Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (11– 17 July 2019)

Israeli violations of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory

11- 17 July 2019

• 74 Palestinian civilians injured; 24 of them were children, a woman, 2 journalists including a female, and a paramedic at the Great March of Return in the Gaza Strip.

• 5 civilians, including a child, injured in the West Bank.

• 52 civilians, including 4 children, arrested during 80 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.

• 5 shooting incidents reported against agricultural lands and a limited incursion into the eastern Gaza Strip.

• 2 fishermen, including a child, arrested and their fishing boat confiscated off Rafah shore.

• 5 shops and a carwash demolished in occupied Jerusalem, demolition notices distributed in Hebron and Qalqiliyia, and 2 attacks reported against 2 journalists and a civilian in those areas.

• 110 temporary checkpoints established in the West Bank, where 5 Palestinian civilians were arrested.

Summary

During the reporting period, PCHR documented 299 violations of the international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory.

In terms of violation to the right to life and bodily integrity, Israeli forces injured 80 Palestinian civilians. In the Gaza Strip, there were 75 injuries: 74 at the Great March of Return 24 children, 2 women including a journalist; another journalist and 2 paramedics. Another civilian was injured and arrested near the border fence in the north of the Gaza Strip. In addition, Israeli attacks against fishermen continued this week as 2 fishermen were arrested and their boat confiscated in a reported shooting.

While in the West Bank, 5 Palestinians were injured: 2 during a protest at Kuffor Qadoum, including a child whose condition was deemed critical.

Israel carried out 80 incursion into Palestinian territory and raided civilian houses enticing fear among residents. 47 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 children; and many others sustained bruises.

Additionally, 11 incidents were documented by PCHR under expanded settlement activity as 2 demolition notices were issued against a house and a barn in Hebron. Also, 2 barracks were demolished, a water well and a pool in Hebron and Qalqiliyah. Israeli forces demolished 1 barracks, a car wash and 5 commercial establishments in occupied East Jerusalem.

It should be highlighted that Israel continues its closure policy on the Gaza Strip for the 14th consecutive year, severely restricting the freedom of movement of persons and goods and isolating the Gaza Strip from the West Bank and the rest of the world. Meanwhile the West Bank is rendered into isolated entities with at least 30 key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation, 92 permanent military checkpoint operating across the territory and dozens of temporary ones erected on a daily basis.

This report focuses on 5 thematic violations by Israeli forces, including excessive use of force, incursions into oPt, attacks on civilian property, settlement expansion efforts and settler violence, as well as the Israeli closure policy and restrictions on the freedom of movement.

• Violation of the right to life and to bodily integrity

1. Excessive Use of Force

The Gaza Strip

The 66th Great March of Return took off in eastern Gaza Strip on Friday,12 July 2019, titled “No Negotiation, No Recognition, And No Peace with Israel”. The incidents during this week were as follows:

• Northern Gaza Strip: Approximately 16:30, hundreds of civilians swarmed to the central gathering tent in Abu Safiyah area, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli forces stationed behind sand berms and in military vehicles along the border fence fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at civilians from 17:00 – 19:00 on Friday evening. As a result, 12 civilians were injured, including 6 children: 9 were shot with live bullets and shrapnel, 2 with rubber bullets, and 1 directly hit with a teargas canister. Those wounded were transferred via the Union of Health Work Committees (UHWC) and Ministry of Health ambulances to the Indonesian and al-Awda Hospitals. Ameer Mohamed Rajab Naser (18), sustained critical wounds after being shot with a live bullet in his abdomen while present 70 meters away west of Abu Safiyah Gate.

• Gaza City: approximately 500 protestors participated in eastern Malakah area protests. A few groups approached the border and attempted to throw stones at soldiers using slingshots. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition and teargas canisters at the protesters. As a result, 2 civilians were directly hit with teargas canisters while others suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.

