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Israeli Occupation Soldiers and Settlers Continue Violation of Palestinian Human Rights, Through Attacks, House Demolitions, and Abductions

October 21, 2017 

Editor's Note:

The following news stories are just examples of the Israeli occupation government violations of Palestinian human rights, on daily basis.

More detailed news stories can be found at the following sources: https://english.palinfo.com/, http://imemc.org/, https://paltoday.ps/ar/

 

An illegal Israeli settlers attacking a Palestinian farmer with a shovel, near Bethlehem, October 21, 2017	A Palestinian child sitting on the site of his family's home, demolished by Israeli occupation soldiers, October 2017

 

Egyptian Closure of Border with Gaza Continues Despite the Agreement to lift it 

LONDON, (PIC) + -

Esam Yousef, head of the Popular International Committee to Support Gaza, called for accelerating the process of lifting the punitive measures against Gaza Strip. He stressed that it is unjustified especially after signing the Palestinian reconciliation agreement under Egyptian supervision in Cairo.

In a press statement on Friday, Yousef stressed the need to urgently and practically implement the agreement’s provisions especially those that would lead to alleviating the current crises in the blockaded Gaza Strip. These crises affect over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza who have been suffering from the decade-long Israeli siege as well as the implications of the internal division, he highlighted.

Procrastination in the implementation process of some of the procedures and moves of the reconciliation deal raises suspicions on the intentions of some parties who do not want to accomplish the reconciliation, Yousef said.

Israeli Occupation Army Invades Homes Near Jenin

October 21, 2017 11:34 AM IMEMC News

Dozens of Israeli occupation soldiers invaded, earlier Saturday, the village of Raba, east of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and searched several homes.

Media sources in Jenin said the soldiers invaded the village from several directions, before breaking into homes and violently searching them, while interrogating the Palestinians.

Owners of some of the invaded homes have been identified as Husam Mohammad Qasrawi, and his brother Ammar, in addition to Nasr Hosni Bazzour, and his brother Eyad.

Illegal Israeli Settlers Attack A Palestinian In His Orchard, Near Bethlehem

October 21, 2017 10:58 AM Saed Bannoura

Several extremist illegal Israeli settlers attacked, Friday, a Palestinian man, while picking his olive trees, in his orchard, in the al-Khader town, south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

The colonists attacked the man, Ibrahim Mohammad Sbeih, 58, in his olive orchard in the al-‘Amara area, close to the illegal Sidi Boaz colonialist outpost.

Palestinian medical sources said the man suffered several cuts and bruises to his head and chest.

Ahmad Salah, the coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Annexation Wall and Colonies in al-Khader, said the Palestinian was attacked by the colonists, who tried to occupy his land, 4 Dunams, by placing fences, to encircle it.

The lands in question are planted with Olive trees, and grapevines, Salah added.

It is worth mentioning that the attack is one of the frequent assaults by the colonists, against the Palestinian and his brothers, as the colonists are trying to illegally confiscate their lands, and frequently prevented them  from entering them.

Israeli Occupation Navy Soldiers Shoot Palestinian Teen Sailing Gaza Coast

October 21, 2017 6:49 AM IMEMC News & Agencies

A Palestinian teenager was shot and injured, by Israeli occupation naval forces, off the coast of the northern Gaza Strip, on Thursday evening.

Witnesses told Ma’an News Agency that the 19-year-old, whose identity remained unknown, was sailing off the coast of Beit Lahiya when Israeli naval forces opened fire on the teen’s boat.

Medical sources reported that the teen was injured in his leg.

As part of Israel’s blockade of the coastal enclave since 2007, the Israeli military, citing security concerns, requires Palestinian fishermen to work within a limited “designated fishing zone,” the exact limits of which are decided by the Israeli authorities and have historically fluctuated.

Al Mezan Center for Human Rights reported in May that, since the beginning of the year, Israel had seized five fishing boats, detained 14 Palestinian fishermen, shot and injured four, while two fisherman have been killed.

Israeli Occupation Navy Injures A Fisherman In Northern Gaza

October 20, 2017 1:50 AM IMEMC News Beit Lahia, Gaza Siege, Gaza Strip, Israeli attacks, News Report 0 20 Oct 1:50 AM

Israeli occupation navy ships opened fired, on Thursday evening, on Palestinian fishing boats, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, wounding one fisherman with a live round.

Eyewitnesses said the navy fired many live rounds at Palestinian fishing boats in the al-Waha area, in the Sudaniyya Sea shore, northwest of Beit Lahia.

