27 july 2016
From top left, clockwise: Mohammad Amaira, Mohammed Fakih, Muaz Fakih, Sahib Fakih. Background: The house where terrorist Mohammed Fakih barricaded himself.
The Shin Bet had no intel on the terror cell responsible for the drive-by earlier this month; in the current wave of terrorism, 39 have been killed and 291 injured; reportedly, many attacks have been thwarted.
The Shin Bet had no intelligence on the terror cell that murdered Rabbi Michael "Miki" Mark in a drive-by shooting earlier this month, even though two of its members served long prison sentences in Israeli prisons.
A day after the attack that claimed Mark's life and left his wife and two of his ten children wounded, the Israeli intelligence agency was able to connect the two—Mohammed Fakih and Mohammad Amaira—and even arrested four accomplices from the Hebron area that helped in the execution of the attack and in hiding them after it.
The attack was more successful than usual for the attackers, with the terrorists taking advantage, much like the terrorists who murdered husband and wife Na'ama and Eitam Henkin in October, of several main factors: the complete freedom of movement Palestinians enjoy on main roads of the West Bank, the easy access to makeshift weapons and the crowded urban Hebron area where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians reside, of them tens of thousands affiliated with Hamas or supportive of it.
Amaira drove the vehicle out of which Fakih opened fire at the Mark family car. He was imprisoned in Israel for four years for his involvement in a shooting attack near the Fawwar refugee camp at the end of the second intifada, and released in 2010.
He was arrested by the Shin Bet in Dura, near Hebron, a few days after the attack on the Mark family.
Amaira, who has been a member of the Palestinian security forces over the past few years, planned the attack on the Mark family as part of a local cell rather than as part of Hamas or Islamic Jihad in the West Bank.
Fakih, who was killed in the village of Surif in an overnight IDF raid, was the one who fired the deadly shots. A member of Islamic Jihad's military wing, he was imprisoned in Israel from 2006 to 2010 after working to set up an explosives lab. The weapon that he used in the attack was a modified rifle, the likes of which are produced in West Bank lathes in large amounts. They are usually sold for intra-Palestinian criminal activity.
The Surif raid was the climax of the three-week-old manhunt during which IDF forces from the Nahal Brigade and special forces, commanded by the officer responsible for the Hebron Brigade, Col. Itzik Cohen, carried out detentions and searches both for persons and weapons in several villages around Hebron. Recently, the car and gun used for the attack were found in Hebron.
39 killed, 291 injured
Shin Bet sources have emphasized that in recent years, and especially since the commencement of the current wave of terrorism in October 2015, dozens of terrorist attacks in the West Bank have been thwarted, including roadside shootings by local cells and organizations belonging to the Islamic Jihad and Hamas.
From October 1, 2015, until July 27, 2016, 317 terrorist attacks and significant attempts at attacks have taken place. Thirty-five Israelis, three foreigners, and one Palestinian have been murdered in those attacks. Two hundred ninety-one persons have been injured.
Inside the Green Line, ten attacks have been carried out by ten terrorists. In the West Bank, 268 attacks have been carried out by 270 terrorists. In Jerusalem, 44 attackers carried out 39 attacks. At this point, 180 stabbings, 97 shootings, 32 car-rammings, and eight other kinds of attacks have taken place.
The Shin Bet also reported regarding the time period of October 1 to May 31 the following: In 2015, 117 shooting attacks were prevented, and 62 in 2016. In 2015, 17 kidnappings were thwarted, and nine were in 2016. Twelve suicide attacks were prevented last year, and a further eleven this year.
The Shin Bet had no intel on the terror cell responsible for the drive-by earlier this month; in the current wave of terrorism, 39 have been killed and 291 injured; reportedly, many attacks have been thwarted.
The Shin Bet had no intelligence on the terror cell that murdered Rabbi Michael "Miki" Mark in a drive-by shooting earlier this month, even though two of its members served long prison sentences in Israeli prisons.
A day after the attack that claimed Mark's life and left his wife and two of his ten children wounded, the Israeli intelligence agency was able to connect the two—Mohammed Fakih and Mohammad Amaira—and even arrested four accomplices from the Hebron area that helped in the execution of the attack and in hiding them after it.
