15 dec 2018
Israeli occupation forces on Saturday evening came down heavily on paramedics onboard an ambulance that was transferring a Palestinian patient in the central occupied West Bank province of Ramallah.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, Israeli soldiers stationed at the crossroads of Ein Siniya village, north of Ramallah, obstructed the movement of an ambulance carrying a sick Palestinian civilian and assaulted the paramedics who were onboard.
The occupation soldiers subjected the paramedics and the ambulance to intensive searches.
Israeli occupation forces have imposed a total closure on the city of Ramallah since last Thursday following an anti-occupation shooting attack that left three Israeli soldiers dead.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, Israeli soldiers stationed at the crossroads of Ein Siniya village, north of Ramallah, obstructed the movement of an ambulance carrying a sick Palestinian civilian and assaulted the paramedics who were onboard.
The occupation soldiers subjected the paramedics and the ambulance to intensive searches.
Israeli occupation forces have imposed a total closure on the city of Ramallah since last Thursday following an anti-occupation shooting attack that left three Israeli soldiers dead.
Several Palestinian patients at the Palestinian Medical Center in Ramallah City, in the central occupied West Bank, suffered severe tear-gas suffocation due to the heavy tear-gas fired by Israeli forces in the area on Saturday.
Head of the medical center, Dr. Ahmad al-Beitawi, condemned the direct and indirect targeting of patients and Palestinians inside the Palestine Medical Center, saying that it violates all international laws and statues.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Minister of Health Jawad Awwad said that he sent urgent letters to international health organizations, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Crescent and other human rights organizations to immediately intervene to provide safety to Palestinians, medical teams, ambulances and health centers.
Clashes have been ongoing in the Ramallah and al-Bireh district as Israeli forces are still searching for a Palestinian who had carried out a shooting attack, killing two Israeli soldiers, two days ago.
Israeli forces also blew up a Palestinian family building, earlier Saturday, which resulted in clashes between Palestinian protesters and activists and Israeli forces in the area, during which Israeli forces heavily fired tear-gas bombs.
Head of the medical center, Dr. Ahmad al-Beitawi, condemned the direct and indirect targeting of patients and Palestinians inside the Palestine Medical Center, saying that it violates all international laws and statues.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Minister of Health Jawad Awwad said that he sent urgent letters to international health organizations, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Crescent and other human rights organizations to immediately intervene to provide safety to Palestinians, medical teams, ambulances and health centers.
Clashes have been ongoing in the Ramallah and al-Bireh district as Israeli forces are still searching for a Palestinian who had carried out a shooting attack, killing two Israeli soldiers, two days ago.
Israeli forces also blew up a Palestinian family building, earlier Saturday, which resulted in clashes between Palestinian protesters and activists and Israeli forces in the area, during which Israeli forces heavily fired tear-gas bombs.
A Palestinian youth was injured on Saturday after being shot by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in Barqa village, east of Ramallah city.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that the IOF shot a Palestinian young man, whose identity is still unknown, in Barqa village, without giving details about his health condition.
Meanwhile, another Palestinian was arrested in Bab al-Asbat area in Occupied Jerusalem.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli police arrested Shadi al-Natsha as he was passing in the area and transferred him to a nearby detention center.
Violent confrontations broke out in the afternoon between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces at Shu'fat checkpoint, northeast of Jerusalem.
Quds Press said that the Israeli forces heavily fired teargas canisters and stun grenades at the Palestinian youths, while the latter responded by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails.
At the same time in Bethlehem, groups of Israeli settlers hurled stones at the Palestinian vehicles passing by Efrat settlement, causing partial damages to many of them.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that the IOF shot a Palestinian young man, whose identity is still unknown, in Barqa village, without giving details about his health condition.
Meanwhile, another Palestinian was arrested in Bab al-Asbat area in Occupied Jerusalem.
Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli police arrested Shadi al-Natsha as he was passing in the area and transferred him to a nearby detention center.
Violent confrontations broke out in the afternoon between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces at Shu'fat checkpoint, northeast of Jerusalem.
Quds Press said that the Israeli forces heavily fired teargas canisters and stun grenades at the Palestinian youths, while the latter responded by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails.
At the same time in Bethlehem, groups of Israeli settlers hurled stones at the Palestinian vehicles passing by Efrat settlement, causing partial damages to many of them.
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The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Saturday blew up the home of Abu Hmeid family al-Amaari refugee camp, south of Ramallah, during an over six-hour raid into the area. video video
Local sources said that more than 56 Palestinians were injured during clashes that erupted with the IOF around the building, as dozens of activists and supporters had gathered to prevent the demolition. Large numbers of IOF soldiers, accompanied by military bulldozers, raided Ramallah after midnight Friday, surrounded Abu Hmeid family's four-storey building, and forced the family and activists protesting inside the building out. The IOF assaulted the family members and protesters by beating, firing teargas bombs at them, and spraying them with pepper. |
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a number of protesters arrested by the soldiers.
