Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (19 – 25 April 2012)

Written by PCHR

Israeli forces destroy agricultural facilities in Hebron

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

IOF use force to disperse peaceful protest organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.
A Palestinian civilian was wounded.
IOF arrested 6 demonstrators, including two photojournalists and two Israeli human rights defenders.
Dozens of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

IOF conducted 81 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and a limited one into the central Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested 15 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a woman.

IOF continued to attack Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
IOF arrested two fishers, including a child, and confiscated their boat.

Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
IOF arrested 3 Palestinian civilians at various checkpoints in the West Bank.

IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
IOF razed areas of land in Qalandya village near Jerusalem for the purpose of the construction of the annexation wall.
IOF destroyed a barnyard and two water storage tanks in Hebron.
Israeli settlers attacked a school near Nablus.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (19 – 25 April 2012):

Shooting:

In the West Bank, IOF wounded a Palestinian civilian during the dispersion of peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. Dozens of civilians also suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 6 demonstrators, including two photojournalists and two Israeli human rights defenders.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF opened fire at Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of construction materials in the Gaza Strip, but no casualties were reported.

On 24 April 2012, Israeli naval troops arrested two Palestinian fishers, including a child, and confiscated their boat in the northern Gaza Strip. The fishers were released later, but the boat remained in custody.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 81 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF arrested 15 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and a woman.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted one limited incursion into the northern Gaza Strip, during which they leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed.

Restrictions on Movement:

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

The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The illegal closure has caused not only a humanitarian crisis but a crisis of human rights and human dignity for the population of the Gaza Strip. Measures declared recently to ease the blockade are vague, purely cosmetic and fail to deal with the root causes of the crisis, which can only be addressed by an immediate and complete lifting of the closure, including lifting the travel ban into and out of the Gaza Strip and the ban on exports. Palestinians in Gaza may no longer suffer from the same shortage of goods, but they will remain economically dependent and unable to care for themselves, and socially, culturally and academically isolated from the rest of the world.

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

Settlement Activities:

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On 23 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Wad Qabboun area in Halhoul town, north of Hebron. They bulldozers two water storage tanks that are used for agricultural purposes allegedly because they were established in Area “C” which is under full Israeli control according to the Oslo Accords.

On the same day, IOF, accompanied by a number of bulldozers, moved into Qalandya village, north of Jerusalem. They razed a one-dunum[1] area of agricultural land. It should be noted that IOF had already declared to seize at least 400 dunums of land in the village for the purpose of a section of the annexation wall.

On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yits’har” settlement, south of Nablus, escorted by IOF, attacked ‘Ourif Secondary School in ‘Ourif village. They threw stones at the school. Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at the settlers. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at these civilians. As a result, a number of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

On 24 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Um Rukba area in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They bulldozed a 150-square-meter barnyard allegedly because it was established without a license.

On the same day, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, broke into the eastern part of Nablus. They performed Jewish rituals at Joseph Tomb in Balata village.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (19 – 25 April 2012)

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

Thursday, 19 April 2012

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Aysar ‘Izzat Maslamani, 22, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Kifert village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and photographed a number of historical sites. They withdrew from the village later and neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:40, IOF moved into Shaqba village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers detonated sound bombs near the boys. IOF withdrew from the village later and no arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 11:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 19:40, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into al-Fonduqawmiya village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Friday, 20 April 2012

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Bitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ne’ma village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 13:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They raided a house belonging to ‘Adnan ‘Abdul Mahdi and transformed its roof into a military site. They left the house and withdrew from the village at approximately 14:00. No arrests were reported.

At approximately 14:30, IOF moved into Jaba’ village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Saturday, 21 April 2012

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian children:

1. ‘Izziddin ‘Abdul Hafiz, 15, who was released in the evening; and
2. Bahaa’ Mohammed Tamimi, 16.

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:45, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers near Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at a number of Palestinian workers who were collecting scraps of constructions materials from destroyed buildings in the industrial zone. The workers were forced to leave the area and no casualties were reported.

At approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Bitillu village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Zabbouba village, northwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:30, IOF moved into al-Zbaidat village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:20, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at an open area inside the destroyed industrial zone to the west of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 19:30, Israeli soldiers stationed on observation towers along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired two artillery shells at the destroyed industrial zone to the west of Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. No casualties were reported.