They added that the navy wounded a fisherman, 19 years of age, with a live round in his leg. 

Israeli Occupation Soldiers Abduct Ten Palestinians In The West Bank

October 20, 2017 12:17 PM IMEMC News I

Israeli occupation soldiers invaded, on Friday at dawn, many Palestinians areas in several parts of the occupied West Bank, before breaking into homes and violently searching them, and abducted at least ten Palestinians, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS) said.

The Qalqilia office of the PPS, in northern West Bank, said the soldiers invaded homes in ‘Azzoun town, east of the city, and abducted Rashid Mahmoud Radwan, 60.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of soldiers surrounded Radwan’s home, before invading it, and took him to an unknown destination.

The soldiers also abducted Mahmoud Shatara, 43, after stopping him at a sudden military roadblock, on the main entrance of Qalqilia.

Furthermore, the soldiers abducted six Palestinians, including two siblings, from Ya’bad town, southwest Jenin, and two from Jenin city, in northern West Bank.

The Jenin office of the PPS said the soldiers abducted Mohammad Ziad Salah, 21, and his brother Ziad, 16, after stopping them at a military roadblock.

Four other Palestinians from the town were abducted after the soldiers invaded and searched their homes.

They have been identified as Hadi Tawfiq Hamarsha, Mohammad Jalal Atatra, Mahdi Mahmoud Turkman and Jabr Ibrahim Hamarsha.

In Jenin city, the soldiers abducted Mohammad Shami, 17, and Abdullah Abdul-Halim, 17.

Their families said the two went to school, a day earlier, but never returned home, so they started searching for them, only to find out at dawn Friday, that they were abducted by the soldiers.

It is worth mentioning that the soldiers also invaded Silwad and Al-Mazra’a ash-Sharqiya towns, and the al-Jalazoun refugee camp, in Ramallah, and violently searched many homes, leading to clashes.

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PCHR Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

(12 – 18 October 2017)

October 21, 2017 7:04 AM IMEMC News & Agencies

Israeli occupation forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for the week of 12 – 18 October, 2017.

20 Palestinian civilians, including 14 children, were wounded in the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

 

Shooting: 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 20 Palestinian civilians, including 14 children; 4 of them including a child were in the West Bank while the 6 others, including 3 children, were in the Gaza Strip.  In the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces continued to chase Palestinian fishermen in the Sea and open fire at farmers and houses in the border areas.  The fishermen in the Sea were subject to 12 shooting incidents during the reporting period.

In the West Bank, 15 October 2017, a 13-year-old Palestinian child sustained shrapnel wound to the left leg when Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at a group of youngsters and students, who threw stones at the soldiers after their incursion into Rojib village, southeast of Nablus. 

On 16 October 2017, a young man was wounded to the foot when Israeli forces moved into al-Dheishah refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, and opened fire.  On 18 October 2017, 2 civilians were wounded in Nablus and Ramallah following the Israeli forces’ incursion into the cities and closure of 8 media offices. 

In the Gaza Strip, the border areas witnessed protests against the on-going unjust closure on the Gaza population.  During the protests, the Israeli forces used force against the protestors and opened fire in order to disperse them.  As a result, 6 civilians, including 3 children, were wounded; Five were wounded in eastern Jabalia and the other in al-Brueij refugee camp. 

In the pretext of targeting Palestinian fishermen in the Sea, PCHR monitored that Israeli forces escalated their attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea although declaring fishermen are now allowed to fish until 9 nautical miles instead of 6.  This proves that the Israeli forces continue their policy of targeting fishermen and their livelihood.  During the reporting period, Israeli gunboats chased and opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats 12 times; 11 of which were in the north-western Beit Lahia and western Soudaniyah, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip and one was off Kahn Younis shore in the southern Gaza Strip.  On 15 October 2017, 4 fishermen were arrested off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, and 8 fishing nets were confiscated.  The arrested fishermen were later released. 

On 17 October 2017, Israeli gunboats fired shells at a Palestinian fishing boat sailing within 2.5 nautical miles.  As a result, the boat was destroyed and drowned in the Sea.

It should be mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture said that Israel informed the Ministry of Affairs that the allowed fishing area expanded from 6 to 9 nautical miles starting at 15:00 on Wednesday, 18 October 2017. 

In the context of targeting the border areas, on 13 October 2017, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, sporadically opened fire at the agricultural lands, east of Khuza’ah village and al-Sunati area in ‘Abasan al-Kabirah.  As a result, farmers and civilians panicked, but no casualties were reported. 