• Central Gaza Strip: Israeli shooting and teargasing at demonstrations, which continued until 19:30, resulted in the injury of 26 civilians, including 9 children, a journalist, a paramedic, and a person with disability were injured; 17 injuries resulted from live bullets and shrapnel, 4 with rubber bullets and 5 with teargas canisters. Omar ‘Abdullah Ahmed al-Sayed (14), from al-Maghazi, sustained serious wounds after being hit with a live bullet in his abdomen. The wounded journalist was identified as Mahmoud Zakarai Mohamed Abu Musalam (22), from al-Maghazi, who works at Palestine al-Hadath Agency, was shot with a rubber bullet to the leg. The paramedic was identified as Khader ‘Adel Mostafa Mayat (23), who works at Medical Services, was shot with a rubber bullet to the lower limbs and he received treatment on the spot, while the person with disability was identified as Ibrahim Suliman al-‘Amour (39), who was hit with a rubber bullet to the face.

• Khan Younis: The gathering witnessed lively speeches, performances, and national songs organized in the area while dozens of protestors approached the border fence and threw stones at military vehicles, stationed behind hills and fortified military sites. A single case involving a Molotov cocktail was also documented. Israeli forces fired live ammunition, rubber bullet and tear gas canisters. As a result, 18 civilians injured, including 5 children, a woman and a paramedic; 6  shot with live bullets and 12 with rubber bullets and teargas canisters directly targeting them. The volunteer paramedic, Mahmoud Suliman Qudaieh (27), was directly hit with a tear gas canister in his abdomen while rescuing a wounded civilian at least 20 meters away from the border fence.

• Rafah: At approximately 17:00, around 1300 civilians, including women and children, participated in the protests east of Shoka village, east of Rafah. The gathering witnessed lively speeches and folklore. Meanwhile, dozens of protesters approached the border fence and threw stones. The Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber bullets and teargas canisters against the protestors. The incidents, which continued until 19:30, resulted in the injury of 16 civilians, including 4 children and a journalist; 6 shot with live bullets and shrapnel, and 10 with rubber bullets. One of the children, Khaled Bassam Barhoum (12), sustained serious wounds after being hit with a rubber bullet in abdomen. The journalist, Touqa Suliman Isma’il al-Zamily (27), was hit with a rubber bullet in her right leg.

The West Bank:

• At approximately 13:30 on Friday afternoon, 12 July 2019, Palestinians from Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah organized their peaceful weekly protest, and then headed to the eastern village entrance that has been closed for 15 years in favor of “Kedumim” The demonstrators chanted national slogans demanding end of the occupation and protesting the Israeli forces’ crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. A number of them threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand berms while the soldiers fired rubber bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, Abdul Rahman Yaser Eshtiwi (10) sustained serious wounds to the head when shot with a live bullet to explosive bullet. He was taken to Rafidiya Hospital in Nablus. Doctors found that Eshtiwi’s head sustained 60 shrapnel wounds after the live bullet exploded in his head. Eshtiwi was then transferred to Tel Hashomer Hospital in Israel. Eyewitnesses stated that Eshtiwi was playing in front of his house 300 meters away from the place where Israeli soldiers stationed when he was shot.

• At approximately 17:30 on Saturday, 12 July 2019, a similar demonstration was organized in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village. Israeli shooting at them resulted in the injury of a 30-year-old civilian with a rubber bullet to the abdomen.

1. Shootings, i.e. killings and injuries

• At approximately 02:30 on Thursday, 11 July 2019, officers from the Israeli “Mista’arvim” undercover unit dressed like Palestinian civilians sneaked to al-Duheisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, driving 2 civilian vehicles with Palestinian registration plate. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sami Ismail al-Ja’fari (33) and then arrested him. Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian children and youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli soldiers while the soldiers fired live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 2 civilians were shot with live bullets to the lower extremities. They were taken to Al-Hussein Hospital in Beit Jala for treatment.

