The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nations

Affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists – Geneva

Member of the International Federation for Human Rights – Paris

The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network

Continued Israeli Violations in the OPT and the International Community remains Silent

10 Palestinians, mostly civilians, killed by Israeli forces

A series of Israeli incursions into Palestinian areas and a number of Palestinian civilians killed or wounded

2 Palestinians assassinated

Continuing Israeli retaliatory campaign against families of wanted Palestinians and those who carried out armed attacks against Israeli targets

Continuing strict siege of the OPT

Introduction

Israeli forces have perpetrated more human rights violations against Palestinian civilians, including willful killings, shelling of, and incursions into Palestinian areas, agricultural land leveling and house demolitions. This week, 31 October – 6 November 2002, 10 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including 2 children, were killed by Israeli forces.

In Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, two Palestinian boys were killed when the Israeli occupying forces moved into the refugee camp on 5 November. In the past weeks, Rafah has been subjected to numerous Israeli incursions that have left a number of Palestinian civilians dead and dozens wounded, while dozens of houses were demolished.

Less than 24 hours earlier, Israeli occupying forces extra-judicially assassinated two Palestinians in Nablus through bombing the car in which the Palestinians traveled. In addition, 2 passing Palestinian civilians were wounded.

In an apparent willful killing, on 3 November, Israeli tanks positioned at the border of the Gaza Strip east of Jabaliya fired shells and heavy caliber bullets at 3 Palestinian civilians, who were approximately 800m from the border. The three civilians were killed. According to PCHR's investigation, the Israeli soldiers used excessive force against the three civilians who were inside Palestinian areas, approximately 800m away from the forces. The three civilians did not pose any real threat to the Israeli forces, and they could have been controlled through less lethal means.

Also on 3 November, Israeli occupying forces in military locations west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in the town. A Palestinian civilian was killed while he was in the center of the town. On the same day, Israeli occupying soldiers on a tank at the border with Egypt shot dead a mentally handicapped Palestinian from Khan Yunis.

On 31 October, Israeli occupying soldiers positioned near the military court in “Beit Eil” military compound, north of Ramallah, shot dead a Palestinian and took his body to an unknown destination. Israeli forces claimed that the victim was armed and that he fired at Israeli soldiers, but eyewitnesses denied these claims.

This week, Israeli occupying forces continued their attacks against Palestinian houses and agricultural land. During the week, they demolished 11 houses in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They also razed large areas of agricultural land, especially in the Beit Hanoun in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces continued their retaliatory campaign against families of wanted Palestinians and those who carried out attacks against Israeli targets by demolishing 2 houses in the West Bank.

Israeli occupying forces waged large campaigns of arrests in which dozens of Palestinians were arrested in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, Israeli forces have maintained the total siege imposed on the OPT, collectively punishing the Palestinian people. Israeli forces have partitioned Palestinian areas, transforming them into cantons, violating Palestinian civilians' economic, social and cultural rights. They have also imposed curfews on several areas in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Shelling of, and Encroachment into Palestinian Areas

Thursday, 24 October 2002

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles, moved approximately 600m into Sha'at area in Gizan al-Najjar neighborhood in the south of Khan Yunis. Here they razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives, destroyed a well that served a 300-donum area of agricultural land and 10 families, and demolished a 24-square-meter, iron-roofed room owned by 'Amira Salem 'Amira al-'Omour.

2. They razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Khader and Hassan Mahdi al-Banna.

3. They razed a 7.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Nazhem, Ref'at and Salem Khamis Sha'at.

4. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Mohammed Madiouf Sha'at.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces, reinforced with heavy military vehicles, invaded Qabatya village near Jenin and imposed a curfew. They surrounded the house of Yousef Hassan Abu al-Rub, opened fire at the house and called by loudspeakers on its residents to leave it. Israeli forces also demolished an old neighboring house which is owned by al-Rub. Then, they destroyed the first house and arrested 25-year-old Mohammed Yousef Hassan Abu al-Rub.

At approximately 08:00, an Israeli settler raided a tract of Palestinian agricultural land in the al-Birka area in the south of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip. He brought a bulldozer and started setting up greenhouses.

At approximately 09:00, 3 Israeli tanks and 2 military bulldozers moved approximately 1200m into Palestinian areas south of "Elli Sinai" settlement in the northern Gaza Strip. The bulldozers razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land until 15:00 in the afternoon:

1. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by 'Omar Khalil 'Omar.

2.They razed a 7-donum area of agricultural land planted with fruits, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Jouda 'Abed Khamis Suleiman.

3. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with strawberries and vegetables owned by Asa'ad Matar.

4. They demolished a 150-square-emter animal farm owned by Hassan 'Abdul Dayem.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of "Neve Dekalim" settlement, west of Khan Yunis, shelled Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. An artillery shell exploded inside the house of 'Eid Ibrahim Abu Madhi, in which 3 families consisting of 16 persons live, damaging its furniture. An additional number of houses were damaged and 8 Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. Ahmed Younis Mahmoud Abu Mustafa, 24, seriously wounded by shrapnel in the face;

2. Howaida Ahmed Mahmoud Zaqqut, 43, wounded by shrapnel in the feet;

3. 'Abdullah Salem Abu Nemer, 5, wounded by shrapnel in the right hand;

4. Ibrahim Nazhir Abu Sahloul, 15, wounded by shrapnel in the right shoulder;

5. Shadia Salem 'Arram, 16, wounded by shrapnel in the left foot;

6. Ibrahim 'Ali Huneideq, 11, wounded by shrapnel in the right shoulder;

7. Mo'een Khalil Shalloula, 24, wounded by shrapnel in the head; and

8. Ra'ed Sayed Ghaith Abu 'Azzoum, 29, wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.

At approximately 20:00, 5 Israeli heavy military vehicles moved approximately 70m into al-Heker area in the southeast of Deir al-Balah. They searched the area and demolished a 200-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, in which 2 families consisting of 11 persons used to live, owned by Zaher and Maher Ahmed 'Aayesh al-Qedra. The Israeli forces did not allow the owner to save any of his furniture. The forces withdrew from the area at approximately 06:00 on the following day.

Friday, 1 November – Saturday, 2 November 2002 (Land Leveling in Beit Hanoun)

In two days, Israeli occupying forces razed large areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Beit Hanoun in the Northern part of the Gaza Strip:

At approximately 09:00 on Friday, 5 Israeli military bulldozers and 3 tanks moved into Palestinian areas in Beit Hanoun and razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 72.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Basiouni Mohammed Basiouni.

2. They razed a 0.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by Ibrahim Tawfiq ‘Abdul Hadi Hamad.

3. They razed a 0.5-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by Mousa Ibrahim ‘Abdul Hadi Hamad.

4. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by ==.

5. They razed a 3-donum area of agricultural land planted with apples, citrus and figs owned by sons of Mohammed ‘Abdullah al-‘Athamna.

At approximately 09:30, 2 Israeli tanks and 4 military bulldozers moved more than 1km into Palestinian areas in the east of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 35-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by sons of Mohammed and Zuhdi Khaled al-Yazji.

2. They razed a 68-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by sons of Saleh and Salah ‘Abdul Rahman Murtaja.

3. They razed a 20-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by sons of Ahmed Nafe’ Abu ‘Aabed.

4. They razed an 8-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Suleiman Salem Khalil al-Shami.

5. They razed a 6-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by heirs of Ahmed Helmi Basha.

6. They razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by ‘Abdul ‘Aziz ‘Abdul Rahman Mohammed Wahdan.

7. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by Ahmed Saleh Badawi Saleh.

Saturday, 2 November 2002

At approximately 05:30, 5 Israeli tanks moved approximately 700m into al-Mughraqa village, south of Gaza City, and opened fire and destroyed a number of electricity towers and the main road. As a result, electricity and water were cut from the village. Then, an Israeli military bulldozer razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. It razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land planted with vegetables, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Isma’il Hamad Fayez Abu Kumail.

2. It razed an irrigation network owned by Sa’aj Hamad Fayez Abu Kumail.

At approximately 15:30, Israeli occupying forces moved approximately 400m into al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. They forced residents of three houses, owned by Mohammed Hussein ‘Ali al-‘Awadhi, Hussein ‘Obeid Abu ‘Oweili and Salah ‘Abdullah Salem al-Seiqali, out. Then, they raided and searched the houses for two hours.

At approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of “Neve Dekalim” settlement, west of Khan Yunis, shelled Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. An artillery shell hit the house of Subhi Mohammed Khalil Sweilem damaging the roof and a water tank. A number of houses were also damaged.

Sunday, 3 November 2002

In the morning, Israeli occupying forces demolished a number of Palestinian houses and civilian facilities in al-Aqbat area and the villages of al-Ram, Jaba’ and Beit Eksa in the north of occupied East Jerusalem, claiming that they were established without licenses:

1. They demolished an 800-square-meter animal farm and killed 150 animals in Jaba’ village owned by ‘Eid Mohammed Abu ‘Eid.

