinking water. They beat me and cursed my family and the PA until approximately 21:30. They took me in a military Jeep to Nablus-Ramallah Street and threw me on the road. I was beaten and left tied and blindfolded until a civilian arrived and untightened me. He then took me to the hospital in Nablus and then to my village.”

• At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Shawka, east of Dir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives , and no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (10) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Zabiuba, Rummanah, al-Taibah, ‘Aneen, and Ya’boud villages in Jenin; Beit Foreek, east of Nablus; Dura and al-Dahiriyia villages in Hebron; al-‘Obaidiyia village and al-Dihisha camp in Bethlehem.

Friday, 04 January 2019:

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed in the border fence with Israel and backed by military vehicles and bulldozers, moved around 100 meters into al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. They levelled lands, placed barbed that is around 50 meters away from the border fence with Israel, and then redeployed along the border fence.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (12) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sebastia, northwest of Nablus, Madama and Asira al-Qibliya villages, south of Nablus; Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin; Sa’ir, Samou’a, Beit al-Rush and Hadab villages in Hebron; Qarawat Bani Hassan and Kafur al-Deek, west of Salfit; and ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya.

Saturday, 05 January2019:

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kobar village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to prisoner ‘Omar al-Barghouthy, after breaking the house main door with a sharp tool. They also handed ‘Omar’s wife a notice for forcibly deporting her to Jericho for 3 days. Moreover, they arrested her son, Mohammed Omar al-Barghouthy (17) and her brother Lotfy Isma’il al-Barghouthy (44). Meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to Faraj Ibraheem Zibar (38) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at shepherds, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces moved into Sa’ir village, north Hebron. They closed its main entrance with a metal detector gate and prevented Palestinian vehicles from leaving or entering the village. They also prevented Palestinian civilians from passing through the gate on foot. The closure continued until 22:00, so the civilians were forced to pass through dirt roads in order to access their houses.

• At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Bethlehem under the pretext that a patrol was exposed to firing. They closed the village’s entrances and prevented civilians from entering and leaving the village. Moreover, they patrolled the village’s valleys and no arrests or raiding houses were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Al-Arroub Refugee Camp and Beit Ummar in Hebron; Tulkarm; and ‘Azzoun village in eastern Qalqiliyia.

Sunday, 06 January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Omar ‘Abd al-Ra’of Abu Snaina (25) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh and stationed in the industrial area, northeast of al-Bireh. They raided and searched houses, meanwhile, Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli forces immediately fired rubber bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters at the Palestinian young men and their houses.  As a result, a 16-year-old child sustained a rubber bullet wound to the head and was taken to Palestine Medical Complex via a PRCS ambulance. He was then admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where he underwent a surgery in his head. Doctors classified his injury as critical.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, close to Sofa site, east Shokah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at field border control officers, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, close to Sofa site, east Shokah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 09:10, Israeli forces stationed in military watchtowers, east of Jabalia, north of the Gaza strip, opened fire at agricultural lands along the border fence with Israel, but no casualties were reported. The Israeli shooting caused fear among Palestinian farmers.
• At approximately 11:50, Israeli forces stationed inside military watchtowers, east of al-Na’ayma Street, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands along the border fence with Israel, but no casualties were reported. The Israeli shooting caused fear among Palestinian farmers.
• At approximately 17:10, Israeli helicopters fired two missiles at a military site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups, adjacent to the border fence with Israel, east of Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis. The site was destroyed, but no casualties were reported.
• At approximately 18:00, , Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Gaza Valley village, but no casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul and Tarqoumia villages in Hebron; and Hawarah village, south of Nablus.

Monday, 07 January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Deyaa’ Mohammed al-Tety (22) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tubas City. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Mohammed Methqal Na’im Draghmeh (25), taking him to an unknown destination.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Samou’a village, south of Hebron. They raided and search a house belonging to Hamza Mohammed Mahmoud al-Rwashdeh (20) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kharras village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ramy Zaidan Khalil Kassar (35) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Orta village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nejim ‘Abed  al-Nasser ‘Awad ‘Awwad (23) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 3:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafr Ni’ma, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Taleb Raslan ‘Abdo (22) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 05:20, an Israeli drone fried a missile at ‘Asqalan site belonging to al-Qassam Brigades ( the armed wing of Hamas Movement) in al-Sifa area, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. Five minutes later, the Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at the same site. The site was destroyed, but no casualties were reported.
• At approximately 06:30, Israeli forces backed by 10 military vehicles moved 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, east of Deir al-Balah. These vehicles levelled lands along the border fence. At approximately 14:30, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence.

