Updates

Agriculture

Civil Administration returns to Khirbet 'Ein Karzaliyah this morning, renews demolitions

A Civil Administration bulldozer arrived once more at Khirbet 'Ein Karzaliyah in the central Jordan Valley this morning. It began demolishing the tents put up by the residents since the latest demolition of 13 January 2014. A soldier escort to the bulldozer slashed the tent fabric so that the tents could not be re-erected. The bulldozer did not manage to demolish all the tents as some of them were placed on a hillside. The residents were informed by Civil Administration officials that they would soon return with a larger bulldozer to complete demolitions. Later, the military detained a vehicle belonging to one of the residents, near the Masua junction.

12 February 2014

Minors

Autopsy of teenager killed by soldiers in al-Jalazun R.C. calls military's account into question

On 7 Dec. 2013 a soldier outside the settlement of Beit El shot and killed Wajih a-Ramahi, 15. The military claims “the only shots fired were in the air", but the autopsy found that a-Ramahi was hit by a bullet to the back. B'Tselem's inquiries indicate that a-Ramahi was one of several youths throwing stones at soldiers from a distance of about 200 meters. Although they were not facing mortal danger, the soldiers responded with live ammunition, not crowd control weapons. The MAG Corps said that a military police investigation has been launched.

11 February 2014

Agriculture

Over 90% of water in Gaza Strip unfit for drinking

Gaza has been suffering a severe water crisis for years, due to contamination of its main water source – the coastal aquifer – by over-pumping and lack of proper sewage treatment. Residents buy drinking water from wastewater treatment plants as over 90% of the aquifer's water is un-potable, a number expected to reach 100% by 2016. UNEP has called on Israel, the PA, Hamas and Egypt to take immediate action on the matter. Meanwhile, Israel must allow into Gaza materials and equipment needed to restore and develop its sewage treatment infrastructure.

9 February 2014

East Jerusalem

Photo Blog: Five demolitions in East Jerusalem

On 27 Jan. 2014 Jerusalem’s Municipality demolished homes and other buildings in East Jerusalem. A B’Tselem field researcher documented these demolitions as well as one by a homeowner compelled to demolish his own home. The photos illustrate Israel’s policy of maintaining a Jewish majority in Jerusalem by significantly restricting development in Palestinian neighborhoods. Israel has also seized nearby land and built Jewish neighborhoods there. Municipal master plans for Palestinian neighborhoods are far from meeting residents’ needs.

9 February 2014

Economic & Social Rights

‘Odeh Hamad killed by military gunfire while scrap-collecting in garbage dump near Gaza fence

On 20 Dec. 2013 soldiers shot and killed ‘Odeh Hamad while he and his brother Radad were collecting scraps at the Beit Hanoun garbage dump. Radad, who reported hearing no warning beforehand, ran for help. While Hamad lay injured, soldiers just across the fence offered him no medical assistance, nor did they help the paramedics locate him. He was found after a half hour-long search and died shortly after reaching hospital. B’Tselem documented similar incidents at the same site, including four in the last 18 months in which civilians were injured.

3 February 2014

Agriculture

Photo Blog: Gaza's docks deserted, 21 January 2014

The picturesque sight of Gaza’s fishing harbor is misleading. The boats are out of commission and the docks deserted. The Israeli military restricts fishing range to a mere six nautical miles off Gaza's shore. Any fishermen who venture beyond this limited range risk being shot at, arrested, and having boats and fishing gear confiscated. In addition, lately Gaza has been experiencing a severe fuel shortage, ever since Egypt demolished tunnels on its border. This means that fishermen cannot afford the fuel necessary for running their boats, bringing the fishing industry to a standstill.

29 January 2014

Harassment

Glimpse of Hebron children’s reality: video footage of minors, some under age 12, detained for throwing stones

B'Tselem has written to Legal Advisor for Judea and Samaria Col. Doron Ben-Barak notifying him of two recent incidents in which soldiers unlawfully detained children, some under the age of criminal responsibility, on suspicion of throwing stones. Although both incidents were relatively short, the children involved remained very frightened. Video footage of the incidents gives a glimpse into the harsh daily routine of many Palestinian minors and their parents, which will undoubtedly have long-term implications for the children.

27 January 2014

General

Bidding farewell to Shulamit Aloni

Shulamit Aloni passed away on Friday. It is difficult to conceive of the human rights movement in Israel without her. Through decades of parliamentary and public activity, her writing and activism, Shulamit Aloni paved the road which we walk to this day. She was among the prime architects of Israeli discourse on human and civil rights. She taught us the importance of upholding the human rights of all people, be they in Israel or in the Occupied Territories. We will carry on walking in her footsteps. Our sincerest condolences to her family.

