NOVANEWS |
 Palestinian civilians are cleaning the Al-Aqsa Mosque after storming it by Israeli forces . AFP Israeli forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
(10– 16 September 2015)
Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protests in the West Bank. 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded in Kufor Qaddoum and Silwan protests. Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas along the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian field regulation officer working in the border area was wounded. Israeli forces conducted 47incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 2Palestinian civilians were wounded in Tulkarm and Jenin during Israeli incursions. 48 civilians, including 12 children and 3 women, were arrested. 26 of these civilians, including the 12 children and 3 women, were arrested in occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli forces arrested 7 Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip who attempted to sneak into Israel through the borders to find work. Israel continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. Many checkpoints were established in the West Bank. Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea. Israeli forces continued efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in occupied East Jerusalem. Al-Aqsa Mosque was raided several times, during which its contents were damaged. 11 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, a woman, a civil defense officer and 2 journalists, were wounded. Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. Israeli forces issued new house demolition notices. Settlers attempted to kidnap a child in Hawwara village, south of Nablus.
Summary Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (10 – 16September 2015). Shooting: Israeli forces continued to use force against Palestinian civilians participating in peaceful protests in the West Bank. In the Gaza Strip,Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas along the Gaza Strip borderline and to attack and chasePalestinian fishermen in the sea.During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 20 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children and 3 women, 2 of whom are journalists, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Moreover, 9 journalists sustained bruises as they were directly attacked by Israeli forces. In the West Bank, 19 Palestinian civilians, including 6 children, 3 women and a civil defence officer, were wounded; 11 of whom were wounded in occupied Jerusalem, one in Jenin, another one in Tulkarm and the others were participating in peaceful protests against the settlement activities and annexation wall. On 13 September 2015, 5 Palestinian civilians, including a child, a civil defence officer and 2 journalists, were wounded when Israeli forces stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city in occupied Jerusalem. Moreover, 9 journalists sustained bruises as they were directly attacked by Israeli forces who stormed the mosque. On the same day, a 24-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the left thigh during an Israeli incursion in Jenin city and its refugee camp. On 14 September 2015, a 68-year-old civilian sustained a bullet wound to the eye when Israeli forces stormed al-Aqsa Mosque and fired sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets. In addition, a 26-year-old civilian from al-Eisawiya village, northeast of Jerusalem, was wounded, but Israeli forces obliged the ambulance transporting him at gunpoint to head to Hadasa Hospital and then arrested him. On 15 September 2015, a Palestinian woman sustained shrapnel wound in her leg by a sound bomb when Israeli forces raided al-Aqsa Mosque for the third day. Israeli forces also fired sound bombs and threw stones at Palestinian worshipers to secure the settlers’ raids in the new Hebrew year. On the same day, a Palestinian civilian was wounded when Israeli forces moved into the vicinity of Palestine Technical University- Khadoorie after a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered near the old liaison office, west of Tulkarm, in protest at storming al-Aqsa Mosque. On 14 September 2015, 3 Palestinian children were wounded in East Jerusalem in 3 separate incidents. A 14-year-ols child was wounded while being present in front of his family house in Ras al-Amoud neighborhood and was then arrested. A 13-year-old girl sustained a bullet wound to the neck during clashes between Palestinian civilians and Israeli forces at the entrance of al-Eisawiya village, north of East Jerusalem. A 17-year-old child from Shu’fat refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, was wounded when Israeli forces chased and fired at him. Israeli forces continued to use excessive and systematic use of force against peaceful protests organized by Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights activists in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the oPt. As a result,6 civilians, including 2 children, were wounded. In the Gaza Strip, on 15 September 2015, a Palestinian field regulation officer in the border area was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis in the