Israeli Forces Continue to Perpetrate Crimes in the OPTs
- 8 Palestinian civilians were killed by Israeli forces
- 5 of the victims were killed during an extra-judicial assassination in Gaza city
- Israeli forces conducted a series of incursions into the West Bank and Gaza Strip
- More areas of agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip
- 7 houses and a school were demolished in the Gaza Strip
- Houses were raided and a number of Palestinians were arrested
- Construction of the "separation wall" in the West Bank has continued
- Indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas continued and 2 Palestinian civilians were killed and dozens were injured
- 3 Palestinian houses in Nablus were destroyed by Israeli forces as part of the continuing campaign of retaliation against the families of Palestinians accused of involvement in attacks against Israeli targets
- In violation of international law and humanitarian law, a Palestinian detainee was transferred from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip
- Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians and property in Hebron
- Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a total siege on the OPTs
- A number of Palestinian civilians were injured or arrested by Israeli soldiers at military checkpoints and 2 newly-born twins died at an Israeli military checkpoint
Introduction
This week, Israeli occupying forces continued to violate the human rights of Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). Human rights violations included the use of extra-judicial assassinations and willful killings. Throughout the week, the Israeli occupying army also conducted incursions into Palestinian areas; shot at Palestinian civilians, including children; indiscriminately shelled residential areas; demolished houses; and leveled agricultural land. This week, 8 Palestinian civilians were killed by Israeli occupying forces. Five of the victims were killed in an extra-judicial assassination perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza city. Israeli occupying forces have also continued construction of the "separation wall" inside the West Bank and have continued to impose a tight siege on the OPTs.
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassinations officially adopted by the Israeli political and security establishments Israeli occupying forces carried out 2 assassination attempts this week. The attacks left 5 Palestinians dead, including 3 civilian bystanders, and injured 30 others. On Thursday evening, 25 December 2003, Israeli helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at a civilian car in northern Gaza city. 5 Palestinians, including 3 civilian bystanders, were killed in this attack and 15 others were injured. According to medical sources and PCHR investigations, the missiles used in this crime were similar to those used in the assassination committed in Nuseirat refugee camp on 20 October 2003, which also resulted in numerous casualties among civilian bystanders (see PCHR press release of 20 October 2003). Unlike most previous Israeli assassinations carried out by helicopter gunships, which usually result in the total burning of the body, the bodies were not burned in this attack. On Tuesday evening, 30 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces carried out another assassination attempt. The attack targeted a member of the 'Ezziddin al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Hamas movement. The targeted individual and 13 Palestinians civilians were injured. Two civilians sustained serious injuries.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 10 military incursions into Palestinian areas, during which they destroyed 7 houses and a school in Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah and razed more than 100 donums[1] of agricultural land. The main effects of this destruction were in Deir al-Balah. They also raided Palestinian houses and arrested a number of Palestinians.
Israeli occupying forces continued to shell Palestinian residential areas using various kinds of weapons. This week, 2 Palestinian civilians were killed by indiscriminate shelling from military establishments around Khan Yunis, and dozens of other civilians were injured in various areas of the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian communities, especially Nablus. A Palestinian civilian was killed and dozens of others were injured by Israeli attacks in Nablus throughout the week. From time to time, Israeli forces imposed a curfew on the city and raided houses. Furthermore, the Israeli military operation in Nablus coincided with the time of university and school exams.
Also this week, Israeli settlers launched several attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in Hebron. They also erected new mobile homes at a number of settlement "outposts".
In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for "an offence he or she has not personally committed," Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, they destroyed 3 houses in Nablus.
In a step that anticipates the consideration of the case of the "separation wall" by International Court of Justice in accordance of the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted on 8 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the wall, while the international community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention have failed to take any step to fulfill their legal obligations under the Convention.
In addition, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities and restrict movement of Palestinian civilians. The Israeli military has also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints. Such restrictions on freedom of movement are in contravention of international human rights law to which Israel is a state party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Israeli occupying forces have also maintained the siege imposed on the al-Sayafa area between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. On Friday, 26 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the area and denied movement of Palestinian civilians out and into the area. They closed the area again on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, claiming unspecified "security" concerns.
On Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the Beit Hanoun crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, denying access of more than 13000 Palestinian workers to their work places, as a punitive measure following a bombing that occurred in Tel Aviv. On Sunday morning, 28 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces reopened the crossing under new conditions, which included that any person wishing to work in Israel must be married and over 35 years old.
In the West Bank, following a bombing that occurred in Betah Tekva town near Tel Aviv on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces tightened the siege imposed on the OPTs. The closed most military checkpoints in the West Bank and erected new ones. These Israeli measures coincided with the Christmas celebrations, so thousands of Palestinian Christians were not able to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate the Christmas.
Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 25 December 2003
At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into Ya'bad village in Jenin. They opened fire at houses. No casualties were reported, but Israeli occupying forces arrested 3 Palestinians:
1. Sam Khaled Khatib, 31;
2. 'Ali Rajeh 'Asfour, 27; and
3. 'Omar Jamil Abu Baker, 26.
At approximately 06:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned in the vicinity of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian school children who were standing near Sukaina School at Salah al-Din Street, approximately 880m to the north. One of the children, Yousef Rajaa' Brghouth, 16, was wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder.
At approximately 09:15, Israeli soldiers positioned in the vicinity of "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians who gathered near Mohammed Akram al-Disouqi, a Palestinian who was killed during an armed clash with Israeli soldiers in al-Rabwat area, to the east of the aforementioned settlement. Salah 'Abdul Hai al-Astal, 18, was also wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.
Approximately 2 hours later, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 150m into the area and razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land. An Israeli military vehicle dragged al-Disouqi's body across the ground before the eyes of his family members. Following are details of the areas of agricultural land that were razed by Israeli occupying forces:
1. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by 'Abdul Hamid Mohammed al-Astal.
2. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mohammed Hamdan Abu Nemer.
3. They razed a 400-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by 'Ali Mohammed Abu Nemer.
4. They demolished a 12-meter-long fence surrounding Mahmoud 'Abdul 'Aziz Mutawe's house.
5. They razed a 20-meter-long row of wild-figs owned by Hassouna Mohammed al-Astal.
At approximately 15:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 500m into Palestinian agricultural areas to the north of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They opened fire at Palestinian houses, wounding Du'aa' Rajab Mansi, 20, with a live bullet in the right foot. They also razed areas of agricultural land and destroyed some civilian facilities:
1. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and palms and destroyed a 48-square-meter agricultural pool and a 20-square-meter agricultural room owned by Fatema Ahmed Khalil al-'Azab.
2. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Atiya Mohammed Khalil al-'Azab.
3. They demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed uninhabited house and destroyed a 48-square-meter agricultural pool owned by Mohammed Hassan Bashir.
4. They destroyed a 48-square-meter agricultural pool and a 16-square-meter room owned by 'Abdul 'Aziz Mohammed al-'Azaiza.
5. They demolished a 130-square-meter, asbestos-roofed uninhabited house owned by Joma'a Mohammed al-Louh.
6. They demolished a 24-square-meter, iron-roofed garage owned by Nayef Mohammed al-Louh.
At approximately 21:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Gush Qatif" settlement block, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Satar al-Gharbi area to the southeast. A live bullet penetrated the wall of the bedroom of 'Adnan 'Abdul Rahman Salem al-'Adini, 27, and hit the cupboard. Immediately, al-'Adini got out of the room towards the door of the house, approximately 200m away from the source of fire. Another live bullet hit a pillar of the house and then hit al-'Adini in the chest. His neighbors immediately evacuated him to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, but medical efforts made to save his life failed and he died at 11:30 on Friday, 26 December 2003.
Friday, 26 December 2003
At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and 2 helicopters, moved approximately 100m into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. They raided and searched a number of houses belonging to the families of Abu Muaghassib and Al-Sattari. They arrested 5 Palestinians, 3 of whom, were released later that day while the other 2 remained in custody. They are Yousef Abu Muaghassib, 33, and Khaled Mahmoud Abu Muaghassib, 29. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers blew up the door of Ahmed Hassin Abu Muaghassib's house before raiding it. The house was damaged.
At approximately 06:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Rabwat area and al-'Araishia neighborhood to the east and south respectively. A Palestinian child, Majed Mahmoud Hussein Daoud, 10, was wounded by a live bullet in the right hand. The child was sleeping in his bedroom on the third floor of his family's house, approximately 400m away from the source of fire, when he was hit by a live bullet.
After Israeli occupying forces had destroyed Kamal Jamil Hanani's home in Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, early in the morning, a number of Palestinian villagers gathered in the place and threw stones towards Israeli soldiers. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the villagers, wounding 21-year-old Rami 'Adnan 'Abdul Hadi Hanani with a live bullet in the left leg. Israeli soldiers positioned at Beit Fourik checkpoint obstructed his evacuation to the hospital for about an hour. Israeli soldiers also arrested two Palestinians: Fares Fawaz Fares Hanani, 24; and 'Abdul Latif Saleh 'Abdul Latif Nasasra, 18.
At the same time, 25 Israeli military vehicles moved into Nablus and its refugee camps. They opened fire at Palestinian houses. Then, they imposed a curfew and raided a number of houses. No casualties were reported.
