Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
11 - 17 August 2005
Continued Construction of the Annexation Wall in villages to the northwest of Jerusalem
Disengagement Begins: Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Attacks (OPT)
· 4 Palestinian workers were killed by an Israeli settler.
· 15 Palestinian civilians were wounded by IOF and settlers.
· IOF conducted 42 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
· Houses were raided and 51 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF.
· A house was destroyed in al-Mawasi area as a form of collective punishment.
· 15 houses were transformed by IOF into military sites.
· IOF have continued to impose a total siege on the OPT; IOF have imposed a tightened siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and the northern West Bank; IOF have closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints in the Gaza Strip;
· IOF arrested 10 Palestinian civilians at military checkpoints in the West Bank and a woman at Rafah International Crossing Point; and IOF have continued to use a special checking machine at the crossing point.
· IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall in the West Bank; IOF razed more area of Palestinian land to the northwest of Jerusalem; 8 Palestinian civilians, including two children, were wounded by IOF in 'Azzoun village near Qalqilya; IOF arrested 25 Israeli solidarity activists and 10 international ones in Bal'ein village near Ramallah; and IOF demolished 5 civilian facilities in Ethna village near Hebron.
· Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; a journalist and two children were wounded by IOF that supported a number of Israeli settlers who launched attacks against Palestinian civilians in Bala'a village near Tulkarm.
Summary
Israeli violations of international law continued in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) during the reporting period (11-17 August 2005):
Willful Killing: On Wednesday evening, 17 August 2005, an Israeli settler killed 4 Palestinian workers, including two brothers, who used to work in the industrial zone of "Shilo" settlement, southwest of Nablus. IOF arrested the settlers and prevented Palestinian ambulances from attending the victims. They have also held the bodies of the victims.
Incursions: IOF conducted 34 military incursions into Palestinian areas in the West Bank, and 8 incursions into the Gaza Strip. During these incursions, IOF raided houses and arrested 44 Palestinian civilians. IOF also seized 15 houses and transformed them into military sites in the West Bank. During the incursions into the Gaza Strip, IOF raided houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians and transformed 4 houses into military sites. They also imposed curfews on Palestinian communities located near Israeli settlements. During the reported period, two Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded by IOF in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Restrictions on Movement: As IOF have started to implement the "Disengagement Plan" in the Gaza Strip, they imposed severe restrictions on Palestinian civilians, especially in communities located near Israeli settlements. On Wednesday, 17 August 2005, IOF closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). They have also continued to close al-Tuffah and Tal al-Sultan checkpoints leading to al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis and Rafah for the second consecutive week. In addition, IOF have continued to close a number of roads since the beginning of the current Intifada. In the West Bank, IOF have continued to close Za'tra checkpoint, south of Nablus, and 'Ennab gate, east of Tulkarm, for the fifth consecutive week. Following the declaration of the northern West Bank as a closed military zone, on Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF started to impose more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected a number of iron gates on the main roads. They also erected a number of checkpoints and arrested at least 10 Palestinian civilians. In the West Bank PCHR field workers documented 4 cases of inhumane treatment by IOF at military checkpoints.
Annexation Wall: IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory. For this purpose, they razed more areas of agricultural land between the villages of Beit Sourik and Biddu, northwest of Jerusalem. They also razed a playground in 'Anata village, northeast of Jerusalem. IOF have continued to construct a section of the Wall around "Ariel" settlement, southwest of Nablus. In addition, IOF used force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized by Palestinian civilians and international solidarity activists in protest at the construction of the Wall. Eight demonstrators, including two children, were wounded by IOF. A number of other demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 25 Israeli solidarity activists and 10 international ones. Furthermore, IOF demolished 5 civilian facilities in Ethna village, west of Hebron.
Illegal Settler Activities: Israeli settlers in breach of international humanitarian law continue to reside in the OPT and have launched a series of attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, especially in the Gaza Strip during the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan." During the reported period, Israeli settlers launched 9 attacks on Palestinian civilians. Three Palestinian civilians were wounded by IOF that supported Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian civilians in Bala'a village, eats of Tulkarm.