2. They demolished a 130-square-meter house, which were still under construction house, in which 6 persons lived, in al-Ram village, owned by Zahid Fayez Mujahed.

3. They demolished a 300-square-meter, 2-story house, in which five families consisting of 33 persons lived, in Beit Eksa village, owned by Nasser, Mohammed, Fawzi and Maher Mustafa Zayed.

4. They demolished a 125-square-meter house, in which 9 persons lived, in al-Aqbat neighborhood, owned by Jamil Yassin Bader.

5. They demolished a 50-square-meter car maintenance workshop in al-Ram village owned by Ramadan Radwan al-Harbawi.

At approximately 18:00, an Israeli tank positioned at the border of the Gaza Strip east of Jabaliya fired 8 shells and several live bullets at 3 Palestinian civilians, who were approximately 800m away from the border. The three civilians were all killed. They were identified as:

1. Ahmed Mousa al-Sharqawi, 22;

2. Marwan ‘Ouda Erbaye’, 20;

3. Yousef Mohammed al-Soufi, 20, all from Rafah.

Israeli sources claimed in the media that Israeli forces fired at the three civilians when they attempted to steal into Israel. Ambulances were not able to reach the area before midnight upon coordination between the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Israeli side. According to an ambulance driver, the three victims were wearing civilian clothes, two of them were lying with their faces to the ground and traces of an Israeli tank were seen 3m away from their bodies, while the third body was found a few meters away. Their bodies were partially distorted, and fractures were noticeable on the limbs. A wire cutter and a screw driver were found near the three bodies.

PCHR believes that Israeli occupying forces used excessive force against the three persons who were inside Palestinian areas, approximately 800m away from the forces. The three civilians did not pose any threat to the forces, and they could have been controlled through less lethal means.

Monday, 4 November 2002

At approximately 05:00, Israeli occupying forces raided al-Tour neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. They surrounded a shop of construction materials owned by Hussam Ahmed Shihab, and demolished it over its contents.

At approximately 07:00, Israeli occupying forces demolished a bus station of Net Tours Company in al-Tour neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem, claiming that it was established without a license.

At approximately 08:00, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of “Neve Dekalim” settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses and civilian facilities in al-Nimsawi neighborhood and Khan Yunis refugee camp. Five Palestinian civilians were wounded:

1. Jihan Rami Huneideq, 4, wounded by shrapnel in the head;

2. Amani Hamdan Abu Siam, 18, wounded by a live bullet in the shoulder;

3. Mohammed Shaker al-Jalous, 46, wounded by a live bullet in the left foot;

4. Khamis Kamel al-‘Anani, 51, wounded by shrapnel in the right arm; and

5. Ramzi Mohammed al-Raqib, 33, wounded by shrapnel in the right arm.

At approximately 09:30, Israeli occupying forces razed more areas of Palestinian agricultural land in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, an action that began on Saturday, 2 November. Until 17:00, Israeli forces razed 67 donums of agricultural land:

1. They razed a 5-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Sha’ban Mohammed Jaber.

2. They razed a 10-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by ‘Aahed Fa’eq Bessiso.

3. They razed an 18-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Subhi and Ahmed Isma’il al-Yazji, and Younis, Jamil and Hamed Bakir al-Yazji.

4. They razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Suhail Hashem al-Saqqa.

5. They razed a 15-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus owned by Suhail Hashem al-Saqqa and brothers.

6. They razed a 4-donum area of agricultural land planted with citrus, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by Sa’id Saleh Murtaja.

In the afternoon, Israeli occupying forces raided Be’r al-Haya neighborhood in the south of Hebron and demolished a 150-square-meter house, which was under construction, owned by Sa’ad Mohammed Kamel al-Rujbi.

At the same time, Israeli military bulldozers demolished a 400-square-meter animal farm owned by Burhan Ibrahim al-Rujbi, and a 350-square-meter bird farm owned by Jihad ‘Abdul Salam al-‘Ajlouni.

At approximately 12:30, Israeli occupying forces demolished a 150-square-meter building owned by the family of ‘Amru in Beit Marsam village, south of Hebron. The building served as a place for family meetings. A neighboring room owned by Yousef Badawi ‘Amru was also damaged.

At approximately 14:00, two Israeli combat helicopters fired 6 missiles at a 3-story building in the industrial zone in Nablus. The building is owned by Malek Ahmed Rashid Dweikat and consists of a number of flats, workshops and a factory. At approximately 16:00, Israeli occupying forces arrived in the area, and a military bulldozer demolished the building.