Local residents said that a number of IOF snipers climbed the rooftops of houses neighboring Abu Hmeid's building and used them as lookouts.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that at least 56 Palestinians, including a journalist working for al-Jazeera TV, were injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and teargas canisters, and added that 10 of the injured were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex to complete treatment. video
Before filling Abu Hmeid's home with explosives, the IOF evacuated all neighboring homes under the cold weather, estimated to be around 500 women, children and men of all ages, and kept them in an open football field.
The Red Crescent provided those evacuated in the field with blankets, water and food, and was able to evacuate about 100 women and children to a nearby Red Crescent building.
Head of the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlement, Minister Walid Assaf, affirmed that the house will be rebuilt for the fourth time, praising the steadfastness of the Palestinian widow Um Naser Abu Hmeid who refused to leave her home before making sure that all protesters were outside and safe.
The owner of the building, Um Naser Abu Hmeid, 72, said in press statements, "We will never fall down and we will never surrender. As long as there is occupation, we will resist it."
An Israeli court had given the army the green light to demolish the building as a form of collective punishment since Israel accuses one of the family's sons, Islam, of killing an Israeli soldier by throwing a stone on him in May 2018.
Israel had demolished Abu Hmeid's house twice, in 1994 and 2003. Five of the family members, not including Islam, are serving prison sentences in Israeli jails for resisting the occupation.
Local residents said that a number of IOF snipers climbed the rooftops of houses neighboring Abu Hmeid's building and used them as lookouts.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said that at least 56 Palestinians, including a journalist working for al-Jazeera TV, were injured by rubber-coated metal bullets and teargas canisters, and added that 10 of the injured were transferred to Palestine Medical Complex to complete treatment. video
Before filling Abu Hmeid's home with explosives, the IOF evacuated all neighboring homes under the cold weather, estimated to be around 500 women, children and men of all ages, and kept them in an open football field.
The Red Crescent provided those evacuated in the field with blankets, water and food, and was able to evacuate about 100 women and children to a nearby Red Crescent building.
Head of the National Committee Against the Wall and Settlement, Minister Walid Assaf, affirmed that the house will be rebuilt for the fourth time, praising the steadfastness of the Palestinian widow Um Naser Abu Hmeid who refused to leave her home before making sure that all protesters were outside and safe.
The owner of the building, Um Naser Abu Hmeid, 72, said in press statements, "We will never fall down and we will never surrender. As long as there is occupation, we will resist it."
An Israeli court had given the army the green light to demolish the building as a form of collective punishment since Israel accuses one of the family's sons, Islam, of killing an Israeli soldier by throwing a stone on him in May 2018.
Israel had demolished Abu Hmeid's house twice, in 1994 and 2003. Five of the family members, not including Islam, are serving prison sentences in Israeli jails for resisting the occupation.
The Israeli occupation navy on Saturday morning kidnapped two Palestinian fishermen during their presence off the coast of Gaza City.
Chief of the fishermen Nizar Ayyash told Quds Press that the brothers, Mohamed and Atef Abu Riyala, were kidnapped after Israeli naval forces opened machinegun fire near their fishing boat, which was also confiscated.
Ayyash added that the fishermen were working within four nautical miles from the shore of Gaza City.
Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a group of Palestinian citizens in a border area to the east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, with no reported injuries.
Chief of the fishermen Nizar Ayyash told Quds Press that the brothers, Mohamed and Atef Abu Riyala, were kidnapped after Israeli naval forces opened machinegun fire near their fishing boat, which was also confiscated.
Ayyash added that the fishermen were working within four nautical miles from the shore of Gaza City.
Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers opened fire at a group of Palestinian citizens in a border area to the east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, with no reported injuries.
Palestinian young men on Friday night threw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli military watchtower at the main entrance to al-Arroub refugee camp, north of al-Khalil in the occupied West Bank.
Eyewitnesses told a reporter for the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the watchtower caught fire following the attack, provoking the Israeli occupation army to dispatch soldiers to the camp to look for the perpetrators.
They added that soldiers stormed the camp amid intensive gunfire and clashed with some youths during their search campaign.
Later, the father of Abdullah Ghaith, the child who was kidnapped by Palestinian Authority (PA) security elements on Friday afternoon, said that Israeli soldiers at dawn Saturday came to his house and handed his son Louay a summons for interrogation from the Shin Bet.
PA security forces rounded up Abdullah Ghaith after they violently quelled a peaceful march organized by Hamas in al-Khalil to mark its founding anniversary.
Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets claimed that an Israeli military force arrested four Palestinian young men after finding two automatic guns inside the car they were aboard in Abu Asnaina neighborhood in al-Khalil.
Eyewitnesses told a reporter for the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that the watchtower caught fire following the attack, provoking the Israeli occupation army to dispatch soldiers to the camp to look for the perpetrators.
They added that soldiers stormed the camp amid intensive gunfire and clashed with some youths during their search campaign.
Later, the father of Abdullah Ghaith, the child who was kidnapped by Palestinian Authority (PA) security elements on Friday afternoon, said that Israeli soldiers at dawn Saturday came to his house and handed his son Louay a summons for interrogation from the Shin Bet.
PA security forces rounded up Abdullah Ghaith after they violently quelled a peaceful march organized by Hamas in al-Khalil to mark its founding anniversary.
Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets claimed that an Israeli military force arrested four Palestinian young men after finding two automatic guns inside the car they were aboard in Abu Asnaina neighborhood in al-Khalil.
Israeli occupation authorities, on Friday, ordered several Palestinian families from the village of Ebzeiq, in the northern Jordan Valley region of the occupied West Bank, to leave their homes and make way for Israeli military training, in the area.
Muataz Besharat, who monitors Israeli violations in the area, told WAFA that the Israeli army served notices to 14 families, ordering them to leave their homes on December 16, 23, 26 and 31, from 6:00am to 2:00pm (local time), on some days, and from 12:00am to 6:00am on other days, to make way for the training.
The Jordan Valley forms a third of the occupied West Bank, with 88 percent of its land classified as Area C – under full Israeli military control.
Nearly 20 percent of the occupied West Bank has been declared as “firing zones”, since the 1970s, but, according to the UN, some 80 percent of these areas are not in fact used for military training.
However, when military training takes place, Israel forces families to leave their homes, for hours or days at a time, until the drill is over
Muataz Besharat, who monitors Israeli violations in the area, told WAFA that the Israeli army served notices to 14 families, ordering them to leave their homes on December 16, 23, 26 and 31, from 6:00am to 2:00pm (local time), on some days, and from 12:00am to 6:00am on other days, to make way for the training.
The Jordan Valley forms a third of the occupied West Bank, with 88 percent of its land classified as Area C – under full Israeli military control.
Nearly 20 percent of the occupied West Bank has been declared as “firing zones”, since the 1970s, but, according to the UN, some 80 percent of these areas are not in fact used for military training.
However, when military training takes place, Israel forces families to leave their homes, for hours or days at a time, until the drill is over
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded, on Saturday at dawn, the home of Abu Hmeid family, in the al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of al-Biereh city, in the Ramallah and al-Biereh Governorate, in the central West Bank, in preparation to demolish a four-story building, and engaged in the excessive use of force against the family, and many other Palestinians. video
The Israeli military stationed sharpshooters on the tops of all the buildings around the home, and ordered all the families from the neighborhood to evacuate from their homes. An estimated 450 Palestinians were forced out of their homes.
As of the time of this report, camera operators from Palestine TV are streaming live from the site, and the feed shows dozens of soldiers inside the home – they can be seen in the windows of the home using sledge hammers to bash through the walls. video
Palestine TV reported that the army is blocking an ambulance from passing, in which a woman is in labor and about to give birth.
The families that were ordered to leave their homes were not allowed to take any blankets or covering with them, or food, they were simply ordered from their homes into the cold winter night. Most of the hundreds of people forced out of their homes went to a nearby outdoor football field at the al-Bireh School to wait for the army to allow them back to their homes.
The military broke the windows of the al-Bireh School and caused damage to the school building.
Media sources said at least 500 Israeli soldiers surrounded the home, and the area around it, before invading the home. The soldiers used excessive force while removing the family, and hundreds of Palestinian neighbors and supporters who gathered there to protest the demolition.
The army claims that Islam Abu Hmeid, who was taken prisoner on June 6th, 2018, killed an Israeli soldier, identified as Ronen Lubarsky, after dropping a cement slab on his head, on May 24th, during a military invasion into the refugee camp; the soldier was seriously injured, and died from his wounds on May 26th.
Although Islam lives in one of the floors of the four-story building, the Israeli army wants to demolish the entire property to punish his family, in an illegal act of collective punishment.
Palestine TV correspondent Ali Dar Ali said that many army vehicles, including armored bulldozers invaded the refugee camp, and added that the soldiers stormed and searched many homes and buildings, and occupied their rooftops.
He added that the soldiers stormed the home and removed the Palestinians, including the owners.
The soldiers also attacked Palestinian journalists in the refugee camp, and targeted a Palestinian ambulance with teargas, in addition to firing at Palestinians who live in the area, or those who tried to enter the area.
