Bekijk Volledige Versie : Israel admits killing unarmed Palestinians
Israel admits killing unarmed Palestinians
Beit Ul-Moqaddas, Nov 27 - The Israeli army admitted Thursday that three Palestinians who were shot dead by soldiers late Wednesday were unarmed, retracting an earlier statement which claimed the troops had killed two gunmen.
A new statement said that Israeli troops were pursuing "a group of armed gunmen" who were believed to be planning an attack in the Gaza Strip and had fired on a car in which they thought the men were fleeing the area.
While the army admitted that three occupants of the car who were killed were unarmed, it said two of them were militants of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement.
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Source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Date: 20 Nov 2003
Weekly report on Israeli human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories 13 - 19 Nov 2003
Israeli Forces Continue to Perpetrate Crimes in the OPTs
• 4 Palestinians, including a child and an elderly man, were killed by Israeli forces
• The elderly man was run over by an Israeli settler
• Israeli forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
• 14houses were destroyed in Rafah
• Areas of agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip
• Houses were raided and a number of Palestinians were arrested
• Construction of the "separation wall" continued in the West Bank
• Indiscriminate shelling of Palestinian residential areas continued and a number of Palestinian civilians were injured
• A Palestinian house in Rafah was destroyed by Israeli forces as part of the continued campaign of retaliation against the families of Palestinians accused of involvement in attacks against Israeli targets
• Continued siege on the OPTs
Introduction
This week, Israeli occupying forces have continued to perpetrate violations of human rights against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), including incursions into Palestinian areas, willful shooting at Palestinian civilians, indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, house demolition and agricultural land leveling. They have also continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPTs. This week, 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child and an elderly man, were killed and more than 20 others were injured by Israeli occupying forces.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupying forces conducted 8 incursions into Palestinian areas. They moved into Block O in Rafah refugee camp on13 , 18 and 19 November2003 , during which time they destroyed 12 Palestinian houses totally and 2 others partially. More than 10Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli gunfire during these 2 incursions, which were conducted by Israeli forces claiming to be searching for weapons smuggling tunnels. These operations have resulted in civilian casualties, as well as wide-spread destruction to property. The facts on the ground prove that the real purpose is to clear the area in order to create a buffer zone along the Egyptian border, south of Rafah.
On 13November2003 , Israeli occupying forces moved into Baten al-Samin neighborhood in the southwest of Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a number of Palestinian houses and razed 45 donums of Palestinian agricultural land. The following day, Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. During this4 -day incursion, Israeli occupying forces razed more than 50 donums of Palestinian agricultural land. This week, Israeli occupying forces also moved also into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City, and al-Shouka neighborhood in Rafah.
In the West Bank, Israeli occupying forces conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian controlled areas, particularly in Tulkarm and Nablus. These incursions were accompanied by intense gunfire, during which time a number of Palestinians civilians were killed or wounded. Israeli occupying forces also arrested dozens of Palestinians. This week, Israeli occupying forces imposed a curfew on 'Assira village, north of Nablus.
In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of1949 , article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for "an offence he or she has not personally committed," Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a Palestinian house in Rafah and arrested its owner.
This week, Israeli occupying forces shot dead 3 Palestinians, including a child. On 15 November2003 , Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian child during an incursion into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus, claiming that their soldiers had opened fire at demonstrators who threw stones and incendiary bottles at them, after all other attempts to disperse the demonstrators failed. However, PCHR's investigations and eyewitness reports revealed that the child was standing at the door of his family's house when he was shot. On 16 November2003 , Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian civilian when he left his house in Rafah to check what was going on following an Israeli incursion into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of the town. On 17 November2003 , a Palestinian resistance man was killed in clashes with Israeli occupying forces in Tulkarm refugee camp. Israeli soldiers fired at him twice after he was hit by a live bullet in the head and did not allow anyone to offer him medical aid. On 14 November2003 , an elderly Palestinian man from Hebron was killed when an Israeli settler ran him over while he was walking on a bypass road to the west of the town.
