Monthly Report April 04, 2016

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF ISRAELI VIOLATIONS

01 April 2016 – 30 April 2016

The following summary tables and overview of events survey hostile Israeli activities during the period 01 April 2016 to 30 April 2016. The report includes a summary table of events, classified by type, throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in addition to a comparative table surveying events over the past three months. The survey is compiled from the Daily Situation Reports of the Palestinian Monitoring Group (PMG) of the Negotiations Affairs Department (NAD) of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The PMG monitors ground conditions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including Israeli and Palestinian violations. The PMG Daily Situation Reports are a survey of daily events collated from information provided by civil ministries and security agencies of the Palestinian National Authority. The information reported through the PMG process represents data available at the time of distribution only. 

Comparison Table of Events over the Past Three Months

Killings: A total of 3 killings were reported in the month of April 2016 including:

• Ibrahim Mohammad Othman Baradi’ (52 years old) {A resident of Surif town.
• Maram Hassan Abu Ismail (24 years old){Pregnant and a Mother of 2 children} and Ibrahim Salah Hassan Taha (16 years old).

Injuries

A total of 68 injuries were reported in the month of April 2016 (51 Palestinians in the West Bank and 17 in the Gaza Strip). Injuries included 13 children, a Woman and 2 fishermen.

Arrests

During the month of April 2016, the Israeli military arrested 408 Palestinians (385 the West Bank and 23 in the Gaza Strip). The majority of arrests took place in the districts of Jerusalem (120); Ramallah (42); Jenin (20); Tubas (1) Tulkarem (13); Qalqiliya (23); Nablus (30); Salfit (17); Jericho (14); Bethlehem (36); Hebron (69). North Gaza (6), Central Gaza (2) Khan Yunis (7) and Rafah (9). Among those arrested by the Israeli military were: 40 children {2 Special Needs Patients}, 7 women, 2 Journalist, 6 University Students, 2 University Lecturers, 12 fishermen, 1 PLC Member, and 4 Security Force officers.

Closure

Especially on Fridays, the Israeli military continues to intensify restrictions at checkpoints located at the entrances of Jerusalem, and to restrict entrance to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem, preventing worshipers from accessing the Mosque. At the Qalandiya checkpoint north of Jerusalem, the Israeli military continues to prevent PNA registered civilian vehicles from crossing the checkpoint towards Ar Ram and Qalandiya as well as Dahiyat al Bareed. The checkpoint is overcrowded daily, particularly during rush hours, due to intensified restrictions and search measures applied by Israeli troops. During the month of January the Israeli military also continued to intensify restrictions at the Tayasir checkpoint and Al Hamra junction checkpoint leading to the Jordan Valley area, only allowing access to civilians whose IDs indicate District of Jericho residence or others holding special access permits. In addition, restrictions were intensified and civilian access was obstructed at the Za’tara junction checkpoint (separating the northern and central West Bank districts) as well as at the As Sawahira ash Sharqiya (the ‘Container’) checkpoint (separating the central and southern West Bank districts).

The Israeli military installed 442 flying checkpoints in April 2016 (compared with 527 in March and 422 in February) and as a result restricted the free access and movement of residents, merchant supplies and agricultural goods.

Distribution of Flying checkpoints in the West Bank

The Israeli military set up 441 flying checkpoints in April 2016 and searched Palestinian civilians and vehicles in and around Palestinian residential areas in the districts of Jerusalem (89); Ramallah (76); Jenin (29); Tubas (5) ; Tulkarem (24); Qalqiliya (55); Nablus (40); Salfit (14); Jericho (22); Bethlehem (58) and Hebron (30).

Raids

 The Israeli military carried out a total of 427 raids in Palestinian residential areas during the month of April 2016, including 412 in the West Bank and 15 in the Gaza Strip. The majority of Israeli military raids were reported to have taken place in the districts of Jerusalem (51); Ramallah (53); Jenin (23); Tubas (8) Tulkarem (35); Qalqiliya (24); Nablus (61); Salfit (24); Jericho (6); Bethlehem (53); Hebron (74), Gaza (4), Central Gaza (3), Khan Yunis (3) and Rafah (5).

The Israeli military opened fire on 126 occasions during raids and clashes with civilians. (A total of 48%  of attacks).

Attacks

A total of 265 attacks were reported to have taken place during the month of April 2016 (131 in the West Bank and 1134 in the Gaza Strip).

The Israeli military carried out 124 attacks during confrontations between the Israeli military and Palestinians, 91 attacks from Israeli military posts on civilian homes and property and 17 from Military checkpoints towards Palestinian residents and vehicle. Israeli Settler carried out 1 attack towards residents. The Israeli Military carried out 2 attacks during raids across the West Bank In addition, Israeli navy vessels carried out 43 attacks on Palestinian fishermen and territory.