In the morning, a number of Palestinian civilians, Israeli peace activists and members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) organized a peaceful march in Masha village, east of Qalqilya. They moved towards the "separation wall", which Israeli occupying forces have been constructing in the area. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition and tear gas at the demonstrators. An Israeli peace activist, Gil Namati, was wounded by a live bullet in the back. According to eyewitnesses, the march was peaceful, but Israeli soldiers opened fire for no apparent reason.
At approximately 11:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian child, Mohammed Kamal Zannoun, 14, was wounded by a live bullet in the right leg. PCHR's field worker in Rafah reported that the child was standing near his family's homes, approximately 300m away from the border, when he was hit by a live bullet.
At approximately 13:35, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at a number of Palestinian boys who gathered in the cemeteries area after the funeral procession of Mohammed Akram al-Disouqi. 5 boys were injured:
1. Khaled 'Abdullah Abu Mousa, 18, injured by shrapnel in the left thigh;
2. Islam Mustafa Wadi, 11, injured by shrapnel throughout the body;
3. Bilal Ahmed 'Abdul Karim Wadi, 12, injured by shrapnel in the right hand and thigh;
4. Ahmed 'Eissa Buraik, 11, injured by shrapnel in the head; and
5. Nidal Mustafa Wadi, 12, injured by shrapnel in the chest and the left hand.
At approximately 14:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by a tank and a military bulldozer, moved approximately 100m into al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Sa'id 'Atiya al-Farra.
2. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Bahaa' Khalil 'Omar al-Farra.
3. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by 'Abdul Hakim 'Abdul Ra'ouf al-'Abadla.
4. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables and destroyed an irrigation network owned by 'Omar Ahmed al-'Abadla.
At approximately 20:00, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood in the town. A Palestinian civilian, Wa'el Mustafa Abu Rihal, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. PCHR's field worker in Khan Yunis reported that Abu Rihal was sitting with a number of his friends in al-Nimsawi neighborhood, approximately 400m away from the source of fire, when he was hit by a live bullet.
Saturday, 27 December 2003
At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved approximately 300m into the east of al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Until 17:00, they razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed a 50-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by the heirs of 'Obaid Mohammed Abu Jalal.
2. They razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed a 300-meter-long water pipeline owned by Isma'il 'Abdul Karim Yousef al-Salfiti.
3. They razed a 6-dobnum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Sami Shihda Abu Khousa.
4. They razed a 2-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Ward Mas'oud Musa'ed Abu Jalal.
5. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Isma'il 'Omar Abu Jalal.
6. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Jalal 'Omar Abu Jalal.
7. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Abdul Karim 'Omar Abu Jalal.
8. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Ibrahim 'Omar Abu Jalal.
9. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Abdul Latif 'Omar Abu Jalal.
10. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Mas'oud 'Omar Abu Jalal.
11. They razed a 1.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Saqer 'Omar Abu Jalal.
At approximately 09:30, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Jama'in village, south of Nablus. They opened fire at Palestinian houses while school children were leaving schools after finishing final exams of the first term of this school year. A schoolchild, Tariq Walid al-Khawaja, 12, was seriously wounded by 2 live bullets in the right side and leg.
At the same time, Israeli occupying force positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian houses located approximately 200m to the north of the settlement. A Palestinian civilian, Ibrahim Ahmed al-Ta'ban, 20, was wounded by a live bullet in the right leg, while he was working on the construction of a house in the area.
In the morning, a number of Palestinian civilians, Israeli peace activists and member of ISM demonstrated near an Israeli military checkpoint known as "checkpoint 422", west of Qalqilya, protesting the construction of the "separation wall" in the area. Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition and tear gas at the demonstrators. More than 20 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded by the Israeli gunfire:
1. Salah Jaber Hamad, 45, from Habla village, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head; and
2. Khalf Hashem Zubaidi, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli soldiers on tanks and armored personnel carriers that were patrolling in Nablus opened fire at schoolchildren and passing Palestinian civilians. 4 schoolchildren and a passing civilian were wounded:
1. Hisham Suhail Farid Abu Zant, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg;
2. Maha Nasser Ahmed al-Masri, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right leg;
3. Mosa'ab Zafer Asa'ad al-'Aassi, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg;
4. Mustafa 'Aatef Farid Nasasra, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head; and
5. Muheeb Anas Zaki 'Eissa, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg.
In an excessive use of force, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian civilian and wounded 2 when these forces opened fire at a number of demonstrators in Nablus.
According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 12:00, a number of school children gathered in Salah al-Din Street in the east of Nablus and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles that were positioned near a school in the area. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the demonstrators. Raja'ei 'Azmi Rayan, 19, from Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus, was instantly killed by 2 live bullets in the head and the left hand. 2 other demonstrators were wounded:
1. Mohammed Midhat al-Hun, 16, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; and
2. 'Ammar Yasser Ghazal, 19, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg.