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. They have continued to close a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip, without any consideration for the special circumstances of the month of Ramadan and Israeli forces continue to harass and humiliate Palestinian civilians traveling through the military checkpoints and border crossings. These Israeli measures constitute violations of Palestinian economic, social and cultural rights. Israeli occupying forces often hold Palestinian civilians, including women and children, between Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints, north of Khan Yunis, for extended periods of time.
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. PCHR's field workers reported that Israeli occupying forces continued to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians, contrary to Israeli claims that the siege imposed on the West Bank has been eased. Israeli soldiers withdrew from a number of checkpoints, particularly to the north of Ramallah, however they often raid these checkpoints and pursue Palestinian civilians and vehicles.
In violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law, Israeli occupying forces have continued to construct the "separation wall" inside the West Bank. They have also imposed further restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the areas adjacent to the wall. This week, Israeli occupying forces used excessive force against Palestinian civilians and members of International Solidarity Movement, who were protesting against the construction of the wall.
Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 13 November 2003
At approximately00 :30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Yatta village, south of Hebron. They raided, searched and fired at a number of houses, claiming that they were searching for wanted Palestinians. As a result of the Israeli gunfire, 'Eissa Khalil Abu Zahra,63 , was wounded by a live bullet in the left shoulder, while he was inside his house.
At approximately01 :00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 4 bulldozers and 2 helicopters, moved approximately800 m into Baten al-Samin neighborhood in the southwest of Khan Yunis. The incursion was accompanied by intense shelling by Israeli helicopters and tanks. A number of Israeli soldiers raided a 3-storey house owned by 'Ali Mahmoud Khalil Buraika, in which 18 people live. They detained the residents of the house in one room and took up position on the roof. As they seized complete control over the area, Israeli soldiers surrounded a400 -square-meter,2 -storey house in which 20 people ( 4families) live, belonging to the family of Salim Mohammed Salim al-Bashiti, who is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying forces. Israeli forces blew up the door and fired inside the house, before handcuffing the 8 male residents and placing them in an armored personnel carried, where they were beaten by Israeli soldiers and attacked by dogs. Israeli soldiers called for the wanted man to surrender and threatened to destroy his house and torture his family. After they ascertained that al-Bashiti was not there, Israeli forces broke into the house and searched it. According to the residents, Israeli soldiers stole jewelry and a bag that contained a large sum of money belonging to a member of the family who works as a money changer.
As a result of the Israeli gunfire during this incursion, a Palestinian civilian, Bilal Hussein Zo'rob,21 , was wounded by 2 live bullets in the right leg and foot. Israeli occupying forces destroyed the water and electricity networks of the area. They also razed areas of agricultural land:
1. They razed a42 -donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mustafa Musallam Yousef al-Barqi.
2. They razed a1 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed 2 agricultural rooms and a fence surrounding the land owned by Zaki Hamad Mohammed al-Bashiti.
3. They razed a500 -square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed the fence surrounding the land owned by Khaled Hamad Mohammed al-Bashiti.
4. They razed a500 -square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed the fence surrounding the land owned by 'Aatef Ahmed Mohammed al-Bashiti.
5. They razed a500 -square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Ibrahim Hammad Mahmoud Buraika.
At approximately02 :30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by 7 heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, moved approximately150 m into Block O in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. They immediately started to destroy Palestinian houses, previously vacated by their owners due to frequent Israeli shelling:
1. They destroyed a150 -square-meter house owned by Nayef Mohammed Salama Abu Jazar, in which 9 people lived.
2. They destroyed a250 -square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by 'Ouda Darwish Hassan Jazaria, in which 8 people lived.
3. They destroyed a250 -square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Mustafa Darwish Hassan Jazariam, in which 8 people lived.
4. They destroyed an80 -square-meter, asbestos-roofed house owned by Mohammed Ibrahim Abu Naja, in which 8 people lived.
In the evening, Israeli soldiers in military jeeps opened fire at a civilian car at the entrance to Tarqoumia village, west of Hebron, wounding 2 Palestinian civilians.
