Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) (07-13 February 2019)

Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

(07-13 February 2019)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
• 2 Palestinian civilians were killed and another one succumbed to his wound in the Gaza Strip.
• 109 civilians, including 45 children, 5 women, 1 paramedic, and a journalist, were wounded in the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli forces conducted 78 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank amidst shooting and 8 other incursions in Jerusalem.
• 3 civilians sustained wounds in different incidents in the West Bank.
• 46 civilians, including 8 children, were arrested in the West Bank. Two of the arrested civilians are from occupied Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces confiscated large amount of money and gold from a house in the West Bank.
• Israeli authorities continued to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
• 2 civilians were forced to self-demolish their houses.
• Israeli forces demolished 2 houses, 2 apartments, a room and a store.
• Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces carried out 5 direct attacks, which included throwing stones, attacking civilians and incursions.
• 8 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the sea.
• A Palestinian fisherman sustained minor wound.
• 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 76 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
• 9 civilians 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 (07-13 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 46^th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use armed force as well during the incursions into the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed Hamza Mohamed Ishtawi (17), from al-Zaytoun neighborhood, and Hasan Eyad Shalabi (14), from Khan Yunis, while participating in the Return and Breaking Siege March, east of Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Eyewitnesses said that the civilians killed did not pose threat to the soldiers’ life and they were wounded while present in varying distances along the border fence with Israel. The civilians killed were among the peaceful demonstrators in the eastern border areas.

On 12 February 2019, medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital declared the death of  Hassan Nabeel Ahmad Nofal (16), from Nuseirat in the Central Gaza Strip. Hasan succumbed to wounds he sustained on Friday, 08 February 2019. It should be mentioned that he was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the head while participating in the Return and Breaking the Siege March, east of al-Bureij

Injuries in the Gaza Strip between 07-13 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 8 incidents were adjacent to northern Gaza Strip Shore. As a result, a fisherman sustained minor wounds.

As part of targeting the border areas, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire 9 times at lands located in the border areas with Israel in the central of Gaza Strip and southern Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 78 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 44 Palestinians, including 8 children, in the West Bank. The Israeli forces conducted at least 8 military incursions into Jerusalem, where they arrested 2 civilians and carried out 2 demolitions. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces conducted 1 limited incursion in eastern Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. The owners of the demolished houses in the West Bank said that the Israeli forces confiscated large amount of money and gold from their houses and handed them a list of the confiscated items. They also ordered them to refer to the competent authorities.

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

• As part of the Israeli house demolitions and notices, on 08 February 2019, Israeli forces ordered Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Abaidat to self-demolish his house and a shop under the pretext of non-licensing.
• On 09 February 2019, Israeli forces ordered Tha’er Jamal Bkairat to self-demolish his 42-square-meter house, where 5 persons, including 3 children, live. It should be noted that Tha’er paid NIS 25,000 as fine during several years.
• On 11 February 2019, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers in Jerusalem demolished a house belonging to Ahmed Maher Abu al-Haija in Jwaiza neighborhood, within the Municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, in al-Walja village.
• On 12 February 2019, the Israeli authorities forced Sa’eed Sarhan, from al-Thawry neighborhood in Silwan, to self-demolish a 60-square-meter room used as a living and dining room.
• On the same day, Israeli bulldozers demolished a 125-square-meter house belonging to Feryal Ja’abees in al-Sal’a, in al-Mokaber mount village.
• On the same day, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers in Jerusalem demolished 2 apartments and a store belonging to Jamal Edkaik in Silwan village.

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

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers documented during the reporting period 5 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers.

On 08 February 2019, an Israeli force accompanied with an Israeli settler namely Leor Livy, tried to raid a house belonging to Ahmed Abu Srour (70), located in the vicinity of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, west of Hebron, adjacent to the Bypass Road “60”. They claimed that the house is attached to Beit al-Baraka facility land, which a settlement association claims that it bought it from its owners in 2008.

On 09 February 2019, Israeli settlers threw stones at civilians’ vehicles while they were passing on al-Dalb Valley road near Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah, causing fear among civilians inside the vehicles.

On 10 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, who call themselves price tag group, threw stones at a house belonging to Romal Mohammed Hussain Shahour, Director of Al Haya Newspaper’s office located on the main street near Howara High School for Boys at Howara village’s northern entrance, southeast of Nablus.

