Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (14– 20 February 2019)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
• 119 civilians, including 31 children, 6 women, 2 paramedics, and a journalist, were wounded in the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli forces conducted 82 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 other incursions in Jerusalem.
• 4 civilians, including a journalist, sustained wounds in different incidents in the West Bank.
• 87 civilians, including 8 children and a woman, were arrested. 33 of them, including 2 children and a woman, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.

• 12 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the sea.
• 4 fishermen, including 2 siblings, sustained wounds in addition to confiscating their fishing boats.
• Shooting incidents were reported against Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the border areas of the Gaza Strip and no injuries were reported.

• Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• A residential building was demolished in Bir ‘Onah neighborhood in al-Walajah village and 2 apartments were demolished in Beit Huninah village.
• A family was forced to evacuate his house in the Old City and then handed it to a settlement association.
• Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces demolished 2 residential tents and 9 other facilities in northern Jordan Valley.
• Israeli forces carried out 2 attacks, which included throwing stones, attacking civilians and incursions.
• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13^thconsecutive year.
• Israeli forces established 103 permanent checkpoints and 106 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
• 6 civilians, including 2 children, 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 (14-20 February 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 47^th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces wounded 119 civilians, including 31 children, 6 women, 2 paramedics, and a journalist, while participating in the Return March. In the West Bank, 4 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded by the Israeli forces in different incidents.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip between 14-20 February 2019 According to the Governorate

• As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 12 incidents were off the Gaza Strip Shores. The latest of these incidents was on Wednesday, 20 February 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 11 nautical miles. The Israeli gunboats chased and surrounded 2 fishing boats; one of them belong to Tareq ‘Abed al-Razeq Baker, from Gaza City. The first fishing boat was manned by Hitham (27) and ‘Awad (22) Tareq ‘Abed al-Razeq Baker. Both of them were arrested in addition to confiscating his fishing boat. The second fishing boat belong to Khadir Marwan al-Sa’idi (30) and was manned by Khadir and Mohamed Sa’ied al-Sa’idi (27). Both of them are from al-Shati camp. The 2 fishermen were arrested and the fishing boat was confiscated.

• As part of targeting the border areas, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Bureij camp, and no casualties were reported.

• On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Gaza Valley village (Johr al-Dik), al-Buraij and al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

• On 17 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Dir al-Balah, and no casualties were reported.

• On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, fired 2 artillery shells at 2 checkpoints belonging to al-Qassam Brigades, and no casualties were reported.

• On 19 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands, and no casualties were reported.

• In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 4 civilians, including a journalist, in different incidents.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 82 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 54 Palestinians, including 6 children. Moreover, the Israeli forces conducted at least 3 military incursions into Jerusalem, where they arrested 33 civilians, including 2 children and a woman.

Israeli Forces Continued to Create a Jewish Majority in East Jerusalem City:

• As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 14 February 2019, Israeli forces surrounded a house belonging to Mohammad Moussa Razaina and demolished it under the pretext of non-licensing. The 80-square-meter house sheltered a family of 5 members, including 3 children. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces had demolished Mhoammad’s house in 2016 under the pretext that it is close to the annexation wall.
• On 20 February 2019, Israeli Jerusalem Municipality bulldozers demolished 2 apartments and a horse stall in al-Ashqaria neighborhood in Beit Hanina village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The first apartment built on an area of 72 sqaure meters and shelters Taysseeer Mohammad al-Mohtasseb and his family, which is comprised of 6 member, including 2 children, while the other apartment built on an area of 48 square meters and shelters Shadi al-Mohtasseb, Taysseer’s son, and his family, which is comprised of 4 members, including 2 children. Moreover, an 18-square-meter horse stall was demolished.

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

• As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks and demolition, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer moved into ‘Ein al-Hejra, east of Dura, southwest of Hebron. The bulldozer damaged sheds that farmers of Abu Moqadam family made to sell vegetables produced in their land. The Israeli authorities alleged that the sheds were illegally established near bypass road (60).

• On 17 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 bulldozers moved into Marakah area, in the eastern area of Beit Dajan, east of Nablus. The bulldozers started to demolish the 100-meter water line between al-Nassria village in the Central Jordan Valley and Beit Furik and Beit Dajan water well.