According to PCHR's investigation, at approximately20 :00, Shadi and Mohammed Taleb Abu Haltam, aged 20and21 , were traveling in a private car on their way back home in Taqoumia. When they arrived at the western entrance to the village, Israeli soldiers in a military jeep opened fire at them. Shadi was seriously wounded by 2 live bullets in the back and the right shoulder, and Mohammed was wounded by 3 live bullets and shrapnel in the shoulders and the limbs.
Friday, 14 November 2003
At approximately03 :20, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, including 2 bulldozers, moved approximately1200 m into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City. They razed a3 -donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by Ihsan 'Abdul Ra'ouf al-Bourno.
At approximately09 :00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved from the eastern border of the Gaza Strip approximately500 m into al-Boreij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. During this incursion, which continued until Tuesday evening, 18 November2003 , Israeli occupying forces razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land:
1. They razed a5 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Jaber Suleiman Mohammed Abu Khousa.
2. They razed a2 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Atiya Mohammed Silmi al-'Awawda.
3. They razed a4 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Hassan 'Abdullah Abu Khousa.
4. They razed a4 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and oranges owned by 'Abdullah Hassan 'Abdullah Abu Khousa.
5. They razed a6 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Mohammed 'Abdullah Salem Abu Khousa.
6. They razed a1 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Fatema Ghanem Abu Khousa.
7. They razed a6 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Abdul 'Aziz Ahmed Shehada 'Awad.
8. They razed an8 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Mahmoud Suleiman 'Awad al-'Awawda.
9. They razed a3 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Majdi Mohammed Mousa Abu al-Sa'id.
10. They razed a1 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Jaber Salem Ibrahim al-Nabahin.
11. They razed a3 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and destroyed a 16-square-meter room and a1000 -liter water tank owned by 'Awad Mohammed Silmi al-'Awawda.
12. They razed a500 -square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Suleiman Mohammed Silmi al-'Awawda.
13. They razed a4 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Ibrahim 'Ouda Mahmoud al-'Awawda.
14. They razed a1 .5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Isma'il 'Omar 'Abdul Karim Abu Jalal.
15. They razed a1 .5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and fruits owned by Saqer 'Omar 'Abdul Karim Abu Jalal.
16. They razed a1 .5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and fruits owned by Mas'oud 'Omar 'Abdul Karim Abu Jalal.
17. They razed a1 .5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives and fruits owned by 'Abdul Latif 'Omar 'Abdul Karim Abu Jalal.
18. They razed a2 -donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Mas'oud Mosa'ed Abu Jalal.
Saturday, 15 November 2003
In the evening, in an apparent willful killing, Israeli occupying forces shot dead a Palestinian child during an incursion into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. They claimed that their soldiers had opened fire at demonstrators who threw stones and incendiary bottles at them, after all other attempts to disperse the demonstrators failed. However, PCHR's investigations and eyewitness reports revealed that the child was standing at the door of his family's house when he was shot.
According to PCHR's investigations and eyewitnesses' reports, at approximately18 :05, two Israeli military jeeps moved into Beit Fourik village, east of Nablus. Ahmed Marwan Nasser Hanani,14 , his father,42 , and their neighbor 'Aatef Hassan Samara,35 , were on their way to the mosque in the center of the village for the evening prayer when the incursion began. When the three arrived at the main road, they heard sounds of shooting coming from the vicinity of the mosque. The father and the neighbor went back home, while the child remained standing in front of the fence surrounding the house, approximately15 m away from the house. Soon after, the two military jeeps moved towards a dirt road linking the village and the nearby Beit Dajan village while indiscriminately firing live ammunition into civilian areas. After the Israeli gunfire stopped, the father and his neighbor started to return to the mosque when they observed the child bleeding on the ground. They immediately took him to the clinic of Dr. Younis 'Abdul Raziq Hanani. Ahmed died upon arrival at the clinic. According to Dr. Hanani, there were tires marks on the child's body, and a bullet wound in his chest.
At approximately20 :30, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Tulkarm through its northeastern entrance. They took position near al-Qarout fuel station. Israeli soldiers immediately opened fire at passing Palestinian civilians for no apparent reason. 15-year-old Ma'ath Mahmoud Rashid Daqqa was wounded by a live bullet in the buttocks.
