PCHR - Eng - 2014 Annual Report

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
The Centre is an independent Palestinian human rights organization (registered as a non-profit Ltd.
Company) based in Gaza City. The Centre enjoys Consultative Status with the ECOSOC of the United Nation.
It is an affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists-Geneva; the International Federation for Human
Rights (FIDH) – Pairs; member of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network – Copenhagen; member
of the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) – Stockholm; member of the Arab Organization
for Human Rights – Cairo; and member of the World Coalition against the Death Penalty – Rome. It is
a recipient of the 1996 French Republic Award on Human Rights, the 2002 Bruno Kreisky Award for
Outstanding Achievements in the Area of Human Rights and the 2003 International Service Human Rights
Award (UNAIS). The Centre was established in 1995 by a group of Palestinian lawyers and human rights
activists in order to:
• Protect human rights and promote the rule of law in accordance with international standards.
• Create and develop democratic institutions and an active civil society, while promoting democratic
culture within Palestinian society.
• Support all the efforts aimed at enabling the Palestinian people to exercise its inalienable rights
in regard to self-determination and independence in accordance with international Law and UN
resolutions.
The work of the Centre is conducted through documentation and investigation of human rights violations,
provision of legal aid and counseling for both individuals and groups, and preparation of research articles
relevant to such issues as the human rights situation and the rule of law. The Centre also provides
comments on Palestinian Draft Laws and urges the adoption of legislation that incorporates international
human rights standards and basic democratic principles. To achieve its goals, the Centre has recruited a
committed staff of well-known human rights lawyers and activists.
The Philosophy of the Centre’s Work

The Centre determined after a thorough legal assessment of the peace accords signed by the PLO and
the Israeli government that the occupation would continue both physically and legally. According to
these agreements Israel has redeployed its forces inside the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, while Israeli
settlements and military installations maintain their presence in Palestinian territory. The major legal
aspects of the Israeli occupation remain in place. Israeli military orders that safeguard Israeli control over
the Palestinian people and their land remain valid in accordance with the peace agreement. The Israeli
military court is still functioning and to this day thousands of Palestinians languish in Israeli prisons. The
essential elements of the Palestinian issue remain unresolved - the right to self-determination, the right to
an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees,
and the right to remove illegal Israeli settlements from the Occupied Territories. All of these constitute
basic unfulfilled rights of the Palestinian people. In light of this wide-ranging disregard for Palestinian
rights, the Centre concludes it must continue its work to protect Palestinian human rights from ongoing
violations by the Israeli government and courts.
PART one
The peace accords and the major political changes resulting from the agreement, including the
establishment of the Palestinian National Authority in part of the Occupied Territories, has led to a vital
and active role for the Centre in protecting civil and political rights and in promoting the development of
democratic institutions, an active civil society, and a democratic legal system in Palestine.
Work Units of the Centre
The Centre is composed of specialised working units which carry out their activities in an autonomous but
integrated manner.
Field Work Unit

The field work is considered the basic activity of the Centre. Well-trained field workers located in different
areas of the Gaza Strip obtain accurate and documented legal information on human rights violations in
the Gaza Strip. They gather information in the field from victims and witnesses of human rights violations.
The information is received by the co-ordinator of the unit and other researchers to verify accuracy.
Through the field workers’ presence in the field the Centre has been able to maintain close contacts with
the community. In this way, the community is able to influence the work of the Centre and the Centre is
able to meet the community’s interests and demands.
Legal Unit
This unit is composed primarily of a team of lawyers who give free legal aid and counselling to individuals
and groups. The unit also carries out legal intervention with concerned bodies and makes legal
representations before courts in cases that involve broad principles of human rights that affect not just the
individual before the court but the community as a whole. Furthermore, the unit attempts to support the
independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Democratic Development Unit

This unit specialises in the promotion of democracy and the promotion of civil society and the rule of law. The
unit’s team carries out research and organises workshops and seminars to discuss issues on human rights and
democracy. The unit’s team also prepares comments on draft laws prepared by the Palestinian Authority in
an effort to influence the decision-making process and the adoption of democratic laws. The unit has been
also involved in providing training on human rights and democracy for youth groups.
Economic and Social Rights Unit

This unit seeks to ensure the importance of economic and social rights through research and study. Such
work is particularly important because it tends to be neglected, to some extent, by other human rights
organisations. To achieve its goals the unit conducts studies, workshops, and seminars that focus attention
on economic and social rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The unit seeks to develop recommendations
and standards for each of these rights to be fulfilled in the Palestinian situation. Moreover, the unit reviews
and assesses the legislation and draft laws pertaining to these rights adopted by the Palestinian Authority
in an effort to secure legislation that is in harmony with international
standards. The unit further seeks to provide an informative training base for governmental and non-governmental
personnel who are empowered to set plans and implement programs and policies relevant to these rights. The
goal of such training is to help bring economic and social rights into alignment with the standards accepted
internationally and to ensure the maximum degree of implementation of these rights.
Woman Rights Unit

This Unit was established as a pilot project in May of 1997 for one year, renewable upon assessment of its accomplishments.
The initial project was established after a thorough and comprehensive study of the conditions of Palestinian women and
the work of women’s institutions in the Gaza Strip. The Unit aims to provide legal aid for women and women’s organisations.
Intervention on behalf of women in Shari’a courts is included in its mandate. The Unit further aims to raise awareness of
women’s rights established by international human rights conventions and to raise the awareness of Palestinian women
in regard to their rights under local law. Finally, the Unit is carrying out studies on Palestinian women and the law, while
supporting the amendment of local laws inconsistent with women’s rights.
The Training Unit

The Training Unit is a main instrument in PCHR’s work in disseminating and developing a human rights culture, and promoting
democratic concepts in the local community with all its various segments. The Unit organizes and holds training courses and
workshops in order to develop theoretical knowledge and provide professional skills that can contribute to a real change in the
behavior of the society, which in turn can promote respect for, and protection of human rights and participation in community
building. The target groups of the training courses and workshops are particularly the youth, including university students,
activists of political parties, lawyers, media, union members, and other civil society groups.
The Library
The Centre has established a specialised legal library in subjects related to local and international law, human rights, and
democracy. The library includes books and periodicals in both Arabic and English and includes all Palestinian laws and Israeli
military orders. Documents pertaining to laws of neighbouring Arab countries are also available. Furthermore, the library
includes a variety of books and periodicals detailing the Palestinian question and the Arab-Israeli conflict. The library is open
for the free use of researchers, academics, and students.
Funding of the Centre

The Centre is funded by the generous contributions of a number of international non-governmental organizations in the
fields of human rights, democracy, and social justice and a number of Governments which has friendly relationships with the
Palestinian people. PCHR highly appreciates the contributions of funding organizations, especially:
»» Al Maqdese for Society Development »» KZE through MISEREOR

»» Al-Quds Association Malaga-Spain »» NGO Development Center (NDC)
»» Arab Human Rights Fund (AHRF) »» Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
»» Bertha Foundation »» Oxfam Novib
»» Christian Aid »» Representative of Solidarity for Development and Peace
»» Dan Church Aid (SODePAZ)
»» European Commission through Oxfam »» Representative Office of Finland
»» Foundation to Promote Open Society »» Representative Office of Norway
»» Grassroots International »» Spanish Cooperation
»» Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law »» Terre des hommes foundation (TDH)
Secretariat »» Trocaire
»» Iris O›Brien Foundation »» UNDP
»» Irish Aid »» UNVFVT
»» Kvinna Till Kvinna Foundation (KTK)
PART one
Administrative Board: Dr. Riad Al-Zanoun Ms. Nadia Abu Nahla Mr. Hashem Al-Thalathini Mr. Issa Saba Mr. Raji Sourani
Director General: Raji Sourani
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights is an independent legal body dedicated to the protection of human rights, the
promotion of the rule of law, and the upholding of democratic principles in the Occupied Territories. Most of the Centre’s
activities and interests concentrate on the Gaza Strip due to the restriction on movement between the West Bank and Gaza
Strip imposed by the Israeli government and its military apparatus.
Gaza City:
29 Omar El Mukhtar Street, Near Amal Hotel, PO Box 1328
Tel/Fax (972) 8 2824-776 / (972) 82825-893
Khan Yunis Branch:

El Amal Street, Branch of Jamal Abdul-Nasser Street, near the
College of Education
Tel/Fax: (972) 8 2061-025/ (972) 8 2061-035
Jabalya Branch:
Izzidin Building, Main Street, Near Abu Qamar Fuel Satiation,
Jabalya Refugee Camp
Tel/Fax: (972) 8 2456336/ (972) 8 2456335
West Bank Office - Ramallah:

Al Beira, Nublus Road
Tel: 02-2406697 Tel/fax: 02-2406698
E-mail: [email protected]
Webpage: www.pchrgaza.org
Contents
Annual Report 2014 9
PART : )1( HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN THE OPT 10
Summary 11
Section (1): Israeli violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law 14
Willful Killings and Other Violations of the Right to Life and Personal Security 14
Ongoing Policy of Total Closure and Violation of the Right to Freedom of Movement 15
Arrests ,Torture and Other Forms of Cruel and Inhuman Treatment 15
Attacks on Journalists 15
Destruction of Civilian Property 16
Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against Palestinian Civilians and Property 16
The Annexation Wall in the West Bank
17
The Absence of Justice in the Israeli Legal System
17
Section (2): Palestinian Violations of Human Rights and Obstacles to Democratic Reform 18
Violations of the Right to Life and Personal Security 18
Arrests ,Detention ,Torture ,and Other Forms of Cruel ,Inhuman or Degrading Treatment 18
Continued Disruption of the Legislature 19
Erosion of the Authority of the Judiciary 19
Obstruction of General and Local Elections 19
Violations of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression 19
Violations of the Right to Peaceful Assembly 20

PART one
Violations of the Right to Freedom of Association 20
6
Continued Application of the Death Penalty 21
Impact of the Political Division on Economic and Social Rights in the Gaza Strip 21
Recommendations 22
PART (2): PCHR’S ACTIVITIES IN 2014 126
Introduction 127
Activities of PCHR’s Units 138
Field Work Unit 139
Legal Aid Unit 149
Democratic Development Unit 168
Women and Children Rights Unit 181
Economic ,Social ,and Cultural Rights Unit 196
Training Unit 207
Advocacy and Lobbying Activities 217
Participation in international and regional conferences and meetings 217
Visiting international delegations 220
Media Interviews 228

PCHR’s Publications in2014 229
PCHR’s Web Page (www.pchrgaza.org) 244
The Library 246
7
Annual Report 2014
This report is the outcome of PCHR’s activities in 2014. PCHR has published annual reports since 1997.
PART one
PCHR’s 2014 Annual Report is divided into two sections:
8
»» Part One provides a comprehensive picture of the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian terri-
tory (oPt) from 01 January to 31 December 2014. It is divided into two sub-sections:
1) Violations of international human rights and humanitarian law perpetrated by the Israeli forces in the
oPt; and
2) Human rights violations perpetrated by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and obstacles to demo-
cratic reform in the PNA.
»»
»» Part Two documents all PCHR’s activities from 1 January to 31 December 2014. It covers activities by PCHR
and its units at both the local and international levels over the year.
PCHR’s 2014 financial report, which is prepared by an independent professional auditing institution, will be
published as a separate document.
Like previous reports, PCHR hopes that this report will contribute to the struggle for human rights by providing
a comprehensive picture of the human rights situation in the oPt. It also hopes that relevant parties will follow
the recommendations mentioned in this report, particularly those which are directed to the international com-
munity and the PNA. This report serves as a guide for PCHR’s future work and also reflects PCHR’s strong belief
in the importance of transparency for a non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides services to
the community. It should also serve as a call for victims of human rights violations to approach PCHR for advice
and assistance.
PART (1):
9
HUMAN RIGHTS
SITUATION
IN THE OPT
PART one
10
Summary
The offensive launched by Israeli forces on the Gaza Strip in the period 08 July – 26 August was the ma-
jor element of the human rights situation in the oPt in 2014. This offensive, the third one in six years,
was the largest, bloodiest and most destructive offensive by Israelis forces against Palestinian civilians
and their property.
The offensive, codenamed “Operation Protective Edge”, lasted for 50 days during which Israeli forces employed
their aerial, land and naval arsenal to attack the Gaza Strip with thousands of tons of
bombs and missiles of various types and sizes, some of which were used for the first
time.1
The Israeli offensive resulted in killing 2,216 Palestinians, 1,543 of whom were civilians
(70% of the total number of victims). The civilian victims included 293 women and 556
children (38% of the total number of civilian victims). Moreover, 10,895 Palestinians
were wounded, the vast majority of whom were civilians. These figures prove the ex-
cessive and disproportionate use of force. Additionally, 8,377 houses were completely
destroyed and 23,597 others were partially destroyed.
The Israeli offensive started with violent air strikes that targeted civilian facilities, in-
cluding houses that were destroyed over the head of their residents. As a result, doz-
ens of innocent civilians, including women, children and elderly and disabled persons,
were killed. The targets expanded to include all Palestinian areas in the Gaza Strip and
there was no secure areas. Israeli arracks targeted houses, multi-storey residential
buildings, governmental compounds, civil establishments, parks, mosques, schools
and universities. The Israeli attacks caused extensive destruction to the infrastructure,
hospitals, media institutions and industrial, agricultural and commercial facilities.
The air strikes were accompanied with a ground operation. Dozens of thousands of
Israeli soldiers and hundred of tanks moved into the Gaza Strip from various direc-
tion amidst violent aerial, artillery and naval bombing. During these incursions, Israeli
forces committed serious crimes against Palestinian civilians.
During the offensive, Israeli forces extensively employed the Dahiya and Hannibal
doctrine killing many Palestinian civilians and causing extensive destruction to the
civilian property. Israeli forces systematically destroyed houses and civilian objects in
al-Shujaiya neighbourhood in Gaza City, Khuza’a village and Beit Hanoun similar to the
destruction they caused to the Dahiya in Beirut in July 2006. They also employed the
Hannibal doctrine during the ground operation, especially in Rafah, when an Israeli
soldier was captured. Israeli forces indiscriminately bombed the city in order to kill
both the abductors and the soldier.
The extensive losses of lives and destruction of civilian property caused massive dis-
1٫ Israeli forces dropped explosive barrels on populated areas, such as al-Zannah and Khuza›a areas, east of
Khan Yunis, causing extensive destruction.
11
placement of more than 520,000 Palestinians and comed the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution
thousands of families become homeless. Hundreds to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate
of thousands of Palestinian were forced to leave crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestin-
their homes seeking safety and fleeing from gun- ian civilians in the Gaza Strip during the latest offen-
fire and shelling that targeted their homes. Dozens sive, as it was a fundamental demand by them. They
of civilians were killed while they were either inside expressed willingness to assist the commission hop-
their homes or while fleeing from Israeli attacks. The ing that its recommendations would be presented
situation was aggravated by flyers dropped by Israe- to the International Criminal Court to prosecute
li aircrafts and phone calls threatening to bomb or suspected Israeli war crimes. However, blatantly
raid residential areas, and order them to leave their challenging the international human rights system
homes. and perpetuating its position as a state above the
law, Israel refused to allow the commission to enter
Before the offensive the situation in the Gaza Strip the Gaza Strip, the scene of the crime. By the end of
was tragic due to the siege that had been imposed for 2014, the commission had not been able to visit the
more than eight years which left destructive impact on Gaza Strip to investigate the crimes and interview
all economic and social conditions and all aspects of the victims and eyewitnesses directly.
life of the Palestinian civilian population. Additionally,
there were internal crises resulting from the hesitant In a major development, on 31 December 2014, it
steps to achieve the national reconciliation following was reported that Palestinian President Mahmoud
the al-Shati Agreement and the formation of the na- Abbas signed the Rome Statue of the International
tional unity government on 2 June 2014. The govern- Criminal Court, in addition to another 19 interna-
ment failed to settle the issue of civil and security per- tional treaties. PCHR considered it a major devel-
sonnel who were employed during the division period opment in the legal struggle to confront Israeli war
and Hamas’ control of the Gaza Strip since June 2007. crimes against Palestinian civilians and their proper-
ty, including settlement activities, land confiscation
When the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire entered into for the purpose of the construction of the annexa-
force on 26 August 2014, the tragic conditions and tion wall, wilful killings, the illegal siege imposed
the extensive destruction caused by the Israeli of- on the Gaza Strip and other collective punishment
fensive became clearer, further aggravating the al- measures and policies against civilians.
ready dire humanitarian conditions.
Over the year, the human rights conditions deterio-
There were hopes after the offensive that the hu- rated throughout the oPt. One of the major aspects
manitarian and human rights conditions would was the unprecedented violent military campaign
relatively improve, but the ongoing siege was mari- in the West Bank, especially in Hebron, following
nated and there are no expectations that it would be the disappearance of three Israeli settlers near “Etzi-
lifted in the near future. The plan of Robert Serry, UN on” settlement in Hebron on 12 June. Israeli forces
Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Pro- moved into Palestinian cities, besieged a number of
cess, for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip was not them and launched a wide-scale arrest campaign
more than an institutionalization of the siege, and against Palestinians, including the Speaker and
Rafah International Crossing Point remained closed members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and
by the Egyptian authorities. former ministers. During this military campaign, Is-
raeli forces and settlers killed a number of Palestin-
Israel would not have been able to launch a new of- ian civilians.
fensive on the Gaza Strip, which killed hundreds of
civilians and wounded thousands of others, and left At the Palestinian level, the year ended and hopes
extensive destruction to civilian property and ob- associated with the national unity government to
ject, unless the international community was silent end the political division had been far from being
and the culture of impunity were prevailing, which realized. The national reconciliation was in a dead-
PART one
paved the way for Israel to commit grave breaches lock and the six-month period decided for the na-
against civilians and their property. tional unity government to complete the missions
PCHR and other human rights organizations wel- assigned to it by al-Shati Agreement, including pre-
12
paring for the general elections and facilitating unit- government, Israeli forces launched an offensive on
ing the PA’s institutions, ended without these goals the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians in Gaza did not feel
being achieved. Human rights violation continued the presence of the government or the Palestinian
raising concerns that the Gaza Strip would be back President during and after the offensive, excluding
to the state of lawlessness in the absence of the gov- a meeting of the Council of Minister headed by Dr
ernment and the political vacuum. Rami al-Hamdallah in Gaza before the conference of
donors in Cairo, which was devoted to collect fund-
The unity government was formed on 2 June 2014 ing for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The year
following the reconciliation talks that were con- ended without Palestinians having felt any real pres-
cluded with al-Shati Agreement signed on 23 April. ence of the unity government in Gaza, although four
It was mandated to prepare for organizing general of the 23 ministers are from Gaza.
and local elections in the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip, and uniting the PA’s institutions, including se-
curity services.
About one month after the formation of the unity
13
First:
Israeli Violations of International Humanitarian
Law and International Human Rights Law
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to commit crimes and human rights violations against Palestinian civil-
ian throughout the oPt. They launched a violent offensive on the Gaza Strip, during which they killed
and wounded thousands of civilians and destroyed their property, rendering hundreds of thousands
of civilians homeless. They also continued to impose a tightened siege on the Gaza Strip as a form of
collective punishment that has left distractors impacts on the lives of Palestinian civilians. In the West
Bank, Israeli forces launched a violent military campaign accompanied by systematic attacks by Israeli
settlers against Palestinian civilians following the disappearance of three Israeli settlers. They commit-
ted willful killings and violated the right of life of the Palestinian civilians. They also arrested many
Palestinian civilians and subjected them to inhuman and degrading treatment. Additionally, they de-
stroyed civilian property and houses and confiscated more land for the purpose of the construction of
the annexation wall.
1. Willful Killings and Other Violations of the Right to Life and Personal Security
In 2014, Israeli forces committed more crimes and violations of the right to life and personal
security against Palestinian civilians in the oPt. The number of Palestinians who were killed by
Israeli forces was 2,280. Of the total number of victims, there were 1,591 civilians, including
568 children and 294 women. Additionally, 11,724 Palestinians sustained various wounds, in-
cluding 3,443 children and 2,136 women. The Israeli offensive on Gaza resulted in killing 2,216
Palestinians, 1,543 of whom were civilians, including 556 children and 293 women; i.e. 60% of
the civilian victims and 38% of the total number of victims. Moreover, it resulted in wounding
10,895, the vast majority of whom were civilians, including 3,306 children and 2,114 women.
These civilians were killed in different contexts: while they were sleeping at homes, on the
roofs of their houses or in their houses’ yards. The most prominent forms of attacks were:
attacks on houses of targeted persons; attacks on other targets (mosques, public facilities,
streets, agricultural and open lands… etc.); attacks on residential areas like markets, cafes
and shelters; extra-judicial executions; targeting civilian houses; targeting public facilities;
and wilful killings.
From the beginning of the year, killings of Palestinian civilians in the oPt escalated. Accord-
ing to PCHR’s documentation, Israeli forces killed in the first half of 2014, 35 Palestinians, 23
of whom were civilians, including 5 children and a woman, and wounded 372 persons, 366
of whom were civilians, including 73 children. The majority of the wounded persons were
wounded in peaceful protests and clashes with Israeli forces.
PART one
14
wounded in peaceful protests and clashes with Is- Bank (292) or during military operations carried out
raeli forces. by Israeli forces. The cruellest arrest campaign was
launched by Israeli forces in the West Bank after 3 set-
tlers disappeared in Hebron on 12 June. Israeli forces
2. Ongoing Policy of Total Closure and Violation arrested hundreds of Hamas members, including PLC
of the Right to Freedom of Movement members, and dozens of those who were released in
“Shalit” prisoners swap deal in November 2012 and
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to impose restric- were sentenced again to complete their original sen-
tions on the freedom of movement in the oPt. In tences. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces arrested about
the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-imposed closure has been 210 Palestinians, including dozens that were arrested
ongoing for the 8th consecutive year and restrictions during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
have been imposed on the movement of persons Moreover, they arrested 47 fishermen, 56 others who
and commodities via border crossings. attempted to sneak into Israel via the borders and
13 persons at Erez (Beit Hanoun crossing) who were
The ongoing closure has resulted in high rates of referred to receive medical treatment in hospitals in
poverty and unemployment and delay in Gaza Israel, the West Bank or abroad.
reconstruction for over 4 months after the latest
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip which left exten- The Palestinian prisoners suffer in the Israeli jails due
sive destruction to thousands of civilian objects and to medical negligence, as the Israeli Prison Service
houses. The Gaza Strip population has been denied delay offering hundreds of sick prisoners the mini-
the right to freedom of movement in and out of the mum level of the necessary medical treatment. As a
Gaza Strip. As a consequence, the humanitarian con- result, the prisoners’ health conditions deteriorate,
ditions unprecedentedly deteriorated. which lead to death. According to statistics2, there
are about 1,500 sick prisoners in Israeli jails, hun-
In the West Bank, Israeli forces have continued to dreds of them suffer from chronic or serious diseas-
restrict the movement of civilians between cities, es; 20 prisoners of whom are permanently staying in
as well as at international crossing points. Israel has al-Ramleh Prison’s Hospital, as they suffer from dis-
continued its policy of closing off occupied East Je- abilities, paralysis, cardiac problems, tumors or can-
rusalem to Palestinian civilians from elsewhere in cer. These include Mo’tasem Raddad, Mahmoud Abu
the oPt; entry to East Jerusalem is banned for Pal- Saleh, Khaled al-Shawish, Nahedh al-Aqra’, Mansour
estinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Mawqeda, Mahmoud Salman, Alaa al-Hams, Mo-
As a result, Palestinians have been denied access hammed Brash, Morad Abu M’eileq, Na’im Shawam-
to advanced medical care, their right to meet with rah and Tha’er Halahla. Moreover, 16 prisoners suffer
family members, and access to education, work, and from psychological and neurological disorders and
religious sites in East Jerusalem, in particular, the others suffer from physical disabilities.
al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli authorities also restricted
the movement of dozens of Jerusalemites through In 2014, a Palestinian prisoner died in Soroka Hospi-
orders issued by the Israeli Interior Ministry deny- tal in Israel in circumstances raising suspicions that
ing them access to the al-Aqsa Mosque claiming he was tortured and beaten while being in prison,
that they confronted attempts by Israeli settlers to especially as he was not suffering from any diseases
storms the yards of the mosque. before his arrest.
3. Arrests, Torture and Other Forms of Cruel 4. Attacks on Journalists

