Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, December 20-26, 2018

January 2, 2019 

Editor's Note:

While brutal force has been used to create Zionist Israel and sustain it thus far, Zionist claims to Palestine are false. Actually, from the five thousand years of known written history, there has been a continuous Palestinian-Canaanite presence in the Holy Land. Despite the Zionist false claims, the ancient Israelites ruled part of the land for only 85 years (during the reign of David, Solomon, and Solomon's son).

 After that, the Egyptians conquered Palestine-Canaan in 925 BC, followed by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, before the Arab Muslim rule, starting from 636 AD.

By the Time Jesus started his mission, the three population groups of Canaanites, Palestinians, and Israelites were melted together in religion and language. Most of them became Christians when Constantine converted in 313 AD. Then, most of them became Muslims in the 7th and 8th centuries AD.

So, Palestinian Muslims, Christians, and Jews are the ones who have the right to claim descent from ancient Israelites, Palestinians, and Canaanites, not Zionists from other continents.

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/

 

Palestinian youths and protesters sit together around a fire as they seek shelter from the rain, during a demonstration near the border with Israel east of Gaza city on December 28, 2018. (Photo: AFP / Mahmud Hams)	Palestinian protesters gather together under a plastic rain-cover during a demonstration near the border with Israel east of Gaza city on December 28, 2018. (Photo: AFP / Mahmud Hams)

 

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (20– 26 December 2018)

Palestinian Center for Human Rights, December 27, 2018 127

Israeli occupation forces continue systematic crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt): (20 – 26 December 2018) 

Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip 

4 Palestinian civilians, including a child, and a person with mobility impairment were killed. 142 civilians, including 30 children, 2 women, 2 journalists, and a paramedic, were wounded; the injury of 2 of them was reported serious.

A child was killed and 5 civilians were wounded, including a Journalist, in the West Bank. 

Israeli forces conducted 66 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited incursions into the northern Gaza Strip. 56 civilians, including 6 children and a woman, were arrested in the West Bank. 18 of them, including 2 children and a woman, were arrested in Jerusalem. 

Israeli forces continued their settlement activities in the West Bank. Israeli forces levelled 70 dunums in Qalqiliya to expand the industrial area of “‘Emanuel” settlement. A commercial facility was demolished at the entrance to al-Laban al-Sharqiyah village, south of Nablus. The settlers wounded a shepherd with a stone to the head and levelled new areas of Palestinian lands. 

12 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the sea. Israeli gunboats drowned 2 fishing boats in Rafah Sea. Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 12th consecutive year. 

103 permanent checkpoints, 136 temporary checkpoints and 14 closed roads obstruct the movement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. 7 civilians were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank. 

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (20 – 26 December 2018). 

Shooting:  

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 39th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip.  In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a person with mobility impairment, and wounded 142 civilians, including 30 children, 2 women, 2 journalists, and a paramedic.  The injury of 2 of those wounded was reported serious.  In the West Bank, the Israeli forces killed a child and wounded 5 civilians, including a journalist. 

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinian civilians, including a child and a person with disability.  During the protest in eastern Shija’iyah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, the Israeli forces killed Mohammed Mo’in Jahjouh (16) who was hit with a bullet to the neck; and Abdel ‘Aziz Ibrahim ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Abu Sharia (28), from Gaza City, who was hit with a bullet to the abdomen in eastern Gaza and succumbed to his wounds hours later. In the central Gaza Strip, Maher ‘Atiyah Mohammed Yasin (40), from al-Nussairat refugee camp, who succumbed to wounds he sustained after being hit with a bullet to the head in eastern al-Bureij refugee camp, noting that he had suffered a mobility impairment since childhood.  Moroever Ayman Munir Shubair was wounded with a bullet to the back and taken to hospital where his death was announced in the next day morning. 

As part of using excessive force against the peaceful protesters along the Gaza Strip borders, during the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded 142 civilians, including 30 children, 2 women, 2journalists, and a paramedic.  The injury of 2 of those wounded was reported serious. 

