Weekly Report on Human Rights Violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 23 June 2006

A Palestinian civilian standing on the debris of his house which was destroyed by Israeli Occupation Forces in Toura al-Gharbiya village. (PCHR)


Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Escalate Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)
  • 8 Palestinians, including 3 children and a pregnant woman, were killed by IOF.
  • 7 of the victims, including 5 civilian bystanders, were killed in 3 extra-judicial execution attempts by IOF.
  • 45 Palestinian civilians, including 24 children, were wounded by IOF gunfire.
  • IOF conducted 50 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
  • 57 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children and 2 women, were arrested by IOF.
  • 4 houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.

    IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF have continued to close border crossings of the Gaza Strip; Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian Border has been closed; the north of the West Bank has been separated from the south; and IOF arrested 15 Palestinians, including 4 children, at checkpoints in the West Bank.

    IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; IOF razed more areas of agricultural land near “Shavi Shomron” and “Ariel” settlements in the north of the West Bank; and IOF demolished a house in Deir al-Ghosoun village near Tulkarm.

    Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the OPT; a Palestinian civilian was injured; 5 houses were damaged; and IOF demolished two houses in East Jerusalem and Silwad village.

    Summary

    Israeli violations of international law continued in the OPT during the reported period (15–21 June 2006):

    Killing: During the reported period, IOF killed 8 Palestinians, including 3 children and a pregnant woman. 7 of the victims, including 5 civilian bystanders, were killed in 3 extra-judicial executions in the Gaza Strip, and the eighth victim was killed during an exchange of fire with IOF in ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp, west of Nablus.

    During the reported period, IOF committed 3 extra-judicial executions in the Gaza Strip. In the firs operation, 2 members of the Islamic Jihad were killed, and in the second and third, the targeted persons survived the attack, while 3 children, a pregnant woman and a man were killed and 30 other Palestinians, including 13 children and 3 women, were wounded. IOF admitted responsibility for these attacks. The attacks follow a series of decisions taken by the Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz to escalate extra-judicial executions against Palestinian militants, in an effort to stop the launching of locally made rockets at Israeli towns.
    In the West Bank, 17 Palestinian civilians were wounded by IOF gunfire.

    Incursions: During the reported period. IOF also conducted at least 50 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 57 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children and 2 women. Thus, the number of Palestinians arrested by IOF since the beginning of 2006 has increased to 1780. IOF also transformed 4 houses into military sites. In these incursions, IOF employed undercover units and trained dogs.

    Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose a comprehensive siege on the OPT, in violation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinian civilians.

    IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip, transforming it into a large prison. IOF have continued to monitor the movement of Palestinian civilians through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border. On 21 June 2006, the international observation team suspended work at the crossing point. Although IOF allowed the transportation of food aid from Egypt into the Gaza Strip through Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, southeast of Rafah, in April 2006, the crossing has not yet been officially opened. IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from the Gaza Strip from reaching their work places in Israel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing. They have continued to prevent hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip from traveling to the West Bank. IOF have partially operated al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. As a result of the repeated closures of the crossing, the economic conditions in the Gaza Strip have deteriorated.

    IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF have continued to separate the north and south of the West Bank. For this purpose, they have closed Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, and re-established their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. They have also erected two new checkpoints near Ramallah. During the reported period, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around Nablus imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank abused a number of Palestinian civilians. During the reported period, IOF at checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 15 Palestinians, including 4 children.

    Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank. During the reported period, IOF razed areas of Palestinian land near “Shavi Shomron” and “Ariel” settlements in the north of the West Bank to construct a section of the Wall in the area. IOF also demolished a house in Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. On 16 June 2006, IOF used forced to disperse a peaceful demonstration organized in protest to the construction of the Wall in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 3 Palestinians civilians, including a child, were wounded.

    Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in Hebron. During the reported period, a Palestinian civilian was injured and 5 houses were damaged in attacks by settlers, and IOF demolished two houses in East Jerusalem and Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah.

    Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (15–21 June 2006)

    1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

    Thursday, 15 June 2006

  • At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Kufol Hares village, southwest of Nablus. They patrolled the streets and erected a number of checkpoints. They withdrew from the village a few hours later. No arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:
    1. Yasser ‘Abdul Fattah ‘Amru, 23;
    2. Ahmed Doudin, 25;
    3. Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Zunaid, 35; and
    4. ‘Ali Mohammed Abu Zunaid, 28.
  • Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Beit al-Roush, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed two of them into military sites. IOF also arrested Muneer Hassan al-Huraibat, 23.
  • At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into ‘Askar refugee camp, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. Eyad Ahmed Sudani, 29; and
    2. Ashraf Ahmed Sudani, 26.
  • At approximately 04:15, IOF moved into ‘Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed As’ad Daqqa, 26, and arrested him. IOF soldiers also abused his father and held him in a neighboring house after forcing him to take off most of his clothes.

    Friday, 16 June 2006

  • At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. IOF withdrew from the city a few hours later. No arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Nasara neighborhood in the southeast of Hebron, near “Kiryat Arba” settlement. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nasri ‘Ali Da’na. They held the 11 residents of the house in one room on the first floor and transformed the house into a military site.
  • At approximately 23:30, IOF moved into al-‘Aqaba village, southeast of Jenin. They fired live bullets and flash bombs at houses and imposed a curfew. They ordered Palestinian civilians to get out of houses and gathered them in yards. They then raided and searched houses. IOF have recently started to break into villages in the Jordan Valley to force non-residents of the area out.

    Saturday, 17 June 2006

  • At approximately 00:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Buqai’ area in the east of Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Sa’ed Falah al-Shuraitah, 21, and arrested him.
  • At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. IOF withdrew from the city a few hours later. No arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Kharabtha al-Misbah village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:
    1. Ma’ath Halawa, 23;
    2. Hani Najas, 22;
    3. Amjad Hammouda, 22;
    4. Nasser Dahbour, 20; and
    5. Khaled Najas, 19.
  • At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into al-‘Obaidiya village, east of Bethlehem, and imposed a curfew. They patrolled the streets. At approximately 18:00, IOF withdrew from the village and no arrests were reported.

    Sunday, 18 June 2006

  • At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Khellat al-Dar neighborhood in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched 5 houses and summoned a number of their residents to IOF intelligence. These house belong to:
    1. ‘Abdul Mo’ti Abu Sunaina;
    2. Waleed ‘Abdul Fattah Abu Sunaina;
    3. Joudi Mustafa Abu Hussein;
    4. ‘Abdul Qader Abu Hussein; and
    5. Fares ‘Ali Abu Hussein.
  • At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Sourif village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Saif al-Din ‘Abdul Fattah al-Hour, 22, and arrested him.
  • At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Salem village, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. ‘Oqba Najeh Eshtayeh, 17; and
    2. ‘Emad Mohammed Eshtayeh, 20.
  • At approximately 04:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and imposed a curfew on al-Yassamina quarter in the old town. They then raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported. IOF withdrew from the city at approximately 07:30.
  • At approximately 07:40, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
    1. Samer Mohammed Khamaisa, 24;
    2. Ameen Ahmed Khamaisa, 23; and
    3. Mohammed Nizam Jaradat, 20.
  • At approximately 11:30, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They imposed a curfew and patrolled the streets. They then raided and searched a number of houses and interrogated their residents. They also raided Abu al-Hassan al-Qassem Hospital and the campus of al-Quds Open University. They held dozens of students and medical personnel and checked their identity cards. IOF withdrew from the village at approximately 15:00 and no arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 13:00, IOF moved into Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched a vehicle from the Palestinian National Security forces. They confiscated the vehicle and arrested two security men, but later released them at 20:00:
    1. Mohammed Ibrahim Fuqaha, 32; and
    2. Amjad Ibrahim ‘As’ous, 29.

