During the month of August 2016, the Israeli violations against Palestinian continued. Where the Israeli Occupation Authorities imposed more sanctions on the Palestinians in all parts of the occupied territory. For that, the Israeli bulldozers uprooted tens of trees, razed agricultural lands, and demolished Palestinian houses and structures, under a flimsy pretexts.
Moreover, the Israeli occupation Authorities issued dozens of demolition orders that targeted Palestinian houses and structures, and an additional orders were issued to confiscate Palestinian lands to serve the Israeli colonial expansion projects in the oPt.
Furthermore the storming and searching Palestinian houses and structures took place in several areas in the occupied West Bank, which led to arrest tens of Palestinians, while , clashes erupted between Palestinians and the Israeli Army, causing a number of injuries.
During the month of August the approval and deceleration of new settlement plans were increased and reached an unprecedented levels:
On the 9th of August, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem declared a new settlement plan to construct about 2500 new residential units on 280 dunums of land at the southeastern part of the illegal Israeli settlement of Gilo, north of Bethlehem Governorate.
On the other hand the Israeli Authorities informed the Israeli High Court of Justice that they started to survey Palestinian lands in Khallit An Nahla area, south of Bethlehem city, to declare it “State land”. Where the targeted land located between the illegal Israeli Settlement of Efrat, which located within the Israeli settlement bloc of “Gush Etzion”, and the area planned to use for the construction of the newly settlement of “Givat Haitem”.
On the 10th of August 2016, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem discussed a new plan to construct a Synagogue and a pool in an area in Jabal Al Mukabir town, south of Jerusalem city, where the Israeli Authorities will confiscate Palestinian land for the implementing of the new project.
On the 11th of August 2016, the so-called Planning and Construction Committee in the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem approved a new plan to construct 62 colonial housing units in the Israeli settlement of Pisgat Ze’ev, north of Jerusalem city. According to the plan, the Israeli authorities will construct two buildings each one consist of 9 floors.
While on the 14th of August, the Planning and Construction committee approved a huge plan to construct 4200 housing units in the illegal Israeli settlement of Modi’in, at the western part of Ramallah and Al Bireh Governorate. According to the plan, and in addition to the construction of housing units, the Israeli authorities will also construct commercial and educational buildings. The proposed project will take place on 1140 dunums of land.
On the 14th of August, the Mekorot Israeli water company drilled a new water well in the illegal Israeli settlement of Ariel, which can provide the settlers with 4,500 cubic meters of water daily.
On the 15th of August 2016, the Israeli Civil Administration declared its intention to advance 'Strategic Plan' to develop the illegal Israeli settlements located in the south Hebron Hills. This plan included the construction of housing units, health centers, and industrial projects.
Moreover, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem approved an old plan to build 700 housing units in Ramot settlement, north of Jerusalem city, by adding 56 new housing units.
Furthermore, on the 22nd of August 2016, the Israeli Occupation Authorities revealed on a new plan to expand the illegal settlement in Hebron city, by preparing a plan to build 28 new housing units in the city.
While on the 24th of August, the Israeli Civil Administration submitted the plan No. 149/10 in the Tzufim settlement, east of Qalqiliyah city. The new aforementioned plan aims to change the status of the land in Khirbet Nofal and Ash Shillen areas in Jayyus village, east of Qalqiliyah city, from agricultural area to area used for the construction of residential and public buildings, open areas and road networks.
On the 25th of August 2016, the Israeli Civil Administration submitted the Town Planning Scheme No. 117/17, that targeted Karni Shomron settlement, east of Qalqiliyah city. According to the new colonial plan, the Israeli Authorities will change the status of the land in Hariq Dous, Ad Dhohor, and Ar Rasef areas in Kafr Laqif village, and Ad Dahir area in Hajja village, east of Qalqiliyah city, from agricultural areas to area used for the construction of industrial area, open area and roads.
Moreover, the Israeli Civil Administration also, submitted the Town Planning Scheme No. 131/15 to expand the illegal Israeli settlement of Kfar Tapuah, northeast of Salfit Governorate. The new plan will modify the classification of the land in Jabal Abu Swir area in Yasuf village, from residential area type “A” to residential area type “A 1”
On the 29th of August, the Israeli weekly newspaper of “Kool Ha’ir” revealed that a number of illegal Israeli settlements in the oPt witnessing construction and expansion activities. Where the construction ongoing to build 325 housing units in Pisgat Ze’ev settlement, 149 housing units in Har Homa, 78 housing units in Neve Yacouv, 96 housing units in Modi’in settlement in addition to the construction of commercial stores and national parks, etc.
Where in Modi’in settlement, west of Ramallah city, the newspaper revealed that the construction ongoing to build a commercial center and residential complex between Menahem Begen neighborhood, near the road links to al Latroun, and the Israeli bypass road No. 443. The project implemented on 8400 square meters of land , and the Euro Israel company supervised the construction, which investment 50 million shekel to implement this project which included the construction of a building consist of 2 floors, public park, underground parking capacity about 230 cars. More than that and in Modi’in settlement, the so-called Dona Israeli construction company supervised the implementation of “Private Park” which consist of 96 housing units, distributed on 12 buildings, each one consist of 4 floors with 8 housing units only. According to the Israeli recourse, the project focused on the establishment of “new colonial neighborhood” which include park and playground for the children.