Tuesday, 5 November 2002

At approximately 07:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles moved approximately 300m into Gizan al-Najjar area in the south of Khan Yunis. They razed areas of Palestinian agricultural land:

1. They razed a 65-donum area of agricultural land planted with olives, palms and potatoes, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by ‘Eid Mahmoud al-Sha’er.

2. They razed a 1-donum area of agricultural land planted with potatoes, and destroyed an irrigation network owned by ‘Abdul Latif Marzouq al-Sha’er.

At approximately 13:00, Israeli heavy military vehicles dug into Palestinian land adjacent to the border with Egypt, south of Rafah.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli occupying forces moved into Block L in Rafah refugee camp and demolished 3 houses. They also opened fire at houses, killing two Palestinian civilians:

1. Adham Ibrahim Hamdan, 16, shot by live bullets in the head; and

2. Eyad Nafez Abu Taha, 17, shot by a live bullet in the head.

In addition, 12 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children under the age of 18, were wounded:

1. Mousa Mohammed Abu Jazar, 18, critically wounded by a live bullet in the head;

2. 'Abdul Qader 'Abdullah Barhoum, 31, wounded by shrapnel in the left leg;

3. Mohammed Fathi 'Abdul Wahab, 8, wounded by shrapnel in the face;

4. Eihab Jamal Yousef, wounded by a live bullet in the head;

5. Khaled Mohammed Abu 'Awila, 38, wounded by shrapnel in the abdomen and the left leg;

6. Miriam Suleiman al-Agha, 42, wounded by a live bullet in the left thigh;

7. Na'im Ahmed Barhoum, 38, wounded by a live bullet in the right arm;

8. Rami Khaled 'Aabed, 19, wounded by a live bullet in the left arm;

9. Mohammed Saleh Abu Jazar, 15, wounded by shrapnel in the back;

10. Mohammed Ahmed Abu Hilal, 14, wounded by shrapnel in the head and the back;

11. Mohammed Nasser Subeh, 17, wounded by shrapnel in the head; and

12. Hussein Mustafa Abu 'Oun, 72, wounded by shrapnel in the left shoulder;

A number of houses were demolished, burnt or severely damaged by Israeli bulldozers and shelling:

1. A 124-square-meter house, in which 9 persons lived, owned by Samir Ahmed 'Ali Barhoum, was completely demolished.

2. A 125-square-meter house, in which 7 persons lived, owned by Yousef Khalil 'Ali Barhoum, was completely demolished.

3. A 100-square-meter house, in which 6 persons live, owned by Hani 'Abdul Hamid al-Hams, was partially demolished.

4. A 150-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, in which 6 persons live, owned by Zeinab Mohammed Barhoum, was severely burnt.

5. A 110-square-meter house, in which 2 families counting 16 persons live, owned by Subhia 'Omar 'Ali Shaqfa, was severely damaged.

6. A 135-square-meter, asbestos-roofed house, in which 7 persons live, was severely damaged.

7. A 160-square-meter house, in which 10 persons live, owned by Miriam Ahmed Khalil al-Sha'er, was severely damaged.

Israeli forces also razed areas of agricultural land:

1. They razed a 500-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by 'Abdul Rahim 'Ouda al-Agha.

2. They razed a 500-square-meter area of agricultural land planted with olives owned by Majed Mohammed al-Agha.

Wednesday, 6 November 2002

At approximately 01:00, Israeli occupying forces moved into Wadi al-Salqa village, east of Deir al-Balah. They raided and searched the house of Mohammed 'Abdul Karim Abu Meghassib, where 13 persons live. Then, they arrested the owner's son Wissam, 26, a college student.

Assassinations

In a continuation of the policy of assassination officially adopted by the Israeli government, Israeli occupying forces carried out a new assassination attempt in Nablus that left two Palestinians dead.

At approximately 14:00 on Monday, 4 November 2002, an explosion occurred in a civilian car, Suzuki, that had a Palestinian license plate. The car was traveling from the center of Nablus towards its western entrance to the city. Two Palestinians who were traveling in the car were killed. They were identified as:

1. Hamed ‘Omar al-Sader, 37, from ‘Askar refugee camp in Nablus; and

2. Firas ‘Abdul Ghani Ibrahim Abu Ghazala, 27, from al-Ram village in Jerusalem.

According to eyewitnesses, an Israeli helicopter was seen flying over the area when the explosion occurred, which raises suspicions that Israeli occupying forces may have been involved in the explosion. In addition, two passing civilians were injured:

1. Sameh Khaled Eshteiwi, 25, injured by shrapnel in the testicles; and

2. Mohammed ‘Abdu al-‘Aqrouq, 48, injured by shrapnel in the back and the left hand.

Israeli media reports quoted an Israeli security sources as saying that “al-Sader – a wanted activist of Hamas – is the uncle of Mohammed Bsutami who carried out a bombing in a hotel inside ‘Ariel’ settlement near Nablus two weeks ago.”