The attack was more successful than usual for the attackers, with the terrorists taking advantage, much like the terrorists who murdered husband and wife Na'ama and Eitam Henkin in October, of several main factors: the complete freedom of movement Palestinians enjoy on main roads of the West Bank, the easy access to makeshift weapons and the crowded urban Hebron area where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians reside, of them tens of thousands affiliated with Hamas or supportive of it.
Amaira drove the vehicle out of which Fakih opened fire at the Mark family car. He was imprisoned in Israel for four years for his involvement in a shooting attack near the Fawwar refugee camp at the end of the second intifada, and released in 2010.
He was arrested by the Shin Bet in Dura, near Hebron, a few days after the attack on the Mark family.
Amaira, who has been a member of the Palestinian security forces over the past few years, planned the attack on the Mark family as part of a local cell rather than as part of Hamas or Islamic Jihad in the West Bank.
Fakih, who was killed in the village of Surif in an overnight IDF raid, was the one who fired the deadly shots. A member of Islamic Jihad's military wing, he was imprisoned in Israel from 2006 to 2010 after working to set up an explosives lab. The weapon that he used in the attack was a modified rifle, the likes of which are produced in West Bank lathes in large amounts. They are usually sold for intra-Palestinian criminal activity.
The Surif raid was the climax of the three-week-old manhunt during which IDF forces from the Nahal Brigade and special forces, commanded by the officer responsible for the Hebron Brigade, Col. Itzik Cohen, carried out detentions and searches both for persons and weapons in several villages around Hebron. Recently, the car and gun used for the attack were found in Hebron.
39 killed, 291 injured
Shin Bet sources have emphasized that in recent years, and especially since the commencement of the current wave of terrorism in October 2015, dozens of terrorist attacks in the West Bank have been thwarted, including roadside shootings by local cells and organizations belonging to the Islamic Jihad and Hamas.
From October 1, 2015, until July 27, 2016, 317 terrorist attacks and significant attempts at attacks have taken place. Thirty-five Israelis, three foreigners, and one Palestinian have been murdered in those attacks. Two hundred ninety-one persons have been injured.
Inside the Green Line, ten attacks have been carried out by ten terrorists. In the West Bank, 268 attacks have been carried out by 270 terrorists. In Jerusalem, 44 attackers carried out 39 attacks. At this point, 180 stabbings, 97 shootings, 32 car-rammings, and eight other kinds of attacks have taken place.
The Shin Bet also reported regarding the time period of October 1 to May 31 the following: In 2015, 117 shooting attacks were prevented, and 62 in 2016. In 2015, 17 kidnappings were thwarted, and nine were in 2016. Twelve suicide attacks were prevented last year, and a further eleven this year.
Israeli Intelligence Service (Shin Bet) claimed that an armed cell affiliated with Hamas Movement’s armed wing al-Qassam Brigades was behind the anti-occupation shooting attack near the illegal settlement of Otniel in earlier July.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Shin Bet claimed that a Shin Bet and Israeli police joint operation has revealed that a cell affiliated with Hamas was behind the shooting attack near Otniel outpost on July 1.
The statement said that Mohamed al-Fakih, head of the armed cell, was shot and killed while another was arrested in a “security operation” that lasted till morning hours Wednesday.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Shin Bet claimed that a Shin Bet and Israeli police joint operation has revealed that a cell affiliated with Hamas was behind the shooting attack near Otniel outpost on July 1.
The statement said that Mohamed al-Fakih, head of the armed cell, was shot and killed while another was arrested in a “security operation” that lasted till morning hours Wednesday.
The Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that Israeli soldiers have kidnapped, on Wednesday at dawn, four Palestinians, including one woman, in Surif town, northeast of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and one Palestinian in Hebron city.
The PPS said that soldiers kidnapped Mohammad Ali al-Heeh, and his wife, in addition to Dia’ Khaled Eghneimat, 25, and Mohammad Ziad Hmeidat, 17.
Al-Heeh is the owner of the home, where Mohammad al-Faqeeh, 29, barricaded himself, before the soldiers exchange fire with him, and fired two missiles into the property, destroying it and leading to his death.
