Northern Gaza Strip Transformed into Open Are
Silence = Complicity - 15.10.2004 23:16
PCHR Weekly Report Oct 7th - 13th
33 Palestinians, 23 of whom are civilians, including 7 children and a mentally disabled man, were killed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).
27 of the victims were killed during the Israeli offensive on the northern Gaza Strip.
One of the victims was a schoolchild who was killed while sitting on her desk and another child who was willfully shot dead.
Israeli troops conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
23 houses were destroyed and 156 donums of agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip.
Houses were raided and dozens of Palestinian civilians were arrested.
3 houses were destroyed in the West Bank in the context of retaliatory measures against families of Palestinian activists.
Continued shelling of residential areas and civilian facilities; a Palestinian child was killed and a number of other civilians were injured.
Construction of the “Annexation wall” in the West Bank has continued.
Israeli troops have continued to impose a total siege on the oPt; the Gaza Strip has been divided into 3 separate zones; a shortage of basic foodstuffs and fuels in the southern Gaza Strip; Israeli troops at military checkpoints fired at Palestinian civilians and arrested a number of civilians while crossing military checkpoints.
The Outcome of 2 Weeks of the Israeli Offensive on the Northern Gaza Strip
· 97 Palestinians have been killed, including 49 civilians, 25 of whom are children.
· At least 420, including 150 children, have been wounded, many of whom have been in a serious condition and some have been rendered permanently disabled.
· At least 600 donums[1] of agricultural land have been razed, 70 houses have been totally destroyed, 200 houses were severely damaged or partially destroyed, and many civilian facilities, including kindergartens, schools, mosques and factories, have been destroyed.
· Forcible migration of hundreds of Palestinian families due to the wide scale destruction and shelling of houses.
· Retaliatory measures that have included the destruction of 3 houses belonging to the families of Palestinian militants.
· A total siege and isolation of several areas, such as al-Bukhari, Sha'sha'a and 'Asaliya areas in the east of Jabalya refugee camp; and Quliabu area in Beit Lahia, denying access of these areas to medical or humanitarian assistance.
· Expansion of the military campaign by seizing full control over Beit Lahia.
· Education has been suspended .
Introduction
IOF have more violations of human rights against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), especially in the Gaza Strip. They have expanded the military campaign against the northern Gaza Strip, causing more casualties among Palestinian civilians. This week, 33 Palestinians, 23 of whom were civilians, including 7 children, were killed by Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip. Human rights violations perpetrated by IOF included willful and extra-judicial killings, incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling, land leveling and total closure imposed on Palestinian communities.
IOF have continued their wide scale offensive on the northern Gaza Strip. During the period covered by this report, 27 Palestinians, 18 of whom are civilians, including 5 children, were killed by Israeli troops. Thus, the number of Palestinians killed since the beginning of this latest offensive on 28 September 2004 has mounted to 97, including 49 civilians, 25 of whom are children. In addition, at least 420 others, mostly civilians, including at least 150 children, have been injured, many of them have been in a serious condition. Israeli troops have attacked Palestinian civilians, especially children, and escalated measures of retaliation and collective punishment through the destruction of civilian property and the internal and external closure.
Israeli troops increasingly attacked Palestinian civilians, contrary to their claims that their military campaign against the northern Gaza Strip targets members of the Palestinian resistance to prevent them from launching the Qassam rockets at Israeli towns. For example, 2 civilians were killed when the Israeli air force shelled their house, and 2 children were killed by a tank shell. An Israel F-16 fighter jet also attacked an industrial facility inside Jabalya refugee camp. One civilian was killed and the facility and a number of neighboring houses were totally destroyed. In addition, large destruction has been afflicted to houses, agricultural land and the civilian infrastructure. Israeli troops have destroyed ate least 70 houses and damaged dozens of others. They have also razed at least 600 donums of agricultural land and partially destroyed the civilian infrastructure and a number of civilian facilities, including kindergartens, schools and mosques.
In other areas of the Gaza Strip, this week, 6 Palestinians, 5 of whom are civilians, including 2 children and a mentally disabled man, were killed by Israeli troops. Two of the victims were extra-judicially killed by Israeli troops on 9 October 2004. On 13 October 2004, a schoolchild died from a wound she had sustained on the previous day. The child was hit by a live bullet in the chest when she was sitting at her desk. The other child was killed on 13 October 2004, when Israeli troops fired at him and his friends while they were playing football in Rafah refugee camp. A member of the Palestinian resistance was killed in Deir al-Balah on 11 October 2004, when he clashed with Israeli troops that moved into the town. On 8 October 2004, Israeli troops shot dead a mentally disabled Palestinian civilian in the central Gaza Strip.