    Monday, 19 June 2006

  • At approximately 00:50, IOF moved into Bethlehem. They raided and searched a number of houses in al-Maslakh neighborhood and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. ‘Alaa’ al-Din Mohammed al-Dard’awi, 29; and
    2. Khalil Mohammed al-Dard’awi, 27.
  • At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Salfit village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nisreen Fu’ad Madi, 28, a mother of 3 children, and arrested her.
  • At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and raided and searched a number of houses. They withdrew from the city at approximately 06:00, and no arrests were reported.
  • Also at approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Jenin. They patrolled the streets. They withdrew from the town and approximately 06:00, and no arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Kufor Ra’ei village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets. They withdrew from the village at approximately 04:00, and no arrests were reported.
  • Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They patrolled the streets. They withdrew from the village at approximately 04:00, and no arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Abu al-‘Asja village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Samer ‘Ezzo al-Nammoura, 20, a member of the Palestinian General Intelligence, and arrested him.
  • Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Abu Emrish village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tariq Mohammed Shaheen, 23, and arrested him.
  • At approximately 05:00, IOF moved into Beeta village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian children:
    1. Ibrahim ‘Aayed Hamayel, 16;
    2. Qais Hassan Hamayel, 15;
    3. Fadel Mohammed Bani Shamsa, 16; and
    4. Hussein Sabri Hamayel, 17.

    IOF released the last three children at approximately 20:00, but kept the first boy custody.

  • At approximately 09:30, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a workshop and arrested Ahmed ‘Emad al-Shawareb, 40.

    Tuesday, 20 June 2006

  • At approximately 01:10, IOF moved into Wad al-Bathan village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Tayseer Daoud Salahat, 22, a police officer, and arrested him.
  • Also at approximately 01:10, IOF moved into Beer al-Basha village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nayef Mohammed Ghawawda, 19, and arrested him.
  • Also at approximately 01:10, the IOF air force fired a missile at a workshop belonging to Mohammed al-Masri, 41, in the densely populated al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City. The workshop was destroyed but no casualties were reported. IOF often attack workshops claiming that they are used by Palestinian resistance organizations to manufacture weapons.
  • At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Ramallah and al-Bireh. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians, including a woman:
    1. Mai ‘Izzddin Kayed, 36, the wife of ‘Aziz Kayed, assistant secretary general of the Palestinian cabinet, who has been detained by IOF since 30 May 2006; 2. ‘Omar Salem ‘Owaida, 27;
    3. Mohammed Nasrallah, 25;
    4. Sami Kamel, 23; and
    5. Yousef ‘Adnan, 22.
  • Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Bitounia town, southwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. Naser Abu ‘Awisa, 25; and
    2. Mahmoud Waddah, 26.
  • At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Hariya and Jabal Abu Rumman neighborhoods in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. ‘Eissa Mustafa Abu Hussein, 27; and
    2. Sufian Mousa Junaid, 24.
  • At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into al-Duhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Ya’qoub al-‘Abed, 43, and arrested him.
  • Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Isma’il Ahmed al-Rajoub and transformed it into a military site.
  • Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into the west and south of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. ‘Ameed Mohammed Abu Zaina, 18; and
    2. Munther Mansour ‘Aashour, 18.
  • At approximately 03:10, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:
    1. Sameer Waddah Qaderi, 26;
    2. Mahmoud ‘Emad al-Qutob, 19;
    3. Firas ‘Owaijan, 24; and
    4. Majid Ghaleb ‘Antar, 20.
  • At approximately 01:10, an IOF undercover unit moved into Nablus, traveling in a civilian car with a Palestinian registration plate. The car stopped near a taxi office in Rafidya neighborhood in the west of the city. A number of IOF soldiers got out of the car and arrested two Palestinians from the office:
    1. Ra’ed Shubaita, 24, a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a military wing of Fatah movement; and
    2. Khaled al-Masri, 36, a taxi driver.
  • At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into al-Zawia village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ameer Shafeeq. They violently beat the owner’s two children: Daoud, 16; and Ahmed, 13. No arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 22:00, IOF moved into the south and southwest of Hebron. They erected a number of checkpoints and stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. They also raided two fuel stations, a school and number of shops.

