occupied Palestinian territory: Weekly report on Israeli human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories 23 - 29 Dec 2004

A special Issue at the End of 2004

This report coincides with the end of 2004. On 29 December 2004, the al-Aqsa Intifada enters its 51st month. On 11 November 2004, the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat passed away. During the current Intifada, Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) have perpetrated grave breaches of international law against Palestinian civilians, in a manner unprecedented since 1967. In 2004, Israeli troops escalated their attacks against Palestinian civilians, especially in the Gaza Strip. They employed highly developed weaponry in these attacks.

Israeli troops have perpetrated systematic violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law against Palestinian civilians, especially during wide scale prolonged incursions into Palestinian areas. These violations include wilful and extra-judicial killings; destruction of civilian property, including the infrastructure and educational and medical institutions; destruction of arable land; arbitrary arrests; torture and ill-treatment; and severe restrictions on the movement of persons and goods, by imposing a total closure on the OPT. These violations have created a humanitarian crisis, characterized by severe economic, social and political conditions.

The international community, particularly the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, has failed to act against these violations of human rights perpetrated by Israeli troops against Palestinian civilians. The impunity with which Israeli troops act violates the legal obligations of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention.

In the Gaza Strip, on 22 March 2004, Israeli troops assassinated Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder and spiritual leader of Hamas, after the dawn payer. On 17 April 2004, Israeli troops assassinated Dr. Abu Aziz al-Rantissi, the leader of Hamas.

In 2004, the Gaza Strip was subject to wide scale offensives, such as the offensive on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun and the offensive on the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah. In Rafah, Israeli troops launched a fierce offensive against the town and its refugee camp in May. They used excessive force and killed 58 Palestinians. At least 200 Palestinians, nearly half of them were children, were also injured. Israeli troops destroyed 532 Palestinian houses, leaving hundreds of Palestinian families homeless. Israeli troops destroyed large areas of agricultural land and dozens of economic facilities.

In the period 29 June - 5 August 2004, Israeli troops launched a wide scale offensive on the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun. They razed at least 4000 donums[1] of agricultural land, nearly 45% of the total area of agricultural land razed in the Gaza Strip in 2004. Israeli troops also killed 20 Palestinians and destroyed 70 houses. In the period 23-26 September 2004, Israeli troops moved into Khan Yunis refugee camp and destroyed 80 houses.

On 28 September 2004, Israeli troops launched a wide scale offensive on the northern Gaza Strip. This offensive continued for two week, during which Israeli troops killed 115 Palestinians, including 28 children, injured 442 others, including 177 children, destroyed 87 houses, in which 854 people lived, destroyed 18 economic establishments and destroyed 19 civilian institutions, including 6 schools, 3 mosques and 2 kindergartens. They also razed 839 donums of agricultural land.

Israeli troops continued to shell Palestinian residential areas, especially in Khan Yunis and Rafah. Eight Palestinian schoolchildren were either killed or injured while sitting at their desks at schools. Israeli troops also committed most of the extra-judicial executions inside densely populated areas, which caused many casualties among Palestinian civilians, especially children.

In the West Bank, Israeli troops continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory, in violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in Hague, which considered the construction of the wall illegal and called for its dismantlement.

Israeli military actions have violated the political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights of Palestinian civilians.

• This year was characterized by the following Israeli military attacks:
  
  
• Prolonged Incursions and redeployment into Palestinian National Authority controlled areas.
  
  
• Massive killings and destruction of houses and civilian property.
  
  
• Extra-judicial assassinations against Palestinian activists and political leaders, the most significant of which targeted Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder and leader of Hamas.
  
  
• Using Palestinian civilians as human shields during military operations in the OPT.
  
  
• Collective punishment measures against the families of Palestinians who carried out, planned or facilitated attacks against Israeli targets, including arrests expulsion to the Gaza Strip of members of these families and destruction of their houses.
  
  
• Continued construction of the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory, in disregard of the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which considers the construction of the wall illegal.
  
  
• Wilful killing of Palestinian civilians.
  
  
• Collective punishment of Palestinian civilians, denying them their basic human rights, including the rights of health, education, freedom of movement and work, through imposing a tightened siege on the OPT.
  
  
• Arbitrary arrests and placing Palestinians in administrative detention
  
  
• Systematic attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians.
  