Injuries in the Gaza Strip between 20 and 26 December 2018 According to the Governorate

Governorate Injuries Total Children Women Journalists Paramedics Critical Injuries

Northern Gaza Strip 35 15 0 0 0 0

Gaza City 51 6 2 1 0 0

Central Gaza Strip 29 3 0 1 0 1

Khan Younis 16 2 0 0 1 0

Rafah 11 4 0 0 0 0

Total 142 30 2 2 1 2 

As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods.  During the reporting period, PCHR documented 12 incidents against fishermen.  As a result, 2 fishing boats were drowned in Rafah Sea in the southern Gaza Strip while fishermen who were in the area managed to save the five fishermen who were on board. 

In the West Bank, Qasem Mohammed al-‘Abasi was killed after fire was opened at a car travelled by 4 Palestinian civilians, who lost their way while heading to Ramallah in “Beit Eil” settlement established on the lands of al-Bireh.  .

The Israeli forces claimed that the car travelled by Qasem and his friends “sped up towards the soldiers who were at the settlement entrance, so the soldiers thought that the driver intended to carry out a run-over attack. 

They then opened fire at the car and wounded those who were inside.”  The initial results of autopsy revealed that Qasem was hit with a bullet that penetrated his back and wounded the main artery and both lungs, causing his death.  This has refuted the Israeli forces’ claims that the car was traveling towards the checkpoint as it was on its way back as confirmed by the eyewitnesses who was with Qasem and survived.

In the same context, during the reporting period 5 Palestinian civilians, including a journalist, were wounded in separate shooting incidents. 

Incursions: 

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 66 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 7 similar incursions into Jerusalem and its suburbs. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 38 Palestinians, including 4 children, in the West Bank.  Moreover, 18 others, including 2 children and a woman, were arrested in Jerusalem and its suburbs. 

In the Gaza Strip, on 25 and 26 December 2018, Israeli forces moved 100 meters into the southern side of the coastline with Israel off “Zikim” Military base, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.  The vehicles started levelling and combing the lands that were previously levelled amidst Israeli sporadic shooting.  Neither casualties nor damage to the property was reported. 

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property 

As part of settlement expansion and demolitions, on 25 December 2018, Israeli forces levelled 70 dunums in  Amatin village, east of Qalqiliya, in favour of expanding the industrial area in “‘Emanuel” settlement.  it should be noted that 1200 dunums from Amatin village were confiscated for expanding the abovementioned settlement, which was established as an outpost of 22 dunums on the lands of Deiristiya in 1983 and then continued to expand and annex hundreds of agricultural lands of Deiristaya, Jeenasafout and Amatin to become of an area of 1240 dunums, where 3200 settlers live. 

On 26 December 2018, Israeli forces demolished a commercial facility used as a car repair shop at the entrance to al-Laban al-Shariqyah village, south of Nablus, claiming it was built without a license in Area C.  The facility belonging to Raja Daraghmah is a yard of 120 square meters and surrounded by a brick wall. 

As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers in the West Bank documented 5 attacks that were carried out by the Israeli settlers during the reporting period.  As a result, a shepherd was hit with a stone to the head and sustained a fracture in the skull.  Moreover, dozens of lands were levelled in Ramallah and al-Bireh and Bethlehem, and a mobile house was placed on the lands of Batir village, west of Bethlehem, in a prelude to establish a new settlement outpost in the area.

Details

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

Thursday, 20 December 2018:

At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Tafouh village, west of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Husni Mohammed al-Najjar (33).  They arrested the abovementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Cooper village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and arrested 4 civilians, including a child.  Those arrested were identified as ‘Omer Mohammed al-Barghouthi (15), Watheq ‘Abdel Karim Abu al-Haj (25), ‘Omer Jalal Dar Yousif (30) and Amjad Baker ‘Ameriyah (22). 

At approximately 04:00, OSrael forces moved into Yata, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Qotaybah Mohammed al-Nawaj’ah (30) and arrested him. They later withdrew taking the abovmentoned civilian to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 22:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Yabrod village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the familyof Jubran Ahmed Jubran (26) and arrested him.  They later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

In the afternoon, a Palestinian child was killed after fire was opened at a car travelled by 4 Palestinian civilians, who lost their way while heading to Ramallah in “Beit Eil” settlement established on the lands of al-Bireh. According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 21:30 on the abovementioned day, Qasem Mohammed al-‘Abbasi (17), from Silwan, southwest of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City, when he was with 3 of his friends heading to Nablus on Bypass Road (60).  The civilians mentioned were in a civilian Mazda silver car with an Israeli registration plate and riden by Mahmoud al-‘Abasi.  When they arrived at “’Ofra” settlement intersection, east of al-Bireh.  The street was closed and an Israeli police officer told them that the street would be closed for 2 hours. 