    Wednesday, 21 June 2006

  • At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinians:
    1. Hani Shafe’ Saba’na, 34, a police officer;
    2. Fadi Khaled Khuzamiya, 22, a police officer; and
    3. Tariq Maher Zakarna, 21, a university student.
  • Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses but no arrests were reported.
  • At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nablus. At approximately 03:15, a number of IOF vehicles moved towards ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ refugee camp, west of the city. Soon after, armed clashes erupted between a number of Palestinian militants and IOF. One of the militants was wounded by a live bullet to the head. IOF did not allow anyone to get to him. At approximately 06:15, he was brought to Rafidya Hospital dead. Two Palestinian civilians were also wounded by IOF gunfire:
    1. Yousef Mohammed Abu Leil, 27, wounded by a live bullet to the leg; and
    2. Ahmed Yousef Nazzal, 26, wounded by shrapnel to the face.
  • At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
    1. Fadel Isma’il al-‘Odara, 45; and
    2. Mahmoud Mohammed al-‘Odara, 35.
  • Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Hawoz neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched the office of the Islamic Charitable Society for Orphans. They confiscated a number of file, 5 computers and damaged the furniture. At approximately 03:30, IOF moved towards al-Sair neighborhood in the north of the town. They raided and searched the office of al-Ihsan charitable society. They confiscated 3 computers, 3 mobile phones and a number of files.
  • At approximately 11:00, IOF moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron, opening fire into the air. A number of Palestinian children threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired live bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians. Murshed Salama Abu Zunaid, 65, suffered from tear gas inhalation as a result.
  • At approximately 13:10, IOF moved into Nablus. They took position in the center of the city and closed the entrances of the old town. A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. Immediately, IOF fired at Palestinian civilians, wounding 12 of them, including 8 children:
    1. ‘Ammar Mohammed Jamous, 18, seriously wounded by a live bullet to the abdomen;
    2. Rafeeq Hamdi Qandeel, 17, seriously wounded by a live bullet to the back;
    3. Mahmoud Waleed Abu al-Huda, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the face;
    4. Tayseer Najeh Khatatba, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the neck;
    5. Ahmed Mahdi Bakeer, 11, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left foot;
    6. Fawzi Qassem Abu al-Dahab, 69, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the abdomen;
    7. Zaher Barakat ‘Ashi, 42, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the face;
    8. Sa’ed Maher Beshtawi, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the hand;
    9. Hamad Jameel al-Sharqawi, 17, wounded by two rubber-coated metal bullets to the left hand and the back;
    10. Fidaa’ Ibrahim Sa’id, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the neck;
    11. Zainab Fu’ad al-Jouhari, 15, wounded by shrapnel to the neck; and
    12. ‘Abdul Rahman Hani al-Ghoul, 13, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left thigh.

    2. Extra-Judicial Executions

    During the reported period, IOF conducted 3 extra-judicial execution operations in the Gaza Strip. In the first operation, two members of Islamic Jihad were killed, and in the second and third, the targeted persons survived the attack, while 3 children, a pregnant woman and a man were killed, and 30 other Palestinians, including 13 children and 3 women, were wounded. IOF admitted responsibility for these attacks.
    According to investigations conducted by PCHR:

  • At approximately 21:45 on Thursday, 16 June 2006, an IOF aircraft fired a missile at a civilian car, in which two members of Islamic Jihad were traveling, near al-Shuhada intersection to the south of Gaza City. The missile hit the car and destroyed it. One of the occupants was instantly killed and the other was seriously wounded. The latter died shortly after his evacuation to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The two victims were identified as:
    1. Habeeb ‘Aashour, 29; and
    2. ‘Emad Yassin, 27, both from Gaza City.
  • At approximately 19:20 on Tuesday, 20 June 2006, an IOF aircraft launched at least one missile at a civilian vehicle (a white Volkswagen) that was traveling on the road that links Jabalya town with the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, which is a densely populated area. Three members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a military wing of the Fatah movement, were traveling in the car. They managed to jump out of the car shortly before the missile hit the front of the car. The car was destroyed. Shrapnel from the missile also killed 3 Palestinian children who were nearby:
    1. Mohammed Jamal Shukri Rouqa, 6;
    2. Samia Mahmoud Ziad al-Sharif, 5; and
    3. Bilal Jasser al-Hissi, 16.

    In addition, 13 Palestinian civilians and the two targeted persons were wounded:
    1. Waleed Riad al-Semari, 33;
    2. Ahmed Sa’d al-Din al-Batran, 34;
    3. Rabab Ahmed al-Batran, 11;
    4. ‘Abdul Rahman Hani Rouqa, 5;
    5. Nabeel ‘Abdul Rahman Rouqa, 45;
    6. Yahia al-Bawab, 11;
    7. ‘Emad Abu Hamad, 35;
    8. Ahmed Yahi al-Bawab, 16;
    9. Nazmi Khalil Barakat, 50;
    10. Ayman Mohammed Dababesh, 19;
    11. Mohammed Yahia al-Bawab, 18;
    12. Hamada Abu Hamada, 40;
    13. Qassem Ahmed al-Batran, 2;
    14. Shams Yousef Maqat, 8; and
    15. Mohammed ‘Abdul Bari Khilla, 9.

  • At approximately 18:10 on Wednesday, 21 June 2006, the IOF air force fired a missile at the Salah al-Din area of Khan Yunis, while a number of members of Islamic Jihad were passing in the area, traveling in a civilian car. They managed to escape but the missile hit a nearby house belonging to ‘Abdul Qader Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, 57. Ahmed’s family and his two sisters’ families were in the house at the time. His brother and his sister were killed:
    1. Zakaria Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, 45, hit by shrapnel to the chest; and
    2. Fatema Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, 37, pregnant, hit by shrapnel to the head.

    In addition, 11 others, including 6 children, were wounded inside the house:
    1. Mohammed Ibrahim Erbaye’, 46, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;
    2. Widad Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed, 45, seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout the body;
    3. Widad Mohammed Erbaye’, 7, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body;
    4. Fadiya ‘Abdul Rahman Ahmed, 70, wounded by shrapnel to the head, the chest and the hands;
    5. Khaled Nidal Wahba, 2, seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout the body;
    6. Farah Nidal Wahba, 3, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body;
    7. ‘Abdul Qader Ahmed Ahmed, 57, the owner of the house, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body;
    8. Tariq ‘Abdul Qader Ahmed, 14, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;
    9. Ahmed ‘Abdul Qader Ahmed, 14, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;
    10. Ahmed Sufian Ahmed, 9 months, wounded by shrapnel to the head; and
    11. Shaimaa’ Sufian Ahmed, 5, wounded by shrapnel to the head.

    Four civilians, including a child, were also wounded near the house:
    1. Ashraf Mahmoud Sha’at, 28, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;
    2. Nassim Mahmoud Abu Jouda, 25, from Rafah, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs;
    3. Khaled ‘Awad Fayad, 10, wounded by shrapnel to the limbs; and
    4. Eihab Mohammed Abu Mughassib, 24, wounded by shrapnel to the leg.

    3. Continued Siege on the OPT

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

    Gaza Strip

    Although IOF have been redeployed around the Gaza Strip, they have maintained the occupation of the Gaza Strip by controlling all outlets and crossings.