• On 19 February 2019, , Israeli forces accompanied with 3 Israeli Civil Administration vehicles and 2 bulldozers moved into Khirbet al-Ras al-Ahmar in the Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers demolished 2 residential tents, 4 barracks for breeding livestock, a mobile bathroom, a water tank, and a sheep barn belonging to Jehad Mohammad Fahed Bani ‘Odah and Fatma Suliman Mafthy Bani ‘Odah.

• On the same day, Israeli forces confiscated 450m2 of street tiles out of 2760m2 located in Hayat al-Reef Park in al-Mas’oudiyia area, northwest of Nablus. It should be mentioned that the park is established on an area of 5 dunums, 3.5 of which are in (B) area and 1.5 in (C) area.

• As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers documented during the reporting period 2 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers. Those attacks were as follows:

• On 14 February 2019, a group of settlers, from “Yitzhar” settlement, backed by Israeli forces moved into the east of ‘Urif village, south of Nablus. They raided ‘Urif High School for Males and lowered the Palestinian flag and tore it down.

• On 17 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from the evacuated “Homesh” settlement in the east of Silat al-Dhahr village, south of Jenin, attacked a vegetable stall at the southern entrance of the village. The settlers stepped out of their vehicles and smashed the windshield of a car belonging to Abdul Kareem Jameel Ahmad Rabai’a (34), from Meithalun village, southeast of Jenin, which he uses to sell vegetables. Abuld Kareem immediately escaped leaving the stall on the street. Following that, the settlers stole some of the stall’s items.

Details

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

Thursday, 14 February 2019:

• At approximately 00:30, Israeli forces moved into Qufeen village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ameer Sa’eed Khaled Harsha (33), Rabee’ Jamal Youssof Harsha (32), Amin Ahmed Sa’eed (29), Mohammed Sa’eed Khader Sabah (39), and Mohammed Samir Hassan ‘Ammar (20), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron and then stationed in Yazid area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Samir Mohammed Mahmoud Bhaiss (44), where they confiscated NIS 2000 and a vehicle. They handed Samir a notice to submit an appeal and then withdrew. No arrests were reported. Samir said to the PCHR’s fieldworker:

“We woke up hearing knocking on the door.  I opened the door and then a number of Israeli soldiers entered the house. One of the soldiers asked me to gather my family members in a room. He ordered us to bring the money we have before they started to search the house. They searched the house for around an hour and a half. Before their withdrawal, an Israeli police officer came, started to count the money, which was NIS 2000, and then wrote it on a paper besides my vehicle’s information after the Israeli soldiers ordered me to give them its key. Moreover, they ordered me to sign a transcript entitled “Money for Terrorism”. After they left the house, we found that the Israeli soldiers violently damaged house contents. It want to mention that the Israeli authorities released me 2 months ago after serving a year and a half in administrative detention”

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jayous, northeast of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mahmoud Mohammed Mustafa Baida (21) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bedya village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Amin Mohammed Saleh Ahmed (20) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Abu Ktaila neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mahmoud al-Qwassma (35) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 03:50, Israeli forces moved into Kaffr Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah, where they raided and searched houses and carried out an arrest campaign. Eyewitnesses said that around 30 Israeli soldiers backed by 5 military vehicles moved into the village and deployed in several neighborhoods, precisely in Ra’ss ‘Amass neighborhood. They broke many houses’ doors. One of these house belongs to ‘Abd al-Jaber Ishtayah. Moreover, the Israeli forces confiscated around NIS 6500 from Ahmed Za’rour’s house. Before their withdrawal, they arrested Mohammed ‘Abd al-‘Aal (17), Jaber Ibraheem al-Sayess (17), Sulaiman Meshleh al-Dik (17), ‘Abd al-Rahim Nafed ‘Abd ‘al-‘Aal (37), and Fady Abu ‘Aady (33).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalzon Refugee Camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched house, from which they arrested Ihab Moussa al-Zbaidy (17), Qussay Hamza Hmaidat (17) and Ibrahim Nasser al-Zbaidy (21).

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniya shore, west of Jabalia in the Northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 15:15, the firing recurred in the same area. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties among them or damages to their boats were reported.

