5. Human Rights

Israeli forces injure ten Palestinians in the West Bank and another one in Gaza. Demolition of residences results in the displacement of 15 people. Tunnels claim one life Gaza. Exports remain limited to certain agricultural produce.

Almost 1,100 Palestinians, over half children, were displaced due to home demolitions by Israeli forces in 2011, over 80% more than in 2010. The forced displacement of Palestinian families and the destruction of civilian homes and other property by Israeli forces in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have a serious humanitarian impact. Israel, as the occupying power in the West Bank, has the obligation to protect Palestinian civilians and to administer the territory for their benefit.

This week, Israeli forces injure 15 Palestinians throughout the oPt. Settlers injure another three Palestinians. 12 Palestinian-owned structures, including nine related to a source of livelihood for Palestinian families, were demolished. In Gaza, there are concerns over death sentences and suppression of civil liberties. Limited agricultural produce leaves Gaza.

2011 was characterized by a lack of respect for IHL and IHR. Israeli settlement activity accelerated, with an almost 20% increase in new ‘starts’ for housing units, compared to 2010. Almost 1,100 Palestinians were forcibly displaced as a result of the demolition of over 620 structures. Two thirds of all Palestinian casualties in WB occurred in the context of attacks by Israeli settlers or during clashes with Israeli forces at demonstrations protesting settlement takeover of land.

This week, Israeli forces injure 18 Palestinians and settlers injure another five in the West Bank. Three houses were demolished in a Jordan Valley community. Access to the herding community of Khan al Ahmar blocked. In Gaza, a worker was killed and another injured while inside a tunnel. Supplies for critical patients enough for more than a month were received. Limited agricultural produce leaves Gaza.

Settlements are illegal under international law. The seizure of land for settlement building and future expansion has resulted in the shrinking of space available for Palestinians to sustain their livelihoods and develop adequate housing, basic infrastructure and services. The failure to respect international law, along with the lack of lack of adequate law enforcement vis-à-vis settler violence and takeover of land has led to a state of impunity, which encourages further violence and undermines the physical security and livelihoods of Palestinians.

During the two-week reporting period, Israeli forces kill two Palestinians in Gaza and injure dozens throughout the oPt. In the West Bank, another four Palestinians injured by settlers. The Israeli authorities demolished 40 Palestinian-owned structures, the majority of which were water-related structures. Also in Gaza, the Israeli authorities bulldozed some of the remaining infrastructure at Karni commercial crossing. Limited agricultural produce continue to be allowed out of Gaza.

This month, more than 90% of 40 demolitions by Israeli authorities targeted Bedouin communities in JV and surrounding Jerusalem. In Gaza, 4 truckloads of strawberries exported to European markets. 90% decline in sardine catch compared to 2008 in Gaza. The Israeli authorities approved 15 new building projects to be implemented by international organizations in Gaza, and allowed entry of limited materials for private-sector factories.