Thus, they asked him to show them another way that would take them to Ramallah.  Mahmoud then drove back and took the road leading to the Court Checkpoint (DCO).  When they arrived at a square there, they drove on to the right towards “Beit Eil” settlement.  When the driver realized they mistakenly entered the settlement, he turned back to find the right way.  Meanwhile, dozens of persons, whom the eyewitnesses think were settlers, intercepted their way and directed lights at them, asking them to pull over. 

The driver then sped up towards the road they were coming from, and then fire was heavily opened at them.  Several bullets penetrated the windshield; as a result, Qasem al-‘Abasi who was sitting in the backseat right behind the driver was hit with a bullet that penetrated his back.  The car stopped and was surrounded by Israeli soldiers, who ordered the young men to get off.  The Israeli soldiers then took Qasem out and threw him on the ground, leaving him to bleed.  After the soldiers checked him, they wrapped him with a black sack and took him via an Israeli ambulance to “Hadasa-al-Issawiyah” hospital.  Shortly, Israeli doctors there announced his death. 

Moreover, the driver and his brother, Mohammed, were severely beaten up with riffles and sustained bruises throughout their bodies.  The abovementioned civilians were then arrested and the body of Qasem as well. The Israeli forces claimed that the car travelled by Qasem and his friends “sped up towards the soldiers who were at the settlement entrance, so the soldiers thought that the driver intended to carry out a run-over attack.  They then opened fire at the car and wounded those who were inside.”  The initial results of autopsy revealed that Qasem was hit with a bullet that penetrated his back and wounded the main artery and both lungs, causing his death.  This has refuted the Israeli forces’ claims that the car was traveling towards the checkpoint as it was on its way back as confirmed by the eyewitnesses who was with Qasem and survived.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Zita village, north of Tulkarm; Qalqilya and Saniriah village, south of the city; villages of Beit Ummar, Karmah and Beit ‘Omrah in Hebron; Marah Rabah and al-‘Abidiyah villages in Bethlehem; villages of Beitin, Dowar al-Qare’a and Silwad in Ramallah and al-Bireh.

Friday, 21 December 2018:

At approximately 10:50, Israeli forces stationed inside the watchtowers along the coastline, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at a group of fishermen who were fishing near the coastline with Israel. As a result, the fishermen were terrified and fled away fearing of being wounded.  However, no casualties were reported. 

At approximately 08:25, Israeli gunboats stationed in the sea heavily opened fire off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 2 nautical miles and chased them.  At approximately 11:30, the shooting repeated, causing fear among fishermen who fled away to the shore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Qofin village and Shweikah Suburb, north of Tulkarm; and Halhoul and villages of al-Majd, al-Koom, and Beit Oula in Hebron. 

Saturday, 22 December 2018: 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Yata, south of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Hussein (37).  They later withdrew, but no arrests were reported. 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in al-Hawouz area. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Oday Tahsin al-Sharbati (24).  The Israeli soldiers handed Sharbati a summons to refer to the Israeli Intelligence in “Ghosh ‘Etzion” settlement, south of Bethlehem. 

At approximately 09:10, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Wahah shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were terrified and forced to flee away to the shore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

Around the same time, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were terrified and forced to flee away to the shore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

At approximately 18:10, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were terrified and forced to flee away to the shore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: villages of Sa’ir and al-Samou’a in Hebron and Sibistyah, northwest of Nablus. 

