• 12 Palestinians were killed by IOF during the reporting period.

• The victims include 7 police officers, whose workplace in the southern Gaza Strip was bombarded by IOF.

• 22 Palestinians, mainly civilians, including 4 children and an elderly woman, were injured by IOF gunfire.

• IOF conducted 35 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and one incursion into the Gaza Strip.

• IOF arrested 54 Palestinian civilians, including 9 children, in the West Bank, and 40 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

• IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT.

• IOF troops positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank arrested at least 8 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.

• IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attacks Palestinian civilians and property.

• IOF demolished 3 houses in Jerusalem and al-Jiftlik village.

• Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians and property in Hebron.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (31 January – 6 February 2008):

Shootings: During the reporting period, IOF killed 12 Palestinians and wounded 22 others, including 4 children, in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, IOF killed 10 Palestinians, including 7 police officers, and injured 9 others.

On 4 February, IOF extra-judicially executed an activist of the Salah al-Din Brigades (the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees). A civilian bystander was also injured. On 5 February, IOF killed 2 Palestinian resistance activists during an incursion into al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. On the same day, seven police officers of the dismissed Palestinian government were killed, and an eighth injured, when IOF fired a surface-to-surface missile at their workplace in 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. On 31 January, a Palestinian civilian was injured when an IOF aircraft opened fire at agricultural areas in Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip. On 6 February, 3 Palestinian resistance activists were seriously wounded in 3 separate attacks by IOF in Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun towns in the northern Gaza Strip, and in Gaza City. On the same day, an elderly woman was wounded when IOF bombed a farm near her house.

In the West Bank, IOF killed 2 Palestinians and injured 13 others.

On 4 February, IOF extra-judicially executed 2 activists of the al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad), and injured a third, in Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. On 31 January, IOF wounded a Palestinian civilian during an incursion into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. On 1 February, IOF wounded 6 Palestinian children, including a child, in Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. On 2 February, IOF wounded 3 Palestinian children in al-Khader village, southwest of Bethlehem. in addition, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when IOF used force to disperse a peaceful demonstration organized in protest at the construction of the Annexation Wall in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, on 1 February.  

Incursions: During the reporting period, IOF conducted at least 35 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. IOF arrested 54 Palestinian civilians, including 9 children and a girl. The number of Palestinian civilians arrested by IOF in the West Bank since the beginning of the year now stands at 307.  

In the Gaza Strip, on 5 February, IOF invaded al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. During this incursion, IOF killed 2 Palestinian resistance activists, and arrested at least 40 civilians, including a number of children.

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

Gaza Strip

To date, IOF have closed all border crossings to the Gaza Strip for more than 18 months continuously. The total siege imposed by IOF on the Gaza Strip has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and has violated the economic and social rights of the Palestinian civilian population, particularly their rights to appropriate living conditions, health and education. It has also paralyzed most economic sectors. Furthermore, severe restrictions have been imposed on the movement of the Palestinian civilian population. The siege of the Gaza Strip has severely impacted the flow of food, medical supplies and other necessities, such as fuel, construction materials and raw materials for various economic sectors. During the reporting period, IOF cut off food and fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip. 

As a reaction to the economic and humanitarian stranglehold imposed by IOF against the Gaza Strip, hundreds of thousands of Gazans crossed the border into Egypt when Palestinian resistance activists blew up entire sections of the border fence in Rafah on January 23. In addition to residents of Gaza crossing into Egypt en masse, hundreds of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip who had been stranded in Egypt, due to the enforced closure of Rafah International Crossing Point, also returned home to Gaza. The Egyptian authorities responded positively and with restraint, allowing Palestinian civilians to purchase foods, medicines, and other supplies which are not available in Gaza due to the escalating IOF siege and closure of the Gaza Strip. However, opening the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip did not meet all the basic needs of the civilian population of Gaza. Civilians across the Gaza Strip still suffer from severe shortages, or total unavailability, of many essential items, including domestic fuel and industrial fuel for Gaza's single power plant. In addition, hundreds of students, patients and Gazans living abroad remain in effective limbo; many have been waiting for permission to leave the Gaza Strip legally since June 2007. PCHR has learned that approximately 1,500 Gazans have gathered in the Egyptian town of al-Arish, and have asked the Egyptian authorities to allow them to travel via Cairo to third countries, where they can pursue their work, study or medical treatment. They are currently awaiting an official decision from the Egyptian authorities. PCHR reiterates its position that the chaos on the Rafah border during the past week is an inevitable consequence arising from the IOF siege and closure of the entire Gaza Strip. The IOF have deliberately deprived the entire civilian population of the Gaza Strip of their human right to safe movement and unrestricted travel. In addition, the closure has prevented essential goods and medicines reaching the civilian population. PCHR notes that IOF have tightened the closure of the Gaza Strip since June 2007. Since then, all border crossings into and out of Gaza have been effectively sealed, including the Rafah Crossing.