On 12 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers attacked Barakat ‘Ali Zohdy Abu Mohssen (25) in Kherbit al-Farisiyia in northern Jordan Valley. They beat and bruised him in the right hand, chest and legs before handing him to Israeli forces, who arrested his brother Loai (20), taking him to “Mkhola” settlement.

On the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers, from settlement outposts in Hebron’s Old City, carried out riots and chanted racists slogans against Palestinians on al-Shohadah Street and Tal al-Rameeda area. The settlers were under the Israeli forces’ protection.

Details

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

Thursday, 07 February 2019:

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Abu al-‘Asja village, southeast of Dura, southwest of Hebron, and stationed near the village’s mosque. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Tariq Mohammad al-‘Eqeely (23) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron, and stationed near the UN schools complex. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammad Ahmad Abu Salem (26) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Dan village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammad ‘Adnan ‘Abed (30), taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into Ramallah and stationed in al-Balou’ neighborhood, north of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adham Kamal al-Ewady (22). They then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Gaza valley village, southeast of Gaza, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 08:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Bureij refugee camp in the Central Gaza Strip, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 14:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. The shooting continued until approximately 14:30. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 15:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the Northern Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and opened fire at them. As a result, Darweeh Mustafa Khalil al-Shantaf (49), from Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, was hit with a rubber bullet to the neck while he was fishing. Darweeh was treated on the spot and his wounds were classified as minor. Moreover, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives.

• At approximately 17:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of al-Amal neighborhood, east of Beit Hanoun in the Northern Gaza Strip, arrested 2 children namely Yousif Rafat Mohammad al-Da’our (17), from Jabalia refugee camp, and Salah Nasser Saleh Abu Jarmy (17), from Beit Lahia, after they sneaked into Israel through the border fence. At approximately 02:00 on the same day, Israeli authorities released both of them via Beit Hanoun “Erez” Crossing.

• At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron, and then stationed in al-Roqa’ neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Emad Mahmoud Abu Samra (44) and confiscated his car and NIS 40,000. They later withdrew and arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (9) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Lubban Al-Sharqiya village, southeast of Nablus; al-Yamun village, west of Jenin; Samou’a, Al-Majd, Nuba, and Kharas villages in Hebron; Nazlet ‘Essa, Nazlet Abu al-Nar and Zeita villages in Tulkarm.

Friday, 08 February 2019:

• At approximately 07:40, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniya shore, west of Jabalia in the Northern Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and heavily opened fire at them. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israeli opened fire at agriculture lands, west of al-Fukhari village, southeast of Khan Yunis, and no injuries were reported.

• At approximately 13:30, Israeli forces moved into Umm Safa village, northwest of Ramallah, in order to carry out an arrest campaign in the village. A number of civilians gathered and threw stones at the military vehicles. After that, the Israeli forces immediately fired rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, many young men suffered tear gas inhalation and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 20:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Bireh in Ramallah by a civilian bus. They stationed in the vicinity of Jamal Abdul Nasser Mosque in the city, raided the mosque and damaged its contents. They also hit Hamza Ayesh (44), a mosque employee, with a rifle. Before their withdrawal, they confiscated surveillance cameras from the mosque. Moreover, the Israeli forces raided and searched several houses. Meanwhile, several Palestinian young men gathered and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at the forces, who immediately fired rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded. The first one was hit with a live bullet to the right leg while the second was hit with a live bullet to the foot. They were taken via a PRCS ambulance to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, where their wounds were classified as moderate. The Israeli forces also arrested ‘Arafat ‘Atyah Soliman Erfai’ah (29).

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul and Yatta cities in Hebron; Sateh Marhaba Neighborhood and al-Quds Streen in Ramallah; al-Balou’ Neighborhood, north of al-Bireh city and al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.

Saturday, 09 February 2019:

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into al-Dhahiriya, south of Hebron, and then stationed in al-Ghammary valley area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammad Abu Shehada (50). They later withdrew and no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 20:00, Israeli forced stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp, opened fire at agriculture lands in the vicinity of the aforementioned border fence. As a result, farmers fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at agriculture lands and shepherds. As a result, the shepherds and farmers fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 22:20, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agriculture lands and fired flare bombs in the air and no injuries were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Marda village in Salfit and al-Shuyukh village in Dura city in Heborn.

