ei: Israeli-Palestinian Cease-fire (8 February 2005)

What was said

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Speech at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit (8 February 2005)

President Mohammad Abbas' Speech at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit (8 February 2005)

Overview, Analysis, and Commentary

Did you say the Israelis are withdrawing? Y. Khellef writing from Bethlehem, occupied Palestine (27 February 2005)

The LA Times' notion of "relative calm", Alison Weir (25 February 2005)

Weekly report on human rights violations: 17 February-23 February 2005, PCHR (24 February 2005)

Weekly report on human rights violations: 10 February-16 February 2005, PCHR (17 February 2005)

From Aqaba to Sharm: Fake Peace Festivals, Tanya Reinhart (11 February 2005)

The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit: An interview with Saleh Abdel Jawad, professor of political science at Birzeit University, Palestine Report (11 February 2005)

Weekly report on human rights violations: 3 February - 9 February 2005, PCHR (17 February 2005)

Jewish Voice for Peace welcomes cease fire, calls for more action to end all forms of violence, Press Release, Jewish Voice for Peace (9 February 2005)

Sharon and Abbas Hold Summit, Call For End of Violence, Interviewer: Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! (8 February 2005)

Cease-fire put to test

Israeli-Palestinian truce put to test, Laila El-Haddad (17 July 2005)

Israel threatens to invade Gaza, assassinates Hamas activist, PCHR (17 July 2005)

Israel launches air strikes in Gaza City, Al Mezan (16 July 2005)

Israel escalates attack on Palestinian towns, PCHR (16 July 2005)

Hamas: "We are committed to ceasefire", Khalid Amayreh (16 July 2005)

Weekly report on human rights violations, PCHR (15 July 2005)

CEASE-FIRE CHRONOLOGY

While every effort is being made to ensure the integrity of this chronology, omissions resulting from lack of access to information and delays in the reporting periods of sources may occur. EI is using a variety of Palestinian, Israeli, and international sources to offer the widest possible overview, but cannot verify the accuracy of information. It is common in conflict zones that statistics are incomplete, proper names may have a variety of spellings, and some sources -- particularly the Israeli and international media -- rely heavily on Israeli military reports.

Last updated: 1:36PM US CST, 29 March 2005.

Tuesday 8 February 2005 - Cease-fire Announced

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Qeffin village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched 2 houses and arrested 2 Palestinians, Rabi' Yousef 'Ammar (24) and Ahmed Kittana (23). (PCHR, 10 February 2005)

At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem.� They surrounded a secondary school, raided it, and searched its classrooms, but no arrests were reported. (PCHR, 10 February 2005)

Israel erected a checkpoint near Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped all Palestinian vehicles that were traveling on the main road that links Qalqilya with other Palestinian communities. (PCHR, 10 February 2005)

The Israeli High Court issued two decisions regarding the construction of Israel's West Bank Barrier.� According to the first decision, the construction of the Wall to the northwest of Jerusalem will be resumed. This new decision cancelled a court ruling that was issued 3 weeks ago stopping the construction of the wall in the area. In the second decision, the court obligated Palestinian civilians from Kherbat al-No'man village, northeast of Bethlehem, to negotiate the route of the wall to the east of the village with IOF. (PCHR, 10 February 2005)

Israel issued a military order confiscating two dunums* of agricultural land in the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. The order, which was signed by the Head of the Israeli Military Central Command Moshe Keblinsky gave the owner 10 days to appeal against the confiscation. According to local sources, IOF seek to establish a settlement post in the area for a number of settlers who live in a tent.(PCHR, 10 February 2005)

"We commend the strong leadership of President Abbas, Prime Minister Sharon, President Mubarak, and King Abdullah. The cessation of violence and terrorism is an important step on the path to ending terrorism in the region, and dismantling the terrorist infrastructure -- which is called for under the road map. And as you heard from Secretary Rice, the United States will continue playing -- will continue doing its part to help the parties move forward on the President's two-state vision of Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace." (Scott McClellan, White House Briefing, 8 February 2005)

Wednesday 9 February 2005

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that Israel has agreed to remove major roadblocks as part of its withdrawal from five West Bank towns in coming weeks - the most tangible improvement in the lives of Palestinians as a result of a truce agreed to at a breakthrough summit. Following Tuesday's Mideast summit at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, Israeli and Palestinian officials returned home and were working to hammer out the details of a cease-fire, trying restore trust in the post-Yasser Arafat era after four years of bloodshed. On Wednesday, a senior Israeli military official confirmed that several roadblocks would be removed as part of the handover of security to the Palestinians... In the coming three weeks, Israel is to hand over security control in the towns of Jericho, Tulkarem, Qalqiliya, Bethlehem and Ramallah. The timetable was agreed to at Abbas' meeting Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. (Associated Press, 9 February 2005)

The Palestinian militant group Hamas will wait to see Israel's next move but will not be bound by Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire declarations made at the Sharm el-Sheik summit, the group's representative in Lebanon said. The comments by Osama Hamdan came shortly after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared at the summit an end to all military and militant operations...Hamdan said that in order for a truce to succeed, Israel must release Palestinian prisoners and provide "a clear commitment... to halt all kinds of aggression against the Palestinian people." (Associated Press, 9 February 2005)

At approximately 02:00, Israeli troops moved into the Israeli-controlled al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 6 Paletsinian civilians: 'Aadel 'Eid 'Ali al-Douji, 25; 'Alaa' Darwish al-Sha'er, 30; Akram 'Awni al-Shoubaki, 25; 'Eissa Mohammed Saleh al-Lahham, 45; 'Arafat 'Abdul Wahab al-Najjar, 20; and Majed Khamis Zo'rob, 19. At approximately 14:10, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of the Rafah Yam settlement, northwest of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood and Bader camp to the east. See next incident in list. (PCHR, 10 February 2005)

Gunfire from the Atzmona settlement in the Gaza Strip critically wounded a Palestinian man Wednesday, Palestinian security officials said. The incident comes just a day after Israelis and Palestinians declared a cease-fire during a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The 22-year-old man was shot in the abdomen while walking near the Atzmona settlement on the border with Egypt, the officials said. (Ha'aretz, 9 February 2005) The man later died. (Haaretz, 10 February 2005)

Thursday 10 February 2005

Shattering a relative calm surrounding the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Hamas announced it had fired 46 mortar shells and rockets at Israeli communities in and around the Gaza Strip on Thursday. The Israel Defense Forces reported that 17 mortar shells struck Israeli targets, with most of them exploding near the Neveh Dekalim settlement. A number of the shells fell in Palestinian areas of the Strip. No injuries were immediately reported, but one of the houses in the settlement sustained damage... Hamas said that the barrage came in response to a Wednesday incident near the southern Gaza settlement of Atzmona, in which IDF soldiers opened fire at a group of four men who came within 70 meters of the fence surrounding the settlement, critically wounding one of them. (Haaretz, 10 February 2005)

At approximately 2:00AM, IOF positioned in military posts in the vicinity of Neve Dekalim settlement, west of Khan Yunis, and Gani Tal settlement, northwest of the town, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Amal neighborhood to the east. A Palestinian child, 12-year-old 'Abdullah Faraj al-Sharif, was injured by shrapnel in the feet, when he was sleeping inside his family home, nearly 900 meters away from the source of fire. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