• At approximately 22:00 on the same Thursday, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, northern Beit Lahia in northern Gaza Strip, opened fire and arrested at Majed Mohammed Husein al-Shafei (44) after crossing the village. As a result, he sustained a live bullet to his lower extremities. According to field investigations, al-Shafei left his house in Jabalia approximately 21:30 on the same day and then disappeared. At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 12 July 2019, his brother Mazen received a phone call informing him that his brother is injured and detained by Israeli forces.

• At approximately 10:30 on Friday 12 July 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip in the vicinity of a Palestinian border control point. The shooting continued for few minutes, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 06:30 on Saturday, 13 July 2019, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah Shore opened fire at Palestinian Fishing boats sailing within 6 nautical miles. The Israeli gunboats then surrounded one of the boats manned by Mohammed Isma’el Isma’el al-Bardawil (40) and his nephew, Ahmed Wael Isma’el al-Bardawil (16); both from al-Mawasi neighborhood, west of Rafah. The Israeli naval soldiers then ordered the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. They were arrested and their boat was confiscated. At approximately 18:00, Ahmed was released through Beit Hanoun “Erez” crossing while Mohammed al-Bardawil is still under arrest and their fishing boat is still confiscated.

• At approximately 13:35 on Sunday, 14 July 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Youni in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands in eastern ‘Abasan village, west of the border fence. The shooting continued for few minutes, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 16:30 on Monday, 15 July 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Kahn Younis, in southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at eastern Khuza’ah village. The shooting continued for few minutes, but no casualties were reported.

• Also on Monday evening, Israeli forces opened fire at Fares Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Azem (34), when he was between Ramina and Bazaria villages, east of Tulkarm. As a result, he sustained a live bullet wound to the back, causing him internal bleeding in the lungs. ‘Azem was taken to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm. Due to the serious injury, ‘Azem was transferred to Beilinson Hospital in Israel. An eyewitness stated that:

“At approximately 22:00 on Monday, 15 July 2019, I received a call telling me that a person from my village was wounded and screaming of pain and that the caller is trying to rescure him. I immediately headed to the site and knew that the victim is from Thanabeh village, carries an Israeli ID card and drives a vehicle with an Israeli registration plate. He was taken via an ambulance to Dr. Thabet Thabet hospital in Tulkarm and then transferred to Beilinson Hospital in Israel due to his serious injury.”

‘Azem’s father said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“I received the news of my son’s injury and then headed to Israel to follow-up on his health condition. Doctors only informed me that his injury was serious and he suffers from bleeding in the lungs as the bullet penetrated his back to the lungs. We do not know how this happened to our son; he was probably visiting his in-laws in Ramin village. We are waiting until he wakes up to find out what happened with him.”

• At approximately 17:35 on Tuesday, 16 July 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Kahn Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at ‘Abasan al-Kabirah. The shooting continued for few minutes, but no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 08:10 on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Kahn Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at Khuza’ah village. The shooting continued for few minutes, but no casualties were reported.

1. Incursions and Arrests

Thursday, 11 July 2019:

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Husam Abu Tabeekh (20) and then arrested him.

• At the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qatanna City northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hussam Mohammed Taha (21) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces moved into Al-Mazra’a al-Gharbiya north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Khalil Yousef Shraiteh (26), Salah Tareq Ladadwa (25), Mohammed Akram Ladadwa (23) and Hamza Tareq Abu Wadea’ (22).

• At the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jensafout village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Akram Tayseer Eid (44) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces moved into Burqin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Asa’d Mohammed Khalouf (27) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Silat al-Harithiya village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa’eed Yousef Abdul Qader Zayoud (22) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’ village east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Emad al-‘Amour (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Kafer Malik village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Obada Adawi Ba’irat (21) and then arrested him.

• Israeli forces carried out (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Romana village, west of Jenin; ‘Azmout, Qasra, and ‘Ourif villages in Nablus; Tarqumiya and al-Fawar refugee camp in Hebron.

