Palestinian Center for Human Rights 10 August 2005
Muwasi is located between the sea and the Gush Katif settlement block. In this corner of the Gaza Strip some 6,000 Palestinians live completely cut off from the outside world. (Arjan El Fassed)
Willful Killing: On 07 August 2005, IOF opened fire at Palestinian houses in Rafah and killed a Palestinian civilian. On 08 August 2005, IOF shot dead a Palestinian child in Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. The child had not participated in the clashes that two place between the IOF and a number Palestinian children - he was visiting his relatives in the camp. During the reported period, 9 Palestinian civilians were wounded by the Israeli gunfire.
Incursions and Shelling: IOF conducted 45 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and 4 incursions into the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 45 Palestinian civilians. IOF also seized 10 houses and transformed them into military sites. During one incursion into the Gaza Strip, IOF used a Palestinian civilian as a human shield when searching houses.
Restrictions on Movement: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). During the reported period, IOF closed the two checkpoint several times and for several hours. IOF have also imposed a complete siege on al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis, a few days before the expected implementation of the ‘disengagement’ plan. For the fourth consecutive week, IOF have continued to prevent Palestinians aged 16-35 from traveling through Rafah International Crossing Point. Also for the fourth consecutive week, IOF have continued to close Za’tra checkpoint, south of Nablus, and Enab gate, east of Tulkarm, in the West Bank. They also erected a number of checkpoints and arrested at least 8 Palestinian civilians. In the West Bank PCHR field workers documented 3 cases of inhumane treatment by IOF at military checkpoints.
Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the ‘Annexation’ Wall inside the West Bank territory. For this purpose, they razed more areas of agricultural land in Beit Sourik village, northwest of Jerusalem. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists in protest to the construction of the Wall. Four demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation and IOF arrested 17 international and Israeli solidarity activists. IOF also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians on both sides of the Wall. On Sunday, 07 August 2005, IOF informed a Palestinian civilian in Kherbat Jebara village in Tulkram near the Wall that his house would be demolished.
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. Two Palestinian civilians were wounded by lives bullets and 6 others, including 4 children, sustained bruises. The settlers also burnt parts of a house in al-Maswasi area in Khan Yunis.
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