  
• Attacks on schools and schoolchildren.
  
  
• Violation of religious rights and denial of access of worshippers from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to religious sites in East Jerusalem.

• 5 Palestinians were extra-judicially killed by Israeli troops.
  
  
• Two Palestinians survived an extra-judicial killing attempt by Israeli troops in Khan Yunis.
  
  
• Israeli troops conducted a series of incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
  
  
• 16 donums of agricultural land were razed in the Gaza Strip.
  
  
• Houses were raided and dozens of Palestinian civilians were arrested.
  
  
• Continued shelling of residential areas and civilian facilities; 27 Palestinian civilians were injured in the Gaza Strip.
  
  
• Construction of the "annexation wall" in the West Bank has continued.
  
  
• Israeli troops have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; Rafah Terminal on the Egyptian border has been closed for the 3rd consecutive week, Israeli troops positioned at checkpoints arrested a number of Palestinian civilians at, and two candidates for the Palestinian presidential elections have been prevented from traveling from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank.

Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) have launched more attacks against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), especially in the Gaza Strip. This week, 5 Palestinians were extra-judicially killed by Israeli troops. Human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying troops included incursions into Palestinian areas, indiscriminate shelling, land leveling and total closure imposed on Palestinian communities. These attacks came in contradiction to Israeli claims regarding facilitations provided for Palestinians as the campaign for the Palestinian presidential election began.

In the Gaza Strip, 27 Palestinian civilians were injured, including 5 children and 4 women, when Israeli troops shelled Palestinian residential areas, especially in Khan Yunis and Rafah. Fourteen of these civilians were injured in Khan Yunis on 28 December 2004. On the same day, two Palestinian survived an extra-judicial killing attempt in Khan Yunis, as an Israeli drone fired a missile at their car.

This week, Israeli troops conducted 5 incursions into Palestinian areas in the Gaza Strip, during which they razed 16 donums of agricultural land and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child.

In the West Bank, Israeli troops extra-judicially killed 5 Palestinians in 3 separate attacks in Tulkarm, Jenin and Nablus on 24, 25 and 27 December 2004. This week, Israeli troops moved into various areas throughout the West Bank, injured a number of Palestinian civilians and arrested dozens of others.

Israeli troops have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory. They have continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm. The Israeli Peace Bloc revealed that there are Israeli plans to expand Israeli settlements, adjacent to the 1967 border, and to annex more areas of Palestinian land to Israel, in violation of international law.

Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip either partially or completely. They have closed Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border for the 3rd consecutive week. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on internal movement. In the West Bank, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They stopped, checked and humiliated Palestinian civilians while crossing military checkpoints throughout the West Bank.

With regard to the restrictions imposed the movement of candidates for the Palestinian presidential elections, Israeli troops have continued to prevent 'Abdul Karim Shubair and Sayed Baraka from traveling from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank to campaign for the elections. On Monday, 28 December 2004, Israeli troops arrested Dr, Mustafa al-Barghouthi while he was campaigning for his election in occupied Jerusalem. These restrictions come in the context of the widest restrictions imposed the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the OPT.

Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property

Thursday, 23 December 2004

At approximately 09:20, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town. A Palestinian civilian, Waleed Salah Salah, 29, was wounded by a live bullet in the right leg, when he was nearly 800 meters away from the border.

At approximately 12:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in the neighboring al-Salam neighborhood. A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Hussein Abu Sha'ar, 35, was injured by shrapnel in the face.

At approximately 16:00, Israeli troops positioned in military pots to the north and west of the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun opened fire at residential areas in the town. Four Palestinian civilians from one family, including 3 children, were wounded:

1. Zaher Ahmed 'Ali Nusair, 29, wounded by a live bullet in the abdomen;

2. Wissam Ahmed 'Ali Nusair, 11, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand;

3. Bassel Ahmed 'Ali Nusair, 14, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body; and

4. Nour Zaher Ahmed Nusair, 2, seriously wounded by shrapnel throughout the body.

At approximately 18:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts between "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, and "Gani Tal" settlement, northwest of the town, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Amal neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp. Two Palestinian civilians were injured:

1. Akram Sabri al-Haddad, 25, injured by shrapnel in the back; and

2. 'Abdullah Yousef Abu 'Akar, 23, injured by shrapnel in the right hand.