26 January 2014

Settler Violence = State Violence

Photo Blog: A visit to ‘Asirah al-Qibliyah, 20 November 2013

‘Asirah al-Qibliyah is a Palestinian village in the northern West Bank. The settlement of Yizhar was founded nearby, making the village one of six in the area subject to frequent settler violence. Many settler attacks on the local villagers’ and their property have been documented over the past few years. In some cases, the footage shows soldiers standing by, not fulfilling their duty to safeguard the residents. About two months ago, we drove out to ‘Asirah al-Qibliyah to visit B’Tselem’s camera project volunteers there. During our visit, B’Tselem staff member Osnat Skoblinski shot the photos below.

22 January 2014

Demonstrations

Al-‘Arrub R.C.: Posters by military warn residents of retribution should their sons throw stones and Molotov cocktails

The military came to al-'Arrub R.C. twice in recent weeks and put up posters threatening harm to parents of sons who persist in "acts of terrorism" and "disturbances of the peace". Some posters featured photos of the parents, a serious breach of their right to privacy even a case of personal persecution. B’Tselem and ACRI applied to the Legal Advisor of the Judea and Samaria Division demanding that he end the unlawful use of scare tactics and punish the soldiers involved, and also that he inform the troops that such "initiatives" are unlawful.

21 January 2014

The Gaza Strip

Video: So Near and Yet So Far

Nibal Mghari, who lives in Gaza with her husband and children, and her mother, who lives in Jenin, describe the pain and longing of being cut off from each other. A report by HaMoked and B’Tselem explores Palestinians’ right to family life in view of Israel’s isolationist policy, which practically prohibits passage between Gaza and the West Bank, thereby severing families and keeping tens of thousands of people from living normally. Basic features of life–building a family, living with one’s spouse and children and regular contact with the extended family–become a pipedream.

20 January 2014

The Gaza Strip

New report by HaMoked and B’Tselem: “So near and yet so far”

The report explores Palestinians’ right to family life in view of Israel’s isolationist policy, which practically prohibits passage between Gaza and the West Bank, thereby severing families and keeping couples from living normally, if one spouse is from Gaza and the other from the West Bank. Tens of thousands face this impossible reality, whereby Israel intrudes on the most intimate aspects of life. Basic features of life–building a family, living with one’s spouse and children and regular contact with the extended family–become a pipedream.

19 January 2014

Agriculture

No shelter for the 25 residents, including 15 children, of Khirbet 'Ein Karzaliyah

The 25 residents of Khirbet 'Ein Karzaliyah in the northern Jordan Valley have spent the last few nights out in the open, after their homes and sheep-pens were demolished twice this month by the Civil Administration. On 8 Jan. 2014 the Civil Administration demolished all of the structures. The families were given replacement tents by the ICRC, but the authorities dismantled and confiscated them. The families have received no assistance since, and now sleep out in the open. The residents are concerned about rain and the effect it will have on their children and livestock.

16 January 2014

Hebron City Center

Ghost town: A tour of downtown Hebron

Over the past decade downtown Hebron has become a ghost town. Israel has enacted a strict segregationist policy there, enforced by imposing stringent restrictions on Palestinian pedestrians and vehicles, closing shops and businesses, and not safeguarding Palestinians from settler violence. As a result, entire neighborhoods have been deserted. We took a group of American Young Judeans on a tour of downtown Hebron. This was the first time most of them had been to downtown Hebron. Sharon Azran, a photographer and a B’Tselem staff member, joined the tour. Below are some of her photos:

16 January 2014

Hebron City Center

Short documentary by B'Tselem's camera project to be screened at Berlinale Film Festival

“Smile, and the World Will Smile Back”, a documentary film by the al-Haddad family of Hebron made in collaboration with Ehab Tarabieh and Yoav Gross – volunteer photographers in B'Tselem's camera project and filmmakers, respectively – is to be screened as part of the short film competition at the Berlinale International Film Festival. The film documents one winter’s night at the al-Haddad home in Hebron. A group of soldiers arrives for a routine night search there, for reasons unknown to the family. Diaa and Shatha al-Hadaad, brother and sister, pick up the home video camera and record the events as they unfold throughout the night. The soldiers force Diaa to stand facing a wall, saying they won’t leave unless he stops smiling.

15 January 2014

Economic & Social Rights

Control means responsibility: Israel is obliged to allow construction supplies into Gaza

Since it imposed a siege on Gaza in 2007, Israel has allowed almost no construction supplies into Gaza, with the exception of supplies for international projects. The construction sector relied on materials brought in from Egypt through tunnels. After Egyptian President Morsi was overthrown, Egyptian security forces demolished many tunnels, and only three are currently operating. As a result, construction has ground to a halt in Gaza, leaving thousands unemployed. As the land crossings with Israel are now the only route for importing construction materials, the construction needs of the 1.7 million residents of Gaza are not being met. Israel, whose responsibility is heightened by this reality, must instate a new policy that takes into account the needs of Gazan’s residents, not only Israel’s security needs.