Sunday, 10 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, an Israeli force backed by military vehicles moved into Taqou’a village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched 2 houses and then arrested Mohammed Saleem Abu Mefreh (23) and Murad Sami Jabreen (22), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, an Israeli force backed by military vehicles, moved into the southern area of Hebron. They raided and searched 3 houses and then handed summonses to Mohammed Ahmed al-Ja’ba (85), Kamel Youssof al-Ja’bary (44) and Mayssar Mussa al-Haymouny (68) to refer to the Israeli Intelligence service in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem.

• Around the same time, an Israeli force backed by 3 military vehicles moved into Abu Snaina neighborhood, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Arafat ‘Atia Suliman Irfa’eya (29). Moreover, an engineering took the house’s measures and took photos of it. The Israeli force later withdrew and no arrests were reported. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities declared 2 days ago that they arrested ‘Arafat in Ramallah accusing him of killing a settler found on 07 February 2019 in forests near Jerusalem.

• At approximately 03:00, an Israeli force backed by 2 military vehicles moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mojahed Wael ‘Issa (22) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the Central Gaza Strip, opened fire at shepherds. As a result, they fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 20:55, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the Northern Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and then sporadically opened fire at them. Furthermore, they fired flare bombs in the air. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bal’a and Deir al-Ghusun in Tulkarm; and Beit Ummar, Kharas, Tarqumiyah, Imreish villages and Khirbit Beit Mirsim in Hebron.

Monday, 11 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched 3 houses and then arrested 3 civilians, including 2 children, taking them to an unknown destination. The arrestees were identified as Ibrahim ‘Essa (14), Kareem Mohammad Da’dou’ (14) and Ahmad ‘Ali ‘Essa (18).

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched house, from which they arrested ‘Abdullah Sa’eed Ghbaria (20), taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ahmed Ghazy Ahmed Ghbaria (19) and Mahmoud ‘Ali Nafe’ al-Sa’dy (22), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Rima village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested 3 civilians namely Zahed Matar al-Reemawi (33), Mahmoud Thaljy al-Khateeb (20) and ‘Awad al-Haj (20), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces, backed by military vehicles, moved into Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses and arrested 2 civilians namely Mahdi ‘Abedul Jawwad Bader (36) and Rami ‘Essa ‘Ashour (35), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces, backed by military vehicles, moved into Dura, south of Hebron. They stationed in al-Karessa neighborhood and then raided and searched a house belonging to Yasser Mohammad Mahmoud al-Rojoub (44). They later arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into the eastern Laban village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ramzy Hamed ‘Waiss (18) and Zeyad Kamal ‘Waiss (20), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces, backed by military vehicles, moved into Bethlehem. They stationed in al-Ssaf Street and then raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Hani Soman (27). They later arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. They stationed in al-Tarbaqiah area and then raided and searched a house belonging to Sameer Khalil ‘Ady. They later withdrew and arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bader Mohammad al-Hawamdah (34). They later withdrew and arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 08:40, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 13:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniya shore, west of Jabalia in the Northern Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and then heavily opened fire at 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 were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Sa’ir and Nuba villages in Hebron.