Abbas convened an emergency meeting of his Fatah party's central committee to discuss the shelling, and at the end of the meeting, the committee announced a "general alert and state of emergency among the Palestinian security services and the Fatah movement to deal with the severe security violations, the attempts to undermine the Palestinian Authority's deterrent capabilities, and the attempts to undermine its international commitments. "The PA will confront these provocations, these attempts to give Israel an excuse to evade its commitments at the Sharm al-Sheikh summit and to gamble dangerously with the future of the Palestinian people," the statement said... The IDF views the shelling, which was perpetrated primarily by Hamas, mainly as a challenge to Abbas by that organization. However, it seems that Hamas is also trying to maintain a "balance of deterrence" against Israel, in which the organization will respond to every dead Palestinian with heavy shelling. Hamas itself said that the shelling was a response to the killing of two Palestinians on Wednesday and Thursday. (Ha'aretz, 11 February 2005)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas fired three of his top security chiefs [today] after Hamas attackers defied a truce he had declared with Israel by launching dozens of mortar rounds and homemade rockets at Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. Abbas dismissed Abdel Razzak al-Majaida, chief of public security in the Gaza Strip and West Bank; Police Chief Saeb al-Ajez; and Omar Ashour, commander of the security forces in the southern Gaza Strip. The move was a signal by Abbas that he was determined to enforce the declaration of a halt to hostilities he made with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at a summit meeting Tuesday at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Several other officers also were fired, among them the director of the central prison in Gaza. He was sacked after gunmen burst into the jail overnight, killed two inmates and seized a third, killing him later at a refugee camp. Palestinians said the assault was a settling of scores between feuding clans. (Chicago Tribune, 11 February 2005)

Friday 11 February 2005

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas appointed a new police chief for the Gaza Strip Friday, a day after sacking three security chiefs for failing to stop rocket and mortar attacks on Jewish settlements, a Palestinian official said. The deputy police chief, Mahmud Asfur, was provisionally promoted to the top job to replace General Saeb al-Ajez, the official said. (Agence France Presse, 11 February 2005)

Police on Friday morning arrested six settlers in the southern Gaza Strip who rioted and tried to block the Gush Katif junction to Palestinian traffic during a protest against Palestinian mortar attacks. According to Israel Defense Forces sources, the settlers threw stones at Palestinians and tried to pull Palestinian drivers out of their vehicles in attempts to commandeer them. Police and IDF troops prevented the settlers from blocking the junction. The incident began when some 30 settlers, most of them youths, arrived at the junction to protest against the massive Palestinian mortar shelling of Gush Katif the previous day. (Ha'aretz, 11 February 2005)

Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian president, was scheduled to start talks with militant factions in the Gaza Strip on Friday aimed at persuading them to stop attacks and enforce a truce declared with Israel this week... "We are still committed to the language of dialogue but at the same time, we warn against continuation of these irresponsible actions [by the militants]," said a statement issued after a meeting late on Thursday of Fatah, the dominant Palestinian faction led by Mr Abbas... Israel has praised Mr Abbas for his stance against violence but is demanding tougher action. "We still have a policy of restraint and civil gestures in order to strengthen him but it must be remembered this won't last forever," Zeev Boim, Israel's deputy defence minister, said on Friday. "He has to take action." (Financial Times, 11 February 2005)

Although it was not clear when exactly [Abbas'] talks with the factions would take place, Hamas leaders insist they remained committed to an informal "cooling down" period agreed with Abbas. Nevertheless, they said they reserved the right to respond to Israeli actions as in Thursday's attacks on Jewish settlements in southern Gaza. The movement's military wing was willing "to respect quiet" but reserved the right to retaliate for "each and every Israeli aggression," said Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri. He said Hamas leaders were waiting to be briefed by Abbas on his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Egypt before deciding whether to sign up to a formal ceasefire. "Our position is to observe quiet until we reach a final stance concerning a possible truce and this will not happen before we sit down with Abu Mazen (Abbas)," he said. "We want him to brief us on what happened at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and to answer our questions." A leader of Hamas's smaller rival, Islamic Jihad, said it too was waiting for the talks with Abbas before taking a decision on a formal ceasefire. "We need to hold consultations within the movement, here and abroad," Khader Habib told AFP, in allusion to the group's leadership in exile in Damascus. "We are in favor of observing the period of quiet that was agreed upon but we have the right to retaliate if Israel attacks," he said. (Agence France Presse, 11 February 2005)

Palestinian analyst Ali Jarbawi said militant factions were likely to continue to hold off on anti-Israeli attacks even if they did not sign up to Abbas's truce. "The public opinion is in favor of a time-out and groups like Hamas are very sensitive to the mood on the street," he said. "They haven't so far endorsed the ceasefire because they didn't get all they wanted from Israel but they will respect quiet." Hamas demands, among other thing, the release of all 7,500 prisoners held behind Israeli bars. Israel has so far agreed to free 900 of them. Abbas secured the only previous ceasefire by militant groups when he served briefly as prime minister in 2003 but it broke down amid acrimony after just seven weeks. (Agence France Presse, 11 February 2005)

Abbas aide: The PA chairman will meet Saturday night with militant leaders to push them to honor a days-old cease-fire... Defense Minister Mofaz and Palestinian negotiator Dahlan to meet Saturday to discuss security matters... Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat to meet with Dahlan and Mofaz to discuss Israel`s planned handover of W. Bank towns... Palestinian gunmen fire at IDF troops operating near Nablus; no casualties. (Ha'aretz Flash News, 11 February 2005)

Israel indiscriminately opened intensive fire from the area surrounding Kfar Darom settlement towards the area of Al-Matahin, and at three neighbourhoods in Khan Younis; Israeli troops opened fire from Morag settlement towards Rafah, Israeli silencer shots were fired from a position on the Gaza-Egypt border towards a Palestinian National Security patrol in Rafah, Israeli troops opened fire at Tal Zu-raab neightbourhood in Rafah refugee camp, Israeli troops opened fire towards civilian homes in 'Ureibeh north of Rafah; Two Palestinian civilians arrested in Birzeit village and on the Bethlehem-Jericho road; Several Palestinian civilians arrested east of Jabalya; Severe restrictions on freedom of movement at checkpoints in Kalandia, Al-Nabi Samwil, Jericho, Beit Hanoun, Netzarim, Abu Holi, Sufa, and Al-Nu'man village near Bethlehem; Settler outpost established on Hill 782 near Itmar settlement; Israel raided a Palestinian National Security office in Salfit, detaining officers in one room; Israeli settlers obstructed civilian movement in Salahaddin Road near Khan Younis. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 12 February 2005)

At approximately 19:00, IOF raided two houses belonging to Munther and Nasri Mohammed Da'na in Wad al-Nasara neighborhood near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron. They forced the 26 residents of the two houses (2 families) out. According to Munther Da'na, IOF ordered his family and his brother's family to leave the two houses to be used for military purposes. He stated that IOF cut electricity from the two houses to force the families to leave them. IOF have been positioned inside the two houses under the pretext of protecting Israeli settlers passing in the area.(PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

Saturday 12 February 2005

Ten Israeli attacks against Palestinian areas, one during a raid and 8 from military positions; Various raids and firing, including of two tank shells at Palestinian areas in Khan Yunis; Severe violations of freedom of movement at multiple checkpoints; Wall construction was resumed north of the district of Bethlehem, along �Ayda refugee camp, along the tunnel road (Gilo), and west of the village of Husan, in Dahiyat Al Aqbat, the villages of Hizma and 'Anata, the Hizma-Jaba� road, the area of Al-'Eizariya, near Al-Quds University, the area of Ash Shayyah, in the town of As Sawahira Ash Sharqiya, Budrus, Midya, Ni�lin, Deir Qaddis, Bil'in, Beit Liqya, and Beituniya; Land levelling for Wall construction was resumed in Jalbun towards Al Mutilla, Raba, Al Mughayyir, Bardala and
Ein al Beida, towards the Jordan River, Deir Ballut along the Green Line, Surif, Beit Ula, Idhna, and Beit
'Awwa, in the area extending from the village of Deir Samit, Beit 'Awwa, and towards the village of Al Burj; Israeli authorities conducted a land survey and placed markers for construction of a settler bypass road around the city of Jerusalem. The road will cross civilian land belonging to the villages of 'Anata, Al 'Isawiya, and Az Za'ayyem towards the settler bypass road leading to the settlement of Ma'ale Adummim; At 01:40, Palestinian security forces blocked an attempt to fire 1 Qassam mortar while armed Palestinian individuals were preparing a pad to launch the mortar near the area of Al Maqaber in the vicinity of An Namsawi neighbourhood. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 13 February 2005)