This week, Israeli troops conducted 6 incursions into Palestinian areas in the Gaza Strip, especially in Rafah and Deir al-Balah. During these incursions, Israeli troops destroyed 23 houses, including 15 in Rafah, and razed 156 donums of agricultural land, including 86 donums in Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis.
In the West Bank, Israeli troops launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and their properties. They moved into various areas throughout the West Bank, injured a number of Palestinian civilians, and arrested dozens of others. They also destroyed 3 houses belonging to families of Palestinian activists. In addition, Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians. A number of civilians were injured.
IOF have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory. This week, this construction took place mainly in East Jerusalem and Hebron. Israeli troops razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land and uprooted hundreds of olive trees. They also prevented Palestinian farmers in some areas from reaching their agricultural land to cultivate olives.
IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. They have divided the Gaza Strip into 3 separate zones by closing the coastal road between Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip, and isolated several parts of the northern Gaza Strip. They have also continued to close most border crossings of the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have continued to impose a tightened siege on Hebron for the 2nd consecutive month. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and arrested some of them while crossing military checkpoints. Israeli troops also imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli Offensive on the Northern Gaza Strip
IOF have continued their attacks on Palestinian civilians in the northern Gaza Strip since Tuesday, 28 September 2004, in disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians. They have caused dozens of casualties among Palestinian civilians and have largely destroyed civilian facilities. During the period covered by this report, 27 Palestinians, 18 of whom are civilians, including 5 children, were killed by Israeli troops. Thus, the number of Palestinians killed since the beginning of this latest offensive has mounted to 97, including 49 civilians, 25 of whom are children. In addition, at least 420 others, mostly civilians, including at least 150 children, have been injured, and a number of them have been rendered permanently disabled. In addition, large areas in the northern Gaza Strip have been isolated, while Israeli troops have seized a number of buildings, transforming their roofs into military sites. In the meantime, electricity and water supplies have been cut from these areas.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 07:50 on Thursday, 7 October 2004, Israeli troops positioned to the north of Tal al-Za'tar area fired an artillery shell at a number of Palestinian children who were near a sports club nearly 300 meters away. Two children were killed:
1. Ra'ed Ziad Ahmed Abu Zaid, 15, from Jabalya refugee camp; and
2. Suleiman 'Abed Hussein Abu Ful, 16, from Beit Lahia.
Also on Thursday morning, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Mohammed Tuhami Abu Saif, 16, from Jabalya refugee camp, died from an injury he had sustained by Israeli troops on 1 October 2004.
At approximately 15:30, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Lu'ai Jamal Hamad, 22, from Beit Hanoun, died from an injury he had sustained on 3 October 2004, when the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinians in Zimmu area.
At approximately 17:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned in Zimmu Street in the southeast of Beit Hanoun opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Qarman Street. A Palestinian child, 12-year-old Samah Mo'een 'Ouda, was seriously wounded by 2 live bullets in the head and the right shoulder, when she was inside her house. Israeli troops obstructed her evacuation to the hospital for one hour, causing further deterioration to her health condition.
At approximately 23:00 on the same day, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that 13-year-old Hassan Joma'a al-Sharatha, from Jabalya refugee camp, died from an injury he had sustained on 30 September 2004, when Israeli troops shelled the camp.
At approximately 16:00 on Friday, 8 October 2004, Israeli troops positioned in a military post to the south of Erez industrial zone, north of Beit Hanoun, opened fire at Palestinian houses in the town. A Palestinian child, 10-year-old Siham Sameer Musleh, was killed by a live bullet in the abdomen, when she was at the door of her family home.
At approximately 19:00 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned near the directorate of education, east of Beit Lahia, fired an artillery shell at a number of Palestinian boys near a mosque in Sheikh Zayed housing project. Two boys were killed:
1. Mohammed Nabil Motawe' Subeh, 18; and
2. Yasser Saleh al-Khatib, 18, both from Jabalya refugee camp.
Two children were also injured.
At approximately 22:00 on the same day, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at Sa'id al-Du'aifi's house in Tal al-Za'tar area, northeast of Jabalya refugee camp. The house was partially destroyed and the owner and his daughter, Tahreer, 20, were injured.