Sunday, 23 December 2018: 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They stationed in Dar Mousa neighbourhood, west of the village.  They raided and searched several houses, and arrested Karam Mohammed Raja Da’dou’a (18) and Ahmed Khaled Joudah Dar Mousa (16).  The Israeli forces later withdrew and took the arrestees to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire heavily at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them.  They also fired flare bombs in the sky until 02:40 on the same day.  At approximately 04:00, those gunboats again opened fire in the same area.  The shooting sporadically continued until 07:10, causing fear among fishermen who were forced to flee to the sore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces moved into Beitin village, northeast of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mujahed Bahjat Hamed (33).  They arrested the abovementioned civilian and confiscated his car. The Israeli soldiers later withdrew taking him with them. 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beitounia village, west of Ramallah. They stationed near the entrance to Beitounia Elementary School in the village’s center.  They detained 3 female students in a military jeep, causing fear among them.  After around an hour, they were released.  

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (4) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Hebron, Yatta, al-Thaheriyah and Deir al-‘Asal villages. 

Monday, 24 December 2018: 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Kamel Thawabteh (19).  They arrested the abovementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Qalqiliya. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to ‘Abdel Halim Saleh al-Basha (58) and Mohammed Sameh Mahmoud ‘Afanah (35).  They arrested the abovementioned civilians and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses. They arrested Mahmoud Khaled Salah (20), Mahmoud Ibrahim Ghuneim (20), and Mahdi Khaled ‘Issa (20) and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Taqou’a village, east of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Mo’az Ibrahim al-Budun (22); Mo’az Mohammed al-‘Amour (21); Turkey Mohammed Sabbah (24).  They later withdrew and took the arrestees to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Adam Ibrahim Mahfouz (19) and Mohammed Naser al-Badawi (16).  They arrested the abovementioned civilians and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 04:30, Israeli forces backed by 2 military vehicles moved into al-al-Jalazone refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Amir Anwar Nakhleh (23), ‘Ali ‘Amer Dabour (22) and Mohammed Khaled Abu Nakhleh (21). They later withdrew and took them to an unknown destination. 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Halhoul and Tafouh village in Hebron; Beit Sahour; Nablus; Bita village, southeast of the City; Qabatia village, southeast of Jenin; and ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. 

Tuesday, 25 December 2018: 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Neser Naser Ja’es (25). They later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Amid ‘Allam ‘Abdel Ghani Budeir (18). They arrested the abovmentioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 07:05, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. The shooting recurred in the same area.  As a result, the fishermen were terrified and forced to flee away to the shore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

At approximately 09:15, Israeli forces backed by 4 military vehicles moved 100 meters into the southern side of the coastline with Israel off Zikim Military Base, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled and combed lands that were previously leveled amisdst sporadic shooting.  At approximately 11:00, the Israeli forces redeployed along the coastline.  Neither casualties nor damage to the property was reported. 

At approximately 10:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off Rafah Shore in the southern Gaza Strip opened fire and pumped water at the Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, 2 fishing boats were drowned; one of them was manned by Tariq Ziyad ‘Ali Siam (26); his brother, Mohammed (23); and his cousin Ahmed Sa’id Siyam (24) while the other boat was manned by Nader Isma’il Ahmed Shalouf (24) and Anas Suboh (20).  The five fishermen were saved by other fishermen who were on another boat.  Tariq Ziyad Siyam and Nader Isma’il Shalouf said that they lost their only source of income after their boats were drowned as constructing one boat would require 8000 NIS. 

In the afternoon, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ein Yabrud village, northeast of Ramallah. They patrolled the streets amidst Israeli forces’ firing heavily sound bombs and teargas canisters at the houses. They arrested Yehia ‘Issa Musleh who was on the street and later withdrew. 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: villages of Beit Foriq and Sibastyah in Nablus; Zebdah village, southwest of Jenin; al-Zaweyah village, northwest of Salfit; Kufor Qadoum, northeast of Qalqilya, and villages of Tarqoumia and Sa’ir in Hebron. 

Wednesday, 26 December 2018: 

At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Balatah refugee camp, east of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses and arrested Hussein Nafez ‘Arayesh (22) and Basim Hasan Marshud (27).  They later withdrew and took the arrested to an unknwn destination.  They also confiscated money from the house of ‘Omer ‘Abdullah Shaker ‘Issa and was as follows: 528 JD; 1605 Emirates Dirhams; $113; 200 Emirates Dirhams; and 500 NIS, claiming “this money funds terrorism.” 

