OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes – OPT (22 – 28 Sept. 2004) – OCHA report

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

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OCHA Weekly Briefing Notes

Update for oPt (22– 28 September 2004)

INSIDE: Casualties . Incidents involving ambulances . Curfew . House demolition/Demolition

ordersPeople displaced . Land levelling
equisitions . Closure
estrictions on movement .Access to

schools. Labour movement to Israel . Other . Appendix

1. Casualties

Palestinians: deaths: 19; Injured: 250 (approx.)

Israelis: deaths: 6; Injured: 35 (approx.)

Internationals: Injured: 9

Sources: OCHA FCU, PRCS, UNRWA, IDF website, Israeli MoFA.

2. Incidents involving ambulances and medical teams

West Bank

Denial of access: 0

Delay (30 minutes – 7 hours): 3

Shooting/Damage to Ambulance: 0

Gaza:

Denial of access: 4

Delay (30 minutes – 7 hours): 6

Shooting/Damage to Ambulance: 2

• Male Palestinians aged 16 to 35, including patients and those with metal implants, are still not permitted to travel out of the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Terminal. The Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported that a large number of patients with medical referral documents for necessary treatment abroad continue to be denied access.

• 23 September: A PRCS ambulance attempting to evacuate injured Palestinians reported in the area of an IDF operation into Al-Namsawi, Khan Younis came under IDF gunfire. One bullet hit the gas tank causing sever damages. The ambulance crew returned back.

• 23 September: A PRCS ambulance while parked in front of the PRCS EMS station in Tel Zu’rub area in Rafah came under IDF direct gunfire. The rear windshield was smashed.

• 25 September: Despite approved prior coordination, a MoH ambulance was denied access on Salah edein Netzarim junction while transporting an 11 year old critically wounded boy to Erez. The ambulance crew took the wounded through the coastal road on a stretcher and was taken by another ambulance to Erex terminal. Access was again denied.

Sources: OCHA FCU, PRCS, Palestinian MoH

3. Curfews

Curfew was reported in the following locations:

4. House demolitions/Demolition Orders/People Displaced

West Bank:

• 23 September: IDF demolished a one floor house in Askar camp, Nablus district. The house belonged to the family of the female suicide bomber who carried out a bombing in Jerusalem 22 September.

• 23 September: IDF demolished an apartment in Balata refugee camp belonging to a wanted Palestinian.

• 28 September: IDF demolished the house of Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades leader in Jenin, Zakaria Zubeidi. The two-storey building housed seven people.

Gaza:

• 24 September: Seven shops located on Salah Ed-Din Street opposite Erez Industrial Zone were demolished.

• 24 September: One house was demolished and one house partially destroyed in Al Moghraga area southwest of Netzarim settlement.

• 24 September: Two 2-storey houses, a water well and five green houses were demolished in the Palestinian area southeast of Khan Younis, next to Morag settlement.

• 25 September: One house was demolished and another four damaged in Al Moghraga area southeast of Netzarim settlement.

• 25 September: 47 houses were demolished and two houses damaged in Khan Younis refugee camp. 230 individuals of 60 families were made homeless.

• 26 September: A workshop was demolished in Khan Younis when it was hit by two IDF helicopters missiles.

• 28 September: At least five houses were demolished in Sheikh Eijin area northwest of Netzarim settlement.

5. Land levelling/Requisitions¹

West Bank:

• Land levelling of approximately 350 dunums behind the Barrier between Izbat Salman and Izbat Jalud has been ongoing for two consecutive weeks now. According to the Governor’s office in Qalqiliya the land levelling will serve the purpose of a new Israeli settlement. The IDF has seized the land without issuing requisition orders leaving the owners of the land with only limited possibilities to take legal action.

• 24 September: 18 military orders were issued to halt construction of houses in the villages of Ad Dab’a (4), Ras Atir (3), Wadi Ar Rasha and Ramadin (11) in Qalqiliya governorate on administrative grounds (i.e. lack of permission). The owners of the houses have been granted the right to appeal their case.