At approximately 22:30 on the same day, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in al-Sikka Street. One civilian, 25-year-old Salama Isma'il Abu Sala'a, was instantly killed.
At approximately 03:30 on Saturday, 9 October 2004, a number of Israeli military vehicles moved towards Zimmu Street in Beit Hanoun. They surrounded a house belonging to the family of Fadi Farid al-Za'anin, who was killed in an armed clash with Israeli troops on 2 October 2004. Israeli troops forced the family out and demolished the house. During this operation, 2 members of the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with Israeli troops. The two members were wounded by several live bullets throughout the body. Israeli troops pulled them on the ground while they were bleeding and put them on ruins of the house that had been demolished until they died. When Israeli troops withdrew from the area, medical crews transferred the two victims' bodies to the hospital. There, they were identified as:
1. Mohammed Yahia 'Edwan, 22; and
2. 'Arafat Fu'ad Nasser, 23, both from Beit Hanoun.
At approximately 10:30 on the same day, Israeli troops positioned on al-Kashef hill fired at 'Abdul Ra'ouf Hassan Nabhan, 27, from Jabalya, a field leader of the 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, when he was near a factory of concrete, nearly 300 meters away. He was instantly killed by 2 live bullets in the head.
At approximately 19:30, Israeli troops fired 2 artillery shells at a house belonging to the family of Mahmoud Zuhair Salem in Beit Lahia. Salem was killed while carrying out an attack against Ashdod Harbor several months ago. The two shells hit the 5-storey house, where an extended family comprised of dozens of people lives. Two members of the family were killed: Ameen Mahmoud Salem, 36; and Sufian Mousa Salem, 28, were killed. Six other members were seriously injured, and a baby in a neighboring house was also injured. Israeli troops continued to fire at the house, obstructing the evacuation of the victims to the hospital.
In the hours of the day, Israeli troops shelled a number of communities in Jabalya refugee camp and Beit Hanoun. Eight Palestinians were injured.
At approximately 07:40 on Sunday, 10 October 2004, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a factory of concrete in Block 7 in Jabalya refugee camp. The factory and 3 neighboring house were totally destroyed. A Palestinian civilian, Maher Mahmoud Zaqqout, 39, was also seriously injured by shrapnel throughout the body, when he was nearly 300 meters away. He died a few minutes upon arrival at the hospital. The victim was on his way to an UNRWA school, where he was teaching.
On Sunday morning, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Ra'ed Mohammed al-Mabhouh, 22, from Jabalya refugee camp, died from an injury he had sustained on 1 October 2004, when Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at a number of Palestinians in the east of Jabalya refugee camp.
At approximately 19:45 on the same day, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at a number of Palestinians in al-'Ajarma Street in the east of Jabalya refugee camp. Three young men were seriously injured, and one of them, Sameh Zamel al-Wehaidi, 22, died at the hospital 2 hours later.
At approximately 03:00 on Monday, 11 October 2004, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Ahmed Zaki Ramadan, 22, from Beit Hanoun, died fron an injury he had sustained on the previous day, when the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in the town.
At approximately 04:00, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Yousef Mamdouh Abu Saif, 21, from Jabalya refugee camp, died from an injury he had sustained on the previous day, when the Israeli air force fired a missile at the east of Jabalya refugee camp.
At approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 12 October 2004, Israeli troops escalated their attacks on Qualibu Hill in the east of Beit Lahia. Israeli military vehicles moved forward and opened fire at the area. No casualties were reported, but Palestinian civilians, especially children, were extremely terrified.
On Tuesday evening, Israeli troops expanded their military campaign inside Beit Lahia. More Israeli military vehicles moved from "Nissanit" and "Elli Sinai" settlements into the town. They opened fire at houses and seized complete control over the town. They seized a number of houses and transformed them into military sites.
At approximately 02:30 on Wednesday, 13 October 2004, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of Palestinian civilians in Jabalya refugee camp. Shrapnel from the missile hit a number of houses. Two Palestinian civilians – a man and his wife – were injured while they were inside their house.
At approximately 03:30 on the same day, the Israeli air force fired 2 missiles at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near al-Tawba mosque in Beit Lahia. A member of the resistance, Mohammed Akram Ma'rouf, 25, was killed, and another one was seriously injured.