Tuesday, 12 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Foreek village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ma’rouf Hamdi ‘Abed al-Jaleel Khatatbah (32) and then confiscated money estimated at NID 700 and JD 200. The Israeli forces handed Ma’rouf a list of the confiscated items and stole his wife’s cell phone. Ma’rouf  Hamdi ‘Abed al-Jaleel said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, while my wife Thuriyia Marwan Mohamed Nasasrah (26) and I were sleeping along with our 1-year-old child in our house located in Beir al-Shaib area in the center of Beit Foreek village, northeast of Nablus, the Israeli forces broke 2 steel doors and then entered our house. They knocked on the apartment door, I opened. Meanwhile, around 30 Israeli soldiers entered and one of them asked me do have money in the house? I replied: No. He said: we want to search the house, I told them to wait few munities until my wife wearing her clothes. They waited until my wife and son gout out of the apartment. After that, my brother came from his apartment and the soldiers allowed him to take my wife to his apartment and I remained with them in the living room. I told them that I save NIS 700 and JD 200 in the closet. They ordered me to bring the money and I put them on the table. Many soldiers started to search the house and before their withdrawal they told them the money was confiscated. I told them why did you confiscate the money? This is my salary from construction work. They replied: we confiscated the money because it from Hamas and this is a list of the confiscated items. They told me to refer to the court, handed me the confiscation decision and then withdrew. After their withdrawal, we surprised that they stole my wife cell phone”.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles moved into Namirah neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Isaa Khairy al-Ja’bari (52), Minister at the 10^thPalestinian Government. The soldiers locked all the family members in one room and confiscated NIS 9800, under the pretext of belonging to Hamas Movement. No arrests among the family members were reported.  ‘Isaa al-Ja’bari said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“I wake up at approximately 01:15 after hearing a violent knock on my apartment door, which is located in the 2^nd floor. I opened the door, meanwhile, around 10 Israeli soldiers accompanied with police entered the house living room. An Israeli officer ordered me to woke up all the family members and bring their cell phones. My wife along with my daughter Batoul (25) and my twin Shahd and Maryam (9) headed to the living room and I remained with the soldiers. An Israeli soldier told me to bring any money or gold in the house. I brought all money belonging to me and my daughters.  The soldiers searched the house and searched me along with all the family members. Half an hour later, an Israeli police officer and 2 Israeli soldiers took the money, counted them and wrote the amount on a paper. Before the soldiers’ withdrawal, the police officer ordered me to sing the paper and told me that all money was confiscated. He also told me to refer to the competentauthorities. After the soldiers’ withdrawal, we found that the soldiers emptied the closets and scattered the furniture. It should be noted that the Israel authorities confiscated me vehicle at the end of 2017 and it is still under the Israeli custody.”

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Showika suburb in Tulkarm, where Israeli vehicles headed to Dharit al-Foqahah neighborhood in the suburb. They then raided and searched a house belonging to Mohamed ‘Issam Mousa Mir’I (27) and arrested him along with his brother Mo’min (26), taking them to an unknown destination. The Israeli forces later withdrew and no arrests among civilians were reported.
• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin, in order to carry out an arrest campaign. Clashed erupted between the Israeli soldiers and stone-throwers. As a result, a 20-year-old male was hit with a superficial live bullet to the right hand. He was then taken to Khalil Suliman Hospital to receive medical treatment. Moreover, the Israeli forces raided and searched other houses, from which they arrested Ashraf Mohamed al-Qassi (21), Najeeb ‘Awni Howail (20), Khaled Mansour (55) and his son ‘Abdullah (18).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Wad Burqeen village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Mohamed Waddah al-Asmar (19).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Dir Sityia village, in Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jehad Nihad ‘Abed al-Kareem ‘Abdullah (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved around 100 meters into the east of Khuza’a village, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. The vehicles started levelling and combing the lands along the border fence and carried out maintenance works for few hours before re-deploying along the fence.

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Beirah and stationed in the vicinity of al-Hashimaiyia Secondary School for boys in al-Taweel Mount area. The Israeli forces surrounded 2 students namely ‘Ali Isma’il (17) and Mohamed Miqdad (17) on the main street while heading to the school. They arrested the 2 students, handcuffed them and took them to “Pisgat Ze’ev”  Six hours later, the Israeli forces released the students. Student Mohamed Miqdad said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, my colleague ‘Ali and I were heading to our al-Hashimiyia School in al-Taweel Mount area in al-Beirh. We are in the 12^th grade. While we were walking on the main street, we were surprised with a number of soldiers came towards us. We knew by the village’s residents that the Israeli soldiers moved into our village. The soldiers immediately handcuffed us, searched us and then forcibly dragged us to the military jeep. They took us to “Pisgat Ze’ev” settlement, where 3 Israeli soldiers hit me and my colleague with riffles throughout our bodies. They also blindfolded us and hit us at our heads and faces. The soldiers ordered us to stand up against the wall for 6 consecutive hours before releasing us”.

• At approximately 14:00, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Beit Ummer village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khattab Waheed Abu Mariyia (16) and then arrested him.

• In evening, Israeli forces moved into Um Jamal in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They raided and searched farmers’ houses and then arrested ‘Izz al-Deen Mahmoud Mohamed Ka’abnah (24).

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nablus City, ‘Ain Beit al-Maa’ camp and Beit Ibaa village, west of Nablus.