Palestine TV also said that the soldiers detained dozens of nonviolent supporters in the property before forcing everybody out.
The soldiers attacked many journalists, including two who were beaten and struck with batons and rifle-buts, and hurled concussion grenades and gas bombs at medics who tried to provide the needed medical aid to them.
The Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah said dozens of Palestinians were injured, and are receiving treatment.
The military invaded nearby neighborhoods and villages, where they were met by protesters, some of whom threw stones at the invading soldiers.
Sixty-six Palestinians have been wounded by the Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets toward the protesters, as well as live ammunition.
Furthermore, the soldiers targeted Palestinian ambulances with gas bombs, causing damage and wounding the medical teams.
The soldiers also fired many gas bombs and concussion grenades, in addition to a few live rounds, at journalists reporting from the rooftops of a nearby building.
In addition, the soldiers are currently detaining more than 300 Palestinians in a nearby area after abducting them in the property and near it.
Israeli soldiers of the Corps of Engineers are currently placing the explosive charges in the build, in order to detonate it, which will also cause damage to several surrounding homes.
The soldiers started removing all families, who live in the area, from their homes after storming and ransacking them, especially since the army is preparation to detonate the Abu Hmeid family home, which will most likely cause damage to surrounding homes and buildings.
The invasion is still ongoing, and the army is still firing live rounds, gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
It is worth mentioning that one member of Abu Hmeid family, identified as Abdul-Mon’em Abu Hmeid, was killed by the army in 2002 in nearby Qalandia refugee camp, and four others are imprisoned by Israel and serving life terms, in addition to Islam, the youngest son, who is believed to be behind the death of the soldier. Another sibling, identified as Ahmad Abu Hmeid, was killed by the army in 1987.
On Tuesday August 14 2018, dozens of soldiers invaded the refugee camp and took measurements of the home, in preparation for demolishing the property.
This current demolition of Abu Hmeid family building would be the third times Israeli destroys their home.
The Israeli military stationed sharpshooters on the tops of all the buildings around the home, and ordered all the families from the neighborhood to evacuate from their homes. An estimated 450 Palestinians were forced out of their homes.
As of the time of this report, camera operators from Palestine TV are streaming live from the site, and the feed shows dozens of soldiers inside the home – they can be seen in the windows of the home using sledge hammers to bash through the walls. video
Palestine TV reported that the army is blocking an ambulance from passing, in which a woman is in labor and about to give birth.
The families that were ordered to leave their homes were not allowed to take any blankets or covering with them, or food, they were simply ordered from their homes into the cold winter night. Most of the hundreds of people forced out of their homes went to a nearby outdoor football field at the al-Bireh School to wait for the army to allow them back to their homes.
The military broke the windows of the al-Bireh School and caused damage to the school building.
Media sources said at least 500 Israeli soldiers surrounded the home, and the area around it, before invading the home. The soldiers used excessive force while removing the family, and hundreds of Palestinian neighbors and supporters who gathered there to protest the demolition.
The army claims that Islam Abu Hmeid, who was taken prisoner on June 6th, 2018, killed an Israeli soldier, identified as Ronen Lubarsky, after dropping a cement slab on his head, on May 24th, during a military invasion into the refugee camp; the soldier was seriously injured, and died from his wounds on May 26th.
Although Islam lives in one of the floors of the four-story building, the Israeli army wants to demolish the entire property to punish his family, in an illegal act of collective punishment.
Palestine TV correspondent Ali Dar Ali said that many army vehicles, including armored bulldozers invaded the refugee camp, and added that the soldiers stormed and searched many homes and buildings, and occupied their rooftops.
He added that the soldiers stormed the home and removed the Palestinians, including the owners.
The soldiers also attacked Palestinian journalists in the refugee camp, and targeted a Palestinian ambulance with teargas, in addition to firing at Palestinians who live in the area, or those who tried to enter the area.
Palestine TV also said that the soldiers detained dozens of nonviolent supporters in the property before forcing everybody out.
The soldiers attacked many journalists, including two who were beaten and struck with batons and rifle-buts, and hurled concussion grenades and gas bombs at medics who tried to provide the needed medical aid to them.
The Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah said dozens of Palestinians were injured, and are receiving treatment.
The military invaded nearby neighborhoods and villages, where they were met by protesters, some of whom threw stones at the invading soldiers.
Sixty-six Palestinians have been wounded by the Israeli soldiers, who fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets toward the protesters, as well as live ammunition.
Furthermore, the soldiers targeted Palestinian ambulances with gas bombs, causing damage and wounding the medical teams.
The soldiers also fired many gas bombs and concussion grenades, in addition to a few live rounds, at journalists reporting from the rooftops of a nearby building.