Israeli Violations Documented during the Reporting Period (11 – 17 August 2005)
1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property
Thursday, 11 August 2005
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Nour Shams refugee camp, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:
1. Khaled 'Ali al-Ragheb, 27;
2. 'Ali Mohammed Fouda, 22;
3. Sa'ed Mohammed al-Sheikh Younis, 24;
4. Bader Ahmed Balawani, 22; and
5. Nazeeh Faisal Abu Harb, 28.
· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and opened fire at houses. A number of members of the Palestinian resistance exchanged fire with IOF. A member of the resistance, Fadi Qaffisha, 25, from Hebron, was wounded by a live bullet to the right foot. Qaffisha had been targeted by a number of extra-judicial execution attempts by IOF.
Friday, 12 August 2005
· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 10 Palestinian civilians. Two of these civilian were released later.
· Also at approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Rama village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Nazmat Joma'a, 26, and arrested him.
· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. They raided Bilal 'Ali Jeetawis' house and transformed it into a military site.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Sinjer area in Dura village, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses. At approximately 11:00, IOF seized two houses belonging to Yousef Mohammed 'Amru and 'Adnan Mutlaq 'Amru and transformed them into military sites.
· At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into Kanar neighborhood in the southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Jawad Hamza Shahin. Then, they transformed the house into a military site.
Saturday, 13 August 2005
· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Wad al-Hariya neighborhood in the south of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Nidal Tayseer Salhab, 23.
· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Shyoukh village, northeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 7 Palestinian civilians.
· At approximately 01:15, IOF moved into Nablus. They patrolled in the streets and arrested 5 Palestinian civilians:
1. Fadi Ibrahim Shubairu, 24;
2. Salah Ahmed al-Qouqa, 23;
3. Ibrahim Ziad Suleiman, 22;
4. Waleed Ziad Suleiman, 20; and
5. Muhannad Hassan Abu Rabee', 23.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Tammoun village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Sameeh Suleiman Bisharat, 22; and
2. Maher Mohammed al-Ghazzawi, 23.
· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-Lahham quarter in al-Mawasi area in the west of Khan Yunis then raided and searched a number of houses. They checked the identity cards of Palestinian civilians. Then, they took 8 civilians to a nearby military post, where they interrogated them for two hours. Seven of these civilians were releases, while the eighth one, 18-year-old Ahmed Yousef al-Lahham, has remained in custody.
· At approximately 06:00, IOF raided and searched a house belonging to Na'im 'Abdul Raziq Zalloum and his brothers in al-Kassara area near "Kiryat Arba" settlement, southeast of Hebron. They held residents of the house on the first floor and transformed the second floor and the roof into a military site.
· At approximately 13:30, IOF moved into Namera neighborhood in Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to the heirs of Ahmed al-Haddad, and arrested 14-year-old Ahmed Akram al-Haddad.
Sunday, 14 August 2005
· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bazaria village, northwest of Nablus. They raided a house belonging to Mufeed 'Abdul Raziq Hussein. They held the family in one room and transformed the house into a military site.
· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Bani Na'im village, southeast of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ja'far Ahmed Humaidat. They held the family in one room and transformed the house into a military site.
· At approximately 06:00, IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Mohammed Mansour, the Mayor of Bala'a. During this house raid, IOF damaged the furniture and some windows.
Monday, 15 August 2005
· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Bazaria village, northwest of Nbalus. They raided a house belonging to Hussam 'Abdul Wahab Khater. They held the family in one room and transformed the house into a military site. The house is located at Nablus – Jenin road.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Shwaika village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
1. 'Abdul Rahman Taher Na'alwa, 22;
2. Rashed 'Abdul Rahim Ekbariya, 26; and
3. Ma'moun Farouq Edhailiya, 28.
· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Majd 'Abdul Salam Jandab, 14, and arrested him.
· Also at approximately 02:30, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Sameer 'Daqqa, 18, and arrested him.
· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of 'Emad Sa'id Abu Haniya, 39, and arrested him.
· At approximately 08:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed the roofs of two houses belonging to Wa'el Mahmoud Jabsha and 'Aadel Daoud Jabsha into military sites.