south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a jeep of the Field Regulation Service that was on the dirt road lately established 250 meters away from the border fence, east of Abasan. On 13 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, northwest of Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area, but no casualties were reported. In the context of targeting Palestinian fishermen, on 11September 2015, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahia in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically around fishing boats. Similar shooting incidents occurred on 12 and 13 September 2015, but neither casualties nor material damage were reported.However, the fishermen were terrified and sailed back to the shore. Incursions: During the reporting period,Israeli forces conducted at least 47 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and8 ones in East Jerusalem.During these incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 48Palestinians, including 12 children and 3 women. Twenty-six of these civilians, including the 12 children and 3 women, were arrested in East Jerusalem. Restrictions on movement: Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people. The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (KeremShaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Settlement activities On 16 September 2015, Israeli forces handed Mohammed Ezzat Makhamra from Kherbet Khellet al-Mayeh, east of Yatta, south of Hebron, a notice to halt construction works in his 2-storey house, under the pretext of non-licensing. On the same day also, Israeli forces handed Mohammed Ra’ed al-Emour from Kherbet Erfa’iya, southeast of Yatta, south of Hebron, a similar notice under the pretext of not licensing the construction of his 1-storey house. In the same context, on 13 September 2015, a number of settlers in a vehicle coming from the western part of Hawwara village, south of Nablus, attempted to kidnap a 7-year-old child, who was walking in the street. A settler tried to pull the boy into the car, but the boy screamed and fell down and sustained bruises in the neck and back. Details 1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip Thursday, 10 September 2015 On Wednesday afternoon, 09 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel arrested two Palestinian civilians while trying to sneak into Israeli via the fence, east of al-Zanah area to the east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. They were taken to an unknown destination. The arrested civilians were identified as Thaer Jamil Harb Abu ‘Asi (22) and Mahmoud Jamil Hasan Abu ‘Asi (19), from Bani Suheilah, east of Khan Younis. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Oja village, north of Jericho. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Nassar ‘Abdel Rahman Efreijat (55) and arrested his son, Ashraf (22). At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Saleh Ahmed Saleh (34) in Joret al-Sham’ah village, south of Bethlehem. They arrested him and took him to an unknown destination. At approximately 04:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’bod village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim ‘Abdel Rahim Jaber Abu Baker (21) and arrested him. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Atil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’in Mazen Mustafa Hudrob (21) and arrested him. At approximately 11:00, Israeli forces moved into Hebron. They stationed in Abu Katilah area and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of ‘Abdel Salam ‘Othman Karamah (48). They damaged his furniture and then arrested him. The Israeli soldiers also raided the house of his brother, Faisal (40), and arrested him as well. The two brothers were released after a few hours of being detained in an Israeli camp, east of the city. Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Beit Oula village, west of Hebron; al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron; Bani Na’im village, east of the city; and Shweikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm.
Friday, 11 September 2015 At approximately 02:40, Israeli forces moved into al-Zawiyah village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested Naji Mahmoud Qaddourah Mawqedi (41) and Ra’fat Haron Nemer Mawqedi (27) and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 19:15, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire sporadically in the vicinity of the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles. The shooting which continued for 15 minutes caused fear among fishermen, who were forced to flee. Neither causalities nor damages were reported. At approximately 23:00, Israeli forces moved into Yasouf village, east of Salfit. They patrolled the streets and then chased a number of civilians. They arrested Bader Samir Mohammed ‘Abayah (22) claiming that he threw stones at them. Israeli forces released him and withdrew at approximately 00:00. No further incidents were reported. Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Askaka village, east of Salfit; Jayous village; Kafr Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya; Dura, villages of Beit Marsam, al-Karmel and Deir Samit in Hebron.