In the afternoon, a number of Palestinian boys gathered in the center of Nablus and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles that were patrolling in the area. Immediately, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the boys, wounding 7:
1. Ahmed Ussama 'Adnan Mousa, 17, from Nablus, wounded by shrapnel in the chest;
2. Ra'ed Mohammed Ahmed al-Khatib, 19, from 'Ein Beit al-Maa' refugee camp, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left leg;
3. Islam Ibrahim Hamdi al-Kouni, 13, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg;
4. 'Abdullah Ghassan Musbah Khader, 9, from Nablus, wounded by shrapnel in the right hand;
5. Kamel Zakaria al-Zagha, 17, from Nablus, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right shoulder;
6. Hikmat Qadri Khalil 'Eissawi, 18, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet in the left side; and
7. Mohammed Ibrahim Isma'il Asmar, 19, from Nablus, wounded by a live bullet in the left side.
At approximately 13:30, Israeli soldiers in a military location near "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian child, Hanin Sakeb Abu Zarqa, 3, was wounded by shrapnel in the neck. She was playing inside her family's house, approximately 400m away from the source of fire, when she was wounded.
At approximately 13:40, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Katiba area to the south. A Palestinian civilian, Ahmed Darwish al-Kashef, 22, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh. He was in a street in the area, approximately 1000m away from the source of fire, when he was hit by a live bullet.
Sunday, 28 December 2003
At approximately 01:30, an infantry unit of Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 500m into Palestinian areas to the north of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. Israeli soldiers raided and searched Mustafa Khamis al-Louh's house. Then, they arrested the owner's son, 'Emad, 24, and withdrew from the area.
At approximately 15:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 10m to the north of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They destroyed the fence and toilettes of an UNRWA elementary school in the area. It is worth noting that this school has been closed for about 3 years as it had been subject to Israeli gunfire and shelling. It used to serve about 2000 refugee students in Deir al-Balah.
Monday, 29 December 2003
At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Tabaqa village, southwest of Hebron. They surrounded Mohammed al-Huribat's house and forced the family out. They beat and arrested Mohammed and Fua'd al-Huraibat, 17 and 23 respectively.
At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Qalqilya. They surrounded Sa'id Zaki Tawfiq al-Ju'aidi's house in the western part of the town. A number of Israeli soldiers took position on the roofs of neighboring houses, while others broke into the house, forced the family out, and searched the residence. Then, they arrested the owner's son, Shaher, 23. In similar circumstances, Israeli soldiers also arrested Hisham 'Abdul Latif Mahmoud al-Adel, 22.
At approximately 20:30, Israeli soldiers positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian child, Nour al-Din Salah al-Din Abu Mustafa, 8, was wounded by a live bullet in the chest.
Tuesday, 30 December 2003
At approximately 02:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Marzouq neighborhood in Hebron. They surrounded a house belonging to Mustafa al-Qawasmi's family. Israeli soldiers used megaphones to order the family to leave the house. Then, they arrested the owner's sons, Saqer and Amin, 16 and 26 respectively. It is worth noting that about 10 months ago, Israeli occupying forces arrested the owner's other two sons, Mohammed and Khalifa.
At the same time, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-'Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, and arrested Hamza Khader al-Jawabra, 28, from his house.
At approximately 03:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and a helicopter, moved approximately 1km into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of Rafah. They surrounded 8 Palestinian houses and ordered their residents through megaphones to gather outside. Then, they searched the houses and blew up the door of one house. At approximately 05:30, Israeli occupying forces withdrew towards Rafah Terminal after they had arrested 14 Palestinians. Later, 10 of the detainees were released, while 4 remained in custody:
1. Sa'id Sa'ad Mohammed Shallouf, 25, a teacher;
2. Mustafa Sa'ad Salem Shallouf, 29, a farmer;
3. 'Ayada Mohammed Jarad, 32, a farmer; and
4. Fathi 'Abdul 'Aziz Mohammed Jarad, 35, an officer of the Palestinian Preventive Security Service.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved approximately 700m into Abu Houli area in the south of Deir al-Balah. During this incursion, which continued until 17:00, Israeli occupying forces razed 25 donums of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with guavas, citrus and figs owned by 'Abdul Qader Mutair Abu Houli and brothers.
2. They razed a 10-donum area of agricultural land planted with guavas, citrus and figs owned by 'Emad Salem Abu Rezeq.
At approximately 10:00, a number of Israeli military vehicles took position outside "Morag" settlement, south of Khan Yunis. They opened fire at Palestinian agricultural areas to the north. They particularly fired at an agricultural room, where 2 Palestinian farmers were present. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered approximately 200m away from the aforementioned settlement to check what was going on and to help the two farmers escape the attack. Israeli soldiers opened fire indiscriminately. A Palestinian civilian, Fadel Fawzi Mahmoud al-Najjar, 22, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest. He was evacuated to the hospital, where medical efforts to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead at approximately 13:00. According to eyewitnesses, the victim was hit by a live bullet while he was near his house.