Friday, 12 July 2019:

• At approximately 01:00, a joint force of Israeli military and police moved into Ash-Shuyukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to No’man Mohammed al-Hasasna (40). Later, the Israeli forces withdrew from the village, no arrests were reported.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Um al-Dalya village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hasan Mohammed Abu Sbaih (43) and then they arrested his sons Hammam (13) and Hasan (17).

• At approximately 09:00, Israeli forces stationed at al-Hamra checkpoint southeast of Tubas, arrested 3 civilians from Qabatiyah southeast of Jenin. The arrestees, who work at the Palestinian Security Services Offices, were identified as Nour Aldeen Faleh Zakarna (33), Mohammed Qasim Zakarna (28), and Ahmed Nasri Zakarna (25).

• Israeli forces carried out (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Bait Ummer, Bani Na’im, al-Thaheriyah, and Karma villages in Hebron.

Saturday,13 July 2019:

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount village, southeast of Jerusalem and stationed in Schools’ Neighborhood. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Ahmed Rizq Owaisat (20) and Nour Khalil Alian (21).

• At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses after which they arrested Mohammed Ma’moun al-Razem (20) and Ahmed Abu Ghazalah (19).

• Israeli forces carried out (3) incursions in Dora and Emrish villages, and al-Fawar Refugee Camp in Hebron. No arrests were reported.

Sunday, 14 July 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sultan Samer Sarhan (14) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Ta’amra village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Monther ‘Ata al-Ta’amra (23) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Adham Mustafa Khadrag (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed in al-Madbasah area in the center of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ibrahim Shukah (20) and then arrested him. Following that, the Israeli forces moved into al-Fawaghrah neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Amin Hasan al-Khatib (23) and then handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Gush Etzion” settlement complex, south of the city.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in the vicinity of al-Mizan Hospital. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abdullah Mohammed Gheith (29) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli police officers moved into al-Rahmah Prayer Hall, east of al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem’s Old City. They removed the wooden dividers out. The Islamic Endowment Department (Awqaf) stated that the removed wooden dividers were used to separate between rows of male and female worshipers inside the prayer hall. Last week, the Israeli police removed some contents from the same prayer hall. The Islamic Endowment Department’s investigation on 07 and 09 July 2019, revealed that it was the Israeli forces who emptied the hall contents before dawn, and that they have videos of the incident. Since mid-February 2019, occupied East Jerusalem is witnessing a state of tension after Palestinian worshipers managed to open al-Rahmah Prayer Hall in al-Aqsa Mosque, which was closed since 2003.

• At approximately 12:00, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama crossing, east of Jericho, arrested Mohammed Sami Khalil Masharqah (32), from Jenin, while he was returning from Jordan.

• Israeli forces carried out (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Ummer, al-Thaheriyah, Beit Kahel and al-Hadab villages in Hebron.

Monday, 15 July 2019:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mustafa Feras al-‘Abasi (15) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Qabatiya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Husein Amban ‘Aref Samadi (35) and Ahmed ‘Essam Mahmoud Abu al-Rab (30) and then arrexted him.

• At the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Shurouq Mohammed al-Badan (25) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sour Baher village, south of East Jerusalem. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Mohammed Ibrahim Dawriyat (38), ‘Obadah Khalid ‘Amirah (28) and ‘Amirah Mohammed ‘Amirah (26).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Salem village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalid ‘Akef ‘Awadallah Eshtiah (19) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour neighborhood, east of the Old City in occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Maher al-Karki (23) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 07:00, Israeli forces backed by 11 military construction vehicles moved about 100 meters along the border fence into al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, amidst shooting in the area, but no casualties were reported. The vehicles leveled the area lands and were redeployed along the border fence at approximately 13:00.

• Israeli forces carried out (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Beit Furik, Howarah, Beta, Burin and Sebastia villages in Nablus.