Several Palestinians were also injured during the invasion, after the soldiers fired many live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets, and gas bombs, at local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at them.
The soldiers also kidnapped Rami Mahmoud Abu Ermeila, 25, from his home in Jabal Johar area, in Hebron city.
Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Dr. Saeb Erekat, denounced the Israeli invasion and the acts of collective punishment by the military, especially since the army fired missiles into the al-Heeh family home, and demolished it using armored military bulldozers.
Erekat added that Israel is engaged in ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians through systematic policies aiming at destroying homes, and property, to displace the Palestinians, in addition to isolating entire communities, and escalating the abduction and imprisonment of the Palestinians.
He added that in the last 24 hours, Israel displaced more than 30 Palestinian families in Qalandia, Ras al-‘Amoud and the al-‘Eesawiyya, in occupied Jerusalem, after demolishing their homes.
“The idleness and silence of the International Community is encouraging Israel to continue and escalate its violations against the Palestinians and their property,” Erekat stated, “The Palestinian leadership is constantly submitting the files of these violations to the International Criminal Court, but the International Community must act instantly, provide our people with the needed protection, and hold Israel accountable for its crimes.”
The PPS said that soldiers kidnapped Mohammad Ali al-Heeh, and his wife, in addition to Dia’ Khaled Eghneimat, 25, and Mohammad Ziad Hmeidat, 17.
Al-Heeh is the owner of the home, where Mohammad al-Faqeeh, 29, barricaded himself, before the soldiers exchange fire with him, and fired two missiles into the property, destroying it and leading to his death.
Several Palestinians were also injured during the invasion, after the soldiers fired many live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets, and gas bombs, at local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at them.
The soldiers also kidnapped Rami Mahmoud Abu Ermeila, 25, from his home in Jabal Johar area, in Hebron city.
Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Dr. Saeb Erekat, denounced the Israeli invasion and the acts of collective punishment by the military, especially since the army fired missiles into the al-Heeh family home, and demolished it using armored military bulldozers.
Erekat added that Israel is engaged in ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians through systematic policies aiming at destroying homes, and property, to displace the Palestinians, in addition to isolating entire communities, and escalating the abduction and imprisonment of the Palestinians.
He added that in the last 24 hours, Israel displaced more than 30 Palestinian families in Qalandia, Ras al-‘Amoud and the al-‘Eesawiyya, in occupied Jerusalem, after demolishing their homes.
“The idleness and silence of the International Community is encouraging Israel to continue and escalate its violations against the Palestinians and their property,” Erekat stated, “The Palestinian leadership is constantly submitting the files of these violations to the International Criminal Court, but the International Community must act instantly, provide our people with the needed protection, and hold Israel accountable for its crimes.”
According to a statement by the Israeli military and security forces, the Palestinian who was killed, earlier on Wednesday at dawn, in Surif town, in the southern West Bank district of Hebron, was reportedly the shooter who killed an Israeli settler in Hebron last month. The army also said the soldiers arrested two Palestinians involved in the attack.
Israeli TV Channel Two said the attack was carried out by members of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, who were in a car that sped away after the shooting.
It added that the main person behind the deadly shooting attack was Mohammad al-Faqeeh, 29, who was killed, earlier on Wednesday at dawn, following armed clashes with the soldiers after they surrounded a Palestinian home in Surif, before the soldiers fired two missiles into the property.
The Israeli army said its soldiers also arrested two Palestinians, including the person who drove the vehicle, in addition to arresting several other Palestinians. It added that the car that was used in the shooting attack, was also located.
The Israeli Internal Security Services said al-Faqeeh, from Doura nearby town, was previously arrested and imprisoned for his affiliation to the Islamic Jihad, before he became an active member of the Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas.
Another Palestinian, Mohammad Abdul-Majid Amayra, who was also arrested at dawn, is believed to be the driver of the vehicle, while several other Palestinians were also taken prisoner reportedly for aiding the assailants.
The shooting led to the death of an Israeli settler, identified as Michael Mark, 48, while his wife, Chava, was critically wounded, and their two daughters, Pedaya, 15, and Tehilla, 14, suffered moderate and mild wounds.
Israeli TV Channel Two said the attack was carried out by members of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, who were in a car that sped away after the shooting.