At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Ya’bad village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Sinjel village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Sunday, 22 April 2012

At approximately 00:20, IOF moved into ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided a house belonging to the family of Ahmed Na’im ‘Enaya, 20, and summoned him for interrogation.

At approximately 01:20, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 07:30, IOF moved into Marj Na’ja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Koubar village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:45, IOF moved into Habla village, south of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Marka village, south of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ra’ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets and stationed near a sit-in tent that had been set up to express solidarity with Bilal Nabil Diab, 27, a Palestinian detainee in Israeli jails who has been on hunger strike. Israeli soldiers ordered Palestinian civilians through megaphones to leave the area. They also photographed the tent. IOF withdrew later and no other incidents were reported. It is worth noting that Diab has been placed under administrative detention since May 2011, and an Israeli military court rejected an appeal to release him.

Also at approximately 12:30, IOF moved into Fahma village, southwest of Jenin, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. IOF withdrew from the village later and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:20, IOF moved into Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 16:30, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Harthiya village, northwest of Jenin. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. IOF withdrew from the village later and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into Jericho. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. IOF withdrew from the village later and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

Monday, 23 April 2012

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Fassayel village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 06:00, IOF moved nearly 400 meters into the east of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They leveled areas of Palestinian land which they had already razed amidst sporadic shooting.

At approximately 07:00, IOF moved into al-Jiftlek village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 08:45, IOF moved into Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Jafna village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 09:30, IOF moved into ‘Izbat Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Bitounia town, west of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, IOF moved into Zeita village, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:35, IOF moved into Kufor Thuluth village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Dura al-Qare’ village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Toura al-Gharbiya village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 18:30, IOF moved into Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 20:30, IOF moved into Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah, and patrolled in the streets. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them. IOF withdrew from the village later and neither casualties nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:30, IOF moved into Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-‘Ouja village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into several areas in the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Fatima al-Zahraa’ Mohammed Seder, 24, and arrested her. It should be noted that Seder’s fiancé and brother area detained by IOF.

Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Samer ‘Eissa Abu ‘Arram, 25, and arrested him.

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Sirris village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hadi Yahia Nejem, 28, and arrested him. They then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Taher Fawzi Qtait, 27, and arrested him.

At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into al-Taibeh village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 10:30, Israeli gunboats stationed opposite to Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats. They then surrounded a fishing boat. Israeli naval troops arrested Nader Yousef Abu Sam’an, 22, and his brother Hassan, 17, from Gaza City, who were on board the boat.

At approximately 10:40, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Marj Na’ja village, north of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Also at approximately 11:30, IOF moved into ‘Aaboud village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 17:30, IOF moved into Fassayel village, northeast of Jericho. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 21:45, IOF moved into ‘Izbat al-Tabib village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Mazra’a village, north of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 22:20, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:00, IOF moved into ‘Obwin village, northwest of Ramallah. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into al-Bireh. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Deir Abu Da’if village, east of Jenin. They patrolled in the streets for some time and withdrew later. Neither house raids nor arrests were reported.

2 Use of Excessive Force against Peaceful Demonstrations Protesting Settlement Activities and the Construction of the Annexation Wall

During the reporting period, IOF used force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest to the construction of the Wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, one demonstrator was wounded, and dozens of others suffered from tear gas inhalation and other sustained bruises.

Following the Friday Prayer on 20 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil'ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and in commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the death of Khalil al-Wazeer, a prominent Palestinian leader. The demonstrators raised the Palestinian flag and portraits of a number of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails and called for ending the political split. They then moved towards areas of annexation wall. Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. Dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 3 Palestinian civilians, but released them an hour later: ‘Ali Hamdan Abu Rahma, 21, a photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall and Settlement in Bil’ein village; Mohammed ‘Abdul Karim al-Khatib, 38; and Haitham Jamal al-Khatib, 35.

Also following the Friday Prayer on 20 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Ne’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators moved towards areas of the annexation wall. Immediately, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Also following the Friday prayer on 20 April 2012, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders gathered in the center of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to start the weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards the gate erected by IOF near the entrance of the village and leading to Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. Israeli soldiers who had been extensively deployed in the area and near all the entrances of the village since the morning, began to confront the protesters who wanted to walk towards the affected lands. Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the protesters. A result, a demonstrator was hit by a tear gas canister to the abdomen (PCHR keeps his name) and other demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 3 demonstrators, including two Israeli human rights defenders: Bilal ‘Abdul Salam Tamimi, 46, a photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall and Settlement in Nabi Saleh village; Hirtzel, 55; and Khan, 35

3. Continued Closure of the OPT

Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure of the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israel has continuously closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for nearly 5 years. The illegal Israeli-imposed closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.

IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip and practically made Karm Abu Salem crossing as the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip although it is not proper for commercial purposes in terms of its distance and operational capacity.
IOF have continued to apply their policy aimed at tightening the strangulation of the commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, including imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

The total closure of al-Mentar "Karni" crossing on 02 March 2011 has created a bitter situation that has seriously affected the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all the economic and commercial establishments in Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip in terms of its operational capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports. The decision of al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions to totally close Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2009, and Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.

IOF have continued to impose 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 in the Gaza Strip.

The cooking gas crisis which has erupted last November has continued to affect the Gaza Strip. This crisis was created when the Israeli occupation authorities totally closed, on 04 January 2010, Nahal Oz crossing, which used to be dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas supplies to Gaza, and shifted fuel and cooking gas supplies to Karm Abu Salem crossing which is not technically equipped to receive Gaza's needs of fuel. Karm Abu Salem crossing, with its maximum absorptive capacity, can receive only 200 tons of cooking gas per day.

Approximately 80% of Gaza civilians have continued to depend on alimentary aid provided by UNRWA and other relief agencies, rates of families who are living below poverty line have continued to be on the rise and approximately 40% of Gaza's manpower has continued to suffer from permanent unemployment as a result of shutting down the majority of Gaza's economic establishments.

IOF have continued to impose a total ban on the exportation of Gaza's products, especially industrial products, leading to undermining any real chances to rerun economic establishments. The situation has been aggravated especially after making Karm Abu Salem crossing as Gaza sole commercial crossing and the repeated closure of this crossing which negatively affected the quantity of Gazan products which were allowed to be exported during last April.

For approximately five consecutive years, IOF have continued to ban the delivery of construction materials to Gaza. During the reporting period, IOF approved the delivery of limited quantities of construction materials for a number of international organizations.

Israel has continued to close Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip. IOF only allow the movement of limited groups amidst severe restrictions, including long hours of waiting in the majority of cases. IOF have also continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and Jerusalem. IOF denied new categories of Gazan patient permission to have access to hospitals via the crossing.

Israel has imposed additional access restrictions on traders, international diplomats, journalists and humanitarian workers seeking to enter the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday evening, 14 March 2012, IOF arrested Ahmed Subhi al-Kahlout, 40, a trader from Gaza City, when he was traveling via Beit Hanoun crossing.

For approximately 58 months, IOF have continued to deny approximately 700 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza detained in Israeli jails their visitation rights without providing any justification to this measure, which violates the rules of the international humanitarian law.

Movement at Border Crossings during the Reporting Period:

Movement at Rafah International Crossing Point
18 – 24 April 2012

Day Date Traveling abroad Coming into Gaza Returned into Gaza
Wednesday 18 April 2012 816 457 39
Thursday 19 April 2012 750 674 28
Friday 20 April 2012 -- -- --
Saturday 21 April 2012 733 603 29
Sunday 22 April 2012 617 428 31
Monday 23 April 2012 699 404 20
Tuesday 24 April 2012 653 561 23

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) Crossing
18 – 24 April 2012
Imports:

Date Imports
Category Amount
Tons Number Liters
18 April 2012 Foodstuffs 986
Agricultural materials 1,012
Various goods
Cartons of shoes
Refrigerators
Cartons of shoes
Carpentry machines
Glass boards
Boxes of elevators 932
1,031
112
366
24
1,040
20
Humanitarian aid 3,054
Cooking gas 163.500
Industrial fuel 464,630
Benzene 69,195
19 April 2012 Foodstuffs 919
Agricultural materials 1,256
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Water tanks
Cartons of shoes
Cars
Cows
Air conditioners
Electricity generators 1,289 1,302
300
242
2,955
40
310
67
39
Humanitarian aid 4,441
Cooking gas 158.130
Industrial fuel 381,831
Benzene 22,001
Diesel 71,603
22 April 2012 Foodstuffs 635
Agricultural materials 1,321
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Gas ovens
Refrigerators
Cartons of shoes
Biscuit machines
Water tanks 1,019
1,314
85
168
1,300
72
133
Humanitarian aid 5,913
Cooking gas 209.830
Industrial fuel 399,051
Benzene 35,000
Diesel 73,200
23 April 2012 Foodstuffs 748
Agricultural materials 1,320
Various goods
Cartons of clothes
Refrigerators
Water tanks
Cartons of shoes
Electricity generators
Cars
Car tires
Washing machines
Foodstuff machine 1,162