Tuesday, 16 July 2019:

• At approximately 01:40, Israeli forces moved into Kufor Thuluth village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hasan Kamel Shawahnah (25) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Aysar Khalid al-Sa’adi (19) and then arrested him.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Ahmed Taha Abu Seriyah (22), Mojahed Mo’ayad Ibrhim ‘Amer (20), Mohammed Mo’atasem al-Sabbagh (23) and Aws Zuhair ‘Ouwais (19).

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Kuber village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Omer al-Barghuthi (62), but no arrests were reported. meanwhile, another Israeli force raided and searched a house belonging to Ismail Zahi al-Barghuthi (22) and handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence Service in “Halmish” settlement, northwest of Ramallah.

• At approximately 04:10, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tha’er Mohammed Samih Qtaish (30) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:15, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sa’ed Zeyad Abu Haniyah (25) and then arrested him

• At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Sofian Ahmed Estiti (45) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 06:00, Israeli forces stationed at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Anas Husein Suleiman (22), from Hablah village, south of Qalqiliyah.

• Israeli forces carried out (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tammun village, southeast of Tubas; Abu Shakhedem village, north of Ramallah; Halhoul and Beit al-Roush village in Hebron.

Wednesday, 17 July 2019:

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Um al-Tout village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses after which they arrested Mazen (60) and his brother ‘Adnan Mustafa Zakarnah (40).

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliyah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Rahman Nufal (24) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Betunia village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Yusuf Bahjat Abu al-Baha’a (24) and Fayez Hiatham Abu Wardah (27) and then arrested him.

• At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah to carry out arrest campaigns. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Maher Ayoub Abdul Jalil Dalaishah (35) and Sami Husein Mothafar (23).meanwhile, a number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at Israeli forces.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Rantees village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Hasan Abu Salem (25) and the arrested him.

• Israeli forces carried out (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Ya’bud, Jalboun, Deir Abu Da’ief villages in Jenin; Tal village, southwest of Nablus; al-Fawar refugee camp, Beit Ummer and Surif villages in Hebron.

• • Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank including occupied East Jerusalem