West Bank

IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been denied access to Jerusalem. IOF have established many checkpoints around and inside the city. Restrictions of the movement of Palestinian civilians often escalate on Fridays to prevent them from praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque. IOF often violently beat Palestinian civilians who attempt to bypass checkpoints and enter the city. IOF have also tightened the siege imposed on Palestinian communities in the West Bank. IOF positioned at various checkpoints in the West Bank have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF also erected more checkpoints on the main roads and intersections in the West Bank. During the reporting period, IOF troops positioned at various checkpoints arrested at least 8 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.

Settlement Activities: IOF have continued settlement activities and Israeli settlers living in the OPT have, in violation of international humanitarian law, continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property. During the reporting period, IOF demolished a house in East Jerusalem, and 2 others in al-Jiftlik village in the central Jordan Valley. On 31 January, Israeli settlers violently beat 2 Palestinian children in Hebron. On 4 February, Israeli settlers attacked a house in Hebron, injuring a man and his child.

Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (31 January – 6 February 2008)

1.      Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Thursday, 31 January,

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled the streets and opened fire indiscriminately. They withdrew from the city a few hours later. No casualties or arrests were reported.

·      Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Islam Hasan Mar’ei, 24, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Beit Dajan village, northeast of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 4 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Ra’ed 'Essam Hanini, 25.

2.      Saif 'Essam Hanini, 19.

3.      Nasser Mohammed Abu Latifa, 19.

4.      Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Hnaish, 20.

·      At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian brothers, apparently in order to pressure a their third brother to surrender to IOF:

1.      Nidal Bilal Abu Ghalyoun, 35.

2.      Mohammed Bilal Abu Ghalyoun, 20.

·      Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Yamoun village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Ameen Nawahda, 52, and arrested him together with his three sons: Jad, 24, 'Emad, 22 and Jihad, 19.

·      At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire at Palestinian civilians and property. Hamad Mohammed al-Tabeeb, 38, was injured by a gunshot to the left leg.

·      At approximately 18:50, an IOF aircraft flying over Beit Hanoun town in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire indiscriminately at agricultural areas around the town. As a result, Mohammed Qadri al-Masri, 21, sustained shrapnel wounds whilst standing in front of his house in the west of the town. The aircraft continued to fire for nearly 15 minutes. 

Friday, 1 February

·      At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Dehaisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Israa’ Ibrahim al-'Amarna, 22, and arrested her.

·      At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Nablus and the neighboring Balata refugee camp. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Eyad Subhi Abu Hamada, 16.

2.      'Aamer Subhi Abu Hamada, 18.

·      In the early morning, IOF troops positioned at bypass road #60 to the west of al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem, opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in the south and west of the village, and at a site o the Palestinian National Security Forces near the Solomon Pools. IOF opened fire following an explosion near an IOF military checkpoint at al-Nashash intersection on bypass road #60.

·      At approximately 12:40, IOF reinforced their presence at the entrances of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. Following the Friday Prayer, the funeral processions of 2 Palestinians who had been killed by IOF started. Palestinian mourners headed to the cemetery, which is located near the main entrance of the village. IOF troops stopped and checked a number of mourners. Palestinian civilians were provoked by IOF troops firing sound bombs, and clashes erupted between the two sides. IOF troops fired at Palestinian civilians, injuring 6 of them, including a child:

1.      Wa’el Mohammed al-Turk, 29, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left leg.

2.      Anwar Ahmed Ekhmayes, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the buttocks.

3.      Ibrahim Hasan 'Alama, 20, wounded by a gunshot to the right thigh.

4.      Hisham Khalil Abu Maria, 42, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head.

5.      Saqer Sader Abu Maria, 37, wounded by a gunshot to the right foot.

6.      Ahmed 'Ali Khalil, 27, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the hand.

·      At approximately 18:10, IOF moved into the al-Bassatin neighborhood in Jenin. They besieged and opened fire at a 3-storey commercial building. They used megaphones to demand that everybody leave the building. IOF troops continued to fire at the building until 19:30. They then withdrew from the town. No casualties or arrests were reported.