Attacks on residential areas in West Bank districts

Home Demolition

During the month of April 2016, the Israeli military demolished Palestinian homes and residential tents, which consisted of the following: 

• Israeli forces demolished the interior walls of an Apartment owned by the family of resident killed by Israeli forces in Qalandiya camp in Jerusalem district.
• Israeli forces demolished 3 homes owned by the families of residents killed by Israeli forces in Qabatiya town in Jenin district.
• Israeli forces demolished a home in Surif town in Hebron district for allegedly being built without a license.
• Israeli forces demolished a home in Jabal Al-Mukabir neighborhood in Jerusalem city.
• Israeli forces demolished 3 homes {under constriction} in Khirbiet Al-Marajim village in Nablus district.
• Israeli forces demolished 4 {Shacks} used to house a family in Wadi Al-Qult area in Jericho District.
• Israeli forces demolished 6 homes in Um Al-Khier village located in east Yatta town in Hebron district.
• The Israeli Military forced a woman to demolish a section of her home {2 rooms built of wood and aluminum roofs} in Beit Hanina town in Jerusalem district. and imposed a financial penalty.
• Israeli forces demolished a home near Al-Samiya village located in west Al-Samou’ town in Hebron district.
• Israeli forces demolished 3 Bedouin tents in Khan Al-Jamra area in Jerusalem district.
• Israeli forces demolished several shacks and tentys in Khirbiet Tana village in Nablus district.
• Israeli forces demolished 3 homes {under constriction} on Al-Walaja village in Bethlehem district.

During the month of April  2016 the Israeli Military served the following Demolition orders:

• Israeli forces served a military order for the demolition of a home {built 25 years ago}in Al-Bustan area located in Silwan neighborhood  near Al-Aqsa mosque compound in the old, city of Jerusalem.
• Israeli forces served a military order for the demolition of a home in Beit Dajjan village in Nablus District.
• Israeli forces served a military order for the demolition of 12 homes in Al-Fakhiet, Al-Markaz, Janba and Al-Majaz villages located in south east Yatta town in Hebron district.
• Israeli forces served a military order for the demolition of a home owned by the family of a Palestinian detainee in Surif town in Hebron district.
• Israeli forces served a military order for the demolition of a building consisting of {4 floors} in Al-Abbassiya area in Silwan neighborhood in Jerusalem city.
• Israeli forces served a military order for the demolition of a home owned by the family of a Palestinian detainee in Sur Baher village in Jerusalem district.

  During the Month of April 2016 Israeli forces occupied 9 homes and converted their rooftops into military posts in the following districts in the West Bank:

•   Nablus District: 2 homes in Al-Labban Al-Sharqiya village.
• Bethlehem District: A home in Al-Khadar town.
• Hebron District: Several homes surrounding “Annatails” tomb in Tel Al-Rumyada neighborhood in the old city of Hebron and 3 homes in the old city of Hebron.

 Attacks on Public and Private Property

A total of 75 incidents of destruction and confiscation of Palestinian public and private property by Israeli settlers and Israeli forces were reported in April 2016 (68 in the West Bank and 7 in the Gaza Strip).

Attack on Public and Private property occurred as follows per District:

Jerusalem: Israeli forces set fire to several Olive trees as they clashed with several residents during their raid into Qatana village, Israeli forces sealed off the entrance doors and windows {using concrete and steel} of a home owned by the family of a Palestinian Detainee in Sur Baher village and Israeli forces damaged the offices of the Student Union as they stormed and searched Al-Quds University in Abu Dis town.

Ramallah: Israeli forces detonated the main entrance of a home in Silwad town, detonated the entrances to Al-Aajouli Currency exchange and as a result set fire to the building which also damaged a vegetable and Spices shop and Israeli forces also demolished a vehicle repair shop and a Poultry butcher shop in Ni’lin town.

Jenin: Israeli forces demolished a coal selling shop and a agricultural storage den in Barta’a Al-Sharqiya village.

Tubas:  Israeli forces set fire to and destroyed agricultural crops as they were conducting military training in Khirbeit Samra area located in the North Jordan valley.

Qalqiliya: Israeli settler damaged and shattered the windows of several homes after stoning them and punctured the tires of a agricultural tractor during their attack on Fara’ata village.

Nablus: Israeli settler prevented several farmers from entering their agricultural land in the south area of Qusra village and caused a vehicle to overturn after stoning it near Duma village, Israeli forces removed a barbed wire fence around a plot of land in the area between Qusra village and “Eish Qaddush” settlement, demolished a children’s playground in Za’tara village and demolished a farm in Khirbeit Tana village.

Salfit: Israeli settlers damaged an shattered the windows of a bus carrying residents after stoning it  near “Emanuel” settlement and Israeli forces damaged a vehicle after launching  tear gas grenades towards it in Salfit city.

Bethlehem: Israeli forces damaged a vehicle as they closed the steel gate as it passed through Al-Container checkpoint and demolished a butcher shop in Beit Sahour city.

Hebron: Israeli forces demolished a water well in Abu Sudat area located nears Al-Aroub camp, demolished a shed in Al-Samiya village located in west area of Samou’ town, demolished a livestock den in Um Al-Khire village located in east Yatta, demolished a Den used a a vehicle Tire repair shop located along the main road connecting Beit Ummar and Al-Aroub camp and temporarily seized 200 heads of livestock in Al-Mashafer area in east Yatta town.