On 15 October 2017, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip opened fire at the lands and houses in the eastern areas.  No casualties were reported.

Incursions: 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 47 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 50 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children. Six of those, including a child, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs. 

As part of the Israeli attacks against media, on Wednesday, 18 October 2017, Israeli forces closed 8 branch offices of 3 media companies in the West Bank, providing media services in Nablus, Hebron and Ramallah. These companies are PalMedia, Ram Sat, and Trans Media, noting that the offices are rented by the channels of al-Quds, Al-Aqsa and Palestine Today.  Israeli forces confiscated the broadcasting devices and equipment and closed the offices for 6 months without identifying the reasons in addition to arresting 2 journalists from Hebron.  These attacks are part of systematic steps to silence the voice of truth and cover up the serious violations of human rights in the oPt. 

Measures to Create a Jewish Majority in occupied East Jerusalem 

In the context of Israeli settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, dozens of settlers continued to raid al-Aqsa Mosque and its yards in East Jerusalem’s Old City under the Israeli forces’ protection and provoking Palestinians there. 

Settlement Activities and Settlers’ Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and their property: 

As part of settlers’ attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 12 October 2017, hundreds of settlers under the Israeli forces’ protection moved into several neighbourhoods in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City coinciding with the last days of the Jewish Sukkot Holiday.  They attacked shops and damaged 4 vehicles and a motorbike in al-Wad neighbourhood in the Old City.  They also moved into the African Community neighbourhood near the Council “al-Majles” Gate, one of al-Aqsa Mosque’s gates, and threw stones, sticks and chairs at the houses’ doors and windows in the neighbourhood. 

On 16 October 2017, the Israeli authorities declared seizing dunums from al-Ta’amrah lands, east of Bethlehem. 

On 17 October 2017, the Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished 2 houses in Yasoul Valley neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of East Jerusalem’s Old City, without any prior warning under the pretext of building without a license.  Meanwhile, the Israeli forces were preparing to demolish a third house but the demolition was delayed after its owner resorted to the Israeli court. 

Restrictions on movement: 

Israel continued to impose a tight closure of the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. 

The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip.  The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 2 million people.  The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy.  They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 65%. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 47% and youth constitutes 65% of the unemployed persons.  Moreover, 80% of the Gaza Strip population depends on international aid to secure their minimum daily needs. These rates indicate the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip. 

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to suffocate the Palestinian cities and village by imposing military checkpoints around and/or between them. This created “cantons” isolated from each other that hinders the movement of civilians. Moreover, the Palestinian civilians suffering aggravated because of the annexation wall and checkpoints erected on daily basis to catch Palestinians.

Demonstrations in protest against the annexation wall and settlement activities

West Bank: 

At approximately 13:30, following Friday prayer on 13 October 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international activists organized a protest in Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They made their way to the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since al-Aqsa Intifada. When the protestors approached the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. 

Gaza Strip: 

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 13 October 2017, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee in the central Gaza Strip, in solidarity with Jerusalem and protesting against the Israeli violations in al-Aqsa Mosque. About 30 youngsters gathered near the security fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 17-year-old child, from al-Buraij refugee camp, sustained a live bullet wound to the right foot. He was transferred to Shuhadaa’ al-Aqsa hospital in Deir el-Balah to receive medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate. 

At approximately 16:00 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, protesting against the Israeli closure and violations on the Gaza Strip. Some of the protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldiers along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, and tear gas canisters at the protestors. The shooting and clashes sporadically continued until approximately 18:45 on the same day. As a result, 5 civilians, including 2 children, were directly hit with tear gas canisters. They were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, and their condition was classified as minor. 

Note: PCHR Keeps the names of the wounded persons.

Efforts to Create Jewish majority 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it: 

Arrests and Incursions: 

At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 12 October 2017, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bahaa Ahmed Abu Tayieh (20) and arrested him. In the evening, Israeli forces turned al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, into a closed military zone. They also fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at the village residents. Activist Mohamed Abu al-Humus said that, on Thursday, hundreds of Israeli soldiers moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, where they heavily fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and live bullets. They also turned the village into a closed military zone by closing all streets, surrounding the village, and imposing curfew. The Israeli soldiers also arrested Mohamed Abed al-Raaouf Mahmoud (17) while he was in a car at the village entrance. Due to firing the tear gas canisters, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover, the closure imposed on the village, especially at the eastern and western entrances to the village; firing sound bombs and metal bullets at vehicles and residents; topping at houses’ roofs; and stationing in many neighborhoods caused a state of tension and anxiety in the village. 