• At approximately 07:25, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Buraij Refugee Camp in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers, who were working in their lands, fled for fear of their lives, and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces stationed at Abu al-Rish military checkpoint fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at students while they were leaving their schools in Tariq Ben Zeyad in the southern area of Hebron. The Israeli forces claimed that the students threw stones at the checkpoint. As a result, a number of students suffered tear gas inhalation. It should be noted that the Israeli forces provocatively deploy in Tareq Ben Zeyad square area before the students leave their schools located in the vicinity of the area in order to intercept them.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (8) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilia; Quffin, ‘Etil and Deir al-Ghossoun villages in Tulkarm; al-Samou’, Bani N’aim, Kharass, and Raboud villages in Hebron.

Friday, 15 February 2019:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched two houses belonging to Youssof Sulaiman al-Safady and Muneer ‘Awny al-Sabah and interrogated them about those who throw stones at Israeli settlers. Later, they withdrew and no arrests among Palestinian civilians were reported.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces backed by a bulldozer moved into al-Safafir area in the eastern side of ‘Orif village, south of Nablus. The bulldozer started to level lands and put sand berms in order to prevent farmers from reaching their lands. After the Israeli forces withdrew, civilians headed to the lands and performed Friday prayer condemning the Israeli forces’ attack against their lands and leveling them. Following the Friday prayer, a number of Israeli military vehicles came into the area and suppressed the worshipers. During which, violent clashes erupted between the civilians and the Israeli force, who fired live bullets to disperse the civilians. As a result, a 23-year-old civilian was hit with 2 live bullets to the back and a 57-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right leg. The wounded civilians were then taken to Rafidia Surgical Hospital in Nablus, to receive treatment. The injury of the first wounded was classified as serious while the injury of the second wounded was classified as moderate.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Anzah village, south of Jenin; Sa’ir, al-Daheria, al-Shayoukh villages, and Yatta City in Hebron; ‘Alar, ‘Etil, Zita, Nazlet Abu Nar, and al-Nazlah al-Wosta villages in Tulkarm.

Saturday, 16 February 2019:

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub Refugee Camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched two houses belonging to ‘Abd al-Fatah Khaled Abu Sal (23) and Mahmoud Khaled al-Jendi (21), and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Gaza Valley village (Johr al-Dik), al-Buraij and al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers, who were working in their lands, fled for fear of their lives, and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 18:10, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at lands, east of ‘Abassan al-Kabeera village, west of the border fence, and no casualties or damages to the property were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Deir Samet and Beit Ummar villages in Hebron; ‘Alar, ‘Etil, Zita, Quffin, Nazlet Abu Nar, and al-Nazlah al-Wosta villages in Tulkarm; and Qalqilia.

Sunday, 17 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses belonging to Hamza ‘Issa al-Massri (27), Salah ‘Awad Jwarish (24), and Saleh ‘Awad Jwarish (27), and then handed them notices to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Fondoq village, east of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Wa’d Mohammed Khalil Hammad (26), and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers, who were working in their lands, fled for fear of their lives, and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 08:50, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire and pumped water at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no damages to the boats or casualties were reported.

• At approximately 09:20, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire and pumped water at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing area and chased them. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no damages to the boats or casualties among them were reported.

• At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds, east of al-Buraij in the central Gaza Strip. They fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 21:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, fired an artillery shell at a checkpoint belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas). The checkpoint was adjacent to the Return March, east of Abu Safiyia Hill, northeast of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. The checkpoint was 250 meters into the west of the border fence. As a result, the checkpoint was totally destroyed and no casualties were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, fired an artillery shell at a checkpoint belonging to al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas). The checkpoint was 800 meters into the west of the border fence, east of al-Amal neighborhood, northeast of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the checkpoint was totally destroyed and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 23:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniya shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian gunboats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them, causing fear and panic among the fishermen.  As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties or damages to the boats were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilia; Beit Ummar, Sorif, and Beit al-Roush al-Foqa villages in Hebron.

