OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
P.O. Box 38712 East Jerusalem
Phone: (972) 2 – 5829962 / 5825853, Fax: (972) 2 – 5825841
ochaopt@un.org, www.ochaopt.org
Protection of Civilians – Weekly Briefing Notes
29 June – 5 July 2005
Protection – Deaths and injuries . Shelter and Property – People displaced, House demolitions, Demolition orders . Natural Resources – Land levelling, Requisitions, Tree Uprooting . Restrictions on Medical Assistance – Incidents involving safety and movement of ambulances, medical teams, humanitarian organisations . Access and Movement for Civilians – Curfews, Access to education, Access to employment, Closures/Movement restrictions . Additional Protection Issues
Of note this week:
• Violence continues in the Gaza strip (section 1).
• Barrier demonstrations continue (section 1).
• More than 200 Palestinians were displaced following house demolitions in the West Bank (section 2).
• Approximately 75 rockets and mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli installations (section 6).
1. Physical Protection1
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1 One Israeli casualty was due to injury by the IDF and one international casualty due to Palestinian militant attack.
Selected Incidents:
• 29 June- 04 July: Palestinian, Israeli and international activists demonstrated against Barrier construction in Beit Surik, Jerusalem governorate. No injuries were reported. 1 July: Barrier protests took place in Imneizil (Hebron) where one Israeli demonstrator and two Palestinians were injured by the IDF. 1 July: During the protest against Barrier construction in Bil’in (western Ramallah district) approximately 11 Palestinians and 6 Israeli peace activists were injured when the IDF fired rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas into the demonstration. An IDF soldier was also reported injured. The IDF detained four Israeli activists. 4 July: Demonstrations against the Barrier took place in Marda (Salfit) where several Palestinians suffered from gas inhalation and seven were arrested by the IDF.
• 29 June: Five Palestinians from Al Mawassi area in Khan Younis (Gaza Strip) were injured during stone clashes with Israeli settlers. One of the wounded Palestinians sustained a head wound, and was later severely beaten by a group of settlers.
• 29 June: Two Palestinian boys aged five and 14 were shot and injured when fire was opened by IDF in the directions of the western camp in Khan Younis and the Austrian housing project area (Gaza Strip).
• 29 June: A foreign worker was injured in Palestinian militant home made rocket and mortar attacks on Gush Qatif settlements (Gaza Strip).
• 30 June: The IDF entered Nablus city and Balata refugee camp searching for two soldiers after a rumor that the soldiers were kidnapped in the city. Clashes occurred between the IDF and Palestinian stone throwers, Seven Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were injured. At 7:00pm IDF withdrew.
• 30 June: An IDF gunboat opened fire towards Palestinian fishing boats on the beach of Al Soudaniya west of Beit Lahia (Gaza Strip). As a result one fisherman was injured.
• 1 July: An 18 months old Palestinian child was wounded in her leg whilst at home from IDF shooting in the direction of Zurub and Tel Es-Sultan areas in Rafah (Gaza Strip).
• 2 July: A Palestinian man was severely injured when hit by tank firing at the northern fence of Morag settlement (Gaza Strip).
• 2 July: An 18 year old Palestinian was shot and injured in both legs from IDF shooting towards Al Shouka area in Rafah (Gaza Strip).
• 3 July: A Palestinian man was shot and injured in leg and foot from IDF shooting towards Orayba area in Rafah (Gaza Strip).
• 4 July: The IDF entered Beit Furik village (Nablus) and clashes took place between the IDF and Palestinian stone throwers. Two Palestinians were injured.
• 5 July: Four Israeli settlers drove a vehicle out of Kfar Darom settlement (Gaza Strip) into the Palestinian areas. They drove with high speed at Palestinians in the partially cut off area next to the settlement. As a result 10 Palestinians were injured, one of them seriously who was flown by the IDF to a hospital in Israel.
2. Shelter and Property
• 29 June: An IAF aircraft fired a rocket towards a water-well in Beit Hanoun (Gaza Strip). The structure was severely damaged.
• 30 June: The IDF demolished three houses in H2 of Hebron city; one inhabited house hosting 11 persons was demolished in Jabal Jawhar, two non-inhabited houses were demolished in Al Bqi’a and Al-Rame neighbourhoods. The three structures received demolition orders for being built illegally without permits.
• 30 June: The IDF demolished three houses hosting two families consisting of 24 people (11 minors) in the Palestinian Village of Ad Deirat, Hebron governorate. 13 tons of animal fodder was damaged by water leaking out of destroyed cisterns. The structures received demolition orders for being built illegally without permits.
• 30 June: Two water cisterns with the capacity of 200 cubic meters built with donation from the British Government were demolished in the Palestinian Village of Ar Ramadin, Hebron Governorate. The two cisterns were the only water source for three families (total of 17 persons). In December 2004 the cisterns received demolition orders for being built without permits.