• 26 September: After the side bomb explosion in Haris on 26 September, the IDF started to clear the road sides for all vegetation, including olive trees.

Gaza:

• 21 September: 50 dunums of almond and olive trees were levelled in the Palestinian area north east of Al Qarara area in Khan Younis.

• 24 September: 10 dunums of grapes and olive trees levelled in a Palestinian area south of Erez industrial zone.

• 25 September: 10 dunums of olive and citrus trees were levelled in Al Moghraga area southwest of Netzarim  settlement.

Sources: OCHA FCU, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, UNRWA, Village Council

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¹ 4 dunums = 1 acre

6. Closure²/Restrictions on movement

All checkpoints leading to Israel and East Jerusalem were closed during the Israeli holiday of Yom Kippur. Several

other, internal, checkpoints in the West Bank were also closed during this period.

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² For a reference West Bank checkpoint map please check the following link: http://www.reliefweb.int/hicopt/maps/Closure/mar/checkpoints_july04.pdf

Tulkarm/Qalqiliya/Salfit governorates:

• The IDF maintained for the third week the restricted movement on the local populations in Tulkarm governorate and Salfit district as a consequence of the Jewish holidays. The Kafriat checkpoint has been manned all week only allowing selected groups through on foot (international organisations and ambulances exempted). Taybeh checkpoint has been completely closed as a consequence of the suspension of all movement across the green line and only certain commodities have been allowed to use the back-to-back system. Only commercial traffic with valid permits has been allowed to travel on the main roads (e.g. road 57). Flying checkpoints were established frequently on all main roads in Salfit.

• In Qalqiliya governorate, the movement has been less restricted and people have most of the week been able to move freely within the governorate. However, on 27 and 28 September, numerous flying checkpoints were established in Qalqiliya governorate along road 55 and in between the Palestinian villages and the gate in Azzun was reported closed most of 28 September.

• The work on preparation for the barrier in Ar Zawiya is still suspended following a decision from the Israeli High Court of Justice. Also the preparation work around Ariel is suspended pending new court decision.

• Barrier gates: The agricultural gate in Habla has been closed since 14 September following the suicide attack. On 23 September, farmers from Qalqiliya town encountered major delays and difficulties in crossing the Zufin gate. On 25 September, in commemoration of Yom Kippur, all barrier gates were reported closed. On 26 September, the agricultural gate at Kfur Sur was reported closed.

Nablus/Jenin/Tubas governorates:

• 23 September: IDF erected flying check points around Tubas city and held tens of Palestinians for several hours.

• 24 September: IDF closed all the check points around Nablus city.

Ramallah/Al Bireh governorate:

• 22 September: The IDF placed Ramallah district under a tight closure from early morning until noon with flying checkpoints and closed off the main access roads into Ramallah/Al Bireh/Beituniya. A number of flying checkpoints were also set up on bypass roads 465 and 60. At 5.30pm, three IDF jeeps blocked the road between Ramallah/Al Bireh and Surda. After permitting a couple of vehicles to move through the checkpoint towards Ramallah, the patrol totally closed the road stating that stones had been thrown at them. After two hours, thousands of Palestinians and hundreds of vehicles were stranded on either side of the patrol who were refusing to allow people through. OCHA staff reported the problem to the Israeli Liaison Officer who was able to get the checkpoint lifted by 8pm.

• 26 September: A checkpoint was operating at An Nabi Salih gate late afternoon for about three hours. The IDF also totally closed Qalandiya checkpoint for almost four hours.

• 27 September: At around 7pm, the IDF erected flying checkpoints on the Surda and ‘Ein ‘Arik roads, again causing long delays until around midnight.

• 28 September: The gate at An Nabi Saleh was closed from 10am to 12am. An IDF checkpoint operated at the gate after its reopening.