Monday, 18 January 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched two house belonging to Mohammed ‘Adnan Youssof Nazal (18) and Ibrahim Mohammed Taher Zakarnah (23), and then arrested them, taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Araba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hazem Mazen al-‘Atary (22) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. It should be noted that Hamza is a coordinator of the Fatah movement in Hisham Hajawi College in al-Najah University in Nablus.
• Around the same time, Israeli force moved into Tulkarm and stationed in the southern neighborhood in the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to the former prisoner Fakhry Haitham Fakhry al-Shalby (29) who was not home during the raid. The Israeli forces’ commander called Fakhry ordering him to return home and hand himself to the Israeli forces. Meanwhile, Palestinian young men gathered in the vicinity of the house and stoned the Israeli forces. The Israeli forces, who holed up in their armored vehicles, fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and rubber bullets at the young men. Later, they withdrew from the southern neighborhood, patrolled towards Shwaika suburb, north of the city, and stationed in al-Na’oula neighborhood. Moreover, they raided and searched a house belonging to Hamdan Marwan Hamdan Edhaila (30), and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination. On the same day, Fakhry al-Shalby surrendered himself to the Israeli forces in their site located in the Israel liaison (D.C.O.), west of Tulkarm, where he was detained and then taken to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time Israeli forces moved into Dura City, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Karam Mahmoud ‘Amro (38). Later on, they withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Kahel village, nothrwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nemer ‘Ali ‘Asfara (40). Later on, they withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:15 Israeli forced moved into ‘Aqba village, west of Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adham Zayed al-Massri (22) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Balata Refugee Camp, East of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Khaled Abu Dra’ (23), and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Nusairat and al-Zahra shore in the central Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within allowed fishing area and chased them. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties or damages to the boats were reported.

• At approximately 09:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the Northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. Furthermore, at approximately 20:00 the shooting reoccurred in addition to firing flare bombs in the air. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties or damages to the boats were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Led and Safarin villages in Tulkarm; kafr al-Dik and Deir Estia in Salfeet; and Qalqilia.

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Hasimiyia village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Jawdat Jarrar (33) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into northern ‘Asirah village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Anas Mohamed Yaseen (24) and Mohanad Mostafa Jawarbrah (32) and then arrested both of them.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dir Samet village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Isma’il Hussain al-Harroub (39) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Janiyia village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Yazan Ayman Mazloum (26) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 15:15, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Jehad Jalal Nejem (20), Mohamed Sameer Sa’ied al-Rakh (19), Yazan Mas’oud Ibrahim Salit (18), and Mohamed Yousef ‘Atiyah Mousa al-Ghoul (18).
• At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into Taqqou’ village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mohamed Shalabi al-Sha’ier (19), Mousa Mohamed al-‘Amour (18) and Mo’ath Ibrahim al-‘Amour (26).
• At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Izbit Jal’oud village in Qalqiliyia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Yousef Jal’oud (50) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Izbit Jal’oud village in Qalqiliyia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Yousef Jal’oud (50) and then arrested him.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Badiyia village, northwest of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Muhyar Maher Yousef Salama (26) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 07:45, Israeli forces moved into Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Islam ‘Ayid Yousef (28) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 11:40, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah Shore, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives and no injuries among them or damages to their boats were reported.
• At approximately 16:40, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands and no injuries were reported.

• At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus in order to guard a bus carrying Israeli settlers, who entered to Joseph’s Tomb from the eastern side. The settlers performed their rituals and Talmudic prayers. In the meantime, a group of Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli vehicles. The Israeli soldiers then fired live and rubber bullets at them. As a result, Mo’tasem Sameer Hamdi Saqif al-Heet (29), a reporter at al-Quds News Network, as hit with a rubber bullet to the right foot.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Azoun village in eastern Qalqiliyia; Bidiya village, northwest of Salfit; al-Shayyoukh and Halhoul villages in Hebron; Asker al-Jadeed camp and Salem, Balatet al-Balad and Sabastiyia villages in Nablus.