1,558
192
212
1,196
24
20
684
303
1
Humanitarian aid 6,398
Cooking gas 207.010
Industrial fuel 563,072
Benzene 84,036
Notes:

On Wednesday, 18 April 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 344 tons of cement, 2,100 ton of construction aggregate and 93 tons of construction steel for UNRWA; and 140 construction aggregates for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 858 tons of fodders.

On Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 120 tons of cement, 3,290 tons of construction aggregates and 75 tons of construction steel for UNRWA, and 560 tons of construction aggregates and 40 tons of cement for UNDP. They also allowed the entry of 741 tons of fodders and 273 tons of wheat.

On Sunday, 22 April 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 680 tons of cement, 4,830 tons of construction aggregates and 72 tons of construction steel for UNRWA. They also allowed the entry of 741 tons of fodders and 390 tons of wheat.

On Monday, 23 April 2012, IOF allowed the entry of 762 tons of cement and 4,830 tons of construction aggregates. They also allowed the entry of 780 tons of fodders and 390 tons of wheat.

Exports:

On Sunday, 22 April 2012, IOF allowed the exportation of 11,000 flowers.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing
18 – 24 April 2012

Date 18 April 19 April 20 April 21 April 22 April 23 April 24 April
Patients 29 27 Nil Nil 59 38 50
Companions 29 21 Nil Nil 53 37 25
Arabs from Israel 9 9 Nil Nil 30 15 17
Diplomats 4 4 Nil Nil Nil 2 25
International Journalists 2 3 Nil Nil Nil 3 2
International Workers 35 41 Nil Nil 13 15 89
Travelers abroad 1 2 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3
Business People 73 64 Nil Nil 100 102 94
Economic Meetings 4 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 Nil
Security Interviews 6 1 Nil Nil 3 2 2
VIP's Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil 1 Nil
Ambulances to Israel 3 3 Nil Nil 1 4 3
Ambulances from Israel Nil 3 Nil Nil 3 1 Nil

The West Bank

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

There are approximately hundreds of permanent roadblocks, and manned and unmanned checkpoints across the West Bank.

When complete, the illegal annexation wall will stretch for 724 kilometers around the West Bank, further isolating the entire population. 350 kilometers of the wall have already been constructed. Approximately 99% of the wall has been constructed inside the West Bank itself, confiscating more Palestinian land

Many of the main roads that lead to Palestinian communities in the West Bank are closed or fully controlled by IOF.

IOF have continued to restrict access of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank to East Jerusalem, through a strict system of permits and a network of checkpoints.

IOF have completed controlled access to the Jordan Valley through 4 permanent checkpoints established at its entrances. Palestinians living outside the area are not allowed to enter it without permits.

Settlement activities and expansion of settlements impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

IOF have continued to restrict access to gunfire areas and natural reserves, which constitute about 26% of the total area of the West Bank.

Israeli military checkpoints restrict the movement of goods throughout the West Bank.

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

Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians:

Jerusalem: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to the city. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays, preventing young Muslim Palestinians from praying at al-Aqsa Mosque

Ramallah: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, southwest of Ramallah. At approximately 13:00, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 15:00, IOF established a checkpoint under ‘Ein Yabroud Bridge, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 08:30 on Friday, 20 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah. At approximately 13:40, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mazra’a al-Sharqiya village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 18:30, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Oyoun al-Haramiya intersection, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 11:30 on Saturday, 21 April 2012, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kharabtha Bani Hareth village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00 on Sunday, 22 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint between Kharabtha al-Misbah and Beit Siera villages, west of Ramallah. At approximately 16:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Khirbat Abu Falah village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 23 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under ‘Ein Yabroud Bridge, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 11:00, IOF established a checkpoint between Beit ‘Aur al-Tahta and Bet ‘Aur al-Fouqa villages, west of Ramallah. At approximately 16:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 09:30 on Tuesday, 24 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Kharabtha al-Misbah Bridge, west of Ramallah. At approximately 10:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Liqya village, west of Ramallah. At approximately 16:20, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mughayar village, northeast of Ramallah. At approximately 17:30, IOF re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. At approximately 19:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.