Saturday, 12 September 2015 At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Nablus. They stationed in the vicinity of Middle Cooperation Housing project in the southeast of the city. They raided and searched a number of houses. They arrested ‘Azzam Fawzi Abu al-‘Adas (29) and confiscated his laptop and cell phone. At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Usamah Jebril Ghuneim (24). They handed him a summons to refer to the Israeli intelligence in “Gosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of the city. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel arrested two civilians while trying to sneak into Israel, east of ‘Abasan al-Kabirah to the east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The arrested persons were identified as Hamzah Khaled Khudeir al-Qahwaji (23), who is married and have 4 children, and Zakariah Mohammed al-‘Abed Abu Lehia (21), who is single, and both are from Bani Suhaila, east of the city. Al-Qahwaji’s brother said to a PCHR fieldworker that the Israeli police called his mother at midnight on Sunday, 13 September 2015, telling her that her son Hamzah was arrested. Meanwhile, the father of Abu al-Lehia said to a PCHR fieldworker that his son left home at approximately 02:00 on the aforementioned day, and in the morning he knew that his son was arrested while trying to sneak into Israel via the border fence. At approximately 18:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, fired live bullets and shells in the vicinity of the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles. The shooting which continued for 10 minutes caused fear among fishermen, who were forced to flee. Neither causalities nor damages were reported. At approximately 20:20, Israeli forces moved into al-Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched stores and confiscated their surveillance cameras. At approximately 22:20, Israeli forces withdrew, and no further incidents were reported. Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-Majd village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron; Hawarah village, south of Nablus; and al-Naqourah village, northwest of the city.
Sunday, 13 September 2015 At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces stationed along the coastal border fence, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at the border area adjacent to the border fence. No causalities were reported, but the shooting caused fear among fishermen who were practicing their work 500 meters away to the south of the coastal fence. They were forced to flee from the area for fear of being wounded. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Yatta, south of Hebron. They stationed in al-Karaj, al-Sha’abin and Khelet Buheis areas. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim Buheis (31). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Thaheriyah village, south of Hebron. They stationed in Doma area in the west of the village and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ibrahim Mohammed Abu ‘Alan (19). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Aqbet Jaber refugee camp, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Tariq Hazem Dawwas (40) and his brother, Khalil (27). They arrested both of them. At approximately 05:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin and Jenin refugee camp adjacent to the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Suleiman Rabah Farid Farahtah (22) and arrested him. Dozens of Palestinian youngsters gathered to throw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who in response opened fire at the stone-throwers. As a result, Ahmed Hasan Mohammed Bali (24) was hit with a bullet to the left thigh and was then taken to Martyr Dr. Khalil Suleiman Hospital to receive medical treatment. Israeli forces withdrew later taking the aforementioned civilian to an unknown destination. At approximately 22:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire sporadically in the vicinity of the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles. The shooting which continued for 15 minutes caused fear among fishermen, who were forced to flee. Neither causalities nor damages were reported. Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-Fawar refugee camp, south of Hebron; Beit al-rosh al-Foqa village, west of Dura, southwest of Hebron; and Bita village, south of Nablus.
Monday, 14 September 2015 At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed in Haninah neighbourhood in the south of the town. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Walid ‘Issa ‘Amr (19). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 10:00, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered near the old military liaison established on Palestinian lands, west of Tulkarm, to protest against the Israeli attacks on the al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. As soon as they arrived at the area near the vicinity of the aforementioned office, Israeli forces moved into the area and heavily fired tear gas canisters. The youngsters in response threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the Israeli vehicles. Israeli forces fired live bullets and rubber-coated bullets forcing the administration of the Palestine Technical University (Kadoorie) to evacuate the university. The shooting resulted in wounding Mahmoud ‘Ezzat Mahnmoud Abu Dayyah (23) with a bullet to the left leg. The wounded person was then taken to Martyr Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm to receive medical treatment. At approximately 13:00, Israeli forces arrested 4 civilians who were trying to sneak into Israel via the border fence to the east of al-Sonati area in the east of ‘Abasan village, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. According to PCHR’s investigation, four youngsters approached the border fence, east of al-Sonati area, and when Palestinian Field Regulation officers noticed them, they tried to chase them and fired a bullet in the air to stop them. Israeli soldiers deployed along the border fence fired a number of bullets at the four youngsters who crossed the