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Tubas in order to carry out an arrest campaign. A number of Palestinian young men gathered and clashes erupted between the young men and Israeli soldiers. As a result, an 18-year-old male was hit with a live bullet to the right leg and was then taken to Tubas Yurkish Hospital, where his wounds classified as moderate. The Israeli forces raided and searched other houses, from which they arrested ‘Arabi Mowafaq Abu Dawwous (26), ‘Odai Redwan al-Shahrori (25) and Ahmed Hussain Daraghmah (22).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafur al-Deek village in Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bassam Ahmed Hasan “ ‘Ali Ahmed” (43) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched houses and then arrested Ibrahim Labeeb Nawasrah (19).

• Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Halhoul, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Naser al-Doudah (23) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Anas Fayiz Fawzi ‘Amr (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Kubar village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mujahed Wajdi al-Barghouthi (17) and then arrested him. The Israeli forces attempted to raid many shops belonging to Mujahed after damaging the locks without managing to raid them.

• At approximately 10:30, the Israeli Civil Administration staff confiscated a vehicle belonging to Ahmed Diyab Ahmed Abu Khaizaran, from Wad al-Far’ah area, south of Tubas. The vehicle was confiscated when Ahmed’s brother Rabie’ (30) was driving it in his land located in al-Buqai’ah Plain in Kherbit Ras al-Ahmar in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. The Israeli forces handed Rabie’ a list of the confiscated items.

• At approximately 18:45, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea, west of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian boats sailing in the allowed fishing area. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries among them or damages to their boats were reported.

• At approximately 06:55, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah Shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, chased fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and sporadically opened fire at them. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no injuries among them were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (10) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: ‘Anzah village, south of Jenin; Nazlet ‘Isaa, Nazlet al-Sharqiyia, Nazlet al-Wetah, and Nazlet Abu Nar in Tulkarm; ‘Azoun, Jayyous amd al-Fondouq villages in Qalqiliyia; and al-Shayyoukh and al-Moreq villages 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:

On Friday, 08 February 2019, in the 46^th week of the Return and Breaking Siege March, Israeli forces wounded 91 civilians, including 38 children, 2 women and a paramedic. The incidents were as follows:

• Northern Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 13 civilians, including 8 children. 5 of them were hit with rubber bullets and shrapnel, 5 were hit with rubber bullets and 8 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were taken via PRCS and Health Union Committee ambulances to the Indonesian Hospital and al-Awda Hospital, which belongs to Heath Union Committee.

• Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators in the eastern Shuja’iyya neighborhood resulted in the killing of Hamza Mohammad Rushdy Eshtawy (17), from Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza. Hamza was hit with a live bullet, when he was 200 meters away from the border fence with Israeli, resulting in his immediate death. Furthermore, 30 civilians, including 11 children and a woman were wounded. Among the wounded civilians, 8 were hit with live bullets, 10 with rubber bullets and 12 were directly hit with tear gas canisters.

• Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and throwing tear gas canisters at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 17:30, resulted in the injury of 13 civilians, including 6 children and a woman. 4 of them were hit with a live bullet and shrapnel and 9 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded civilians were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where the wounds of 3 of them were classified as serious, while the others’ wounds were classified between moderate and minor. Furthermore, several civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and many of them were taken to the hospital while the others were treated on the spot.

• Khan Yunis: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators in Khuza’a village, which continued until 17:30, resulted in the killing of Hassan Eyad ‘Abed al-Fattah Shalaby (14), from Hamad Town in Khan Yunis, as he was hit with a live bullet to the chest at approximately 15:50, while he was around 150-200 meters away from the border fence with Israel. He was declared dead at the Field Medical Point. Furthermore, 10 civilians, including 3 children, were directly hit with live bullets and tear gas canisters. Among the wounded civilians, there was Jehad Ahamd Mahmoud al-Hennawy (50), a paramedic at Civil Defense, who was hit with a tear gas canister to the left leg. Moreover, an ambulance belonging to Civil Defense was directly hit with a tear gas canister.

• Rafah: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators in al-Shawkah village, which continued until 17:00, resulted in the injury of 25 civilians. 3 of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 6 with rubber bullets and 16 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Among the wounded civilians, there were 10 children, whom their wounds were classified as serious. Furthermore, dozens of civilians, especially children and women, suffered seizures and tear gas inhalation. Many of them were taken to the Medical Point of the Camp and others to Abu Yusef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah.

• At approximately 17:50 on Sunday, 10 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of the Return Camp, east of Abu Safia Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of civilians that approached the border fence. The demonstrators fired homemade sound bombs, set fire and used loudspeakers as part of evening activities of March of Return and Breaking Siege. As a result, several demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and were treated on the spot.