Sunday 13 February 2005

Israeli settlers from the Abraham Avino settlement outpost in the Old City of Hebron severely beat and injured two female Palestinian civilians; Israeli troops raided Al-'Arrub refugee camp in Hebron, resulting in clashes during which Israel injured a female child; Various shooting from Israeli army posts towards civilian homes in West Khan Younis refugee camp and Al-Namsawi neighbourhood, at farmers south of the village of Khuza'a, at Yabna in Rafah refugee camp, at Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood; Various crossings and checkpoints remained closed; One mortar was fired by Palestinians towards the Green Line. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 14 February 2005)

At approximately 23:00, a number of Israeli settlers from "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, fired a number of sound bombs at houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. Palestinian civilians living in the area were extremely terrified. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

Monday 14 February 2005

At approximately 12:30, an infantry unit of IOF that accompanied a military bulldozer at al-Sahla Street in the old town of Hebron stopped a passing Palestinian child, 17-year-old Sabri Fayez Younis al-Rajoub, from Dura village, southwest of Hebron. IOF severely beat him for no apparent reason. Then, they ordered him to leave the area. When he was about to leave the area, an Israeli soldier fired at him. He was wounded by a live bullet in the chest. He fell onto the ground, but remained alive. Immediately, the same soldier and three of his colleagues moved towards the child and fired at him again from a distance of 10 meters. He was instantly killed. Soon, IOF reinforced their presence and closed the area. They prevented Palestinian civilians and ambulances from reaching the victim's body for one hour. Then, the victim's body was evacuated to the hospital. According to medical sources, the victim was hit by four live bullets to the chest, the abdomen, the pelvis and the left leg. IOF claimed that the child attempted to stab an Israeli soldier, but eyewitnesses asserted that the child did not have a knife and did not attempt to stab any soldier. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

Eleven Israeli attacks took place, one during a raid and 8 from military posts; Israel demolished a 300m² home under construction in Beit Hanina; Severe restrictions on freedom of movement at checkpoints across the occupied territories; Wall construction and associated land leveling continues across the West Bank; Several arrests of Palestinians, including one Palestinian Police officer in Yatta near Hebron; Israeli troops raided the village of Khirbet Tha'laba, which is located between the settlements of Karmi'el and Ma'on, and distributed notices to transfer three families who reside in caves and makeshift homes in the village on a seasonal basis. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 15 February 2005)

Tuesday 15 February 2005

Palestinians throw stones at Border Police patrol near Har Adar outside Jerusalem; one officer lightly wounded; IDF arrests seven Hamas members near Ramallah who planned to carry out terror attack; Sharon: Israel is standing at a crossroads of peace following truce, progress toward peace possible if violence ends. (Ha'aretz Flash News, 15 February 2005)

A 15-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead late Tuesday by Israeli troops in the West Bank town of Beitunia near Ramallah, Palestinian medical and security sources said. Medical sources named the victim as Hani Khalil, and said a second boy, aged 14, was seriously injured in the incident near the vast separation barrier which Israel is building in the West Bank. (Agence France Presse, 15 February 2005). At 18:00, Israeli troops positioned near the Wall in the town of Beituniya opened fire towards a number of children, allegedly for throwing stones, killing 1 child and injuring another. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005). In the evening, IOF killed a Palestinian child and seriously injured another one, when the two children were walking near the annexation wall to the southwest of Bitounia town, south of Ramallah. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 20:00, 15-year-old 'Alaa' Hani Mohammed Dar Khalil and 14-year-old Ussama Bassem Hamdan, both from Bitounia town, were walking on the road that links Qalandya village with "Pisgat Ze'ev" settlement neat the town. The two children came close to the annexation wall in the area. In the meantime, an Israeli military jeep was patrolling in the area. Immediately and without warning, Israeli soldiers opened fire at the two children.� Dar Khalil was killed by a live bullet in the neck and Hamdan was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

Nablus: "One apparent mortar shell was fired at Neve Dkalim at around 1:00am (2300 GMT Tuesday) and two apparent mortar shells were fired at another community in the area" just before midday, an Israeli army spokeswoman said. (Agence France Presse, 16 February 2005)

Israel intends to build a new settlement in the West Bank that could take in settlers uprooted from Gaza, officials said on Tuesday, drawing swift protest from Palestinians who fear losing land for a state they seek... Disclosing the Gvaot project (an extension to the Gush Etzion settlement bloc), Housing Minister Isaac Herzog said Jewish settlers slated for evacuation from Gaza this year would be encouraged to relocate to sparsely populated areas of Israel, but could also go to the West Bank if they chose. "I cannot prevent an individual who wants to use his compensation to buy a house in Gush Etzion from doing so," he told Reuters. "This would be totally within his rights." (Reuters, 15 February 2005)

At 13:00, the Israeli army set up a flying checkpoint at the eastern entrance to the city of Jenin in the area of As Suweitat and obstructed civilian movement, allegedly to thoroughly search civilian vehicles and to examine civilians' IDs. Israeli troops positioned at the checkpoint detained five Palestinian Police officers. At 15:00, the Israeli army withdrew from the area. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

At 21:00, the Israeli army, including 8 jeeps, raided the town of Beit Rima and the village of Deir Ghassana, fired sound grenades, and searched a number of houses. At 23:10, the Israeli army withdrew from the area. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

At 21:00, the Israeli army raided the village of Kafr Qalil, imposed curfew, and surrounded 1 house under construction. An armed confrontation took place between the Israeli army and two armed Palestinian individuals, during which the Israeli army killed the two Palestinian individuals. The Israeli army also opened fire towards one ambulance attempting to transport the killed individuals and forced other ambulances to leave the area. At 23:50, the Israeli army withdrew from the area. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005). In the evening, IOF killed 2 Palestinians to the southeast of Nablus. IOF claimed that they shot dead two Palestinian gunmen who were on their way to launch an attack on "Har Brakha" settlement, south of Nablus. They further claimed that the victims had been responsible for a number of attacks in the area. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 20:15, residents of Kufor Qallil village, south of Nablus, heard sounds of shooting in al-'Amayer area to the northeast of the village. Immediately, an Israeli military unit arrived at the area and closed it. A Palestinian ambulance moved towards the area, but IOF fired at it to force it to stop. A number of Israeli soldiers moved towards the ambulance and informed its crew that the military operation in the area did not end and that the ambulance would be allowed to enter the area when the operation ends. IOF allowed the ambulance to enter the area at approximately 23:30. The Palestinian medical crew found bodies of two Palestinians and evacuated them to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus. According to medical sources, the victims were hit by several live bullets throughout the body. According to eyewitnesses, the victims were members of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of Fatah movement, and they used to be present in the area at night to prevent settlers from attacking the aforementioned village.� The two victims were identified as 'Essam Hamza 'Ali Mansour, 24, from Balata refugee camp near Nablus; and�Mahdi Sati Yousef al-Qanna, 24, from Kufor Qallil village. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

The Israeli army raided the city of Ramallah and arrested 2 children in Um Ash Sharayet neighbourhood; (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

Widespread violations of freedom of movement at checkpoints and Wall gates across the West Bank and Gaza Strip; At 20:30, Israeli troops positioned at the settlement of Kfar Etzion checkpoint severely beat Zakariya Yousef Barat'a, leaving him with bruises. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

The Israeli army distributed notices to confiscate 25 dunums (6.25 acres) of land belonging to the neighbourhood of At Tur and the town of Al 'Eizariya in the area of Abu Sbitan for Wall construction. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

