Updates

B’Tselem recorded 5 fatalities and 55 injuries recently, all of Palestinian uninvolved in hostilities near the Gaza perimeter fence. Although the military refuses to publish the relevant open-fire regulations, statements by officials indicate the possibility that lethal fire might be permitted even in cases of civilians who pose no danger. As Gazans use the area near the fence for various civilian needs, it cannot be regarded exclusively as a combat zone. The military must institute open-fire regulations that take this reality into account.

In an op-ed in the Jerusalem Post, B'Tselem's Director draws a link between the diplomatic negotiations regarding the future of the Jordan Valley and the alarming increase in Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes: " This is not only a political and diplomatic issue. It is also a legal and humanitarian issue… The theoretical debate about the future of the Jordan Valley has a tangible effect on the ground, with families spending the winter without shelter."

On 30 Jan. 2014 Israeli authorities demolished all the structures of Kh. Um al-Jamal, a small shepherding community in the northern Jordan Valley, citing allegedly unlawful construction. International law allows expelling residents of an occupied territory from their homes only for urgent military needs or for the purpose of protecting the local population. The expulsion must be temporary and reasonable alternative accommodation must be provided. Israel must allow the residents rebuild their homes and remain on the land the military wants them to leave.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.