· At approximately 09:00, IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. A number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Israeli soldiers chased the children. They raided a house belonging to Mohammed Salman and violently beat his son, 16-year-old 'Ali. He sustained bruises throughout the body. According to the father, his son was at home and had not been involved in stone throwing at IOF.
· At approximately 19:40, IOF positioned in a military posts to the west of Rafah opened fire, for no apparent reason, at Palestinian houses in Tal al-Sultan neighborhood. A Palestinian child, Reem Jameel Abu 'Akar, was injured by shrapnel to the face when she was at home.
Tuesday, 16 August 2005
· At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya. They raided and searched a number of houses, but no arrests were reported.
· Also at approximately 01:00, IOF moved nearly 200 meters into Wadi al-Salqa village, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They raided a house belonging to Raji Marzouq al-Sumairi to the north of "Kissufim" settler road. They held the 9 residents in one room and transformed the house into a military site.
· At approximately 01:30, IOF moved into al-Lahham quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 'Ali Hassan al-Lahham, 22.
· Also at approximately 01:30, IOF moved into Zo'rob quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Fadi Khader Zo'rob, 17, and arrested him.
· At approximately 01:40, IOF moved nearly 200 meters into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City. They raided a 3-storey house belonging to 'Ata Sa'id al-Hilu to the south of a settler road leading to "Netzarim" settlement and transformed it into a military site.
· Also at approximately 01:40, IOF moved into al-Najjar and Zo'rob quarters in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested two Palestinian civilians:
1. Muhannad Ahmed al-Najjar, 22; and
2. Fadi Khader Zo'rob, 17.
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved from "Dogit" settlement nearly 400 meters into Palestinian areas located to the south. They surrounded a 180-square-meter, 2-storey house belonging to Riad Mustafa Zindah, in which 11 individuals live; and a 150-square-meter, 3-storey house belonging to Mustafa Riad Zindah, in which 4 individuals live. IOF bulldozers placed sand barriers near the two houses. Soon after, IOF forced the residents out and transformed the two houses into military sites.
· Also at approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested Ibrahim Jaradat, 19, a university student.
· At approximately 03:30, IOF moved into al-'Asakra village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to the family of Ra'ed Mohammed al-'Asakra, 21, and arrested him.
· At approximately 04:00, IOF moved into Deir al-Ghosoun village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to Eihab Mohammed Masha'al and transformed the roof into a military site.
· At approximately 10:00, IOF moved into Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm. Dozens of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at IOF. Israeli soldiers chased the children. They raided a house belonging to Ziad al-Haj Hamad and violently beat his child, 16-year-old Salah. The child sustained a fracture to the left leg.
· At approximately 19:10, IOF moved nearly 70 meters into Palestinian areas located to the west of "Kfar Darom" settlement, southeast of Deir al-Balah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khalil Mohammed al-Tawashi, 55. They held the 25 residents of the house (4 families) in one room on the first floor and transformed the second and third floors into a military site. IOF have been so far positioned atop of the house.
Wednesday, 17 August 2005
· At approximately 02:00, IOF moved into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a number of houses and arrested 3 Palestinian civilians:
1. Ahmed Naji Abu Zaid, 22;
2. Mohammed Naji Abu Zaid, 20; and
3. Murad Abu Ma'alla, 21.
· At approximately 02:30, IOF moved into Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Fawzat Abu 'Ali. They forced the family out and transformed the house into a military site.
· At approximately 03:00, IOF moved into al-Zahiriya village, south of Hebron. They raided a house belonging to Ahmed Tariq al-Tal, 78. They held him and his wife in one room and transformed the house into a military site.
· At approximately 03:15, IOF moved into 'Attil village, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a number of houses and transformed two of them belonging to 'Alaa' Mahmoud Salman and Salah Waheed Badran into military sites.