In addition, the soldiers are currently detaining more than 300 Palestinians in a nearby area after abducting them in the property and near it.
Israeli soldiers of the Corps of Engineers are currently placing the explosive charges in the build, in order to detonate it, which will also cause damage to several surrounding homes.
The soldiers started removing all families, who live in the area, from their homes after storming and ransacking them, especially since the army is preparation to detonate the Abu Hmeid family home, which will most likely cause damage to surrounding homes and buildings.
The invasion is still ongoing, and the army is still firing live rounds, gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
It is worth mentioning that one member of Abu Hmeid family, identified as Abdul-Mon’em Abu Hmeid, was killed by the army in 2002 in nearby Qalandia refugee camp, and four others are imprisoned by Israel and serving life terms, in addition to Islam, the youngest son, who is believed to be behind the death of the soldier. Another sibling, identified as Ahmad Abu Hmeid, was killed by the army in 1987.
On Tuesday August 14 2018, dozens of soldiers invaded the refugee camp and took measurements of the home, in preparation for demolishing the property.
This current demolition of Abu Hmeid family building would be the third times Israeli destroys their home.
On Friday evening, 14 December 2018, Israeli forces wounded 120 Palestinian civilians, including 11 children, 1 woman and 2 paramedics in the peaceful demonstrations in the eastern Gaza Strip despite the decreasing intensity of the demonstrations there for the sixth week consecutively and absence of most means usually used during the demonstrations since the beginning of the Return and Breaking the Siege March 8 months ago.
According to observations by PCHR’s fieldworkers, for the seventh week since the beginning of the Return March on 30 March 2018, the demonstrators abstained from burning tires while the attempts to cross the border fence and throw stones and incendiary balloons were completely absent.
Though the demonstrators were around tens of meters away from the border fence, the Israeli forces who stationed in prone positions and military jeeps along the fence continued to use excessive force against the demonstrators by opening fire and firing teargas canisters at them, without the later posing any imminent threat or danger to the life of soldiers.
On 14 December 2018, the incidents were as follows:
At approximately 14:30, thousands of civilians, including women, children and entire families, started swarming to the five encampments established by the Supreme National Authority of Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege adjacent to the border fence with Israel in eastern Gaza Strip cities.
Hundreds, including children and women, approached the border fence with Israel in front of each encampment and gathered tens of meters away from the main border fence. Further, setting fire to tires and throwing stones, incendiary balloons and Molotov cocktails were almost absent.
The demonstrators gathered in areas open to the Israeli snipers stationed on the top of the sand berms and military watchtowers and inside and behind the military jeeps.
Despite the prevailing calmness, the Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets in addition to hundreds of teargas canisters, particularly in eastern Jabalia, Gaza and al-Bureij refugee camp.
The Israeli shooting, which continued at around 17:00, resulted in the injury of 120 Palestinian civilians, including 20 child, 2 women, 1 journalist and 2 paramedics. In addition, hundreds suffered tear gas inhalation and seizures due to tear gas canisters that were fired by the Israeli forces from the military jeeps and riffles in the eastern Gaza Strip.
The following table shows the number of civilian victims due to the Israeli forces’ suppression of the Great March of Return since its beginning on 30 March:
Notes Medical Crews Journalists Women Children Total Casualties
Among those Killed, there were 6
Persons with Disabilities and a girl. 3 2 1 34 176 Killed
Among those wounded, 511 are in serious
condition and 82 had their lower or upper
limbs amputated; 82 lower-limb amputations,
2 upper-limb amputations, 10 finger
amputations and 17 children had their
limbs amputated according to the Ministry 152 129 281 1773 9874 Wounded
of Health. The number of those wounded
only include those wounded with live
bullets and directly hit with tear gas
canisters as there have been thousand
others who suffered tear gas inhalation
and sustained bruises.
PCHR emphasizes that continuously targeting civilians, who exercise their right to peaceful assembly or while carrying out their humanitarian duty, is a serious violation of the rules of international law, international humanitarian law, the ICC Rome Statute and Fourth Geneva Convention.
Thus, PCHR calls upon the ICC Prosecutor to open an official investigation in these crimes and to prosecute and hold accountable all those applying or involved in issuing orders within the Israeli Forces at the security and political echelons.
PCHR hereby condemns the excessive use of force and commission of crimes by the Israeli forces despite the prevailed calmness, believing it is as a result of Israel’s enjoying impunity thanks to the U.S. and so encouraging the Israeli forces to commit further crimes upon an official decision by the highest military and political echelons.
PCHR also reiterates its call upon the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances and their obligations under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
PCHR calls upon Switzerland, in its capacity as the Depository State for the Convention, to demand the High Contracting Parties to convene a meeting and ensure Israel’s respect for this Convention, noting that these grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol (I) Additional to the Geneva Conventions regarding the guarantee of Palestinian civilians’ right to protection in the occupied territories.