At approximately 09:00 on the same day, medical sources at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City declared that Kahder Mohammed al-Talouli, 28, from Jabalya refugee camp, died from an injury he had sustained on 9 October 2004 when an Israeli scouting aircraft fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance in the east of the camp. Another member of the resistance, Jihad Ameen Abu Mousa, 37, died in the evening from an injury he had sustained in the same attack.
At approximately 12:30 on the same day, Israeli troops fired an artillery shell at a number of the Palestinian resistance near a school in Beit Lahia. Two members of the resistance were killed:
1. Rezeq Hassan al-Zaini, 37, from Jabalya refugee camp; and
2. Mohammed Sa'id al-Masri, 25, from Beit Lahia.
At approximately 21:30 on the same day, the Israeli air force fired a missile at a number of members of the Palestinian resistance near Tal al-Dahab area, northwest of Beit Lahia. One member of the resistance, Ramzi Isma'il Abu Shaqfa, 24, was killed.
Late at night, the Israeli air force fired a missile at 2 Palestinian civilian who were distributing food aid inside Jabalya refugee camp. The two civilians were killed:
1. Nidal Harb Mas'oud, 20; and
2. Mohye al-Din Maher al-Madhoun, 19, both from Jabalya refugee camp.
Israeli troops were deployed in Beit Lahia on Thursday morning, 14 October 2004. PCHR's field worker in the northern Gaza Strip reported that Israeli troops had destroyed 3 houses and razed at least 100 donums of agricultural land. They had also destroyed 8 cars, dozens of animal farms, the main road of the town and the electricity, water and telephone networks.
PCHR's field worker in the northern Gaza Strip reported that several areas, such as Qulaibu area in Beit Lahia and Sha'sha'a area in Jabalya refugee camp, had been under a tightened siege for the 2nd consecutive week. No humanitarian assistance had reached these areas. Other areas, such as al-Bukhari and 'Asaliya, had suffered from severe living conditions, and only limited assistance had been provided to the area by UNRWA and ICRC following advanced coordination with Israeli troops.
Thursday, 7 October 2004
At approximately 00:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 500 meters into al-Birka area in the southwest of Deir al-Balah. Immediately, they started to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land. By 03:00, they had razed 25 donums of agricultural land planted with fruits and vegetables and destroyed irrigation networks and an agricultural pool belonging to the families of al-Riati and Abu Shimas.
At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops moved nearly 200 meters into al-Shouka area in the southeast of Rafah. They demolished a 120-square-meter house owned by 'Abed Rabbu Ahmed al-Farra, that served as a summer house.
At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 400 meters in Abu Tu'aima area in the east of Khuza'a village, east of Khan Yunis. This incursion followed an armed clash between Israeli troops and 2 members of the Palestinian resistance. Under the cover of intense shelling, Israeli troops razed 86 donums of Palestinian agricultural land planted with olives and vegetables and destroyed irrigation networks and agricultural pools belonging to the Abu Tu'aima family.
At approximately 13:20, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the border. A Palestinian civilian, 20-year-old Yasser Ahmed Barhoum, was injured by shrapnel in the head, when he was near his house.
At approximately 16:00, Israeli troops positioned in a military post in Tal Zo'rob area in the southwest of Rafah opened fire at Zo'rob neighborhood to the north. A Palestinian child, 9-year-old Mahmoud Jamil Zo'rob, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest.
At approximately 17:00, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. Israeli troops opened fire at houses. A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at the jeeps. Immediately, Israeli troops opened fire at the stone throwers, wounding 'Abdul Rahman Hani So'ud, 18, with a live bullet in the left thigh.
At approximately 18:00, Israeli troops moved into Tulkarm refugee camp, opening fire at houses. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at the Israeli troops. Immediately, these troops fired at the children, wounding 15-year-old Mohammed Farid Kannouh with a rubber-coated metal bullet in the left hand.
In the hours of the day, Israeli troops moved into the villages of Zawata, Bourin, 'Assira and Salfit villages near Nablus; Jenin refugee camp; Artah area in Tulkarm; and al-'Arroub refugee camp near Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 11 Palestinian, including 3 children.
Friday, 8 October 2004
At approximately 10:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 800 meters into Palestinian areas located to the northeast of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They demolished 3 houses and razed 5 donums of agricultural land planted with vegetables owned by the families of al-Fallit and Abu Mughassib.