and Inhuman Treatment
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to attack journalists,
PCHR documented the arrests of 3,440 Palestinians disregarding the protection extended to journalists
by Israeli forces in 2014, some of whom were ar- under international law. It is evident that attacks on
rested several times; including 459 children and 49 journalists by Israeli forces, which violate the right
women. The vast majority of the detainees were ar-
rested during Israeli incursions into communities in
2. According to the Statistics Department of the Ministry of
the West Bank (3,035) and at checkpoints in the West
Prisoners – Ramallah.
15
of journalists to personal security as they carry out Israeli civil administration has absolute powers to use
their work, are part of a campaign to isolate the oPt lands and set plans in that area, especially in terms of
from the rest of the world and prevent the media issuing demolition notices or construction licenses.
from covering crimes committed against civilians by
Israeli forces. The most significant attacks were com- Israeli forces committed systematic crimes that
mitted during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza amounted to the level of crimes against humanity
Strip, whereas Israeli forces committed war crimes when they started a wide-scale military operation
against journalists, including wilful killing and at- in the Gaza Strip in July and August 2014. During
tacks on media facilities and offices. that operation, Israeli air, ground and naval forces
were employed to bomb all civilian objects whether
PCHR documented other attacks on journalists dur- through planned operations or indiscriminate at-
ing 2014, the most prominent of which were in the tacks. In addition to war crimes that violated the
West Bank. The types of attacks included: firing at civilians’ right to the protection of their lives, secu-
journalists; beating and other forms of cruel, inhu- rity and safety, Israeli forces carried out wide-scale
man, and degrading treatment; detention of jour- demolition and destruction operations throughout
nalists; denying journalists access to certain areas; the Gaza Strip. Dozens of thousands of civilian ob-
confiscation of and/or damaging journalistic equip- jects were destroyed, including houses, vital facili-
ment; and raids on media offices and the homes of ties like water, electricity, telephone, sewage, and
journalists. road networks, in addition to governmental, agri-
cultural, commercial, educational, health, religious
5. Destruction of Civilian Property and cultural facilities. In a serious development,
Israeli forces demolished and erased full residen-
In 2014, the Israeli forces continued to systemati- tial neighborhoods. As a result more killings and
cally demolish Palestinian civilian property in the injuries were reported. Moreover, a large number
oPt, especially during the latest Israeli offensive on of civilians were forcibly displaced. However, each
the Gaza Strip, when tens of thousands of civilian and every meter in the Gaza Strip was a target for Is-
objects and property were destroyed. Israeli forces raeli forces. The last days of the offensive (the end of
continued this policy also in the West Bank, includ- august 2014) witnessed a qualitative expansion of
ing East Jerusalem, as a part of the policies of settle- the demolition of civilian objects. The Israeli forces
ment expansion and confiscation of lands. targeted a number of multi-storey buildings, which
contains hundreds of apartments and dozens of
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to target commercial stores. Israeli forces bombed them in
Palestinian civilian houses and property under sev- few minutes and turned them into piles of rubble.
eral pretexts to implement the scheme of settle- In addition, civilians who inhabited these buildings
ment expansion and confiscation of lands. In 2014, lost all their personal belongings.
the house demolition policy escalated in Jerusalem
under the pretext that houses were built without 6. Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers
construction licenses from the Israeli municipality. against Palestinian Civilians and Property
As a result, hundreds of families became homeless.
In Jerusalem, Israeli forces continued their efforts to The Israeli government, its occupation forces and set-
create Jewish majority there and policies of ethnic tlers living in the oPt in violation of international law
cleansing against Palestinian civilians. They forcibly have continued the expansion of settlements in the
obliged Palestinians to evacuate their houses and West Bank. Armed Israeli settlers, protected by Israeli
property and demolished them. In the West Bank, forces, have continued to commit crimes against Pal-
Israeli forces adopted the policy of collective punish- estinian civilians and property. In 2014, Israeli settlers
ment against Palestinian families, whose sons were escalated their attacks against Palestinian civilians
involved in running doen and/or stabbing Israeli and property, launching some joint attacks with the
soldiers or settlers. It should be noted that Israeli Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians. The most
PART one
authorities assume the powers of civil and security violent and heinous attack was kidnapping and burn-
affairs over 62% of the West Bank, which is known as ing a Palestinian child, Mohammed Abu Khudeir,
area (C) according to the Oslo accords. Therefore, the from Sho’afat neighbourhood, north of Jerusalem.
16
Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank, includ- state above the law. Moreover, the international
ing East Jerusalem, clearly violate international hu- community have not taken any measures to deter
manitarian law and international resolutions. In spite the Israeli forces or hold them accountable for their
of increasing international criticism to Israeli settle- crimes and serious violations of the international hu-
ment activities in the oPt, the Israeli government es- manitarian law in the oPt.
calated these activities allegedly to meet the need
of natural growth of settlers. PCHR emphasizes that 8. The Absence of Justice in the Israeli Legal
the Palestinian territory (the West Bank, including System
East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip) is an occupied
territory according to the international humanitar- Israeli authorities continued to impose obstacles
ian law and the international legitimacy resolutions. before the Palestinian victims in the West Bank, in-
Therefore, PCHR has persistently called upon the including Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip to deny them
ternational community to immediately intervene to their right to justice and remedy. The latest of such
compel the Israeli government to stop all settlement obstacles was the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision
activities in the oPt, especially in East Jerusalem, and on 16 December 2014 approving regulations that
dismantle Israeli settlements, which constitute a war ban Palestinians from Gaza from entering Israel for
crime under international humanitarian law. their compensation cases against the Israeli mili-
tary. Thus, there is no place for any claim of justice
In 2014, armed Israeli settlers escalated their attacks for the Palestinian victims before the Israeli Judiciary
against Palestinian civilians and their property in the so that we can declare that the Israeli Judicial sys-
West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Attacks were tem does not want to provide justice for Palestinians
no longer a reaction to attacks by Palestinian armed and that the international bodies should not request
groups against Israeli forces and settlers. They devel- exhausting all means in regard to Israeli crimes. Vic-
oped into systematic attacks against Palestinian civil- tims of the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in
ians. In 2014, such attacks became even more system- June 2014 (“Operation Protective Edge”) joined the
atic, often at times of complete quietness in the oPt. very long list victims of the Israeli offensives on the
Gaza Strip in both November 2014 (“Operation Pillar
7. The Annexation Wall in the West Bank of Defense”) and in December 2008 – January 2009
(“Operation Cast Lead”) waiting for justice and rem-
Although 10 years passed on the Advisory Opinion edy. This requires serious steps from all international
issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on and local parties to put an end to the State of Immu-
9 July 2004 on the legal consequences of the wall nity granted for the Israeli war criminals.
in response to a request by a UN General Assembly
resolution of 3 December 2003, Israel has not taken Although months have passed since the last Israeli of-
any measure to change the situation on the ground. fensive in 2014 known as “Operation Protective Edge”,
The ICJ ruled that the wall’s construction inside the Israel continued to prevent any international or special
oPt, including East Jerusalem, violates international commission of inquiry from entering Gaza in order to
law. It also found that Israel is bound to put an end investigate the crimes committed by Israeli forces in
to its violations of international law, stop the con- the Gaza Strip in addition to the arbitrary laws and pro-
struction works of the wall, dismantle the sections cedures previously taken and enacted to close doors
already constructed, abolish all relevant legislation for remedy before Palestinian victims. The situation is
and orders, and compensate Palestinians harmed by not different in the West Bank although Israeli authori-
the construction of the wall. The ICJ called upon the ties declared the Gaza Strip, but not the West Bank, as
international community to abstain from helping “a hostile entity”. Israel has proved over and over again
the continued illegal status, which was established that killing Palestinian civilians in cold blood by the Is-
after the construction of the annexation wall, take raeli soldiers and settlers, who are armed by Israeli au-
the legal steps to stop the Israeli violations and en- thorities, usually goes unpunished. Thus, Israel proves
sure the application of the Fourth Geneva Conven- that its judicial system is a racist system and part of the
tion. However, the Israeli authorities and its judicial Israeli apartheid, which has been professionally creat-
system have continued to ignore the ICJ’s opinion, ed, to avoid criticism and international legal prosecu-
and the Israeli government continued to act as a tion, since its occupation of the Palestinian territories.
17
Second:
Palestinian Violations of Human Rights and
Obstacles to Democratic Reform
For the eighth consecutive year, the internal political conflict and separation between the West Bank
and the Gaza Strip have been a major factor that led to further deterioration of the human rights situ-
ation. There were hopes that signing the reconciliation agreement in April 2014 and the formation of
the national unity government would end the division and unite the PA’s institutions. However, the year
ended without any serious steps having been taken to end the political division and the government
did not assume its actual responsibilities.
1. Violation of the Right to Life and Attacks on Personal Security
In 2014, more violations of the right to life and personal security due to the misuse of weap-
ons, as well as violations of the rule of the law in the oPt were reported. During this year,
security chaos escalated especially in the Gaza Strip which witnesses a series of bombing
incidents and extra-judicial executions that warn of returning to the state of security chaos
in the Gaza Strip in previous years. The Palestinian territories also witnessed the escalation
of murdering women on grounds of “Family honour”. PCHR documented the deaths of 99
people (84 in the Gaza Strip and 15 in the West Bank), including 9 children and 8 women.
More than 167 persons were also wounded. Violations of the right to life and personal secu-
rity were perpetrated in the following contexts: the excessive use of force by law enforcement
officials; illegal use of weapons; the use of weapons in personal and family disputes, murders
motivated by “family honour.” Moreover, during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip,
Gaza witnessed extra-judicial executions carried out by armed Palestinians affiliated with Pal-
estinian factions against persons on suspicion of collaborating with Israel.
2. Arrests, Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
In 2014, security services in Ramallah and Gaza continued illegal arrest campaigns and sum-
monses and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment against. Most of those
summonses and arrests were carried out on political grounds due to the continuation of the
political split between Fatah and Hamas. Although a positive atmosphere prevailed in the
oPt after the Palestinian reconciliation agreement (al-Shati’ Agreement) was signed on 23
April 2014 ending a black era of the political split between Fatah and Hamas and forming
a national reconciliation government on 02 June, the political arrests continued. In 2014,
PCHR documented torture and maltreatment cases committed by the security services in the
West Bank and Gaza Strip. In addition to the political arrests, we can clearly notice in arrests
on criminal grounds the accompanying failure to follow the legal procedures for arrests and
PART one
the practice of torture and humiliation in interrogation and detention centres of the security
services in the West Bank and Gaza.
18
In 2014, the security officers continued to practice dent and united judiciary, to which people can seek
torture as a primary means when dealing with pris- refuge in order to end any dispute. The current re-
oners and detainees in the detention centres. PCHR ality of the Palestinian judiciary constitutes a viola-
documented many testimonies by victims or their tion of the Palestinian Basic Law, especially article
relatives that either they or their sons were sub- 97 which emphasizes that “the judiciary is indepen-
ject to torture inside the detention centres of the dent” and Article 2 which as well emphasizes the
PA in Gaza. These crimes were committed against principle of the separation of powers.
civilians who were arrested on political or criminal
grounds by the security services. 5. Obstruction of General and Local Elections
In 2014, the security officers continued to practice The fragmentation of the Palestinian executive con-
torture as a primary means when dealing with pris- tinued to be the main obstacle to democratic reform.
oners and detainees in the detention centres. PCHR Despite the formation of the national unity govern-
documented many testimonies by victims or their ment on 02 June 2014 and emergence of positive
relatives that either they or their sons were subject signs that would end the division and rehabilitate
to torture inside the detention centres of the PA in the PA institutions, including holding presidential
Gaza. These crimes were committed against civilians and PLC elections, the Presidential and legislative
who were arrested on political or criminal grounds elections were not held in 2014 to renew the legiti-
by the security services. PCHR reiterates its demand macy of the Palestinian people’s representatives,
to conduct an investigation into the circumstances who were elected in 2005 and 2006 respectively. By
of the deaths of these civilians and publish the in- the end of 2014, five and four years had passed since
vestigation results. the expiration of the legal terms in office of the Pal-
estinian President and the PLC respectively. The PA
3. Continued Disruption of the Legislature remains unable to hold general elections.
The disruption of the PLC entered its eighth year in By the end of 2014, there had been still no progress
2014. The complete absence of a mandated PLC is in terms of holding or setting a date for the presi-
a result of actions taken against PLC Members by dential and legislative elections in the oPt. Accord-
Israel and the fragmentation of the Palestinian ex- ing to the Palestinian law, the Palestinian President
ecutive which has been ongoing since 2007. This must call for legislative elections three months prior
undermined all efforts endeavoured to find good to holding them. This did not happen.
governance in Palestine as the PLC is the legislative
and monitoring authority of the PNA otherwise no Regarding the local elections, nothing happened
democratic system cannot be imagined. The year in 2014. On 20 October 2012, the PA organized lo-
of 2014 ended, and the PLC was not convened nor cal elections in the West Bank. On 12 March 2013,
a date was agreed on to hold legislative elections, the Council of Ministers in Ramallah issued a deci-
which should have been held in 2010, although it sion that the elections in the local councils, in which
was agreed to start implementing the reconciliation elections were not held, and in the councils, which
agreement since April 2014. lost its legal quorum as the majority of its members
resigned, would be held on 01 June 2013. However,
4. Deterioration of the Judicial Authority the elections of the local councils in the Gaza were
not held. Moreover, the government in Gaza con-
In 2014, the judiciary continued to deteriorate, and tinued to appoint local councils close to Hamas and
its independence continued as well to be abused by kept some local councils which are affiliated to it.
the executive authority. Despite the efforts to end
the division and the formation of the unity govern- 6. Violations of the Right to Freedom of Opin-
ment in June 2014, the division in the judicial system ion and Expression
still exists. PCHR considers that negligence by both
parties of division to reunite the judicial system will In 2014, violations of the right to freedom of opinion
have serious consequences on the steps towards and expression continued despite the positive at-
ending the division due to not having an indepen- mosphere which accompanied the formation of the
19
national unity government on 02 June and follow- 8. Violations of the Right to Freedom of Asso-
ing the Palestinian reconciliation agreement known ciation
as (al-Shati’ agreement) between Hamas and a del-
egation empowered by President Mahmoud ‘Abbas Violations of the right to freedom of association con-
in the house of Ismail Haniyah, Prime Minister of the tinued in 2014 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Gaza government, on 23 April 2014. Although the Despite the formation of the national unity govern-
Shati’ agreement resulted in positive steps regard- ment in June 2014, the chaotic legal regulation of
ing the redistribution of newspapers of al-Quds, the associations still exists as the laws and decrees
al-Hayat al-Jadeeda and al-Ayyam in the Gaza Strip, issued under the political division in relation to as-
and the newspapers of Palestine and al-Risala in the sociations continued to be applied. Moreover, the
beginning of May, the situation deteriorated later physical and arbitrary attacks against associations
and the violations of this right in the West Bank and and syndicates continued in the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip continued by the official bodies. Gaza Strip. These violations included arrests in the
West Bank on grounds of practicing in the union ac-
7. Violations of the Right to Peaceful Assembly tion, and explosions in the Gaza Strip targeting lo-
cal and international associations. This emphasizes
The year of 2014 witnessed continued violations of that the PA in the West Bank and Gaza Strip failed
the right to peaceful assembly in the oPt by both to respect and protect the right to freedom of as-
governments in the Gaza Strip and West Bank and sociation in 2014. This is part of a policy adopted
their security services. These violations included since the establishment of the PA that targets asso-
imposing precautionary measures to prevent and ciations and attempts to take over the civil society
restrict organizing peaceful assemblies in their re- and undermine its role. This policy escalated follow-
spective areas of control. Despite the positive at- ing the division in the PA as many associations were
mosphere that spread over the oPt following the arbitrarily and illegally closed. Moreover, many laws
reconciliation agreement in April and formation of and decrees were enacted to impose restrictions as-
the national unity government on 02 June, the situa- sociations’ activities.
tion deteriorated. These violations went beyond the
official restrictions and affected private meetings Violations of the right to freedom of association con-
as well, which do not fall within the scope the Law tinued in the West Bank in 2014. The executive au-
(12) of 1998 on Public Meetings, although organiz- thority in the West Bank in cooperation with the ju-
ers of such meetings are not required to notify the diciary targeted the Public Employees Syndicate and
Palestinian police or governors according to the law. accused it of being an illegal body under the pretext
Moreover, the Palestinian Basic Law guarantees the that the syndicate is not duly licensed. PCHR em-
right to hold private meetings without the interven- phasized that if the syndicate is not licensed, it does
tion of the Palestinian police. not mean that it is an illegal association. The most
that the PA can do is to ask the syndicate to correct
In the Gaza Strip, Security services continued to im- its legal status and give it an opportunity to do so.
pose bans on public meetings, disperse a number
of public gatherings, and impose precautionary The Gaza Strip witnessed a series of attacks on asso-
measures to restrict civilians’ right to hold public ciations in 2014, including explosions that targeted
meetings, especially gatherings which contradict local and foreign associations warning of serious
mainstream opinion. These measures were applied risks to the civil society and its freedom to practice
inappropriately and beyond their original scope, af- its activities, especially as the available information
fecting private meetings, which were held in closed indicates that the attacks’ grounds are ideological.
places and whose organization is not required by These attacks proved the failure of the authorities in
law to be notified to competent official bodies. the Gaza Strip to protect the right to freedom of as-
In the West bank, the government and its security sociation according to the international standards,
services continued to violate the right to peaceful which oblige the authorities to prevent any attack
PART one
assembly, especially gatherings that contradict the on associations by a third party.

mainstream opinion.
20
9. Continued Application of the Death Penalty in the Palestinian history. The situation in the Gaza
Strip deteriorated to the level of an area of disaster
The year of 2014 witnessed the continuation and following the latest Israeli offensive on Gaza in sum-
application of the death penalty despite PCHR’s and mer 2014, which caused unprecedented destruc-
civil society’s efforts to abolish this punishment. In tion to the civilian infrastructure and facilities in the
2014, 8 death sentences were issued; one of them cities, refugee camps and villages of the Gaza Strip.
was on the ground of collaboration with the Israel The Gaza population expressed their optimism after
and the rest were on grounds of murders. The Min- the parties to the Palestinian political division de-
istry of Interior in Gaza implemented two death sen- clared signing the reconciliation agreement known
tences by firing squad without ratification by the as “Shati Agreement” on 24 April 2014, and formed
Palestinian President according to the law against the Palestinian unity government , which swore the
two persons convicted of collaboration with Israel. oath before the Palestinian President on 02 June
2014. However, all hopes and optimism of the Gaza
According to PCHR’s documentation, the death sen- population and Palestinian people in general went
tences issued by the PA decreased in 2014 compared with the wind due to the continued political conflict
with 2013, during which 14 sentences were issued, over the powers and almost-complete absence of
including 13 ones that were issued in the Gaza Strip. the national unity government, which was expected
The number of death sentences issued by the Pales- by people to face the challenges of the reconstruc-
tinian courts since the 1994 has risen to 156; 129 of tion of the Gaza Strip, which was destroyed by the
which were issued in the Gaza Strip, and 27 of which latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
were issued in the West Bank. The total number of
death sentences issued in the Gaza Strip since the At the end of 2014 and although the national unity
Hamas’ takeover in 2007 has increased to 71. The PA government assumed its powers, the basic charac-
also implemented 32 death sentences since its es- teristic which prevailed was the ongoing deteriora-
tablishment; 30 of which were in the Gaza Strip and tion of all health, education and social security ser-
2 of which in the West Bank; 19 of those sentences vices. Thousands of public servants and their families
were implemented after Hamas’ takeover in 2007. have been deprived of their salaries they used to
receive from the PA budget as the government in
10. Impacts of the Political Division on Economic Ramallah has stopped paying to those employees
and Social Rights in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the political division in 2007.
Meanwhile, the suffering of dozens of civil and mili-
The economic and social rights of the Gaza popula- tary public servant, who receive their salaries from
tion reached the peak of deterioration in 2014 due to the PA budget, especially those affiliated with Fatah,
the ongoing Palestinian political division for the 7th due to being pursued by the Gaza Government and
consecutive year and the absence of the political will its security services.
of both parties to the division to end the worst era
21
Recommendations
In light of continued violations by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, the latest offensive on the
Gaza Strip, denial of Palestinian victims’ access to justice, the Israeli siege that has been imposed on the
Gaza Strip for the eighth year, and the continued Palestinian political split, which had led to the deterio-
ration of human rights and public liberties under the PA, thus negatively affecting the economic, social,
political and legal conditions, PCHR presents the following recommendations to the international com-
munity and Palestinian decision-makers:
Recommendations to the International Community
PCHR emphasizes that Israeli forces committed crimes against humanity and war crimes dur-
ing the latest offensive on the Gaza Strip, which requires holding these responsible for them
accountable and ensuring remedy for victims. PCHR reminds the international community
that Israel has continued to impose a siege on the Gaza Strip for the eighth year. PCHR further
reiterates that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are still under the
Israeli occupation in spite of the Israeli military redeployment outside the Gaza Strip in 2005.
PCHR stresses that there is an international recognition of Israel’s obligation to respect inter-
national human rights instruments and the international humanitarian law. Israel is bound
to apply the international human rights law and the law of war, sometimes reciprocally and
other times in parallel, in a way that achieves the best protection for civilians and remedy for
victims.
As the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict is close to publish
its report, and in light of the continued arbitrary measures, land confiscation and settlement
activities in the West Bank, and the continued denial of access of victims to justice and rem-
edy:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community and the United Nations to use all available
means to allow the Palestinian people to enjoy their right to self-determination, through
the establishment of the Palestinian State, which was recognized by the UN General As-
sembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanc-
tions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine.
2. PCHR calls upon the international community to support the Palestinian accession to the
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and to cooperate to ensure bringing
suspected Israeli war criminals before justice.
3. PCHR calls upon members of the UN Human Rights Council and all UN bodies to sup-
port the results of investigation that will be concluded by the Independent Commission
of Inquiry formed by the Human Rights Council, and to refer the case immediately and
directly to relevant international bodies.
4. PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their
obligations under article (1) of the Convention to ensure respect for the Conventions in
PART one
all circumstances, and under articles (146) and (147) to search for and prosecute those
responsible for committing grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions to ensure justice
and remedy for Palestinian victims, especially in light of the almost complete denial of
justice for them before the Israeli judiciary.
22
5. PCHR calls upon the international community Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to
to assume its responsibilities for the recon- comply with their provisions in the oPt, and to
struction of the Gaza Strip following the Israeli compel it to incorporate the human rights situ-
offensive, accelerate the process of reconstruc- ation in the oPt in its reports submitted to the
tion and pressurize Israeli forces to open border concerned committees.
crossing to allow entry of construction materials 11. PCHR calls upon the international community
and other basic needs. to act in order to stop all Israeli settlement ex-
6. PCHR calls upon the United Nations to recon- pansion activities in the oPt through imposing
sider the mechanism offered by the UN Special sanctions on Israeli settlements and criminaliz-
Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ing trading with them.
as it perpetuates and legalize the Israeli siege 12. PCHR calls upon the United Nations and the
imposed on the Gaza Strip, to take action to lift European Union to express a clear position to-
the siege as it constitutes a war crimes and a wards the annexation wall following the inter-
form of aggression. national recognition of the State of Palestine on
7. PCHR calls upon the international community the 1967 borders, as the annexation wall seizes
to immediately act to compel the Israeli authori- large parts of the State of Palestine.
ties to lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, 13. PCHR calls upon the European Union to activate
which prevents the movement or persons and Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement,
goods, to save about 1.8 Palestinians from eco- which provides that both sides must respect hu-
nomic, social, political and cultural stranglehold. man rights as a precondition for economic co-
8. PCHR calls upon the international community operation between the EU States and Israel, and
to pressurize Israel to ensure the freedom of the EU should not ignore Israeli violations and
movement and a permanent mechanism for crimes against Palestinian civilians.
geographical contiguity between the West Bank 14. PCHR calls upon the international community,
and the Gaza Strip away from the arbitrary Israe- especially Arab countries, to support efforts
li security control. to achieve Palestinian national reconciliation
9. PCHR calls upon the international community, through exerting political pressure on the two
especially states that import Israeli weapons parties of the split in order to achieve reconcili-
and military services, to meet their moral and ation, and the international community should
legal responsibility, not allow Israeli to use the accept the results of reconciliation to avoid the
offensive on Gaza to promote the new weap- recurrence of penal sanctions adopted by the
ons it tested in Gaza, and not accept training international community against the first Pales-
services based on the filed experience in Gaza tinian national unity government.
in order to avoid turning Palestinian civilians 15. PCHR calls upon the international community
in Gaza into testing objects for Israeli weapons and international human rights bodies to pres-
and military tactics. surize Israeli forces to stop attacks against Pal-
10. PCHR calls upon the Parties to international estinian fishermen and allow them to fish freely
human rights instruments, especially the Inter- as fishing is a major source for the Palestinian
national Covenant on Civil and Political Rights economy in the Gaza Strip.
and the International Covenant on Economic,
23
Recommendations to the Palestinian Decision-Makers
In 2014, rights and liberties in the PA controlled areas deteriorated due the ongoing political split. The PLC’s
legislative and monitoring role was absent, and the parties of the political split continued to push the judiciary
into the internal conflict, which undermined the judiciary’s independence. This situation further aggravated
by the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. PCHR calls upon Palestinian decision-makers to cooperate and
jointly implement the following recommendations:
1. PCHR calls upon the PA to apply to the Interna- 8. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian President to
tional Criminal Court to investigate crimes com- comply with the conditions prescribed under
mitted by Israeli forces in the oPt, especially dur- Article 43 of the Palestinian Basic Law for issuing
ing the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, decrees that have the power of laws, including
and not to surrender to Israeli and US pressure. the condition of necessity that cannot be de-
layed.
2. PCHR calls upon the parties to the reconciliation
to immediately act to facilitate the reconstruc- 9. PCHR calls upon the Change and Reform Parlia-
tion of the Gaza Strip, relief efforts for homeless mentary Bloc to stop holding any sessions on be-
people, solving the electricity and cooking gas half of the PLC, and to abstain from enacting any
crisis and opening border crossings, especially law under the ongoing political split.
Rafah International Crossing Point.
10. PCHR calls upon the two parties of the Palestin-
3. PCHR calls for immediately uniting the PA and ian reconciliation to present all laws enacted un-
starting preparations for the Palestinian parlia- der the political split to the PLC once it is con-
mentary and presidential elections. vened.
4. PCHR calls upon security services in the Gaza 11. PCHR calls upon the government and security
Strip to immediately act to stop the escalating services in the West Bank and Gaza to stop all
state of security chaos as they are the de facto violations of the right to freedom of opinion and
security forces in Gaza until Palestinian security expression and the right to peaceful assembly,
services in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are and to hold the perpetrators of such violations
united in accordance with the reconciliation accountable through appropriate legal means.
agreement.
12. PCHR calls upon the government and security
5. PCHR calls upon the national unity government services in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to
to immediately assume its powers in all PA con- stop political arrests, and emphasizes that all vic-
trolled areas and stop the state of security chaos tims have the right to claim for compensation if it
in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which has is proved that they were arrested illegally.
escalated in the past months.
13. PCHR calls upon the Public Prosecution to stop
6. PCHR calls upon the reconciliation parties to re- summoning people by security services without
unite the judiciary as a first step to end the di- warrants, and confirms that the Public Prosecu-
vision, in order to have a neutral body that can tion is the only body warranted to summon peo-
decide on any dispute that may arise during the ple.
process of re-unity.
14. PCHR calls upon the administration of prisons
7. PCHR calls upon the Higher Judiciary Council to and detention facilities to release all persons
reunite the judiciary in the West Bank and the who are illegally detained, and confirms that di-
PART one
Gaza Strip and to ensure its independence and rectors of prisons and detention facilities have
impartiality. the authority and even the duty to release such
persons; otherwise, they will be legally liable.
24
15. PCHR calls upon the government and security 18. PCHR calls upon the government to take strict
services in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to measures against those who are involved in as-
immediately stop torture in prisons and deten- saults on public liberties.
tion facilities and hold suspected perpetrators of
this crime, which remains punishable at all times 19. PCHR calls upon the government to activate the
according to the Palestinian Basic Law, account- principle of transparency in the PNA’s institution
able. allowing access to information about public af-
fairs, especially through the websites of minis-
16. PCHR calls upon the Association Registration tries and various governmental bodies.
Department in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
to stop intervening into the activities and affairs 20. PCHR calls upon the government to implement
of associations beyond the limits of the Law of the Palestinian Law No. 4 of 1999 on the Rights
Charitable Associations and Community Organi- of Persons with Disabilities, especially providing
zations. adequate facilities to disabled persons and en-
suring their right to work.
17. PCHR calls for stopping applying the death
penalty, and abstain from implementing death 21. PCHR calls upon the government and security
sentences that have been issued so far until the services to respect the right to freedom of move-
death penalty is abolished from the Palestinian ment, and emphasizes that restricting this right
laws. is possible only by a judicial order according to
the Palestinian Basic Law.
25
Section (1):
Israeli violations of Human
Rights and International Hu-
manitarian Law
PART one
26
27
Willful Killings and Other Violations of the Right