Sunday, 16 ovember 2003
At approximately01 :00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations near 'Oraiba area in the northwest of Rafah opened fire at Palestinian houses. A Palestinian child, 'Aatef Sa'ad Abu 'Aathra,8 , was wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen.
Early in the morning, a large contingent of solders for the Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of Rafah. Under cover of intense shelling from a helicopter and several tanks, they destroyed a Palestinian house, killed a Palestinian and arrested 5 others.
According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately02 :00, more than 20 Israeli military vehicles, reinforced by a helicopter, moved approximately1000 m into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of Rafah. The incursion, aimed at arresting Bassam Mahmoud Abu Lebda,37 , a member of the Palestinian National Security Force, accused by Israeli occupying forces of digging tunnels and smuggling weapons across the Egyptian border, was accompanied by intense indiscriminate shelling from a helicopter and tanks. When a Palestinian civilian, Hassan Ziada Abu Khatla,55 , got out of his house to check what was going on, Israeli soldiers shot him dead with several live bullets in the chest, the abdomen and the feet. Then, Israeli soldiers surrounded Abu Lebda's house. Abu Lebda succeeded in escaping to the house of his neighbor, Mohammed Salem al-Buraikat, but Israeli soldiers chased him. They fired at him, wounding him with a live bullet in the arm, and then arrested him. In the process of raiding al-Buraikat's house, Israeli soldiers fired several grenades inside, causing severe damage to the house. They then arrested al-Buraikat, along with 3 members of the Abu Lebda family. A few hours later, Israeli occupying forces destroyed Abu Lebda's house.
Monday, 17 November 2003
In the morning, Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp through its eastern entrance. They imposed a curfew on al-Balawna quarter, and began to indiscriminately fire at houses. A number of Israeli soldiers raided a3 -storey house owned by Baker Khalil al-Serouji and detained its residents in one room. They then mounted the roof of the house and began to fire into the surrounding neighborhood. During the operation several Palestinian civilians clashed with Israeli soldiers, which left one Palestinian resistance fighter dead. In addition, a Palestinian civilian, who attempted to offer medical aid to the resistance fighter, was wounded by Israeli gunfire. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers repeatedly fired at the resistance fighter after he had been wounded, and completely failed to offer him medical aid.
In his testimony to PCHR, an eyewitness, Hayel Mousa 'Abdul Rahman Serouji,39 , said:
"At approximately11 : 00on Monday, 17 November2003 , Israeli occupying forces moved into Tulkarm refugee camp. They surrounded al-Balawna quarter. A number of Israeli soldiers raided the house of Baker Khalil 'Abdullah al-Serouji and transformed it into a military site, from which they fired at its surroundings. A number of Palestinian gunmen gathered and clashed with Israeli soldiers. While Yousef Taleb D'iab Khader,19 , was attempting to hide behind a corner of one of the houses, I saw an Israeli soldier firing at him from inside al-Serouji's house, approximately150 m away from the young man. The young man was wounded by a live bullet in the forehead. A number of Israeli soldiers moved towards him. When they became approximately20 m away from him, they fired at him again. Then, they moved forward towards him. When they became about3 m away from him, they fired at him again. Israeli soldiers surrounded the young man for about an hour, without allowing anyone to get close to him. When they left the area, I got out of my house and moved towards the young man to offer him help. When I arrived at an alley near my house, Israeli soldiers fired at me. I was wounded by a live bullet in my left hand. Later, an ambulance of the Palestine Red Crescent Society evacuated me to Dr. Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm."
Tuesday, 18 November 2003
Early in the morning, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles and helicopters, moved into Block O in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border, for the second time this week. They transformed a number of Palestinian houses into military sites, from which they fired at their surroundings. Until09 :00, they completely demolished 7 Palestinian houses and partially demolished 2 others. 11Palestinians were wounded by indiscriminate Israeli gunfire. The military operation was justified as an operation to locate tunnels used for weapons smuggling.