Public Document
**************************************
Follow PCHR on Facebook and Twitter
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 – 2825893
Gaza- Jamal ‘Abdel Nasser “al-Thalathini” Street – Al-Roya Building- Floor 12 , El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail: [email protected], Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
According to observations by PCHR’s fieldworkers, for the seventh week since the beginning of the Return March on 30 March 2018, the demonstrators abstained from burning tires while the attempts to cross the border fence and throw stones and incendiary balloons were completely absent.
Though the demonstrators were around tens of meters away from the border fence, the Israeli forces who stationed in prone positions and military jeeps along the fence continued to use excessive force against the demonstrators by opening fire and firing teargas canisters at them, without the later posing any imminent threat or danger to the life of soldiers.
On 14 December 2018, the incidents were as follows:
At approximately 14:30, thousands of civilians, including women, children and entire families, started swarming to the five encampments established by the Supreme National Authority of Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege adjacent to the border fence with Israel in eastern Gaza Strip cities.
Hundreds, including children and women, approached the border fence with Israel in front of each encampment and gathered tens of meters away from the main border fence. Further, setting fire to tires and throwing stones, incendiary balloons and Molotov cocktails were almost absent.
The demonstrators gathered in areas open to the Israeli snipers stationed on the top of the sand berms and military watchtowers and inside and behind the military jeeps.
Despite the prevailing calmness, the Israeli forces fired live and rubber bullets in addition to hundreds of teargas canisters, particularly in eastern Jabalia, Gaza and al-Bureij refugee camp.
The Israeli shooting, which continued at around 17:00, resulted in the injury of 120 Palestinian civilians, including 20 child, 2 women, 1 journalist and 2 paramedics. In addition, hundreds suffered tear gas inhalation and seizures due to tear gas canisters that were fired by the Israeli forces from the military jeeps and riffles in the eastern Gaza Strip.
The following table shows the number of civilian victims due to the Israeli forces’ suppression of the Great March of Return since its beginning on 30 March:
Notes Medical Crews Journalists Women Children Total Casualties
Among those Killed, there were 6
Persons with Disabilities and a girl. 3 2 1 34 176 Killed
Among those wounded, 511 are in serious
condition and 82 had their lower or upper
limbs amputated; 82 lower-limb amputations,
2 upper-limb amputations, 10 finger
amputations and 17 children had their
limbs amputated according to the Ministry 152 129 281 1773 9874 Wounded
of Health. The number of those wounded
only include those wounded with live
bullets and directly hit with tear gas
canisters as there have been thousand
others who suffered tear gas inhalation
and sustained bruises.
PCHR emphasizes that continuously targeting civilians, who exercise their right to peaceful assembly or while carrying out their humanitarian duty, is a serious violation of the rules of international law, international humanitarian law, the ICC Rome Statute and Fourth Geneva Convention.
Thus, PCHR calls upon the ICC Prosecutor to open an official investigation in these crimes and to prosecute and hold accountable all those applying or involved in issuing orders within the Israeli Forces at the security and political echelons.
PCHR hereby condemns the excessive use of force and commission of crimes by the Israeli forces despite the prevailed calmness, believing it is as a result of Israel’s enjoying impunity thanks to the U.S. and so encouraging the Israeli forces to commit further crimes upon an official decision by the highest military and political echelons.
PCHR also reiterates its call upon the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances and their obligations under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
PCHR calls upon Switzerland, in its capacity as the Depository State for the Convention, to demand the High Contracting Parties to convene a meeting and ensure Israel’s respect for this Convention, noting that these grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol (I) Additional to the Geneva Conventions regarding the guarantee of Palestinian civilians’ right to protection in the occupied territories.
Public Document
**************************************
Follow PCHR on Facebook and Twitter
For more information please call PCHR office in Gaza, Gaza Strip, on +972 8 2824776 – 2825893
Gaza- Jamal ‘Abdel Nasser “al-Thalathini” Street – Al-Roya Building- Floor 12 , El Remal, PO Box 1328 Gaza, Gaza Strip. E-mail: [email protected], Webpage http://www.pchrgaza.org
14 dec 2018
A 17-year-old Palestinian was injured in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the al-Lubban al-Sharqiya village in southern Nablus in the northern occupied West Bank, on Friday afternoon.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that the teen sustained moderate injuries and was transferred to the Salfit Hospital for medical treatment.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that the teen sustained moderate injuries and was transferred to the Salfit Hospital for medical treatment.
Israeli forces suppressed the weekly Bilin march, west of Ramallah City in the central occupied West Bank, on Friday afternoon.