• At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces backed by 3 bulldozers and a tank moved 100 meters into the south of the border fence in Abu Samra area, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. These vehicles levelled lands amidst Israeli sporadic shooting. At approximately 12:00, the Israeli forces redeployed along the border fence , and no casualties were reported.
• At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh City. They stationed in al-Shorfa neighborhood and at the entrance to al-Am’ari Refugee Camp, south of al-Bireh. They patrolled the camp’s main entrance. Moreover, they raided and searched houses in the neighborhood and then confiscated surveillance cameras from shops. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones at the Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli soldiers then fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 3 civilians were wounded; 2 of them were hit with live bullets to the foot while the third one was hit with a rubber bullet to the neck.

• At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, near Sofa site, east Showkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands, and no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit ‘Owa, Deir Samt and Ethna villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 08 January 2019

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’a village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Mo’ayad ‘Abdallah al-‘Emour (17), taking him to an unknown destination.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 3 civilians, including a child, taking them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as ‘Ali Mahmoud Taqtaqa (13), Ameen Mahmoud Thawabta (32) and Rady Salah Taqtaqa (18).
• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles moved into Dura City, southwest of Hebron and stationed in al-Shorfa neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Eid Mohammed Beryoush (25) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush ‘Etzion”  settlement, south of Bethlehem. No arrests among civilians were reported.
• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Abu Shukheidim village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud ‘Abd al-Mo’ez Edrees and then arrested him with his 3 sons namely Haitham, Mohanned, and Deyaa’, taking them to an unknown destination. In the meantime, an Israeli Yamam force accompanied with Israeli soldiers wearing civilian clothes sneaked into the village and then arrested ‘Assem Omar al-Barghouthy (35) from Kobar village, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 04:40, Israeli forces moved into Budrus, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Awos Nasser Marar (19) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Faieq al-Tarmssany (26) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kobar village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Zeyad Shalalda (50) and his son Mahmoud (22), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces backed by 3 bulldozers and a tank moved 100 meters into the south of the border fence in Abu Samra area, north of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. These vehicles levelled lands amidst Israeli sporadic shooting, but no casualties were reported.
• At approximately 11:10, Israeli forces moved into ‘Izbet Shufa, southeast of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Mohammed Mustafa Hamad (29), an officer at the Palestinian National Security Service, and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 20:20, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mohammed ‘Ewainat (28), from Qalqiliyia, while referring to the Israeli Intelligence Service upon a prior notice.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Arraba and Mirka villages, southwest of Jenin; ‘Arraq Bureen village, south of Nablus; al-Jab’a and al-Khader villages in Bethlehem; Yatta, Abu al-Ghozlan and Taffuh villages in Hebron; and Tulkarm.

Wednesday, 09 January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’a village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Ahmed Fathi al-‘Omour (16), Mousa Mahmoud al-‘Omour (18), Suhaib Mohammed al-‘Omour (16), Ma’moun Sulaiman al-‘Omour (15), and Nour Mahmoud al-‘Omour (15).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar village, south of Ramallah. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Amir murad Taqatqa (17), Ali Ayman Taqatqa (15), Mahmoud Nabil Thawabtah (14), Isma’il Rae’d Taqatqa (16), and Omar Theyab Thawabta (24).
• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qaffin village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hafziy Akram Harsha (17) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sureef village, west of Hebron and stationed near al-Nahda Association in the center of the village. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled ‘Abed al-Fattah al-Hour, after locking the family members in one room. They also confiscated money estimated at NIS 7786. It should be noted that a wedding party was supposed to be held after 10 days. No arrests among civilians were reported.