At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Sila al-Harithiyah, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Hasan Mustafa Jaradat.  They arrested the latter and then withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Burqin village, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammed Sa’id Qabalawi and arrested him.  They later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into al-Hawouz area in the center of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tareq Mahmoud al-Sayed Ahmed (33) and then arrested him. 

At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses; some of their owners were identified as Hazem Sa’di Banat and his brothers Ayman, Eyad and Ziad.  They later withdrew, but none of the house residents were arrested. 

Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Ahmed Jaradat.  They arrested the abovementioned civilian and later withdrew taking him to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into ‘Azoun village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Mohammed Samed Abu Haniyah and ‘Ali ‘Edwan.  They arrested the 2 civilians and later withdrew taking them to an unknown destination. 

At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces backed by 6 military vehicles moved 100 meters into the southern side of the coastline with Israel off Zikim Military Base, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. The vehicles leveled and combed lands that were previously leveled amidst sporadic shooting.  At approximately 10:15, Israeli forces redeployed along the coastline, but neither casualties nor damage to the property was reported. 

At approximately 08:40, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniyah shore, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip sporadically opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles and chased them. As a result, the fishermen were terrified and forced to flee away to the shore.  Neither casualties nor damage to the boats was reported. 

At approximately 11:40, Raed ‘Omer Hasan Ziyab (34) from Kafr Qalil, east of Nablus, was moderately wounded in front of a station used as a stop for settlers behind the Howarah checkpoint at the southern entrance of Nablus after his black Hyundai Tussan Jeep went off road. The car hit a pillar in front of the station, and the Israeli forces claimed that the abovementioned civilian attempted to carry out a run-over attack.  Thus, they opened fire at him and arrested him. 

At approximately 19:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They patrolled the streets and then arrested Ziad Yousif Mousa (16) while being on the village streets.  They later withdrew taking Ziad to an unknown destination. 

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Nuba, Raboud, and Bani Na’im villages. 

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel: 

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period: 

Gaza Strip:  

In the Thirty-ninth week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces killed 4 civilians, including a child and a civilian with a mobility impairment. The Israeli forces also wounded 141 civilians, including 30 children, 2 womem, 2 journalists and a paramedic. Doctors classified 2 civilians’ injuries as serious. The incidents were as follows: 

The Northern Gaza Strip: 13 civilians, including 6 children, were wounded. Five of them were hit live bullets and their shrapnel and 11 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified a civilian’s injuries as serious. Gaza City: Israeli forces killed 2 civilians identified as Mohamed Mo’een Khalil Jahjouh (16), who was hit with a live bullet to the neck; and ‘Abed al-‘Aziz Ibrahim ‘Abed al-‘Aziz Abu Shari’ah (28), who was hit with a live bullet to the abdomen. ‘Abed al-‘Aziz died few hours later. Moreover, 50 civilians, including 2 women, 6 children and a photojournalist, were wounded. Twenty-Four of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, 17 were hit with rubber bullets and 9 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. The wounded photojournalist was identified as Ahmed Hani ‘Abed al-‘Aziz Hamad (20), who was hit with a rubber bullet to the hand; and a camera belongs to the journalist Mohamed As’ad Mohamed Muhassin (34), who works at Middle East Monitor, was damaged after being hit with live bullet shrapnel while covering the Return March activities. 

Central Gaza Strip: the Israeli forces firing live bullets and tear gas canisters, which continued until approximately 17:00, resulted in the killing of Maher ‘Atiyia Mohamed Yaseen (40), from al-Nusirat Camp, who suffers from impaired mobility. Maher died 3 hours later after being hit with a live bullet to the head. Moreover, 29 civilians, including 3 children and a journalist, were wounded. Twenty-Four of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and 5 were hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified a civilian’s injuries as serious. At approximately 05:40 on Saturday, 22 December 2018, medical sources at al-Aqsa Hospital declared the death of Ayman Moneer Mohamed Shbair (18), from Dir al-Balah, who was hit with a live bullet to the back and then underwent to surgery. Ayman stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until he succumbed to his wounds. The wounded journalist Sami Jamal Taleb Motran (34), from al-Nusirat Camp, was hit with a live bullet to his lower limbs. Sami works as a cameraman at al-Asaq Channel. 