to Life and Personal Security
In 2014, Israeli forces committed more crimes and violations of the right to life and personal security
against Palestinian civilians in the oPt. These crimes escalated in mid-2014, as the Gaza Strip wit-
nessed a 50-day unprecedented offensive starting on 08 July 2014. Israeli forces started “Operation
Protective Edge” with air strikes against civilian objects, including houses. Israeli warplanes bombed
the Gaza Strip with thousands of tons of explosives and killed many civilians in their houses, includ-
ing women, children and elderly. Day after day, targeting civilians and their property increased, as it
included all Palestinian areas. No safe place was in Gaza. Attacks were launched on houses, residential
buildings, governmental facilities, civilian institutions, public parks, mosques, schools and universi-
ties. Israeli forces committed serious violations against the Palestinian civilians in a manner remind-
ing of the scenes of destruction and killing in “Operation Pillar of Defence” in 2012 and “Operation
Cast Lead” in 2008-2009.
On the 10th day of the Israeli offensive, Israeli forces launched a ground operation in different
areas of the Gaza Strip, as dozens of thousands of Israeli soldiers and hundreds of tanks were
deployed under the coverage of aerial, naval and ground attacks. During the ground opera-
tion in different areas in the north (Beit Hanoun), centre (al-Shuja’iya and Johr al-Deek) and
south (Khuza’a, Abasan and Rafah), Israeli forces committed serious crimes against the Pales-
tinian civilians. They denied paramedics, journalists and humanitarian service teams access
to these areas and imposed a full closure over them. The cruellest crimes were committed in
al-Shuja’iya and Rafah, where hundreds of civilians were killed and hundreds of houses were
bombed while their occupants were inside. In the meantime, Israeli forces bombed the Pales-
tinian areas with all types of weapons resulting in more casualties.
The Israeli offensive resulted in killing 2,216 Palestinians, 1,543 of whom were civilians, includ-
ing 556 children and 293 women; i.e. 60% of the civilian victims and 38% of the total number
of victims. Moreover, it resulted in wounding 10,895, the vast majority of whom were civilians,
including 3,306 children and 2,114 women.
These civilians were killed in different contexts: while they were sleeping at homes, on the
roofs of their houses or in their houses’ yards. The most prominent forms of attacks were:
attacks on houses of targeted persons; attacks on other targets (mosques, public facilities,
streets, agricultural and open lands… etc.); attacks on residential areas like markets, cafes
and shelters; extra-judicial executions; targeting civilian houses; targeting public facilities;
and wilful killings.
In 2014, before and after the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed 64 Palestin-
ians, 55 of whom were civilians, including 12 children and a woman. In addition, 830 Palestin-
ians were wounded, including 163 children and 22 women.
PART one
28
wounded in peaceful protests and clashes with Israeli forces.
Israeli forces continued to commit wilful killing crimes against Palestinian civilians after the
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip until the end of 2014. Israeli forces killed 31 civilians in the
oPt in circumstances where no threats were posed to the lives of Israeli soldiers.
Thus, the number of Palestinian victims in 2014 was 2,280 Palestinians, 1,591 of whom were
civilians, including 568 children and 294 women. Moreover, 11,742 Palestinians were wound-
ed, including 3,443 children and 2,136.
According to investigations conducted PCHR, testimonies of eyewitnesses and collected evi-

dence, it was undoubtedly proven that the Israeli forces used excessive and disproportion-
ate force against the Palestinian civilians who are protected according to the international
humanitarian law. They also did not take into consideration the principles of distinction be-
tween civilian and military targets, and proportionality in responding to the other military
force. It was also clear that the Israeli forces carried out reprisal acts against Palestinian civil-
ians. Those civilians were killed in circumstances that did not pose any threat to the lives of
the Israeli soldiers.
Bombing houses and humanitarian shelters and exterminating entire families
The most significant crimes of the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip were bombing houses, shel-
ters and localities in cafes, streets and markets. PCHR documented dozens of crimes committed without
prior warning by Israeli forces although they had prior knowledge of the presence of civilians in those
localities. Furthermore, PCHR documented the extermination of entire families by air strikes through-
out the Gaza Strip, artillery shelling of residential neighborhoods, targeting densely populated areas
and bombing houses and killing civilians inside. These crimes resulted in killing dozens of civilians, in-
cluding children, and extermination of entire families. The most prominent crimes were as follows:
1. Al-Batsh family – al-Toffah neighborhood, Gaza
On 12 July, Israeli forces targeted a house belonging to Majed al-Batsh in al-Toffah neighborhood in Gaza City.
In addition to owner of the house and his family, a number of other families that resorted to that house were
present inside. Men of those families were performing al-Taraweeh prayer in Majed’s house and the neighbor-
ing one, while women were preparing sweets. The house was bombed without a prior warning. As a result,
18 persons from al-Batsh family were killed, including Majed, his wife and their 7 children. None of the family
members survived. The total number of victims included 6 children and 4 women, one of whom was pregnant.
In addition, 50 others were wounded.
Ahmed No’man Sobhi al-Batsh (27), a nephew of Majed Sobhi al-Batsh (52), who was wounded in the attack
and whose house was located near his uncle’s 2-storey house, said:
“At approximately 21:30 on Saturday, 12 July, I was present in my uncle Majed’s house, in which my uncle Majed;
his wife Amal (50); their children Baha’ (28), Jalal (26), Khaled (20), Mahmoud (22), Ibrahim (18), Marwa (20) and
Manar (13); 8-month pregnant Samah Alaa al-Batsh (22), Baha’s wife, and their 1.5-year-old daughter named Amal
29
were. I saw there also my cousins: Yehya Alaa al-Batsh ambulance and help in pulling out my uncle’s family
(18) and his brother Anas (12); and Mohammed Essam from the rubbles, because I was bleeding and suffering
al-Batsh (15) and his brother Qusai (13). All the family from burns all over my body. Some neighbors headed
members were gathering in my uncle Majed’s house as towards my uncle’s house and left me aside until am-
usual. We were frightened because of the heavy explo- bulances arrived. They then brought my cousin Osama
sions resulting from bombing different areas around. I and I saw his right leg cut and burns throughout his
was hearing Israeli warplanes hovering. Following Isha body. The also brought my paternal grandmother Um
(evening) prayer, we decided to pray the Isha and Tar- Essam (80). She sustained a wound to the right hand
weeh prayers in the house because the nearby mosque and others wounds throughout the body. In the mean-
was closed due to the situation then. Because we were time, ambulances arrived. I was taken with Osama and
too many inside my uncle’s house, I decided with some grandma Um Essam by one ambulance to Shifa Hos-
of my cousins to pray in my neighboring house. At ap- pital in Gaza City. While being at the hospital, I saw
proximately 22:05, I went with my cousins to my house about 50 persons of those who were wounded in the
and left my uncle Majed, his sons, other cousins and attack on my uncle’s house, including my father (68),
uncle Tayseer al-Batsh, Police Chief in Gaza, praying uncle Tayseer and other family members, the majority
in my uncle’s house. I then felt strong air pressure that of whom were women and children. In addition, I saw
pushed me few meters away. The walls collapsed and paramedics bringing a number of martyrs from my un-
black smoke was everywhere. We were covered with cle’s house. Most of them were torn into pieces, due to
rubbles and saw fire around. I then heard my cousins which I fainted. On the following morning, I headed to
who were praying with me articulating the two decla- the hospital morgue and saw some of my family mem-
rations of faith in Islam. I realized then that Israeli war- bers. I had a look on members of my family who were
planes bombed the house. I had pain throughout my killed. The persons killed in my uncle’s house were:
body and felt burns too. I started crawling and trying 1. Uncle Majed, his wife and their 7 children;
to find a way out of the house amidst darkness. I was 2. Samah, Baha’s wife, and their daughter Amal;
afraid that Israeli warplanes would target the place 3. My mother, Aziza Yusef al-Batsh (55);
again, as this is how attacks used to be during the Israe- 4. My cousins Nahedh Na’im al-Batsh (41), Moham-
li offensive. I crawled out to the passage leading to my med and Qusai Essam al-Batsh, and Anas and Ye-
uncle’s house. I found that the house was completely hya Alaa al-Batsh.
destroyed over the families in there. I started crying for
help, and I then saw a number of neighbors stopping It is worth noting that although Civil Defense kept
by the main door leading to our houses, but they were searching for a whole day, they found only 11 corpses.
afraid to come in, fearing other possible attacks. I ran They could not find corpses of other persons, especially
towards them and told them that my uncle’s house was women. Paramedics found parts of the family mem-
attacked by an F16 fighter jet. I asked them to call the bers’ bodies in the vicinity of our houses…”
PART one
The remnants of the al-Batash family›s house in al-Tuffah The Kaware' family's house in Khan Yunis that was
neighborhood in the east of Gaza City bombed by Israeli forces in the early days of the offensive
30
2. Abu Nejem family – Jabalia refugee camp
Without prior warning, Israeli warplanes bombed a house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Karim Nejem (55)
around al-Tawba Mosque in Jabalia refugee camp. As a result, the house was completely destroyed. Moreover,
the attack resulted in the killing of Mohammed; his father Abdul Karim (97); his sons: Belal (27), Ahmed (17) and
Mohammed (21); Soha Hamed Abdul Karim Nejem al-Masri (30); Raghad Mohammed Sa’di Nejem al-Masri (3);
Shaima’ Wa’el Mahmoud Qasem (14); Qasem Mohammed Mahmoud Qasem (30); and 2 members of Palestinian
armed groups. Additionally, 22 civilians, including 10 children and 3 women, were wounded in the same at-
tack. Among the wounded was Zaki Abed Rabbu Kalloub (36), who was living in a neighboring house and was
wounded with members of his family. Kalloub stated:
“…On Sunday afternoon, 03 August, we heard people I was also thrown in the air and I then fell down to the
shouting that al-Tawba Mosque that was 150 meters ground. As a result, my left leg was broken. I thought
to the northeast of my house would be attacked, as that my house was the target. I then heard people
Israeli forces called Abu Ali Abu Jaser whose house is screaming everywhere. Although my leg was broken,
opposite to the mosque and informed him that they I stood up to check on my family. I found my children
would bomb the mosque. I opened all my house win- and wife and we all ran out of the house. Neighbors
dows so they would not be smashed and the whole around shouted that my house was not the targeted
neighborhood panicked. The Asr prayer was called off one. At that time, all I was thinking about is my family.
and all neighbors of the mosque were evacuated to My wife, Wala’ Abdul Fattah Kalloub (28), sustained a
other places. Of those who left their houses was Wa’el shrapnel wound to the left thigh, my daughter Hadeel
Qasem, who left to the house of his brother-in-law, Mo- (6) sustained a shrapnel wound to the neck and my 2
hammed Sa’di Abu Nejem that was to the east of mine. sisters Aman (37) and Zainab (40) sustained bruises
We were waiting for the mosque to be bombarded, but throughout their bodies. We were taken to Kamal
it was not bombarded until 20:50 on the same day, Odwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, where we received first
when Israeli forces fired dozens of flash bombs. Resi- medical aid. In the hospital, I saw corpses of members
dents of the area were terrified, due to which they got of the Abu Nejem family that were pulled from the
into their houses. At approximately 21:00 on the same rubbles. I remember I saw the corpses of Soha Hamed
day, Israeli warplanes targeted without prior warning a Nejem al-Masri (30), her daughter Raghad (3), Moham-
3-storey house belonging to Mohammed Abdul Karim med Abdul Karim Ab Nejem (55) and Shaima’ Wa’el
Mohammed Abu Nejem to the east of my house. At Qasem (14). I then realized that the Abu Nejem family
that moment, I did not hear any explosion, I only saw were targeted…”
strong light and rubble scattering around in my house.
31
3. Abu Jaber family – al-Bureij refugee camp
On 29 July, a house belonging to the Abu Jaber family in al-Bureij refugee camp was attacked. This attack
proves how Israeli forces committed crimes in cold blood and indiscriminately harmed civilians. Twenty per-
sons were killed and 7 others were wounded in the attack on the Abu Jaber family in a densely populated
neighborhood. Kefah Mahmoud Abu Jaber (51), who lives in al-Nusairat housing project, explained the circum-
stances in which his family was killed:
“At approximately 00:30 on Tuesday, 29 July, I heard on corpses of 10 persons: my uncle Hamdan and his chil-
radio that a house belonging to the Abu Jaber family dren Aisha, Fadel and Jaber; Anwar Mohammed Abu
in al-Bureij refugee camp was bombed. I headed to the Jaber; Mohammed Ra’ed Abu Jaber; Toqa Salah Abu
place of the attack 15 minutes later. I entered the house Essa (Abu Jaber); Ahmed Abdul ‘Al; Ayman Abu Oun
where my father, mother, brother, 2 sisters and a sister’s and Sama Ra’ed Abu Jaber. In the following morning,
husband and 5 children were present. I found nobody, at approximately 10:30, we searched again as 2 bull-
but I saw the eastern wall of the house had collapsed. dozers arrived and started removing the rubbles. We
Through that collapsed wall, I could see my uncles’ recovered a number of corpses, including my daugh-
houses completely destroyed and smoke was blind- ter Lina (23) and her 2 daughters: Leen Anwar Abu
ing. People gathered around and we started looking Jaber (2.5) and Salma (1.5). Other corpses belonged to
for victims. We found my cousin Najah Hamdan Abu Ahmed Hamdan Abu Jaber (35), his wife Samiya Abdul
Jaber (32) and aunt Haniya Mohammed Abu Jaber Rahman Abu Jaber (30) and his daughter Hala (6); An-
(77) wounded, while my uncle Hamdan Mohammed waar Mohammed Abu Jaber (35); Donya Hamdan Abu
Abu Jaber (77) was killed. Others found the corpses of Jaber (25) and my uncle’s wife Fedda Ghannam Abu
his sons: Aisha, Fadel (19) and Jaber (27) and corpses Jaber (62). It should be noted that Donya was 9-month
of Ayman Salah Abu Oun that was torn into 2 halves, pregnant and her baby was out and dead. We took all
Ahmed Omer Abdul ‘Al (24) and a third corpse that was of them to al-Aqsa Hospital and then to al-Bureij cem-
unidentified and torn into pieces. I also saw my son-in- etery. Moreover, 7 other members of my family were
law Anwar Mohammed Abu Jaber (35), who sustained wounded. The number of members of the Abu Jaber
a wound to the head and was dying. We kept looking who were killed in the attacked was 17, including the
for other victims and removing the rubbles, but cement baby, in addition to 3 others; one of whom was not
blocks were huge and heavy. We stopped searching and identified then and Deir al-Balah municipality buried
went to al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah to receive the him later.”
PART one
32
Killing internally displaced persons in humanitarian shelters
Human rights organizations documented 8 cases of targeting humanitarian shelters, including UNRWA
schools, although UNRWA schools were known to the Israeli forces as shelters for displaced families as
UNRWA had provided Israeli forces with the schools’ coordinates. Furthermore, Israeli forces shelled
other shelters such as divans and houses like the house of the head of al-Bureij Municipality that used
to be a shelter for dozens of displaced families and where the aforementioned person, his family and a
number of civilians were killed. Israeli attacks on shelters and their vicinity resulted in killing 49 civil-
ians, including 18 children and 7 women, and wounding 308 civilians, including 148 children and 72
women. The most significant attacks on shelters that caused casulaties were as follows:
1. Targeting a shelter in Beit Hanoun Mixed Pri- 2. Targeting a shelter in Rafah Prep. School
mary School
At approximately 10:40 on 03 August 2014, an Israeli
At approximately 14:50 on 24 January 2014, the Is- drone fired a missile at Omer Ben al-Khattab Street
raeli artillery deployed in Beit Hanoun in the north of near al-Nejma square in al-Shaboura refugee camp
the Gaza Strip fired 5 shells at UNRWA Beit Hanoun in Rafah. The missile exploded 8 meters away from
primary school in Qa’et al-Wad area that was desig- the gate of UNRWA Rafah Prep. School for Boys in
nated by UNRWA as a shelter for dozens of families the above-mentioned street. As a result, 14 civilians,
displaced from their houses in the border area of the including 9 children, were killed. Of whom were 5
city. The shells landed in the school yard, where the displaced persons, a by-passer, a vendor, the school
civilians were present in order to evacuate the school. guard, a volunteer and 2 persons on a motorbike.
As a result, 11 civilians, including 6 children and 2 Moreover, 25 others, including 16 displaced civilians
women, were immediately killed while 2 other wom- and 5 children, were wounded. The victims were in-
en died later of their wounds. Moreover, 110 others, side and outside the school.
including 55 children and 31 women, were wounded
and taken to Kamal Odwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, al-
Awda Hospital in Jabalia and Shifa Hospital in Gaza
City. Shifa Hospital received about 25 wounded per-
sons for the seriousness of their injuries.
The attack on Rafah Preparatory school that served

as a shelter for dozens of displaced families
33
Willful Killings
During the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces committed willful killings during the ground
operation in different areas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli troops opened fire at civilians during house raids or when
civilians used to walk in streets. A number of civilians were shot by Israeli snipers on top of some houses, es-
pecially in Khuza’a and Abasan villages that were completely controlled by Israeli forces. PCHR documented at
least a case in which Israeli forces extra-judicially executed 6 members of Palestinian armed groups in a house
in Khuza’a. Following are cases of willful killing, noting that other crimes will be addressed later in the context
of crimes against children and women and other crimes.
Destruction incurred to al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City

PART one
34
1. On 23 July, Israeli soldiers killed Mohammed Ahmed al-Najjar (50), from Khuza’a village, when hewas
lying and his face was against the ground. He was unarmed, and he put his hands up and intended to
stand up to talk to the Israeli soldier when he was shot dead. Investigations and eyewitnesses con-
firm that al-Najjar bled to death for half an hour and Israeli soldiers did not offer him first medical aid
and did not even allow anybody to help him. One of those who tried to help al-Najjar was obliged to
pull back after Israeli soldiers fired towards him and warned him not to proceed.
In his testimony to PCHR, an eyewitness, Mohammed complied with the orders and a soldier asked, “Who
Hussein al-Najjar (26), said that he, his family and the speaks Hebrew so he can talk to the officer?” Moham-
village residents were obliged to leave the village on med Ahmed al-Najjar (50), who used to speak Hebrew,
23 July after Israeli forces moved into it and asked the wanted to stand up, but before he did so, the soldier
residents to evacuate it under gunfire. They were also fired at him. As a result, al-Najjar fell down and blood
forced to raise a white flag fearing for their lives. He was coming out of his chest. Another person tried to
added that Israeli soldiers, who surrounded the village, offer first aid and walked few steps towards al-Najjar,
stopped him and dozens of fleeing civilians at the main but the soldier fired around him and ordered him not
entrance to the village. Israeli soldiers ordered them to move. Al-Najjar remained bleeding for half an hour
to take their clothes off and lie on the ground. They before the eyes of Israeli soldiers and nobody could
were about 80 civilians. In the meantime, everybody help him.
2. After a truce was announced on 01 August, rescue crews and human rights organizations entered
Abasan and Khuza’a villages after a week of closure and fighting. One of the most painful scenes
was the killing of 6 persons who seemed to be members of armed groups in a house. It was clear that
were subjected to gunfire and their corpses were rotten. Two of whom were handcuffed while a third
sustained slaughter traces in the neck in a way proving that those persons were killed in cold blood
after Israeli forces captured them.
A witness, Mohammed al-Najjar (26), said that on 01 the house and the bathroom in particular. There were
August, a truce was declared, so he went back to his vil- empty bullet cases on the floor.”
lage to check on the house. He found it completely de- Another witness, Lo’ai Sami Abed al-Najjar (18), said
stroyed and saw destruction everywhere. He explained, that he entered the house of his cousin Hani al-Najjar
“When I helped medical crews in recovering corpses with his uncle after they noticed a bad smell out of his
and the wounded, I heard someone saying that there house. Once they entered the house, they saw a corpse
was a martyr in the house of his son Hani. I hurried in the corridor leading to the bathroom. There were
up to help. I saw a corpse of a person whose face was traces of bullets on the external bathroom walls in the
against the ground, his hands up and barefoot. His corridor. They also saw 5 corpses of young men in plain
clothes were torn and there were small holes in them. clothes in the bathroom, but their physical features
The corpse was present in the living room in front of were not clear.
the bathroom. I entered the bathroom and saw 5 rot-
ten corpses. I could not pull together and started crying “The smell was stinky and their blood and parts of their
‘Allah Akbar’. Other persons arrived and helped me in heads and hair were scattered on the walls and ceil-
taking the corpses out of the house. At that time, I saw ing. I also saw traces of bullets and small holes on the
2 corpses that were handcuffed with plastic straps and bathroom walls. Blood and empty bullets cases were
were killed while prostrating. Moreover, I saw 3 other everywhere. This proves that Israeli soldiers were pres-
corpses that were not handcuffed, but I saw traces of ent in the house and shot the 5 young men dead in the
slaughter in the neck of 2 ones…. While transport- house, as there were empty food cans in the house and
ing the victims, I saw traces of gunfire in the walls of the neighboring one”.
35
During the first half of 2014, Israeli forces willfully bled to death and her body was found on the fol-
killed 23 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children lowing day, 01 March.
and a woman, in different contexts. Six of these civil-
ians were killed in the Gaza Strip, in including 5 ones 5. On 26 May, Emad Shokri Salem (52), from Beit La-
who were killed in the Access Restricted Areas (ARA), hia housing project, sustained 2 bullet wounds
east and north of the Gaza Strip, while the 6th one, to the back and right arm when Israeli forces sta-
who was a child, was killed when Israeli forces extra- tioned along the border fence, northwest of Beit
judicially executed a member of Palestinian armed Lahia village, north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire
group. In the West Bank, 17 civilians, including 4 at a group of Palestinian civilians at the beach.
children, were killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in They were about 300 meters away from the
different context, like killing at checkpoints, during northern borders. Salem was pronounced dead
incursions or when children approached the annex- from his wounds on 8 June.
ation wall and other incidents. The most prominent
attacks were as follows: 6. On 29 January, Israeli forces killed Mohammed
Abdul Aziz Mubarak (20), a worker from al-Jal-
1. On 02 January, Israeli soldiers opened fire at Ad- azoun refugee camp. They shot him dead from
nan Jamil Shehda Abu Khater (17), from Jabalia a range of less than 50 meters. Israeli forces
in the north of the Gaza Strip, while he was play- claimed that the victim fired at the Israeli military
ing with his friends near al-Shuhada’ cemetery, watchtower, but eyewitnesses refuted the claim
east of Jabalia, 500 meters away from the bor- and confirmed that the worker was willfully
der fence. The boy sustained a bullet wound to killed from a close range while organizing traffic
the pelvis and remained bleeding for an hour on Ramallah – Nablus road, north of Ein Sinya vil-
until paramedics arrived and took him to Kamal lage, north of Ramallah.
Odwan Hospital in Beit Lahia. For the seriousness
of his wound, he was transferred to Shifa Hospi- 7. On 10 March, Israeli forces stationed at the al-
tal in Gaza City. However, he was pronounced Karamah crossing on the Jordanian border killed
dead the following day. Ra’ed Aladdin Z’aiter (38), a judge originally from
Nablus working in Amman Magistrate’s Court,
2. On 24 January, Belal Samir Owida (20), from Beit while he was on his way back to the West Bank.
Lahia housing project, was killed as he sustained Israeli forces claimed that the judge attempted
a bullet wound to the chest when he and other to seize the weapon of an Israeli soldier who in
youngsters threw stones at Israeli soldiers sta- response shot and killed him. Investigations con-
tioned along the border fence, north of Beit La- ducted by PCHR refuted the Israeli claims and
hia, north of the Gaza Strip. emphasized that the judge did not constitute
any threat to the lives of the Israeli soldiers. One
3. On 13 February, Israeli forces stationed along the of the Israeli soldiers pushed Z’aiter, but the lat-
border fence, east of the Gaza Strip, opened fire ter refused the soldier’s behavior resulting in skir-
at a group of Palestinian civilians who were col- mishes between them. Another soldier pushed
lecting gravel near Malaka intersection, east of the judge again, who fell on the ground and then
al-Zaitoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. got up to push the Israeli soldier, but the soldier
As a result, Ibrahim Suleiman Mansour (36), from in turn shot him dead.
al-Shuja’iya neighborhood, was shot dead in the
head and Rafiq Baker al-Harokli (21) sustained a 8. On 10 March also, Israeli soldiers killed Saji Dar-
bullet wound to the right leg. wish Jaray’a (20), from Beitin village, northeast of
Ramallah. Israeli forces claimed that they opened
4. On 28 February, Amna Attiya Qudaih (57), who fire at group of Palestinian youngster who threw
suffered from mental disorders, from Khuza’a, stones at settlers’ vehicles passing on Street (60),
was wounded as Israeli forces opened fire at her near “Givat Asaf” settlement outpost. As a result,
PART one
because she approached the border fence, east one of them was killed. It should be noted that
of Abasan village, east of Khan Yunis in the south victim was a freshman student in the Faculty of
of the Gaza Strip. The aforementioned person Information in Bir Zeit University.
36
Killing of Children
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to kill more children in the oPt. The number of children victims reached 568
an average of 35.7% of civilian victims; 558 of whom were in Gaza and 10 were in the West Bank. Furthermore,
3,443 children were wounded, the majority of whom were wounded during the Israeli offensive.
The most notable crimes against children were committed during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces killed 556 children, an average of 36% of the civilian victims during the offensive; 80 of whom
were babies less than 3 years, 92 were aging between 3-6, 164 were aging between 6-12 and 220 were ag-
ing between 12-18. Moreover, 3,306 children were wounded during the offensive, an average of 30% of the
wounded civilians. These children victims were present with their families in their houses that were targeted
by Israeli warplanes or bombed while they were inside. There are many cases in which children were directly
targeted by bombs and missiles while playing around. Some children were killed or wounded when they were
around areas or houses that were attacked by Israeli forces. The most significant cases were as follows:
1. On 09 July 2014, Israeli warplanes targeted a group of children who were passing through al-Shanti land in
Jabalia. As a result, Ahmed Nezar Mahdi (15) was killed.
Tamer al-Munshed (16), who was wounded in the same attack, said:
“…While walking in an open land near the playground was then admitted to the operations room to remove
that we used to play football in, I fell down, did not shrapnel out of my body. When I woke up afterwards,
feel my body and fainted for seconds. When I regained I realized that Ahmed Mahdi was dead, as I saw pho-
consciousness, I found myself lying on the ground and tos of him on a cell phone. I was in agony for losing my
Ahmed Mahdi’s leg, which was cut, under me. I felt so best friend. He had been my friend for 2 years. We used
much pain as I sustained shrapnel wounds and was to see each other almost everyday. I was transferred to
bleeding throughout my body. Mohammed Abu Ghori al-Arish Hospital in Egypt. Two weeks later, I returned
was on the ground bleeding and was unconscious. I to the Gaza Strip, where I was taken first to Shifa Hospi-
then fainted again. I woke up in the emergency room tal and then to my house. Mohammed Abu Ghori was
in Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. While being in the hos- transferred to a Turkish Hospital for the seriousness of
pital and receiving first aid, Mohammed Abu Ghori’s his injury. It should be noted that my injuries resulted
brother, Khaled, came and told me that Ahmed Mahdi in cutting my left hand nerves, so I do not feel my left
was immediately killed in the attack, in which we were hand pinkie. Moreover, I cannot stand because of the
targeted by an Israeli drone. I did not believe him. I severe shrapnel wounds in my legs.”
2. On 17 July 2014, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a group of children playing at Gaza beach, near
Gaza seaport, west of Gaza City. As a result, 4 children from the Baker family were killed and their bodies
were torn into pieces, and 2 others were wounded. The victims were: Zakariya Ahed Sobhi Baker (10), Isma’il
Mohammed Sobhi Baker (10), Mohammed Ramez Ezzat Baker (11) and Ahed Attaf Ahed Baker (10). The
wounded were Hamada Khamis Baker (8), who sustained serious wounds, and al-Montaser Bellah Ahed
Baker (12).
Ramez Baker (12), the brother of one of the victims, who was with his brother during the attack, said:
“… While Isma’il was holding a small stick by his hand and running after us on the beach, I heard an explosion that
rocked the area. It was the Israeli gunboats attacking us by a shell when we were playing in an open area on the
beach. In the meantime, I saw thick smoke going out of the place. I then saw Isma’il lying with his face against the
sand and his body torn into pieces. The other boys and I were terrified and fled eastwards, looking for someone to
help. We found a young man from the Abu Wadhfa family, who was working in al-Shera’ restaurant with the com-
pany of another man, and told him that Isma’il was severely wounded. We asked him to call an ambulance. In the
meanwhile, I heard another explosion and saw smoke going out of the place where the boys were present. I then
saw the boys lying on the ground. My brother Mohammed, Zakariya and Ahed were torn into pieces. I was shivering
37
out of fear and hid behind a garbage container in the cause I was shaking, very scared and weeping for my
place. I was afraid that Israeli forces would attack the brother Mohammed. Few minutes later, we reached
place again. Two minutes later, I heard a third explo- the hospital, doctors pronounced Mohammed, Isma’il,
sion and saw smoke going out of the restaurant. Some Zakariya and Ahed dead. They also said that Hamada
journalists arrived then and started photographing my and al-Montaser Bellah sustained serious wounds.
brother Mohammed, Ahed, Zakariya and Isma’il, who Paramedics brought 2 young men who were wounded
were bloodstained. Ambulances arrived and took the in the same attack. They were the young man from Abu
wounded to the hospital. They took me with them be- Wadhfa family and his colleague in the restaurant”.
The location of the attack on the