• 2 July: The IDF issued three demolition orders for three houses for being built without permits in the Palestinian village of Umm Lasafa south of Hebron Governorate. The houses are hosting 24 persons (12 minors).
• 3 July: IDF bulldozers demolished the southern part of the Islamic Cemetery in Zurub area in Rafah next to the Philadelpi corridor (Gaza Strip).
• 5 July: 170 Palestinians were displaced when the IDF demolished 22 structures in Khirbet Tana east of Beit Furik (Nablus) including the village school. The entire village was demolished except for two structures and the mosque.
3. Natural Resources
Land levelling/Requisitions/Tree Uprooting2
Nablus and Tubas Governorates:
• No incidents to report.
Jenin Governorate:
• 1 July: IDF leveled approx. one dunum of land near 'Arana village and one dunum of land near ‘Aba village. The land will be used for military purposes during the disengagement.
• 2 July: IDF completed the insulation of five observation towers on road 585 between Arraba junction and Qaffin Junction. Each observation tower has a concrete wall and occupies approximately 700m²
Tulkarm Governorate:
• 29 June: IDF issued a land requisition order (T/91/05) for 1.8 dunums in Far’un for military purposes.
• Ongoing incidents:
Qalqiliya Governorate:
• 1 July: The Palestinian DCL received an IDF land requisition order (T/95/05) for 189 dunums in Deir Istiya (Salfit) and Immatin (Qalqiliya) for the construction of the Barrier.
• Ongoing incidents:
Salfit Governorate:
• Ongoing incidents:
Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate:
• Ongoing incidents:
Hebron Governorate:
• 29 June: The Barrier contractor uprooted 50 olive trees belonging to a Palestinian family from the village of Imneizil. 24 of the uprooted trees were replanted in area.
• Ongoing incidents:
Bethlehem Governorate:
• Ongoing incidents:
Jerusalem Governorate:
• 4 July: IDF started levelling land in Al Judeira near the under pass to connect the Bir Nabala communities to Ramallah through Qalandiya village. About 300m of land has been levelled.
• Ongoing incidents:
Jericho Governorate:
• No incidents to report.
The Gaza Strip:
• No incidents to report.
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2 4 dunums = 1 acre; 10 dunums = 1 hectare
4. Access for Medical Assistance
West Bank:
• 29 June: A PRCS ambulance was stopped and delayed access by Israeli soldiers at Huwwara checkpoint, while on route to the PRCS Emergency Medical Station in Beita village. The soldiers took the crews’ Identity cards and ordered them to take out the equipment and supplies from inside the ambulance and place them on the ground. The driver was handcuffed and detained in a small room near the checkpoint. After one and a half hours had elapsed, an Israeli military officer arrived and released the driver after questioning.
The Gaza Strip:
• No incidents to report.
5. Access and Movement for Civilians
a) Curfew
b) Access to Education
• No incidents to report.
c) Access to Employment
West Bank:
In June the Israeli authorities issued 13,217 permits for Palestinian workers from the West Bank to access Israel for work.
The Gaza Strip:
As of 30 June, the total number of Gaza Strip workers permits was 7,272 including 2,844 with overnight stay; 836 permits were issued to Erez Industrial Estate workers. All workers must be 35 or older and married with children. Overnight stay permits are only issued for workers aged 40 and older.
d) Closures/Movement restrictions
Nablus Governorate:
• 30 June: IDF closed Huwwara, Beit Iba, Beit Furik and Awarta checkpoints for several hours during a military operation in the city of Nablus.
• 4 July: IDF closed Huwwara checkpoint for three hours after a 17 year-old Palestinian from Balata refugee camp was caught in the checkpoint carrying a pistol and an explosive device. The Palestinian was arrested and the explosive device was detonated by the IDF.
Jenin Governorate:
• 29 June: A group of settlers from Sa Nur settlement blocked road 60 near the entrance of the settlement for two hours. The IDF prevented the Palestinians from travelling on road 60 on that section.
Tubas Governorate:
• 5 July: IDF entered ‘Ein al Beida village and told all male residents over 13 year old to gather in the mosque. All non-residents (25) were transferred away from the area.
Tulkarm Governorate:
• 27 July (Not reported last week): The Israeli Authorities opened Efrayim checkpoint, constructed as a crossing point into Israel for Palestinian workers and traders.
• Ongoing incidents:
Qalqiliya Governorate:
• 1 July: IDF at Zfim gate prevented farmers from Qalqiliya to take out their agricultural produce from the “seam zone” area to Qalqiliya.
Salfit Governorate:
• No major incidents to report.
Ramallah / Al Bireh Governorate:
• The IDF has replaced seven roadblocks along bypass road 443 that prevent access to the highway for a number of villages, with road gates. A road gate has also been erected on the north side of the underpass between Beit ‘Ur at Tahta and Kharbatha al Misbah.
Jerusalem Governorate:
• No major incidents to report.
Jericho Governorate:
• Ongoing incidents:
Hebron Governorate:
• On-going: A strict closure is imposed on the Palestinian cities of Hebron, Yatta, Samu’, Dura and Al Fawwar refugee camp with all crossing points continuing to be closed.