During the day, Israeli troops moved into Qalqilya; the villages of Zeita and Baqa al-Sharqiya near Tulkarm; Kufor Qallil village near Nablus; and Ethna village near Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 12 Palestinians.

Friday, 24 December 2004

At approximately 17:20, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town. A Palestinian child, 14-year-old Bashir Nizar al-Qadi, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the pelvis, when he was near his house in al-Shaboura refugee camp, nearly 800 meters away from the border.

At approximately 18:20, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Mohammed Ahmed Abu Sitta, 50, was injured by shrapnel in the right leg and the back when he was near his house, approximately 600 meters away from the aforementioned settlement.

Saturday, 25 December 2004

At approximately 06:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved into al-Khawasa area in the north of Beit Lahia. They surrounded a number of houses of Bedouins and razed areas of agricultural land near them. Two hours later, Israeli troops raided and searched the 35 houses in the area and forced their residents out. They gathered male residents who were over 16 years old in an open area near the gate at the entrance to al-Sayafa areas. Israeli troops photographed each of these males. Then, they arrested Ahmed Zeidan Abu Khousa, 27, and confiscated his computer set. During this incursion, Israeli troops razed 13 donums of agricultural land belonging to the Abu Khousa family.

Also at approximately 06:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town. A Palestinian civilian, 'Abdul Nasser 'Eissa Abu Zaid, 19, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh, when he was near his house in Musabbeh neighborhood, nearly 2500 meters away from the border.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town. A Palestinian civilian, 21-year-old Ra'ed Salman al-Soufi, was injured by shrapnel in the face.

Sunday, 26 December 2004

At approximately 01:00, Israeli troops, reinforced by heavy military vehicles, moved nearly 150 meters into al-Satar al-Gharbi area in the northwest of Khan Yunis to the east of the settlements of "Qatif" and "Gani Tal." They imposed a curfew on the quarters of Arab al-Huamidi and Abu 'Owaili. They forced residents of a number of houses out and held them for several hours under bad weather conditions. Then, Israeli troops raided and searched these houses. During this incursion, which continued until 22:00, Israeli troops razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with potatoes owned by 'Aadel 'Atiya Hussein al-Agha. Education at a school in the area was also suspended.

At approximately 03:00, Israeli troops moved into Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched Mohammed Mahmoud Rab'ei's house in Abu Hilal areas. Israeli troops severely beat the housewife, 44-year-old Zubaida Rab'ei, and two of her children. At approximately 04:30, Israeli troops the owner's son, Eyad, 24, and then withdrew from the area.

At approximately 06:00, Israeli troops moved into the Bedouin Village to the north of Beit Lahia. They raided a number of houses and forced their residents who are over 16 years old out and held them near the border with Israel to the east of the village. Then, Israeli troops searched these houses. Israeli troops took young men and children to the neighboring "Nissanit" settlement and interrogated them. Following interrogations, Israeli troops released these young men and children, but kept 17-year-old Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Khousa. During this incursion, Israeli troops severely damaged the infrastructure of the village.

At approximately 10:00, 3 Israeli military jeeps moved into Bitounia town, southwest of Ramallah. They stopped near an elementary school. Israeli troops stopped a number of schoolchildren and forced them to stand in front of the jeeps to form a human shield to prevent throwing stones at the jeeps. At approximately 10:30, Israeli troops released the children.

Monday, 27 December 2004

At approximately 00:00, an infantry unit of Israeli troops moved nearly 300 meters into Abu Haddaf area in al-Qarara village, northeast of Khan Yunis. Israeli troops raided Fathi 'Abdul Rahman Abu Mousa. They held the 14 residents of the house in one room and searched the house. At approximately 11:00, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the neighboring "Kissufim" settler road ordered residents of the area through megaphones to get out of their houses. At approximately 13:00, more Israeli troops moved into the area and searched these houses. At approximately 15:00, Israeli troops withdrew from the area and allowed the residents to go back to their houses.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli troops moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched Nassif Motel in the center of the town. They arrested 15 university students who live in the motel.