14 January 2014

Area C

Israeli Authorities confiscate ICRC tents supplied to residents of Khirbet ‘Ein Karzaliyah

This morning, 13 Jan. Israeli soldiers and Civil Administration officers arrived at Khirbet ‘Ein Karzaliyah, took down six tents the families received from the ICRC and confiscated them, leaving the families again without shelter.This comes a week after the Civil Administration demolished all structures in the small Palestinian community in the Jordan Valley, comprised of 10 adults and 15 children.

13 January 2014

Settler Violence = State Violence

Video: Military accompanies settler attack, ‘Urif, Monday. B’Tselem: Military appears to have served as security entourage for Hilltop Youth

On 6 Jan. 2014, masked settlers arrived at a construction site of a water reservoir being built with USAID funding in the village of ‘Urif,. The settlers smashed the electricity meter at site and threw stones at the home of the Safadi family and the school. The settlers were accompanied by soldiers as well as by at least one armed settler, apparently one of the settlement’s security guards. A video filmed by a local villager shows that the military, which is required to defend Palestinians in the West Bank, in served as a security entourage for the violent settlers. During the incident, the military backed the settlers in their assault on Palestinians and their property.

8 January 2014

Area C

Israeli authorities demolish Palestinian shepherding community in Jordan Valley

This morning (Jan. 8) the Civil Administration demolished all structures in the Palestinian community of Khirbet ‘Ein Karzaliyah in the Jordan Valley, comprised of 10 adults and 15 minors, who have been left with no shelter for themselves or their livestock in the harsh winter weather conditions. B’Tselem Director Jessica Montell said earlier today “Israel has once again forgotten that control entails responsibility. The Jordan Valley cannot be addressed as a merely theoretical issue, discussing its future while completely disregarding the fate of its residents. At the moment, the authorities must set aside their political ambitions and consider the fate of 25 individuals, who do not know how they’ll get through the night and how their flocks, their only source of income and livelihood, will fare.”

8 January 2014

Open-Fire Policy

B’Tselem reviews 2013: 5-year high in number of Palestinian fatalities in West Bank

Three times as many people were killed in the West Bank in 2013 as were in 2012. In contrast to the situation from 2003 to 2012 when most Palestinian fatalities occurred in the Gaza Strip, in 2013 the majority of Palestinian fatalities occurred in the West Bank. B’Tselem Director Jessica Montell said, “The sharp rise in fatalities in the West Bank only serves to intensify concern about lack of accountability. Admittedly, MPIU investigations are now launched almost automatically, yet the essence of the investigative mechanism remains unchanged. It is slow and cumbersome and decisions are made only years after an incident takes place. Such a mechanism, in which practically no one is held accountable for the killing of Palestinians, does not serve as a deterrent and indicates disregard for human life.”

31 December 2013

Area C

Immediate threat of eviction of a Palestinian community in the Jordan Valley

The 25-strong farming and shepherding community of Khirbet 'Ein Karzaliyah faces eviction after the HCJ accepted the State's position that the site was a military training zone and that they were not permanent residents. According to International Humanitarian Law, protected persons may be expelled only for urgent military necessity or to protect the local population. Expulsion for military training does not meet these requirements. The planned eviction is part of an ongoing policy aimed at expelling shepherd communities in the Jordan Valley and taking over the land. B'Tselem calls on the authorities to allow the residents of Khirbet 'Ein Karzaliyah to remain in their homes.

30 December 2013

Administrative Detention

Ahmad Qattamesh released from administrative detention after 2.5 years with no trial

On Thursday, 26 December 2013, Ahmad Qattamesh was released from administrative detention after being held without trial since May 2011. Qattamesh, 61, a writer from al-Bireh, was already held in administrative detention for over four years in the 1990s. International law permits administrative detention only in highly exceptional cases; a restriction blatantly violated by Israel. B’Tselem calls on Israel to release all administrative detainees, or try them with due process if evidence exists against them.

29 December 2013

Agriculture

Olive harvest 2013: Israeli military did not adequately prepare to protect farmers and their groves

B’Tselem documented 27 incidents in which Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, stole olives and vandalized groves. Although the military made arrangements to protect Palestinians and their property during the olive harvest, its preparation was insufficient. In addition, it should be noted that Palestinians’ source of livelihood is harmed also by restrictions on access to groves located in or near settlements. The military must find alternative means of protecting settlements and ensure Palestinians' safe access to cultivate their lands year-round.

26 December 2013

The Gaza Strip

Suspicion: Unlawful firing kills Gaza toddler; Kerem Shalom Crossing closure is collective punishment

B’Tselem's initial inquiries indicates toddler Hala Abu Sbeikhah was killed yesterday after an Israeli tank fired three shells at her home. Hala’s aunt and two young cousins sustained injuries. Deliberate firing at a home occupied by civilians, without warning the inhabitants and ensuring they have vacated the premises, as appears to be the case in this situation, is unlawful. The military must immediately investigate the incident. Israeli military additionally closed Kerem Shalom Crossing, barring agricultural export and necessary fuel imports in a measure which constitutes collective punishment.

25 December 2013