In the morning, Israeli occupying forces that were patrolling in Nablus and its refugee camp opened fire at passing Palestinian civilians. 6 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded:
1. 'Alaa' Mohammed Ahmed 'Owais, 19, from Balata refugee camp, hit by a sound bomb in the head;
2. Hassan Samir Hassan 'Eissa, 19, from Tulkarm, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the genitals;
3. Bassem Rashed Bassem Abu Salah, 27, from Yassouf village, south of Nablus, hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the head;
4. Ahmed Hussein Mohammed Abu Rowais, 14, from Balata refugee camp, hit by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the right shoulder;
5. 'Abdul Nasser Mahmoud 'Abdullah al-Dubaik, 36, from Nablus, hit by a live bullet in the right thigh; and
6. Tha'er Bassam Farid 'Arboudi, 15, from Nablus, hit by a live bullet in the right leg.
At approximately 14:15, Israeli soldiers positioned in a military location known as "al-Nouria", west of Khan Yunis, fired at a number of Palestinian worker who were digging a channel for the disposal of waste water. A Palestinian civilian, Bassam Khalil 'Abdul Rahman 'Arram, 28, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest.
At approximately 15:00, an undercover unit of Israeli occupying forces moved into Jaba' village, south of Jenin, in an unmarked vehicle with Palestinian registration plates. Israeli soldiers surrounded a café in the center of the village. Soon, 15 Israeli military jeeps, reinforced by a helicopter, arrived at the area and arrested 23 Palestinians.
At approximately 15:45, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Block O in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Rubin Salah Abu Taha, 22, was injured by shrapnel in the face, while he was in the balcony of his house.
At approximately 16:30, Israeli occupying forces positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian residential areas to the north and west. 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded:
1. Saber Jaber Shahin, 27, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand; and
2. Asmaa' Ahmed 'Abdul 'Aal, 5, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh, while she was on the roof of her family's house in Deir al-Balah refugee camp, approximately 2500m away from the source of fire.
Wednesday, 31 December 2003
At approximately 08:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 3 tanks and an armored military bulldozer, moved approximately 100m into Khan Yunis refugee camp. Under the cover of indiscriminate gunfire, they demolished 5 Palestinian houses and damaged a 6th one. The Israeli bulldozer also damaged a car owned by Nayef Salem Mohammed Abu Mustafa and razed an area of agricultural land:
1. They totally demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Mohammed Ibrahim Mahmoud al-Hindi, in which 10 people lived.
2. They totally demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Bassam Kamel Ahmed al-Hindi, in which 11 people lived.
3. They totally demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by 'Adnan Kamel Ahmed al-Hindi, in which 12 people lived.
4. They totally demolished an 80-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Rami Ibrahim Noufa, in which 12 people lived.
5. They partially demolished a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Majed Abu 'Ouda, in which 8 people live.
6. They damaged a 100-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by 'Abdul Muhsen Ahmed Hijab, in which 8 people live.
7. They razed a 500-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and citrus and demolished a room owned by Ziad Mahmoud 'Aamer.
Extra-Judicial Assassinations
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassinations officially adopted by the Israeli political and security establishments, this week, Israeli occupying forces carried out 2 assassination attempts, which left dead 5 Palestinians, including 3 civilian bystanders, and injured 30 others.
On Thursday evening, 25 December 2003, Israeli helicopter gunships fired 2 missiles at a civilian car in northern Gaza city. 5 Palestinians were killed in the attack and 15 others were injured.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, around 17:45 on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli helicopter gunships fired two missiles at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. The vehicle, a white Subaru, was moving on Saftawi Street in a busy part of Gaza city. The attack was also very close to the headquarters of the General Federation of Trade Unions. As the car moved down the street, two missiles were fired from the Israeli helicopter gunships. The missiles hit the car directly, killing two of three passengers immediately. The third passenger sustained severe injuries. One of those killed was identified as Moqlid Humaid, 36, from Jabalya refugee camp. Humaid was a leading figure in the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement and had survived a similar assassination attempt on 1 December 2002, when Israeli helicopters gunships also fired at the car he was driving. On that occasion, he and other passengers were able to escape with light injuries. Nabil Shuraihi, 31 from Nuseirat refugee camp, was also killed while he was riding in the vehicle with Humaid.