A mass demonstration, including international peace activists, took place in the old city of Hebron in protest against construction of a settler bypass road in Tall Rumeideh settlement outpost. Confrontations took place between the Israeli army and civilians, during which a number of civilians and international peace activists were injured as Israeli troops beat them with rifle butts. The Israeli army also arrested one civilian, 'Azmi Ash Shuyoukhi. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

At 14:00, the Israeli army opened intensive fire from its location at
Point 217 on the Green Line towards Palestinian territory in the area
surrounding Sufa Crossing; At 15:25, the Israeli army opened intensive fire from its location along the Palestinian-Egyptian border towards civilian houses in Ash Sha�ut neighbourhood in Rafah refugee camp. (PLO Negotiations Affairs Department Daily Situation Report, 16 February 2005)

Wednesday 16 February 2005

Some 4,000 Palestinians, including gunmen firing their rifles into the air, took part Wednesday in the funerals of two militants shot dead by the Israeli army. (Agence France Presse, 16 February 2005)

An Israeli settler ran down a Palestinian child on Wadi al-Maleh road in the northern Jordan Valley. According to investigation conducted by PCHR, at approximately 12:00, 8-year-old Sa'id Bajes Daraghma was going back home from school in Wadi al-Maleh village, southeast of Jenin.� When he was walking on the roadside, a civilian vehicle that had an Israeli registration plate traveled fast, ran him down and escaped from the area. A number of Palestinian civilians who witnessed this attack called an ambulance. The child was evacuated to a hospital in Jenin. According to medical sources, he was in a serious condition. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 17 February 2005)

Thursday 17 February 2005

On Thursday morning, 17 February 2005, IOF started to raze areas of Palestinian land in Beit Sourik village, northwest of Jerusalem, from the purpose of the construction of the wall.(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

IOF issued a military order confiscating more areas of Palestinian agricultural land in 'Akaba village, north of Tulkarm. The owners were summoned by IOF to receive an explanation of the order. Israeli officers claimed that they would confiscate only 250 square meters to establish an observation tower near the annexation wall. However, residents of the villages were suspicious regarding the area to be confiscated, as IOF will need to establish a road leading to the tower, which means confiscating more areas of land. The construction of the wall has isolated nearly 1500 dunums* of agricultural land in the village.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

On Saturday morning, 20 February 2005, IOF handed notices to 16 Palestinian civilians in Wad Foukin village, west of Bethlehem, to vacate 775 dunums* of their agricultural land, which would be confiscated for the purpose of the construction of the wall. Under this confiscation, seven wells will be destroyed as well as hundreds of fruitful trees. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

An Italian peace activist suffered a broken jaw and concussion after being attacked by a group of Jewish settlers in the southern West Bank, peace activists told AFP Thursday. The incident occurred Wednesday when a group of international peace activists were accompanying Palestinian shepherds as they grazed their flocks on their land, which lies near the Havat Maon settlement outpost at the southernmost tip of the West Bank. According to Sally Hunsberger, a US national working with the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) who witnessed the attack, two settlers approached her and two other Italian peace activists on a hillside near the outpost. The two masked men demanded they hand over their video camera, which one of them had been using to film an incident several minutes earlier in which settlers pointed a gun at the head of another woman activist from CPT. After they refused, one of the settlers set on the two activists, breaking the Italian's jaw with a kick. The 22-year-old man, who did not want to be identified, was taken to hospital and is suffering from memory loss. Although the camera was broken during the incident, the activists got clear footage of the two men involved in the earlier incident, which was handed to Israeli police. (Agence France Presse, 17 February 2005)

IOF imposed more restrictions at military checkpoint to the southeast of Jenin. According to eyewitnesses, IOF imposed severe restrictions at Tayaseer and al-Hamra checkpoints and prevented Palestinian civilians who do not have checkpoint permits to cross the two checkpoints. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

On Thursday noon, IOF positioned at Surra checkpoint, west of Nablus, beat and arrested Eyad Ibrahim Ahmed al-Qadi, 23, a university student from Til village. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

A Palestinian woman has been forced to deliver her baby at an Israeli checkpoint in the West Bank. Aljazeera correspondent Jivara al-Bidairi said the 25-year-old woman was forced to give birth to her baby at the Qalandia military checkpoint on Thursday after Israeli soldiers blocked her passage. The permanent roadblock separates Jerusalem from Ram Allah. It is estimated that there are more than 700 Israeli checkpoints across the occupied Palestinian territories, some permanent, others constructed and removed without notice ... The woman, a resident of Jerusalem, who gave only her first name, Nivin, found herself in labour at the checkpoint on her way to al-Quds hospital. Her pleas to Israeli occupation soldiers to allow her through were to no avail. She waved down a passing car for help and almost immediately gave birth to a baby boy. "I had only a few minutes before the baby came out while I was in the car," said Nivin. "No offer of assistance came from the occupation soldiers, such as calling an ambulance" she said. "It was a mere coincidence that an ambulance carrying another patient with a critical case passed by, saw me and called another ambulance that came moments later and picked me up," she said. (Al-Jazeera, 17 February 2005)

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Hasayen neighborhood in the south of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinians: Mohammed Fathi al-Harsi, 20; and 'Emad Houtari, 20.(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Friday 18 February 2005

IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the old town of Hebron and near the Ibrahimi Mosque.� Today, IOF prevented Palestinian civilians from reaching the mosque for prayers.� They stopped and checked these civilians.� They also prevented calling for the prayers through megaphones.� This week, IOF imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in neighborhoods located in the center of the town, such as Tal al-Rumaida and Jabal al-Rahma.� They stopped and held Palestinian civilians for long hours. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)� ��

On Friday morning, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of Tulkarem, and prevented movement of Palestinian civilian vehicles for several hours. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Saturday 19 February 2005

On Saturday morning, IOF erected a checkpoint at Bala'a crossroads, east of Tulkarem, and prevented the movement of Palestinian vehicles for approximately 3 hours. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into the old part of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem.� They surrounded a number of shops in al-Birka area and forced the owners of 4 shops to close them.� According to eyewitnesses, IOF severely beat the owner of one shop, 33-year-old Bassem Na'im Subaih, after he refused to close his shop.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)� ��

IOF arrested Zuahir Jamil Hassouna, 57, from Rafah, at the Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border. The crossing point has been the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world since the beginning of the current Intifada. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Kufor Qaddoum village for the second consecutive week, prohibiting movement of Palestinian civilians in and out of the village. On Saturday morning, IOF positioned at an iron gate at the entrance to 'Azzoun 'Atma village, south of Qalqilya, prevented dozens of school children from Beit Amin village from reaching the joint school of the two villages.� 'Azzoun 'Atma village has been isolated by the annexation wall from the rest of Qalqilya district.� IOF established this iron gate 3 years earlier to control the movement of Palestinian civilians in and out of the village. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

IOF erected a number of checkpoints on the Nablus�Jenin road.� They checked Palestinian civilians and held them for a long time.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)�

IOF positioned at the entrance to Til village, southwest of Nablus, severely beat two teachers when they were on their way to schools in Til village, where they work.� One of the teachers was identified as Tariq Salahat, 55, from Tallouza village, north of Nablus. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Sunday 20 February 2005

On Sunday morning, IOF positioned at the entrance to Til village, southwest of Nablus, severely beat Mohammed Yousef Ramadan, 25.� He was injured in the face and the right eye.� At noon, IOF severely beat Sa'id Qassem, 55, from Iraq Bourin village, south of Nablus.� He sustained a fracture in the hand and bruises throughout the body.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

On Sunday morning, IOF started to construct new sections of the wall to the north of East Jerusalem, opposite to al-Ram village.� IOF have already completed the construction of the section of the wall between Dahiat al-Barid and Qalandya checkpoints, north of Jerusalem.��(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

On Sunday morning, IOF closed a number of roads to the south of Ramallah.� According to eyewitnesses, IOF closed "Atarot" and Ramot" checkpoints between Ramallah and Jerusalem, preventing access to Ramallah from the villages located to the northwest of Jerusalem.� (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