  • Rafah International Crossing Point: Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border is the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world. Daily working hours at the crossing point have been increased to 10 hours. On Wednesday morning, 21 June 2006, the crossing point was closed because international observers, who supervise work at the crossing point, did not arrive, and so the crossing point was closed. It is noted that, Kerem Shalom commercial crossing to the southeast of Rafah, which is designated for imports under joint Israeli-Palestinian control has not been operating fully. The crossing was opened a few weeks ago, however, to allow the transportation of food aid from Egypt into the Gaza Strip due to the economic crisis in the Gaza Strip caused by repeated closures of al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing. On Friday, 5 May 2006, IOF closed the crossing in violation of the Israeli-Palestinian agreement on border crossings.
  • Al-Mentar (Karni) Commercial Crossing: The crossing is the only commercial one serving the Gaza Strip. IOF frequently close the crossing as a means of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians. During the reported period, IOF partially operated the crossing and allowed the importation of limited amounts of goods, but prohibited the exportation of goods from the Gaza Strip.
  • Beit Hanoun (Erez) Crossing: IOF have prevented Palestinian workers from reaching their work places inside Israel through Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing since 12 March 2006. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip have been prevented from traveling through this crossing. IOF have allowed international workers and Palestinian National Authority officials who have VIP cards to pass through the crossing, but without their private cars. Concerning serious medical cases, which require medical care in Israel, these patients are subjected to prolonged and complicated checks by IOF. IOF have prevented patients under 35 from entering Israel, and imposed a condition that patients must be transferred to hospital rather than to clinics and private medical centers. Patients are subjected to prolonged and complicated checks that often extend up to 6 hours. IOF have also prevented Palestinian ambulances from entering Israel and families of patients have been therefore forced to hire Israeli ambulances at high prices.
  • Sofa crossing: IOF also control Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, which is designated for the transportation of construction raw materials. IOF repeatedly close the crossing for no apparent reason.

    The closure of border crossings deprives the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip of their right to freedom of movement, education and health.
    IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on fishing in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 35,000 people in and around Gaza’s coastal communities rely on the fishing industry, including 2,500 fishermen, 2,500 support staff and their families. Fishermen have been subjected to intensive monitoring by IOF, which use helicopter gunships and gunboats to monitor the fishermen. On a number of occasions the Israeli military has opened fire against the civilian fishermen in order to enforce the 9 nautical mile limit imposed on them. The Oslo Accords make provision for Gaza’s sea to be fished to 20 nautical miles.

    The West Bank

    IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.

  • Ramallah: IOF have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They reinforced their presence at ‘Attara checkpoint, north of Ramallah. According to eyewitnesses, IOF positioned at the checkpoint abuse Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday morning, 20 June 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at Tormos’aya intersection, and another one in the Wadi al-Haramiya area, north of Ramallah, on the Ramallah–Nablus road. IOF positioned at the two checkpoints stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

    At approximately 19:00 on Sunday, 18 June 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint near Qalandya crossing, south of Ramallah, arrested 5 Palestinian workers:
    1. Mahmoud Subhi Shousha, 22;
    2. Waddah Younis Za’oul, 23;
    3. Bilal Fakhri Hamamra, 24;
    4. ‘Aadel Isma’il Shousha, 37; and
    5. Isma’il Mohammed Shousha, 22, all from Housan village near Bethlehem.

  • Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday morning, 15 June 2006, IOF erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of villages located to the east of the city. They prevented Palestinian civilians from passing through these checkpoints. On Saturday morning, 17 June 2006, IOF positioned at various checkpoints around Nablus imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially university students. On Monday morning, 19 June 2006, IOF positioned at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to Ramallah. They conducted prolonged checks on Palestinian civilians. On Tuesday morning, 20 June 2006, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF positioned at Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, conducted prolonged searches for Palestinian civilian vehicles.

    At approximately 15:00 on Thursday, 15 June 2006, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested Mohammed ‘Abdul rahim Yassin, 22, a member of the Palestinian General Intelligence, from Tulkarm.

    At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 18 June 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Nablus arrested Firas Yousef Mashaqi, 19, from Yassid village northwest of the city.