At approximately 23:20, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abed al-Raheem ‘Isaa (24) and arrested him. 

At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 15 October 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli soldiers deployed in many neighborhoods and confiscated flags and banners, which were hanged on walls for welcoming prisoners. They also pushed and beat up Yousef Muhasin, his wife Fadia and their daughter Salsabil while they were near al-Salam Amusement Park at the northern entrance to the village. Yousef was arrested and then taken to Salah al-Deen police center for investigation. PCHR’s fieldworker said that Yousef’s wife and his pregnant daughter were taken to hospital to receive medical treatment due to sustaining bruises. Moreover, the Israeli forces removed a banner for welcoming the prisoner Nimer Mahmoud and confiscated it. They also confiscated flags for welcoming the prisoners Mahmoud and ‘Ata Mohamed Derbas. The Israeli forces also moved into al-‘Issawiyia village cemetery in an ongoing violation of the sanctity of the dead persons. 

At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 16 October 2017, a large force of Israeli soldiers moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They searched houses and shops from which they confiscated surveillance cameras and arrested civilians, who were later released. The Israeli forces raided and searched a house and a toys shop belonging to Ziyad ‘Afanah after damaging the door locks and then arrested him. Clashes erupted between Palestinian young men and Israeli soldiers, who heavily fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at an UNRWA school for girls, causing fear among female students. The Israeli soldiers topped the houses roofs and deployed snipers before their withdrawal. 

At approximately 13:30, a large force of Israeli soldiers moved into the schools street in the center of al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They heavily deployed in the area and indiscriminately fired rubber-coated metal bullets and sound bombs at the students when students were leaving their schools. As a result, 10 students, who are between 9 and 16 years old, were hit with sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets and sustained shrapnel wounds. Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee, said that Israeli forces raided al-‘Issawiyia village and wounded 10 students who are between 9 and 16 years old while getting out of the school. The students sustained wounds to the face, limbs, abdomen and waist. All of them were then taken to hospitals and clinics. Moreover, dozens of students were afraid due to raiding the main street near their school by the Israeli soldiers. Abu al-Humus added that one of the wounded persons was transferred from al-Maqased Hospital to Sha’arei Tzedek Hospital in the evening. It should be noted that the abovementioned wounded person was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the waist and his health condition was serious as his spleen was removed. Abu al-Humus also said that the Students’ Parents Committee decided to suspend the school day in all schools in al-‘Issawiyia village until further notice in protest against the Israeli forces’ daily incursions coinciding with the start and end of the school day. He said the Israeli forces are trying to provoke and intimidate the students and erupt clashes. 

At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 17 October 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Sa’diyia neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Salah Sharifah (22) and arrested him. 

Houses Demolition: 

On Tuesday, 17 October 2017, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers without a prior warning demolished 2 houses in Yasoul Valley neighbourhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non-licensing. The bulldozer also started to demolish another house, but the demolition decision was delayed because its owner went to the Israeli court. According to PCHR’s investigation and eyewitnesses’ statement to PCHR’s fieldworker, on Tuesday, Israeli bulldozers accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff moved into Yasoul Valley neighbourhood and stationed in Abu Tayieh area. They then demolished 2 houses belonging to Abu Rajab family.

West Bank: 

At approximately 13:30, following Friday prayer on 13 October 2017, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international activists organized a protest in Kafer Qadoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyah. They made their way to the eastern entrance to the village in protest against closing that entrance since al-Aqsa Intifada. When the protestors approached the abovementioned entrance, the Israeli forces fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. As a result, a number of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. 

Gaza Strip: 

At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 13 October 2017, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Bureij refugee in the central Gaza Strip, in solidarity with Jerusalem and protesting against the Israeli violations in al-Aqsa Mosque. About 30 youngsters gathered near the security fence and threw stones at the Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters at the protestors. As a result, a 17-year-old child, from al-Buraij refugee camp, sustained a live bullet wound to the right foot. He was transferred to Shuhadaa’ al-Aqsa hospital in Deir el-Balah to receive medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate. 

At approximately 16:00 on the same Friday, dozens of Palestinian youngsters made their way to the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, protesting against the Israeli closure and violations on the Gaza Strip. Some of the protestors threw stones at the Israeli soldiers along the border fence. The soldiers fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, and tear gas canisters at the protestors. The shooting and clashes sporadically continued until approximately 18:45 on the same day. As a result, 5 civilians, including 2 children, were directly hit with tear gas canisters. They were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, and their condition was classified as minor. 