· At approximately 16:00, IOF moved into al-Lahham quarter in al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis. They raided and searched a 120-square-metre house belonging to 'Orabi Fadel al-Lahham, 47, whom they had arrested in the morning. They forced his mother, sister and son, who were inside the house, out just after ordering them to vacate domestic gas canisters and open windows. At approximately 20:15, IOF destroyed the house. IOF claimed that they found an explosive belt on the roof of the house and that they foiled a planned attack at Israeli settlements by the Islamic Jihad during the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan." The Islamic Jihad denied this claim and accused IOF of creating pretexts to attack Palestinian civilians. IOF had arrested al-Lahham's son on Friday, 12 August 2005.
2. Continued Siege on the OPT
IOF have continued to impose 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
As IOF have started to implement the "Disengagement Plan" in the Gaza Strip, they have imposed more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians, especially those living near Israeli settlements.
· Internal Movement: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians through al-Matahen and Abu Houli checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip). The checkpoints are open between 07:00 and 19:00 everyday. IOF informed the Palestinian side that the two checkpoints would be closed during the day hours and would be open between 19:00 and 00:00, excluding Fridays and Saturdays. However, on Wednesday, 17 August 2005, IOF closed the two checkpoints at midnight and informed the Palestinian side that the two checkpoints would be closed from 05:00 to 21:00 everyday during the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan." At approximately 21:00 on Wednesday, 17 August 2005, a number of Israeli settlers demonstrated on a bridge established by IOF between the two checkpoints. IOF did not intervene to disperse the settlers and used the demonstrator as a pretest to maintain the two checkpoints closed. IOF reopened the two checkpoints from 01:00 to 05:00 on Thursday, 18 August 2005.
IOF have also continued to close a number of roads inside the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the current Intifada, such as the western Rafah – Khan Yunis road in the southern Gaza Strip, Abu al-'Ajeen road between the villages of al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa in the central Gaza Strip and Salah al-Din Street at "Netzarim" and "Kfar Darom" junctions in the central Gaza Strip. Furthermore, IOF have continued to prohibit Palestinian civilians from using "Kissufim", "Morag" and al-Mentar roads in the southern and central Gaza Strip, which have been devoted for the movement of IOF and settlers. IOF have continued to close Gaza International Airport for the fourth consecutive year.
· Enclaves: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities located near Israeli military posts and settlements:
o Al-Mawasi: IOF have continued to impose a tightened siege on al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis and Rafah. IOF have continued to close al-Tuffah and Tal al-Sultan checkpoints at the entrances of the area for the second consecutive week. IOF informed the Palestinian side that the two checkpoints would remain closed throughout the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan." On 14 August 2005, IOF reopened al-Tuffah checkpoint for a few hours to allow a number of Palestinian civilians to go back homes in al-Mawasi area. The tightened siege imposed on the area has left disastrous impacts on the economic situation of Palestinian civilians living in the area.
o Al-Sayafa: On Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF closed al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip and prevented Palestinian civilians living in the area from leaving it. According to information available to PCHR, a total of 150 civilians have remained in the area, as 3 pregnant women were forced to leave the area to avoid facing difficulties in leaving the area when giving childbirth. In addition, 11 civilians have already left the area to be able to attend their jobs outside the area. Four Tawjihi (General Secondary Certificate) have also left the area to be able to attend complementary exams.
o Al-Ma’ni: IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on al-Ma'ni area near "Kfar Darom" settlement in the central Gaza Strip where approximately 140 Palestinians reside. The area has lacked water and telephone networks for three years after IOF destroyed this infrastructure. At approximately 17:00 on Wednesday, 17 August 2005, IOF informed residents of the area that it would be closed for one month and a half starting from Wednesday, 17 August 2005.
o "Kissufim" area: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of 160 Palestinian civilians (18 families) living near "Kissufim" settler road. On Saturday evening, 13 August 2005, IOF informed residents of the area that they would close it for 3-5 weeks during the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan." In the same context, IOF informed 29 Palestinian civilians living in two houses surrounded by barbwire in al-Qarara village, north of Khan Yunis, that they would be banned from leaving their house starting from 16 August 2005.