Bethlehem Governorate:
• According to the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism, 18,000 tourists entered the city of Bethlehem during the month of June. The movement of tourists decreased by 20% compared to last month (May). In June 2004, 5,400 tourists entered Bethlehem.
West Bank: Reported flying checkpoints
The Enclosed Areas in the Gaza Strip:
As-Seafa:
• Since 13 February 2005, the IDF has permitted Palestinians aged 30 and older residing in As-Seafa to pass in and out without any prior coordination; males and females aged between 16 and 30 are still required to have 48-hours prior coordination. The gate is open two times daily (irregularly) at 7.30am and 2pm. No vehicles are permitted to enter or exit. Coordination for international organisations to enter the area has been problematic. The IDF requires prior coordination in order to bring goods into the area; people are still facing difficulties getting their belongings into and/or out of the area, despite approved coordination.
• During the week, two to three persons each day were prevented from entering the area despite having proper documentation.
• Since 30 May, the IDF has not allowed full cooking gas bottles or empty ones into the area.
• Nine Palestinian female residents have to apply for entry/exit coordination at least three days before they are granted passes for travel.
Al-Mawassi:
• IDF restrictions remain, with the entry-exit gate at Al Tuffah checkpoint generally open twice daily for limited numbers of Al Mawassi ID holders – from approximately 8am to 1pm, and 2.30pm to 5pm. Males aged 16 to 25 years who are Al Mawassi ID holders are required prior coordination to pass though Al Tuffah checkpoint. Vehicles are not allowed to pass, with some exceptions given for international agencies that have undertaken prior coordination with the IDF.
• Tel Es-Sultan checkpoint has remained closed since 14 January 2004.
• This week, people’s movement through the checkpoint was particularly slow; about 80 to 100 persons were allowed into Al Mawassi while about 100 persons were allowed out daily.
• 1July: At 1:00 pm, Al Tuffah checkpoint was closed.
• 2 July: Al Tuffah checkpoint was reopened for Palestinian women only.
• 3 July: Al Tuffah checkpoint was reopened, however male Palestinian aged from 16 to 30 were not allowed to enter or leave al Mawassi.
Al-Ma’ani:
• Since 20 July 2002, the IDF has prevented all vehicle movement in and out of the Palestinian area adjacent to the Kfar Darom settlement. The IDF has also erected a fence around the area. The area remains a closed military zone, following a suicide attack on 27 February 2004.
• Movement is restricted by the IDF with the entry-exit gate generally open four times daily for Al Maa’ni ID holders only from 6.30am to 7.30am, 10.30am to 11.30am, 1pm to 2pm, and 4pm to 5pm. Access for international organisations into the area remains problematic.
Abu Nahiya:
• A fence was placed around the Abu Nahiya area, south of Kfar Darom settlement, in the corner of Kissufim Road and Salah Eddin Street. Approximately 16 families reside in the area. No vehicles are allowed in or out of the area. The fence is open 24 hours for residents.
Abu al-Ajin Area:
• Several Palestinian families live isolated and fenced in north and south of Kissufim Road in the Abu al-Ajin area. The families have their own keys to the gate in the fence; however, their movement is restricted to opening hours three to four times daily. The area is unreachable by vehicles.
Rafah Passenger Terminal:
• Rafah Passengers terminal is partially open for Palestinians in both directions from 9:00am – 5:00pm. The problem of prolonged delays at the Egyptian side of the terminal which started on 17 June is continuing; more than 1,000 Palestinians are hold up at the Egyptian side, waiting approximate for three days before they cross into to the Gaza Strip. IDF is allowing no more than from 600 – 800 Palestinians entry to the Gaza Strip per day.
6. Additional Protection Issues
• During the week, a total of 75 homemade rockets, mortar shells and anti tanks missiles were fired from different locations inside the Gaza Strip toward Israeli settlements and nearby Israeli towns, IDF installations and Karni.
• 30 June: The IDF declared the Gaza Strip as a closed military zone, preventing entry for all Israelis, except those residing in Gaza. On 1July the order was nullified.
• 30 June: Israeli settlers from Kdumim settlement (Qalqiliya) stoned Palestinian vehicles travelling on road 55 near the settlement.
• 2 July: Settlers threw stones at the house in the seam zone area in Mas-ha (Qalqiliya) causing property damages.
• 3 July: Palestinian militants opened fire at the IDF soldiers manning the Jericho DCL checkpoint. No injuries were reported.
• 3 July: A Palestinian youth was arrested after trying to stab an IDF soldier at Shu’fat checkpoint, Jerusalem.
• 3 July: Settlers from Kiryat Arba’ threw stones on Palestinian houses in Wad Al-Hussien area in H2/Hebron city.
Document Sources: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Subject: Economic issues, Incidents, Palestine question, Situation in the OPT including Jerusalem
Publication Date: 05/07/2005