In Neve Yacov settlement, north of Jerusalem city, the Kool Ha’ir weekly newspaper provided that the construction underway to implement a project to build 78 housing units distributed on 4 buildings, where each building consist of 9 floors.
And in Pisgat Ze’ev settlement, north of Jerusalem city, the “A. Ahroun” company will start the implemention of “Pisgat Ze’ev Park” project, with the aim of constructing 78 housing units distributed on three huge buildings. The company also declared that they sold out 21 housing units in the project. Also in Pisgat Ze’ev settlement, the Tsarvi Shomron company will start soon to market the new project in “Moshi Dayan” neighborhood, which consist of 260 colonial housing units.
The Tasrvi Shomron company also, declared that they finished the construction of the second building in “Tasrvi project” in the illegal Israeli settlement of Har Homa, north of Bethlehem city. The project includes the building of 142 housing units distributed on 3 buildings, each on consist of 9 floors. Also, the Abisero construction company continues the construction of 27 housing units on 4 dunums of land in Har Homa settlement. In addition, the Euro Israeli Company implemented the project to construct 122 new housing units in Har Homa.
Furthermore on the 31st o August 2016, the Planning and Construction company in the Israeli Civil Administration approved a new plans to construct 463 housing units in four illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The approval disturbed as follow: the Israeli Authorities approved a plan to build 20 housing units in Givat Ze’ev settlement, north of Jerusalem city. The approval on plan to build 30 housing units in Beit Arye settlement, northwest of Ramallah city. Retroactively approved the construction of 179 housing units in Ofraim settlement, northwest of Ramallah city. Also, the Israeli Authorities approved the construction of 234 housing units in Elkana settlement, west of Salfit governorate.
The Demolition campaign Escalated… Israel demolished more than 50 houses and 35 structures in several areas in the oPt
During the month of August 2016, the Israeli Occupation bulldozers demolished in total 55 houses and 38 structures in several areas in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Where, as usual, the Israeli authorities claimed that the targeted houses and structures, which located in areas controlled by the Israeli Authorities, were built without the Israeli permits.
The most affected governorate by the Israeli demolition campaign was Hebron, where the Israeli bulldozers demolished 21 houses and 7 structures (agricultural, commercial, and animal sheds). The demolition campaign distributed on the following areas: in Yatta town, the Israeli bulldozers demolished two houses and two water wells. In Sair town, 8 houses were demolished in Jourt Al Khail area. In Umm Al Khair area,east of Yatta town, 7 houses and a structure were demolished. Moreover, the demolition campaign targeted agricultural structures in Frush Al Hawa village, and a house in Dura town and Al Fawar refugee camp.
While in Jericho Governorate, the Israeli Occupation bulldozers demolished 18 houses and 7 other structures. In Arab Al Ka’abnah Bedouin community in Al Mu’arajat area, north of Jericho city, the Israeli bulldozers demolished 7 residential structures and three animal sheds. 8 residential structures and two animal sheds where demolished in An Nuwei’ma village, north of Jericho city. Also, the Israeli Occupation bulldozers demolished a residential tent, a house and an animal shed in Al Jiftlik village, north of Jericho city. in addition, an under construction barracks was demolished in Al Fasaiyel village.
In Jerusalem Governorate, the Israeli demolition campaign targeted 12 houses and 13 structures, distributed on the following areas: Sur Baher; a commercial structure, a room, two barracks and a house were demolished. In An- Nabi Samwil village, north of Jerusalem city; three barracks were demolished. In Silwan town; a Palestinian house, two under construction houses and two retaining walls were demolished. In Jabal Al Mukaber town, south of Jerusalem city, the Israeli bulldozers demolished a stable. While in Anata town, northeast of Jerusalem city; a motor Show was demolished. And in Al Maghazi Bedouin community in Jaba village, northeast of Jerusalem city, the Israeli bulldozers demolished 6 residential structures and two animal sheds. In As Sawahra Ash Sharqiya village, southeast of Jerusalem, the Israeli bulldozers demolished a steel workshop.
Israeli Demolition/ Halt construction orders targeted 59 houses and structures
In additional to the Israeli demolition campaign that targeted tens of Palestinian houses and structures in several areas in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli Authorities, also, issue demolition/ halt construction orders that targeted in total 59 houses and structures, under the pretext of the lacking of building permits.
Where in Jerusalem Governorate, the Israeli occupation Authorities issued demolition orders that targeted 23 houses and structures in several areas in the Governorate: three mobile houses in Jabal Al Baba Bedouin community and 8 mobile houses in Abu Nawara Bedouin community near Al Eaziriya town, east of Jerusalem city. And 7 houses, a residential barracks, retaining wall and a store in several neighborhoods in Silwan town.