It added that the main person behind the deadly shooting attack was Mohammad al-Faqeeh, 29, who was killed, earlier on Wednesday at dawn, following armed clashes with the soldiers after they surrounded a Palestinian home in Surif, before the soldiers fired two missiles into the property.
The Israeli army said its soldiers also arrested two Palestinians, including the person who drove the vehicle, in addition to arresting several other Palestinians. It added that the car that was used in the shooting attack, was also located.
The Israeli Internal Security Services said al-Faqeeh, from Doura nearby town, was previously arrested and imprisoned for his affiliation to the Islamic Jihad, before he became an active member of the Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas.
Another Palestinian, Mohammad Abdul-Majid Amayra, who was also arrested at dawn, is believed to be the driver of the vehicle, while several other Palestinians were also taken prisoner reportedly for aiding the assailants.
The shooting led to the death of an Israeli settler, identified as Michael Mark, 48, while his wife, Chava, was critically wounded, and their two daughters, Pedaya, 15, and Tehilla, 14, suffered moderate and mild wounds.
Mohammad al-Faqeeh 29
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded, on Wednesday at dawn, the town of Surif, northwest of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and fired missiles into a home, before bulldozing it, leading to the death of one Palestinian, who was barricaded in the property for more than six hours, and exchanged fire with the army.
The head of Surif Local Council Mohammad Lafi said the soldiers located the remains of the slain Palestinian, who was later identified as Mohammad al-Faqeeh, 29, and took placed his body in one of their vehicles before driving away.
He added that at least seven Palestinians were injured in clashes that took place between the invading soldiers and local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles at the army, while the soldiers fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs.
The soldiers are now completely surrounding Surif, after they declared it a closed military zone, preventing the Palestinians from entering or leaving it.
Updated From: Israeli Soldiers Detonate A Home In Surif, Near Hebron – Jul 27, 2016 @ 08:25
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded, on Tuesday at dawn, Surif town, northwest of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and fired missiles into a home, before bulldozing and demolishing it.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers surrounded the property, and used loud speakers demanding a Palestinian to surrender.
An exchange of fire took place between the soldiers, and a person who was barricaded in the home, before the army fired at least two missiles into it.
The property in question is a three-story building in Wad Jaddour area, in Surif, and is owned by a Palestinian identified as Mohammad al-Heeh.
The army placed Surif under complete siege, declared it a closed military zone, and said the Palestinian is wanted for the military and security services.
The head of Surif Local Council, Mohammad Lafi Eghneimat, said that the soldiers also cut electricity supplies to Surif and al-Jab’a nearby village, before pushing many armored vehicles into them.
The invasion also led to clashes between the soldiers and many local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles on the military vehicles, while the army fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs.
Medical sources in Surif said seven Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets and live rounds; three of them were moved to a hospital, while many others suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded, on Wednesday at dawn, the town of Surif, northwest of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and fired missiles into a home, before bulldozing it, leading to the death of one Palestinian, who was barricaded in the property for more than six hours, and exchanged fire with the army.
The head of Surif Local Council Mohammad Lafi said the soldiers located the remains of the slain Palestinian, who was later identified as Mohammad al-Faqeeh, 29, and took placed his body in one of their vehicles before driving away.
He added that at least seven Palestinians were injured in clashes that took place between the invading soldiers and local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles at the army, while the soldiers fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs.
The soldiers are now completely surrounding Surif, after they declared it a closed military zone, preventing the Palestinians from entering or leaving it.
Updated From: Israeli Soldiers Detonate A Home In Surif, Near Hebron – Jul 27, 2016 @ 08:25
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded, on Tuesday at dawn, Surif town, northwest of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and fired missiles into a home, before bulldozing and demolishing it.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers surrounded the property, and used loud speakers demanding a Palestinian to surrender.
An exchange of fire took place between the soldiers, and a person who was barricaded in the home, before the army fired at least two missiles into it.
The property in question is a three-story building in Wad Jaddour area, in Surif, and is owned by a Palestinian identified as Mohammad al-Heeh.
The army placed Surif under complete siege, declared it a closed military zone, and said the Palestinian is wanted for the military and security services.