On Sunday morning, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance to Jayous village, northeast of Qalqilya, and stopped dozens of Palestinian civilians for several hours.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

IOF erected a number of checkpoints on the Nablus�Jenin road.� They checked Palestinian civilians and held them for a long time.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)� ��

At approximately 01:30, IOF positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Salam neighborhood near the border.� A Palestinian civilian, 28-year-old Jamal Talab al-Shawi, was wounded by a live bullet in the right shoulder. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 02:30, IOF positioned in a military post in Tal Za'orob area in the southwest of Rafah opened fire at Zor'ob neighborhood.� The Israeli gunfire continued sporadically until 05:30, during which Hamed Mohammed Khalil al-Dabbas, 29, was seriously wounded by several live bullets to the body.� He remained in the area bleeding until 10:30, when IOF informed the Palestinian side that there was a body and a wounded man in the area.� A Palestinian ambulance evacuated al-Dabbas to a hospital.� According to the ambulance driver, the medical crew did not find any body in the area.� Al-Dabbas and another person had apparently attempted to infiltrate through the Egyptian border.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah.� They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mustafa 'Ali 'Ayad, 20, and arrested him. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 10:00, IOF positioned in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at a number of Palestinian children who were playing on the ruins of houses already demolished in Block I in Khan Yunis refugee camp.� One of the children, 17-year-old Ahmed Mo'in 'Ali Sikkina, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the back.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

In violation of international humanitarian law, and the advisory opinion issued by International Court of Justice, today the Israeli cabinet approved new plans for the routes of the wall.� According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new plans will result in the annexation of only 3.3% of the West Bank territory to Israel, not including East Jerusalem, which had been already annexed.� Major settlements, where most of the 240,000 settlers live, will be annexed to Israel, such as "Gush Etzion" settlement block, southwest of Bethlehem, and "Ma'le Admomim" settlement bloc, east of Jerusalem.� Israeli academic sources refuted Israeli official claims regarding the area of the West Bank territory to be annexed to Israel, asserting that nearly 10% of the West Bank territory has been annexed and that media reports on land confiscation are not true, since they do not take into consideration East Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.�However, Palestinian sources indicate that the Wall will still annex approximately 50% of the west Bank territory, this will result in dividing the West Bank into three Bantustans, separating villages and towns.� It is imperative, despite the official Israeli position, that the ICJ advisory Opinion on this matter be fully implemented in the context of the annexation wall. A few hours following this approval, IOF started to construct a new section of the wall on the land of the villages of al-Judiara, Bir Nabala, al-Jeeb, Qalandya and Beit Hanina.� According to eyewitnesses, Israeli bulldozers started to destroy the main road leading to Bir Nabala village.� Thus these villages have become isolated from their surroundings, as IOF have already closed all of their entrances.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Monday 21 February 2005

On Monday morning, IOF closed Qalandya checkpoint again and prevented movement of Palestinian civilians. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into the Israeli controlled al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis.� They raided and searched a number of house belonging to the families of Hannoun and al-Najjar, and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians: 'Abdul Karim Fa'eq 'Abdul 'Aal, 20; and Manar Na'im Hannoun, 25. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata and 'Askar refugee camps.� They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Sa'id al-Akhras, 32, from Nablus.� IOF claimed that al-Akhras is a prominent member of Hamas.� (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

On Monday morning, IOF intercepted a Palestinian taxi that was traveling on the road that links Iraq Bourin village with Til village near Nablus.� They forced the driver and passengers out of the taxi and damaged its tires with knives for no apparent reason.�(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 10:00, a number of Palestinian journalists were filming the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, nearly one kilometre away from Tarqoumia crossing, west of Hebron.� IOF chased and expelled these journalists from the area.� When the journalists decided to resume their work, IOF detained 3 of them for nearly an hour.� The three journalists are: Yusri al-Jamal; Ma'moun Wazwaz; and Hussam Abu 'Allan, cameramen of Reuters and ABC.��(PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Tuesday 22 February 2005

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron.� They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Riad Braighaith, 54, and Anwar Braighaith, 53, and arrested them together with Sa'ed Anwar Braighaith, 24. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Data pending

Wednesday 23 February 2005

At approximately 01:00, IOF positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and the cemeteries area.� No casualties were reported, but a number of houses were damaged.� (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron.� They raided Mohammed Ibrahim Jabarin's house in the northeast of the village.� They held the 20 residents of the house in one room and transformed the house into a military site.� (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

At approximately 12:00, IOF in an Israeli military jeep opened fire for no apparent at a number of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the entrance of 'Awarta village, south of Nablus.� One of these civilians, 37-year-old No'man Salim Hassan 'Awad, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 24 February 2005)

Thursday 24 February 2005

Data pending.

Friday 25 February 2005

Four people are killed and at least 50 people are injured in a bomb blast outside a night club in Tel Aviv at 11:15PM. An Islamic Jihad official in Damascus told news agencies the bombing was in retaliation for Israel's violation of the truce. "The calm period with the [Palestinian] Authority was an agreement for a month and that has ended," the official, who gave his name as Abu Tareq, told the Associated Press. "Israel has not abided by the pacification period. This is the main reason that led to this operation," he added, without giving details. Islamic Jihad officials in the West Bank and Beirut echoed the claim, but the group's leadership in Gaza continued to deny that it was responsible... "The Palestinian Authority will not stand silent in the face of this act of sabotage," Mr Abbas said in a statement after meeting security chiefs. Mr Abbas blamed a "third party" but went no further. (BBC News, 26 February 2005)

Data pending

Saturday 26 February 2005

Data pending

Sunday 27 February 2005

Ariel Sharon: "This morning the Cabinet will receive a security briefing in the wake of the murder of four Israelis and the wounding of 49 in Friday's terrorist attack. The terrorist attack was perpetrated by members of Islamic Jihad. The orders came from Islamic Jihad elements in Syria; even though we know this for a certainty, the fact is not enough to absolve the Palestinian Authority (PA) of its responsibility for the departure of the terrorist and of its obligation to act against his partners in the crime. The immediate test for the PA will be in vigorous action against Islamic Jihad members. While the State of Israel is interested in advancing towards a settlement with the Palestinians, there will be no diplomatic progress, [there will be] no progress, until the Palestinians take strong action to eliminate the terrorist organizations and their infrastructures in the PA areas. Recently, the State of Israel has been showing restraint in order to facilitate progress; however, it is clear that if the Palestinians do not begin to take vigorous action against terrorism, Israel will be compelled to step up military activity that is designed to protect the lives of Israeli citizens. I re-emphasize that there will be no diplomatic progress as long as the Palestinians do not act in accordance with their commitments and eliminate the terrorist organizations. On behalf of the Government, I send condolences to the families [of the victims] and best wishes for a quick recovery to those who were wounded." (Sharon's remarks at today's Cabinet meeting, Information Department, Israel Foreign Ministry, 27 February 2005)

Data pending

Thursday, 3 March 2005

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. An IOF tank and 2 military jeeps stopped near a civilian car, a white Ford. At approximately 01:30, they destroyed the car. A number of neighboring buildings and two other civilian cars were damaged. At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested five Palestinians, including a child. The arrested were: Hussam Fares al-Sa'di, 35; Mujahed Mahmoud al-Sa'di, 17; Ahmed Yassin al-Sa'di, 27; Ahmed Ghazi al-Sa'di, 22; and Mohammed Ghazi al-Sa'di, 19. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested three Palestinians: Majed Yousef 'Atiya, 25; Mohammed Hisham 'Atiya, 23; and Tariq Ghaleb 'Atiya, 18. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 14:00, an undercover unit of IOF moved into Beit Sourik village, northwest of Jerusalem. They arrested four Palestinian children who were near an area, where IOF started to construct a section of the annexation wall: Mustafa Mohammed Khaled, 14; Ahmed Suleiman al-Sheikh, 14; Mohammed Adib al-Jamal, 14; and Nadi Khaled Mahmoud, 15. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 16:00, IOF positioned on a military observation tower at Tarousa crossroads in the west of Dura village, southwest of Hebron, opened fire at a number of passing Palestinian civilians. Three civilians, including a child, were wounded: Younis Mohammed al-Horoub, 18, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; Mohammed Saqer Masalma, 14, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg; and Ziad Mousa Abu Hulayel, 17, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