children of the Baker family at
Gaza beach
3. At approximately 17:30, on 17 July 2014, an Israeli drone fired a missile at the roof of a house belonging to
sons of Marzouq Mohammed Shuhaibar while 5 children from the family were feeding birds on the roof.
As a result, 3 of the children were immediately killed: Jihad and Wasim Esam Marzouq Shuhaibar (11) and
(8) respectively; and their cousin Afnan Wesam Marzouq Shuhaibar (8). Moreover, 2 others were seriously
wounded: Oday Wesam Shuhaibar (16) and Basel Yasser Shuhaibar (8).
Wesam Shuhaibar, the father of one of the victims, said:

“…While the kids were playing on the roof around the and was screaming. My wife and I carried Afnan and
pigeon cage and feeding pigeons and chicks, and my Oday, then some neighbors came and helped in trans-
other kids and nephews were playing on the stairs porting the wounded to Shifa Hospital. After we arrived
leading to the roof, I heard an explosion on the roof at the hospital, doctors pronounced Afnan, Jihad and
and then saw thick smoke coming out of the roof. I also Wasim dead. Moreover, doctors told us that Basel was
heard the kids on the stairs screaming. In the mean- seriously wounded and was admitted to the intensive
while, I hurried up to the roof to see what was going care unit. My son, Oday, sustained a fracture in the
on. On my way to the roof, I saw blood on the stairs. left leg and shrapnel wounds throughout the body… I
When I went up, I saw my kids Oday and Afnan and my then went home to check on my wife and kids. I found
nephews Wasim and Jihad Esam Shuhaibar and Ba- a 10-centimeter-deep crater left by the missile that tar-
sel Yasser Shuhaibar thrown around the pigeon cage. geted our roof, as the missile penetrated 2 roofs”.
They were bloodstained. My wife came upstairs too
PART one
38
In 2014, Israeli forces and settlers killed in cold blood Palestinian children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The
most prominent attacks were as follows:
1. On 19 March, Israeli forces killed Yousef Sami Salem Shawamra (14) near the annexation wall, west of Doura,
southwest of Hebron, and arrested 2 others who were in his company. Following that attack, Israeli forces
declared that they shot dead a Palestinian from Deir al-Asal al-Fouqa village, while trying to cross to Israel
through the annexation wall.
2. On 15 May, Israeli soldiers opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters, who were protesting around
Ofer detention facility, southwest of Ramallah, to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Palestinian
Nakba (the uprooting the Palestinian people from their lands in 1948). As a result, Mohammed Salama “Abu
Daher” (17) and Nadim Nawara (17) were killed and 5 civilians, including a child, were wounded, the wound
of one of whom was serious. A video recorded by a Palestinian showed how the 2 children, who were dis-
tant, were willfully killed by Israeli soldiers stationed in their military site.
3. The gravest crime was when Mohammed Abu Khdair (16) was kidnapped and his body was burnt and mu-
tilated by Israeli settlers. This was not the only crime committed by settlers, as they attempted to kidnap
other Palestinians, especially children.
39
Killing of Women
Israeli forces killed 294 women in 2014; all of them were killed in the Gaza Strip during the latest Israeli offen-
sive, except for a woman who was killed before the offensive in access restricted areas in Khan Yunis. Moreover,
2,124 women were wounded, the majority of whom were wounded during the Israeli offensive; 2,114 of the
wounded women were in the Gaza Strip and 10 others in the West Bank.
According to PCHR’s documentation, the majority of women were killed while being at home due to the direct
Israeli attacks on these houses whether by warplanes or artillery, or because their houses were near areas that
were bombed. PCHR documented a number of cases in which pregnant women were killed.
»» At approximately 05:15 on 11 July 2014, Israeli »» At approximately 14:00 on 21 July 2014, an Israeli
warplanes targeted a house belonging to Abdul warplane fired a missile at a house belonging to
Razeq al-Ghannam. As a result, al-Ghannam and Jamil Sha’ban Zeyada in al-Bureij refugee camp.
a number of his family members were killed, 3 of As a result, 6 family members were killed, includ-
whom were women. The women who were killed ing 2 women. The killed women were: his mother
were identified as: Moftiya Mohammed Zeyada (70) and wife Bayan
1. Ghaliya Deeb al-Ghannam (57); Abdul Latif Zeyada (39). In the same attack, Zey-
2. Wesam Abdul Razzaq al-Ghannam (31); ada, his son, 2 of his brothers and a member of a
3. Kefah Shaker al-Ghannam (33), who was Palestinian armed group were killed.
deaf.
»» On 22 July, Israeli forces targeted a house be-
»» At approximately 05:50 on 15 July 2014, an Israeli longing to the Azzam family in al-Zaitoun neigh-
warplane targeted a house belonging to Mo- borhood, east of Gaza City. As a result, 2 women
hammed Jom’a Zo’rob in al-Nasser village, north were killed while they were inside the house:
of Rafah. As a result, his uncle’s wife, Boshra Khalil Fatma Hassan Awwad Azzam (70) and her sister
Zo’rob (63), was killed and his brother Ahmed Mariam (50).
(25) sustained moderate wounds.
»» At approximately 06:30 on 22 July 2014, an Israeli
»» On 20 July 2014, Israeli forces fired a missile at warplane fired a missile at a house belonging to
al-Mansour Street in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood. the Abu Mnaifi family near Wadi al-Salqa village,
As a result, 4 civilians were killed, including 2 east of Deir al-Balah. As a result, Salwa Abdul Aziz
women. The women were Hala Sobhi Ayyad (27) Abu Mnaifi (49) and her daughter, Samira Sanad
and Mona Abdul Rahman Ayyad (26). Abu Mnaifi (18), were killed.
»» At approximately 06:30 on 20 July 2014, 6 civil- »» At approximately 22:30 on 25 July 2014, Israeli
ians from the al-Shaikh Khalil family were killed, forces bombarded a house belonging to al-Far
including 4 women and a little girl, due to indis- family in al-Maghazi refugee camp. As a result,
criminate Israeli attacks on civilian houses in al- the house was completely destroyed and all its
Shuja’iya area. The female victims were: occupants were killed. The victims were 10 fam-
1. Ayda Mohammed al-Shaikh Khalil (45); ily members, including 7 women. The women
2. Mona Salman al-Shaikh Khalil (45); were: Zenat Hassan al-Far (58) and her daughters
3. Adila Sulaiman al-Shaikh Khalil (67); Amal (35), Nivin (18), Hanan (15) and Jehan (25);
4. Jawaher Sulaiman al-Shaikh Khalil (37); and her sister Fatma Hassan al-Far and her daughter
5. Samya al-Shaikh Khalil (3). Reham (25).
»» On 21 July 2014, fine women were killed in an »» At approximately 14:05 on 23 August 2014, Israe-
PART one
Israeli attack on the Abu Jame’ family in Bani li warplanes fired 2 missiles at a house belonging
Suhaila village, east of Khan Yunis. Twenty-five to the family of Ali Abdul Jawad Muheisen in Deir
other civilians were killed in the attack. al-Balah. As a result, 3 civilians, including 2 wom-
en, were killed. The 2 women were: Nisreen Ibra-
40
him Isma’il Ahmed (38) and Suhair Abdul Karim killed, including 3 women. The killed women
Hamad Abu Meddain (43). were: 9-month pregnant Samar Osama Khalil
al-Hallaq (29), Hala Akram Hassan al-Hallaq (27)
»» At approximately 15:00 on 10 July 2014, Israeli and her mother So’ad Mohammed al-Hallaq (62).
warplanes bombed a house belonging to Awad They were all in the house.
Hussain Hassan al-Nawasra in al-Maghazi refu-
gee camp. As a result, a number of the family »» At approximately 11:50 on 22 July 2014, the Is-
members were killed, including 4-month preg- raeli artillery fired dozens of shells at Ezbet Beit
nant Aisha Mahmoud al-Nawasra “Nejem” (23). Hanoun. A shell landed on a house belonging to
Rami Adel Ahmed Kharawat. As a result, his wife
»» On 21 July 2014, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles Soha Na’im Kharawat (23), who was about to de-
at Cordoba building in al-Remal neighborhood. liver a baby, was killed. Doctors at Kamal Odwan
A missile hit a house belonging to al-Hajj fam- Hospital tried to save the life of the baby after his
ily and Cordoba’s entrance. As a result, 11 civil- mother passed away, but the baby was already
ians from the al-Hallaq and Ammar families were dead.
41
Targeting Medical and Humanitarian Services Crews
In 2014, Israeli forces killed 19 medical and humanitarian services crews, 11 of whom were medical staff mem-
bers and the other 8 one were humanitarian services members working in municipalities, and water and elec-
tricity facilities. All of them were killed during the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, which demonstrates that
Israeli forces intentionally adopted the policy of willful killing against medical and humanitarian services crews.
Such crews have certain uniforms and badges that can be clearly identified day or night, in addition to the well-
known color of ambulances with the red crescent or cross on them, civil defense and human services’ vehicles.
Following are the most prominent killing incidents during the Israeli offensive:
»» On 20 July 2014, the Israeli artillery shelled an it. As a result, the ambulance caught fire and
ambulance belonging to the Palestinian Medi- al-Bora’i was wounded and killed immediately.
cal Services in al-Mansoura Street in al-Shuja’iya Bedair and Shaheen could get out of the ambu-
neighborhood, east of Gaza City. The ambulance lance, but they sustained various wounds. They
was on its way to transport victims in the same ran back towards the hospital. At approximately
street. As a result, a paramedic, Fo’ad Zuhair 17:30, another PRCS ambulance, in which Yosri
Jaber (35), and journalist Khaled Hamad, who al-Masri (45) and Rami al-Hajj Ali (35) were, head-
accompanied them, were killed, Dr. Diya’ Abu ed to the same place to recover the body of al-
Hussain was wounded and the ambulance was Bora’i after coordination through the ICRC. When
completely destroyed. they approached the place, they were met with
heavy gunfire at them. As a result, Rami al-Hajj
Half an hour later, Israeli forces shelled another sustained a shrapnel wound to the left leg and
ambulance belonging to Palestine Red Cross the ambulance was hit by dozens of bullets. The
Society (PRCS) while paramedics were trying to ambulance driver fled and drove back to Beit Ha-
approach wounded persons, east of al-Shuja’iya noun Hospital.
neighborhood. The shell directly hit the ambu-
lance and killed a paramedic, Ibrahim Salem al- Three medical staff members working in Beit
Sahbani (22). Hanoun Hospital were wounded because Is-
raeli forces shelled the hospital and its vicinity
»» Two ambulance officers killed and 6 other throughout the night and morning of that day.
paramedics wounded in 2 separate incidents As a result, extensive damage was caused to the
in the Gaza Strip. emergency department and the administrative
department that includes accommodation and
On 25 July 2014, Israeli forces killed 2 paramed- operations. Moreover, a number of shells landed
ics of PRCS and wounded 6 others in 2 separate on the hospital’s yards.
attacks. An ambulance was burnt because a shell
hit it directly and another sustained damage be- In a separate attack on the same day, at approxi-
cause it was heavily fired at. This attack coincided mately 23:10, Israeli forces moving into al-Qarara
with the Israeli attack on Beit Hanoun Hospital, village, in Khan Yunis, fired a number of bullets at
which resulted in extensive damage to the hos- a PRCS ambulance. The ambulance was attempt-
pital. ing to recover a wounded person with disability
from his house after coordinating through the
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, ICRC. A paramedic, Mohammed Ahmed al-Abad-
at approximately 16:30 on 25 July 2014, a PRCS lah (32), sustained 2 bullet wounds to the thigh
ambulance headed to the entrance of al-Masri- and leg. Contact was lost with him and he bled
yeen Street in the east of Beit Hanoun Hospital to death.
in the north of the Gaza Strip. Jawad Fayez Be-
dair (50) was driving the ambulance in company »» On 01 August, Israeli forces killed an ambulance
with ambulance officers, Hatem Shaheen (36) crew of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, com-
PART one
and Ayed Mahmoud Ahmed al-Bora’i (28). The prised of 3 paramedics. The ambulance was
ambulance drove only 50 meters when the Is- heading to recover a number of wounded per-
raeli artillery deployed in the Gaza Strip shelled sons in Mosabbeh neighborhood in the north of
42
Rafah. Four other persons from the same family around the mosque, Do’a’ Ibrahim Mahmoud
were killed in the same attack. Shaikh al-Eid (23) and her children: Abdul Karim
Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh al-Eid (2), Khalil Ibrahim
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, Ahmed Shaikh al-Eid (4) and Aya Ibrahim Ahmed
at approximately 17:10 on 01 August 2014, am- Shaikh al-Eid (5) resorted to the ambulance. In
bulances received information that there were the meantime, an Israeli drone attacked the am-
a number of wounded persons due to an attack bulance. As a result, the 4 family members and
on a house belonging to Sweilem Mhawesh Su- 3 paramedics were killed. The paramedics were:
laiman al-Hashash (58) in Mosabbeh neighbor- Atef Saleh Ibrahim al-Zameli (42), the ambulance
hood in the north of Rafah by an Israeli drone. His driver; Yusef Ijmai’an Nasrallah al-Shaikh Eid (23),
neighbors from the Shaikh al-Eid family tried to a paramedic; and Yusef Jaber Hassan Darabeih
help evacuating the family, but an Israeli drone (25), a paramedic. Israeli forces deliberately pre-
attacked them again. In the meanwhile, ambu- vented ambulances from transporting the vic-
lances arrived, including an ambulance belong- tims, as an Israeli warplane fired a missile in front
ing to the Ministry of Health. While paramed- of a PRCS ambulance to prevent it from reaching
ics were trying to transport the wounded from the victims.
43
Targeting Journalists and Media Personnel
During the Israeli offensive, 6 journalists were killed while on duty covering the Israeli crimes against Palestin-
ian civilians in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, 2 other journalists,3 including an Italian one, were killed and a third
was wounded due to the explosion of a shell of the Israeli military remnants in the Gaza Strip while preparing a
report on the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.4 Following are the cases of killing journalists in 2014:
1. On 09 July, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at fired a number of shells at al-Shuja’iya market,
a Skoda vehicle with (TV) logo on it. The vehicle where dozens of civilians were shopping. Medi-
was driven in al-Remal neighborhood in the cen- cal crews, civil defense and journalists headed to
ter of Gaza City. As a result, Hamed Abdullah Mo- the place, as the Israeli attack resulted in killing
hammed Shehab (33), a driver of Media 24 News 30 civilians, including 2 journalists, a paramedic
Agency, was killed and 3 others were wounded, and a fireman, and wounding dozens, including
including an elderly person and a child. 3 journalists one of whom was pronounced dead
2. On 20 July, Israeli forces targeted Khaled Riyadh later. The journalists who were killed were identi-
Mohammed Hamad (25), a photojournalist at fied as
Continue New Agency, while covering Israeli 1) Rami Fat’hi Rayan (25), a freelance journalist;
crimes committed in al-Shuja’iyah neighborhood 2) Sameh Mohammed al-’Aryan (29), a photo-
in the east of Gaza City. Hamad had arrived at the journalist at al-Aqsa satellite channel; and
neighborhood to cover recovering victims of Is- 3) Mohammed Nour al-Din al-Dairi (26), a pho-
raeli crimes in that area. Once he started work- tojournalist at the Palestinian Media Network,
ing, Israeli forces directly attacked the area where who was pronounced dead on 02 August of
he was although there was an ambulance around the wounds he sustained.
and Hamad put a press vest on. As a result of the
attack, Hamad and Riyadh Jaber, a paramedic, In the same attack, Hamed al-Shoubaki, a photo-
were killed. journalist at al-Manarah Media Production Agen-
3. On 30 July, 2 journalists were killed and a third cy, sustained wounds to the legs, and Mahmoud
died later of wounds he sustained while cover- al-Qassas, a reporter at the Independence Weekly
ing the Israeli attack on al-Shuja’iya market in the Newspaper, sustained shrapnel wounds to the
east of Gaza City. At approximately 17:00, and head. They were both transported to Shifa Hos-
during a humanitarian ceasefire, Israeli forces pital to receive the necessary medical treatment.
3. On 31 August, Camilli Simone (35), an Italian journalist, and Ali Shehta Abu ‘Afesh (37), a Palestinian journalist, were killed and journalist
Hatem Mahmoud Mousa (40) was seriously wounded due to the explosion of a missile of the Israeli military remnants in Beit Lahia in the
north of the Gaza Strip. The three journalists working for Associated Press were preparing a report during the ceasefire at that time in the
PART one
Gaza Strip.
4. The cases listed in the report are related to only journalists who were killed while on duty. Other civilians working in media were killed
during military operations, and human rights organizations documented their stories in the section on the civilian victims’.
44
Akram al-’Awoor, a paramedic said:
“At approximately 22:17 on Wednesday, 30 July 2014, I al-Selek family. I stepped out of the ambulance to go
was with my colleagues at the Ophthalmology Hospi- upstairs to evacuate the wounded. I saw Rami getting
tal, when we received a radio signal from the Medical out of the ambulance and holding his camera. In the
Service Operations Room that there were casualties meantime, I heard a heavy explosion as Israeli forces
due to an Israeli attack on a house, west of Saladin shelled the same place for the second time while we
Street, in front of al-Shuja’iya market in the east of were evacuating the wounded from the roof. I then
Gaza City. We immediately headed to the place by saw a shell landing on an ambulance belonging to
a Medical Service ambulance. I was with paramedic Jenin Hospital. I saw paramedic Abu Hamza al-Beltaji
Mahmoud Ramadan and photojournalist Rami Rayan and Rami bleeding on the ground. I noticed no signs
(24). Since the beginning of the Israeli offensive, Rami, of life on them. I then heard other violent and succes-
who was freelancer, used to move with us in the am- sive explosions in the same place. I sustained shrapnel
bulance to cover Israeli attacks. It took us 7 minutes to wounds and fell down. I felt so much pain in my left leg
reach the attacked place… I learnt from other para- that was amputated under the knee… At the hospital,
medics, who were present in the area, that there were where I received medical treatment, I learnt that Abu
wounded and killed persons on the roof of the house of Hamza al-Beltaji and Rami Rayan were killed.”
4. On 01 August, Abdullah Naser Fahjan (21), a photojournalist at al-Aqsa Media Network, sustained serious
wounds to the head as an Israeli warplane fired a missile at him while on duty. Fahjan was filming the dis-
placement of civilians in al-Junaina neighborhood in Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip. Fahjan was trans-
ported to al-Najjar Hospital in the city to receive the necessary medical treatment. He was then referred to
the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Yunis for the seriousness of his injury, but doctors’ efforts failed to save
his life. A medical source pronounced him dead.
45
Ongoing Policy of Total Closure and Violation of the