· External movement:
o Rafah International Crossing Point: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the travel of Palestinian civilians through Rafah International Crossing Point on the Egyptian border, in violation of their economic, social and cultural rights, under security claims. The crossing point has been the only outlet for Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip to the outside world. IOF often close the crossing point and prevent young men from traveling. Since the beginning of June, IOF have imposed more restrictions on travel through the crossing point. The crossing point is open between 09:00 and 17:00 everyday. For the third consecutive week, IOF have continued to prevent Palestinian civilians aged 16-35 from traveling abroad. Recently, they have allowed patients and those have permanent residence in other countries to travel. IOF had allowed this large segment of Palestinian civilians to travel abroad since 20 February 2005 following nearly one year of prohibition. Since 22 July 2005, IOF have resumed using a controversial special checking machine. IOF stopped using this machine on 18 May 2005 as its use was widely criticised. On 16 August 2005, IOF positioned at the crossing point arrested Sumaya 'Abdul Rahim Mizyed, 47, from al-Zawaida village in the central Gaza Strip, when she was on her was back to the Gaza Strip
o Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing: In the context of the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan," IOF closed the crossing on 14 August 2005. The crossing will be closed for one month. Consequently, IOF cancelled work permits issued for 2000 Palestinian workers two weeks ago. IOF have allowed serious cases of patients and staff of international organizations to move through the crossing.
o Al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on commercial transactions at al-Mentar (Karni) commercial crossing, east of Gaza City. This is despite the IOF declaration that they have eased such restrictions. During the reporting period they allowed only 30-35 trucks to enter Israel and 270 to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel. These restrictions have caused goods to perish and large losses to Palestinian traders. IOF also closed this crossing on Sunday and Monday, 12 and 13 June 2005.
o Sofa crossing: IOF have also continued to prevent Palestinian workers from entering Israel through Sofa crossing, northeast of Rafah. This crossing has been closed for people for more than one year and only raw construction materials are allowed to be entered.
The West Bank
IOF have continued to impose a strict siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank Territory. They have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians and imposed curfews on a number of Palestinian communities.
· Jerusalem: IOF have isolated East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. They have also imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians inside the city. On Friday, 12 August 2005, IOF prevented hundreds of young Palestinian men from praying in al-Aqsa Mosque. On Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF closed dirt roads located near Dahiat al-Barid area, north of Jerusalem, with sand barriers and cement blocks. They chased a number of Palestinian workers from the West Bank who attempted to enter the city. IOF held a number of these workers for several hours.
On Saturday morning, 13 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint near "Ma'ale Adomim" settlement, east of Jerusalem, arrested 'Eissa Mohammed al-Halaiqa, 26, from al-Shyoukh village northeast of Hebron.
· Hebron: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. On Friday morning, 12 August 2005, IOF imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. Many Palestinian civilians were not able to reach the Ibrahimi Mosque for the Friday Prayer, due to the severe restrictions imposed by IOF on the roads leading to it.
On Friday evening, 12 August 2005, IOF positioned in the center of Hebron stopped and violently beat 'Emad Akram Salhab, 23. He was sustained bruises and injuries throughout the body.
At approximately 20:00 on Friday, 12 August 2005, IOF positioned in Abu Sunaina neighborhood in Hebron stopped and violently beat Riad Sha'ban Da'na, 22. He sustained bruises and injuries to the body.
· Bethlehem: on Tuesday morning, 16 August 2005, IOF closed Wad al-Nar road, which links between the north and south of the West Bank. They also beat a number of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the Container checkpoint on the road.
On Thursday evening, 11 August 2005, IOF positioned at Daniel checkpoint, south of Bethlehem, arrested Ziad 'Ali Isma'il, 18.