Friday 4 March 2005

In the first incursion since the Sharm al-Sheikh Summit, the IOF moved into al-Mughraqa village in the central Gaza Strip. They raided a house, forcing out its residents and using one of them as a human shield while searching the house. On the same day, 4 Palestinian children, including 2 brothers, were injured in Rafah when a shell that had been previously fired by IOF exploded. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 22:30, an infantry unit of IOF moved from "Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza City, nearly 70 meters into the neighboring al-Mughraqa village in the central Gaza Strip. IOF raided a house belonging to 'Ata Sa'id Mustafa al-Hilu. They forced the 15 residents of the house out and searched it. They used the owner's nephew, Jawad, 30, as a human shield while searching the house. IOF withdrew from the area at midnight and no arrests were reported. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

Saturday, 5 March 2005

At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Isma'il Abu Zahra, 26, and arrested him. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 19:00, IOF on a tank position on Rujeeb Mount opened fire for no apparent reason at Kufor Qallil village, southeast of Nablus. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded: Hayel Bassel 'Aamer, 27, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand; and Tha'er Bassem Mansour, 23, wounded by a live bullet in the hand. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

Sunday 6 March 2005

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Kufor Ne'ma village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Abdul Hakim Abu 'Aadi, 27, and arrested him. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

Monday 7 March 2005

At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Omar Mohammed Shalash, 22, and arrested him. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 08:45, IOF claimed that their soldiers positioned at the entrance to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron were fired at, so they imposed a curfew on the old town and the southern part of the town. They opened fire in the air to terrify Palestinian civilians and beat some of them. They prevented school children from going to their schools. They also raided and searched houses and interrogated their residents. Furthermore, they forced at least 200 Palestinian civilians aged 16-40 out of their houses and beat some of them. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

Tuesday 8 March 2005

At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Isma'il Abu Zahra, who has been detained in Israeli jails. They forced the 15 residents of the house out and searched it. According to the family, IOF took their son with them during this house raid. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 02:20, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested seven Palestinians: Khaled Daoud Daraghma, 27; Majed Subhi Daraghma, 31; Adham Saleh Tazaza'a. 20; Mohammed Khaled Nazzal, 25; Majdi Ahmed Saba'na, 20; Rami Khalil Nazzal, 22; and 'Adnan Yousef Abu Ma'alla, 29. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinians:
Ahmed 'Abdul 'Aziz Salim, 52; and Murad Jouda Salim, 35. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 14:30, IOF positioned in military posts at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Rafah, opened fire for no apparent reason at al-Shouka area in the southeast of the town. A Palestinian civilian, 46-year-old Yousef Kamel Abu Jazar, was wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen, when he was riding an animal cart hundreds of meters away from the border. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 18:00, IOF positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Block J in Rafah refugee camp. Mohammed Hamdan Zo'rob, 26, a member of the Palestinian National Security Force, was injured by shrapnel in the right leg, when he and two of his colleagues were driving a number of children away from the ruins of houses that had been already demolished by IOF. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

Wednesday 9 March 2005

At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Simba village near Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nayef 'Abdul 'Aziz Abu 'Aqil, 45, and arrested him. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into al-Bathan village, northeast of Nablus. They surrounded a civilian car, in which three Palestinian civilians were traveling. They opened fire at the car, wounding one of these civilians, 30-year-old Ahmed al-Khalili. They arrested him and the other two civilians: Yasser Sabah al-Fares, 28; and Ghassan al-Kammash, 30. Later, IOF arrested two Palestinian civilians in the same area: 'Emad Rabah Salahat, 26; and 'Abdul Hadi Ibrahim Salahat, 27. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 9 March 2005)

250 Fatah members in the Gaza quit the movement, citing chaos and "personalisation" of the leadership. This follows as many as 18 prominent Fatah leaders in the West Bank, including several legislators, resigning en masse from Fatah. (Al-Jazeera, 13 March 2005)

Thursday 10 March 2005

At approximately 01:30, the IOF, reinforced by 30 heavy military vehicles, three bulldozers and a helicopter, moved into al-Nazla village, north of Tulkarm. They surrounded 'Aatef Wajeeh Kittana's house. IOF ordered Kittana's wife, daughters and son-in-law, 27-year-old Mohammed 'Abdul Latif Hussein Abu Khalil, to get out of the house. The wife and her daughters got out of the house, while Abu Khalil remained inside. Immediately, IOF opened fire at the house, and Abu Khalil returned fire. The Israeli military bulldozers then moved towards the house and demolished parts of it. A few hours later, the IOF searched the ruins of the house and found Abu Khalil's body. The body was evacuated to a hospital in Tulkarm. According to medical sources, the victim was hit by several live bullets throughout the body. Israeli military sources claimed that he was a member of al-Quds Brigade, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad, and he was recently involved in planning an attack in Tel Aviv. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 02:00, the IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They surrounded Sa'id Sha'ban's house and blew open the front door. They forced the family out and searched the house. They threatened to kill the owner's son, 25-year-old Tha'er, if he did not surrender. IOF claim that Tha'er is an activist of the Islamic Jihad. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Satterfield said Thursday that Israel has yet to live up to its promise to remove illegal outposts. "The government of Israel has pledged that it will remove so-called unauthorized outposts, and that step has not been taken," he told a group of reporters from Middle Eastern media outlets. (Ha'aretz 11 March 2005)

Palestinian gunmen have stormed a meeting of the mainstream Fatah
faction in the West Bank firing into the air and smashing furniture. Fatah officials were meeting to discuss a standoff over internal reforms ahead of July parliamentary elections. The meeting was broken up by about 50 Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades members, a militant off-shoot of Fatah, forcing officials to flee. (BBC, 10 March 2005)

Israeli troops killed a member of Palestinian militant group
Islamic Jihad, Mohammed Abu Hazneh, a 28-year-old, in the village of Nazlat al-Wusta in the northern West Bank. The man was suspected of planning last month's suicide attack on a Tel Aviv nightclub, the Israeli army said. Israeli troops killed him by bulldozing his house after he shot an army dog sent in to flush him out, reports say. (BBC, 10 March 2005)

Friday 11 March 2005

In the early morning, the IOF moved into Hebron and the neighboring al-Sammou' village. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians: 'Aassem Talal al-Karaki, 17, from Hebron; and Nayef 'Abdul 'Aziz Abu 'Aqail, 54, from al-Sammou' village. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Saturday 12 March 2005

At approximately 03:00, the IOF moved into Kufor Ra'ei village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Aassem Khaled Melhem, 23, and arrested him. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 07:00, the IOF moved into the villages of Saida and 'Allar, north of Tulkarm. They opened fire at houses and imposed a curfew. They raided and searched dozens of houses and arrested 2 Palestinians: Samer Ra'ouf Khandaqji, 20; and Lutfi Hamed Abu Hafiza, 22, both from 'Allar village. The IOF took position at the entrances of these two villages and prohibited movement to and from. They also occupied a number of houses from which they opened fire at Palestinian civilians. One civilian, 35-year-old Eyad Kamel Abu 'Asba, was wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the face. Also at approximately 07:00, the IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched dozens of houses and occupied three of them. In the afternoon, the IOF moved into al-Nazla village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched dozens of houses and occupied two of them. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 23:00, the IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, arrested two Palestinian civilians when they were attempting to infiltrate Israel to search for jobs: Khaled Ahmed al-Sa'aida, 18; and Ziad 'Abdullah Sa'id, 19, both from Wadi al-Salqa village to the east of Deir al-Balah. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Sunday 13 March 2005