Right to Freedom of Movement
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to impose restrictions on the freedom of movement in the oPt. In the
Gaza Strip, the Israeli-imposed closure has been ongoing for the 8th consecutive year and restrictions
have been imposed on the movement of persons and commodities via border crossings.
The ongoing closure has resulted in high rates of poverty and unemployment and delay in
Gaza reconstruction for over 4 months after the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip which
left extensive destruction to thousands of civilian objects and houses. The Gaza Strip popu-
lation has been denied the right to freedom of movement in and out of the Gaza Strip. As a
consequence, the humanitarian conditions unprecedentedly deteriorated. In the West Bank,
Israeli forces have continued to restrict the movement of civilians between cities, as well as
at international crossing points. Israel has continued its policy of closing off occupied East
Jerusalem to Palestinian civilians from elsewhere in the oPt; entry to East Jerusalem is banned
for Palestinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinians have been
denied access to advanced medical care, their right to meet with family members, and access
to education, work, and religious sites in East Jerusalem, in particular, the al-Aqsa Mosque.
First: Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza Strip for the eighth consecutive year
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to impose the closure and strict restrictions on the move-
ment of persons and goods at border crossings for the eighth consecutive year. The Israeli
closure is considered one of the gravest violations and collective punishment forms against
the Palestinian civilians in the history of Israeli occupation of the oPt. This inhumane and ille-
gal closure is a man-made disaster and part of a continuous war crime against the Palestinian
civilians. The closure has left catastrophic impacts on all basic aspects of life and destroyed
the economic sector and vital production sectors in the Gaza Strip. The most significant fea-
tures of the closure in 2014 were as follows:
»» High rates of poverty and unemployment: The closure resulted in deterioration of

humanitarian conditions of civilians, due to which, serious indicators appeared on the
humanitarian level, especially poverty and unemployment. According to the Palestinian
Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), the rate of Palestinian families that live under pov-
erty line increased to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. According to
the same source, the rate of unemployment in the oPt reached 23.7%. Unemployment
reached 32.5% in the Gaza Strip and 19.1% in the West Bank.
»» International reconstruction mechanism goes in harmony with and institutionalize

the closure: It has been 5 months since the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip end-
ed and left big destruction in thousands of civilian objects and houses. The destruction
PART one
scenes have been prevailing and Gaza reconstruction is almost impossible according to
the mechanism reached by the UN Middle East Envoy, Israel and Palestinian Authority un-
der international observation of the use of materials to ensure that these materials would
not be diverted from their entirely civilian purpose. Under this mechanism that was de-
46
clared on 16 September 2014, the UN, Israel and lowed into the Gaza Strip were very limited and
the Palestinian Authority had reached a deal to do not meet the minimum level of the actual
allow reconstruction work to begin in the war- needs. Therefore, tens of thousands of owners
torn Gaza Strip under international observation of houses the were destroyed during the Israeli
of the use of materials. Serry highlighted that the offensive have been suffering because they are
deal provides security assurances through UN unable to rebuild or repair their houses.
monitoring that these materials would not be di-
verted from their entirely civilian purpose. »» Strict restrictions on the freedom of move-
ment of persons: Israeli forces have imposed re-
»» PCHR criticizes Gaza reconstruction mecha- strictions on the movement of Gaza population
nism and calls for putting an end to the clo- at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, the only crossing
sure: PCHR strongly criticized this mechanism for the movement of persons to the West Bank,
immediately after it was announced and consid- including Jerusalem and/or Israel. As a result,
ered it as institutionalization and international Gaza population were denied their right to travel
cover of the closure. PCHR also warned against to universities, Islamic and Christian holy places
applying this mechanism as it would aggravate and family visitation in the West Bank. However,
the civilian population’s suffering, especially the Israeli forces allowed limited categories to travel
owners of destroyed houses. Moreover, PCHR via Beit Hanoun crossing: patients suffering from
stressed that the only solution to end the serious serious diseases and their companions; Arabs
impacts of the Israeli offensive is to immediately holding Israeli ID’s; international journalists;
lift the closure and allow the freedom of move- workers of international humanitarian organi-
ment of persons and commodities. Statistics rel- zations; businesspeople; and persons travelling
evant to construction materials allowed into the via al-Karama crossing. These categories travel
Gaza Strip following the Israeli offensive proved through the crossing under very complicated
PCHR’s perspective on Gaza reconstruction plan. procedures.
The quantities of cement, steel and aggregate al-
• Patients: Preventing hundreds of patients suffering from serious illnesses from traveling to hospitals in
Israel or the West Bank under the closure regime resulted in the deaths of dozens of them. In 2014, after
Israeli forces claimed easing the closure for patients, Israel obstructed the travel of 3,188 patients; 529 of
whom were prevented due to security reasons, 320 of them were asked to change the companions and
323 others were forced to wait for a new appointment while the remaining 2,016 patients were awaiting an
Israeli reply following their security interviews.
• Family visits to prisoners in Israeli jails: in 2014, Israeli authorities were not committed to the agree-
ment that was reached in May 2012 between Palestinian prisoners and Israeli authorities. Israeli authorities
continued to organize prisoners’ visits under complicated restrictions and in groups; each group includes
2 persons of relatives of about 25 prisoners. Furthermore, Israeli authorities stopped prisoners’ visits sev-
eral times in 2014 without clear reasons or under fake pretexts. The prisoners’ families were subjected to
arbitrary practices, obstacles and immoral and degrading treatment. They also suffered from the Israeli
provocative measures and the continuous threats to cancel their visits in the future if they did not respond
to Israeli orders. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities determine a visitor who is allowed to visit a
prisoner, and those authorized visitors are limited to the prisoners’ father, mother or wife and one or two
of them only. Furthermore, in case either one is incapable of visiting (due to sickness, old age or death),
the Israeli authorities do not allow replacements of the visitors; thus, the prisoner loses the right to his visit.
Moreover, prisoners’ families are not allowed to bring with them personal items, including clothes and food.
47
• Closing Rafah International Crossing Point: In 2014, Rafah International Crossing Point was closed for
241 days, i.e. 66% of the year, according to the Borders and Crossings Commission in the Gaza Strip. As a
result of the almost complete closure of Rafah crossing, which is the only crossing for the movement of
persons (due to the continuing closure of Beit Hanoun crossing), 1.8 million Palestinians were denied their
right to the freedom of movement and travel from and to the Gaza Strip. Besides, thousands of Palestinians
were stuck in Egypt on their way back to Gaza, including hundreds of patients, hundreds of families hold-
ing residency permits in different countries and hundreds of students studying abroad. In the Gaza Strip,
over 40,000 Palestinians suffer because they were from travel abroad, including patients, workers holding
residency permits in different countries and students studying in universities abroad.
»» Movement of commodities: In 2014, Israeli authorities closed the sole commercial crossing in the Gaza
Strip for 143 days, i.e. 39.1% of the year. As a result, many basic commodities were lacked, including differ-
ent types of fuel, cooking gas and construction materials.
• Exports: Israeli authorities continued to impose a ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports to the West Bank, Israel
and abroad for the eighth year. However, Israeli allowed in the past three years the exportation of limited
quantities of the Gaza Strip products (the majority of which were agricultural), an average of half a truck-
load daily. Before the imposition of the closure, the Gaza Strip’s exports used to amount to 150 truckloads
per day. The ban on exports resulted in closing hundreds of factories in Gaza, including dozens of clothing
and furniture factories with high quality products.
• Imports: The rate of actual imports allowed into the Gaza Strip is low, as Israeli authorities allowed the entry
of an average of 200 truckloads daily. The number of truckloads allowed in constitutes 35% of the number
of truckloads which used to be entered into the Gaza Strip before the closure (570 truckloads daily). Fur-
thermore, the majority of imports are consumables and many other raw materials are still banned with the
exception of limited quantities. For over 2 years, the Gaza Strip has suffered shortages in cooking gas, as
empty gas cylinders take weeks to be refilled due to the limited quantities allowed into the Gaza Strip. The
daily average is about 140 tons only which constitutes 40% of Gaza daily needs (currently 350 tons). More-
over, the Gaza Strip witnessed a significant rise in prices of all construction materials and lack of some of
them in the markets due to restrictions imposed on their entry, while there is an urgent need for construc-
tion materials due to the extensive destruction left by the latest Israeli offensive to thousands of civilian
objects. Contracting companies estimated that Gaza reconstruction process needs 5 consecutive years on
condition that border crossings are all open to allow the entry of 30,000 tons of cement, 1,600 tons of steel
and 6,000 tons of aggregate daily.
PART one
48
Second: restrictions on the movement of persons in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem
In the West Bank, Israeli forces have continued to tunities. The continuing isolation of the city, along
restrict the movement of civilians between cities, with the establishment of new checkpoints and the
as well as at international crossing points. Israel has construction of new sections of the annexation wall
continued its policy of closing off occupied East Je- around the city, is detrimental to the social fabric of
rusalem to Palestinian civilians from elsewhere in the city. This is especially so for families living within
the oPt; entering East Jerusalem is banned for Pal- East Jerusalem’s municipal borders and its suburbs.
estinians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
As a result, Palestinians have been denied access
Israeli forces continue to use checkpoints as border
to advanced medical care, their right to meet with
crossings with the purpose of isolating large areas
family members, and access to education, work, and
in the West Bank, for example, by making travel
religious sites in East Jerusalem, in particular, the al-
from the Jordan Valley to other areas of the West
Aqsa Mosque.
Bank difficult. Israeli forces control the access of Pal-
estinian civilians to the Jordan Valley through four
Israel continues to treat freedom of movement for checkpoints: Tayaseer; al-Hamra; Ma’ale Efraim; and
the Palestinian people as a privilege rather than a al-‘Ouja. Most Palestinians are denied access to the
right. While many checkpoints are now open for free area unless they hold the required permits. In 2014,
passage, the infrastructure of many checkpoints has Israeli forces allowed Palestinians who are not resi-
been left in place, allowing for their reactivation on dents of the Jordan Valley to enter through al-Hamra
short notice. In addition, there are 99 permanently checkpoint for the first time since the Second Intifa-
manned checkpoints that remain in place through- da; however, Israeli forces remained in position, con-
out the West Bank, in addition to 17 checkpoints trolling the movement of Palestinian civilians and
which restrict the movement of Palestinians in the prohibiting them from sleeping in the area. Israeli
centre of Hebron. Hundreds of physical obstacles forces often storm houses and agricultural lands in
remain, and Israeli forces also periodically erect the area and expel Palestinian farmers who do not
temporary checkpoints at random locations. The have permits to remain there. It is worth noting that
arbitrary activation of checkpoints across the West the Jordan Valley is one of the most fertile areas in
Bank makes it impossible for Palestinians wishing to the West Bank. Israeli forces have established several
travel between towns and villages to predict where settlements in the area and have confiscated large
they may come across a checkpoint and how long a areas of agricultural land. They have also isolated
journey may take. thousands of dunums of land along the Jordan River,
preventing the owners from accessing their lands. It
is estimated that Israeli forces and settlers control
In addition, Israel denies access to specific areas of over 75% of the total area of the Jordan Valley.
the West Bank, such as East Jerusalem and the land
to the west of the annexation wall, for all Palestin- Israeli forces use checkpoints and border crossings
ians, except those who hold special permits, and in the West Bank in order to arrest Palestinians who
severely restricts their access to other areas, such are allegedly wanted. Civilians are often subjected to
as the centre of Hebron. Israeli forces have contin- degrading and inhuman treatment at these check-
ued to impose a tightened closure on occupied East points, such as physical assaults or humiliation. In
Jerusalem, cutting it off completely from the West 2014, according to PCHR’s documentation, Israeli
Bank, and barring entry to the city for Palestinians forces arrested at least 279 Palestinian civilians at
from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. By denying various checkpoints in the West Bank, including 73
access to East Jerusalem, hundreds of thousands of children and 8 women.
Palestinians have been denied access to religious
sites, thousands of patients have been denied access
to medical treatment, students have been denied
access to schools and universities, and thousands of
workers have been deprived of employment oppor-
49
A military checkpoint at the entrance

of Hebron during a wide-scale mili-
tary operation
At the al-Karama (‘Allenby’) International Crossing Point on the Jordanian border with the West Bank, Israeli
forces subject Palestinian civilians to humiliation and cruel interrogation. Israeli forces prohibit thousands of
Palestinians from travelling, and those who attempt to cross the border are usually subjected to body searches
and humiliation. Palestinians who are denied travel include patients, women, journalists, political activists,
students, members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), and employees of international organisations.
The construction of the annexation wall has resulted in additional restrictions on the freedom of movement of
Palestinians who live near the route of the wall. Farming is a primary source of income in the Palestinian com-
munities located along the route of the wall. However, thousands of Palestinians have experienced difficulties
accessing their fields and marketing their produce in other areas of the West Bank.
The annexation wall in the oPt

PART one
50
Israel implements a discriminatory policy that cur- priate living conditions. Israel has also created a new
tails the freedom of Palestinian civilians to use pub- system of discrimination in the oPt, whereby Pales-
lic roads. Palestinians suffer as a result, as they are tinians live in geographically-isolated cantons and
forced to use alternative roads that are unsuitable are deprived of the right to freedom of movement.
and add considerable time to their journeys.
The policy of closure is a form of collective punish-
Military checkpoints are an obstacle to the movement prohibited by international humanitarian law.
ment of cargos. This increases the cost of transpor- Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention specifi-
tation, which is consequently reflected in the prices cally prohibits the punishment of protected persons
of goods, and adds to the financial hardship of con- for offences they have not personally committed.
sumers. The policy of closure, as well as restrictions It also prohibits collective penalties, measures of
on the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians, intimidation or terrorism, and reprisals against pro-
has had a serious impact on their economic, social tected persons and their property. Israeli forces have
and cultural rights as well as their civil and political implemented the policy of closure in an entirely dis-
rights. The Palestinian people are experiencing a proportionate and excessive manner. Restrictions
severe economic crisis that is affecting various eco- have been implemented as a means of punishment,
nomic sectors, including trade, manufacturing, ag- intimidation, and retaliation against Palestinian ci-
riculture, labor, tourism, transportation, investment, vilians. Israel isolates the Gaza Strip from the West
and development. The policy of closure affects the Bank, hindering the movement of people, exports,
lives of every individual in the oPt by violating the and imports, and paralysing the Palestinian work-
rights to work, to health, to education and to appro- force.
51
Arrests, Torture and Other Forms of Cruel and

Inhuman Treatment
At least 6,500 Palestinians are in Israeli custody in prisons and detention facilities, most of which are
inside Israel, in a clear violation of article 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which stipulates: “Pro-
tected persons accused of offences shall be detained in the occupied country, and if convicted they
shall serve their sentences therein.” The detainees include 200 children and 21 women. The deten-
tion conditions of Palestinian prisoners seriously deteriorated. They are subjected to inhumane and
degrading treatment, including naked searches, night raids, medical negligence and torture. Such
measures caused the death of a prisoner while being interrogated in 2014.
Israeli soldiers arrest a

Palestinian boy
In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested hundreds of Palestinians during Israeli incursions, ar-
rest campaigns at checkpoints, and campaigns conducted to arrest wanted persons. In the
Gaza Strip, Israeli forces continued to arrest more Palestinians in the access-restricted areas
along the eastern and northern border of the Gaza Strip, at sea, and at the Beit Hanoun (‘Erez’)
crossing in the north of the Gaza Strip. PCHR documented the arrests of 3,440 Palestinians
by Israeli forces in 2014, some of whom were arrested several times; including 459 children
and 49 women. The vast majority of the detainees were arrested during Israeli incursions into
communities in the West Bank (3,035) and at checkpoints in the West Bank (292) or during
military operations carried out by Israeli forces. The cruellest arrest campaign was launched
by Israeli forces in the West Bank after 3 settlers disappeared in Hebron on 12 June. Israeli forc-
es arrested hundreds of Hamas members, including PLC members, and dozens of those who
were released in “Shalit” prisoners swap deal in November 2012 and were sentenced again to
complete their original sentences. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces arrested about 210 Palestin-
ians, including dozens that were arrested during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
PART one
Moreover, they arrested 47 fishermen, 56 others who attempted to sneak into Israel via the
borders and 13 persons at Erez (Beit Hanoun crossing) who were referred to receive medical
treatment in hospitals in Israel, the West Bank or abroad.
52
Israeli soldiers arrest a
Palestinian child while
participating in a peaceful
protest in Beit Ummar, north
of Hebron
By the end of 2014, Israeli forces kept dozens of Pal- Israeli forces continued to arrest Palestinians at Beit
estinian leaders and representatives in detention, Hanoun crossing, including patients heading to hos-
including PLC members, the majority of whom are pitals in Israel or the West Bank. On 07 January 2014,
from the Change and Reform Bloc of Hamas move- Israeli forces arrested Yousef Khalaf Ibrahim Abu
ment. Also in 2014, Israeli forces kept in deten- al-Jedyan (28), from al-Bassah area in Dair al-Balah,
tion other PLC members, including Dr. Aziz Dwaik, while crossing via Beit Hanoun crossing to “Sergie
Speaker of PLC. The arrested PLC members are: Care” Hospital in Ramallah in the West Bank to un-
Abdil Rahman Fahmi Abdul Rahman Zaidan, Has- dergo a surgery in the cornea of his left eye due to
san Yusef Dar Khalil, Dr. Ibrahim Sa’id Hassan Abu the laceration of the iris. Salwa Mohammed ‘Abdul-
Salem, Mohammed Omran Toutah, Azzam No’man lah Abu al-Jedyan (67), the patient’s mother, said
Salhab and Dr. Ayman Daraghma, in addition to 2 that an Israeli soldier ordered her to go back to Gaza.
other ministers in the 10th Palestinian government: When she went back home, her family told her that
Wasfi Ezzat Hassan Qabha, Minister of Prisoners, and the Israeli intelligence service informed them that
Khaled Abu Arafah, Minister of Jerusalem Affiars. Yousef was under arrest and was transferred to Ash-
kelon prison.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces arrested about 210
Palestinians in 2014, including 86 Palestinians who The year 2014 also witnessed Israeli escalation in
were arrested during the ground operation in the attacks against Palestinian fishermen within the al-
latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. Arrests lowed fishing area. They arrested 53 fishermen and
were carried out in al-Shouka village, east of Rafah; confiscated boats and fishing nets.
Abasan and Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis; Gaza Valley
in the central Gaza Strip; and Beit Hanoun, in the
northern Gaza Strip.
Torture and maltreatment
Palestinian prisoners are subjected to torture and ously deteriorated. They are subjected to inhumane
degrading treatment in Israeli jails from the moment and degrading treatment, including naked searches,
they are arrested. They are also harshly beaten, ver- night raids, medical negligence, torture and denial
bally insulted and humiliated the whole way long to of their right to receive legal representation and
the detention facilities. Prisoners are tortured during consultation.
interrogation and even when in prison. The deten-
tion conditions of Palestinian prisoners have seri- In 2014, PCHR received a number of testimonies and
53
statements given by victims, including those who handcuffed and blindfolded near the Israeli tanks in
were arrested during the Israeli offensive or those the clashes area. They were endangered. A number
who met their lawyers in Israeli jails. They confirmed of the released prisoners said they were ordered to
that they were subjected to physical and psycho- take their clothes off, blindfolded, kept under the
logical torture, including harsh beating and shack- sun for hours, prevented from going to the toilet,
ling (Shabeh) on a chair for hours. According to the obliged to sleep outdoors without covers, pushed at
testimonies, dozens of civilians were detained while gunpoint and left without food.
Israeli soldiers use bloodhounds

while arresting Palestinians in the
West Bank
Anas Khaled al-Najjar (23), who was arrested, said: us one by one to be questioned. During interrogation,
I was beaten, slapped in the face several times and hit
“At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 23 July 2014, by a hammer several times too. During which, they
a bulldozer approached my uncle’s house in which we did not bring me food nor water for 3 days. It should
were. It demolished the fence and started demolishing be noted that I was fasting and I asked them for food
parts of the house, due to which we went out. A num- and drink, but they refused. I then asked a soldier for
ber of soldiers came and asked the men to stand away that, so he allowed me to drink some water and took
from women and children. Israeli soldiers ordered us me back to interrogation. I was hit by a stick. My hands
to take our clothes off. We did but kept the underwear. and legs were cuffed and I was hit on the back. I was
They handcuffed us to the back… An hour later, Israeli questioned for about 3 sporadic hours. After that, I was
soldiers took me and ordered me to put my clothes taken out under the sun for 2 days…. Six days after I
on. I was taken out of the house and obliged to get was arrested, I was taken with 24 other persons by bus
on a tank while handcuffed… Minutes later, the tank to a place that I learnt it was Beit Hanoun crossing,
started to move amidst gunfire and shelling. I was hit where we were told we were released.”
by some empty bullet cases. I was terrified… the tank
stopped in al-Najjar neighbourhood in Khuza’a. Israeli Another arrested person namely Hazem Ibrahim
soldiers took me down and detained me with other al-Najjar said (35), said:
men in an agricultural land belonging to Abu Reedah
family. There were about 40 handcuffed persons in that “At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 23 July 2014,
place…. At approximately 12:00, Israeli soldiers or- with the beginning of the ground operation in Khuza’a
dered us to stand in 2 rows and then move behind the area the previous night, I heard some Israeli soldiers
tank. We walked about 4 kilometres and then stopped talking in Hebrew near the divan, where some neigh-
in some place, where we were handcuffed and blind- bours and I were present. Minutes later, we were sur-
PART one
folded. We were taken by bus to another place that I prised to see a big dog with a camera on its head. Then,
realized it was Sderot. We stepped out of the bus and a number of soldiers raided the divan and pointed their
kept in groups under the sun. They then started calling guns at us. They were standing 3 meters away from us.
54
A soldier pointed at me and I realized he wanted me to noted when I was arrested I had NIS 2,700 and my ID
stand up and go out of the divan. I saw 20 other soldiers card with me, but when I was released at Erez crossing,
out pointing their guns at me. One of them asked me to they did not give me the abovementioned amount of
take my clothes off, keep the underwear and raise my money.”
hands up. A soldier pushed me harshly from the back
with his hands and legs several times. He was kicking Mohammed Yousef Salem al-Nabaheen (64), from
me and then searched me. This lasted for 10 minutes, Gaza Valley said also:
and then he left me.”
“At approximately 05:00 on Monday, 21 July 2014,
Ahmed Abdul Qader Qudaih (57), from Khuza’a shelling and gunfire were heavy. I was with my family
village in Khan Yunis, talked about his arrest and at home…. Israeli soldiers raided the house and kept
how his money was stolen by Israeli soldiers: me in the bathroom for 3 days. At approximately 11:00
on Thursday, 24 July 2014, they took me out of the
“On 26 July 2014, I went out of my house, took a small bathroom, handcuffed me and covered my head with
bag of clothes and raised a white flag. I saw a number a sack. Moreover, they took me to a tank that moved
of Israeli tanks and bulldozers. Israeli soldiers called me for over an hour. They then took me out of the tank in a
and requested me to proceed towards them. They also yard. Thirty minutes later, they ordered me to take my
asked me to put the white flag down, walk few meters clothes off and put a blue overall on me. I was ques-
ahead, take my clothes off and put my bag down. Af- tioned and then pushed to the ground with a plastic
ter I finished taking my clothes off, they asked me to strap on my hands. I was left like that for 5 days…. 3
put them on…. They arrested me, handcuffed me and days later, my hands started bleeding because of the
questioned me in the house. They then took me to some strap, due to which they took me to a doctor, who un-
place in Israel. I did not know where I was because I was tied the strap and then tied it in a different way…. At
blindfolded…. They detained me for 3 days, during approximately 21:00 on Sunday, 27 July 214, I was re-
which I was questioned. I saw about 11 other detain- leased at Erez crossing in Beit Hanoun.”
ees from Khuza’a and al-Fokhari areas…. It should be
Israeli authorities started practicing efforts to enact and international criminal law. Moreover, they con-
the law of “force-feeding” after Palestinian adminis- stitute an unjustifiable violation of the detainees’
trative detainees in Israeli jails started an open hun- personal freedom, right to bodily integrity and the
ger strike on 24 April. The aforementioned law was right to strike and protest. It was the same for the
proposed by the Israeli Ministry of Internal Security UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, the Special Rap-
and was approved in its first reading in the Israeli porteur on the Right to Health and the International
Knesset on 09 June 2014. On 23 June 2014, the Knes- Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that called upon
set decided to delay voting on the second and third Israel not to enact the force-feeding law.
readings of the bill until 30 June 2014, as the Israeli
leadership wanted to create a proper political atmo- Force-feeding threatens the lives of hunger strikers
sphere to pass the law because there was objection as a tube is inserted in the nose or mouth to directly
from some internal parties. The party that proposed pour food in the stomach, which is really painful. The
the bill made some amendments in an attempt to victim is usually subjected to violence to prevent
obtain enough votes to pass the law. him/her from resistance. It should be noted that 3
Palestinian detainees were killed due to force-feed-
PCHR stresses that force-feeding or threats to force- ing in 1980 and 1983: Rasem Halawa, Ali al-Ja’fari
feeding are a form of cruel and degrading treatment and Ish’aq Maragha.
that is prohibited in the Convention against Torture
55
Administrative detention:
There are about 500 Palestinian administrative de- a hunger strike, on wheel chairs from Ayalon Prison
tainees in Israeli jails, including PLC members, in in al-Ramleh to an unknown hospital. Among the
flagrant violation of the right to fair trial. Adminis- transferred detainees was Ahmed al-Rimawi, who
trative detention is applied upon an administrative was transferred from Ohelkdar Prison, and Yasser al-
order only without an indictment or trial and in vio- Badrasawi, who was transferred from Eshel Prison.
lation of the impartial judicial procedures. However,
Israeli authorities utilize administrative detention After 63 days, the administrative detainees suspend-
as a matter of routine, as thousands of Palestinians ed their open-ended hunger strike upon an agree-
have been under continuous administrative deten- ment with the Israeli Prison Service. The agreement
tion. Since the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza provided for stopping the hunger strike, cancelling
Strip in 1967, the Israeli government has applied this all punitive measures imposed on the detainees be-
type of detention as a form of collective punishment cause of the strike, returning the detainees to pris-
which is internationally prohibited under the Fourth ons they were transferred from after they recover,
Geneva Convention 1949 in order to make detain- and discussing the issue of administrative detention
ees serve the longest possible detention periods with the Israeli Prison Service.
without presenting any charges or evidence against
them. The most prominent development related to Of those who started the hunger strike was Ra’ed
administrative detention was when over 191 Pales- Mousa, who started it on 20 September 2014, af-
tinian administrative detainees in Israeli jails started ter his detention period was extended for 4 other
an open-ended hunger strike on 24 April and dozens months. It should be noted that Ra’ed Mousa was
of other administrative detainees joined them later, arrested from his house in Jenin on 29 November
calling for putting an end to the policy of adminis- 2013. He was placed under administrative detention
trative detention. Although the number of hunger and the detention order was renewed 3 times. The
strikers increased, Israeli authorities refused to ful- first and second orders were for 6 months each and
fil their demands and escalated punitive measures the third one was issued on 24 September 2014 and
against them. Such measures included placing de- extended his detention period for 4 other months.
tainees in solitary confinement, beating them, not
offering them the necessary medical treatment they On 09 January 2014, Mo’amer Banat started an
need, not allowing them to have a break, not allow- open-ended hunger strike in protest at the policy
ing them to change their clothes, subjecting them of administrative detention. Banat went through a
to arbitrary physical searches, and handcuffing them 70-day hunger strike. His hunger strike ended after
for long hours. Moreover, the Israel Prison Service Israeli forces fulfilled his demand that the last deten-
transferred 40 administrative detainees, who started tion order would be the final one.
PART one
56
Deaths in Israeli Prisons
The Palestinian prisoners suffer in the Israeli jails due to medical negligence, as the Israeli
Prison Service delay offering hundreds of sick prisoners the minimum level of the necessary
medical treatment. As a result, the prisoners’ health conditions deteriorate, which lead to
death. According to statistics5, there are about 1,500 sick prisoners in Israeli jails, hundreds
of them suffer from chronic or serious diseases; 20 prisoners of whom are permanently stay-
ing in al-Ramleh Prison’s Hospital, as they suffer from disabilities, paralysis, cardiac problems,
tumors or cancer. These include Mo’tasem Raddad, Mahmoud Abu Saleh, Khaled al-Shawish,
Nahedh al-Aqra’, Mansour Mawqeda, Mahmoud Salman, Alaa al-Hams, Mohammed Brash,
Morad Abu M’eileq, Na’im Shawamrah and Tha’er Halahla. Moreover, 16 prisoners suffer from
psychological and neurological disorders and others suffer from physical disabilities.
In 2014, a Palestinian prisoner died in Soroka Hospital in Israel in circumstances raising suspi-
cions that he was tortured and beaten while being in prison, especially as he was not suffer-
ing from any diseases before his arrest.
Ra’ed Abdul Salam al-Ja’bari (35) from Hebron died on 09 Sep 2014, one day after he was
transferred to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba in Israel. Al-Ja’bari was arrested on 25 July 2014
and he was accused of attempting to run down a settler at “Gosh Etzion” settlement intersec-
tion in Hebron. Al-Ja’bari surrendered to an Israeli checkpoint near al-Aroub refugee camp,
north of Hebron, directly after the incident. He was transferred to Ofer prison, west of Ramal-
lah and then to Eshel prison in Israel. According to Issa Qaraqe, Head of the Department of
Prisoners’ Affairs, al-Ja’bari was not suffering from any diseases and he died one day after he
was transferred to Soroka Hospital, confirming that al-Ja’bari was attacked by Israeli forces
while being transferred from Ofer prison.
5. According to the Statistics Department of the Ministry of Prisoners – Ramallah.
57
Attacks on Journalists
In 2014, Israeli forces continued to attack journalists, disregarding the protection extended to journal-
ists under international law. It is evident that attacks on journalists by Israeli forces, which violate the
right of journalists to personal security as they carry out their work, are part of a campaign to isolate the
oPt from the rest of the world and prevent the media from covering crimes committed against civilians
by Israeli forces. The most significant attacks were committed during the latest Israeli offensive on the
Gaza Strip, whereas Israeli forces committed war crimes against journalists, including wilful killing and
attacks on media facilities and offices.
PCHR documented other attacks on journalists during 2014, the most prominent of which
were in the West Bank. The types of attacks included: firing at journalists; beating and other
forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment; detention of journalists; denying journal-
ists access to certain areas; confiscation of and/or damaging journalistic equipment; and raids
on media offices and the homes of journalists. The Israeli attacks were as follows:
Violation of the journalists’ right to life and right to safety and security of person
During the Israeli offensive, 6 journalists6 were killed while on duty covering the Israeli crimes
against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, 2 other journalists, including an Ital-
ian one, were killed and a third one was wounded due to the explosion of a shell of the Israeli
military remnants in the Gaza Strip while preparing a report on the Israeli offensive on the
Gaza Strip.7 Other journalists were wounded due to targeting media offices and civilian ob-
jects while on duty.
»» On 24 January, Ja’fer Ishtaya, a photojournalist of France Press, was hit by 2 tear gas canis-
ters to his right hand and shoulder, due to which he fainted. Ishtaya was covering a peace-
ful protest in Kufor Qaddoum village, east of Qalqilya in the north of the West Bank.
»» On 21 February, Atef al-Sabbah, a photojournalist working for several news agencies, sus-
tained a bullet wound to the right leg although he had put on the press vest while cover-
ing a peaceful protest in the access restricted area in the Gaza Strip.
»» On 25 February, Nasser Maher Rahma, a photojournalist of Gaza Network for Youth Media,
sustained a bullet wound to the left leg while covering Israeli attacks against Palestinian
protesters near eastern borderline of Gaza City.
»» On 22 April, Abul Hafiz al-Hashlamon, a photojournalist of ABA news agency, was hit
by a gas canister to the left leg. The gas canister was fired by an Israeli soldier when al-
Hashlamon was covering clashes between Hebron University students and Israeli soldiers,
south of Hebron in the south of the West Bank.
»» On 25 April, Mo’az Mesh’al, a photojournalist of Anadolia News Agency, sustained 10 bul-