Wednesday, 20 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested 6 civilians, including a child. The arrested civilians were identified as Nadeem Muheeb ‘Abed al-Fattah al-Taiti (14), Anas Jameel Jawabrah (18), Nidan Nawaf al-Shareef (20), Hisham Jaber al-Taiti (26), Khaled Jebreel Jawabrah (25), and Mohamed Hussain al-Badawi (23). ‘Alaa al-Taiti said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “I woke up to movement sounds on the internal stairs, which leads to my apartment on the 4th floor, of a residential building where my brother Thaer and his family Sameh (25) and Shamekh (28) live. I opened the door and I was surprised to see 5 soldiers in front of the apartment. They started screaming, ‘where is Hesham?’ One of them approached and pushed me and made me sit on the ground. He pointed the weapon at my face while the others entered and started to search the apartment. I tried to enter, but the solider prevented me. Meanwhile, I heard knocking on the wall and Selene’s, my 10-year-old daughter, crying. Fifteen minutes later, the soldiers took me to the 2nd flood, where my brother Thaer and his family live. I found that they locked them along with Sameh and Shamekh in the living room. The soldiers surrounded us and pointed their weapons at our faces asking about my brother Hesham. We told them that he does not live with us as he lives with our father in another house. Sameh and Shamekh told me that the soldiers confiscated their 3 cell phones. At approximately 02:30, I heard the soldiers saying that they arrested Hesham and wanted to withdraw. Few minutes later, the soldiers started to withdraw. After that, we followed them and they threw 4 sound bombs and a tear gas at us, forcing us to go back to the house as we suffered tear gas inhalation. Meanwhile, we heard heavy shooting and sound bombs in the alleys of the camp. Later, we went to check the house and we found that they damaged it and its contents.”

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Halhoul village, north of Hebron, and then stationed in al-Thawrah area. The Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Odai Mohamed al-Tawayiha (20) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and then stationed in al-Salam neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Fayiz Ibrahim Mohamed Misk (55) and then locked the family members in one room. The Israeli forces confiscated NIS 1200 and handed Fayiz a transcript of the confiscated money. They later withdrew and no arrests among the family members were reported.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Salem village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Nassouh Shtaieh (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Showika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a metal workshop belonging to Rafi’ ‘Abed al-Hafiz ‘Abed al-Qader Akbarieh (56). The Israeli forces claimed that they found an automatic machine gun in the workshop. Meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers raided Rafi’s house and arrested hin son Thair (31). The Israeli forces later withdrew, taking Thair to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Dawha village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a 2-story building belonging to Monther Talal Mizher (46), a blind person suffering from renal failure. The Israeli forces opened the building door with a special tool and then attacked Monther and his wife, while they were in their bedroom. The Israeli forces claimed that they searched for Fadi Nizar Abu Halawa (20), who lives in the 2^nd. As a result, Monther sustained bruises throughout his body and was then taken via an ambulance to al-Hussain Governmental Hospital. Fadi was arrested and then taken to the place, where Israeli vehicles stationed. In the meantime, another Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed Jameel Abu Sarhan and then arrested him.

• At approximately 06:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha Shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives and no injuries among them or damages to their boats were reported.

• Around the same time, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodaniyia Shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives and no injuries among them or damages to their boats were reported.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces moved into Kherbit al-Dab’ah in Qalqiliyia. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to ‘Abed al-Hadi Ibrahim Mohamed ‘Odah (40) and Khaled ‘Abed al-Hafiz Inrahim ‘Odah (49) and then arrested them.

• At approximately 21:00, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 11 nautical miles. The Israeli gunboats chased and surrounded 2 fishing boats; one of them belong to Tareq ‘Abed al-Razeq Baker, from Gaza City. The first fishing boat was manned by Hitham (27) and ‘Awad (22) Tareq ‘Abed al-Razeq Baker. Both of them were arrested in addition to confiscating his fishing boat. The second fishing boat belong to Khadir Marwan al-Sa’idi (30) and was manned by Khadir and Mohamed Sa’ied al-Sa’idi (27). Both of them are from al-Shati camp. The 2 fishermen were arrested and the fishing boat was confiscated.

• Around the same time, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were forced to flee for fear of their lives and no injuries among them or damages to their boats were reported.

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:

• At approximately 19:00 on Thursday, 14 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, adjacent to the Return Camp, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of Palestinian young men participating in the so-called “Night Disturbance”. As a result, 6 civilians, including a child, were wounded. 3 of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 3 were directly hit with tear gas canisters.