• 28 September: At 1030am IDF deployed a flying checkpoint at the northern entrance of Ramallah near Surda. The checkpoint was in place until approx. 10pm.

Jerusalem/Jericho governorates:

• All Palestinian movement in and out of Jericho has been banned since the Israeli holiday of Yom Kippur. Only internationals can enter. Allenby Crossing into Jordan was also closed during the period of Yom Kippur.

• IDF mobile checkpoints have been observed frequently at the entrance to Al ‘Eizariya/Ma’ale Adumim settlement, resulting in long lines of cars waiting to get through.

• 22/09: The IDF entered Mikhmas north of Jerusalem at 0800 hrs, conducted a search operation and imposed a curfew in the village that lasted throughout the following day.

• 23/09: Qalandiya checkpoint was closed for several hours. Numerous checkpoints were observed around Jerusalem.

• 25/09: Qalandiya and Container checkpoints were totally closed for Palestinian movement.

• 25/09: Ar Ram checkpoint was closed for several hours in the morning.

• 26/09: Qalandiya checkpoint was closed for several hours.

Jerusalem Envelope Barrier:

• NORTH: Construction of the Barrier is continuing along the main road (60) between Qalandiya and Ar – Ram checkpoints. Land levelling for the Barrier is also taking place on Hizma and ‘Anata land.

• EAST: Construction of the Barrier is continuing in An Nu’man, Ash Sheikh Sa’ad, Sawahriya ash Sharqiya, Abu Dis and Al ‘Eizariya. Construction is nearly completed from Mt. Of Olives to the hill just south of Al Quds University in Abu Dis. Barrier construction in Sur Bahir is still on hold.

• NORTWEST: Construction of the Barrier is going on in Bet Duqqu, Qatanna and Kharayib Umm Al Lahim. In Biddu, Bet Ijza, Al Qubeiba and Bet Surik construction is still on hold.

Hebron/Bethlehem governorates:

• Restrictions on movement continued to be enforced in the Governorate of Hebron. Palestinian vehicular traffic into and out of the city of Hebron was only possible through the checkpoint of Ras Al Joura and subject to permits. Palestinian staff of UN organisations experienced delays and sometimes denials of access. Pedestrian movement is currently prohibited on the Halhul-Hebron Bridge but Palestinians continue to move between the two cities resorting to dirt tracks just below it and across route 35. The Tarqoumia-Idhna crossing on road 35 has also remained shut, preventing any type of Palestinian vehicular movement along route 354.

• Yatta remains under tight closure as the Dura-Fawar junction is still closed to traffic with long delays caused by soldiers checking documents. Zif gate, on the eastern side of Yatta is closed and the dirt mounds in front of As Samu’ (south of Yatta) are being raised even higher. Alternative routes are being sought by Palestinians to cross into Hebron but these incur the risk of meeting frequent IDF patrols present on bypass road 60 and 317 and 35 and the confiscation of keys of vehicles. Remote Palestinian areas below the belt of Israeli settlements in the south of Hebron have been particularly affected.

• 22 September: A new checkpoint manned by Border Police has been set up on the road to Sansana, south Hebron, on the Green Line.

• 24 September: UNRWA staff was unable to carry out an emergency distribution in the city of Hebron due to the early closure of the Ras Al Joura checkpoint.

The enclosed areas in the Gaza strip:

• As Seafa: Since 22 April 2004 the IDF has allowed only 3-4 people with As-Seafa IDs to go in and out on foot, for one time only, with prior coordination, to bring food in. These people are permitted to exit and enter through the gate at two irregular periods: approximately 06:30 to 08:30 and from approximately 14:00 to 16:30. No vehicles are permitted to enter or exit. Coordination for international organisations to enter the area has been extremely problematic.