Note: PCHR Keeps the names of the wounded persons.

Efforts to Create Jewish majority 

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it: 

Arrests and Incursions: 

At approximately 01:30 on Thursday, 12 October 2017, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ain al-Louza neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bahaa Ahmed Abu Tayieh (20) and arrested him. In the evening, Israeli forces turned al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem, into a closed military zone. They also fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at the village residents. Activist Mohamed Abu al-Humus said that, on Thursday, hundreds of Israeli soldiers moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, where they heavily fired sound bombs, tear gas canisters and live bullets. They also turned the village into a closed military zone by closing all streets, surrounding the village, and imposing curfew. The Israeli soldiers also arrested Mohamed Abed al-Raaouf Mahmoud (17) while he was in a car at the village entrance. Due to firing the tear gas canisters, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. Moreover, the closure imposed on the village, especially at the eastern and western entrances to the village; firing sound bombs and metal bullets at vehicles and residents; topping at houses’ roofs; and stationing in many neighborhoods caused a state of tension and anxiety in the village. 

At approximately 23:20, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat neighborhood, north of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Abed al-Raheem ‘Isaa (24) and arrested him. 

At approximately 16:00 on Sunday, 15 October 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli soldiers deployed in many neighborhoods and confiscated flags and banners, which were hanged on walls for welcoming prisoners. They also pushed and beat up Yousef Muhasin, his wife Fadia and their daughter Salsabil while they were near al-Salam Amusement Park at the northern entrance to the village. Yousef was arrested and then taken to Salah al-Deen police center for investigation. PCHR’s fieldworker said that Yousef’s wife and his pregnant daughter were taken to hospital to receive medical treatment due to sustaining bruises. Moreover, the Israeli forces removed a banner for welcoming the prisoner Nimer Mahmoud and confiscated it. They also confiscated flags for welcoming the prisoners Mahmoud and ‘Ata Mohamed Derbas. The Israeli forces also moved into al-‘Issawiyia village cemetery in an ongoing violation of the sanctity of the dead persons. 

At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 16 October 2017, a large force of Israeli soldiers moved into Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They searched houses and shops from which they confiscated surveillance cameras and arrested civilians, who were later released. The Israeli forces raided and searched a house and a toys shop belonging to Ziyad ‘Afanah after damaging the door locks and then arrested him. Clashes erupted between Palestinian young men and Israeli soldiers, who heavily fired rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at an UNRWA school for girls, causing fear among female students. The Israeli soldiers topped the houses roofs and deployed snipers before their withdrawal. 

At approximately 13:30, a large force of Israeli soldiers moved into the schools street in the center of al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They heavily deployed in the area and indiscriminately fired rubber-coated metal bullets and sound bombs at the students when students were leaving their schools. As a result, 10 students, who are between 9 and 16 years old, were hit with sound bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets and sustained shrapnel wounds. Mohamed Abu al-Humus, Member of al-‘Issawiyia Follow-up Committee, said that Israeli forces raided al-‘Issawiyia village and wounded 10 students who are between 9 and 16 years old while getting out of the school. The students sustained wounds to the face, limbs, abdomen and waist. All of them were then taken to hospitals and clinics. Moreover, dozens of students were afraid due to raiding the main street near their school by the Israeli soldiers. Abu al-Humus added that one of the wounded persons was transferred from al-Maqased Hospital to Sha’arei Tzedek Hospital in the evening. It should be noted that the abovementioned wounded person was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the waist and his health condition was serious as his spleen was removed. Abu al-Humus also said that the Students’ Parents Committee decided to suspend the school day in all schools in al-‘Issawiyia village until further notice in protest against the Israeli forces’ daily incursions coinciding with the start and end of the school day. He said the Israeli forces are trying to provoke and intimidate the students and erupt clashes. 

At approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 17 October 2017, Israeli forces moved into al-Sa’diyia neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to Salah Sharifah (22) and arrested him. 

Houses Demolition: 

On Tuesday, 17 October 2017, the Israeli Municipality bulldozers without a prior warning demolished 2 houses in Yasoul Valley neighbourhood, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, under the pretext of non-licensing. The bulldozer also started to demolish another house, but the demolition decision was delayed because its owner went to the Israeli court. According to PCHR’s investigation and eyewitnesses’ statement to PCHR’s fieldworker, on Tuesday, Israeli bulldozers accompanied with the Israeli Municipality staff moved into Yasoul Valley neighbourhood and stationed in Abu Tayieh area. They then demolished 2 houses belonging to Abu Rajab family.

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