On 14 February 2019, the 47^th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, the incidents were as follows:

• Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrates resulted in the injury of 27 civilians, including 6 children, a women, and a journalist. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets, 9 were hit with rubber bullets and 2 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded journalist Mohammed ‘Emad Mohammed al-Za’noun (33) was hit with a tear gas canister to the left hand.

• Northern Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrates resulted in the injury of 6 civilians, including 4 children and a female paramedic. The wounded civilians were directly hit with tear gas canisters. It should be noted that the female paramedic was identified as Jamila Sobhi Youssof al-Feery (19). Jamila was hit with a tear gas canister to the abdomen.

• Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 8 civilians, including 3 children and a woman. Six of them were hit with live bullets and 2 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of one of them was reported serious.

• Khan Younis: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 6 civilians. Three of them were hit with live bullets, 2 were directly hit with tear gas canisters and 1 was hit with a rubber bullet.

• Rafah: The Israeli shooting at the demonstrators resulted in the injury of 17 civilians, including 4 children and a paramedic. Nine of them were hit with live bullets and 8 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of 3 of them was classified as serious. The wounded paramedic was identified as Hussain Samir Mustafa Abu Snan (19). Hussian, who was hit with a tear gas canister to the lower limbs, works as a volunteer paramedic with Youth Emergency Team.

• At approximately 19:00 on Saturday, 16 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khuza’a villag, east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at dozens of Palestinian young men while protesting in the area within the so-called “Night Disturbance”. The Palestinian young men set fire to tires, lighted laser lights and fired fireworks at the border fence. As a result, 30 of them suffered tear gas inhalation and seizures and were taken to the Gaza European and the Algerian Hospitals, where they received treatment before leaving to their houses.

• At approximately 18:30 on Sunday, 17 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Na’ayma Street, east of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of civilian, who approached the border fence. These civilians fired homemade sound bombs, set fire and used loudspeakers as part of the so-called “Night Disturbance”. As a result, a 23-year-old civilian sustained superficial wound to the left arm and back. He was taken to the Governmental Beit Hanoun Hospital, where doctors classified his wound as moderate.

• Around the same time, in similar circumstances, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of the Return Camp, east of Abu Safia Hill, north of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, wounded a 21-year-old male, from al-Shaikh Redwan neighborhood in Gaza City. The male was hit with a live bullet to the chest and then taken to the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza City.

• On the same day, a 17-year-old child, from al-Buraij Refugee Camp, was hit with a live bullet to the lower limbs near the Return Camp, east of al-Buraij Refugee Camp in the Central Gaza Strip.

• At approximately 19:00 on Monday, 18 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, fired live and rubber bullets at civilians in Malaka area, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result 7 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded.

• At approximately 14:45, on 19 February 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, and Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, opened fire and fired sound bombs at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were at the Return camp along the border coastal, adjacent to adjacent to “Zikim”military base, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. It should be noted that this is the 24^th time for Palestinian boats to sail for Breaking the Siege. As a result, 33 civilians, including 9 children and 3 women, were wounded. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 17 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The injury of one of them was classified as serious while the rest injuries were classified between moderate and minor.

• At approximately 19:00 on Wednesday, 20 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, adjacent to Return Camp, east of Khan Younis, fired live and rubber bullets at dozens of young men demonstrating in the area within the activities of the so-called “Night Disturbance”. The Palestinian young men set fire, lighted laser lights and fireworks at the border fence. It should be noted that these young men approached the border fence, sneaked through it and set fire to tires along the border fence. As a result, 6 civilians, including a child, were hit with live bullets, shrapnel and tear gas canisters

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

(13-19 February 2019)

• Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 14-20 February 2019:

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• On 14 February 2019, Israeli forces arrested Abdullah Nasser al-Sous (22), from Abu Shukheidim village, north of Ramallah, after they stopped and searched his car at a temporary checkpoint at the entrance of Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. Moreover, the Israeli forces arrested Ayham Abdul Latif al-Bargouthi (17) and Mohammad Khladoun al-Bargouthi (17), from Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah, at a temporary checkpoint at the entrance of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah.

• At approximately 17:00, 14 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mohammad ‘Essam Hadban Morjan (25), from ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus, and is a member of the Palestinian National Security Service, taking him to an unknown destination.

• On the same day, Israeli forces arrested Hatem ‘Ali Sbarna (20), from Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem.