• Al-Mawassi: IDF restrictions remain, with the entry-exit gate at Al Tuffah checkpoint generally opening twice daily for limited numbers of Al Mawassi ID holders from approximately 08.00 to 13.00 and from approximately 14.30 to 17.00. Since 10 May 2004, males aged below 30 years who are Al Mawassi ID holders, have been required to have prior coordination to pass though Al Tuffah checkpoint. Since 06 June 2004, prior coordination has been required for unmarried females with Al Mawassi ID who are aged 18-25. Vehicles are not allowed to pass, with some exceptions given for international agencies that have undertaken prior coordination with the IDF.

• Kfar Darom: The Palestinian area adjacent to Kfar Darom settlement was declared a Closed Military Zone following a suicide attack on 27 February 2004. Since 20 July 2002 no vehicular movement has been allowed in and out of the area and the IDF erected a fence around the area. Movement is restricted by the IDF with the entry-exit gate generally opening four times daily for Al Maa’ni ID holders only from 06:30 to 07:30, 10:30 to 11:30, 13:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 17:00. Access for international organisations into the area remains extremely problematic.

Source OCHA FCUs and UNRWA

7. Access to schools:

West Bank:

• Hundreds of school pupils from Abu Dis and Al ‘Eizariya (Jerusalem) are experiencing difficulties in crossing the gate in the Barrier near Ras al ‘Amud to reach their schools in East Jerusalem each day. The gate is manned by Border Police and only Palestinians with valid permits or Jerusalem IDs are allowed to cross. Several flying checkpoints are also in operation on the road to East Jerusalem especially during the morning rush hours. Schools in several Palestinian Jerusalem neighbourhoods are becoming overcrowded because many pupils have been forced to change schools due to Barrier construction.

• 22 and 23 September: The students in Huwwara village, Nablus district, lost two school days as a result of the curfew imposed on the village.

Gaza:

• Since 25 September to date: All As Seafa pupils were not able to attend their schools as the IDF completely closed the gate.

• 25 September: As a result of IDF shooting during the incursion into Khan Younis refugee camp, a window was broken at Khan Younis Elementary Girls School.

8. Labour movement to Israel

• All travel, work and trade permits are still suspended as a consequence of the Jewish holidays.

West Bank:

• Jericho:

Gaza:

• A total of 5,166 permits have been issued for workers and 226 permits for traders aged 35 and above including 2,000 permits to stay overnight. However, no workers and/or traders were allowed to enter.

Sources: OCHA FCU, UNRWA, UNSCO

9. Other:

Nablus/Jenin/Tubas

• 26 September: Two Palestinians were injured in Camp number One (Nablus) during clashes with IDF.

• 27 September: A 41 year old Palestinian male was killed by an Israeli settler at the bypass road near Salem (Nablus) while driving a Ford Transit taxi with several passengers inside. The settler, of Itamar (Tel Hayim) settlement, shot the Palestinian with several rounds in the chest using a machinegun fired from a close range. The settler was detained for questioning and was put under house arrest on 28 September. The Palestinian died while being transported to hospital in another taxi.

• 27 September: IDF closed all the entrances of Balata refugee camp with earth mounds.

• 27 September: IDF entered Balata refugee camp. Clashes started which left two Palestinian males, aged 18 and 21 years, dead by IDF fire. Three Palestinians were injured during the clashes.

• 28 September: IDF started a military operation called “Depluming” inside Jenin refugee camp. An 18 year old Palestinian male was killed and seven other were injured.

• 28 September: IDF killed a 47 year old mentally disabled Palestinian man from Jenin refugee camp. IDF said the man broke the curfew imposed on the camp.

Tulkarm/Qalqiliya/Salfit

• Military operations and search campaigns took place in Tulkarm refugee camp, Salfit town, Qalqiliya town, Marda, Kfar Dik, Azzun and Shufa. In total, six people have been reported arrested.

• 26 September: A member of the Al-Aqsa Martyr’s Brigade was killed by a remote controlled bomb device while walking in the field near Salfit Town.