Collective Punishment Measures against Families of Wanted Palestinians and Those Who have Carried out Armed Attacks against Israeli Targets

In violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits collective punishment, Israeli forces carried out retaliatory measures against families of Palestinians who have carried out attacks against Israeli targets in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

At approximately 02:00, Israeli occupying forces surrounded a 340-square-meter, 2-story house in Burqin village, southwest of Jenin, owned by Ibrahim Mustafa Abu Shadouf. They forced the 14 residents to leave the house and then destroyed it. The owner is the father of Nidal Ibrahim Abu Shadouf, 23, who carried out a bombing inside the Green Line. Eight neighboring houses were damaged.

At approximately 03:30, Israeli occupying forces destroyed a 180-square-meter, 2-story house, in which 8 persons lived, in the same village, owned by 'Ali 'Abdul Qader 'Atiq, whose son carried out an attack on an Israeli military location in Tayaseer village. Five neighboring houses were also damaged.

Shooting at Palestinian Civilians

Thursday, 31 October 2002

At approximately 09:00, Israeli occupying soldiers in a military location near al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance to the al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Yunis, fired at dozens of Palestinian civilians who were waiting at the checkpoint to get home. Hamda Mohammed Suleiman Abu Madhia, 36, was wounded by a live bullet in the feet. She had left the al-Mawasi area the previous day to receive medical treatment in Khan Yunis, but she was not able to get home the same day because the Israeli forces closed the al-Tuffah checkpoint.

At approximately 14:00, Israeli occupying soldiers on heavy military vehicles fired at a number of Palestinian children who were in the streets of Tulkarm at the northern entrance of the town. Muhannad Rasmi al-Dhumeiri, 14, was wounded by a live bullet in the right hand.

At the same time, Israeli occupying soldiers fired at a number of Palestinian civilians near the local council of Qabatya village in Jenin. Four civilians were wounded:

1. ‘Emad Mohammed Noufal, 32, wounded by shrapnel in the head and the pelvis;

2. Elias Sa’id Shanti, 35, wounded by a live bullet in the thigh;

3. Tawfiq ‘Arbas, 31, wounded by shrapnel; and

4. ‘Omar Subhi ‘Abdullah Hassayen, 35, wounded by a live bullet in the foot and was arrested by Israeli forces.

Israeli forces denied ambulances access to the wounded for several hours.

At approximately 14:30, Israeli soldiers positioned near the military court in “Beit Eil” military compound, north of Ramallah, shot dead a Palestinian and took his body to an unknown destination. Israeli forces claimed that the victim was armed and that he fired at the soldiers. Eyewitnesses denied these claims. The victim was identified as Ashraf Mansour Hassan Mansour, 25, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza. In addition, 2 Palestinian civilians who were traveling in a passing civilian car were wounded:

1. Samir Nasri ‘Awad, 42, from Jafna village in Ramallah, wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; and

2. Nivin Ussama Marmash, 22, from Nablus, wounded by shrapnel throughout the body.

In the evening, Israeli soldiers fired at a number of Palestinian civilians who gathered near an UNRWA school in Tulkarm refugee camp, when they discovered the presence of an undercover unit of the Israeli forces in the area. A number of children threw stones at the Israeli soldiers, who responded by firing at the stone throwers wounding two:

1. Nazhmi ‘Eissa Dhumeiri, 15, seriously wounded by a live bullet in the right thigh; and

2. Mohammed Ghaleb ‘Anbas, 12, wounded by shrapnel in the body.

At approximately 23:00, Israeli occupying soldiers in military locations in the vicinity of “Neve Dekalim” settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at Palestinian houses in Khan Yunis refugee camp. A Palestinian civilian, Amin ‘Ouda Abu Baker, 25, was wounded by shrapnel from a live bullet in the right foot.

Friday, 1 November 2002

At approximately 16:00, Israeli soldiers in a military location in the vicinity of “Netser Hazani’ settlement opened fire at Palestinian houses in al-Qarara village, northwest of Khan Yunis. A Palestinian civilian, Hussein ‘Obeid ‘Ali Abu ‘Oweili, 59, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the neck.