• On the same day, Israeli forces arrested Belal Mahmoud Kawazba (27), from Sa’ir village, north of Hebron, at the Container checkpoint, northeast of Bethlehem.

• 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, 18 February 2019, Israeli forces attacked Jerusalemite civilians in al-Aqsa Mosque while protesting against close al-Rahma Gate, one of the Al-Aqsa Mosque gates. At approximately 10:00, Israeli forces closed al-Rahma Gate with locks and chains. When a Palestinian worshiper damaged the locks, the Israeli forces arrested 7 civilians, including a woman, and then took them to an investigation center in occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli forces released the arrested civilians after detaining them for few hours and questioning them. The arrested civilians were released on one condition that they will deport from al-Aqsa Mosque for one week. The arrested civilians were identified as ‘Ammar Kastiro (31), Nour Shalab (24), Mohamed al-Zaghir (22), Husam Seder (35), Nizam Abu Rumuz (38), Raied Da’nah (34), and Nazimah Bkirat (40).
• At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 19 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Thawri neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed al-Daqaq (28) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Thawri neighborhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed al-Shalabi (35) and then arrested him.
• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Majd Dari (23) and Ahmed Derbas (24) and then arrested them.
• At approximately 20:00 on Tuesday, 19 February 2019, after Palestinian worshipers performed al-Isha prayer, they organized a peaceful demonstration near al-Rahm Gate. The Israeli forces immediately attacked them and beat the worshipers. They also arrested 19 of them. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested worshipers.

Notices and House Demolitions:

• On Tuesday morning, 14 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer and crews of the Israeli Municipality moved into Beer ‘Ona neighborhood in al-Walaja village, southwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a house belonging to Mohammad Moussa Razaina and demolished it under the pretext of non-licensing. The 80-square-meter house sheltered a family of 5 members, including 3 children. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces had demolished Mhoammad’s house in 2016 under the pretext that it is close to the annexation wall. It should also be noted that Beer ‘Ona neighborhood was within Beit Jala’s lands, but it was annexed to Jerusalem’s municipality after the Israeli occupation of 1967. Moreover, most of Beer ‘Ona’s residents hold the Palestinian Authority’s ID card (green ID card), while they are supposed to hold the Jerusalem ID card (blue ID cards), noting that they pay the property tax to Jerusalem’s municipality.

• On Wednesday morning, 20 February 2019, Israeli Jerusalem Municipality bulldozers demolished 2 apartments and a horse stall in al-Ashqaria neighborhood in Beit Hanina village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The first apartment built on an area of 72 sqaure meters and shelters Taysseeer Mohammad al-Mohtasseb and his family, which is comprised of 6 member, including 2 children, while the other apartment built on an area of 48 square meters and shelters Shadi al-Mohtasseb, Taysseer’s son, and his family, which is comprised of 4 members, including 2 children. Moreover, an 18-square-meter horse stall was demolished. Taysseer al-Mohtasseb said to PCHR’s fieldworker that he built his house in 2012 and paid a fee of NIS 42,000 and the Municipality refused to give him building permit or a license for the current building. He also said that at approximately 08:00 of the same day, he was surprised with by a great number of border guards, police and special forces ordering them to leave the house regardless of the court decision to postpone the demolition. It should be mentioned that the losses of Taysseer reached up to NIS 500,000.

Seizing lands in Favor of Settlement Associations

• At approximately 09:00, on Sunday, 17 February 2019, Israeli forces raided a house belonging to Hatem Shaker Abu ‘Assab (45), from al-Qurmy neighborhood in the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem. They locked the family members in the house for 2 hours and ordered them to voluntarily evacuate the house for settlers, who obtained a judicial decision issued by the Israeli Supreme Court alleging that it is a Jewish house and tenants’ protection law has become invalid according to third generation law. The residents refused to evacuate the house, therefore the forces attacked them and arrested Hatem and his children Abdullah (13) and Mahdi (15) and then forced Rania Abu ‘Assab (40), his wife, and his Aunt to leave the house and give it to the settlers. The house is comprised of 8 and sheltered 8 members, including 4 children. It should be noted that the family continuously lived in the house since 1953 and never left it as 3 generation lived in it (the grandfather, the father and Hatem, the grandson). The tenants’ protection period lapsed when Hatem Abu ‘Assab’s mother died in 2014, according to the Israeli law.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• At approximately 10:00, on Thursday, 14 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with a bulldozer moved into ‘Ein al-Hejra, east of Dura, southwest of Hebron. The bulldozer damaged sheds that farmers of Abu Moqadam family made to sell vegetables produced in their land. The Israeli authorities alleged that the sheds were illegally established near bypass road (60).