• At approximately 14:45 on Tuesday, 12 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 23^thtime for Palestinian boats to sail for Breaking the Siege. The Israeli shooting at the Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 17:15, resulted in the injury of 10 civilians, including 5 children and 3 women. 9 of them were hit with tear gas canisters and a child was hit with a live bullet. Moreover, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation.

• At approximately 16:30, on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered in eastern al-Bureij, near the Return Camp. The demonstrators set fire to tires and tried to throw stones at the Israeli forces stationed on the top of sand berms along the border fence. The forces opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, resulting in the injury of 5 demonstrators, including 2 children. 4 of the them were hit with live bullets, while the other was directly hit with a tear gas canister. The wounded civilians were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where doctors classified the wounds of 2 of them, including a child, as serious, while the wounds of the others were classified between minor and moderate.

• At approximately 18:00 of the same day, doctors at al-Shifa Hospital declared that Hassan Nabeel Ahmad Nofal (16), from Nuseirat in the Central Gaza Strip, succumbed to his wounds that he had on Friday, 8 February 2019. It should be mentioned that he was directly hit with a tear gas canister to the head, while participating in the March of Return and Breaking the Siege, east of al-Bureij. Meanwhile, he was taken to al-Aqsa Hospital and then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza due to his serious health condition. He remained for treatment in al-Shifa Hospital ICU until he was declared dead.

• At approximately 17:50, on Wednesday, 13 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of the Return Camp, east of Abu Safia Hill, northeast of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of civilians that approached the border fence. The demonstrators fired homemade sound bombs, set fire and used loudspeakers as part of evening activities of March of Return and Breaking Siege. As a result, a 31-year-old male was hit with a tear gas canister to the right leg and was taken to the Indonesian Hospital, where doctors classified his wounds as minor. Furthermore, medical staff treated several demonstrators, who suffered tear gas inhalation on the spot.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Bureij in the Central Gaza Strip, fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at demonstrators, who were protesting there and setting fire to tires. As a result, a civilian was directly hit with a tear gas canister to his lower limbs.

• At approximately 19:00 on the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, near the Return Camp, east of Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis, opened fire and fired tear gas canisters at a group of civilians that approached the border fence, set fire to tires, used laser lights and fireworks as part of evening activities of March of Return and Breaking Siege. As a result, Mohammad Samy Barbakh (21), a journalist at Barq Gaza Network, was hit with a tear gas canister to the right hand and his wounds were classified as minor. It should be mentioned that Mohammad was hit with a live bullet in the 4^th Friday of the Return March. Furthermore, several demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation.

West Bank:

• At approximately 10:00 on Saturday, 09 February 2019, a group of Palestinian civilians and the Israeli activists of Combatants for Peace organized a voluntary day to plant olive seedlings in the lands threatened by confiscation in Abu Sawda Mount area, south of Beit Fajar village, south of Bethlehem. Israeli forces arrived to the location, prevented the participants to plant the seedlings, and handed then a notice to evacuate the area under the pretext that it is a closed military zone. The participants spread out in the land and started to plant the seedlings, but the Israeli forces attacked them and heavily fired tear gas canisters at them, forcing them to leave after some of them suffered tear gas inhalation.

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

(05-12 February 2019)

• Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 07-013 February 2019:

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• At approximately 14:15 on Thursday, 07 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed at a temporary checkpoint established at ‘Araba intersection, south of Jenin, arrested Yazan Mohammed Waleed Bdad (22) and ‘Amar Yasser al-Ashqar (23) from Jenin, taking them to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians are students at the National Najah University in Nablus.

• At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 07 February 2019, Israeli forces arrested Omar Nabil Marab’a (20), form Fahma village, south of Jenin, taking him to an unknown destination. Omar was arrested while he was passing through a temporary checkpoint on Ramallah – Nablus Street.

• At approximately 17:00 on Friday, 08 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed at al-Hamra checkpoint, southeast of Trablus, arrested two brothers Mohammed (24) and Mustafa Khalil Wared Zohra (26), from al-Maleh in Jordan northern valleys, taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 21:00 on Friday, 08 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint in Salfeet, arrested Omar nabil ‘Ayesh Marab’a (22), from Fahma village in Jenin, taking him to an unknown destination.