Locals, international and Israeli peace activists took part in the march, that was called for by the local popular resistance committee.
The march set off following Friday prayers at the village's mosque.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags and repeated slogans calling for Palestinian unity, resisting the Israeli occupation, releasing all Palestinian prisoners and for refugees to return to their homes of which they were displaced.
Bilin is one of the most active Palestinian villages in peaceful organized opposition against Israeli policies, as residents have protested every Friday for 12 consecutive years, and have often been met with tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets, and stun grenades from Israeli forces.
Locals, international and Israeli peace activists took part in the march, that was called for by the local popular resistance committee.
The march set off following Friday prayers at the village's mosque.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags and repeated slogans calling for Palestinian unity, resisting the Israeli occupation, releasing all Palestinian prisoners and for refugees to return to their homes of which they were displaced.
Bilin is one of the most active Palestinian villages in peaceful organized opposition against Israeli policies, as residents have protested every Friday for 12 consecutive years, and have often been met with tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets, and stun grenades from Israeli forces.
Two Palestinians were shot and injured with Israeli rubber-coated steel bullets during clashes that erupted in the al-Mughayyar village in eastern Ramallah in the central occupied West Bank, on Friday noon.
Israeli soldiers assaulted dozens of Palestinians who were performing Friday prayers on lands threatened with confiscation.
Israeli forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear-gas bombs towards Palestinian worshipers, injuring two Palestinians with bullets while dozens of others suffered tear-gas suffocation.
Israeli soldiers assaulted dozens of Palestinians who were performing Friday prayers on lands threatened with confiscation.
Israeli forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear-gas bombs towards Palestinian worshipers, injuring two Palestinians with bullets while dozens of others suffered tear-gas suffocation.
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Dozens were injured when the Israeli occupation forces heavily opened fire at Palestinian protesters on the 38th Friday of the Great March of Return.
Gaza Ministry of Health said that 75 Palestinians were injured, including a journalist and 7 paramedics, by Israeli gunfire and teargas canisters. The PIC reporter said that thousands of Palestinians marched on Friday in five camps along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and the 1948 occupied Palestinian territories under the slogan "Resistance is a Legitimate Right". The Higher National Committee for the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege affirmed in a statement that the Great March of Return will continue until it achieves its goals, particularly breaking the siege on Gaza. |
The Great March of Return was launched on 30 March to shed light on the Palestinian refugees' right of return and call for an end to the 13-year-long blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Since the border protests started, over 220 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli forces and bout 23,000 injured.
At least 60 Palestinians injured in Gaza protests
At least 60 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces' live fire during clashes at the eastern borders of the besieged Gaza Strip, on Friday afternoon.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed that 7 paramedics and a journalist were among the 60 Palestinians injured. video
Palestinian protests had gathered at the eastern borders of Gaza.
Israeli forces opened live fire and tear-gas bombs targeting Palestinian protesters.
"The Great March of Return" protests were launched on March 30th by thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza -- which has suffered from a decade-long Israeli siege -- who took to the borders to demand their right of return as refugees to their original homelands, now in present-day Israel.
Since the border protests started, over 220 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli forces and bout 23,000 injured.
At least 60 Palestinians injured in Gaza protests
At least 60 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces' live fire during clashes at the eastern borders of the besieged Gaza Strip, on Friday afternoon.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed that 7 paramedics and a journalist were among the 60 Palestinians injured. video
Palestinian protests had gathered at the eastern borders of Gaza.
Israeli forces opened live fire and tear-gas bombs targeting Palestinian protesters.
"The Great March of Return" protests were launched on March 30th by thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza -- which has suffered from a decade-long Israeli siege -- who took to the borders to demand their right of return as refugees to their original homelands, now in present-day Israel.
Medical sources have reported, Friday, that a Palestinian was shot and injured after an illegal Israeli colonialist settler shot him with live rounds at the Nablus-Ramallah road, near the al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah, in central West Bank.
Medical sources said the young man was shot in his leg, after a group of colonists invaded the area surrounding the Education Ministry, and attacked dozens of residents, cars and buildings.
The Palestinians the intercepted the colonists, and clashed with them to force them out, before the Israeli assailants fired many live rounds at them, wounding the young man.
The illegal colonists also hurled stones at Palestinian cars, causing damage.
Medical sources said the young man was shot in his leg, after a group of colonists invaded the area surrounding the Education Ministry, and attacked dozens of residents, cars and buildings.
The Palestinians the intercepted the colonists, and clashed with them to force them out, before the Israeli assailants fired many live rounds at them, wounding the young man.
The illegal colonists also hurled stones at Palestinian cars, causing damage.