Rafah: Israeli Naval vessels opened fire towards and sunk a fishing boat off the shores of Rafah.

Confiscation of Property

Jerusalem: Israeli forces confiscated a computer and cellular telephone after storming a home in Sur Baher village, and confiscated a computer, cellular telephone and 5000 NIS from a home in Al-Suwana neighborhood after detaining the owner.

Ramallah: Israeli forces confiscated equipment from Al-Ajouli currency exchange shop in Al-Bireh city.

Jenin: Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle in Jenin city, electronic equipment {A washing machine, Microwave Oven, Refrigerator and Television set} from a home in Beit Qad village.

Tubas: Israeli forces confiscated a tractor in Ibziq village.

Tulkarem: Israeli forces confiscated Motorcycle in Tulkarem city.

Qalqiliya: Israeli forces confiscated surveillance camera footage from a merchant shop in Azzun town, a vehicle and surveillance camera footage from a home in Azzun Attma village.

Nablus: Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle and a water tank in Khirbeit Tana village.

.Bethlehem: Israeli forces confiscated surveillance camera footage from a Gas Station in Beit Fajjar town and printing equipment from a Print shop in Al-Doha town

Hebron: Israeli forces confiscated surveillance camera footage from a merchant shop in Safa area in Beit Ummar town, surveillance camera footage from a home and a Gas Station in Surif town.

North Gaza:  Israeli Naval vessels confiscated a fishing boat off the shores of North Gaza.

Khan Yunis: Israeli Naval vessels confiscated a fishing boat off the shores of Khan Yunis.

Rafah: Israeli Naval vessels confiscated a fishing boat off the shores of Rafah.

 Settlement Activity:

Israeli forces levelled a plot of agricultural land near “Danial” settlement located in Al-Khader town in Bethlehem district

 Settler Violence

62 incidents of Settler violence occurred during the month of April 2016 including:

Ramallah: Israeli settlers stole four heads of sheep near the village of Ras Karkar village, stormed a park in Ein Al-Zarka area near Beit Illu village, stoned residents and vehicles near Eyoun Al-Haramiya junction, stormed the area of Ein Al-Zarka springs  near Deir Ghassana Town, chased several farmers from agricultural land  and attempted to confiscate it  in an attempt to take over the water spring to build a fish pond.

Tulkarem:  A group of  armed Israeli settlers attacked a home {under construction}in Wadi Al-Sha’ir area located near Eniv checkpoint.

Qalqilya:  Israeli settlers assaulted a resident on agricultural land in Far’ata village.

Nablus: Israeli settler stormed agricultural land in Khirbeit Al-Himam area located in east Al-Nazlah Al-Sharqiya  village, stormed agricultural land in North Burin village and stormed Duma village and chased away several residents from agricultural land in Rujib village.

Jericho:   Israeli settler assaulted a 8 year old child near Al-Oja village, placed soil fertilizer on plots of agricultural land owned by The Ministry of Religious Affairs in A l-Oja village and installed steel and barbed wire fencing around the area  as they attempted to confiscated the land.

Bethlehem: A group of Israeli settlers prevented several farmers from entering their land in Al-Khader town located near “Danail” settlement and set fire to and destroyed several Grape Vines in Al-Nashash area located in Al-Khader town.

Hebron: A group of Israeli settlers assaulted a resident near a checkpoint along Al-Shuhada road in the old city of Hebron, stormed the area located between Tafuh and Dura towns, a Israeli settler assaulted a child and a International Peace Activist as they were visiting the home of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces  in the old city of Hebron, a Israeli settler Vehicle ran over a child near Al-Ibrahimi mosque compound , a Israeli settler vehicle ran over a disabled woman along the main road in Abbou town, A Israeli settler vehicle ran over a child near Jabal Jarris area in east Hebron city, chased 2 children who were herding their sheep on agricultural land in  Al-Jawiya area located in south east Yatta town, chased a residents as he was herding his sheep in Um Al-Arees area located near “Mitzipi Betar” settlement located in south Yatta town.

 Closure of Crossing Points

The Israeli military completely closed crossing points into the Gaza Strip, including access points within the Green Line, on 164 occasions during the month of April 2016. The Israeli military closed crossing points within the Green Line on 104 occasions. It opened Beit Hanun (Erez) Crossing for 22 days for previously-coordinated humanitarian cases and foreign nationals and Karm Abu Salem (Karem Shalom) Crossing for 22 days for transportation of food supplies, humanitarian aid, and cooking gas. In addition to allowing in animal feed, construction cargo designated for UNRWA and internationally-funded projects was transported through the Crossing. Sufa Crossing was closed throughout the month. On the other hand, the Israeli authorities have continued to unilaterally close Ash Shuja’iya (Nahal ‘Oz) Crossing. Beginning on 02 March 2011, the Israeli authorities has also continued to completely close Al Muntar (Karnei) Commercial Crossing.

The Israeli military closed international crossing points on 60 occasions. Rafah Crossing was open for 3 days to allow access to civilians departing the Gaza Strip and to those arriving from Egypt. Yasser Arafat International Airport has remained closed since the outbreak of the second Intifada.