• On 11 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed at the gate of the annexation wall adjacent to Qafeen village, north of TulKarm, arrested Khaled Ahmed Harsha (22) and ‘Omran Ayman Mahmoud Harsha (20) while they were returning from their work in their land behind the annexation wall.

• At approximately 21:15 on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, Israeli soldiers stationed on Nablus – Tulkarm road at the entrance to “Shafy Shamron” settlement, west of Nablus, arrested Mohamed “Mohammed Yahya” Sa’eed Abu Zohra (55) from Nablus, taking him to an unknown destination.

• 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:

• At approximately 04:00 on Sunday, 10 February 2019, Israeli forces arrested Adam Ma’moun Abu Riala (13), from al-“Aissaweya. Adam’s father said to the PCHR’s fieldworker that around 30 Israeli soldiers raided the house and arrested Adam. It should be noted that Adman was interrogated for 4 hours while he was alone in al-Maskoubya prison in occupied Jerusalem without being accompanied by anyone. Adam was released after a decision issued by the Israeli court in Jerusalem under the condition of open house arrest.

• On Monday, 11 February 2019, Israeli forces arrested the imam of al-Aqsa Mosque Waleed Seyam, from Silwan village, while he was leaving the mosque, taking him to an unknown destination.

Notices and House Demolitions:

• On 08 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-Mokaber Mount village in Jerusalem and forced Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Abaidat to self-demolish his house and a shop under the pretext of non-licensing. Ahmed said that his house was built on an area of 40 square meters and was sheltering 6 persons, including 4 children. Ahmed added that the shop was built on an area of 35 square meters and used for electronic equipment. It should be noted that this was the second demolition of Ahmed’s house during the past 5 years.

• On 09 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into Sour Baher village in Jerusalem and forced Tha’er Jamal Bkairat to self-demolish his 42-square-meter house, where 5 persons, including 3 children, live. It should be noted that Tha’er paid NIS 25,000 as fine during several years. Tha’er said that the Israeli Municipality forced him to self-demolish his house or he will pay the demolition’s expenses estimated at NIS 80,000.

• On 11 February 2019, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers in Jerusalem demolished a house belonging to Ahmed Maher Abu al-Haija in Jwaiza neighborhood, within the Municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, in al-Walja village. Ahmed said to the PCHR’s fieldworker that his house was built on an area of 140 square meters, where his family comprised of 7 persons, including 2 female children, live.

• On 12 February 2019, the Israeli authorities forced Sa’eed Sarhan, from al-Thawry neighborhood in Silwan, to self-demolish a 60-square-meter room used as a living and dining room attached to the house. It should be noted that Sa’ed built the room 8 years ago. Sa’eed received a demolition notice on 16 January 2019, to self-demolish his 60-squre-meter room.

• On the same day, Israeli bulldozers demolished a 125-square-meter house belonging to Feryal Ja’abees in al-Sal’a, in al-Mokaber mount village, where 6 persons including 4 children, live. It should be noted that the house was established a year and a half ago and the family was handed the demolition notice 6 months ago. It is worth to mention that Feryal along with her sons are living now in a tent provided by PRCS.

• On the same day, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers in Jerusalem demolished 2 apartments and a store belonging to Jamal Edkaik in Silwan village. Jamal was aiming at giving one of the prepared apartments to one of his sons to live in it after getting married while the other apartment and the store are still under construction. The two apartments built on an area of 100 square meters, while the store built on an area of 20 square meters.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces continued to target the areas in the West Bank classified as C according to Oslo Accord signed by the Israeli government and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the areas located in the vicinity of settlements and route of the separation wall in order to expel them from the Palestinian residents for the sake of settlement expansion.

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• At approximately 03:00 on Monday, 11 February 2019, Israeli border guard officers backed by military vehicles and accompanied with 2 bulldozers moved into al-Jwaiza area in the vicinity of al-Walja village, southwest of Jerusalem, north of Bethlehem. The Israeli officers raided a house belonging to Najlaa Maher Abu al-Haija (43), where she lives with her family comprised of 7 members. They forced Najlaa and her family to leave the house claiming that there was a decision issued by the court to demolish the house under the pretext of non-licensing. After evacuating the house, the bulldozers started to demolish the 140-square-meter house. Two hours later, the Israeli force withdrew and left two rooms without demolishing them because bulldozers could not reach them. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities seized 155 dunums from the village’s lands, where two settlements were established on part of the village’s lands. The first settlements is “Har Gilo”, which was established in 1972 and shelter 365 Israeli settlers, while the second settlement was“Gilo”, which is established in 1981 and shelters 27569 Israeli settlers. Moreover, 246 dunums were confiscated for the Bypass Roads “436” confiscated in addition to 69 dumuns to the annexation wall. It should be noted that the annexation wall will isolate around 4171 behind it.  The village’s lands were classified as Area C, B, A according to Oslo Agreement. The Area B constitutes 03% while Area C constitutes 97%.