· Nablus: IOF have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in and around the city. During the reported period, IOF positioned in the area imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. IOF positioned at Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus, have prevented Palestinian civilians from Tulkarm and Jenin from entering Nablus. On Thursday morning, 11 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the entrance of al-Naqoura village, northwest of Nablus. On Saturday noon, 13 August 2005, IOF closed Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus. At the same time, IOF held hundreds of Palestinian civilian vehicles on al-Bathan road, northeast of Nablus, for several hours. On Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF closed the checkpoint near "Shavi Shomron" settlement, northwest of Nablus. The checkpoint is expected to remain closed throughout the implementation of the "Disengagement Plan" in the northern West Bank. Following the declaration of the northern West Bank as a closed military zone, on Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF started to impose more restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians. They erected a number of iron gates on the main roads. They erected an iron gate at al-Mas'oudiya crossroads on Nablus – Jenin road, only 4 kilometers away from "Shavi Shomron" checkpoint, northwest of Nablus. Another iron gate was erected near al-Taneeb brick factory on Nablus – Tulkarm. IOF informed workers in the factory not to come to factory until another notice. IOF also erected an iron gate at Surra crossroads, southwest of Nablus. In addition, IOF established a number of military sites near these gates.
On Thursday noon, 11 August 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, violently beat Mohammed 'Abdul Hafiz Batta, 18, from Deir al-Hatab village near Tulkarm. He sustained bruises throughout the body.
On Sunday evening, 14 August 2005, IOF positioned at Beit Eiba checkpoint, west of Nablus, arrested 'Abdullah Hassan Qaddoumi, 28, from Kufor Qaddoum village east of Qalqilya.
On Monday evening, 15 August 2005, IOF positioned at Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus, violently beat Fathi Bouziya, 42, from Kufor Hares village southwest of the city. He was also detained by the Israeli police for 4 hours.
· Tulkarm: On Thursday morning, 11 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint to the east of 'Anabta village, east of Tulkarm, and prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians. At approximately 06:00 on Friday, 12 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Far'oun crossroads, east of Tulkarm. They prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilians until 12:00. On Saturday, 13 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at Bala'a crossroads, east of Tulkarm. They stopped and searched Palestinian civilian vehicles. On Sunday morning, 14 August 2005, IOF closed al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm. This closure continued until the afternoon.
On Sunday morning, 14 August 2005, IOF positioned at al-Kafriyat checkpoint, south of Tulkarm, arrested Ma'ath Fathi Khassib, 22, from Qiffin village north of the town.
On Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint erected at Bala'a crossroads, east of Tulkarm, arrested Tha'er Mohammed Habayeb, 15.
· Jenin: At approximately 14:00 on Thursday, 11 August 2005, IOF erected a checkpoint at the northeastern entrance of al-Fara'a refugee camp, southwest of Jenin. They prohibited the movement of Palestinian civilian vehicles for 3 hours. On Sunday morning, 14 August 2005, IOF closed the entrances of a number of villages located near Jenin.
On Saturday morning, 13 August 2005, IOF positioned at Tayaseer checkpoint, southeast of Jenin, arrested Mas'oud Abu al-Wafa, 25, from al-Zawia village south of the town.
· Qalqilya: On Thursday morning, 11 August 2005, IOF erected two checkpoints at the entrances of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. They stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian vehicles. On Friday morning, 12 August 2005, IOF erected a number of checkpoints at the entrances of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, to prevent organizing a peaceful demonstration in protest to the construction of the Annexation Wall.
On Thursday morning, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the northern entrance of 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya, arrested Marwan Rasheed Radwan, 25.
· Jericho: On Thursday evening, 11 August 2005, IOF positioned at a checkpoint at the southern entrance of Jericho arrested 3 Palestinian civilians: Sameer al-Hashlamoun, 32; Jihad al-Qawasmi, 28; and Husni 'Abdu, 30.
3. Construction of the Annexation Wall
IOF have continued to construct the Annexation Wall inside the West Bank territory.
· During the reported period, IOF continued to construct a section of the Wall around "Ariel" settlement, southwest of Nablus. According to eyewitnesses, IOF bulldozers razed more areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Marda village for this purpose. Israeli trucks also transported construction materials to the area.
· On Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF started to raze more areas of Palestinian agricultural land between the villages of Biddu and Beit Eksa, northwest of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the Wall in the area. According to local sources, this section of the Wall is expected to be two kilometers long.