At approximately 08:30, Israeli troops positioned in military posts in the vicinity of "Netser Hazani" and "Qatif" settlements, northwest of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Satar al-Gharbi area and al-Qarara village. A Palestinian woman, 60-year-old Zubaida Hassan al-Astal, was injured by shrapnel in the foot when she was inside her house in al-Satar al-Gharbi area, nearly 200 meters away from "Qatif" settlement.

At approximately 08:40, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at Palestinian houses in the neighboring al-Salam neighborhood. A Palestinian woman, Iman Isma'il Matariya, 28, who was five months pregnant, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head.

At approximately 18:00, Israeli troops moved into al-Quds Street at the southern entrance of Nablus. They opened fire at Palestinian houses in the area. A Palestinian civilian, Tariq Mahmoud Khalil 'Aassi, 22, from Balata refugee camp, was injured by shrapnel throughout the body.

At approximately 22:00, an infantry unit of Israeli troops moved nearly 100 meters into Palestinian areas to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Israeli troops raided a 2-storey house owned by Fadel Yahia al-Qedra. They held the seven residents of the house in one room and transformed the house into a military site. On the following day morning, more Israeli troops moved into the area and placed sand barriers around the house and a neighboring house owned by Ameen Yahia al-Qedra, where 11 people live. Thus, 18 people have been held inside the two houses, which have been surrounded by Israeli troops.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli troops in military jeep opened fire at a civilian car that was traveling from al-Zahiriya village to Kherbat al-Shwaika village, south of Hebron, on bypass road (60) near Shama'a settlement. Four Palestinian civilians were traveling in the targeted car. One of these civilians, Yasser Muhareb al-Jabarin, 30, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head. An Israeli helicopter evacuated him to an Israeli hospital.

During the day, Israeli troops moved into Nablus and the neighboring Beit Dajan village; and the villages of Beit Reema and Kufor 'Ein near Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinians, including a girl and a child.

Tuesday, 28 December 2004

At approximately 17:00, Israeli troops positioned in military locations and on tanks in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" and "Gadid" settlements, west of Khan Yunis, shelled Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp, al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Baten al-Samin area. As a result, 14 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children and 2 women, were injured:

1. Miriam Hafez Zo'rob, 45, injured by shrapnel in the face;

2. Najat Mahmoud Zo'rob, 17, seriously injured by shrapnel in the head;

3. Shireen Mahmoud Zo'rob, 23, injured by shrapnel in the right arm;

4. Ghaleb 'Abdul Rahman Killab, 38, seriously injured by shrapnel in the head;

5. Hisham Sha'ban al-Nabris, 40, injured by shrapnel in the limbs;

6. Ahmed Musbah Ghaleb Saqer, 17, injured by shrapnel in the back;

7. 'Alaa' Mohammed al-Halabi, 18, injured by shrapnel in the neck;

8. Ra'fat Ahmed Saqer, 25, injured by shrapnel in the left arm;

9. Bassel Mohammed Abu 'Ouda, 6, injured by shrapnel in the right thigh;

10. Mohammed Sameer al-Lahham, 28, injured by shrapnel in the right foot;

11. Joma'a Mohammed al-Lahham, 40, injured by shrapnel throughout the body;

12. Fathiya 'Abdul Qader 'Obaid, 41, injured by shrapnel in the pelvis;

13. Bassem 'Ali al-Aa'raj, 25, injured by shrapnel in the right leg; and

14. Rami Nasser al-Najjar, 25, injured by shrapnel in the head.

At approximately 11:00, 8 Israeli military jeeps moved into Nablus. Israeli troops opened fire at houses and shops. A number of these jeeps took position near al-Shuhada Square in the center of the city. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at the jeeps. Immediately, Israeli troop fired at the children, wounding 2:

1. Mohammed 'Abdul Karim al-Bahash, 14, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg; and

2. Waleed Mohammed Abu Habeeb, 12, wounded by a live bullet in the right leg.

During the day, Israeli troops moved into Jenin; Hebron and the neighboring Beit Ummar village; and al-Am'ari refugee camp near Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 8 Palestinians, including 3 brothers.

Wednesday, 29 December 2004

At approximately 11:10, Israeli troops positioned in military posts at the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, opened fire at residential areas in the town. A Palestinian woman, Hidaya Hussein Abu Hilal, 41, was wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh, when she was inside her house, nearly 900 meters away from the border.