    At approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, 20 June 2006, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, arrested two members of the Palestinian Military Intelligence: Samer Sati al-Budairi, 24; and Mousa ‘Awad Bani Shamsa, 24, both from Beeta village south of Nablus.

  • Tulkarm: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Thursday, 15 June 2006, IOF continued to close Wad al-Teen checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. They prevented Palestinian civilians from crossing the checkpoint and chased young men who were using alternative dirt roads. At noon, IOF closed Ennab checkpoint, east of the town. On Friday, 16 June 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at Bala’a intersection, east of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. They also chased civilians who were using alternative dirt roads. At the same time, IOF erected another checkpoint at Ras Rummana intersection, north of the town. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians. On Saturday, 17 June 2006, IOF positioned at Wad al-Teen checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, including medical crews. At the same time, IOF closed Bala’a checkpoint, east of the town. On Sunday, 18 June 2006, IOF reinforced their presence on the roads leading to Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Monday, 20 June 2006, IOF closed Wad al-Teen road, south of Tulkarm, for three hours. On Tuesday, 21 June 2006, IOF expanded Wad al-Teen checkpoint point, south of Tulkarm, apparently to make it a permanent checkpoint.

    At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 15 June 2006, IOF positioned at Ennab checkpoint, east of Tulkarm, arrested Ahmed Sidqi Zaidan, 27, from Rameen village east of Tulkarm.

  • Jenin: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Saturday morning, 17 June 2006, IOF closed the northern Jordan Valley, southeast of Jenin, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the area. On the same day, IOF erected 3 checkpoints at the entrances of Tubas village, southeast of Jenin. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Tuesday morning, 20 June 2006, IOF erected a checkpoint at ‘Arraba intersection, southwest of Jenin, and another one near al-Zababda village, southeast of the town. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

    At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 18 June 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint near Kufor Ra’ei village, southwest of Jenin, arrested Rami Jawadat al-Za’atna, 17, from Fahma village.

    At approximately 09:00 on Monday, 19 June 2006, IOF positioned at ‘Arraba checkpoint, southwest of Jenin, arrested Firas Ahmed Ghawadra, 16, from Beer al-Basha village south of Tulkarm.

    On Wednesday morning, 21 June 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint on the Nablus–Tubas road, southeast of Jenin, arrested Sa’eb Subaih, 22, from Tayaseer village.

  • Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in Hebron. During the reported period, IOF erected more checkpoints on the roads leading to the town and inside the town itself. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians, particularly students. At approximately, 15:00 on Sunday, 18 June 2006, IOF closed Nabi Younis entrance on bypass road (60) and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians on the road.

    On Saturday afternoon, 17 June 2006, IOF positioned at a checkpoint to the west of Sa’ir village near Hebron stopped and violently beat Zuhair Mohammed Jaradat, 19, while he was on his way back home.

    On Saturday evening, 17 June 2006, IOF positioned in the south of Hebron stopped, checked and violently beat Raja’ei Hussein al-Ja’bari, 23. He sustained bruises throughout the body.

    At approximately 18:00 on Sunday, 18 June 2006, IOF positioned near al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, arrested two Palestinian children, claiming that they had thrown stones at IOF vehicles: Mahran Yousef Hassan, 15; and Mohammed ‘Abdul Fattah Jawabra, 16.

    At approximately 17:40 on Monday, 19 June 2006, IOF positioned in the old town of Hebron stopped and violently beat Talab ‘Izziddin Jaber, 29, while he was on his way home. He sustained bruises throughout the body.

    On Tuesday morning, 20 June 2006, IOF positioned in the old town of Hebron stopped and violently neat Diaa’ Kamel al-Hammouri, 11. He sustained bruises throughout the body.

  • Bethlehem: On Saturday, 17 June 2006, IOF reinforced their presence to the south and east of Bethlehem. They erected a number of checkpoints in these areas, and stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles.

    4. Construction of the Annexation Wall

    IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside West Bank territory.