· At approximately 13:00 on Monday, 15 August 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in 'Azzoun village, east of Qalqilya. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As a result, 8 demonstrators, including two children, were wounded:
1. Sa'id Sayel Swaidan, 15, seriously wounded by a tear gas canister to the head;
2. Ramzi Zahran Swaidan, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head;
3. Ma'an Mustafa al-'Aa'raj, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head;
4. Ashraf Asa'ad Salim, 30, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head;
5. 'Abdul 'Aziz Shaher Salim, 14, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head;
6. 'Alaa' 'Abdul Fattah al-Nashma, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the back;
7. Zaher Hamdallah 'Omran, 30, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right foot; and
8. 'Abdul Rahman Riad Hussein, 20, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left hand.
· Also at approximately 13:00 on Monday, 15 August 2005, hundreds of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal'ein village, west of Ramallah. IOF fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 4 demonstrators suffered from tear gas inhalation. IOF also arrested 25 Israeli solidarity activists and 10 international ones.
· On Tuesday morning, 16 August 2005, IOF started to raze Salah al-Din playground in 'Anata village, northeast of Jerusalem, for the purpose of the construction of a section of the Wall near the villages of Jaba', Hazma and 'Anata to separate them completely from Israeli settlement in the area. IOF had already established a settler road that extends from al-Kassarat and Wadi 'Ayad areas to the villages of Hazma and 'Anata to link settlement blocks.
· At approximately 11:40, IOF, accompanied by a bulldozer, moved into al-Baida area in the west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. They demolished a 400-square-meter animal farm belonging to 'Abdul Rahman 'Abdul Fattah Tumaizi without prior warning. At approximately 13:00, IOF closed the main entrance of the village and imposed a curfew on al-Liya area in the east of the village. Soon after, they demolished a fuel station belonging to Jihad 'Abdul Hafiz Tumaizi and two shops belonging to Zaher Diab Tumaizi.
4. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property
Israeli settlers (living in the OPT in violation of international humanitarian law) have continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property:
· On Thursday morning, 11 August 2005, IOF bulldozers razed areas of Palestinian land near 'Atara checkpoint at the entrance to Bir Zeit village, north of Ramallah. They also placed huge cement blocks and barbed wire in the area.
· At approximately 10:00 on Friday, 12 August 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers crossed the roads of Bala'a village, east of Tulkarm, on their way to "Homesh" settlement, northwest of Nablus to protest its evacuation. Those settlers threw stones and empty bottles at Palestinian civilians in the village. Soon after, a number of Palestinian children gathered and threw stones at the settlers. IOF moved into the village and fired at the children. They also fired a sound bomb at a number of journalists injuring one of them, 18-year-old Murad 'Eissa al-Ashqar, in the chest. Two children were also wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets:
1. 'Ali Mohammed Abu 'Aziz, 15, wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the foot; and
2. Saleh 'Abdullah Hamed, 16, wounded by two rubber-coated metal bullets to the feet.
· On Sunday morning, 14 August 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers gathered on Nablus – Jenin road near the entrance of Bazaria village, adjacent to "Homesh" settlement, one of 4 settlements to be evacuated. The settlers closed the road and threw stones at Palestinian civilian vehicles damaging a number of them.
· Also on Sunday morning, IOF resumed razing areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Shoufa village, south of Tulkarm. IOF bulldozers uprooted dozens of olive trees to expand "Avni Hefetz" settlement established on the land of the village.
· Since Sunday evening, 14 August 2005, Israeli settlers have been positioned near "Kfar Yam" and "Sheirat Hayam" settlements. They have prevented Palestinian civilians from moving on the road that links between the two parts of al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis and Rafah.
· On Monday morning, 15 August 2005, IOF razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land near "Doutan" military post at the entrance to 'Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. IOF also erected electricity towers equipped with lights.
· At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 15 August 2005, IOF razed a 200-square-meter area of agricultural land belonging to 'Emad 'Ali Huraiz in Jabal al-Rahma neighborhood in Hebron to establish an observation tower.
· At approximately 01:15 on Tuesday, 16 August 2005, dozens of Israeli settlers from "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, moved into al-Farra and Shurrab quarters in al-Mawasi area. They threw stones at houses and attempted to set fire to a number of them. A number of Palestinian civilians gathered and forced the settlers to leave the area.