According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately02 :00, more than 35 Israeli heavy military vehicles, reinforced by 2 helicopters, moved approximately250 m into Block O in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. This incursion was accompanied by intense shelling from helicopters and tanks. Israeli soldiers raided and searched a number of Palestinian houses. They mounted the roofs of a number of these houses and began firing into the surrounding areas. Israeli military bulldozers then completely demolished 7 Palestinian houses and partially demolished 2 others. During the incursion 11 Palestinians were wounded by the Israeli gunfire and shelling:
1. Daoud 'Abdullah Abu Jazar,19 , seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head;
2. Bilal Mohammed Abu Jazar,19 , seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck;
3. Eyad Mubah Abu Tiour,24 , seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest;
4. Ashraf Fathi Abu Hilal,22 , seriously wounded by an explosive live bullet in the abdomen and another live bullet in the buttocks;
5. Mohammed Ramadan Fayed,32 , wounded by shrapnel in the neck;
6. 'Abdullah 'Ali al-Ghouti,18 , wounded by a live bullet in the right leg;
7. Zkaria Mohammed al-Najjar,20 , wounded by shrapnel in the face;
8. Mohammed Hamed al-Sabe',17 , wounded by a live bullet in the buttock;
9. Ibrahim 'Abdul Rahman 'Obaid,13 , wounded by shrapnel in the right foot;
10. Tamam Ahmed Abu 'Anza,38 , wounded by shrapnel in the head; and
11. Mohammed Sa'id al-Hams,20 , wounded by shrapnel in the right arm.
Note: PCHR has a complete list of the houses that were demolished.
At approximately06 :20, Israeli soldiers on tanks positioned at the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, east of Gaza City, opened fire at Palestinian houses and farms near al-Mentar crossing. 2Palestinian civilians were wounded while they were walking approximately2 km away from the border:
1. 'Abdullah Mohammed Sarsour,30 , wounded by 2 live bullets in the abdomen and the left hand; and
2. Mohammed Khalil Farawana,21 , wounded by shrapnel from a live bullet in the left leg.
At approximately07 :40, Israeli soldiers positioned in military locations and on tanks on a settler road linking "Netzarim" settlement and the border of Israel, south and southeast of Gaza City, opened fire at nearby Palestinian agricultural areas and streets. A horse was killed and another one was injured. The two horses are owned by Yasser Mustafa Qaddoura Malaka. The Israeli gunfire took place while school children were on their way to schools.
At approximately15 :00, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a number of Palestinian civilians while they were crossing Surda military checkpoint, north of Ramallah. Tha'er Yousef Hassan Qadri,28 , from Salfit, was wounded by a live bullet in the right leg.
At approximately19 :00, Israeli occupying forces, which have imposed a curfew on 'Assira village, north of Nablus, since Thursday, 13 November2003 , fired at16 -year-old Shalabi Younis Ahmed Shalabi, wounding him with a live bullet in the right thigh. Israeli forces claimed that the child broke the curfew imposed on the village.
At approximately22 :00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Burqa village, northwest of Nablus. They fired live bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at Palestinian houses. A number of Palestinian boys gathered and threw stones at the Israeli military jeeps. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired at the stone throwers, wounding 3 of them:
1. Samer Ghassan Mohammed 'Omar,18 , wounded by a live bullet in the rhigh;
2. Jamil Mohammed Jamil,19 , wounded by a live bullet in the left leg; and
3. Munjed Khaled Far'ounia,17 , wounded by shrapnel in the left hand.
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
At approximately01 :00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Ethna village, west of Hebron. They raided and the house of 'Abdullah Mohammed Ahmed Sulaimia,71 . Israeli soldiers confiscated 150mobile phones and telephone cards. The costs for these goods are estimated at more than 5000 NIS (approximately US$1100 ). They also arrested Sulaimia and his son, Mahmoud,27 . The family owns a shop for mobile phones.
At approximately02 :30, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Usarin village, southeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinians.
At approximately09 :30, Israeli soldiers positioned in military locations in the vicinity of "Netzarim" settlement, south of Gaza City, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Zahra town, southeast of the city. A Palestinian civilian, Ziad 'Abdul Karim Abu Hilu, 31, from al-Boreij refugee camp, was wounded by a live bullet in the jaw, when he was working approximately700 m away from the source of fire.