Three civilian bystanders in the area were also killed. The civilians were all from the northern Gaza city neighborhood where the attack occurred. Their names are:
1. Ashraf Hasan Radwan, 18;
2. Wa'il Mohammed Daqran, 25; and
3. Sa'id Awad Abu Rukab, 37.
Projectiles and shrapnel from the two missiles also resulted in the injury of 15 other civilian bystanders. According to medical sources at Shifa Hospital, where the injured were transferred, some civilians sustained serious injuries from the attack. According to medical sources and PCHR investigations, the missiles used in this crime were apparently similar to those used in the assassination committed in Nuseirat refugee camp on 20 October 2003, which also resulted in numerous casualties among civilian bystanders (see PCHR press release of 20 October 2003). Unlike most previous Israeli assassination carried out by helicopter gunships, which usually result in the total burning of the body, the bodies of Humaid and Shuraihi were not burned. PCHR's fieldworker who observed the dead bodies explained the presence of dozens of small holes and lacerations. The missiles used in these assassination attacks carry hundreds of small cubic projectiles which are spread around the area upon impact. The projectiles are approximately 0.5 centimeters in length and can affect large distances around the targeted area. The missiles fired this attack indiscriminately spread these projectiles, seriously injuring many civilian bystanders.
On Tuesday evening, 30 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces carried out another assassination attempt. The attack targeted a member of the 'Ezziddin al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Hamas movement. The targeted individual and 13 Palestinians civilians were injured. Two civilians sustained serious injuries.
According to PCHR's investigations at approximately 19:50 on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, a pair of Israeli helicopter gunships launched two missiles at a civilian car in the center of Gaza City. The vehicle (a white Peugeot 104) was moving north on al-Jalaa' street in densely populated area. Four persons were traveling in the car: Jamal 'Abdullah Jarrah, 38, who is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying authorities for his activities in Hamas movement, his brother Sa'id Jarrah and two other persons. All are from Jabalya refugee camp north of Gaza City.
The two missiles went astray and hit the ground near the vehicle. The four passengers immediately left the car and were able to escape. According to medical sources, all four were lightly injured. In addition, 10 Palestinian civilian bystanders were injured by pieces of shrapnel from the two missiles. Medical sources report that two of these civilians are in serious condition. A number of shops and private residences in the area were also damaged.
Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets
In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for "an offence he or she has not personally committed," Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets.
A few hours following a bombing in Betah Tekva town inside the Green Line, Israeli occupying forces moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, and destroyed a house belonging to the family of the Palestinian who carried out the bombing.
According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately 03:00 on Thursday, 25 December 2003, 10 Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They surrounded an 80-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Kamal Jamil Hanani. They forced the eight residents of the house (2 families) out and planted explosives inside the house. At approximately 06:30, Israeli soldiers destroyed the house. 2 neighboring houses were damaged. The owner is the father of Tha'er Hanani, 17, who was killed while carrying out the aforementioned bombing.
At approximately 01:00 on Sunday, 28 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces surrounded a 120-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Abu Hamdan in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They forced the six residents of the house out and planted explosives inside. At approximately 03:30, they destroyed the house. The owner's son, Hashem, 23, is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying forces for his resistance activities.
At approximately 02:30 on Monday, 29 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces surrounded an 80-square-meter, 3-storey house owned by Mahmoud Abu Lail in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They forced the 11 residents of the house (2 families) out and planted explosives inside. At approximately 04:45, they destroyed the house. The owner's son, Nader, 25, is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying authorities for his resistance activities.
Attacks against Palestinian Civilians by Israeli Settlers
This week, Israeli settlers launched a number of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in Hebron.
On Saturday, 27 December 2003, Israeli settlers living in "Ma'oun" settlement, to the east of Yatta village south of Hebron, made new attempts to re-establish a settlement center known as "Havat Ma'oun", which was dismantled by Israeli occupying forces following bloody clashes between the owners of lands and settlers. They put new mobile homes in the area and denied access of Palestinian farmers to their lands.
In the same context, Israeli settlers from "Avigal" settlement, which was established on the lands of Um al-Shaqhan area, put 3 new mobile homes in the area.
At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 28 December 2003, a number of Israeli settlers attacked Samir 'Eissa Hunaihen, 34, from Halhloul town, north of Hebron. PCHR's field worker in Hebron reported that 5 Israeli settlers, who were traveling at Sa'ir-Haloul junction, east of Hebron, intercepted Hunaihen and severely beat him. He sustained injuries and bruises throughout the body.
At approximately 10:00 on Monday, 29 December 2003, a number of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses in Wadi al-Nassara neighborhood in the south of Hebron and in al-Shuhada Street in the old town. 2 Palestinian children were injured: Shaher Mohammed Fathi al-Ja'bari, 15; and Anas Mohammed al-Bayed, 15.