The head of Surif Local Council, Mohammad Lafi Eghneimat, said that the soldiers also cut electricity supplies to Surif and al-Jab’a nearby village, before pushing many armored vehicles into them.
The invasion also led to clashes between the soldiers and many local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles on the military vehicles, while the army fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and gas bombs.
Medical sources in Surif said seven Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated steel bullets and live rounds; three of them were moved to a hospital, while many others suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation.
25 july 2016
UNRWA is deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact of the closure applied by the Israeli authorities in the Hebron district, affecting in particular Fawwar refugee camp.
The closure was implemented following a series of violent incidents that took place before the end of Ramadan in which two Israelis were killed: a stabbing attack in Kiryat Arba settlement on the outskirts of Hebron killing a 13-year old Israeli girl in her home (30 June), a drive-by shooting attack on Road 60, south of Hebron (1 July), and two separate stabbing attacks in Hebron (30 June and 1 July).
The United Nations, including the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has repeatedly condemned in the strongest terms, all such attacks. The UN condemns all violence impacting Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
Since the beginning of the closure, the main entrance of Fawwar camp has been closed for 25 consecutive days affecting approximately 9,500 refugees in Fawwar camp. These closures create serious challenges for UNRWA’s humanitarian access, including the delivery of medical supplies, the removal of refuse from the camps, and the daily movement of Agency staff working inside the camp.
The closure has impacted the population both socially, economically, and places an increased health risk for camp residents. The main entrance is closed to vehicles, which has impacted camp residents’ ability to report to their work outside the camp. The entrance can still be used by pedestrians, yet the extra distance that many have to travel due to avoid closures incurs additional expenses impacting their already bleak financial situation. UNRWA is also concerned about the disruption to the supply chain increasing the costs of basic commodities inside the camp.
UNRWA West Bank Field Director, Scott Anderson, visited the area on 19 July and was granted exceptional access through Fawwar main entrance only after coordination with the Israeli authorities. Following his visit, he stated “I condemn the closure as it collectively punishes the Fawwar camp residents.
This is all the more disturbing when Fawwar camp residents – a refugee couple – were the first to respond to the Israeli family following the drive-by shooting incident, providing them with first aid before the arrival of the ambulances. While echoing the UN’s repeated statements condemning violence against civilians, I call upon the Israeli authorities to refrain from collectively punishing innocent people for the acts of others.” UNRWA will continue to liaise with the Israeli authorities to request passage of medical supplies in the camp in order to ensure the continuous supply of medicines and vaccinations for its health clinic.
International law prohibits the imposition of collective punishment in occupied territories. Art. 33(1) of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a party and which applies to occupied territories, provides that “no person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed.” This prohibition is considered absolute without any reservation regarding military necessity. Accordingly, UNRWA calls upon the Israeli authorities to put an end to the closures in the West Bank and to ensure unimpeded access for UNRWA staff and humanitarian assistance across the West Bank, thereby also safeguarding UNRWA’s humanitarian space.
christopher gunness | spokesperson, director of advocacy and strategic communications
unrwa | office of the commissioner general | jerusalem
t: +972 2 589 0267 | m: +972 54 240 2659 | f: +972 2 589 0240
e: [email protected] | skype: chrisrobertgunness l Twitter: @ChrisGunness
The closure was implemented following a series of violent incidents that took place before the end of Ramadan in which two Israelis were killed: a stabbing attack in Kiryat Arba settlement on the outskirts of Hebron killing a 13-year old Israeli girl in her home (30 June), a drive-by shooting attack on Road 60, south of Hebron (1 July), and two separate stabbing attacks in Hebron (30 June and 1 July).
The United Nations, including the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has repeatedly condemned in the strongest terms, all such attacks. The UN condemns all violence impacting Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
Since the beginning of the closure, the main entrance of Fawwar camp has been closed for 25 consecutive days affecting approximately 9,500 refugees in Fawwar camp. These closures create serious challenges for UNRWA’s humanitarian access, including the delivery of medical supplies, the removal of refuse from the camps, and the daily movement of Agency staff working inside the camp.