• At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces backed by 15 military vehicles moved into Ramallah and stationed in several neighborhoods, including Um al-Sharayet, al-Masyoun, and ‘Ein Monged, south of the city. They raided and searched houses and shops. They then topped the houses’ roofs and confiscated surveillance cameras. The Israeli soldiers heavily fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters around the raided houses, causing fear among residents, especially women and children. No arrests and casualties among civilians were reported.

• At approximately 16:00, Israeli forces backed by 3 military vehicles moved into Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yunis Youssof Zaki Dereya (14) and then arrested him, taking them to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarm, Nour Shams Camp , ‘Izbet Shufa, and Dir al-Ghosoun village in Tulkarm; and Beit Ola, Sammou’a and al-Shayyoukh villages and al-‘Aroub refugee camp in Hebron.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

Gaza Strip:

In the 41^th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 56 civilians, including 10 children, 3 women, 5 journalists and 6 paramedics.  The injury of one of them was reported as serious. The incidents were as follows:

• Gaza City: Israel forces wounded 15 civilians, including 3 journalists. Seven of them were shot with live bullets and 6 with rubber bullets, while 2 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded journalists were identified as Ahmad al-Halaby, who works at Kan’an News Agency , was hit with a rubber bullet to the head and with a tear gas canister to the chest; and Mo’een Tayseer Ahmad al-Dabah (31), who works at Palestine Today News Agency, was hit with a tear gas canister to the face.

• Northern Gaza Strip: Israeli forces wounded 15 civilians, including 5 children, a woman, a paramedic and a photojournalist. 14 of them were hit with tear gas canisters and a child was hit with a live bullet. The wounded paramedic was identified as Mohammad Jehad Abu al-Kashef (25), who works with Palestinian Medical Relief Society as a volunteer paramedic and was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg. The wounded journalist was identified as Moahmmad Atef Mohammad al-‘Arbeed (23), who works with Shehab News Agency and was hit with a tear gas canister to the left thigh.

• Central Gaza Strip: Israeli forces firing live bullets and tear gas canisters, which continued until approximately 17:00, resulted in the injury of 7 protestors, including 2 children, a woman, and 2 paramedics, with direct tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedics were identified as Diab Younis Diab al-Azaiza (31), who is from Deir al-Balah and works at the Ministry of Health; and Ahmad Mahmoud Abed al-Raouf Qa’dan (27), who is from al-Zawayda and works as a volunteer paramedic at Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRSC).

• Khan Younis: Israeli forces wounded 7 civilians, including a journalist and 2 paramedics. The wounded journalist was identified as Mohammad Khader ‘Abed Raboh Z’orob (23), from El-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, and was hit with a tear gas canister to the chest; while the 2 wounded paramedics were identified as Mostafa ‘Emad al-Sonwar (22), who was hit with a tear gas canister to the right thigh, and Mohammad Sobhi Abu Ta’mia, who was hit with a tear gas canister to the head. The both paramedics work as volunteers in Elite Medical Team.

• Rafah: 11 civilians, including 2 children and a paramedic, were wounded. Seven of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 4 of them were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded paramedic namely Mohammad Saleh Ahmad al-Sheikh ‘Eid (28) was hit with a tear gas canister that fell over an ambulance belonging to the Ministry of Health. The injury of one of them was reported as serious.

• At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 6 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel in the Central Gaza Strip, opened fire at a number of demonstrators who were 100-150 meters away from the border fence of the Return Camp, east of Bureij. As a result, a 13-year-old child, from Bureij camp, was hit with a live bullet to the head and was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital in Dir al-Balah. He was referred to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

West Bank:

• On 04 January 2019, following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and defenders of international human rights organized a peaceful demonstration against settlement in al-Mughair village, northeast of Ramallah. Israeli forces stationed near the village main entrance fired live and rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 2 children were wounded; the first one (17) was hit with a two-two bullet to the foot and the second (16) was hit with a two-two bullet to the foot as well.

2. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

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

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

• Note:Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics

• Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing

(02-08 January 2019)

Notes:

• On Thursday, 03 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 5 persons; and on Friday, 03 January 2019, and on Monday, 04 January 2019, 2 persons to return to the West Bank.
• On Wednesday, 02 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 6 Christians; on Thursday 03 January 2019, 32 Christians; on Friday, 04 January 2019, 3 Christians; on Sunday, 06 January 2019, 44 Christians; on Monday, 07 January 2019, 8 Christians; and on Tuesday, 08 January 2019, 23 Christians to travel via crossing in order to celebrate holidays in the West Bank.
• On Friday, 04 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed the entry of a death case.
• On Tuesday, 08 January 2019, the Israeli authorities allowed 3 persons, who work at the General Authority of Civil Affairs (GACA) and internationals to renew their permits.

• Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 03-09 January 2019:

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 04 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Hazem Mostafa Musalamani (22) and Aisar ‘Izzat Musa;amani (21), both of them are from Tubas.
• At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint arrested 4 civilians, from Kisan village, while present near al-Minyiah village, south of Bethlehem. The arrested civilians were identified as Khaled ‘Abdullah Ghazal (30), Ibrahim ‘Abdullah Ghazal (28), Ahmed ‘Ali Ghazal (31), and ‘Atallah Ahmed ‘Obayyat (35).
• On Saturday, 05 January 2019, Israeli forces arrested Palestine T.V photographer, ‘Ali Yaseen, at a military checkpoint established at the entrance to Khan al-Ahmar village. ‘Ali was then taken to “Ma’aleh Adumim“ Police Station and then released after few hours.
• At approximately 13:05 on Monday, 07 January 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tarah checkpoint, south of Nablus, opened fire at a woman wearing Niqab. The woman was hit with a live bullet to the foot and then arrested. The Israeli forces claimed that she attempted to approach the soldiers stationed at the checkpoint and carry out a stabbing attack before opening fire at her and wounding her at her foot. The woman are from Tulkarm and was identified as ‘Alia ‘Awni al-Khasib (41).

• Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Arrests and Incursions:

• On Monday, 07 January 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff raided a house belonging to prisoner Samer Tareq al-‘Issawiy in al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. The municipality staff took the house measures without giving any reasons. Tareq said that the Israeli municipality imposed high fines on the family during previous years under the pretext of non-licencing. Moreover, the house of Tareq’s son, Ra’fat, was destroyed when his brother Samer was in a hunger strike in the Israeli jails.
• On Monday, Israeli forces arrested Feras al-Debis, Media and Public Relation Officer at the Islamic Endowments Department, while walking on Nablus Street in occupied Jerusalem. His arrest was extended for a week.
• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Saieb Derbas and then arrested him.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 03 January 2019, Israeli forces uprooted and damaged 50 olive trees planted in 3 dunams. They cut 20 olive trees and uprooted 30 others that were planted one-and-a-half year ago in al-Ba’aan area in Bruqin village, west of Salfit. The Israeli forces claimed that, according to the Ottoman law, the land’s ownership was shifted to become State’s territory, as they were not planted for 10 consecutive years. Those lands belong to Ziad Barakat Abu Zaid, who said to PCHR’s fieldworker: “At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 03 January 2019, I was at my work at school when my son phoned me, telling me that the shepherds in al-Ba’aan area, where “Barkan” settlement is established, east of “Baldatna Broqin”, told him that Israeli forces cut and uprooted the olive trees that we had planted. I told him to go with a group of people to document what was happening. The Israeli forces prevented them from approaching the aforementioned area and cut 20 olive trees. That came after a court decision on those trees upon a case filed before the Israeli court 3 years ago and so I received a notice stipulating that the land is a property of Israel as it was not planted for 10 consecutive years. The applicable Turkish law provides that a land not planted for 10 consecutive years becomes Mirie lands. Further, the lands of what it is known as Area “C” are monitored by drones every year.”

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

• At approximately 80:30 on Thursday, 03 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, attacked a Palestinian vehicle at the entrance to “ ‘Ofra” settlement, east of Ramallah, and damaged its left windshield. The damaged vehicle belongs to Fahd Taysser Faieq Safadi, from ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus. It should be noted that the vehicle was heading to Ramallah with the driver Ibrahim Hussain Kayid Sabbah (22), from ‘Oreef village.