Saturday, 2 February 

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Qatna village, northwest of Jerusalem. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians, including a girl:

1.      Mousa Sa’id al-'Abed, 40.

2.      Alaa’ Mohammed Taha, 17.

·      At approximately 18:00, IOF moved into al-Khader village. They chased and opened fire at Palestinian civilians. Three Palestinian children were injured:

1.      Mohammed 'Ali 'Eissa, 17, wounded by a gunshot to the foot;

2.      Khaled Fawaz Salah, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left leg; and

3.      Ahmed Sa’id Subaih, 17, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left thigh.

Sunday, 3 February  

·      At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into al-Hawouz, al-Bassa and al-Manshar neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ussama Suleiman al-Sa’id, 50, and his two sons: Suleiman, 18; and Ahmed, 16.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ziad Sabarna, 22, who had been injured by IOF gunfire a few days earlier, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Kufor Dan village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mustafa Subhi 'Aabed, 24, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 07:00, IOF gunboats fired 3 shells at Palestinian fishing boats working near Beit Lahia seashore in the northern Gaza Strip, preventing the fishermen from continuing their work. No casualties were reported.

Monday, 4 February

·      At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Sourif village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      Mohammed 'Ali Ghuniamat, 24

2.      Bassam Mohammed Ghunaimat, 25.

·      Also at approximately 00:30, IOF moved into the Abu Snaina neighborhood in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Mos’ab Rushdi al-Atrash, 19.

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Beit Kahel village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and summoned a number of Palestinian civilians for interrogation.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Emad Nazmi Hashash, 21.

·      At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into al-Fraidees village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Murad Mohammed Abu Mahmoud, 27, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 15:00, IOF moved into Abu Ktaila neighborhood in the northwest of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to the family of Saleem Mohammed al-Harbawi, 55. They interrogated him and his family about his son, 22-year-old Mohammed, allegedly because he was wanted by IOF The house raid continued for 4 hours, during which time IOF imposed a curfew on the area and prevented journalists from investigating what was happening. At approximately 16:40, IOF held at least 30 Palestinian civilians in 2 nearby shops, including 3 journalists: Amjad Shawar, correspondent of the local Hebron Radio; Ayman al-Qawasmi, correspondent of the local al-Horriya Radio; and 'Ammar Jahshan, correspondent of Palmedia. Later, IOF arrested Saleem al-Harbawi and his son, 18-year-old Samer before withdrawing from the area.  

·      At approximately 21:30, IOF troops positioned on observation towers along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, northeast of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and agricultural areas in al-Qarara village. A number of houses were heavily damaged.

Tuesday, 5 February  

·      At approximately 00:30, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Haitham Mar’ei Shihada, 27, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 02:30, IOF troops moved nearly 2,000 meters into al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah. They raided and searched a number of houses. During this incursion, a number of activists of the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with IOF troops. Two resistance activists were killed:

1.      Mahmoud Rasmi Abu Taha, 19, killed by a gunshot to the head.

2.      Baker Fayad Abu Rijal, 22, killed by 2 gunshots to the chest.  

Whilst withdrawing from the village, IOF troops arrested at least 40 Palestinian civilians, including a number of children.

·      At 15:34, IOF troops positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Yunis, launched a surface-to-surface missile at the Palestinian riot control police workplace, located on the main road in 'Abassan village, east of Khan Yunis. As a result, 7 police officers were killed:

1.      Ahmed Isma’il Musabbeh, 22.

2.      Mo’taz 'Abdul Raziq Abu Shahla, 25.

3.      'Abdul Nasser Ibrahim Abu Nasser, 31.

4.      Wafi Hamad Abu Yousef, 22.

5.      Mohammed Mousa Abu Sa’ada, 20.

6.      Ussama 'Ali Abu Sa’ada, 21.

7.      Ra’fat Ahmed Qudaih, 22.

An eighth police officer, 22-year-old Mohammed Zaki al-Edrissi, sustained moderate shrapnel injuries.  

Wednesday, 6 February

·      At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mujahed Naji Kmail, 26, and arrested him.

·      At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Nablus. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians:

1.      :: Article nr. 40962 sent on 08-feb-2008 21:07 ECT