At approximately 14:00, Israeli troops positioned at the eastern border of the Gaza Strip, east of Gaza Valley village, opened fire at house in the village. A Palestinian civilian, Mabrouk Sabbah al-Hamran, 38, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh, when he was inside his house nearly 1000 meters away from the source of fire.
At approximately 18:30, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at houses in Block K in Rafah refugee camp. A Palestinian child, Sami 'Ali 'Aashour, was injured by shrapnel in the face.
At approximately 22:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts near "Kissufim" settler road, south of Deir al-Balah, shot dead at a Palestinian civilian, Saleh Ibrahim Hussein Abu al-Husain, 35, from Gaza Valley village, when he was near the barbwire that surrounds the road. His body remained in the place until the following day morning, when Israeli troops informed the Palestinian liaison that they had taken his body. According to the victim's family and neighbors, he was suffering from an acute psychological disorder.
Saturday, 9 October 2004
At approximately 12:15, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at a number of Palestinian children who gathered near the aforementioned settlement and threw stones at these troops. Two children were wounded:
1. Jihad Yassin Barbakh, 13, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand; and
2. Hassan Mohammed al-Qamhawi, 12, wounded by shrapnel in the face and the hand.
A number of live bullets and some shrapnel hit Nasser medical compound, damaging a number of its departments and an ambulance.
At approximately 17:15, 5 Israeli military jeeps moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. Israeli troops opened fire at houses. A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at the stone throwers, wounding 2, including a child:
1. Isma'il Mousa Abu 'Alafa, 15, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen; and
2. 'Alaa' Mohammed Sanakra, 27, wounded by a live bullet in the left hand.
At approximately 18:30, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 300 meters into 'Oraiba area in the northwest of Rafah. Under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, they ordered residents of houses to leave their houses without allowing them to take any of their belongings. Then, they destroyed 14 houses completely and a 15th one partially, rendering 66 people (18 families) homeless. These houses belong to the families of Abu Samhadana, Abu Baten, Abu Zakkar, al-Tarabin and al-'Arjani.
Sunday, 10 October 2004
At approximately 04:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the west of Rafah opened fire at houses in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood to the east. A Palestinian civilian, 'Aadel Mutawe' Miqdad, 42, was injured by shrapnel in the head when he was selpping inside his house.
At approximately 08:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and schools in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian schoolchild, 16-year-old Jihad Sa'id Sarhan, was wounded by a live bullet in the right hand while he was in a classroom in an UNRWA preparatory school, nearly 600 meters away from the source of fire. Schools in this area have been targeted by the Israeli gunfire, previously one schoolchild and an old man were killed when they were inside the schools.
At approximately 22:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, shelled Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood. A number of houses were damaged and an artillery shell fell near the administration building in Nasser medical compound, and damaged the building.
Monday, 11 October 2004
At approximately 00:00, Israeli troops positioned in the vicinity of "Qatif" settlement, northwest of Khan Yunis, shelled Palestinian houses in al-Satar al-Gharbi area. An artillery shell hit a 140-square-meter house owned by Najeh Swailem al-Hameedi, in which 10 people live. The house was severely damaged, but no casualties were reported. A number of artillery shells also hit a mosque and severely damaged it. In addition, a Palestinian civilian, Shadi Shu'aib al-'Adini, 29, was injured by shrapnel in the face and the chest.
At approximately 01:30, an infantry unit of Israeli troops moved from "Kfar Darom" settlement nearly 600 meters into Deir al-Balah. Israeli troops raided 3 houses and transformed them into military sites after having held their residents. Nearly 3 hours later, 11 heavy military vehicles, including a bulldozer, were brought to the area. During their movement forwards, the Israeli troops opened fire at a member of the Palestinian resistance who tried to confront this Israeli military incursion. He was wounded by a live bullet in the head. He bled to death and Israeli troops did not allow ambulances to reach him during this incursion. The victim was later identified as Tamer Mohammed Khamash, 38. Under the cover of indiscriminate shelling, Israeli troops destroyed 4 houses, in which 28 people (3 families) lived. They also razed 40 donums of agricultural land at the entrance to Deir al-Balah. In addition, 7 Palestinian civilians, including children, were injured by the Israeli shelling. Before their withdrawal from the town, Israeli troops moved into Abu 'Oraif area. A tank fired a shell at Fayez 'Abed Mohammed 'Abdul Hadi. One of the owner's children, Ibrahim, 8, was injured by shrapnel in the right thigh.