• 27 September: Settlers from Qarne Shomron in Qalqilya entered the land of Kfur Thulth and started to uproot olive trees.

Ramallah /Al Bireh

• Throughout the week, IDF search and arrest campaigns took place in Beit ‘Ur at Tahta, Kafr ‘Ein, Ramallah, Al Bireh, Bir Zeit, Beit Liqya, Silwad, Beit Rima, ‘Abud and Qalandiya refugee camp. At least 35 Palestinian males were arrested.

• 22 September: Clashes erupted between IDF and Palestinians together with international and Israeli peace activists over Barrier construction in Budrus. IDF fired tear gas grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets. 80 people, including three foreigners, were reported injured.

• 22 September: At around 3pm, the IDF surrounded a building in the center of Ramallah and arrested eleven young Palestinian men from a small internet centre. Clashes broke out on Main Street when a group of Palestinian youth stoned the IDF jeeps. The IDF retaliated by firing rubber-coated metal bullets. Four Palestinians were reported injured.

• 26 September: Clashes erupted between IDF and Palestinians together with international and Israeli peace activists over Barrier construction in Budrus. IDF fired tear gas grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets. No injuries reported.

• 28 September: After villagers in Budrus announced the end of a demonstration against the Barrier at about 3pm, a Border Police patrol arrested 16 Israeli and foreign peace activists. Youth from the village then started stoning the jeeps and the Border Police opened fire with rubber coated metal bullets and tear gas, injuring 25-30 people, none seriously. The peace activists were later released at around 11pm.

Jerusalem

• 22 September: A Palestinian female suicide bomber killed two Border Policemen and injured 30 other Israelis at the hitchhiking post by the French Hill junction, north of Jerusalem.

• 22 September: A large explosive device was exploded in a cave close to Neve Ya’akov settlement north of Jerusalem. No injuries reported.

• 22 September: IDF entered Jericho city and conducted a search and arrest operation. Three Palestinians were reported injured in the campaign. No arrests reported.

• 23 September: Border Police entered Al ‘Isawiya and was met by stone-throwing Palestinians. The Border Police retaliated by firing shock grenades, tear gas grenades and rubber-coated metal bullets. No injuries reported.

• 25 September: A Palestinian attacked and injured an Israeli in the Old City, Jerusalem. The Palestinian was shortly after detained by Israeli security forces.

Hebron/Bethlehem

• 23 September: Palestinian and Israeli and international peace activists demonstrated against Barrier construction in Bet Awwa. More than 100 demonstrators were injured by tear gas inhalation or rubber-coated metal bullets.

• 26 September: Israeli Police in Hebron arrested Jewish settlers after they blocked streets in the Wadi Nasara neighbourhood of Hebron city, stoning Palestinian residents and clashing with the IDF as they attempted to rebuild the two outposts of Ma'ahaz Hagiborim and Hazon David previously evacuated.

• 28 September: IDF entered Al Madbasa area, Bethlehem district, opened fire and conducted a search operation. Two Palestinians were reported injured and eight arrested in the operation.

Gaza

• 27 September: Several home made” Qassam” rockets were fired from the northern areas of Beit Lahia, Jabalia and Beit Hanoun towards the Israeli communities of Sederot and Nier Am. Three Israelis were reported injured.

• 23 September: Three IDF soldiers were killed and another two injured in the Gaza strip settlement of Morag when three Palestinian activists infiltrated into their base and started shooting.

• 24 September: An Israeli female settler was killed in Neve Dekalim settlement when her house was hit by several mortar shells fired from Khan Younis.

• Since 27 September up to date the beach road west of Netzarim settlement is closed by two sand mounds.

• 28 September: IDF entered the northern Gaza strip in a large military operation around 2200 hrs, with the aim to prevent firing of Qassam rockets into Israel. The operation remains ongoing.

Sources: OCHA FCUs, UNRWA, UNSCO, Palestinian DCLs, Palestinian Governors’ offices, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, IDF

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