The Israeli cabinet Sunday decided to delay action against illegal settlement outposts, even as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon acknowledged that evacuation of the outposts is required of Israel under the terms of the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan. Less than a week after a government-sponsored report accused Israel of funding and building Jewish settlement outposts across the West Bank in violation of its own laws and international mandates, the cabinet sent the report's recommendations to a ministerial committee for more study. The expansion of Jewish settlements is one of the most volatile issues between Israelis and Palestinians, who say that settlement growth in the West Bank will make it difficult to create a viable, independent state. Outposts, which range in size from a few mobile homes to dozens of more permanent buildings, are used to expand and connect settlements. (The Washington Post, 14 March 2005)

Israel Public Radio reported on Sunday that the Defence Ministry was to appoint contractors this week to go ahead with the construction of a second barrier in the occupied Gaza Strip that seeks to prevent Palestinians from entering Israel. Work on the 70m wide barrier is due to be completed before Israel begins its planned three-to-four-week evacuation of all the 8000 Jewish colonists and occupation forces from occupied Gaza from July 20, the radio added. Israel claims building another barrier is essential deterrent to bar the infiltration of Palestinians. The existing barrier was built one year after the 1993 Oslo accords, more or less along the 1967 Green Line, almost hermetically sealing the Palestinians living in the 362sq km territory. (Al-Jazeera, 13 March 2005)

In a Jerusalem meeting Sunday night with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan Sunday, Sharon told Annan that there would be no progress on the road map peace plan until the Palestinian armed factions are completely disarmed, rejecting Abbas's proposal that a cease-fire would be enough to allow the start of final-status agreement negotiations. (Ha'aretz, 14 March 2005)

At approximately 03:00, the IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Bassem Shaker Shubaita, 43. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Also at approximately 03:00, the IOF moved into al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinians: Hassan Kharroub, 20; and Khaled Ahmed Hassan, 20. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 17:00, the IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched Tayseer Khader's house. They withdrew from the village at approximately 18:30 and no arrests were reported. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 20:00, the IOF moved into Baqa al-Sharqia village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested four Palestinians: 'Abdul Hafiz Mohammed Abu 'Arisha, 26; Anas Fu'ad Jaber, 25; Jamil Hassan Jaber, 23; and Farid Dahesh Jaber, 29.

Late that night, the IOF positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Jabalya village, opened fire at three Palestinian children who were apparently attempting to infiltrate Israel to search for jobs. One of the children, Mahmoud Ibrahim al-Bo'bo', 16, from Beit Lahia, was seriously wounded by two live bullets in the abdomen. IOF arrested another child, Muhannad Mohammed Wersh Agha, 17, from Beit Lahia, while the third child escaped. The children did not pose any threat to the lives of Israeli troops. Attempts of infiltration from the Gaza into Israel to search for jobs have recently increases due to the severe economic conditions in the Gaza Strip. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Monday 14 March 2005

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided how Israel's West Bank barrier will be routed near Jerusalem, officials say. The barrier will cut East Jerusalem and the largest West Bank settlement, Ma'ale Adumim off from the rest of the West Bank, and will divide Bethlehem. Palestinians said the unilateral decision could jeopardise efforts to revive peace talks. "This is a policy of dictation and not negotiation," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. "This prejudges and prejudices the outcome of permanent status negotiations." The barrier segment is due to be completed by the end of the year. The town of Bethlehem will be divided so that the shrine of Rachel's Tomb is on the Israeli side. Palestinian demonstrators denounced the plan on Monday, massing outside the government complex in Ramallah in the West Bank where UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was visiting. They demanded implementation of a ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague last year that the barrier is illegal and must be torn down. (BBC, 14 March 2005)

Israel has still not kept a promise that it made the United States last April to demarcate the built-up areas of every West Bank settlement, for the purpose of setting limits on the settlements' growth. As a result, the U.S. has halted the work of the Israeli-American task force that was supposed to deal with this issue. (Ha'aretz, 14 March 2005)

At approximately 09:00, the IOF moved into Hazma village, northeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched Farouq Salah al-Din's house and arrested his two children: Mohammed, 11; and 'Ali, 10. IOF claimed that the two children threw stones at a settler car a few days earlier. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 10:00, the IOF opened fire at a Palestinian civilian car to the north of Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. A Palestinian civilian, 52-year-old Saleh Ibrahim Mahmoud, was wounded by a live bullet in the right foot. According to Mahmoud, he traveled in a car driven by Mohammed Ahmed Babeih, 47, to his agricultural land to the north of Bala'a village. As soon as they arrived there and got out of the car, IOF opened fire at them. They immediately got into the car again, but IOF continued to fire at them. IOF hurried towards the car and ordered them to get out. The two got out of the car with their hands up. IOF detained them for three hours, while Mahmoud was bleeding. Then, an ambulance evacuated Mahmoud to the hospital. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At noon, medical sources at Rafidya Hospital in Nablus declared that Adham Hassan al-Sha'lan, 22, from 'Ein Beit al-Maa' refugee camp, west of Nablus, died from a wound he had sustained on 23 November 2004. According to PCHR's documentation, on 23 November 2004, IOF moved into 'Ein Beit al-Maa' refugee camp. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and threw stones at Israeli military vehicles. Immediately, IOF opened fire at the stone throwers, wounding al-Sha'lan with a live bullet in the back. According to medical sources, he was paralyzed as the live bullet hit the spinal column. He received medical care at local hospitals and at a hospital in Jordan. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 20:30, the IOF moved nearly 70 meters into al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. They searched the area and later stated that they had two unarmed Palestinians. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon rejected a Palestinian bid to win a formal cease-fire with militants, a statement from his office said: "The cease-fire the Palestinians are working for does not give up the terror option, and is not a solution, and to this we cannot agree," Sharon told the visiting Dutch prime minister in a meeting that took place after Palestinian militant leaders suggested in Cairo they were ready to offer a formal truce. (Reuters, 14 March 2005)

Tuesday 15 March 2005

At approximately 02:00, the IOF moved into Salem village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched Radi Khaled Eshtayeh's house and arrested his son, 18-year-old Tho'aib. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 03:00, the IOF moved into Wad al-Hariya area in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hatem Suleiman Qaffeesha, 34, and arrested him. They also summoned his brother, Sameeh, for interrogation. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Also at approximately 03:00, the IOF moved into Beit Oula village near Hebron and arrested Mohammed Salim al-'Adam, 25. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 04:00, the IOF moved into al-Sawahra village, southeast of Jerusalem. They raided and searched Nemer Isma'il's house and arrested his child, 16-year-old Hadi. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 04:30, the IOF positioned at an iron gate at the entrance to Habla village, south of Qalqilya, fired at Khaled 'Abdul 'Aziz Daoud, 21, from Qalqilya, when he was near the annexation wall. He was wounded by a several live bullets in the legs. He was evacuated by an Israeli ambulance to an Israeli hospital. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

Wednesday 16 March 2005

At approximately 01:00, the IOF moved into al-Mughayer village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and attested three Palestinians, including two brothers: Fu'ad Mahmoud Abu 'Olaya, 22; Samer Muneer Abu 'Olaya, 18; and Tamer Muneer Abu 'Olaya, 17. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

At approximately 02:00, the IOF moved into Tayaseer village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinians: Mohammed Khaled 'Aamer, 30; and Ghanem Mohammed Daraghma, 32. (PCHR, Weekly Report, 16 March 2005)

One Palestinian from Qalqiliya was injured after IDF fired at him near the Zfim agricultural gate. (OCHA, weekly briefing, 23 March 2005)