The closure has impacted the population both socially, economically, and places an increased health risk for camp residents. The main entrance is closed to vehicles, which has impacted camp residents’ ability to report to their work outside the camp. The entrance can still be used by pedestrians, yet the extra distance that many have to travel due to avoid closures incurs additional expenses impacting their already bleak financial situation. UNRWA is also concerned about the disruption to the supply chain increasing the costs of basic commodities inside the camp.
UNRWA West Bank Field Director, Scott Anderson, visited the area on 19 July and was granted exceptional access through Fawwar main entrance only after coordination with the Israeli authorities. Following his visit, he stated “I condemn the closure as it collectively punishes the Fawwar camp residents.
This is all the more disturbing when Fawwar camp residents – a refugee couple – were the first to respond to the Israeli family following the drive-by shooting incident, providing them with first aid before the arrival of the ambulances. While echoing the UN’s repeated statements condemning violence against civilians, I call upon the Israeli authorities to refrain from collectively punishing innocent people for the acts of others.” UNRWA will continue to liaise with the Israeli authorities to request passage of medical supplies in the camp in order to ensure the continuous supply of medicines and vaccinations for its health clinic.
International law prohibits the imposition of collective punishment in occupied territories. Art. 33(1) of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a party and which applies to occupied territories, provides that “no person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed.” This prohibition is considered absolute without any reservation regarding military necessity. Accordingly, UNRWA calls upon the Israeli authorities to put an end to the closures in the West Bank and to ensure unimpeded access for UNRWA staff and humanitarian assistance across the West Bank, thereby also safeguarding UNRWA’s humanitarian space.
christopher gunness | spokesperson, director of advocacy and strategic communications
unrwa | office of the commissioner general | jerusalem
t: +972 2 589 0267 | m: +972 54 240 2659 | f: +972 2 589 0240
e: [email protected] | skype: chrisrobertgunness l Twitter: @ChrisGunness
24 july 2016
The Israeli High Court ruled for the misappropriation of 100 dunums of Palestinian lands in al-Khalil’s southern town of Yatta, in the southern occupied West Bank.
Coordinator for the local anti-settlement committee, Rateb al-Jabour, said the Israeli Supreme Court turned down an appeal filed by the Palestinian citizen Hussein al-Hamamdeh to cancel the confiscation order.
The Israeli court claimed the targeted lands are abandoned tracts and that the occupation authorities have the right to seize them in favor of Israeli settlers.
Land expert Abdul Hadi Hantash said the Israeli occupation authorities have held sway over one million and 300,000 dunums of Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank and registered them as “state property” under the pretext that they are abandoned.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Yatta and a human rights group have petitioned the High Court of Justice in order to have the army lift the blockade imposed on the West Bank town of Yatta.
The closure was imposed on June 9 after it was found that the perpetrators of the anti-occupation attack on the Sarona Market in Tel Aviv had come from Yatta.
A court rule is expected to be issued Wednesday over the appeal. The army initially completely blocked off all 12 entrances and exits from the town before they opened them a few days later.
On July 2 and following an anti-occupation shooting attack near Road 60, the army reimposed a cordon on the area and blockaded Palestinians’ movement in and out.
A home to 70,000 Palestinians, Yatta has been subjected to a tough blockade. Civilians could not reach hospitals while others failed to get to their workplaces as a result of the closure.
Coordinator for the local anti-settlement committee, Rateb al-Jabour, said the Israeli Supreme Court turned down an appeal filed by the Palestinian citizen Hussein al-Hamamdeh to cancel the confiscation order.
The Israeli court claimed the targeted lands are abandoned tracts and that the occupation authorities have the right to seize them in favor of Israeli settlers.
Land expert Abdul Hadi Hantash said the Israeli occupation authorities have held sway over one million and 300,000 dunums of Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank and registered them as “state property” under the pretext that they are abandoned.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Yatta and a human rights group have petitioned the High Court of Justice in order to have the army lift the blockade imposed on the West Bank town of Yatta.
The closure was imposed on June 9 after it was found that the perpetrators of the anti-occupation attack on the Sarona Market in Tel Aviv had come from Yatta.
A court rule is expected to be issued Wednesday over the appeal. The army initially completely blocked off all 12 entrances and exits from the town before they opened them a few days later.