Extra-Judicial Killing

This week, Israeli troops committed 3 extra-judicial killings, which left 5 Palestinians dead. The five victims were members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fatah movement. They also attempted to extra-judicially kill 2 Palestinians in Khan Yunis, but the two Palestinians survived the attack.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR on the first attack, at approximately 22:30 on Thursday, 23 December 2004, Israeli moved into Tulkarm refugee camp into the northern West Bank. They took position in various areas in the camp, and some troops mounted the roofs of a number of houses. At approximately 01:30 Friday, 24 December 2004, a number of Palestinian gunmen were sitting near the schools area, and when an Israeli military jeep passed by them, they attempted to escape. They were faced by some Israeli troops near the social forum. The young men moved back. Immediately, Israeli troops positioned atop of a building opened fire at them from a distance of nearly 200 meters. Three of the young men were wounded in their legs. They remained in the place. Immediately, Israeli troops moved towards them and fired at them from a distance of half a meter. The three were killed by live bullets in the head, the neck and the chest. An ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society attempted to attend the three bodies, but Israeli troops prevented them for nearly one hour. Then, the ambulance evacuated the bodies to Dr. Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarm. The victims were members of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the military wing of Fatah movement. They were identified as:

1. Kamel 'Abdullah Kamel Sabarini, 18;

2. Jamal Khaled 'Adnan 'Aazem, 18; and

3. Eyad 'Azmi Ghannam Kanouh, 18.

The Israeli occupation authorities did not comment on this attack.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR on the second attack, at approximately 02:00 on Saturday, 25 December 2004, Israeli troops, reinforced by 20 military jeeps, 2 armored personnel carriers and 2 military bulldozers, moved into Jenin. They surrounded a 200-square-meter, 3-storey house owned by Mustafa Suleiman al-'Arqawi in al-Marah neighborhood in the east of the town. They called on the 20 residents of the house (3 families) through megaphones to vacate it and held them in the rain. Israeli troops interrogated the owner whether there was anyone in the house and he denied the presence of anyone there. Israeli troops fired a number of missiles at the house. A few hours later, the two bulldozers started to demolish the house. At approximately 08:00, Israeli troops withdrew from the area after they had demolished the house. Crews of the Palestinian Civil Defense arrived at the area and started to remove the ruins of the house. At approximately 11:00, they found the body of Tha'er Jamal Mohammed Kamle Hussein, 28, under the ruins. Israeli troops claimed that the victim was an assistant of the leader of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin. The victim's brother, Ameen, was extra-judicially killed by IOF on 7 November 2004. Israeli occupation authority claimed that an Israeli military unit surrounded a house where a wanted Palestinian was hiding. Israeli troops called on residents of the house to vacate it and they did, but the wanted man stayed inside. They ordered him to surrender, but he refused. So, they fired missiles at the house and then a military bulldozer demolished it.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR on the third attack, at approximately 11:00 on Monday, 27 December 2004, an undercover unit of Israeli troops moved into Nablus using a civilian car, a white Ford 412, that had a Palestinian registration plate. When the car arrived at Balata crossroads, 4 members of the undercover unit got out of it and opened fire at a Palestinian civilian jeep, a blue Mitsubishi. Soon after, 9 Israeli military jeeps arrived at the area and moved the targeted jeeps out of the city. An ambulance of Palestine Red Crescent Society arrived at the area and evacuated the body of a Palestinian to Rafidya Hospital in Nablus, where the victim was identified as Wa'el Mohammed Riahi, 35, an activist of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the military wing of Fatah movement. Israeli troops claimed that "during military operations in Balata refugee camp, a wanted gunman attempted to run down a number of Israeli soldiers, so they fired at the tires of his car and ordered him to stop, and when he attempted again to run down the soldiers, they shot him dead."

According to investigations conducted by PCHR on the fourth attack, at approximately 12:15 on Tuesday, 28 December 2004, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a civilian car that was traveling in al-Sikka Street in the north of Khan Yunis. The missile hit the front of the car and destroyed it, but the two persons who were traveling in the car had been able to jump out of the car before the missile hit it. The two persons who were in the car have not been identified, but they are reportedly members of the 'Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.