At approximately13 :00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 300m into Zo'rob neighborhood in the southwest of Rafah. In 2 hours, they razed 2greenhouses owned by Zaki Hamdan Hijazi and 'Ouda 'Eissa Hijazi.
At approximately15 :00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 200m into Block O in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the Egyptian border. Under the cover of intense shelling, they demolished 2 shops owned by Hassan 'Abdul Nabi al-Dam. One Palestinian civilian, Ahmed Fathi al-Bis,20 , was injured by shrapnel in the head and the right shoulder.
An Old Palestinian Man Killed by an Israeli Settler
On Friday afternoon, 14 November2003 , Hamdan Mahmoud Hindi al-'Aramin,81 , from Sa'ir village in Hebron, was killed, when an Israeli settler hit him with a vehicle. Al-'Aramin was walking on the bypass road (60), west of Hebron.
According to PCHR's investigations, at approximately14 : 00on Friday, 14 November2003 , al-'Aramin was walking from Jerusalem towards his home in Sa'ir village, west of Hebron. When he arrived at Halhoul-Sa'ir triangle (also known as "Prophet Joseph Junction") on the bypass road (60), he crossed the street. Immediately, an Israeli settler, who was driving a car (grey Mitsubishi) deliberately turned towards him and rammed him with the vehicle. Al-'Aramin was thrown20 m and landed on mounds of stones behind an iron barrier at the side of the road. The Israeli settler drove away and escaped. Al-'Aramin man was critically injured and died en route to the hospital.
According to the victim's son, Mohammed,52 , an Israeli military location in the area filmed the crime. However, Israeli soldiers did not make any attempt to arrest the Israeli settler. A number of Palestinian civilians phoned the Israeli police at "Gush Etzion" checkpoint, and the police later arrested the settler near a checkpoint south of Bethlehem. The Israeli radio station reported that the settler is from "Ze'ef" settlement, northwest of Jerusalem, and that the investigations conducted by the Israeli police proved that the settler turned towards the victim unjustifiably.
Collective Punishment against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who Have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets
In violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of1949 , article 33 of which prohibits punishing any protected person for "an offence he or she has not personally committed," Israeli forces took retaliatory measures against the families of Palestinians Israel alleges have ordered, facilitated, or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. In this context, Israeli occupying forces destroyed 5 Palestinian houses in the West Bank this week.
At approximately02 :00, more than 20 Israeli military vehicles, reinforced by a helicopter, moved into al-Shouka neighborhood in the southeast of Rafah. This military operation aimed at arresting Bassam Mahmoud Abu Lebda,37 , who is allegedly wanted by Israeli occupying forces. Israeli soldiers surrounded Abu Lebda's house. Abu Lebda escaped to a neighboring house, but Israeli soldiers chased him. They fired at him, wounding him with a live bullet in the arm. Then, they arrested him. Israeli soldiers also arrested a number of Abu Lebda's relatives and one of his neighbors. At approximately05 :15, Israeli soldiers planted explosives inside Abu Lebda's house and blew it up. The130 -square-meter house was home to 9 people ( 3families). It is worth noting that Israeli occupying forces had already demolished the previous residences of these families. The families used to live in Block O in Rafah refugee camp, but their homes were destroyed by Israeli Occupying Forces. Abu Lebda is accused by Israeli occupying forces of digging tunnels and smuggling weapons across the Egyptian border.
Continued Siege on the OPT
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
Israeli occupying forces have continued to restrict movement of Palestinian civilians. They have also continued to close a number of main and branch roads in the Gaza Strip, without any consideration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Observance of the Ramadan holiday requires Muslim Palestinians to conduct house visits to friends and relatives. However, Israeli military checkpoints and border crossings have become sites of humiliation and degradation for Palestinian civilians. These Israeli measures constitute violations of the economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people. Israeli occupying forces often hold Palestinian civilians, including women and children, between Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints, north of Khan Yunis, for long hours. Such measures deprive Muslims of carrying out the Ramadan observance.