While in Qalqiliyah Governorate, the Israeli Civil Administration issued demolition/ Halt construction orders that targeted 1 houses and structures. Where the Israeli orders targeted 6 houses and 4 agricultural rooms in Arab Ar Ramadin Al Janubi village, south of Qalqiliyah ciy. Also, the Israeli orders targeted two barracks and plastic house in An Nabi Elias village, east of Qalqiliyah city.
Israeli Army and Settlers uprooted 867 trees from Palestinian lands
The Israeli Occupation Army and the Israeli settlers aimed during the month of August, to storm Palestinian agricultural lands in several areas in the occupied West Bank, and razed and uprooted 867 trees.
In Bethlehem Governorate, specifically in Khallet An Nahla area, south of Bethlehem city, the Israeli Occupation Army razed a Palestinian land and uprooted 130 olive trees, noted that the Israeli Army claimed that the targeted trees planted in land classified as “State land”, where the Palestinians deprived from using it.
While in Wadi An Najar area in Beit Ula town, northwest of Hebron Governorate, the Israeli Occupation bulldozers stormed and razed 15 dunums of agricultural land and destroyed 300 olive trees.
And in Iskaka village in Salfit Governorate, the Israeli settlers escorted by the Israeli Occupation Army stormed and searched Palestinian agricultural land and uprooted 250 olive trees.
Moreover, the Israeli bulldozers raided and razed 10 dunums of land in Shofa village in Tulkarm governorate, and uprooted 187 trees.
It’s worth to mention, that the Israeli Occupation Authorities issued military order to evacuate 50 dunums of Palestinian land planted with 50 olive trees in Qusra village, south of Nablus city, under the claim that the targeted land classified as “State land”. Noted that the evacuation of the land will lead to uproot the 50 trees.
Israel confiscated 290 dunums of land for the Achieving of their colonial projects
During the month of August 2016, the Israeli occupation Authorities issued military orders to confiscate 290.075 dunums of lands in several areas in the occupied West Bank.
Where in Ramallah and Al Bireh Governorate, the Israeli Civil Administration issued an order to confiscate 231 dunums of land in Silwad town, northeast of Ramallah city, under the claim of “State land” or what known also as “Absentee property”. It’s worth pointed that the confiscation of this land came to benefit the legalizing of the illegal Israeli outpost of “Amona”.
In Nablus Governorate, the Israeli Civil Administration issued military orders to confiscate 54 dunums of land. Where in Qusra village, south of Nablus city, the Israeli Civil Administration issued an evacuation order that targeted 50 dunums of Palestinian lands, under the claim that the targeted land classified as “State land”. And in Khirbet Umm Al Marajem near Duma village, southeast of Nablus city, the Israeli Authorities issued a military order to confiscate 4 dunums piece of land.
While in Qalqiliyah Governorate, the Israeli Civil Administration issued the military order No. T/13/16 to confiscate 3.875 dunums of land in Jayyous village, east of Qalqiliyah Governorate, for interest of the construction of a new colonial road in the area.
In Jerusalem Governorate, specifically in Jabal Al Mukabir town, south of Jerusalem city, the Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem approved a plan to build a Synagogue on 1.2 dunums of Palestinian land, where the Israeli Authorities seek to confiscate these land to implement this project.
Israeli Settlers attacks continued… more than 50 attacks were reported during the month of August 2016
The Applied Research Institute- Jerusalem (ARIJ) recorded the Israeli settlers violations during the month of August 2016, where in total 52 attacks were reported. These attacks distributed on several governorates in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The most effected Governorate was Jerusalem, where 27 attacks were reported, while in Nablus Governorate, 11 attacks were reported, and 7 attacks in Salfit Governorate.
For the type of these attacks, they were varied between storming religious and Historic sites, about 33 attacks were reported, assaulting Palestinians reached to 7 attacks. While the storming and razing Palestinian lands, 5 attacks were reported, and one attack was reported against trees; which it uprooted 250 trees in Iskaka village in Salfit Governorate. And the Israeli settlers attacks against properties (such as houses and vehicles), 4 attacks were reported.
Israel still imposing closure on the Gaza strip
Two years passed on the sign of the truce which was signed between the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli Government, sponsored by Egypt, at the end of the Israeli war against Gaza strip in Summer 2014, while the Israeli Authorities still imposing its blockade over the Gaza strip, and breached the truce on a daily basis.
Where the Israeli Occupation Army stationed alongside of Gaza strip border, opened fire at Palestinians while they were in areas located near the border fence. Furthermore, the Israeli bulldozers staged into the Palestinian areas located near the border fence, and razed vast area of lands. More than that, the Israeli Occupation Navy and warships stationed near the Palestinian shores of Gaza strip, attacked, on a daily basis, the Palestinian fishermen, while they were fishing, by opening fire at them, arresting fishermen and confiscating their boats, even though they do not exceed 3 nautical miles.
Concerning the Gaza strip terminals, which entirely controlled by the Israeli Occupation Authorities, which systematically arrested Palestinians during their crossing to these terminals. Moreover, the Israeli Authorities stationed at these terminals strictly controlling the exchange of foodstuffs goods and services from and to the Gaza strip, and prevented the entering of the construction materials, to re-build what the last Israeli war destroyed.
Prepared By
The Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem
ARIJ