At approximately 06:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp and al-Nimsawi neighborhood. A Palestinian civilian, Hussam Mohammed Abu Hatab, 29, was injured by shrapnel in the head, when he was inside his house.
At approximately 09:00, Israeli troops, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They opened fire at houses. The bulldozer started to block the northern entrance of the camp. A number of Palestinian children and young men gathered and threw stones at Israeli troops. Immediately, Israeli troops fired at the stone throwers, wounding 5, including 3 children.
Tuesday, 12 October 2004
In the morning, Israeli opened fire at an elementary school in Khan Yunis, wounding an 11-year-old schoolchild when she was sitting at her desk. The child died from her wound on the following day morning. PCHR is increasingly concerned at the number of attacks by IOF on educational institutions, threatening the lives and safety of children. This schoolchild was the second to be killed by Israeli troops while at school.
According to preliminary investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at an UNRWA elementary school in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian schoolchild, 11-year-old Ghadeer Jaber Mukhaimer, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest while she was sitting at her desk. Medical efforts made to save her life failed and she was pronounced dead on the following day morning.
During the day, Israeli troops moved into the villages of Tammoun and Qabatya near Jenin; the villages of al-Duha and al-Khader village near Bethlehem; Nablus and the neighboring refugee camps; Qarawat Bani Zaid village near Ramallah; and Beit 'Awa village near Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 24 Palestinians.
Wednesday, 13 October 2004
At approximately 17:00, Israeli troops positioned at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at a number of Palestinian children who were playing football in Block J in Rafah refugee camp, adjacent to the border. Two children were seriously wounded:
1. Jihad Hassan Barhoum, 16, hit by a live bullet to the abdomen and died two hours later; and
2. 'Abdul Rahman Sulieman Sha'at, 7, hit by a live bullet to the back.
Extra-Judicial Execution
In a continuation of the policy of extra-judicial assassination officially adopted by the Israeli political and military establishments, On Saturday morning, 9th October 2004, Israeli occupying troops committed an extra-judicial execution in Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, which left 2 Palestinian activists dead (both were members of the Palestinian National Security Force and of a Palestinian militant group).
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 01:15 on Saturday, the Israeli air force fired a missile at 2 Palestinians who were walking in al-Furn Street, a branch road of the Sea Street, in Khan Yunis refugee camp. The two were members of the Palestinian National Security Force, and had just left their site in this capacity, which is located near al-Tuffah checkpoint, west of Khan Yunis. The missile directly hit one of them, separating the upper part of his body from the lower one, while the other Palestinian was hit by shrapnel from the missile and died a few minutes later. The two victims were identified as:
1. 'Emad Yahia Khalil Bader, 24, a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fatah movement; and
2. Saqer 'Awni Saqer, 23, a member of Ahmed Abu al-Reesh Brigades, an armed group of Fatah movement.
A number of houses and civilian facilities were also damaged.
Continued Siege on the OPT
This week, Israeli occupying forces 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 Jerusalem.
Gaza Strip
This week, Israeli occupying troops have imposed a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip. They have divided the Gaza Strip into 3 separate zones by closing the coastal road between Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip, and at al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip. In addition, Israeli occupying troops have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip either partially or completely. These measures violate the economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinian people.
Since the beginning of their offensive on the northern Gaza Strip on 28 September 2004, Israeli occupying troops have seized control over several Palestinian communities in the area, isolating them from their surroundings. They have also seized a number of buildings and transformed their roofs into military posts. Electricity has been also cut from these areas. As a result of these measures, daily activities in the area have been paralyzed. Access to food and medical services has been also obstructed by Israeli troops.
As a result of the Israeli closure measures imposed throughout the Gaza Strip, local markets have suffered a shortage of basic foodstuffs, fuels and raw materials; the educational process has been suspended; and access to medical services has been extremely difficult.
Although Israeli troops reopened al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints and the coastal road on 9, 11 and 12 October 2004, hundreds of Palestinian civilians have not been able to attend their jobs and educational institutions.
Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians to and from the area. Israeli troops reopened al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the area on Wednesday, 6 October 2004, after a 2-week closure. They have also continued to prevent female Palestinians whose ages are between 16 and 25, and male ones whose ages are between 16 and 30 from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint, when it is open, without prior coordination.