Continued Siege on the OPT

This week, Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on the OPT and imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli troops have continued to close all border crossings of the Gaza Strip either partially or completely. They have closed Rafah international Crossing Point on the Egyptian border for the 3rd consecutive week. They have continued to impose severe restriction on internal movement. On 25 December 2004, Israeli troops closed the costal road that links Gaza City with the central Gaza Strip, and Abu Houli and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, thus partitioning the Gaza Strip into 3 separate zones. These measures violate the Palestinian economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.

Israeli troops positioned at al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip) imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. The two checkpoints are opened between 06:00 and 20:00 everyday. Israeli troops often close the two checkpoints and hold and search Palestinian vehicles in between.

Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians living in the area to and from the area, which have caused extreme suffering for these civilians. Israeli troops and settlers have also continued to attack Palestinian agricultural property in the area. Israeli troops have continued to prevent female Palestinians aged between 16 and 25, and males who are aged between 16 and 30 from crossing al-Tuffah checkpoint when it is open, without prior coordination. Tal al-Sultan checkpoint at the entrance of al-Mawasi area in Rafah has been closed for more than one year and entry into the area has been limited to al-Tuffah checkpoint in Khan Yunis.

In the same context, Israeli troops have also continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli troops continue to control the only gate in and out of the area. They allow only 4-5 people to pass through each day to buy basic provisions. These people are only allowed to pass through at certain specified hours and they are subject to humiliation and degrading treatment during the security check process. Israeli troops have continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli troops have continued to close Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip for the 5th consecutive month. They only allow patients to travel through the crossing, but under severe conditions and following coordination. Although Israeli troops have partially operated al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing to the east of Gaza City, they have imposed severe restrictions on the flow of goods through the two crossing. As result, the Palestinian market has lacked several basic goods. Israeli troops have continued to close Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah since 13 December 2004.

Since 13 December 2004, Israeli troops have closed Rafah international Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, which is the only outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside world. Israeli troops often close the Crossing under security claims. The number of Palestinians allowed to travel through the terminal daily is very limited. As a result of closure, thousands of Palestinian civilians have not been able to travel abroad. If this closure continued, hundreds of Palestinian civilians will not be able to travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Haj (pilgrimage).

The West Bank

Israeli troops have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of villages.

Jerusalem

Israeli troops imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They have continued to close all military checkpoints at the entrances to East Jerusalem in the face of Palestinians coming from other areas in the West Bank. Israeli troops positioned at military checkpoints stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked Palestinian civilians. These measures included candidates for the Palestinian presidential elections, who obtained permits on which the phrase "for personal purposes" is written.

Ramallah

Israeli troops imposed severe restriction at military checkpoints to the south of the town. According to eyewitnesses, this week, Israeli troops erected a number of sudden checkpoints to the north and south of the town. They stopped dozens of Palestinian vehicles and checked Palestinian civilians. Israeli troops positioned at Qalandya checkpoint, south of the town, have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians who do not have checkpoint permits from traveling from the town to Jerusalem.

Nablus

Contrary to their claims regarding facilitations of movement on Thursday, 23 December 2004, the day on which elections for local councils were held, Israeli troops imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Israeli troops positioned at various checkpoints around the city stopped Palestinian vehicles and checked Palestinians civilians. On Monday morning, 27 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint to the south of Hawara checkpoint on Ramallah - Nablus road. They obstructed the passage of dozens of Palestinian vehicles for long hours.

Tulkarm

On Saturday morning, 25 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, south of the town. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles. On Sunday evening, 26 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint at Ektaba crossroads, east of the town. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles. On Monday morning, 27 December 2004, 2 Israeli military jeeps moved into Artah neighborhood in the south of the town and erected a checkpoint at its entrance. They stopped a number of cars and checked Palestinian civilians.

Hebron

At approximately 23:00 on Friday, 24 December 2004, Israeli troops moved into the town. They stopped and checked crews of the election campaigns for the presidential election and obstructed their movement in the town. At approximately 20:00 on Saturday, 25 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint at al-Tahreer Square in the southwest of Hebron. They stopped and checked passing Palestinian civilians.

Bethlehem

On Saturday afternoon, 25 December 2004, Israeli troops erected a checkpoint on the road that links the town with al-'Obaidiya village. They stopped and searched Palestinian vehicles and forced them to travel back. On Sunday morning, 26 December 2004, Israeli troops closed the western entrance of al-Kahder village, west of Bethlehem.