Sunday, 3 November 2002

At approximately 11:30, Israeli occupying forces in military locations in the vicinity of “Gadid” settlement, west of Khan Yunis, opened fire at the Baten al-Samin area, southwest of the southern Gaza Strip town. A Palestinian civilian, Hassan Khalil Mohammed Zo’rob, 36, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the chest, while he was in the center of the town, approximately 1km away from the source of fire. He was pronounced dead at hospital at approximately 23:40.

At approximately 21:30, Israeli tanks at the border with Egypt shot dead Isma’il ‘Abdullah Isma’il al-Masri, 20, from Khan Yunis. At approximately 22:00, Israeli occupying forces informed the Palestinian liaison forces that a body of a Palestinian was at the border. A Palestinian ambulance collected the body at Rafah border crossing. Medical personnel noticed a cord around the neck and another one around the feet. The victim was shot by two live bullets in the chest and the abdomen. Bruises were also seen on the body. Earlier that day, at approximately 17:00, the Palestinian liaison forces had informed their Israeli counterparts that a mentally-handicapped Palestinian was present in a dangerous area at the border, but Israeli soldiers did not pay any attention to this information and shot him dead.

Monday, 4 November 2002

At approximately 15:30, Israeli occupying soldiers on a tank near Salah al-Din Gate in the south of Rafah opened fire at ‘Omar Ben al-Khattab Street. Ahmed ‘Abdul Rahman ‘Abdul Qader ‘Othman, 27, a maintenance worker in the Palestinian Public Security, was seriously wounded by a live bullet in the head, while he was near a shop owned by his friend. He succumbed to his wound upon arrival at hospital.

Continued Total Siege

Israeli occupying forces have maintained the total siege imposed on the OPT, collectively punishing Palestinian people. Israeli forces have partitioned Palestinian areas, transforming them into cantons, and have imposed curfews on several areas in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, violating Palestinian civilians' economic, social and cultural rights. The Gaza Strip is still partitioned into three isolated zones.

On Monday, 28 October, Israeli forces reopened al-Tuffah military checkpoint at the entrance to the al-Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip, allowing only Palestinian civilians over 50 to go home. However, they are allowing only 15 persons per day to cross the checkpoint.

At approximately 12:00 on Thursday, 31 October, Israeli forces closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip, and blocked a number of cars between the two checkpoints. Soon, Israeli soldiers searched cars and checked identity cards of the passengers.

At approximately 12:00 on Saturday, 2 November, Israeli forces searched a number of cars between al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints and checked identity cards of the passengers.

At approximately 16:00 on Monday, 4 November, Israeli forces closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street, and blocked a number of cars between the two checkpoints. Israeli soldiers searched the cars and checked the identity cards of the passengers. They held 20 Palestinians aside, and arrested some of them, including Maher Abu Latifa, Ra'fat Shubair and Eihab Budair.

At approximately 12:30 on Tuesday, 5 November, Israeli forces closed al-Matahen and Abu Houli military checkpoints and blocked a number of cars between the two checkpoints. Israeli soldiers then searched cars and checked the identity cards of the passengers. They arrested 7 Palestinians, including Mustafa Abu Jazar, a member of the Palestinian Investigation Bureau.

At approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 6 November, Israeli occupying forces imposed a curfew on the al-Mawasi area. They also closed al-Tuffah checkpoint at the entrance of the area, denying access of Palestinian residents to the area. In addition, Israeli soldiers arrested 'Adnan Ibrahim al-Sha'er, 30, at his farm in the west of Rafah.

Israeli occupying forces have also prevented 21 teachers living outside al-Mawasi from reaching Jirar al-Qidwa School, where they work. This school is the only one in the al-Mawasi area, and serves 1175 students.

*****

PCHR calls:

1. Upon the international community to provide immediate and independent international protection for the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

2. Upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to reconvene in order to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in accordance with their obligations under Article 1, to ensure the respect of the Convention.

3. Upon the international community to investigate and prosecute those believed to have committed war crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories before international courts.

4. Upon the ICRC to enhance its presence, expand its activities, and intensify its field observations throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

5. Upon the European Union to activate Article 2 of the Euro-Israeli Association Agreement, which provides that Israel must respect human rights.

6. Upon the international community to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for the Palestinian people, whose living conditions are continuing to deteriorate as a result of the continued siege imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the entire Occupied Palestinian Territories.