Israeli occupying forces have continued to restrict movement of Palestinian civilians at al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints, north of Khan Yunis, on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the south and north of the Gaza Strip. On Friday, 14 November 2003, Israeli occupying forces closed the two checkpoints and blocked many Palestinian vehicles in between. They checked ID cards and searched Palestinian vehicles. They also fired at cars waiting at the checkpoints. Similar events also occurred on Saturday and Monday, 15 and 17 November2003 . Such Israeli measures have deprived Palestinians from visiting their relatives in Ramadan, and obstructed movement of goods between the north and south of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli occupying forces have also continued to deliberately obstruct Palestinian access through the Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border. They have decreased the work hours of Israeli staff to less than 8 hours a day instead of 24 hours. They have also decreased the number of Palestinian personnel allowed to work at the terminal to only 6 members of the Palestinian police. Thousands of Palestinians, particularly relatives of those who were killed, injured or arrested by Israeli occupying forces, have been deprived of their right to travel through Rafah Terminal. Palestinian travelers are also thoroughly checked by Israeli soldiers. Additionally, Israeli security services often summon, interrogate and arrest large numbers of Palestinian travelers.
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip, restricting movement of Palestinian civilians out of and into the area. Since Sunday, 26 October2003 , Israeli occupying forces have imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinians through al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Yunis. Palestinians under 35 years of age have been denied access through the checkpoint. Israeli occupying forces have also tightened the siege imposed on al-Sayafa area between "Dogit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements in the northern Gaza Strip. Palestinian civilians moving outside and into the area are thoroughly checked by Israeli soldiers at the gate of the area, which is the only outlet into the area.
Although Israeli occupying forces have reopened Erez crossing for Palestinian workers since Sunday, 2 November 2003 (after a one-month closure), they have imposed additional restrictions on the movement of workers. A worker must be over35 , married, have children, have a magnetic card and a valid work permit and have Israeli security acceptance. Israeli occupying forces also thoroughly search Palestinian workers and a number of workers have been summoned by the Israeli security services. Several work permits were cancelled because the worker is related to someone involved in political activism. Israeli measures designed to restrict the access of Palestinian workers to their work places have caused further deterioration of economic conditions in the Gaza strip and throughout the OPT. Poverty and unemployment in Palestinian society have sharply increased as a result of such restrictions.
The West Bank
Israeli occupying forces have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. PCHR's field workers observed conditions at approximately 20 of the Israeli military checkpoints in the West Bank this week. The field workers reported that Israeli occupying forces continued to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians, contrary to the Israeli claims of easing the siege imposed on the West Bank.
Nablus
PCHR's field workers who observed the Israeli military checkpoints in Beit 'Eiba and al-Naqoura, northwest of Nablus, Hawara and Za'tara, south of the city, and al-Hamra, east of the city, reported that Israeli soldiers positioned at these checkpoints searched Palestinian civilians before allowing them to cross the checkpoints on foot. On Monday afternoon, 17 November2003 , Israeli soldiers positioned at Hawara and Za'tara checkpoints held Palestinian civilians until the evening. At al-Hamra checkpoint, Israeli soldiers allowed passage only for Palestinian civilians who wanted to travel to Jordan. Palestinian civilians wishing to travel to Nablus, Jenin and Tulkarm were humiliated and thoroughly checked by Israeli soldiers at military checkpoints. PCHR's field worker in Nablus reported that on Monday evening he witnessed Israeli soldiers positioned at Hawara checkpoint aiming their guns at a Palestinian taxi. They forced the driver out of the car and confiscate the vehicle. Israeli soldiers often confiscate Palestinian vehicles for one month. These vehicles are sometimes used by undercover units of Israeli occupying forces, which often infiltrate into Palestinian communities to kill or arrest allegedly wanted Palestinians.
Tulkarm
Israeli occupying forces have continued to close 'Ennab gate, east of the town. They allowed Palestinian civilians to cross the gate only on foot. On Monday morning, 17 November2003 , an Israeli military jeep stopped approximately1 km east of the gate. There, Israeli soldiers held a number of Palestinian civilians. Palestinian vehicles wishing to cross al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of the town, were forced to wait in long lines before they were allowed to cross the checkpoint.