According to eyewitnesses, a number of Israeli settlers living in "Beit Hadasa" settlement center in the center of Hebron attacked Palestinian civilians in al-Shuhada Street and al-Sahla Square with stones and empty bottles. Other armed Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian houses in Wadi al-Nasara neighborhood, near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, with stones.
At approximately 10:00 on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, an Israeli settler who was traveling in his car very fast attempted to run over 5-year-old Mustafa Raslan Mohammed Hussein, from Baqa al-Sharqia village, north of Hebron. The settler hit the child, who sustained fractures and bruises throughout the body.
Continued Construction of the "Separation Wall"
Israeli occupying forces have continued construction of the "separation wall" this week. Israeli occupation authorities warned some Palestinians that their houses and other facilities would be demolished. They also imposed more restrictions of the movement of Palestinians who have been isolated behind the wall.
On Thursday morning, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces started to establish an iron gate at the entrance to Bardala village in the northern Jordan Valley, in the context of plans of the construction of the "separation wall" in the area. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli occupying forces brought bulldozers and cement blocks to construct the wall near Bardala village. Israeli occupying authorities informed Palestinians living in this village that they would start to confiscate areas of land, in accordance of an Israeli military order. There are serious concerns that the construction of the wall in the area will isolate Bardala village from its surrounding agricultural areas, and enhance Israeli control over the northeastern aquifer. These agricultural areas are estimated to comprise thousands of donums and are planted with vegetables and irrigated by wells.
Also on Thursday, 25 December 2003, officers of the so-called "Israeli Civil Administration" warned a number of Palestinians from Masha village, east of Qalqilya, that their houses at the western edge of the village would be demolished. These houses are located approximately 300m away from the "separation wall." It is worth noting that the first stage of construction of the wall has isolated around 90% of the land of the village. Israeli occupying forces have also restricted access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural land in the area.
On Monday morning, 29 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Wad al-Ghorous area near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, east of Hebron, to construct a part of the "separation wall" near "Kiryat Arba" and "Kharsina" settlements. They razed about 100 donums of agricultural land owned by 'Eissa Mohammed Jaber, Ahmed Sa'id Jaber, Shaker Rubin Jaber, 'Abdul Sami' Mousa Jaber, 'Awad 'Abdul Jabbar Jaber, 'Abdul Jawad Mohammed Jaber and the al-Ashab family.
Also on Monday morning, Israeli occupying forces informed the owners of 6 houses in al-Burj village, southwest of Hebron, that their houses would be demolished claiming that they were built without licenses. According to residents of the village, these houses are located approximately 1km to the east of the Green Line, where Israeli occupying forces plan to construct a part of the "separation wall." The affected houses belong to: Rezeq 'Eissa al-Talahma, Mahmoud Khalil 'Abdul Nabi al-Masharqa, Ra'ed 'Abdul Nabi al-Masharqa and Khalil Isma'il al-Masharqa. It is worth noting that since the beginning of this year, Israeli occupying forces have informed other families in the village and in the nearby Beit Marsam village that their houses would be demolished for the same reason. These demolitions come in the context of a plan to expand the Green Line, as a step towards the construction of the "separation wall" in the area.
Israeli occupying forces have also continued to impose restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians who are isolated behind the wall. They have continued to close the iron gate at the entrance to Barta'a village since Thursday, 25 December 2003, denying movement of 4000 Palestinians living in the village.
In winter, there is a shortage of coal in local markets as Israeli occupying forces have imposed restrictions on tree cutting and coal manufacturing in Ya'bad village, southwest of Jenin, the main place where coal is produced. According to workers in coal factories, as a result of the construction of the "separation wall", more than 70% of the 120 coal factories in the area have been forced to close, leaving hundreds of Palestinian workers unemployed. It is worth noting that a single coal factory normally produces 150 tons of coal per annum, but presently the factories are producing an average of only 40 tons a year.
A Palestinian Transferred from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip
In another violation of international law and humanitarian law, on Wednesday, 31 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces transferred Mustafa Hassan al-'Aabed, 40, from Nablus to the Gaza Strip. They dumped him over night near "Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza city. Al-'Aabed is the last one of 18 Palestinian detainees, whom Israeli occupying forces decided on 13 and 14 October 2003 to transfer from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip, claiming that they were involved in hostile activities. These detainees have been transferred to the Gaza Strip in stages. This transfer constitutes a war crime under article 85 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions.
Continued Siege on the OPT
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities and restrict movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. They have also maintained the closure of a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers stationed at Israeli military checkpoints. Such restrictions on freedom of movement are in contravention of international human rights law to which Israel is a state party, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
This week, Israeli occupying forces imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians between the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Israeli occupying forces positioned at the Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip, continued to obstruct movement of Palestinian civilians. The two checkpoints, which are open for a maximum of a few hours each day, have become notorious for acts of humiliation and harassment by Israeli soldiers.