Settlers attacked a Palestinian house in Hebron, causing the house to collapse after striking the building's walls with hammers. The settlers also assaulted police IDF troops guading the site with stones, eggs and water bombs. According to Israeli police spokesman Shlomi Seguy, a police officer was wounded when filming the settlers damaging the house's foundations. One settler was arrested. The building, known as Beit Sharabati, was evacuated on IDF orders shortly after the outbreak of the intifada. Police have maintained a regular guard to protect the home against attacks since a Supreme Court ruling reversed the army order. (Ha'aretz, 17 March 2005)

In Anabta, east of Tul Karm, IDF soldiers wounded a Palestinian youth, whom they claim had thrown a fire bomb. The wounded man fled and another youth was held for questioning. (Ha'aretz, 17 March 2005)

Shots were fired at an IDF outpost near Moshav Gadid in Gush Katif. There were no casualties. (Ha'aretz, 17 March 2005)

Palestinian and Israeli peace activists held demonstrations in Bil�in and Saffa villages (west Ramallah district) against the construction of the Barrier on 16 March. The IDF used tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets to disperse the protesters. Four Palestinians and one Israeli peace activist were injured. (OCHA, weekly briefing, 23 March 2005)

Two confiscation orders were sent by mail to landowners for 170 dunums located in Tura al Gharbiya village, on the west side of the Barrier. The confiscation orders were issued by the Authority responsible for absentee property and state land. (OCHA, weekly briefing, 23 March 2005)

Settlers from Kdumim burnt and uprooted 45 olive trees belonging to Palestinians from the village of Kafr Qaddum (Qalqiliya). (OCHA, weekly briefing, 23 March 2005)

Thursday 17 March 2005

Israeli settlers from Nakhli�el settlement near Beitillu village, central Ramallah district, attacked eight Palestinian workers inside the settlement with stones and clubs. The workers, who are from the Bethlehem area, all have permits to work inside the settlement. Five
workers were injured, one seriously.

Palestinians stoned an IDF patrol in Beit �Ur at Tahta, south-west Ramallah district. The IDF responded with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets. One Palestinian was injured.

A 19 year old Palestinian was injured by gunfire from the IDF outpost near Rafiah Yam settlement in Rafah. (OCHA, weekly briefing, 23 March 2005)

Friday 18 March 2005

Settlers from Berakhya beat a Samaritan Palestinian near the Samaritan village of mount Jarzeem, near Nablus city. The Palestinian was injured and evacuated to a hospital in Nablus. (OCHA, weekly briefing, 23 March 2005)

Palestinians fire mortar shell at southern Gaza Strip settlement; no casualties or damage caused. (Ha'aretz Flash News, 18 March 2005)

Tens of settlers from Khalamish settlement (central Ramallah district) occupied land in An Nabi Salih near road 465 which contained water valves controlling the supply of water to the settlement and neighbouring Palestinian villages. The settlers clamed ownership of the land. The IDF arrested four Palestinians after clashes erupted between settlers and Palestinian villagers. (OCHA, Weekly Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

Sunday 20 March 2005

Palestinian schoolchildren from Bil�in and Saffa villages (west Ramallah district) held an anti-Barrier demonstration. The schoolchildren stoned the IDF and the IDF fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets. Three schoolchildren were injured, two seriously. Two Border Police were lightly injured.

Palestinians opened fire on the IDF and Israeli Police in the Al Am�ari refugee camp on the outskirts of Ramallah city during a search campaign for stolen vehicles. Three IDF soldiers and an Israeli police officer were injured; one of the soldiers remains in a serious condition.

A 12 year old boy was beaten by IDF in �Illar (Tulkarm). The boy was injured and evacuated to a hospital in Tulkarm. (OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

A Palestinian worker sustained serious injuries from shots fired by a Border Police soldier near Gilo checkpoint in Bethlehem as he was attempting to cross into Jerusalem. (OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

Monday 21 March 2005

Demonstrations against the Barrier construction continued in Bil'in village. Two Palestinians were injured. (OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

The Israeli authorities demolished an uninhabited house in Beit Hanina for lacking a building license. (OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

The IDF uprooted 16 olive trees during construction of the Barrier between Bil'in and Saffa villages, western Ramallah district. The trees were handed over to villagers who replanted them.

The IDF bulldozed two dunums belonging to the Islamic Waqf department near Rachel�s Tomb at the northern entrance to Bethlehem to build a parking lot for the buses transporting Jewish worshippers to the tomb, according to the Palestinian DCL in Bethlehem. (OCHA Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

The Israeli military announced that Palestinian security forces had been given authority over the West Bank town of Tulkarm and nearby villages as of 8 p.m. A military spokeswoman said the roadblock separating the town from the villages would be removed Tuesday morning. Israeli forces will continue to control the Tulkarm gate in the barrier built by Israel to wall off the West Bank, the spokeswoman said. (The Washington Post, 22 March 2004)

Tuesday 22 March 2005

The IDF uprooted at least 300 olive trees in the western side of Surif (Hebron Governorate) along the Green Line, for the construction of the barrier.

The Israeli authorities demolished 2 houses in Silwan for "lacking a building license". One house was inhabited by 8 persons. (OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes, 23 March 2005)

Residents of Nahhalin (west Bethlehem Governorate) received evacuation orders for agricultural land they own next to the village. The orders, left on the ground by the IDF, under the Absentee Property Law give 45 days to the Palestinians to withdraw from the land and return it to its original status. The orders provide coordinates but no area measurement, leaving unclear the exact area affected.

Palestinians from the southern Mount Hebron region reported Tuesday
morning that Jewish settlers had attempted to poison flocks of sheep
owned by local shepherds. The settlers reportedly dispersed contaminated feed over a 30 dunam (seven acre) area. (Ha'aretz, 22 March 2005)

The Israeli government approved the construction of 3,500 homes around Maale Adumim, its largest illegal settlement, in a further move to consolidate its grip over parts of the West Bank, especially East Jerusalem, ahead of any peace negotiations. Infuriated Palestinians accuse Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of using international support for his plan to pull
Jewish settlers out of the Gaza strip as a cover to expand settlements in the West Bank. (The Guardian, 22 March 2005)

Wednesday 23 March 2005

data pending

Thursday 24 March 2005

data pending

Friday 25 March 2005

Israeli settlers from Yitzhar, near Nablus, threw stones and clashed with Israeli security forces who arrived at the settlement to investigate an attack by settlers against a nearby Palestinian village. About twenty residents of the settlement rioted earlier in the Palestinian village of Asira al-Kabaliya. The settlers threw stones, breaking a window in one of the houses. Some 150 settlers later heckled police and IDF officers, called them Nazis, punctured a tire of a military vehicle and prevented them from entering the settlement. Troops and police left the area without making any arrests. (Ha'aretz,
25 March 2005)

Monday 28 March 2005

Israeli troops conducted an early raid into the West Bank town of Jenin
early Monday, carrying out house-to-house searches and arresting eight Palestinians, witnesses and the army said. One soldier was lightly wounded when an explosive device was thrown at the troops, the army said. The army said that the eight were militants with Islamic Jihad, while residents said that three were members of the Palestinian national security forces, and the other five were not known to be militants. (Agence France Presse, 28 March 2005)

Israeli troops shot and seriously wounded two brothers in the town of Kafr Qalil near Nablus. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli troops set an ambush in a deserted house then shot a Palestinian outside his house and his brother was also shot while trying to help his sibling. (Bahrain News Agency, 29 March 2005)

Tuesday 29 March 2005

Palestinians open fire on IDF outpost along Karni-Netzarim road in central Gaza; no casualties or damage. (Ha'aretz Flash News, 29 March 2005)

Israeli police arrest settler youth in West Bank suspected of incitement. (Ha'aretz Flash News, 29 March 2005)

Palestinians open fire on IDF troops on Egyptian border in southern Gaza Strip near Rafah; no casualties. (Ha'aretz Flash News, 29 March 2005)

* 1 dunum = 1/4 acre or 1000 m²

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