Jenin
Israeli occupying forces have continued to close military checkpoints at various entrances of to the town. Israeli military vehicles also chased Palestinian civilians who resorted to branch roads.
Ramallah
PCHR's field workers reported that Israeli occupying forces dismantled the military checkpoints in 'Ein 'Arik, west of the town, and Surda and 'Atara, north of the town, while maintaining presence at the checkpoints of Qalandya, to the south, and al-Taiba and Burqa, to the east. Israeli soldiers positioned at Qalandya checkpoint allowed Palestinian civilians to travel back to Rammallah, but blocked movement towards Jerusalem. Israeli soldiers moved back to Surda and 'Atara military checkpoints, which were dismantled, more than once, during which they chased Palestinian vehicles and damaged their tires. A PCHR field worker reported that Israeli soldiers erected a number of temporary military roadblocks to the east and southeast of Ramallah. They blocked Palestinian vehicles for various periods of time.
Bethlehem
Israeli soldiers positioned at the checkpoints of al-Khader, southwest of Bethlehem, and Wadi al-Nar, north of the town, have continued to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians. After an armed attack against Israeli soldiers positioned at al-Khader checkpoint on Tuesday, 18 November2003 , Israeli occupying forces declared Bethlehem a closed military zone and prohibited movement of Palestinian civilians on the main roads.
Hebron
Israeli soldiers positioned at the checkpoints of Halhoul, Beit Ummar and Kfar Etzion, north of Hebron, have continued to restrict the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Sunday morning, 16November2003 , Israeli occupying forces established a military observation point at the junction of Beit 'Awa village, west of Hebron. The observation point was established on a5 -donum area of land owned by Mahmoud Shaker Swaitat, which Israeli occupying forces had razed earlier. As a result, villages located to the west of Dura town were cut-off from neighboring areas and isolated.
Occupied Jerusalem
On Friday morning, 14 November 2003, Israeli occupying forces reinforced their presence in the northern parts of the city and surrounding villages, and denied access to Palestinian worshipers trying to reach the al-Aqsa Mosque. Thousands of Muslims were not able to pray in al-Aqsa Mosque due to the Israeli measures. Director of al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Mohammed Hussein stated that only 50000 Palestinians were able to pray in al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday, 14 November2003 , compared to more than half a million in previous years. He added that more than100 , 000Palestinians prayed near the old town and at Israeli military checkpoints surrounding the city.
On Saturday, 15 November2003 , Israeli occupying forces moved into al-Ram village, north of Jerusalem. They used megaphones and made derogatory statements and insults about Palestinians, the holy Ramadan Month and the Islamic beliefs.
Continued Construction of Separation Wall
Israeli occupying forces have continued the construction of the "separation wall." They have also continued to close the gates established along the wall, in violation of the Palestinian right to freedom of movement. Additionally, this week Israeli soldiers attacked a number of Palestinian civilians and members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).
On Thursday noon, 13 November 2003, dozens of Palestinian civilians and ISM members organized a peaceful march near the gate established by Israeli occupying forces at the southern entrance to Baqa al-Sahrqia village, north of Tulkarm. Israeli soldiers attacked the demonstrators and fired tear gas at them. More than 20 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers also arrested Bruce Kerdfield, an American citizen, and took him to an unknown destination.
At approximately16 : 30on Tuesday, 18 November2003 , Israeli soldiers positioned at Nazlat 'Eissa gate, north of Tulkarm, severely beat 2 Palestinian civilians. According to Nasser "Mohammed Zaki" Shehada Hassanain,34 , while he and his bother Jamal,35 , were on their way from Tulkarm back to their home in Nazlat 'Eissa village, Israeli soldiers at the aforementioned gate beat them severely. As a result, Jamal sustained fractures in the left hand and bruises throughout the body, while Nasser sustained bruised throughout the body.
PCHR calls:
1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their obligations under article 1 and article146 , to ensure respect for the Convention.
3. Upon the international community to investigate and prosecute before international courts those believed to have committed war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field operations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.
6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Footnotes
1 donum is equal to 1000 square meters.
't Is wel heel erg veel voor één week.