1. Demolitions and attacks on civilian property for settlement expansion

• At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 11 July 2019, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles and Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Beit Ummer village in northern Hebron. They then stationed in Wadi al-Shaiekh neighborhood, where the Israeli Civil Administration officers handed Mohamed ‘Ali al-‘Alami a 96-hour demolition notice, under the pretext of non-licensing.  Mohamed’s house was under-construction and built on an area of 150 square meters. On 17 April 2018, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the occupied Territory (COGAT), under the direct control of the Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, issued a military order that makes it possible for Israeli forces to demolish Palestinian homes in Area C within 96 hours after delivering demolition orders. Under the order, COGAT excuses itself from informing Palestinian homeowners directly that their homes are slated for demolition and only requires demolition orders be placed “next to” targeted structures 96 hours before Israeli forces arrive to execute demolitions.
• At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles and Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Kherbit Shabouqa in western Hebron, where they handed Amjad Nofal Sulimah a notice to demolish his 150-sqaure-meter barn under the pretext of non-licensing in Area C, and gave him until 24 July 2019 to challenge.
• At approximately 12:30 on Thursday, 11 July 2019, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles moved into ‘Izbit Salman in southern Qalqiliyia, and demolished an agricultural barrack belonging to Dawoud Mahmoud Yousef Ahmed under the pretext of non-licensing. Dawoud said to PCHR’s fieldworker: “I returned from France 3 months ago and my family told me that they found a notice in my land written on it “this is the second notice to demolish the agricultural barrack”. My family, who live in Qalqiliyia, told me that they did not see the first notice as they usually go there for picnic. On Thursday evening, 11 July 2019, our neighbors phoned and informed us that Israeli forces are demolishing the barrack in our land, so they went there and found the barrack was already demolished. We told both the Israeli and Palestinian Liaisons and they informed us that we could challenge the demolition.”
• At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces dismantled a sit-in tent established by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Committee in Wadi al-Humis neighborhood in Surbaher village, south of occupied East Jerusalem, protesting at the Israeli decision to demolish 12 residential buildings under the pretext of being near the annexation wall. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli forces attacked civilians staying in the tent and fired tear gas canisters at them. As a result, dozens of them suffocated due to tear gas inhalation, and agricultural crops were burned. It should be noted that the Israeli Supreme Court issued a decision to demolish 16 residential buildings, comprising of 100 apartments, few weeks ago under the pretext of being close to the annexation wall and pose a security threat. This gives the green light to the Israeli forces to demolish all buildings near the annexation wall in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem. In 2003, the residents of Surbaher village submitted a petition against the annexation wall route, which passes in the center of their village, so the route was changed and the neighborhood was annexed within the wall.
• At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 16 July 2019, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles and Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Wadi al-Ghrouz area in eastern Hebron. Israeli soldiers were deployed in the area and the construction vehicles demolished a concrete pool used for irrigating plants under the pretext of non-licensing. The pool belongs to Zayid Nimer Mohamed al-Ja’bari (65), whose family attempted to stop the demolition, but Israeli border guard officers attacked and beat them. The Israeli border guard officers also attacked two photographers identified as ‘Abed al-Hafeez Daib ‘Abed al-Hafeez al-Hashlamoun (55), who sustained minor wounds in his hands and legs; and Mashhour Hasan Mahmoud al-Wahwah (34), who sustained minor bruises in his hand. Zayid al-Ja’bari said the Israeli authorities handed him a notice to stop construction works 3 months ago and handed him a demolition notice on 14 July 2019. Zayid was intending to file documents to the Israeli court for challenging the demolition.
• At approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles and Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Khelet al-Foron area in eastern Hebron. The construction vehicles demolished a water well used for irrigating plants. The well belongs to Nayif No’man Shokri Da’nah, who was handed a demolition notice on 10 July 2019. It should be noted that the well was partially funded by the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture.
• At approximately 17:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles and Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into Ghoween al-Foqah area in southern Hebron. The construction vehicles demolished a 100-sqaure-meter barrack built of concrete and tin plates and used for breeding livestock, under the pretext of non-licensing. The barrack belongs to Ahmed Mohamed Mousa Hawamdah (44), who was handed a 96-hour demolition notice on 03 July 2019, so there was no enough time to challenge the demolition.
• At approximately 04:00 on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, Israeli forces backed by military construction vehicles and Israeli Civil Administration officers moved into al-Khalilah neighborhood in al-Jeep village, northwest of occupied East Jerusalem. The construction vehicles demolished a 80-sqaure-meter garage and store belonging to Waddah Wasfi Abu Dayyiah, under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted that the garage and store were demolished for the 3rd time.
• In the same context, Israeli construction vehicles demolished a 900-sqaure-meter commercial barrack and a concrete floor belonging to al-Natshah family in Beit Haninah village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. The construction vehicles also demolished a 400-sqaure-meter car wash belonging to ‘Atiyah and Bakirat families in Surbaher vilolage, south of occupied Jerusalem.
• At approximately 13:00 on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, Israeli construction vehicles demolished 5 shops built 4 years ago on an area of 250 square meters in Abu Tayieh neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non-licensing. Eyewitnesses said that a large force of Israeli police officers and Special Forces accompanied with bulldozers moved into Abu Tayieh neighborhood, where they surrounded 5 shops belonging to Mohamed Hamdan al-‘Abasi. The shops were demolished after the Israeli Supreme Court refused a petition submitted by Mohamed’s lawyer. The eyewitnesses also said that the Israeli forces forcibly disperse the neighborhood’s residents from the area and beat them up. Meanwhile, the Israeli forces arrested Mahdi Hamdan al-‘Abasi after beating him. It should be noted that al-‘Abasi family headed to the Israeli Supreme Court in order to freeze the demolition order and license the shops, but it refused.

1. Closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and goods

Gaza Strip

As the Israeli closure of the Gaza Strip enters its 14th consecutive year this July, severe restrictions on the freedom of movement of persons and goods enhance the de facto separation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The most significant implications of the continued Israeli closure of the Gaza Strip are:

• Movement of goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip is restricted on all three functioning crossings: Rafah border crossing, under Egyptian control; Beit Hanoun “Erez” checkpoint and Karm Abu-Salem Commercial Crossing, under Israeli control.

• The Rafah Border Crossing operates only 5 days a week with severe limitation on travel of persons (300 travelers/day).

• Beit Hanoun checkpoint, designated for the movement of persons, is under severe restrictions for exit and entry of the Gaza Strip. Only limited categories are issued Israeli permits to cross the checkpoint after an exhausting and lengthy security process that may subject civilians to the threat of arrest and often blackmail by Israeli forces.[1]

• Karm Abu-Salem crossing, designated for the movement of goods, bans the export of Gaza Strip products, except for agricultural goods. Also, Israeli forces continue the 12-year ban on the import of 118 goods considered as “dual-use items.” [2] While Israeli authorities announced on Friday, 05 July 2019, that 18 of the banned dual-use items would be allowed into the Gaza Strip; the operating officers at Karm Abu-Salem crossing denied receiving new instructions in this regard.

• Electricity crisis: with power cuts of at least 12 hours a day, the electricity crisis continues to haunt the Gaza Strip and paralyze all sectors of life, including health, education, the economy and the environment.

• Naval blockade: Israel continues to restrict movement within the Gaza Sea, primarily on fishing. Despite imposing a 15-nautical-mile restricted fishing area, Israeli forces launch daily attacks on fishermen while at sea even within 1 – 6 nautical miles, including shootings, arrests and confiscation of fishing boats and equipment. It also restricts the import of necessary fishing equipment.

West Bank

Israeli forces continue to strangle West Bankers with continued restrictions on their freedom of movement, especially with frequent checkpoints between governorates. Currently, 92 permanent military checkpoints exist along the connecting roads between West Bank governorates, some of which have permanent military presence and others are staffed irregularly. Some of these checkpoints act as a terminal into Israel, even though they are located within Palestinian territory.

It should be highlighted that Israel continues to corporatize and privatize its occupation of the Palestinian territory by contracting military security corporations who operate checkpoints with fully armed civilian guards; yet, they act under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense.

Israeli occupation’s presence in the West Bank is not limited to permanent checkpoints, as temporary checkpoints are haphazardly erected across the territory on a daily basis. These temporary checkpoints impede traffic between Palestinian cities, with illegal searches of civilian vehicles and long wait times. These temporary checkpoints are used to ambush civilians as hundreds of arrests are reported at these checkpoints annually.

This week, Israeli forces established 110 temporary checkpoint across the West Bank and arrested four Palestinian civilians. A civilian was arrested while returning via King Hussein Bridge.

Additionally, with the ongoing closure of 30 key roads in the West Bank, Palestinian’s’ freedom of movement is heavily restricted especially in areas adjacent to the illegal Israeli settlements.

Israel allows holders of West Bank IDs (men over 55 and women over 50) to access East Jerusalem without a pre-issued permit; nonetheless, they have to undergo security checks.

In terms of the movement of Palestinians to and from the occupied territory via King Hussein Bridge, Israeli forces continue to impose security measures that threaten the wellbeing of civilians by forcing them to go through a body-search machine that subjects them to harmful radiations. It is also a common practice to arrest civilians at the crossing or deny them travel.

A 6-month research conducted by the Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem (ARIJ), stated that Palestinians lose about 60 million hours of work per year, due to the checkpoints and restrictions imposed by the Israeli forces on Palestinian movement between the towns and villages of the West Bank. ARIJ estimated the loss at about $ 270 million per year, according to the wage of workers per hour, in addition to extra fuel consumption at about 80 million liters per year, estimated at $ 135 million. The consumption of this amount of fuel leads to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, by about 196 thousand tons per year.

https://pchrgaza.org/en/?p=12698