Qalqilya: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. At approximately 11:30 on Friday, 20 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. T approximately 18:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of ‘Azzoun village, east of Qalilya. On Saturday, 21 April 2012, IOF established 5 checkpoints around Qalqilya. On Sunday, 22 April 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town. On Monday, 23 April 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around the town.

Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:30 on Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kfiret village, southwest of Jenin, and another one at the entrance of Kufor Qoud village, west of the town. At approximately 10:30 on Saturday, 21 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ta’nak village, northwest of Jenin. At approximately 18:00, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Mansoura intersection, south of the town. At approximately 15:30 on Sunday, 22 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fahma village, southwest of Jenin. At approximately 20:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Ta’nak village, northwest of the town. At approximately 11:45 on Monday, 23 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at al-Shuhada intersection, south of Jenin. At approximately 15:00, IOF established a checkpoint at ‘Arraba intersection, south of the town.

Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 18:00 on Saturday, 21 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Far’oun village, south of Tulkarm. At approximately 08:30 on Tuesday, 24 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Ennab checkpoint on Tulkarm-Nablus, east of Tulkarm, impose additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.

Jericho: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of ‘Ein al-Dyouk village, northwest of Jericho. At approximately 15:00, they established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 11:00 on Friday, 20 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho. At approximately 09:00 on Saturday, 21 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance of al-‘Ouja village, north of Jericho. At approximately 14:00, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Fassayel village, north of Jericho. At approximately 18:30, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Zabaidat village, north of the town. On Monday, 23 April 2012, IOF established 4 checkpoints around Jericho. On Tuesday, 24 April 2012, IOF established 3 checkpoints around Jericho.

Salfit: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 10:15 on Thursday, 19 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint under Eskaka Bridge, east of Salfit. At approximately 21:15, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Kufol Hares village, north of Salfit. At approximately 12:15 on Friday, 20 April 2012, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance of Kufor al-Dik village, west of Salfit.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

On Thursday evening, 19 April 2012, Israeli soldier positioned at the Container checkpoint, east of Bethlehem, arrested Sami Braham, 29, a security officer from Kufor Qaddoum village northeast of Qalqilya.

On Tuesday morning, 24 April 2012, Israeli soldiers positioned at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Ahmed Hassan al-Najjar, 35, from Yatma village south of Nablus.

On Wednesday morning, 25 April 2012, IOF arrested Nabil al-‘Allami, 21, from Beit Ummar town north of Hebron when he was on Hebron-Bethlehem.

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

Israel has continued its settlement activities in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

On Monday morning, 23 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Wad Qabboun area in Halhoul town, north of Hebron. They bulldozers two water storage tanks that are used for agricultural purposes belonging to ‘Ali Hamdan al-Atrash and Bassam Hijazi Jahshan, allegedly because they were established in Area “C” which is under full Israeli control according to the Oslo Accords.

Also on Monday morning, IOF, accompanied by a number of bulldozers, moved into Qalandya village, north of Jerusalem. They razed a one-dunum area of agricultural land belonging to Sharif ‘Awadallah and his brothers. It should be noted that IOF had already declared to seize at least 400 dunums of land in the village for the purpose of a section of the annexation wall.

At approximately 09:00 also on Monday, a number of Israeli settlers from “Yits’har” settlement, south of Nablus, escorted by IOF, attacked ‘Ourif Secondary School in ‘Ourif village. They threw stones at the school. Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at the settlers. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at these civilians. As a result, a number of civilians suffered from tear gas inhalation.

On Tuesday morning, 24 April 2012, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Um Rukba area in al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They bulldozed a 150-square-meter barnyard belonging to Mahmoud Mustafa Salah, allegedly because it was established without a license.

Also on Tuesday morning, 24 April 2012, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, broke into the eastern part of Nablus. They performed Jewish rituals at Joseph Tomb in Balata village.

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Recommendations to the International Community


1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

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

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

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

5. PCHR recommends that international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs, participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and urge their governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.

6. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.

7.PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan, which was implemented in September 2005, for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

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

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

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace process or agreement must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

[1] One dunum is equal to 1,000 square meters.

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