let wounds to his legs as an Israeli soldier threw a box containing 12 bullets near Mesh’al. It
PART one
6 . For more details, see page 47.

7. For more details, see page 47.
58
should be noted that Mesh’al was covering Israeli Hospital in Gaza City, due to an Israeli attack on
attacks against protesters in the weekly protest the area. On the same day, Sami Thabet, a pho-
in al-Nabi Saleh village near Ramallah in the cen- tojournalist of Palestine Satellite Channel, was
ter of the West Bank. wounded while on duty due to an Israeli attack
on al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah, in
»» On 16 May, Issam al-Remawi, a photojournalist of the central Gaza Strip.
Al-Hayat Newspaper, sustained a bullet wound
to the left arm when an Israeli soldier opened fire »» On 22 July, Israeli forces fired a number of shells
at him. Al-Remawi was covering clashes between at a group of journalists covering the recovery
Palestinian youngsters and Israeli soldiers near of corpses in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in the
Ofer checkpoint, west of Ramallah in the center east of Gaza City. As a result, Saber Ibrahim Nour
of the West Bank. al-Din, a photojournalist of the German News
Agency, was wounded. On the same day, Anas
»» On 02 July, Christine al-Rinawi, a reporter of Pal- Abu M’eileq, a photojournalist of Anatolia News
estine TV, sustained a bullet wound to the upper Agency, was wounded while on duty around al-
arm while covering incidents in Shu’fat neigh- Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah, due to an
borhood after Mohammed Abu Khdair (16) was Israeli attack.
found as dead body. It should be noted that Abu »» On 29 August, Ali Dar Ali (30), reporter of Pales-
Khdair was kidnapped by settlers on the same tine TV, was hit by a gas canister to the right side
day. while covering a weekly peaceful protest against
»» the construction of the annexation wall in Bil’in
»» On 08 July, journalist Ya’qoub Abu Ghalwa was village, west of Ramallah.
wounded while filming an Israeli attack on a
house belonging to the Kaware’ family in Khan »» On 14 November, Haitham Mohammed Jamal
Yunis. al-Khatib (38), a volunteer photojournalist at
B’Tselem, was hit by a tear gas canister to the
»» On 09 July, Mahmoud Omer al-Louh, a journal- right thigh while covering a weekly peaceful pro-
ist of al-Sha’ab radio, sustained shrapnel wounds test in Bil’in village, west of Ramallah.
to the leg while covering incidents of the latest
Israeli offensive. »» On 05 December, Bashar Nazzal Saleh (36), a
photojournalist of Palestine TV, sustained a bul-
»» On 22 July Sakher Medhat Abu al-’Oun, a pho- let wound to the left leg while covering a week-
tojournalist of France Press, sustained wounds ly peaceful protest in Kufor Qaddoum village,
to the face while on duty in the vicinity of Shifa northeast of Qalqilya.
59
Destruction of Media facilities and Offices
During the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces targeted media institutions and offices and
satellite channels. As a result, some offices were completely destroyed and others were damaged.
»» On 16 July, Israeli forces shelled the office of was heavily damaged. Around the same time,
Watan radio on the 14th floor of Dawood build- the office Starcom Advertising Company, which
ing in the Remal neighborhood in the west of belongs to Ayman Yassin, on the 13th floor in the
Gaza City. As a result, journalists Ahmed al-Ejlah same building was bombed too. It sustained seri-
and Tareq Hamdiya sustained bruises through- ous damage.
out their bodies. Moreover, the equipment sus-
tained serious damage and broke down. »» On 31 July, the office of So’oud Abu Ramadan, a
journalist working for the German News Agen-
»» On 18 July, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at cy, was completely destroyed, as it was directly
the office of the National Media Agency on the shelled. It should be noted the office was located
9th floor of al-Jawharah building in the west of on the 8th floor of al-Basha building in the west
Gaza City. As a result, journalist Mohammed of Gaza City.
Ahmed Shabat (45) was wounded. Moreover,
the office sustained serious damage. It should be »» On 26 August, Israeli warplanes fired 6 missiles at
noted there are offices of 13media institutions in the 13-storey al-Basha building near al-Tayaran
the building. crossroads in the center of Gaza City. The building
contains offices, the most prominent of which is
»» On 23 July, the office of al-Jazeera Satellite Chan- that of al-Sha’ab radio. The attack destroyed the
nel on the upper floor of al-Jala’ building in the building completely and caused serious damage
west of Gaza City, was heavily fired at by Israeli in the area, including to neighboring houses and
forces while the al-Jazeera staff were inside. As a stores.
result, the office sustained material damage but
no casualties were reported. »» In the same context, during the offensive, Israeli
forces kept jamming the broadcasts of a number
»» At approximately 02:30 on 29 July, an Israeli war- of local radio stations and Palestinian satellite
plane fired a missile at the office of al-Aqsa satellite channels and broadcast their own messages via
channel near al-Quds Open University in al-Nasser the radio stations and satellite channels. They also
neighborhood in the north of Gaza City. As a result, hacked a number of Palestinian news websites.
the office was completely destroyed. At approxi-
mately 04:00, on the same day, an Israeli warplane »» At approximately 00:10 on Monday, 25 August
fired a missile at another office of the same chan- 2014, Israeli forces bombarded a house belonging
nel in al-Nasser neighborhood in Gaza. As a result, it to Mousa Mohammed Hamada near Shadi Mhan-
was completely destroyed as well. Around the same na mosque in bloc 10 in Jabalia refugee camp in
time, an Israeli warplane fired a missile at al-Aqsa ra- the north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, the 2-storey
dio in the same neighborhood, due to which it was house was completely destroyed and 15 civilians,
destroyed. Half an hour later, an Israeli warplane including 2 children and 4 women sustained vari-
fired a missile too at another office of the radio, lo- ous wounds. A medical source at Kamal Odwan
cated on the 5th floor of al-Shorouq building in al- Hospital described their wounds as minor. Among
Remal neighborhood. As a result, it was destroyed. the wounded was Rami Taiseer Mohammed Abu
Five minutes later, a fifth missile was fired at an of- Dayya (25), a photojournalist of al-Aqsa satellite
fice of al-Aqsa channel on the 15th floor of the same channel, who sustained a wound to the right leg
building, due to which the office was destroyed. while filming the attack on the house. According
to field investigations, an Israeli drone targeted the
»» On 30 July, Media and Journalism Training Cen- house few minutes before a warplane targeted it.
PART one
ter run by journalist Na’im al-Nawati, located on Because the house was located in a densely pop-
the 12th floor of al-Basha building in the west of ulated area, there was a large number of injuries
Gaza City, was directly bombed, due to which it and 10 nearby houses sustained partial damage.
60
Journalists subjected to beating and other forms of violence, insult and degrading treatment
Israeli forces continued to use beating, violence, insults and degrading treatment against journalists and other
staff members of local and international news agencies. The most prominent attacks were as follows:
»» On 06 June, Hamdi Abu Rahmah, a freelance journalist, was violently beaten by of Israeli soldiers using their
gun butts while covering Israeli attacks against civilians participating in a weekly peaceful protest in Bil’in
village, west of Ramallah. They also deleted the data of the camera and smashed the camera lens.
»» On 18 June, Samah Samahnah, a reporter of Ajyal radio station, sustained a wound to the eye as Israeli
forces beat her while covering incidents in Askar refugee camp in Nablus.
Arrest and detention of journalists
A number of journalists in the West Bank were ar-

rested or detained by Israeli forces in 2014. Such
arrests coincided sometimes with house raids. The
most significant attacks were as follows:
»» On 26 January, Abdul Hafiz al-Hashlamoun, a

photojournalist of the European News Agency,
and Ahmed Mezher, a photojournalist of the
Palestinian News Agency (Wafa), were detained
by Israeli forces for an hour and a half when they
were covering clashes between Palestinians and
Israeli forces in Khellet al-Nahel area, near Bethle-
hem in the south of the West Bank.
»» On 14 April, Israeli forces detained a crew of Wafa,

including Yazan Taha, a reporter; Hozaifa Srour, a
photojournalist; and Fadi Kefayah, a driver, while
heading to al-Nabi Saleh village to cover peace-
ful protests there. They were detained for half an
hour before Israeli forces obliged Taha and Srour
to return. The driver and equipment were kept in
custody for about 4 hours.
»» On 11 May, Israeli forces detained 3 photojour-

nalists while covering searches of Palestinians by
Israeli soldiers in al-Khader village, in Bethlehem,
south of the West Bank. Israeli soldiers obliged
the journalists to delete the data and then re-
leased them. The detained journalists were:
Samer Hamad, who works for PalMedia Produc-
tion Company; Moheisen Ammar, who works for
Bethlehem local TV; and Aboud Yunis, who works Traces of the Israeli forces› attack on
for al-Quds.com news agency. journalist Samah Samahnah on 18
June in Nablus.
»» On 21 May, Israeli forces detained Zainah San-

douqah, a reporter, and Mo’men Shabanah, a
photojournalist, working for Ro’ya satellite chan-
nel, in al-Qashala detention facility. The journal-
61
ists were covering settlers’ attacks against civilians in the old city in occupied Jerusalem. They were in-
formed that a settler filed a complaint against them claiming that they attacked him. Israeli forces had
stopped the aforementioned journalists and obliged them to delete the data. Israeli forces kept them in
detention until they were questioned.
»» On 17 July, Israeli forces arrested Aziz Kayed, Director of al-Aqsa satellite channel in the West Bank, from his
house in Ramallah in the center of the West Bank.
Raids on press institutions Preventing journalists from covering certain in-

cidents
»» On 28 May, Israeli forces raided the office of al-
Ayyam Printing House in Beitounya village, west On 20 April, Israeli forces prevented a group of jour-
of Ramallah in the center of the West Bank. They nalists from covering a raid by Israeli settlers on al-
informed the administration that a military order Aqsa Mosque yards in Jerusalem. The journalists
obliged them to stop printing and distributing were:
Palestine newspaper, which is issued in Gaza. 1. Wa’el al-Salaymah, a photojournalist at al-Jazeera
satellite channel;
»» On 06 June, Israeli forces raided the location of 2. Mahfouz Abu Turk, a photojournalist at AP;
Good Morning Jerusalem Program, which is a 3. Mona al-Qawasmah, a reporter of al-Quds news-
live program in Palestine TV broadcasted from paper;
Jerusalem. They forced the crew to stop broad- 4. Diala Jweihan, a reporter of Quds net news agen-
cast and arrested Nader Baybars, director of pro- cy; and
duction, and Ashraf al-Shweiki, a cameraman of 5. Sa’id al-Qaq, a freelance photojournalist. He was
PalMedia news agency, under the pretext that beaten by clubs and sticks on the back, due to
the program was not licensed. The 2 journal- which he was taken to al-Maqased Hospital in
ists were released an hour and a half after being the city.
questioned.
»» On 18 June, Israeli forces raided offices of Trans-

media Advertising Company in Hebron, Ra-
mallah and Nablus. They seized all the offices’
content, including broadcast equipment and
cameras. It should be noted that the company
provides advertising services to dozens of inter-
national, Arab and local satellite channels.
»» On 21 June, PalMedia office in Ramallah that pro-

vides services to a number of satellite channels
was raided by Israeli forces. Israeli soldiers seized
all press materials and equipment.
PART one
62
Destruction of Civilian Property
In 2014, the Israeli forces continued to systematically demolish Palestinian civilian property in the oPt,
especially during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, when tens of thousands of civilian objects
and property were destroyed. Israeli forces continued this policy also in the West Bank, including East
Jerusalem, as a part of the policies of settlement expansion and confiscation of lands.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to target Palestinian civilian houses and property
under several pretexts to implement the scheme of settlement expansion and confiscation
of lands. In 2014, the house demolition policy escalated in Jerusalem under the pretext that
houses were built without construction licenses from the Israeli municipality. As a result, hun-
dreds of families became homeless. In Jerusalem, Israeli forces continued their efforts to cre-
ate Jewish majority there and policies of ethnic cleansing against Palestinian civilians. They
forcibly obliged Palestinians to evacuate their houses and property and demolished them. In
the West Bank, Israeli forces adopted the policy of collective punishment against Palestinian
families, whose sons were involved in running doen and/or stabbing Israeli soldiers or set-
tlers. It should be noted that Israeli authorities assume the powers of civil and security affairs
over 62% of the West Bank, which is known as area (C) according to the Oslo accords. There-
fore, the Israeli civil administration has absolute powers to use lands and set plans in that
area, especially in terms of issuing demolition notices or construction licenses.
Demolition of civilian property in the Gaza Strip
In 2014, the policy of civilian property destruction escalated in the Gaza Strip during the Is-
raeli offensive in an unprecedented manner since 1967. According to documentation of Pal-
estinian human rights organizations, during and after the offensive, Israeli forces demolished
31,974 houses in the Gaza Strip, 8,377 of which were completely destroyed and 23,597 were
partially damaged. Those houses used to shelter 250,918 persons, including 124,678 children
and 67,448 women.
Moreover, Israeli forces destroyed 461 civilian facilities, including 134 facilities that were com-
pletely destroyed and 327 others that were partially damaged. These civilian objects included
hospitals, mosques, churches, banks, NGOs, schools, kindergartens, colleges, universities, po-
lice stations and sport centers. Israeli forces also destroyed more than 11,086,481 square me-
ters of agricultural lands throughout the Gaza Strip. Those lands provided job opportunities
for 33,786 persons who supported 17,045 persons, including 6,066 children. Moreover, Israeli
forces destroyed 1,603 commercial facilities, including 699 ones that were completely de-
stroyed and 904 others sustained partial damage. They also destroyed 215 industrial facilities,
including 104 ones that were completely destroyed and 111 others were partially damaged.
Furthermore, Israeli forces destroyed 1,138 vehicles, including 494 ones that were completely
destroyed and 644 others sustained partial damage. They also destroyed 1,089 agricultural
facilities, including 227 animal farms, 520 poultry farms, 340 livestock barns, a bee farm and
a pisciculture farm.
Israeli forces had damaged 13 houses in the Gaza Strip before the offensive started. These in-
cluded 15 housing units sheltering 16 families, including 88 persons, 42 of whom are children.
63
Destruction of civilian objects during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip
Israeli forces committed systematic crimes that tanks and bulldozers moved into areas along the
amounted to the level of crimes against humanity eastern border of the Gaza Strip and changed their
when they started a wide-scale military operation geographical features. The bulldozers and tanks de-
in the Gaza Strip in July and August 2014. During stroyed the infrastructure of those areas, including
that operation, Israeli air, ground and naval forces roads, electricity and phone networks, water sup-
were employed to bomb all civilian objects whether plies and sewage. They also erased roads, including
through planned operations or indiscriminate at- civilian objects, due to which extensive destruction
tacks. In addition to war crimes that violated the civil- was left behind as if an earthquake hit those areas.
ians’ right to the protection of their lives, security and
safety, Israeli forces carried out wide-scale demolition Israeli forces did not exclude during the offensive any
and destruction operations throughout the Gaza civilian objects. The protections offered by the inter-
Strip. Dozens of thousands of civilian objects were national humanitarian law for buildings and civilian
destroyed, including houses, vital facilities like water, objects were nor respected. Israeli forces targeted
electricity, telephone, sewage, and road networks, in governmental facilities, including ministries, and civil-
addition to governmental, agricultural, commercial, ian objects, including economic facilities like factories,
educational, health, religious and cultural facilities. stores, workshops, sport clubs, cemeteries, schools,
In a serious development, Israeli forces demolished universities, media offices and medical centers. They
and erased full residential neighborhoods. As a result also attacked agricultural lands, including irrigation
more killings and injuries were reported. Moreover, networks and animal farms, and fishing facilities, in-
a large number of civilians were forcibly displaced. cluding ports and fishing boats and equipment. The
However, each and every meter in the Gaza Strip was cruel attacks reflects the absence of immunity for ci-
a target for Israeli forces. The last days of the offen- vilian objects and protected facilities, as dozens of UN
sive (the end of august 2014) witnessed a qualitative facilities, including UNRWA shelters that were opened
expansion of the demolition of civilian objects. The for displaced families, were bombed, due to which
Israeli forces targeted a number of multi-storey build- they sustained damage as well. Furthermore, medical
ings, which contains hundreds of apartments and facilities and humanitarian relief organizations were
dozens of commercial stores. Israeli forces bombed direct targets whether by planned or indiscriminate
them in few minutes and turned them into piles of attacks, whereas they also were subjected to system-
rubble. In addition, civilians who inhabited these atic attacks especially as some medical facilities were
buildings lost all their personal belongings. attacked several times during the offensive. Israeli
attacks were directed also against religious facilities,
Israeli attacks from air, land and sea resulted in ex- including mosques, cemeteries, endowment (Waqf)
tensive and unprecedented damage to hundreds of facilities and historic sites. Additionally, press offices
targets. Israeli forces continued to change the fea- were targeted and destroyed. Dozens of journalists
tures of certain neighborhoods with the beginning and press crews were forced to evacuate their offices
of the ground operation on 20 July 2014, as Israeli due to direct attacks against them.
One of the explosive barrels that

were dropped by Israeli forces on
al-Zannah area, east of Khan Yunis,
PART one
during the offensive
64
Israeli forces continued their systematic attacks during the offensive in a manner disrespecting the above-
mentioned international conventions. They also launched attacks against civilian objects in violation of article
147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention 1949. The ceasefire that was announced on 26 August 2014, unveiled
the large-scale destruction left behind in a number of neighborhoods and areas throughout the Gaza Strip,
especially in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in Gaza City, Beit Hanoun village, north of the Gaza Stirp, Khuza’a and
al-Zannah areas, east of Khan Yunis, and eastern parts of the central and south of the Gaza Strip. Large areas
of those neighborhoods and villages were leveled. Besides, streets and civilian objects and buildings were
destroyed in a way that completely changed the features of those areas.
First: Destruction of complete areas and neighborhoods
During the offensive, Israeli forces destroyed com- were completely destroyed, besides, the bulldozers
plete residential neighborhoods, especially those took out all what was underground, including water
along the eastern border of the Gaza Strip. Israeli and sewage networks and electricity poles that were
land attacks escalated during the ground operation, cut off and thrown on the rubbles. PCHR fieldwork-
which was accompanied with air strikes. Bulldoz- ers, who visited the area when the ceasefire was de-
ers were used to turn everything upside down and clared, reported that they felt as if an earthquake had
destroy the infrastructure of those area. All who vis- hit the area. They could not recognize buildings and
ited those areas on 26 August 2014, were shocked. houses from one another. A fieldworker said that the
It was like an earthquake had hit those areas. Many whole area was like a large pile of rubble that was
neighborhoods were turned into piles of rubble and scattered here and there and hindered the move-
craters were everywhere due to air strikes and land ment of persons. Israeli forces destroyed the infra-
shelling. structure of the industrial and agricultural sectors. In
an unprecedented development, Israeli forces com-
In al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in Gaza City, the civil- pletely demolished al-Wafa’ Medical Rehabilitation
ians were shocked to see the big destruction dur- Hospital in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood in Gaza City,
ing the ceasefire that was announced on 26 August which was the only hospital specialized in rehabilita-
2014. Dozens of the area residents could not recog- tion. The hospital contained 3 buildings; a 7-storey
nize where their houses were. According to PCHR building and 2 other buildings, 4 floors each.
fieldworkers, more than 600 objects and buildings
Part of the destruction left in

al-Shuja›iya neighborhood
In Beit Hanoun, Israeli forces carried out wide-scale aerial and land attacks, due to which features of the area
were changed. Israeli forces continued to destroy hundreds of civilian objects and buildings during the land
incursion that started on 17 July 2014. As a result, a tragic reality was left for civilians residing in that area.
Hundreds of civilian objects and residential buildings were destroyed. According to documentation of human
65
rights organizations, Israeli forces destroyed 4,151 damaged. Those houses were sheltering 35,441 per-
houses in the city, 1,250 of which were completely sons, including 15, 539 children and 9,642 women.
destroyed and 2,901 others sustained partial dam- In Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis, Israeli forces attacked
age. Israeli systematic attacks were launched against hundreds of civilian objects and facilities, due to
hundreds of civilian objects, including houses, and which there were more victims among civilians. Is-
basic services like electricity, phones, water and sew- raeli forces targeted all facilities and buildings in
age. Moreover, Israeli forces completely destroyed the town without taking into consideration of the
Beit Hanoun Hospital after it was shelled, as Israeli presence of civilians, who are protected according
bulldozers demolished the hospital and turned it to the international humanitarian law. As a result,
into rubbles. Hundreds of families were terrorized extensive destruction was incurred to lands, civilian
due to indiscriminate shelling on civilian houses, objects and infrastructure. Dozens of houses were
whereas some families were targeted while at home. destroyed in al-Qararah, Abasan and al-Fokhari vil-
lages in Khan Yunis. According to documentation of
The eastern part of the central Gaza Strip sustained human rights organizations, Israeli forces destroyed
extensive destruction to all civilian objects along 4,939 houses in Khan Yunis, 1,435 of which were
the eastern borders of the Gaza Strip. Besides, lands completely destroyed and 3,504 others were par-
800-1,500 meters to the west of the borders were tially damaged. Those houses used to shelter 37,472
destroyed. Israeli forces destroyed dozens of houses, persons, including 15,801 children and 10,700 wom-
facilities, industrial facilities and roads. Destruction en. In Khuza’a, Israeli forces destroyed 1,304 houses,
and damage were in al-Bureij and al-Maghazi refu- 360 of which were completely destroyed and 944
gee camp, al-Mussader village and the east of Deir others were partially damaged. Dozens of civilians
al-Balah. According to documentation of human talked about their suffering, including families of
rights organizations, Israeli forces destroyed 4,664 victims, who kept bleeding for days and then died
houses in Deir al-Balah, 1,060 of which were com- as medical crews could not reach them because of
pletely destroyed and 3,604 others were partially the heavy gunfire.
Part of destruction left in al-Fokhari

neighborhood, east of Khan Yunis
Part of destruction left in Khuza›a

village, east of Khan Yunis
PART one
66
In Rafah, the eastern part of the city was widely de- victims were killed or wounded due to indiscrimi-
stroyed. Dozens of air strikes were carried out, dur- nate attacks, while thousands of civilians unprec-
ing which hundreds of bombs and missiles were edentedly fled to the center of Rafah seeking a safe
fired at houses. In an unprecedented development, place. According to documentation of human rights
Israeli forces demolished all residential houses and organizations, Israeli forces destroyed 4,207 houses
facilities after Israeli bulldozers and vehicles moved in Rafah, 1,166 of which were completely destroyed
into the eastern part of the city. Israeli forces de- and 3,041 others were damaged. Those houses used
clared that they fired about 600 heavy artillery shells to shelter 30,415 persons, including 14,353 children
on that area under the pretext of preventing the and 8,161 women.
capture of an Israeli soldier. As a result, hundreds of
Part of destruction left in al-Fara-

heen neighborhood, east of Khan
Yunis, due to indiscriminate attacks
Second: destruction and demolition of houses
According to documentation of human rights or- persons, including 18,275 women and 37,617 chil-
ganizations, during and after the Israeli offensive, dren. Moreover, Israeli forces destroyed in the central
demolition of houses and residential buildings was Gaza Strip 4,464 houses, 1,060 of which were com-
carried out throughout the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces pletely destroyed and 4,464 others were damaged.
destroyed 31,974 in the Gaza Strip, 8,377 of which Those houses used to shelter 35,441 persons, includ-
were completely destroyed and 23,597 were dam- ing 9,642 women and 15,539 children. In Khan Yunis,
aged. Those houses used to shelter 250,918 persons, Israeli forces destroyed 4,939 houses, 1,535 of which
including 124,678 children and 67,448 women. In were completely destroyed and 3,504 others were
Gaza City, Israeli forces destroyed 9,809 houses, 2,718 damaged. Those houses used to shelter 37,472 per-
of which were completely destroyed and 7,191 oth- sons, including 10,700 women and 15,801 children.
ers were partially damaged. Those houses used to Furthermore, in Rafah, Israeli forces destroyed 4,207,
shelter 74,646 persons, including 41,368 children 1,166 of which were completely destroyed and 3,041
and 20,680 women. In the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli others were damaged. Those houses used to shelter
forces destroyed 8,255 houses, 1,988 of which were 30,415 persons, including 8,161 women and 14,353
completely destroyed while 6,257 others sustained children. The following tables show the details of de-
damage. Those houses used to be sheltering 72,944 struction of houses during the Israeli offensive:
67
Houses damaged according to the size of damage and governorate