border. The Israeli soldiers ordered them to take their clothes off and then arrested them taking them to an unknown destination. Three of them were identified as Bahaa’ Mohammed Kamel al-Qahwaji; Mohammed Mousa Khalil al-Qahawaji and Fayeq Samir Farhan. At approximately 18:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence off al-Seifa area, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, arrested Hamadah Nabil Mousa al-Radi’a (22) from the Public Street in Beit Lahia. The aforementioned civilian was arrested while trying to sneak into Israel to work there. His brother, Rani, said that the family received a phone call from a private number at approximately 23:30 on the same day telling them that Hamadah was underarrest in Israel. Rani contacted the ICRC which confirmed that his brother was under arrest in al-Majdal Prison. At approximately 22:00, Israeli forces moved into Ya’abod village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of agricultural lands, south of the village. They detained 3 civilians who were on their lands and questioned them on the spot. Israeli forces withdrew later after releasing them. No further incidents were reported. The detained persons were identified as Jihad Eyad Nemer Abu Baker (20); Mohammed Ghaleb Nemer Abu Baker (19); and Mohammed Ahmed Nemeber Abu Baker (19). Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: al-Samou’a village, south of Hebron; Sair village, east of the city; and Halhoul, north of Hebron.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015 At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron. They stationed in al-Thaher neighbourhood and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Jamal ‘Abdel Majeed Qahadeen (52). They arrested his son, Waseem (21), and took him by foot to “Kermi Tsour” settlement established Palestinian lands confiscated from the south. A number of Israeli soldiers raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Youif Ibrahim Qoqas Ekhlayel. They wrote down all the names, numbers and ID cards. At approximately 16:00, they withdrew from the village. At approximately 10:45, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Kahn Younis in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire at a jeep belonging to the Palestinian Field Regulationofficers in the border zone. The jeep was patrolling on the sand street which was established 250 meters away from the border fence, east of al-Sonati area in the east of ‘Abasan, east of the city. As a result, a Palestinian officer (23) was hit with a bullet to his hand. Limited exchange of fire occurred, and minutes later it calmed down. The wounded person was taken to the European Gaza Hospital to receive medical treatment. His condition was described as moderate. Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Ethna village, west of Hebron, Sa’ir village, east of the city; and Abu al-‘Asja village, southeast of Dura, southwest of Hebron.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015 At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into the centre of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They stationed in al-Hamam Valley neighbourhood and then raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Hazem Akram ‘Awad (20). They arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They stationed near the UNRWA distribution centre and then raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed ‘Abdel Fattah Jawabrah (19). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Shyoukh village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mo’sab Zuhair Halayqah (24). Israeli forces arrested the aforementioned civilian and withdrew later taking him to an unknown destination. Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces carried out incursions in the following areas, but no arrests were reported: Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron; Ethna village, west of the city; and Senjel village, north of Ramallah. 2. Use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrations protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall During the reporting period, Israeli soldiers used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli policies in the Palestinian territory. As a result, 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, were wounded; 4 of them in Kafor Kadoum weekly demonstration, northeast of Qalqilya, while the two children were wounded in Selwad demonstration, northeast of Ramallah. Demonstrations against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activity Following the Friday prayer on 11 September 2015, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities.The protestors tried to cross the fence. Israeli soldiers stationed behind the wall, fired live bullets, rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs and chased them into the olive fields and into residential houses in response. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organized a peaceful demonstration in the center of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind the annexation wall, so they threw stones at them. Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the civilians, and chased them into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah, in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to rob by force near “Halmish” settlement. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning to prevent them from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived at the aforementioned land, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and were chased into the village. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. At approximately 13:30 on Friday, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs. As a result, 4 civilians, were wounded. The first one, 24, was hit by a sponge-tipped bullet ; the second one,25, was hit by a bullet to the right leg; the third one, 24, was hit by a bullet to the left leg; while the fourth one, 18, was hit by a bullet to the right leg. At approximately 17:00 on Saturday, 12 September 2015, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized a protest in the center of Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest against closing that entrance since the beginning of al-Aqsa Intifada with an iron gate. When they arrived at the entrance of the gate, the demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up. Other Demonstrations On Friday afternoon, 11 September 2015, dozens of youngsters gathered in the southern entrance of Salwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad and Yabroud, near Street (60) to organize a protest against Israeli policies. The protestors set fire to tires and threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response. As a result, 2 children were wounded and were taken to Palestinian Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive medical treatment. A 16-year-old child was hit by a ToTo bullet to the left leg, between the ankle and the knee, while a 17-year-old child was hit by a ToTo bullet under the left knee. 3. Continued closure of the oPt Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Gaza Strip Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets. Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports. Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish. Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested. Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah
Exports:
On Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 94.06 tons of tomatoes; 76.4 tons of potatoes; 7.04 tons of Eggplants; and 9 tons of clothes. On Tuesday, 08 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 45.2 tons of Tomatoes; 9.2 tons of sweet potatoes; 11.88 tons of eggplants; and 4.32 tons of cucumbers. On Wednesday, 09 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of 2 truckloads of tomatoes; a truckload of fish and 2 truckloads on furniture. On Thursday, 10 September 2015, Israeli forces allowed the exportation of a truckload of clothes, a truckload of fish, 7truckloads of vegetables and 3 truckloads of potatoes.
Note: Israeli forces closed the aforementioned crossing on Monday, 14 September, and Tuesday, 15 September 2015. Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.
Movement at BeitHanoun (“Erez”) crossing 07 September – 15 September 2015
Notes: On Tuesday, 08 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 48 Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque, while on Friday, 11 September 2105, they allowed 268 others to perform prayers in al-Aqsa Mosque. On Monday, 07 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 2 persons working in international organizations or foreigners to renew their permits. On Thursday, 10 September 2015, Israeli authorities allowed 17 farmers to attend an agricultural training course in Israel. On Monday and Tuesday, 14-15 September 2015, Israeli authorities completely closed the crossing under the pretext of Jewish holidays. West Bank Israel has imposed a tightened closure on the West Bank. During the reporting period, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians: Hebron: Israeli forces established 11 checkpoints in various areas in the governorate. On Thursday, 10 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance of Halhoul village, north of Hebron, and at the entrance of Samou’ village, south of Hebron. At approximately 07:30 on Friday, 11 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Athana village, west of Hebron. At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 12 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Beit Awaa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. On Sunday, 13 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of al-‘Aroub refugee camp, south of Hebron, and at the entrance of Abdu village, southeast of Dura village, southwest of Hebron. On Monday, 14 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the entrance of al-Daheriya village, south of Hebron, and at the northern entrance of Yatta village, south of Hebron. On Tuesday, 15 September 2015, Israeli forces established 2 checkpoints at the northern entrance of Yatta village and at the entrance of al-Koum village, southwest of Dura, southwest of Hebron . At approximately 15:00 on Wednesday, 16 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Halhoul village, north of Hebron. Qalqilya: Israeli forces established 7 checkpoints in various areas in the city. On Saturday, 12 September 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance of ‘zoun village, east of Qalqilya, the second checkpoint between Jayous and Kafor Jamal villages, northeast of the city, and the third checkpoint were established at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. On 14 September 2015, Israeli forces established 3 checkpoints at the entrance of Hejaa village, at the entrance of ‘azoun village, east of Qalqilya, and at the eastern entrance of Qalqilya. At approximately 03:00 on Tuesday, 15 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint between Jayous and Kafor Jamal villages, northeast of Qalqilya. Tulkarm: At approximately 20:00 on Thursday, 10 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance of Shoufa village, southeast of Tulkarim. At approximately 21:30 on Monday, 14 September 2015, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on the main road between Tulkarm and other villages located in the north of Tulkram, which called (al-Sha’rawiya), near the intersection of ‘alar and ‘Ateel villages, north Tulkram. At approximately 21:00 on Tuesday, 15 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed at ‘nab military checkpoint on the main road between Tulkram and Nablus, stressed their arbitrary measures against Palestinian civilians and restricted their movement. Jenin: On Monday, 14 September 2015, Israeli forces stationed at al-Jalama checkpoint separating between Jenin and Israel, northeast of Jenin, closed the checkpoint against the Palestinian civilians movement , who have a permit allowing them to travel into Israel on the occasion of Jewish holidays. Note: all the aforementioned checkpoints were later removed, after the inspection of the vehicle and its passengers and detained them for varying periods, and no arrests were reported.
5. Efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem Storming al-Aqsa mosque and wounding of 7 civilians, including a child, a woman and 2 journalists
It is worth saying that Israeli special forces closed the doors of al-Qibli Mosque with iron bars and chains and sprayed pepper spray over Palestinian men, who were inside. In addition, they beat those who were present in the yards. Israeli forces closed most of al-Aqsa Mosque gates for the second day and erected police checkpoints at the open ones (Hetta and al-Selsela gates). They also imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers and denied those less than 45 years old entry. Furthermore, they launched an arrest campaign in the vicinity of the mosque, due to which 11 Palestinians were arrested and taken to al-Maghareba detention facility. The majority of these civilians were harshly beaten. The arrested civilians were identified as: Mostafa Nasser al-Kharouf (24), a photojournalist, Nasser Ahmed Nofal (23), Ramzi Zuhair al-Jo’ba (19), Mazen Halawa (21), Malek Ghanem, Ibrahim Abu Ermaila, Omer Wazwaz, Tamer Khalaf, Mohammed Abu Farha( 24) and Mahmoud Saleem. Moreover, Israeli forces arrested Madeleine Essa (36) and took her to al-Masqoubiya detention facility.
Use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians
An eyewitness said to a PCHR fieldworker that a settler harshly beat Zaid Abu Quaider (8) in Batn al-Hawa for no reason. This coincided with the presence of a Palestinian young man in the place, who intervened to protect the child. The eyewitness added that the young man and the settler quarrelled, during which, about 20 settlers sprayed pepper spray over a group of children aged 5-14 years old. He said that the settlers had gone out of Jamal Sarhan building that was lately seized by the settlers. The eyewitness said that the residents of the area gathered to treat the children, but Israeli forces and settler guards moved into the place and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to disperse them and protect the settlers. As a result, Abdullah Abu Nab (60) and Mahdi al-Rajabi (14) sustained serious burns and suffered pepper inhalation, due to which they were taken to al-Maqased Hospital for medical treatment. Moreover, nine children and 3 women suffered tear gas inhalation.
According to a PRCS statement, Israeli officers stopped an ambulance and threatened its crew. They got into the ambulance and sat near the wounded person, Morad Sarandah (26). Afterwards, they obliged the ambulance to head to Hadasa Hospital. It should be noted that Sarandah was wounded during clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the said village.
Incursions and arrests
5. Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property
Israel has continued its settlement activities in the oPt, a direct violation of international humanitarian law, and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Recommendations to the International Community PCHR emphasizes the international community’s position that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under Israeli occupation, in spite of Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005. PCHR further confirms that Israeli forces continued to impose collective punishment measures on the Gaza Strip, which have escalated since the 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, in which Hamas won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council. PCHR stresses that there is international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect international human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law, especially the Hague Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land and the Geneva Conventions. Israel is bound to apply the international human rights law and the law of war sometime reciprocally and other times in parallel in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for victims. In light of continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement activities in the West Bank, and the latest 51-day offensive against civilians in the Gaza Strip, PCHR calls upon the international community, especially the United Nations, the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention and the European Union – in the context of their natural obligation to respect and enforce the international law – to cooperate and act according to the following recommendations:
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