• At approximately 16:30 on Friday, 04 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement, and under the Israeli forces’ protection moved into al-Safafeer area in the eastern side of ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus. The settlers threw stones at ‘Oreef secondary school. Meanwhile, a group of Palestinian young men gathered and confronted the Israeli settlers and soldiers. The Israeli forces then fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, ‘Abdullah Sa’oud Mahmoud Asmar (11) was hit with a rubber bullet to the foot and was then taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, where doctor classified his injuries as moderate. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested Mahmoud Zahi Radi Sheheda (16). When Mahmoud’s father headed to the area to help his son and stepped out of his vehicle, an Israeli soldier fired a rubber bullet at the vehicle rear window and damaged it. As a result, Mahmoud’s father were forced to leave the area. At approximately 23:00 on the same day, the Israeli forces released Mahmoud in Hawarah plain and then he headed to Hawarah village and asked one of its residents to call his father.

• On Sunday, 06 January 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Asfar” settlement, uprooted 60 olive seedlings planted 3 years ago in the northeast of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron. The seedlings were planted in 320 dunum belonging to the heirs of the late Mousa Ahmed ‘Ayaydah. Al-‘Ayaydah family’s lands are in a valley that is bordered to the northeastern by “Bani Kadim“ settlement  and to the west and south by “ Asfar” settlement and an Israeli camp “Motsadah”. Israeli settlers established “Asfar” settlement in early 1980s on the lands of al-Shayyoukh and Sa’ir villages. In 1990s, the settlers established “Bani Kadim“ settlement  on the lands of the abovementioned villages. Part of this settlement was established on the lands belonging to ‘Ayaydah family, where the settlers set up mobile houses on 12 dunums of the family lands. it should be noted that in August 2014, the Israeli authorities issued a military order No. (14/21/T) titled: “ An order to seize lands”. This order was for parts of ‘Ayaydah family lands. The family members challenged the order and hired a lawyer to defend their lands. The Israeli liaison told them that they will give them a permit to enter their lands and work in them, but the family members refused the Israeli liaison offer, clarifying that they own these lands as absolute ownership and they do not need permits to enter their lands. The family members received an oral notice that allowed them to enter their lands after refusing to get permits. The family members started working in their lands, reclaimed them in August 2014, and planted them with olive seedlings donated by Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). On 17 February 2015, the Israeli settlers uprooted 550 olive seedlings planted in the threatening lands, but the lands owners planted them again with 1200 seedlings. On 28 March 2015, the Israeli settlers uprooted and stole the abovementioned seedlings again.

• On Tuesday, 08 January 2019, a group of settlers cut 15 olive trees planted 15 years ago in al-Hamra area, east of Yatta City, south of Hebron. He also wrote racist slogans on walls such as Death for Arabs and Revenge. The 15 tress belong to Mohammed Sulaiman Rab’ey from At-Tuwani village. An Israeli force came to the scene and opened an investigation into the incident without accusing the settlers. It should be noted that “Ma’oun” settlement is located 100 meters away from the area. The Israeli settlers carried out many attacks targeting the civilians’ trees in al-Hamra area during the past 7 years. The attacks were as follows:

1. On 13 January 2018, 2 olive trees planted years ago were burned.
2. On 08 September 2018, thirty olive trees planted 35 years ago were cut and damaged.
3. On 25 September 2018, 3 olive trees were cut and damaged.
4. On 15 August 2013, 10 olive trees planted years ago were cut.
5. On 15 September 2012, 27 olive trees were cut.
6. On 25 August 2012, 31 olive trees planted years ago were cut.

These attacks came at the time that the Israeli authorities aim at expanding “Ma’oun” settlement as the Israeli Civil Administration declared on 16 June 2016 in al-Quds newspaper that it has set a plan (1/1/508) in favor of “Ma’oun” settlement. This plan modifies open agricultural areas and a part of residential area or a to-be-established road into an industrial area, buildings, public institutions, and suggested roads. “Ma’oun” settlement was established in 1981 by “Gush Amunium” organization on lands confiscated from al-Tuwani village and Kherbet Sadet al-Th’ala. The settlement plan (508) is estimated at 385 dunums confiscated from Yatta City.

https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=11852