Khan Younis: 14 civilians, including 2 children and a volunteer paramedic, were wounded. The wounded paramedic identified as ‘Abed al-‘Aziz Sameer Shehdah al-Najjar (27) was hit with a tear gas canister to his right thigh. 

Rafah: 11 civilians, including 4 children, were wounded. Ten of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel and a civilian was directly hit with tear gas canisters. 

At approximately 13:50 on Monday, 24 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israeli, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, fired several live bullets at a group of civilians gathered in the vicinity of the Return camp in Khuza’a, southeast of the border fence. As a result, 2 civilians sustained live bullets shrapnel wounds to their lower limbs. At approximately 14:00 on Monday, Israeli gunboats stationed offshore, and Israeli forces stationed along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, opened fire and fired sound bombs at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were at the Return camp along the border coastal, adjacent to adjacent to “Zikim” military base, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. It should be noted that this is the 20th time for Palestinian boats to sail for Breaking the Siege. As a result, 22 civilians, including 9 children, were wounded. Fifteenth of them were hit with live bullets and their shrapnel, 5 were hit with rubber bullets and 29 were hit with tear gas canisters. Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israeli, fired live and runner bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian young men, who were in Malaka area, east of al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. As a result a civilian was hit with a tear gas canister to his right thigh. 

West Bank: 

At approximately 12:30 on Friday, 21 December 2018, a demonstration started from the center of Kafur Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliyia, and then headed towards the eastern entrance to the village, which was closed from 15 days in favor of “Kedumim“ settlement. The protestors chanted national slogans calling for ending occupation and condemning the Israeli forces ‘crimes committed against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. The protestors threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind sand barns. The soldiers fired sound bombs, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at them. As a result, 4 protestors, including a journalist, were wounded. The wounded journalist was identified as Nedal Shafiq Taher Ishtaih (49), who was hit with a rubber bullet to the shoulder.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods 

Note:Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics 

Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, is designated for the movement of individuals, and links the Gaza Strip with the West Bank.

Movement at Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) crossing 

(19-25 December 2018)

Category 19 December  20 December 21 December  22 December  23 December  24 December  25 December Patients 67 66 5 – 68 54 92 Companions 54 53 5 – 60 43 69 Personal needs 15 38 1 – 16 23 46 Families

of prisoners

– – – – – 25 – Arabs from

Israel

4 7 1 – 7 7 – Diplomats – 2 – – – – – Meetings in Erez 7 – – – – – – International workers 31 54 11 – 6 7 7 Travelers

Abroad

– 29 – – 1 – 5 Business people 285 218 2 – 617 293 274 Business meetings – – – – – – – Security interviews 4 – – – 6 2 3 VIPs 3 1 – – – 1 4 Ambulances

to Israel

4 4 2 – – 4 2 Patients’ Companions 4 3 2 – 2 4 2

Notes:  

On Thursday, 20 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 5 persons; and on Tuesday, 25 December 2018, one person to return to the West Bank. On Wednesday, 19 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 22 Christians; on Thursday 20 December 2018, 27 Christians; on Sunday, 23 December 2018, 93 Christians; on Monday, 24 December 2018, 50 Christians; and on Tuesday, 25 December 2018, 30 Christians to travel via crossing in order to celebrate holidays in the West Bank. On Thursday, 21 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed 4 persons; on Monday, 24 December 2018, 2 persons; and on Tuesday, 25 December 2018, 3 persons, who work at the General Authority of Civil Affairs (GACA) and internationals to renew their permits. On Monday, 24 December 2018, the Israeli authorities allowed one person to travel via the crossing in order to perform prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. 

Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 20-26 December 2018:

Governorate Permanent temporary Temporary checkpoints Closed Roads Arrested persons Jerusalem 13 5 – 1 Nablus 10 21 2 1 Jenin 5 8 – – Ramallah 11 29 1 – Tulkarm 7 6 1 – Tubas 2 3 1 1 Salfit 3 5 2 – Qalqiliyia 5 7 2 – Hebron 31 33 3 – Bethlehem 11 16 2 3 Jericho 5 3 – – Al-Karama Crossing   –   1 Total 103 157 14 7 

Arrests at Military Checkpoints: 