Arrests at Military Checkpoints

On Sunday evening, 26 December 2004, Israeli troops positioned at the eastern entrance to Qalqilya arrested Mohammed Mijahed Zahran, 19, from Qalqilya.

Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall

Israeli troops have continued to construct the annexation wall inside the West Bank territory. They razed more areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm. They also started to construct a section of the wall to the northeast of Jerusalem.

On Monday morning, 27 December 2004, Israeli troops started to lay the foundations for the construction of a section of the wall to the northeast of Jerusalem. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli military bulldozers started to place cement blocks on Palestinian land in Hazma village, northeast of Jerusalem. In the meantime, Israeli troops continued to construct a section of the wall in al-Ram village. By completing the construction of this section of the wall, Israeli troops would further isolate Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.

This week, Israeli military bulldozers continued to raze areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Far'oun village, south of Tulkarm. The owners of the land have been prevented from reaching the area. At least 200 olives trees have been so far uprooted. Two years ago, Israeli troops uprooted hundreds of trees in the same area for the purpose of the construction of the wall.

On Monday, the Israeli Peace Bloc revealed that Israeli occupation authorities plan to confiscate more areas of Palestinian land and build more housing units in Israeli settlements near the border between the West Bank and Israel. According to these plans, thousands of donums of Palestinian land will be confiscated an annexed to Israeli settlements. The bloc gave a number of examples for such settlement expansion. "Alfe Menshae" settlement, east of Qalqilya, ahs been expanded by annexing areas of Palestinian land in the villages of Teera and Ras 'Atiya. In "Tsufin" settlement, northeast of Qalqilya, 2100 housing units are being built on areas of land confiscated from Jayous village. In "Sal'it" settlement, at least 2000 flats have been built on areas of land confiscated from Kherbat Jebara village. The situation is the same in other settlements in the northern West Bank, where the construction of the wall has been completed. Israeli troops have isolated at least 8600 donums of land in Jayous village alone behind the wall. This number does not include 500 donums of land on which a section of the wall stands.

Recommendations to the International Community

1. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations under article 1 of the Convention to ensure Israel's respect for the Convention in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. PCHR believes the conspiracy of silence practiced by the international community has encouraged Israel to act as a state above law and continue to violate international human rights and humanitarian law.

2. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene a conference to take effective steps to ensure Israel's respect of the Convention in the OPTs and to provide immediate protection for Palestinian civilians.

3. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to comply with its legal obligations detailed in article 146 of the Convention to search for and prosecute those responsible for grave breaches, namely war crimes.

4. PCHR recommends international civil society organizations, including human rights organizations, bar associations and solidarity groups to participate in the process of searching for Israeli war criminals and to urge their governments to bring these war criminals to justice.

5. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate article 2 of the Euro-Israel Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights as a precondition for economic cooperation between the EU states and Israel. PCHR further calls upon the EU states to prohibit import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in the OPTs.

6. PCHR calls upon European governments to change their positions towards the Palestinian cause at UN bodies, particularly the General Assembly, Security Council and Commission on Human Rights.

7. PCHR welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution, which referred the issue of the Separation Wall inside the OPTs to International Court of Justice to give its Advisoryt Opinion. There is no doubt that the wall is illegal, which obligates the international community to take steps that amount to the level of the expected decision by the court.

8. In recognition of ICRC as the guardian of the Fourth Geneva Convention, PCHR calls upon the ICRC to increase its staff and activities in the OPTs, including for facilitating family visitations to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

9. PCHR appreciates the efforts of international civil society, including human rights organizations, bar associations, unions and solidarity groups, and urges them to continue their role in pressuring their governments to secure Israel's respect for human rights in the OPTs and to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

10. In light of the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government and its occupying forces on access of international solidarity groups to the OPTs, PCHR calls upon European countries to deal the same way with Israeli citizens.

11. PCHR reiterates that any political settlement not based on international human rights law and humanitarian law cannot lead to a peaceful and just solution of the Palestinian question. Rather, such an arrangement can only lead to further suffering and instability in the region. Any peace agreement or process must be based on respect for international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law.

For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 - 2825893
PCHR, 29 Omer El Mukhtar St., El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail: pchr@pchrgaza.org, Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org