Total destruction Partial damage
Governorate
# % # %
Northern Gaza Strip 1,998 24% 6,257 27%
Gaza 2,718 32% 7,191 30%
Deir al-Balah 1,060 13% 3,604 15%
Khan Yunis 1,435 17% 3,504 15%
Rafah 1,166 14% 3,041 13%
Total 8,377 100% 23,597 100%
Number of affected persons in houses according to the size of damage

Damage # of houses # of families Permanent residents Women Children
Complete 8,377 11,162 60,612 16,522 30,835
Partial 23,597 32,622 190,306 50,926 93,843
Total 31,974 43,784 250,918 67,448 124,678
Number of affected persons in damaged houses according to governorate

Governorate # of houses # of families Permanent residents Women Children
Northern Gaza Strip 8,255 12,378 72,944 18,265 37,617
Gaza 9,909 14,039 74,646 20,680 41,368
Deir al-Balah 4,664 5,932 35,441 9,642 15,539
Khan Yunis 4,939 6,325 37,472 10,700 15,801
Rafah 4,207 5,110 30,415 8,161 14,353
Total 31,974 43,784 250,918 67,448 124,678
Houses damaged according to the type of house

Type of house # %
Ground floor 6,576 21%
Asbestos/tin-roofed 5,826 18%
Apartment 10,859 34%
Building 8,163 26%
Villa 313 1%
Country house 237 1%
Total 31,974 100%
Houses damaged in areas affected by the offensive and incursions

Area Complete destruction Partial damage Total
Al-Shuja›iya and al-Tuffah 1,949 5,414 7,373
Beit Hanoun 1,250 2,901 4,151
Khuza›a 360 944 1,304
Al-Zannah 184 339 523
PART one
East of Rafah 768 1,575 2,343

Johr al-Deek 310 139 449
East of Deir al-Balah 217 147 364
68
Destruction of houses and residential buildings dur- view of that displacement, which has been experi-
ing the offensive left an unprecedented status of enced by thousands of Palestinians so far, UNRWA
forcible collective displacement of thousands of Pal- and other international humanitarian organizations
estinian families that became homeless. Thousands established dozens of temporary shelters for thou-
of other families were obliged to leave and evacu- sands of those who lost their houses and property
ate their houses fearing for their lives and safety and under poor humanitarian and health conditions.
to avoid shelling at their houses, as dozens of civil- Besides, thousands of Palestinians have been suffer-
ians were killed or wounded while being at home ing from the psychological impact due to fear and
or while escaping from their houses. About 520,000 terror they experienced, especially women, children,
civilians, i.e. over 1/4 of the Gaza Strip’s population, elderly people and disabled persons. Moreover,
were forced to leave their houses looking for a safe thousands of Palestinian have been displaced after
place. Over half of these civilians resorted to UNRWA they lost their houses because of the Israeli attacks.
shelters throughout the Gaza Strip. It became more Those families lost their property, personal belong-
painful for them as they remembered the forcible ings, verification documents, IDs, passports and cer-
collective displacement of Palestinians in 1948. In tificates of birth.
The remnants of the al-Batash family›s house in al- Palestinian civilians flee from their house to escape Israeli
Tuffah neighborhood in the east of Gaza City shelling that targeted al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City
Part of the destruction left in Khuza’a village Part of the destruction left in Khuza’a
east of Khan Yunis village east of Khan Yunis
69
Third: destruction and demolition of multi-storey buildings

The last 4days of the Israeli offensive witnessed a forces launched air strikes and completely destroyed
different and unprecedented escalation against these buildings along with the demolition of full resi-
civilians and civilian property in the Gaza Strip. Is- dential neighborhoods in a way revealing the Israeli
raeli forces targeted multi-storey buildings, some of forces’ true intent in implementing collective punish-
which included 15 floors containing dozens of resi- ment and retaliatory acts against Palestinian civilians
dential and commercial apartments and hundreds and their property, without any military necessity as
of civilians. Israeli forces started on 23 July 2014 ap- required under the international humanitarian law.
plying this policy of targeting civilian houses, includ- This new policy coincided with many threats declared
ing multi-storey buildings and other buildings, as a by Israeli military and political officials that more re-
new collective punishment. Unprecedentedly, Israeli taliatory and terrorizing acts would be launched.
Remnants of al-Zafer (4) multi-storey

building that was destroyed by Israeli
forces in Gaza City
Four multi-storey buildings were completely de- to go then. On 23 August 2014, Israeli warplanes
stroyed in addition to other residential buildings bombarded al-Zafer (4) multi-storey building that
in the Gaza Strip. As a result, dozens of families contained 46 residential apartments. As a result, the
and hundreds of civilians were displaced, became whole building collapsed and turned into rubbles in
homeless and suffered terror and fear. Moreover, less than a minute. This attack rendered 40 families,
hundreds of residents of other multi-storey build- including 240 persons, homeless. Moreover, 18 civil-
ings and hundreds of civilian living around those ians of those residing in the destroyed building and
buildings in Gaza City evacuated their houses on neighboring buildings were wounded and material
26 August 2014, following a phone call received by damage was caused to a number of nearby build-
some civilians ordering them to leave their houses ings and houses. Residents of al-Zafer building talk-
because they would be shelled and destroyed. Civil- ed about their suffering during the last days of the
ians residing in al-Sousi and Taiba (1) multi-storey offensive amidst a state of confusion and condem-
building and in nearby houses in Gaza City experi- nation, especially as the building was a civilian one
enced extreme fear in light of indiscriminate attacks and sheltered dozens of civilians.
in that area and because they did not know where
Remnants of al-Basha multi-storey

building that was destroyed by
PART one
Israeli forces in Gaza City
70
This policy continued, as Israeli forces destroyed 2
other multi-storey buildings in Gaza City containing
dozens of residential and commercial apartments.
As a result, hundreds of civilians became homeless.
Thousands of civilians living in other multi-storey
buildings and houses were frightened and left their
houses because of threats they received on their
mobile phones from Israeli forces 2 days earlier. They
had been waiting for their apartments and houses
to be attacked.
Al-Salam multi-storey building in the center

of Gaza City that sustained extensive damage
due to an Israeli attack
On 25 August 2014, Israeli warplanes bombed the

15-storey Italian building in al-Nasser neighborhood
in the north of Gaza city. The building included 13
residential floors, 52 apartments and 2 floors as
a mall. Besides, the office of the Ministry of Public
Works and Housing was located in that building. As
a result of the attack, the building was completely
destroyed and other nearby houses sustained exten-
sive damage. At approximately 04:15 on the same
day, Israeli warplanes fired 6 missiles at the 13-sto-
rey al-Basha multi-storey building near al-Tayaran
intersection, in the center of Gaza City. The building
contained offices, like the office of al-Sha’b radio sta-
tion. As a result, the whole building collapsed and
was turned into rubbles. Moreover, serious damage
was caused to other houses and commercial stores.
Remnants of the Italian multi-

storey building that was destroyed
by Israeli forces
On 24 August 2014, Israeli warplanes fired around

16 missiles at the neighborhood of Abu Ma’roof fam-
ily in Jouret al-Lout area, in Khan Yuns. As a result,
7 houses were destroyed, 2 of which were 3-storey
buildings. Moreover, 11 families, who used to live in
those houses, including 69 persons, became home-
less.
71
Demolition and destruction of civilian objects and property, other than houses, during the Israeli of-
fensive
Israeli forces caused extensive destruction to ci- ried out throughout the 50-day offensive. The most
vilian objects and facilities in the Gaza Strip. This prominent feature of the Israeli offensive was the ex-
included the destruction of houses; economic fa- cessive and indiscriminate use of force, guided mis-
cilities, including lands, factories, workshops, stores, siles fired at civilian objects and facilities, and shells
hotels, restaurants and vehicles; educational facili- fired from artillery and gunboats stationed along
ties, including schools, kindergartens and universi- the northern and eastern borders of the Gaza Strip.
ties; parks and public gardens; governmental facili- Field facts indicated that Israeli forces committed
ties like ministries and governmental departments; war crimes and crimes against humanity by attack-
sport and cultural facilities, including mosques, ing civilian objects and property during the offen-
historic and archeological sites; fishing ports and sive, which resulted in unprecedented destruction
equipment; medical facilities and medicine and that was described by many local and international
food warehouses. Israeli forces almost cleansed organizations and media as a new Nakba (disaster)
many areas, into which the moved. Israeli incursions in the Gaza Strip. It was also described as an earth-
in those areas changed the geographical features quake that hit the Gaza Strip, especially Gaza, north
due to the wide-scale destruction and attacks car- of Gaza, Khan Yunis and Rafah.
Israeli forces destroyed 1,603 commercial facili-

ties, 699 of which were completely destroyed and
904 others sustained partial damage. Moreover, Is-
raeli forces destroyed 215 industrial facilities, 104
of which were completely destroyed and 111 oth-
ers sustained partial damage. Israeli forces also
destroyed 1,138 vehicles, 494 of which were com-
pletely destroyed and 644 others sustained partial
damage. Israeli forces destroyed 1,089 agricultural
facilities, including 227 animal farms, 520 poultry
farms, 340 animal and poultry farms, a bee farm and
a pisciculture farm.
The Middle East Pharmaceutical and

Cosmetics Laboratories Company in
Gaza that caught fire
PART one
72
Destruction of infrastructure
Wide-scale Israeli attacks and incursions throughout the Gaza Strip resulted in the destruction of dozens of
kilometers of roads, the power plant, phone, water network and reservoirs, water wells and sewage network.
First: the destruction of electricity sector

The attack on Gaza power plant and electricity lines It should be noted that the Gaza power plant pro-
from Israel resulted in 90% electric capacity deficit in vides 65 MW, while the Gaza Strip imports 120 MW
the Gaza Strip. As a result, large areas suffered from from Israel and 27 MW from Egypt on a daily basis
long hours of power outages since the beginning of (it was increased to 32 MW) during the offensive ac-
the Israeli offensive. Houses and other facilities in the cording to the Power Authority in Gaza. The Gaza
Gaza Strip had power on for 2 – 6 hours at best. The Strip needs amount 400 MW according to the Power
power outage suspended the work of vital sectors Authority as well.
and basic services like water and sewage networks
that became dependent on electricity generators. Second: destruction of water and sewage net-
works during the Israeli offensive
On 28 July 2014, Israeli warplanes bombed the Gaza Israeli forces targeted the water and sewage net-
Power Plant. As a result, it sustained serious damage, works, due to which the Water Authority and Coastal
including to fuel reservoirs. The plant caught fire and Municipalities Water Utility (CMWY) declared the
completely stopped. Gaza Strip as a “disaster area environmentally and
hydraulically” in light of the almost inability to offer
Moreover, during the Israeli offensive, Israeli forces water and sewage services to the population. The Is-
destroyed 6 electricity lines out of 10 coming from raeli offensive caused serious loss to these 2 sectors,
Israel, due to which power deficit increased up to as it was estimated at about US$ 34.4 million. Due to
90%. Sources at Gaza Electricity Distribution Com- the Israeli offensive, 11 water wells were completely
pany (GEDC) stated to a PCHR fieldworker that the destroyed, 15 water wells sustained partial damage,
Israeli attack on the power plant resulted in the de- about 17 kilometers of water networks were de-
struction of fuel reservoirs, including 300,000 liters stroyed and over 29 kilometers sustained partial or
of industrial fuel, the generator, cooling system. serious damage. Moreover, 5 water reservoirs were
Fixing the destroyed power plant needs months, completely destroyed, while 11 others sustained
so the plant completely stopped and electricity dis- partial or serious damage. Israeli forces also com-
tribution schedule sustained a new crisis. The Israeli pletely destroyed 2 water desalination units and
electricity lines sustained extensive damage due to seriously damaged 4 other units. Twelve sewage
attacks throughout the Gaza Strip, therefore, fixing pumping stations sustained serious damage, while
them would take long time. Lines coming from Israel 4 sewage treatment plants sustained partial dam-
distributed as follows: line no. 9 supplying the south- age. Furthermore, 50 equipment and vehicles of the
ern Gaza Strip, line no. 7 supplying Deir al-Balah, 3 water services and facilities sustained various dam-
lines supplying Gaza City, and a line supplying the age, and the loss was estimated at US$ 9 millions.
northern Gaza Strip. Sources at the GEDC stated also The office and technical equipment and communi-
that the electricity line from Egypt is limited and is cation networks of water facilities sustained serious
only sufficient for a limited part of Rafah. It only cov- damage as well.
ers 40% of the city needs for few hours. However, the
Egyptian power adaptor in Rafah sustained partial
damage several times due to Israeli attacks.
73
Destruction in the economic sector
First: destruction in the industrial sector

Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip targeted the in- heavy and focused shelling on the industrial zone in
dustrial sector, as Israeli forces intended to bomb a Beit Hanoun resulted in the destruction and burning
large number of factories. Israeli attacks not only tar- of many industrial facilities. PCHR documented dur-
geted industrial facilities along the Gaza Strip border ing the offensive the destruction of 215 industrial
area, but also facilities within residential compounds facilities, 104 of which were completely destroyed
in Gaza. They systematically destroyed factories in and 11 others sustained partial damage. These facili-
the 2 only industrial zones in the Gaza Strip; in the ties carry out different industrial activities. The large
east of Gaza City and in Beit Hanoun in north of the destruction and removal of features of the industrial
Gaza Strip. PCHR fieldworkers visited these areas facilities show that Israeli forces had wanted to erad-
after the end of the offensive. They reported that icate the productive capacity of those facilities and
the scene was shocking due to the large destruc- to paralyze the Gaza Strip’s economy and maintain
tion they saw. The industrial zone, east of Gaza City, the Gaza Strip’s dependence on the Israeli economy.
was turned into big piles of rubble. Furthermore, the
Remnants of the Financial and

Administrative Monitoring building,
west of Gaza City
Traces of damage in Abu Assi gas

station due to an Israeli attack on the
neighboring mosque in al-Wehda
Street in Gaza City
Second: agricultural sector

The Israeli offensives left wide-scale destruction to cluding plants and animals, and fishing sector sus-
the agricultural sector as well. Large areas of lands tained damage. According to estimates of the Pales-
along the eastern and northern borders of the Gaza tinian Ministry of Agriculture, the agricultural sector
Strip were levelled during the land incursion. As a suffered a loss of US$ 550 million, 350 of which was
result, 11,086,481 square meters were levelled. Be- a direct loss. This resulted from the destruction of
PART one
sides, dozens of greenhouses, rooms and warehous- agricultural lands, irrigation networks, greenhouses,
es of agricultural tools and equipment, irrigation animal farms, poultry farms, fishing ports and bots.
networks, water pumps and some water wells were The indirect loss was estimated at US$ 200 million.
demolished. In addition, the agricultural sector, in-
74
Levelling agricultural lands activated again after the killing of 3 Israeli settlers in
During the Israeli offensive, Israeli forces levelled and Hebron in June 2014. Israeli forces demolished the
damaged 11,086,481 square meters of agricultural houses of the alleged suspects of the kidnap and
lands, including greenhouses, irrigation networks killing of the 3 settlers.
and water wells. Levelling lands started along with
the land incursion in the Gaza Strip. About 3,570,694 On 01 July 2014, Israeli forces bombed 2 houses be-
square meters were levelled in the northern Gaza longing to the families of Marwan Sa’di Abdul Afou
Strip, 1, 373,428 square meters were levelled in Gaza al- Qawasmi and Amer Omer Abdul Qader Abu ‘Ei-
City, 1, 854,491 square meters were levelled in Deir sha in Hebron, on the ground of suspicions that the
al-Balah, 2,480,700 meters were levelled in Khan two Palestinians were involved in the abduction of
Yunis and 1,807,168 square meters were levelled in the three Israeli settlers, before arresting, question-
Rafah. ing and convicting them. Al-Qawasmi’s house is a
110-square-meter apartment located on the first
Additionally, Israeli forces destroyed 1,089 agricul- floor of a 3-story building owned by his father and
tural facilities, including 227 animal farms, 520 poul- brothers, while Abu ‘Eisha’s house is a 100-square-
try farms, 340 animal and poultry farms, a bee farm meter apartment in a building belonging to his fa-
and a pisciculture farm. Israeli forces also destroyed ther.
1,138 vehicles, 494 of which were completely de-
stroyed and 644 others sustained partial damage. On 19 November 2014, Israeli forces bombed a
house belonging to the family of Abdul Rahman
Demolition and destruction of civilian objects al-Shaloudi in al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan vil-
and property in the West Bank in 2014 lage, south of the old city in East Jerusalem. It should
Israeli forces continued to demolish Palestinian be noted that al-Shaloudi was killed on 22 October
houses in ‘Area C’, which is under full Israeli control in 2014, when an Israeli soldier opened fire at him in
accordance with the Oslo Accords, for the purpose al-Shaikh Jarrah neighborhood, north of East Jerusa-
of settlement expansion. In 2014, this policy affect- lem, under the pretext that he deliberately ran down
ed houses throughout the West Bank, but demoli- a group of settlers.
tions were focused largely in occupied East Jerusa-
lem.8 Demolitions in the West Bank were carried out The policy of bombing houses, which is part of the
under the pretext that the buildings owners lacked collective punishment and retaliatory acts against
the required building licenses from the Planning Palestinian civilians, violates article 33 of the Fourth
and Building Department of the Israeli Civil Admin- Geneva Convention which stipulates that No per-
istration in the ’Beit El’ settlement or, for houses in sons may be punished for an offense he or she has
occupied East Jerusalem, from the Israeli municipal- not personally committed. Collective penalties and
ity in Jerusalem. likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism
are prohibited.
In 2014, Israeli forces reactivated the policy of house
demolitions as a form of collective punishment. Un- The Israeli authorities adopt prolonged and com-
precedentedly, upon an order from the Israeli Prime plicated procedures to grant building licenses to
Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli forces con- Palestinians. However, they facilitate the settlement
tinued to apply the collective punishment policy construction works under the pretext of the natural
against Palestinian families, whose sons run down growth of settlers. As a result, Palestinian civilians,
and/or stab Israeli soldiers and settlers in the oPt, by under duress from Israeli forces, often demolish their
demolishing, bombing or closing their houses. Since homes themselves in order to avoid having to pay
the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000, Israeli the extremely high costs that would be imposed if
forces bombed dozens of Palestinian houses. Al- the demolition was carried out by Israeli forces.
though this policy was suspended for a while, it was
8. This policy cannot be isolated from the policy of settlement expansion and the construction of the annexation wall, which are high-
lighted below.
75
This year witnessed a serious escalation in the demo- residential purposes such as barracks, stores, fences,
lition of houses and other civilian property used for tents, roads and electricity networks, including 23 in
industrial, agricultural or commercial purposes. In Jerusalem, 19 in Hebron, 74 in Tubas and northern
2014, Israeli forces demolished 198 civilian facilities, Jordan Valley, 7 in Jericho, 7 in Nablus, 4 in Tulkarm,
including 96 ones in occupied East Jerusalem; 20 8 in Qalqilya, 2 in Jenin, 4 in Salfit and 1 in Ramallah.
ones of which their owners were obliged to demol-
ish them on their own, and 102 others throughout This policy of houses and civilian facilities’ demoli-
the West Bank. Israeli forces force Palestinians in East tion cannot be isolated from the policy of settle-
Jerusalem to demolish their houses so they would ment expansion for the interest of creating a Jewish
not pay high fines to the Israeli authorities. Demoli- demographic majority in East Jerusalem. This policy
tions in the West Bank were as follows: 96 houses in coincided with a series of harassment carried out by
Jerusalem, 23 houses in Hebron, 5 houses in Bethle- Israeli forces and settlers against civilians in those ar-
hem, 48 houses in Tubas and northern Jordan Val- eas, especially in the south of Hebron and east and
ley, 4 houses in Jericho, 20 houses in Nablus, 1 house north-east of Jerusalem, where hundreds of Bedou-
in Tulkarm and 1 house in Qalqilya too. Moreover, in families reside.
Israeli forces demolished 149 facilities used for non-
Part of destruction in al-Srour factory
A mall that was targeted by shells

in Rafah City
PART one
76
Destruction in Rafah Crossing hall Destruction in al-Shuja`iya Elementary School for Girls in the
east of Gaza City.
Destruction in the fishing port in Gaza seaport Traces of destruction in al-Aqsa Martyrs` Hospital in Deir
al-Balah.
Destruction in Mohammed al-Durrah Hospital, Destruction of offices of the Physically Disabled Per-
north of Gaza sons› Association in al-Zaitoun neighborhood in the
southeast of Gaza City
77
Settlement Activities and Attacks by Settlers against