  • During the reported period, IOF have continued to construct a section of the Wall near “Ariel” settlement, southwest of Nablus. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli surveillance teams have placed signs that determine the route of the Wall in the area. IOF bulldozers have also leveled land in the area.
  • During the reported period, IOF resumed leveling near “Shavi Shomron” settlement, northwest of Nablus, to complete the construction of a section of the Wall near it. At the beginning of this year, IOF completed the construction of a section of the Wall to the east of the aforementioned settlement, near the Nablus–Jenin road, which has been closed by IOF since 15 August 2006. In response to a petition submitted by the local councils of the villages of Sabastia, Deir Sharaf and al-Naqoura, the Israeli High Court issued a temporary injunction stopping the construction of the Wall. However, on 30 May 2006, the court approved resumption of the construction of the Wall in the area. On 4 June 2006, IOF resumed land leveling in the area. The construction of the Wall in the area will seize 53 dunums of Palestinian agricultural land and will uproot at least 350 olive trees. IOF informed the local council of Deir Sharaf village, that they will establish 3 gates on the Wall to allow Palestinian farmers to reach their land, but only with special permits. IOF have always claimed that they will allow Palestinian farmers to have access to their land isolated behind the Wall, but they have restricted access of farmers to their lands.
  • Also during the reported period, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. They demolished an 80-square-meter, two-storey house belonging to Yousef Khamis Dafira, which is 100 meters away from the Wall.
  • At approximately 13:30 on Friday, 16 June 2006, about 300 Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 3 Palestinians civilians, including a child, were wounded:
    1. ‘Ouda Rebhi Abu Rhma, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back;
    2. Basheer Fahmi ‘Abdul Majeed, 24, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the chest; and
    3. Ashraf Mohammed Jamal, 24, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the abdomen.

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

    Israeli settlers (living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law) have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property:

  • At approximately 11:00 on Saturday, 17 June 2006, dozens of Israeli settlers organized a march that moved from the old town intersection in Hebron towards the Ibrahimi Mosque, through Palestinian quarters and markets. IOF escorted the march. During the march, dozens of settlers chased and attacked Palestinian civilians and their property, and insulted Prophet Mohammed. IOF did not intervene to stop these attacks.
  • At approximately 12:00 on Monday, 19 June 2006, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They demolished a 140-square-meter, under-construction house belonging to Haitham ‘Abdullah Mahmoud.
  • At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 19 June 2006, a number of armed Israeli settlers moved from “Beit Hada” settlement outpost in the center of Hebron and attacked a number of Palestinian houses using stones and empty bottles. They also chased Mousa ‘Abdul Mo’ez Seder, 60, and violently beat him. He sustained a fracture to the right hand and bruises to the upper part of the body. A number of houses were also damaged.
  • At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 20 June 2006, IOF moved into Um Touba neighborhood in East Jerusalem. They demolished a 70-square-meter house belonging to ‘Ali Khalil Abu Matar.

    Recommendations to the International Community

    1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under Article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel’s respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR believes that the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as if it is above the law and encourages Israel continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law..
    2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel’s respect of the Convention in the OPT and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.
    3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in Article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.
    4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of exposing those accused of grave breaches of international law and to urge their governments to bring these people to justice.
    5. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPT.
    6. PCHR calls upon the member States of the EU, and all other states, to adopt a voting pattern at the UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights which is keeping with international law.
    7. PCHR demands that the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion be immediately implemented by the international community.
    8. PCHR calls on the international community to recognize the Gaza disengagement plan for what it is - not an end to occupation but a compounding of the occupation and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
    9. In recognition of the ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPT, including the facilitation of family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
    10. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and NGOs, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel’s respect for human rights in the OPT and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.
    11. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access for international organizations to the OPT, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal with Israeli citizens in a similar manner.
    12. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

    The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is an independent legal body based in Gaza City dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law and upholding democratic principles in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and is an affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists, the Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme (FIDH), and the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network. PCHR is a recipient of the 1996 French Republic Award for Human Rights.