On 20 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed at Sho’fat camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, arrested Malek Muhssain in al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of the city. Malek was then taken by a military vehicle to a detention facility for interrogation. Around the same time, Israeli forces arrested ‘Ali Mohamed ‘Awad while breeding livestock in al-Helwa area in northern Jordan Valley. On 23 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed at al-Nashash checkpoint, at the southern entrance to al-Khadir village, south of Bethlehem, arrested ‘Alqam Taha ‘Alqam (28), from al-Dahisha camp. Around the same time, Israeli forces stationed at al-container checkpoint, north of Bethlehem, arrested Nader ‘Abed al-Hafiz Abu Mayilah, from Hebron. ‘Alqam was arrested while returning to his house from Ramallah. At approximately 17:30 on Tuesday, 25 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed at a military checkpoint established under the bridge of Madama village, arrested Ahmed Mostafa ‘Abed al-Latif (19), from ‘Asirah al-Qabaliyia, south of Nablus. The Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle that was carrying Ahmed. On Tuesday, Israeli forces stationed at al-Karama Crossing, east of Jericho, arrested Anwar Mohamed Nayyaz ‘Awwad, from ‘Ortah village, southeast of Nablus. Anwar was arrested while coming back from Turkey. On Wednesday evening, 26 December 2018, Israeli forces stationed at a (300) checkpoint, which separates between occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem, arrested Amjad ‘Isaa Hassonah, from Hebron. Efforts to Create A 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 02:00 on Thursday, 20 December 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Ra’fat Tareq al-‘Issawiyi and his son Fadi, and Ahmed Abu Remilah. At approximately 03:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces moved into Hizmah village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to prisoner Mohamed Salah al-Deen and then arrested his mother Kefah Salah al-Deen. The Israeli forces interrogated her for few hours in an investigation center and then released her. On Sunday, 23 December 2018, Israeli forces raided al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They arrested the Jerusalemite activists Nazam Abu Romuz and then took him to an investigation center. At approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 25 December 2018, Israeli forces moved into al-Tour village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Thaier Abu Sbitan, Ameer Khowis, Yousef Abu al-Hawa, Mohanad Ahmed Khowis, Mohamed Naji Abu Jum’a, Mohamed ‘Ali Abu Ghannam, and Yousef Abu Laban. At approximately 02:30 on Tuesday, Israeli forces moved into al-Mukaber Mount area, south of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched 2 houses belonging to Omar Saleh Abu Deheem and Karam Raied ‘Owisat. Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sho’fat refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Nedal Da’nah and then arrested him. At approximately 01:30 on Wednesday, 26 December 2018, Israeli forces moved into Baten al-Hawa neighbourhood in Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched 3 houses belonging to al-Rajbi family, from which they arrested Ahmed Eyad al-Rajbi (13) Hamza Zuhair al-Rajbi (16) and Yousef Maher al-Rajbi (20). The 3 arrested persons were then taken to detention facilities “al-Maskobiyia”, west of the city, in order to investigate them. The arrested persons were accused of throwing stones and Molotov cocktail at the Israeli soldiers. 

House Demolitions and Notices: 

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property 

Israeli occupation forces’ attacks:

At approximately 08:00 on Tuesday, 25 December 2018, Israeli forces levelled around 70 dunums belonging to Amateen village, east of Qalqiliyia, in favor of expanding the industrial area in “Emmanuel “settlement. The levelled lands belong to Ibrahim Mohamed Ibrahim Sawan and Rashid Hussain Sawan. It should be noted that Amateen village lost over 1200 dunums of its lands in favor of expanding the abovementioned settlement from the southern side of the village. Amateen village is an extension of Wadi Qena where “Emmanuel “settlement were established on an area of 22 dunums. During 10 years, “Emmanuel” settlement has extended and became around 1240 dunums, sheltering around 3200 settlers. At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, Israeli forces confiscated an agricultural tractor belonging to ‘Isaa Yunis Abu ‘Arram (44) while plowing his land located in ‘Ain al-Baidah area near al-Tawanah village, south of Hebron. ‘Isaa’s land is surrounded by “Avigal“settlement. The Israeli forces confiscated the tractor under the pretext of working in military area. At approximately 16:15 on Wednesday, 26 December 2018, Israeli forces accompanied with a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration and a bulldozer moved into the entrance to al-Laban eastern village, which is located on Ramallah—Nablus Street, south of Nablus. The Israeli bulldozer demolished a commercial facility for repairing vehicles. The 120sqaure-meter facility belongs to Rajaa Mousa ‘Ali Daraghmah and surrounded by one-meter-high wall built with bricks. The facility was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing in area classified as Area C. Israeli settlers’ attacks: 