Israeli troops have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. They have also imposed severe restrictions of the movement of Palestinian farmers. In the same context, Israeli troops have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians living in al-Ma’ni area near “Kfar Darom” settlement in the central Gaza Strip.
Israeli troops have continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip for the sixth consecutive week. Even though Israeli occupying troops partially reopened al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City, they have imposed severe restrictions on the flow of goods through the two crossing. As result, the Palestinian market has lacked several basic goods. On 3 October 2004, Israeli troops reopened Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah, and allowed the entry of construction raw materials, but the crossing has remained closed in the face of Palestinian workers for the 3rd consecutive week.
Israeli troops have continued to impose severe restrictions on traveling through Rafah Terminal, which has been the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world since 14 February 2001, when Israeli occupying troops destroyed the runway of Gaza International Airport. The number of Palestinians allowed to travel through the terminal daily is very limited. As a result, many patients who are badly in need for special medical treatment abroad have not been able to travel.
The West Bank
Israeli occupying troops have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Jerusalem
Israeli troops imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. This week, Israeli troops erected a number of temporary checkpoints at the entrances to villages near the city. They stopped dozens of Palestinian vehicles and checked the ID cards of passengers. Israeli troops also took similar measures inside the city, especially inside and around the old town. On Sunday morning, 10 October 2004, Israeli troops moved into Wadi 'Ayad areas in the northeast of Jerusalem and imposed a curfew.
Ramallah
Israeli troops imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially at Qalandya checkpoint, south of the town. On Thursday, 7 October 2004, Israeli troops closed the checkpoint and forced hundreds of Palestinian civilians to back home. Israeli troops closed the entrances to the villages of Bani Zaid area. They also closed the iron gate between Nabi Saleh village and "Halmish" settlement, prohibiting movement of more than 12000 Palestinians living in the area. This closure continued until Monday morning, 11 October 2004. Throughout the week, Israeli troops positioned at various checkpoints around the town imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Hebron
For the 2nd consecutive month, Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on Hebron. They have isolated the town from its surroundings. They chased Palestinian civilians who attempted to travel to and from the town. Israeli troops also imposed restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the town. They stopped and checked dozens of Palestinian civilians in various areas in the town. On Sunday morning, 10 October 2004, Israeli troops erected a number of checkpoints on the roads leading to al-Quds Open University and Hebron University. They stopped, checked and humiliated dozens of students.
Bethlehem
Since Thursday morning, 7 October 2004, Israeli occupying troops have imposed a tightened siege on the district. They have closed all entrances to the district. Israeli troops positioned at various checkpoints around Bethlehem imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians.
Nablus
Israeli troops erected a number of temporary checkpoints on the main roads. They stopped and checked Palestinian civilians, and held dozens of young men for long hours for no apparent reason.
Jenin
On Thursday morning, 7 October 2004, Israeli troops closed the iron gate at the entrance to Tayaseer village, east of Jenin, prohibiting the movement of Palestinian civilians. This closure continued until Monday morning, 11 October 2004. They also closed the entrance to Tubas village, east of the town.
Arrests at Military Checkpoints
On Monday morning, 11 October 2004, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint at the northwestern entrance to al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem, arrested 2 unidentified Palestinians.
Also on Monday morning, Israeli troops positioned at a military checkpoint at the entrance of Jericho arrested Ibrahim 'Abdul Muhsen Farraj, 38, from al-Duhhaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem.
Curfews
On Thursday, 7 October 2004, Israeli troops imposed a curfew on Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.
On Monday morning, 11 October 2004, Israeli troops imposed a curfew on Deir Abu Masha'al village, west of Ramallah.
Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall
Israeli troops have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory, especially in East Jerusalem and Hebron.
Israeli troops continued to construct the section of the wall extending from Qalandya checkpoint, south of Ramallah, and Dahiat al-Barid checkpoint, north of Jerusalem. They have divided the main road linking between the two checkpoints into two sections, an eastern one and a western one. Palestinian vehicles coming from Qalandya checkpoint have to go into al-Ram village through its northeastern entrance in order to travel southward, which creates large queues of traffic, resulting in chaotic scenes as the movement of traffic is so restricted.
In Hebron, on Thursday morning, 7 October 2004, Israeli military bulldozers started to raze areas of agricultural land in the villages of Deir al-'Asal al-Fouqa and Deir al-'Asal al-Tahta, southwest of the town. These operations of land leveling took place 500 meters inside the West Bank territory. The Israeli military bulldozers razed at least 60 donums of agricultural land. A section of the wall will be constructed to the south of the two villages at a length of more than 5 kilometers. According to the Israeli maps, this section of the wall will seize at least 500 donums of the Palestinian land.