At approximately 09:00 on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints and held many Palestinian vehicles in between. They forced a number of vehicles to move into an enclosed area for searching. They ordered Palestinian civilians to get out of the vehicles, checked their ID cards, and then forced them to wait for many hours. This procedure continued until 16:00. Israeli occupying forces arrested 4 Palestinians.
At approximately 17:00 on Monday, 29 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints until 08:30, during which they held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles. The Israeli radio station reported that Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians.
At approximately 19:30 on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints again and held and searched a number of Palestinian vehicles. Israeli soldiers ordered Palestinian civilians to get out of the vehicles, checked their ID cards, and then forced them to wait for many hours. The soldiers also severely beat Humaid Yahia Wasfi Barbakh, 20. Hundreds of Palestinian vehicles were forced to wait at the two checkpoints.
At approximately 09:15 on Wednesday, 31 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints for no apparent reason. The checkpoints were reopened 2 hours later.
Israeli occupying forces have also maintained the siege imposed on the al-Sayafa area between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. On Friday, 26 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the area and denied the movement of Palestinian civilians out of, and into, the area. They closed the area again on Tuesday, 30 December 2003, for claiming "security' concerns. Palestinian civilians moving into and out of the area are now subjected to prolonged physical checks by Israeli soldiers stationed at the only entry point to the area. They are allowed to move from and into the area only between the hours of 06:30 to 8:30 and 14:00 to 16:15. Israeli soldiers force male Palestinians to reveal their upper part of the body while going to the checking area. Female Palestinians area searched by female Israeli soldiers. Entry of foodstuffs into the area is allowed twice a week. All foodstuffs are checked by a trained dog. When the dog is absent, entry of foodstuffs is not allowed. School children are forced to cross long distances on foot to reach their schools. When they come back form schools, they are not allowed to enter the area except during the entry hours.
Israeli occupying forces have also continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip, restricting movement into and out of the area. Israeli occupying forces have increased restrictions on movement of Palestinian through al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Yunis. Male Palestinians under 35 years old and females under 25 have been denied passage across the checkpoint.
On Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed Beit Hanoun crossing in the northern Gaza Strip, denying access of more than 13,000 Palestinian workers to their work places, as a punitive measure following a bombing that occurred in Tel Aviv. On Sunday morning, 28 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces reopened the crossing under new conditions stipulating that any worker wish to work in Israel must be married and over 35 years old. Thus, only 5,375 workers were able to go to their places of employment.
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose restrictions on travel through Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border, which has been the only outlet of the Gaza Strip to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada. The terminal is opened between 09:00 and 18:00, and only 6 Palestinian employees are allowed to work at the terminal. The number of Palestinians traveling through the terminal is about 300-400 a day. They are subject to humiliation and prolonged travel procedures. The Israeli intelligence also summons a number of travelers for interrogation and arrests are frequent. A number of travelers are also denied travel permission for no apparent reasons. Furthermore, a number of Palestinian travelers are often forced to spent the night on the Egyptian side of the terminal waiting to be allowed to cross into the Gaza Strip.
The West Bank
Following a bombing that occurred in Betah Tekva town near Tel Aviv on Thursday, 25 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces tightened the siege imposed on the OPTs. They closed most military checkpoints in the West Bank and erected new ones.
Nablus
Israeli occupying forces have closed all military checkpoints around Nablus and denied movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the city. They have also continued to divide the city into two parts. PCHR's field worker in Nablus reported that Israeli occupying forces blocked the entrances to Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, with sand barriers and rocks, isolating it from its surroundings.
Tulkarm
At approximately 09:30 on Saturday, 27 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed all roads leading to Tulkarm, and denied movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the town. They have also erected new checkpoints and sand barriers at the entrances of some villages. They erected a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Jarousha village, north of Tulkarm, a checkpoint to the east of Nour Shams refugee camp, east of the town and a third checkpoint at the junction of Far'oun village, south of the town.
Israeli occupying forces have also denied access of Arabs living inside the Green Line to the West Bank without prior permission, and warned them if they travel to the West Bank without permission, they will be punished.
Jenin
Since Saturday, 27 December 2003, Israeli occupying forces have tightened the siege imposed on Jenin. They have erected military checkpoints around the town. They have also closed all roads leading to the town and denied access of Palestinian residents from nearby villages to the town. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli occupying forces chased Palestinian civilians who attempted to enter the town. They also erected 3 military checkpoints at the entrances to the villages of Beer al-Basha, 'Anza and Jabaa', south of the town.
PCHR calls:
1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their obligations under article 1 and article 146.
3. Upon the international community to investigate and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches perpetrated in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.
6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail:pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
Note:[1] 1donum is equal to 1000 square meters.