On July 2 and following an anti-occupation shooting attack near Road 60, the army reimposed a cordon on the area and blockaded Palestinians’ movement in and out.
A home to 70,000 Palestinians, Yatta has been subjected to a tough blockade. Civilians could not reach hospitals while others failed to get to their workplaces as a result of the closure.
23 july 2016
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Saturday raided different homes and handed summonses from the Shin Bet during campaigns in different West Bank areas.
In Jenin, a large number of Israeli troops stormed Sanur town and handed four Palestinians summonses for interrogation from the Shin Bet in Salem military base.
Local sources said the occupation troops combed areas in the town and established a makeshift checkpoint at its entrance. In al-Khalil, Israeli soldiers aboard armored vehicles invaded Dura town and ransacked several homes, without making arrests.
One of the homes that had been raided by soldiers belonged to prisoner Mohamed Abdul-Majid, who works for the Palestinian Authority national security apparatus.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that an Israeli officer handed the family of Abdul-Majid a military demolition order against their house, without stating when this would happen.
The Shin Bet has accused Abdul-Majid of carrying out the shooting attack in early July that killed a rabbi and injured three members of his family near Deir Razeh town and Otniel settlement in al-Khalil.
The IOF soldiers also broke into and ransacked homes in Beit Awwa town in al-Khalil. Meanwhile, clashes broke out between local young men and soldiers during an IOF dawn campaign in Sa'ir town, northeast of al-Khalil.
Several homes and buildings were raided, with no reported arrests, in the town.
In Jenin, a large number of Israeli troops stormed Sanur town and handed four Palestinians summonses for interrogation from the Shin Bet in Salem military base.
Local sources said the occupation troops combed areas in the town and established a makeshift checkpoint at its entrance. In al-Khalil, Israeli soldiers aboard armored vehicles invaded Dura town and ransacked several homes, without making arrests.
One of the homes that had been raided by soldiers belonged to prisoner Mohamed Abdul-Majid, who works for the Palestinian Authority national security apparatus.
Local sources told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that an Israeli officer handed the family of Abdul-Majid a military demolition order against their house, without stating when this would happen.
The Shin Bet has accused Abdul-Majid of carrying out the shooting attack in early July that killed a rabbi and injured three members of his family near Deir Razeh town and Otniel settlement in al-Khalil.
The IOF soldiers also broke into and ransacked homes in Beit Awwa town in al-Khalil. Meanwhile, clashes broke out between local young men and soldiers during an IOF dawn campaign in Sa'ir town, northeast of al-Khalil.
Several homes and buildings were raided, with no reported arrests, in the town.
19 july 2016
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Tuesday at dawn, one Palestinian near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, searched a store and many homes in Hebron city, Yatta and Doura town.
The Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the soldiers kidnapped Mohammad Ali Ballout, from Bani Neim, after he was summoned for interrogation in the Etzion military base, for interrogation.
The army searched many homes in Hebron city, Wadi Sour area in Doura town, southwest of Hebron, and Yatta town, south of Hebron.
The soldiers also invaded a store for electric supplies and confiscated its surveillance tapes and equipment.
In addition, the army continued the strict siege on the towns of Sa’ir, Shiokh, Bani Neim and Yatta, after sealing them with concrete blocks, sand hills and roadblocks nineteen days ago.
The closure also includes several villages and towns in the Hebron district, in addition to many neighborhoods in the Hebron city.
Hebron’s northern entrance (al-Fahs area), and its northern entrance (Jouret Bahlas) remained closed with iron gates and sand hills.
The Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has reported that the soldiers kidnapped Mohammad Ali Ballout, from Bani Neim, after he was summoned for interrogation in the Etzion military base, for interrogation.
The army searched many homes in Hebron city, Wadi Sour area in Doura town, southwest of Hebron, and Yatta town, south of Hebron.
The soldiers also invaded a store for electric supplies and confiscated its surveillance tapes and equipment.
In addition, the army continued the strict siege on the towns of Sa’ir, Shiokh, Bani Neim and Yatta, after sealing them with concrete blocks, sand hills and roadblocks nineteen days ago.
The closure also includes several villages and towns in the Hebron district, in addition to many neighborhoods in the Hebron city.