Mohamed Abu al-Haija said:

“At approximately 03:00, Israeli border guard officers raided our house after breaking the door and detained me along with my family members. They informed us that there is a decision to demolish the house. They forced us to leave the house and stand 150 meters away from it while some workers started to evacuate some of house’s contents and then the bulldozers began the demolition. On 18, October 2018, The Civil Administration handed us a house demolition notice. We submitted a request to the municipality of Jerusalem after paying NIS 20,000 in 2 instalments in order to reach the Court of First Instance to submit a petition after the demolition but the court reused our petition submitted by a lawyer during a session on 23 January 2019 so the court decided to demolish the house. “

• At approximately 10:00 on Wednesday, 13 February 2019, Israeli force accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration, a vehicle of the Water Utility “ Markot”,  2 bulldozers, and a truck, moved into al-Msafer area, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. The vehicles started to level the road sides leading to al-Msafer villages and remove pipes that provide the residential areas with water. They claimed that these pipes were set without a permission from the competent authorities.

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

• At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 08 February 2019, an Israeli force accompanied with an Israeli settler namely Leor Livy, tried to raid a house belonging to Ahmed Abu Srour (70), located in the vicinity of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, west of Hebron, adjacent to the Bypass Road “60”. They claimed that the house is attached to Beit al-Baraka facility land, which a settlement association claims that it bought it from its owners in 2008. The settlers seized the land at the beginning of July 2018 under a tight Israeli forces protection and closed it. It should be noted that the land contains an old hospital and other buildings surrounding the hospital. Moreover, Ahmed’s family members tried to prevent the settler, who wanted to take the house’ measures, from reaching them. In addition, the Israeli soldiers attacked the family members and sprayed pepper-spray at Ahmed’s son ‘Abed al-Qader (27). The soldiers attacked ‘Abed al-Qader and then arrested him, taking him to an investigation center in “Gush Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. It should be noted that at the beginning of October 2015, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz published on its website that Moshe Ya’alon, Former Defense Minister of Israel, said that he decided to annex the Christian Presbyterian Church building, located adjacent to the Bypass Road “60” to become a part of settlement Gafar Etzion Complex, south of Bethlehem. It is worth to mention that al-Baraka facility has been established 70 years ago. The facility provided treatment services for Tuberculosis patients until its closure in 1983. In August 2018, Israeli settlers demolished a 50-square-meter old building, where Ahmed Ibraheem ‘Abd Rabo Samour (60), and his sister Asmahan Samour (50) live for around 40 years. Ahmed was expelled from the land, where he was working as a guard.

• In Saturday evening, 09 February 2019, Israeli settlers threw stones at civilians’ vehicles while they were passing on al-Dalb Valley road near Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah, causing fear among civilians inside the vehicles.

• At approximately 20:30 on Sunday, 10 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, who call themselves price tag group, threw stones at a house belonging to Romal Mohammed Hussain Shahour, Director of Al Haya Newspaper’s office located on the main street near Howara High School for Boys at Howara village’s northern entrance, southeast of Nablus. As a result, the windshield of Romal’s car was broken, in addition to the rear window of his brother Khaled’s car before Romal shouted at the settlers, which made them escape among olive trees surrounding the area.

• At approximately 07:30 on Tuesday, 12 February 2019

• At approximately 23:00 on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, dozens of Israeli settlers, from settlement outposts in Hebron’s Old City, organized a demonstration that was started from the entrance to Beit Hadassa  and then headed to al-Shohadah Street and Tal al-Rameeda area. The settlers were under the Israeli forces’ protection. The settlers chanted racist slogans calling for killing Arabs and expelling them out of their houses. Moreover, they attacked some civilians’ houses on al-Shohadah Street and heavily knocked their doors, causing fear and panic among the residents.

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