• At approximately 13:30, on Sunday, 17 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 bulldozers moved into Marakah area, in the eastern area of Beit Dajan, east of Nablus. The bulldozers started to demolish the 100-meter water line between al-Nassria village in the Central Jordan Valley and Beit Furik and Beit Dajan water well. It should be mentioned that the Israeli forces had suspended this project one year ago. Meanwhile, understandings between the Palestinian and Israeli liaisons to continue the work on the project.

• At approximately 10:00, on Monday, 18 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied by an Israeli Civil and Administration vehicle moved into al-Fakheet and ‘Ein Halawa areas in Mssafer Yatta, south of Hebron. An officer of the Israeli Civil Administration handed 4 notices under the pretext of non-licensing. Moreover, a similar notice was handed to a children’s park established on an area of a dumum. The notices were as follows:

• At approximately 08:00, on Tuesday 19 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 Israeli Civil Administration vehicles and 2 bulldozers moved into Khirbet al-Ras al-Ahmar in the Northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The bulldozers demolished tents, buildings and sheep barn belonging to Jehad Mohammad Fahed Bani ‘Odah and Fatma Suliman Mafthy Bani ‘Odah. The damages were as follows:
• Mohammad Fahed Bani ‘Odah: demolishing a residential tent, 2 sheep tents and 3 60-square-meter barracks; a mobile bathroom, a 1500-cubic-meter tank and a 350-square-meter sheep barn.
• Fatma Suliman Mafthy Bani ‘Odah: demolishing a residential tent and a 100-square-meter sheep barrack.

• At approximately 12:00, on Tuesday 19 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 3 Israeli Civil Administration vehicles and 2 mounted-crane trucks moved into al-Mas’udiyya area, northwest of Nablus. They confiscated 450m² of street tiles out of 2760m² located in Hayat al-Reef Park in the aforementioned area. The confiscated tiles belong to Thiab Sameeh Hejah, who owns the land and is from Burqa village, and his associates Ahmad Hussney Thiab Far’onia and Khaled Tameem Manssour Saelem, from the Burqa village, and Mohammad Jaber Salem, from Bizzariya village. Before their withdrawal, an officer identified himself as “Maeer”, who serves as the officer of the northern area in the civil administration, handed them a confiscation notice. The aforementioned civilians were told that the forces will come back to confiscate the rest of the tiles in the next day. It should be mentioned that the park is established on an area of 5 dunums, 3.5 of which are in (B) area and 1.5 in (C) area.

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

• At approximately 14:50, on Thursday, 14 February 2019, a group of settlers from “Yitzhar” settlement backed by Israeli forces moved into the east of ‘Urif village, south of Nablus. They raided ‘Urif High School for Males and lowered the Palestinian flag and tore it down. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at the settlers. After that, the Israeli forces immediately tear gas canisters, sound bombs and rubber bullets at them. As a result, a 24-year-old male was hit with 2 rubber bullets to the back. He was then taken to Rafidia Surgical Hospital in Nablus, where his wounds were classified as moderate.

• At approximately 10:00, on Sunday, 17 February 2019, about 8 masked and armed settlers from the evacuated “Homesh” settlement in the east of Silat al-Dhahr village, south of Jenin, attacked a vegetable stall at the southern entrance of the village. The settlers stepped out of their vehicles and smashed the windshield of a car belonging to Abdul Kareem Jameel Ahmad Rabai’a (34), from Meithalun village, southeast of Jenin, which he uses to sell vegetables. Abuld Kareem immediately escaped leaving the stall on the street. Following that, the settlers stole some of the stall’s items. After their withdrawal, Abdul Kareem returned to take whatever was left of the stall in his bus then returned to his house in Meithalun for fear of his life.