Israeli soldiers injured, Friday, dozens of Palestinians in the al-Mughayyir Palestinian town, northeast of the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Media sources said dozens of Palestinians held a procession in the town, after performing noon prayers on their lands, in the eastern meadow area.
They added that the soldiers resorted to the excessive use of force against the nonviolent protesters, and fired many gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Many Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets; others suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, while several residents suffered various cuts and bruises.
The Palestinians in the town are ongoing with their processions, especially since the army intends to transform its military base, which was built on stolen Palestinian lands, into an illegal colony.
In related news, groups of fanatic colonialist settlers continued to attack Palestinians, and their cars, in several parts of the occupied West Bank, especially near Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron.
Many Palestinian cars sustained serious damage, after the colonizers hurled stones at them near the al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Similar attacks took place near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, especially in the area of Yitzhar road, in addition to Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank.
Israeli soldiers were seen standing not far from the colonists, who were attacking the Palestinian cars, but did not attempt to stop them.
13 dec 2018 Jewish extremists assault and severely beat a Jerusalemite bus driver in the settlement of Modiin
Media sources said dozens of Palestinians held a procession in the town, after performing noon prayers on their lands, in the eastern meadow area.
They added that the soldiers resorted to the excessive use of force against the nonviolent protesters, and fired many gas bombs, concussion grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets.
Many Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets; others suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, while several residents suffered various cuts and bruises.
The Palestinians in the town are ongoing with their processions, especially since the army intends to transform its military base, which was built on stolen Palestinian lands, into an illegal colony.
In related news, groups of fanatic colonialist settlers continued to attack Palestinians, and their cars, in several parts of the occupied West Bank, especially near Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron.
Many Palestinian cars sustained serious damage, after the colonizers hurled stones at them near the al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Similar attacks took place near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, especially in the area of Yitzhar road, in addition to Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank.
Israeli soldiers were seen standing not far from the colonists, who were attacking the Palestinian cars, but did not attempt to stop them.
13 dec 2018 Jewish extremists assault and severely beat a Jerusalemite bus driver in the settlement of Modiin
Israeli soldiers opened fire, Friday, at a Palestinian ambulance, transporting a patient to a hospital, just as the driver approached an Israeli military roadblock, north of al-Biereh, in central West Bank.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has reported that its ambulance was approaching the military roadblock, installed at the entrance of Beitin Palestinian village, north of al-Biereh, while transporting a patient from Deir Dibwan village, to a hospital in Ramallah.
It added that the soldiers instantly opened fire at the ambulance, forcing the medics to turn away and try to find another road.
The Red Crescent said that attack did not lead to any injuries, and strongly denounced this serious Israeli violation of basic human rights, the Geneva Convention and various international resolutions.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has reported that its ambulance was approaching the military roadblock, installed at the entrance of Beitin Palestinian village, north of al-Biereh, while transporting a patient from Deir Dibwan village, to a hospital in Ramallah.
It added that the soldiers instantly opened fire at the ambulance, forcing the medics to turn away and try to find another road.
The Red Crescent said that attack did not lead to any injuries, and strongly denounced this serious Israeli violation of basic human rights, the Geneva Convention and various international resolutions.
Israeli occupation forces raided, on Thursday evening, the headquarters of the Palestine Olympic Committee (POC), in the occupied West Bank city of al-Bireh, according to Palestinian security sources.
Israeli soldiers raided the headquarters in an attempt to retrieve the tapes of the surveillance cameras.
The soldiers forced the Committee’s employees into a single room and physically assaulted some of them, according to a statement by the Committee.
However, POC officials said, according to WAFA correspondence, that they refused to hand over the tapes to the Israeli army, by order of POC chief Jibril Rajoub.
Earlier, the Israeli military imposed total closure on Ramallah and al-Bireh cities, following a shooting attack to the northeast of the two cities that left at least three Israeli soldiers dead.
The army closed all checkpoints leading to Ramallah and al-Bireh from all sides, while army jeeps entered the northern sections of al-Bireh, in apparent pursuit of the attackers, who seem to have gotten away.
Israeli soldiers raided the headquarters in an attempt to retrieve the tapes of the surveillance cameras.
The soldiers forced the Committee’s employees into a single room and physically assaulted some of them, according to a statement by the Committee.
However, POC officials said, according to WAFA correspondence, that they refused to hand over the tapes to the Israeli army, by order of POC chief Jibril Rajoub.
Earlier, the Israeli military imposed total closure on Ramallah and al-Bireh cities, following a shooting attack to the northeast of the two cities that left at least three Israeli soldiers dead.
The army closed all checkpoints leading to Ramallah and al-Bireh from all sides, while army jeeps entered the northern sections of al-Bireh, in apparent pursuit of the attackers, who seem to have gotten away.