On Saturday morning, 9 October 2004, Israeli troops prevented Palestinian farmers from reaching their agricultural land in Toura al-Ghrabiya village, west of Jenin, to cultivate olives, even though they have valid permits. Israeli troops claimed that they would allow these farmers to go to their land when the total closure imposed on the OPT is lifted.
In the same context, for the 2nd consecutive week, Israeli troops have prevented Palestinian farmers from 'Azzoun 'Atma village in Qalqilya to go to their agricultural land to cultivate olives. According to the local council of the village, Israeli troops positioned at an iron gate that separates between the village and nearly 350 donums of agricultural land have prevented Palestinian farmers from reaching their land.
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 of 1949, 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.
At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 12 October 2004, Israeli troops moved into Beit Wazan village, west of Nablus. They surrounded a 300-square-meter, 2-storey house owned by Mohammed Abu 'Eisha and his sons. They forced the residents of the building, which includes 7 flats, out. Then, Israeli troops planted explosives inside Mohammed Abu 'Eisha's flat. At approximately 04:00, they destroyed the flat. Other parts of the building were severely damaged. Israeli occupying troops declared that they had destroyed Muhannad's Mohammed Abu 'Eisha's house, and claimed that he is a member of the Islamic Jihad.
At approximately 01:00 on Wednesday, 13 October 2004, Israeli troops, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved in Dwairban Street in the southwest of Hebron. They surrounded a 120-square-meter house owned by Hafez Naji al-Khatib. They opened fire at the house and blew up its entrance. Then, they called through megaphones on the 8 residnets of the house and 'Emad Salah 'Abdul Fattah al-Qawasmi, 32, who was hiding in the house, to get out. Residents of the house got out with their hands up. Israeli troops checked them and held them in a neighboring house. Nearly half an hour later, Israeli troops resumed firing at the house. At approximately 05:30, the bulldozer moved towards the house and demolished the fences of its garden and started to demolish the house itself. At approximately 09:40, al-Qawasmi surrendered to the Israeli troops. At approximately 10:30, the bulldozer demolished the house completely. Al-Qawasmi had been wanted by Israeli troops for 2 years. He is married and a father of 3 children. He has 3 brothers who have been detained in Israeli prisons. Israeli troops claim that he is the leader of the 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in Hebron.
At approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 13 October 2004, Israeli troops moved into Jalboun village, east of Jenin. They surrounded a 120-square-meter house belonging to the family of Eyad Mohammed Ahmed Abu al-Rub, 27. They forced his two sisters who live in the house out. Then, they planted explosives inside the house and destroyed it. They claim that Abu al-Rub is wanted for being a member of the Islamic Jihad.
Settlement Activities and Settlers' Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Properties
Israeli troops have pursued settlement activities in the OPT and settlers who live in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and their properties.
At approximately 10:30 on Monday, 11 October 2004, a number of Israeli settlers from "Yitshar" settlement, south of Nablus, attacked a number of Palestinian farmers who were cultivating olives in 'Assira village to the west of the aforementioned settlement. The settlers beat the farmers and ordered them to leave their land. The farmers refused this order and quarreled with the settlers. At approximately 11:30, an Israeli military unit arrived at the area to end the quarrel. Soon, one of the settlers opened fire at the farmers. One farmer, Hani 'Abdul Ra'ouf 'Abdul Rahman Shehada, 28, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck. According to eyewitnesses, the settler fired at the farmer from a distance of approximately 300 meters. Israeli military sources stated to Associated Press that a settler from "Yitshar" settlement fired at a Palestinian and wounded him.
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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 calls on the international community to immediately “ensure respect” for the Convention.
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.
4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and NGOs to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals 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. PCHR also requests the application of the EU Guidelines on Arms Sales and requests that EU Missions and Embassies in Israel and the oPts press the Israeli government to apply and implement in full the recently agreed EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders.
6. PCHR calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights.
7. PCHR requests that the international community follow the advisory opinion of the ICJ when it called on the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Convention, through the UNGA and UNSC, to take effective measures to stop the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank.
8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the oPt, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, trade 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.
10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of international solidarity groups to the oPt, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.
11. 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.
“END”
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