At approximately 10:00 on Thursday, 20 December 2018, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Ateret“ settlement established on Um Safa and ‘Atara villages’ lands, north of Ramallah, levelled agricultural lands belonging to the residents of Um Safa village. Those lands are located in the outskirts of the village and the Israeli settlers attempt to seize them. The village residents gathered and confronted the settlers. Clashes erupted between them and continued for 3 consecutive hours, but no injuries among Palestinian civilians were reported. On Friday, 21 December 2018, a group of Israeli settlers levelled a plot of land in al-Khimar area, northwest of Bethlehem, to rehabilitate 1-kilometer dirt road and access to a plot of land seized by the Israeli authorities months ago. The Israeli authorities aims at building settlement outpost in the area. Meanwhile, a number of Palestinian civilians arrived at the area and prevented the Israeli bulldozer from completing its work. Moreover, altercations and hand-to-hand fighting occurred between the Palestinian civilians and Israeli settlers. Following that, the Israeli police arrived at the area and prevented Israeli settlers from completing their work. On Monday, 24 December 2018, a group of Israeli settlers placed mobile house (caravan) in the abovementioned area. Local sources said that a group of Israeli settlers, under the Israeli forces’ protection, moved into al-Khimar area and placed a caravan as a prelude to establish a settlement outpost. The local sources added that the Israeli forces prevented Palestinian civilians and the lands’ owners from access their lands. it should be noted that the Israeli settlers built a settlement road few days ago, but then the Palestinian civilians confronted them and prevented them from completing their work. At approximately 11:00 on Wednesday, 26 December 2018, Mofeed Shaker Hejjah (65), from Barqah village, northwest of Nablus, sustained bruises and wounds to his head after throwing stones at him by Israeli settlers. Mofeed was attacked while breeding livestock in Bab al-Wad area near the abovementioned settlement. He was then taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus to receive medical treatment. When he arrived at the hospital, doctors referred him to operations room because his skull was fractured. 

Recommendations to the International Community:

1. PCHR calls upon the international community to respect the Security Council’s Resolution No. 2334 and to ensure that Israel respects it as well, in particular point 5 which obliges Israel not to deal with settlements as if they were part of Israel.
2. PCHR calls upon the ICC to continue to investigate the Israeli crimes committed in the oPt, particularly the settlement crimes and grave violations in the Gaza Strip.
3. PCHR Calls upon the European Union (EU) and all international bodies to boycott settlements and ban working and investing in them in application of their obligations according to international human rights law and international humanitarian law considering settlements as a war crime.
4. PCHR calls upon the international community to use all available means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination through the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
5. PCHR calls upon the international community and United Nations to take all necessary measures to stop Israeli policies aimed at creating a Jewish demographic majority in Jerusalem and at voiding Palestine from its original inhabitants through deportations and house demolitions as a collective punishment, which violates international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity.
6. PCHR calls upon the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to work hard to hold Israeli war criminals accountable.
7. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions under all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
8. PCHR calls for a prompt intervention to compel the Israeli authorities to lift the closure that obstructs the freedom of movement of goods and 1.8 million civilians that experience unprecedented economic, social, political and cultural hardships due to collective punishment policies and retaliatory action against civilians.
9. PCHR calls upon the European Union to apply human rights standards embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement and to respect its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights when dealing with Israel.
10. PCHR calls upon the parties to international human rights instruments, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to pressurize Israel to comply with its provisions in the oPt and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the relevant committees.
11. PCHR calls upon the EU and international human rights bodies to pressurize the Israeli forces to stop their attacks against Palestinian fishermen and farmers, mainly in the border area.

Public Document

For further information please visit our website www.pchrgaza.org

or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email [email protected]

or telephone +972 08 282 4776 – 282 5893. 

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