Hebron’s northern entrance (al-Fahs area), and its northern entrance (Jouret Bahlas) remained closed with iron gates and sand hills.
18 july 2016
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Monday at dawn, several Palestinian areas in the southern West Bank district of Hebron, searched many homes and kidnapped at least three Palestinians.
In Hebron city, the soldiers invaded and searched a number of homes, interrogated many Palestinians, and kidnapped one, identified as Nabil Kamel al-Ja’bari.
The soldiers also invaded Bani Neim town, east of Hebron, searched homes and kidnapped Mohammad Hussein al-Hjouj, 20, while another Palestinian, identified as Shaddad Hammouda Sharha, was kidnapped from his home in Doura town, south of Hebron.
The army also continued its strict siege on the towns of Sa’ir, Shiokh, Yatta and Bani Neim, in addition to several other Palestinian villages and communities in the district.
In addition, the soldiers installed a military roadblock in Farsh al-Hawa area, west of Hebron, searched cars and interrogated many Palestinians while examining their ID cards.
It is worth mentioning that the southern entrance of Hebron city, al-Fahs area, and its northern entrance, Jouret Bahlas, remained completely sealed by concrete blocks, iron gates and sand hills for the eighteenth consecutive day.
In Hebron city, the soldiers invaded and searched a number of homes, interrogated many Palestinians, and kidnapped one, identified as Nabil Kamel al-Ja’bari.
The soldiers also invaded Bani Neim town, east of Hebron, searched homes and kidnapped Mohammad Hussein al-Hjouj, 20, while another Palestinian, identified as Shaddad Hammouda Sharha, was kidnapped from his home in Doura town, south of Hebron.
The army also continued its strict siege on the towns of Sa’ir, Shiokh, Yatta and Bani Neim, in addition to several other Palestinian villages and communities in the district.
In addition, the soldiers installed a military roadblock in Farsh al-Hawa area, west of Hebron, searched cars and interrogated many Palestinians while examining their ID cards.
It is worth mentioning that the southern entrance of Hebron city, al-Fahs area, and its northern entrance, Jouret Bahlas, remained completely sealed by concrete blocks, iron gates and sand hills for the eighteenth consecutive day.
17 july 2016
It has been 17 days since the Israeli occupation army imposed a tight blockade on al-Khalil province in response to attacks that were carried out against Israelis by local young men.
All main roads leading to al-Khalil city as well as its towns, villages and refugee camps have been blocked or closed by the Israeli army, especially in areas near settlements.
Simultaneously, daily arrest campaigns and raids on homes take place in different areas of al-Khalil.
The right-wing Israeli government decided to impose a wide-ranging closure on the West Bank city of al-Khalil and its environs on the first of July following a sudden upsurge in Palestinian attacks against settlers.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian citizens have been affected by this Israeli punitive closure.
All main roads leading to al-Khalil city as well as its towns, villages and refugee camps have been blocked or closed by the Israeli army, especially in areas near settlements.
Simultaneously, daily arrest campaigns and raids on homes take place in different areas of al-Khalil.
The right-wing Israeli government decided to impose a wide-ranging closure on the West Bank city of al-Khalil and its environs on the first of July following a sudden upsurge in Palestinian attacks against settlers.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian citizens have been affected by this Israeli punitive closure.
15 july 2016
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) re-closed Thursday evening the northern entrance to al-Khalil south of the West Bank.
Local sources affirmed that Israeli forces closed the northern entrance to the city with concrete roadblocks and earth mounds, blocking the residents’ movement in both directions.
Israeli forces have earlier imposed tight restrictions and a security cordon on al-Khalil after a local resident carried out an anti-occupation attack in early July.
Israel’s punitive measures came as part of collective punishment policy which has been widely condemned by the international community and human rights organizations.
Local sources affirmed that Israeli forces closed the northern entrance to the city with concrete roadblocks and earth mounds, blocking the residents’ movement in both directions.
Israeli forces have earlier imposed tight restrictions and a security cordon on al-Khalil after a local resident carried out an anti-occupation attack in early July.
Israel’s punitive measures came as part of collective punishment policy which has been widely condemned by the international community and human rights organizations.