Palestinian Civilians and Property
The Israeli government, its occupation forces and settlers living in the oPt in violation of international
law have continued the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Armed Israeli settlers, protected
by Israeli forces, have continued to commit crimes against Palestinian civilians and property. In 2014,
Israeli settlers escalated their attacks against Palestinian civilians and property, launching some joint
attacks with the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians. The most violent and heinous attack was
kidnapping and burning a Palestinian child, Mohammed Abu Khudeir, from Sho’afat neighbourhood,
north of Jerusalem.
Settlement Expansion
The Israeli government, its occupation forces, and settlers living on Palestinian land in viola-
tion of international law have continued the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, un-
der the pretext that expansion is necessary to accommodate the natural population growth
of settlers.
Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, clearly violate inter-
national humanitarian law and international resolutions. In spite of increasing international
criticism to Israeli settlement activities in the oPt, the Israeli government escalated these ac-
tivities allegedly to meet the need of natural growth of settlers. PCHR emphasizes that the
Palestinian territory (the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip) is an oc-
cupied territory according to the international humanitarian law and the international legiti-
macy resolutions. Therefore, PCHR has persistently called upon the international community
to immediately intervene to compel the Israeli government to stop all settlement activities in
the oPt, especially in East Jerusalem, and dismantle Israeli settlements, which constitute a war
crime under international humanitarian law.
Confiscation of Palestinian Civilian Property
Israeli forces have continued to confiscate civilian property belonging to Palestinians to facili-
tate the expansion of settlements. This is in violation of international humanitarian law, which
prohibits changing the nature of an occupied territory unless there is a military necessity in
the narrow sense of the term a condition that is not fulfilled in this case. In 201, Israeli forces
confiscated and/or levelled at least 10,800 dunums of land across the West Bank, including
196 dunums in occupied East Jerusalem.
In the reporting period, the area categorised as ‘Area C’ under the Oslo Accords, as agreed
between the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Israeli government in 1993, was
the main target of Israeli confiscation operations in 2014. The aim is to evacuate the Palestin-
PART one
ian population to make way for settlement expansion projects. Communities in the area were
subjected to wide-scale demolition operations against houses and agricultural facilities, such
as water wells, rainwater harvesting pools and cattle barns. Israeli forces issued hundreds of
demolition notices for these facilities.
78
In addition, the illegal settlements were completely barns under the pretext they were built with no
supported by the Israeli government, which offered building licenses from the (Civil Administration). Is-
many settlement construction tenders and plans in raeli forces force residents to evacuate these areas
the West Bank. Construction plans for 16,704 new under the pretext of military training or they are part
settlement units in 33 Israeli settlements, most of of military zones in order to destroy their daily basic
which are in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Salfit, were needs and increase their suffering.
approved. Moreover, military orders were issued
concerning thousands of dunums of the Palestinian In 2014, Israeli forces continued to target the Pales-
land for the construction of the annexation wall, or tinian Bedouin communities to uproot them from
for confiscation under the pretext that these lands their residence areas. On 22 January 2014, Israeli
are State Property. Accordingly, Palestinians are forces uprooted a number of residential tents and
prevented from using them without permits issued levelled sheep barns and barracks in the areas of
by the competent Israeli authorities as Israeli confis- Abziq and Kherbet Yarzah in the Northern Jordan
cated around 7,263 dunums in 2014 (Source: the Ap- Valley, east of Tubas. Fifteen residential tents, 10 Bar-
plied Research Institute of Jerusalem (ARIJ)) racks, 3 kitchens, 4 mobile health units and a room
built of bricks and mud were levelled and uprooted.
Furthermore, thousands of trees were attacked by On 30 January 2014, Israeli forces levelled houses,
Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank. They cut uprooted tents and sheep barns belonging to 12
off, burnt, damaged, dumped trees with sewage wa- families in al-Maleh area in the Northern Jordan Val-
ter and poisoned them with chemicals. In 2014 and ley, east of Tubas. They levelled and uprooted 14 res-
according to information obtained by PCHR from idential tents, 10 tents used as sheep barns, 3 barns
the Land Research Centre of Arab Studies Society in and 6 kitchens. Subsequently, 52 persons, most of
Jerusalem, the number of trees that were attacked which were women and children, became homeless.
amounted to 22,400 trees, 89% of which were olive
trees. Statistics show that 17,009 trees were up- On 06 September 2014, the Israeli daily “Haaretz”
rooted, 5,452 trees were stolen and taken to settle- reported that Israel was about to offer a plan to forc-
ments, 2,730 trees were dumped with sewage water, ibly relocate thousands of Bedouins living in East
519 trees were burnt, 78 trees were poisoned with Jerusalem to a new town in the Jordan Valley. The
chemicals and 2,064 trees were levelled. Additional- Israeli plans reflect the intentions of the Israeli Civil
ly, 4,400 dunums were levelled, 2,180 dunums were Administration’s Planning Department, which from
levelled for the purpose of settlement expansion, the beginning did not want these Bedouin com-
1,226 dunums were dumped with sewage water munities to have any role in the planning process
coming from the settlements and 994 dunums were to force them to evacuate their lands and to avoid
used by settlers as pastures were destroyed. bargains with them. This enables the planning de-
partment to implement its settlement plans in the
Ethnic Cleansing area, the most important of which is the “E1”plan,
which includes the building of 3910 housing units
Following the Oslo Accords in 1993, Israeli forces west of “Ma’ale Adumim” settlement in addition to
targeted area (C) for settlement expansion. The Pal- the building of 2152 hotel rooms, an industrial zone
estinian civilians became victims of those projects, and a police station (the police station had been al-
especially in East Jerusalem as it witnessed the ex- ready built in the Ma’ale Adumim area in 2008). The
pansion of “Ma’ale Adumim” settlement with the im- new town is slated for about 12,500 Bedouins from
plementation of the E1 Plan that would further iso- the Jahalin, Kaabneh and Rashaida tribes living all
late Jerusalem from the West Bank, while cutting the over the West Bank cities as the forced displacement
northern West Bank off from its southern reaches. process is not limited to the Bedouin communities
in Occupied East Jerusalem, rather it includes all the
Israeli forces apply this policy of ethnic cleansing in cities in the West Bank.9
area (C) through demolishing houses and livestock
9. http:// www.poica.org/details.php?Article=7142#_ftn2
79
Efforts to Create a Jewish Demographic Majority Ze’ev” settlement; 56 units in al-Nabi Ya’qoub; and
in Jerusalem 708 units in “Gilo” settlement.
The Israeli government and its occupation forces The Israeli authorities also levelled vacant areas
have continued the construction of settlements in from the lands of al-Sowanah neighbourhood to
East Jerusalem and its suburbs in an effort to cre- implement “al-Matalah al-Wosta” settlement proj-
ate a Jewish demographic majority in the city. They ect. In addition, a stadium, observation points and
have cut off East Jerusalem from the West Bank, con- infrastructure works were implemented by “Mo-
structed new sections of the annexation wall and ryah” Company and supervised and supported by
continued activities of settlement expansion in and the Israeli municipality in the city. The municipality
around the city. The Israeli Municipality of Jerusalem approved the construction of a Jewish school and
has continued to demolish Palestinian houses under settlement centre in al-Sheikh Jarrah on a four-du-
the pretext of the lack of construction licenses. In num area. The construction and planning commit-
2014, there was an escalation in the demolitions of tee in the municipality approved the construction
homes and civilian property, and an increasing num- of a building for the Jewish National Fund “Keren
ber of demolition notices were delivered to Palestin- Kayemeth” in the centre of Jerusalem to transfer
ian civilians in East Jerusalem and its suburbs. its offices in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa into that
15-storey building near Sheraton Plaza Hotel in King
In addition to these illegal measures, the Israeli Min- George Street. During the year, the settlement orga-
istry of Interior continued to withdraw identity cards nizations of “al-’Aad” and “Ateret Cohanim” took over
from Palestinian civilians living in the city and expel 36 residential apartments; 10 of which in al-Helwah
them from the city to areas in the West Bank. The Min- Valley neighbourhood, Baydoun quarter, and the
istry withdraws identity cards under various pretexts, central quarter in Selwan village. The “Ateret Co-
including political allegiances or the fact that the in- hanim” extremist settlement organization said that
dividual works outside the boundaries of the city. it purchased the post office building in Salah al-Din
Street in the centre of Occupied East Jerusalem to
In 2014, Israeli forces, under the instructions of the turn it into a Talmudic religious school.
Municipality of Jerusalem, continued to demolish
Palestinian houses throughout the city and its sub- PCHR emphasizes that the Israeli measures taken in
urbs, citing unlicensed construction as the reason for Occupied Jerusalem and its environs are illegal as it
demolition. The municipality continued to impose is an integral part of the oPt and notes that the Is-
lengthy and complicated procedures on Palestin- raeli municipality discriminates against Palestinians
ian civilians who attempted to obtain construction when it is related to the construction licenses and
licenses. Thus, many Palestinians, under pressure to services.
build new houses or expand existing homes due to
natural population growth, do so without obtaining It should be noted that the Israeli efforts to create
licenses. Meanwhile, Israel, through the Municipality a Jewish demographic majority in East Jerusalem
of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry started by Israel’s declaration of the annexation of
of Interior and settlement associations, approved the occupied city to Israel, confiscation of Palestin-
the construction of thousands of housing units for ians’ property, establishment of settlements, es-
Israeli settlers inside and around Jerusalem. tablishment of the annexation wall, depriving its
inhabitants from building houses, demolition of
On the level of settlement activities in 2014, the Is- old houses, issuance of racial decisions to evacuate
raeli authorities approved the construction of 2610 the city from its inhabitants and separating it from
settlement units in “Givat Hamatos” settlement and its surroundings. PCHR believes that the policy of
500 units in “Ramat Shlomo” settlement in addition evacuating Jerusalem from its residents is a means
to advancing tenders for the construction of 2,239 that is adopted by Israel in order to create a Jewish
settlement units in the settlements established in demographic majority there.
PART one
the city and its surroundings. The latter units were

divided into 1000 units in “Ramot Shlomo” settle- The Israeli authorities have continued to impose
ment; 294 units in “Ramot”; 182 units in “Pisgat restrictions on the activities of Palestinian organiza-
80
tions in the city under the pretext they belong to the close the mosque gates in front of the al-Aqsa Sharia
PLO and/or PNA. The Israeli practices against those School for two consecutive days. The closure came
organizations included raiding their offices, not al- due to the unprecedented Israeli escalation by gov-
lowing celebrations or meetings of the organiza- ernmental and police authorities and extremist
tions’ boards even if the arranged activity is a social right-wing leaders who demanded imposing the
one. Israeli sovereignty on al-Aqsa Mosque, withdrawing
the Jordanian guardianship and allocating places for
In 2014, Israeli authorities closed three organiza- Jews to perform their prayers and specific days for
tions: “Namaa’” association in Beit Safafa; al-Zakah the holidays just like what is happening in al-Ibrahi-
and al-Sadaqat association and al-Quds Association mi Mosque in Hebron.
in Salah al-Deen Street, under the claims of organiz-
ing activities for Hamas. Israeli forces continued the According to the documentation of the Islamic En-
policy of raiding Palestinian centres, clubs and asso- dowments (Awqaf ) Department in Jerusalem, al-
ciations in the city before organizing any activity in Aqsa Mosque was stormed in 2014 by more than
them. Of those organizations that were raided were 12,892 Israelis, including ministers in the Israeli
al-Zaytoun Mountain Club; Hend al-Husseini Col- government, Knesset members, officials and mem-
lage; Dar Issaf al-Nashashibi for Culture, Arts &Litera- bers of different security services. Of whom were
ture; Yabous Cultural Centre; Palmedia Media Ser- Uri Ariel, Housing and Construction Minister; Moshe
vice Office; Burj Luq Luq Social Centre Society; and Feiglin, Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset; Tzipi
Elia association. Hotabla, Deputy Minister of Transportation; Yitzhak
Aheronovic, Minister of Internal Security; Nir Bara-
Israeli forces have continued to violate the right to kat, Israeli Mayor of Jerusalem; and extremist Rabbi
freedom of religion of Muslim and Christian Palestin- Yehuda Glick, who organizes the storms into the
ians by denying them access to religious sites in Je- mosque.
rusalem, as well as by continuing excavations in the
vicinity of the al-Aqsa Mosque, endangering the site, As part of the Israeli policies aiming to suppress pro-
subjecting it to the threat of collapsing, continuous tests against the Israeli practices in the city, in which
raids by settlers and Israeli police, calls to divide it children participate, on Sunday, 02 November 2014,
between Muslims and Jews in line with situation in the Israeli government approved a bill to impose
al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. additional penalties on Palestinian children who
throw stones at Israeli soldiers, mounting to 20-year
In a serious precedent, Israeli forces closed all the imprisonment sentences. Office of Prime Minister
gates of al-Aqsa Mosque to facilitate and protect Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the government
the entrance of thousands of settlers and extremist approved the amendment of the bill in its weekly
settler groups headed by Ministers in the Israeli gov- meeting. This amendment is supposed to be dis-
ernment and Knesset members to al-Aqsa Mosque cussed at the Knesset to be approved. According to
to perform their Talmudic prayers and threat to the statement, “New items will be added to the Pe-
divide al-Aqsa Mosque similar to the division in al- nal Code in a way allowing the imposition of penal-
Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron since Baruch Goldstein ties mounting to 20 years of imprisonment for those
committed a massacre on 25 February 1994, when who throw stones or objects at vehicles”.
29 Palestinian worshipers were killed. On Thursday
dawn, 30 October 2014, Israeli forces closed all the In 2014, schools of the city were targeted, includ-
gates of al-Aqsa Mosque before worshippers from ing raiding and deliberately spraying schools with
all ages, erected checkpoints and deployed troops waste water in addition to closing and shooting
around. Moreover, Israeli forces denied even stu- inside them. Moreover, students were arrested
dents of al-Aqsa Sharia School access to their school when they were on their way to their schools. Ac-
inside (about 500 male and female students), and cording to information obtained by PCHR from Wadi
denied muezzins and Imams access to the mosque. Helweh Information Centre in Silwan, al-Aqsa Shar’ia
Only 8 persons, including Omar al-Kiswani, direc- Schools, which include around 500 students and is
tor of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and some guards were able located in the mosque, were closed for few days. In
to get into the mosque. Israeli forces continued to addition, the Orphanage School in Jerusalem was
81
also affected due to chasing and imposing restric- dair into the car. The settlers were indicted in the
tions over students by Israeli forces under the pre- Jerusalem District Court, and the case is still pend-
text of “throwing stones”. Israeli forces tightened ing a decision from the court. Although 6 months
restrictions on the teaching staff and students when have passed since the heinous crime, Israeli authori-
they were on their way to school. On 24 September ties have not taken any punitive action against the
2014, Israeli forces fired metal bullets at the school perpetrators.
wounding 3 students, who were in classes and in the
schoolyard. Meanwhile, Israeli forces sprayed the The attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians
schools street in al-Mokaber Mountain with waste took many new forms; most of which were attempts
water and fired sound bombs and tear canisters at to kidnap children basically in East Jerusalem due to
6 schools in addition to raiding al-Mokaber School the daily contact between settlers and Palestinian
for Girls and firing tear gas canisters and metal bul- civilians. According to Israeli reports, 2,750 settlers
lets at the female students, the administration and live in settlement outposts in the neighbourhoods
teaching staffs. of Jerusalem (Silwan, al-Sowanah, al-Sheikh Jarrah,
Ras al-’Amoud and al-Tour) in addition to thousands
Attacks by Israeli Settlers against Palestinian living in the settlement neighbourhoods inside the
Civilians and Property city or in its surrounding. Settlers attempted to kid-
nap Mousa Rami Zaloum (8) and Mohammed Kas-
In 2014, armed Israeli settlers escalated their attacks wani (8), both from Beit Hanina as well as Taha To-
against Palestinian civilians and their property in the fahah (2) in Sho’afat; Mohammed Khaled al-Zaghal
West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Attacks were (11) on al-Jothmaniyah Road and Majd Hazinah (4)
no longer a reaction to attacks by Palestinian armed in the Old Town of Jerusalem.
groups against Israeli forces and settlers. They de-
veloped into systematic attacks against Palestinian Based on monitoring and documentation of crimes
civilians. In 2014, such attacks became even more committed by Israeli settlers in the oPt, including
systematic, often at times of complete quietness in East Jerusalem, PCHR emphasizes that those at-
the oPt. tacks were launched by Israeli settlers under the Is-
raeli forces’ protection, which even joined them in
In 2014, settlers committed one of their most hei- launching dozens of attacks. Israeli forces do not
nous crimes when a group of them kidnapped Mo- intervene to stop such attacks, nor do they take le-
hammed Hussein Abu Khudair (16) from the vicinity gal action against settlers. In general, Israeli forces
of his house in Shu’fat neighborhood in the north ignore complaints submitted by Palestinian victims
of occupied Jerusalem, and burnt him to death. Ac- against Israeli settlers and do not investigate them.
cording to investigations conducted by PCHR, at This policy adopted by Israeli forces encourages set-
approximately 05:00 on Wednesday, 02 July 2014, tlers to commit more crimes against Palestinian civil-
5 Israeli settlers kidnapped the child from the vicin- ians, and frustrates Palestinian victims who abstain
ity of his family’s house in Shu’fat neighborhood in from submitting complaints to Israeli authorities
the north of occupied Jerusalem. A few hours later, because they are convinced that Israeli authorities
the Israeli police declared that they found the child’s would not seriously consider and investigate their
body in forest lands near “Givat Shaul” settlement, complaints.
adjacent to Deir Yassin village, west of Jerusalem.
The police confirmed that signs of torture and burns PCHR documented 194 attacks by Israeli settlers
were seen on the child’s body. Eyewitnesses and against Palestinian civilians in 2014. These attacks
residents of Shu’fat neighborhood stated to PCHR were distributed in governorates as follows: 23 at-
that according to recordings of surveillance cameras tacks in Nablus; 59 attacks in Hebron; 24 attacks in
stabled on houses and shops in the area, 5 Israeli set- Ramallah and al-Bireh; 13 attacks in Qalqilya; 32 at-
tlers traveling in a Hyundai car kidnapped Abu Khu- tacks in Jerusalem; 24 attacks in Salfit; 16 attacks in
dair when he was in front of his house. Two of the Bethlehem; an attack in Jenin and 2 attacks in Tubas.
PART one
settlers stepped out of the car and forced Abu Khu-
82
Statistics relevant to the settler attacks are as follows: tion. However, the Israeli authorities and its judicial
system have continued to ignore the ICJ’s opinion,
1. Shooting Incidents: The settlers carried out 5 and the Israeli government continued to act as a
shooting incidents. state above the law. Moreover, the international
2. Attacks against Palestinian Farmers and community have not taken any measures to deter
Shepherds: Settlers carried out 56 attacks the Israeli forces or hold them accountable for their
against shepherds and farmers. crimes and serious violations of the international hu-
3. Riots on Public Roads: PCHR fieldworkers docu- manitarian law in the oPt.
mented 107 riot incidents on public road, includ-
ing throwing stones at Palestinian civilian cars The annexation wall which the Israeli government
and run-over incidents. decided to construct in late June 2002 goes through
4. Targeting Civilian Vehicles: PCHR fieldwork- most of the West Bank lands. The Israeli government
ers documented 7 attacks carried out by settlers claimed that the barrier was being constructed as a
against Palestinian civilian vehicles; security measure and without any political implica-
5. Attacks on Religious Sites: PCHR fieldworkers tions. Over time, as new facts were created on the
documented 6 attacks against Islamic and Chris- ground, some Israeli politicians stated that the bar-
tian sites in the West Bank, including occupied rier would constitute the border line between Israel
Jerusalem; and a future Palestinian state. Citing security con-
6. Attacks on Houses: PCHR fieldworkers docu- cerns in order to unilaterally create new facts on the
mented 13 attacks in this context. ground, Israel has used the wall in its negotiations
with Palestinians, who aspire to establish their state
According to new statistics published by the Israeli within the 4 June 1967 boundaries. The wall, with its
Ministry of Interior, the number of settlers in the effective annexation of Palestinian land, has created
West Bank and Jerusalem significantly increased to a new reality on the ground that makes it difficult
350,143 settlers, marking an increase by 4.5% com- to discuss the establishment of a viable, contigu-
pared to 2013. The number of settlers in the eastern ous Palestinian state. According to Palestinian esti-
neighbourhoods of Jerusalem such as Pisgat Ze’ev; mations, the area of the isolated Palestinian lands,
Neve Yaakov; Ramat Eshkol and Ramon reached which are besieged between the wall and the armi-
300,000. stice line, reached 680 square kilo meters (i.e. 12% of
the West Bank area). Around 454 square kilo meters
The Annexation Wall in the West Bank of that area are planted lands and pastures.
Although 10 years passed on the Advisory Opinion At the level of confiscating lands for the construc-
issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on tion of the annexation wall, on 08 November 2014,
9 July 2004 on the legal consequences of the wall the Israeli forces deployed at the military checkpoint
in response to a request by a UN General Assembly at the entrance to Beit Iksa village, which is isolated
resolution of 3 December 2003, Israel has not taken due to the annexation wall, north west of Jerusalem,
any measure to change the situation on the ground. delivered confiscation orders signed by the Israeli
The ICJ ruled that the wall’s construction inside the military commander in the West Bank, Nitzan Alon,
oPt, including East Jerusalem, violates international that gave them until Dec. 31, 2017 to remain on
law. It also found that Israel is bound to put an end their land. The Israeli authorities claimed that the
to its violations of international law, stop the con- confiscation order has been under way since 2012,
struction works of the wall, dismantle the sections and that the new order only emphasizes the old
already constructed, abolish all relevant legislation order adding that the lands confiscated would be
and orders, and compensate Palestinians harmed by used for military purposes and in response to “the
the construction of the wall. The ICJ called upon the Israeli claims that they are Israeli security needs in
international community to abstain from helping the village.” According to the two-page order and
the continued illegal status, which was established attached illustrative maps signed by Nitzan Alon,
after the construction of the annexation wall, take the Israeli Military Commander in the West Bank, the
the legal steps to stop the Israeli violations and en- lands that would be confiscated are between parcels
sure the application of the Fourth Geneva Conven- 7 and 8.
83
On 01 December 2014, Israeli authorities issued a Israeli forces reduced the hours during which gates
military order to confiscate 48 dunums of the lands established along the wall are opened, restricting ac-
of Rantis village, west of Ramallah. These lands are cess of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural lands,
located in the northwestern side of the village and which are isolated behind the wall. Such measures
adjacent to the annexation wall, which was estab- are aimed at reducing the working hours of farmers,
lished around the aforementioned village in 2004, thus depriving them of their source of income and
and the Israeli authorities confiscated hundreds of destroying their plants, including olive trees that
dunums from the village lands from 3 sides. constitute one of their most important sources of
annual income.
At the end of the year, Israeli forces handed civil-
ians from the villages of Tulkarm and Jenin dozens During the olive harvest, Israeli forces imposed a
of notices confiscating their agricultural lands along strict system on Palestinian farmers, ordering them
the annexation wall extending from Ya›bod village, to obtain permits issued by the Israeli Civil Admin-
south of Jenin, to Eastern Baqat village, north of istration in order to reach their lands, which have
Tulkarm. Local sources in both cities said that thou- been isolated by the annexation wall. Farmers are
sands of dunums of land adjacent to the wall would forced to present evidence of their ownership of the
be confiscated, and the new order denied civilians› land in order to obtain permits, which is extremely
access to those lands and to culpably invest and difficult as many of these lands are still registered for
plant them. The sources added that these lands are people who died or left the country.
located between Um Dar village near Ya›bod village
and Zita village in Tulkarm, 3-4 kilometres wide next The impact of restrictions on the movement of Pal-
to the annexation wall. estinians living near the wall has not been limited to
the agricultural sector, but includes numerous other
Restrictions on Movement on Both Sides of the aspects of life. Access to medical care, education and
Annexation Wall relatives living in other parts of the oPt has been re-
stricted. Palestinians are required to obtain permits
Israeli forces have imposed severe restrictions on the to move through the gates which are built at the
movement of Palestinians on both sides of the wall. wall, and which are operated under a strict security
In 2014, Israeli forces imposed additional restrictions system. Israeli forces often close these gates for no
on the movement of Palestinians. apparent reason.
PART one
84
The Absence of Justice in the Israeli Legal System
Israeli authorities continued to impose obstacles before the Palestinian victims in the West Bank, in-
cluding Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip to deny them their right to justice and remedy. The latest of
such obstacles was the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision on 16 December 2014 approving regulations
that ban Palestinians from Gaza from entering Israel for their compensation cases against the Israeli
military.
Thus, there is no place for any claim of justice for the Palestinian victims before the Israeli Ju-
diciary so that we can declare that the Israeli Judicial system does not want to provide justice
for Palestinians and that the international bodies should not request exhausting all means in
regard to Israeli crimes. Victims of the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in June 2014
(“Operation Protective Edge”) joined the very long list victims of the Israeli offensives on the
Gaza Strip in both November 2014 (“Operation Pillar of Defense”) and in December 2008 –
January 2009 (“Operation Cast Lead”) waiting for justice and remedy. This requires serious
steps from all international and local parties to put an end to the State of Immunity granted
for the Israeli war criminals.
Although months have passed since the last Israeli offensive in 2014 known as “Operation
Protective Edge”, Israel continued to prevent any international or special commission of in-
quiry from entering Gaza in order to investigate the crimes committed by Israeli forces in the
Gaza Strip in addition to the arbitrary laws and procedures previously taken and enacted to
close doors for remedy before Palestinian victims. The situation is not different in the West
Bank although Israeli authorities declared the Gaza Strip, but not the West Bank, as “a hostile
entity”. Israel has proved over and over again that killing Palestinian civilians in cold blood by
the Israeli soldiers and settlers, who are armed by Israeli authorities, usually goes unpunished.
Thus, Israel proves that its judicial system is a racist system and part of the Israeli apartheid,
which has been professionally created, to avoid criticism and international legal prosecution,
since its occupation of the Palestinian territories.
PCHR works on building legal files for the Palestinian civilian victims to help them get their
rights. Moreover, PCHR also closely follows up in cooperation with its partners the Israeli le-
gal procedures against the Israeli soldiers and settlers who committed murders in cold blood
against civilians in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. PCHR’s lawyers worked hard to build
files relevant to “Operation Protective Edge” to claim the victims’ criminal and civil rights in the
context of PCHR’s work in the field of prosecuting Israeli war criminals and ensuring remedy
to the victims. PCHR’s efforts before the Israeli courts prove to the whole world that the Israeli
judicial system is corrupt and founded to shield the Israeli war criminals from prosecution by
misleading the international community that there are internal investigations.
The following facts and numbers explain the Israeli measures to shield Israeli war criminals
from prosecution and deny Palestinian victims of repeated Israeli offensives on the Gaza Strip
from their right to redress. Moreover, we will review the most significant cases of denial of
justice for the victims of the Israeli crimes in the West Bank.
85
First: Shielding Israeli War Criminals from Pros-

ecution: PCHR stresses that the behaviour of the Israeli MAG
comes as part of the systematic policy to deny the
Israeli authorities continued to ignore complaints Palestinian victims their right to justice and provide
filed to request investigation into acts that are likely Israeli war criminals legal protection to shield them
constitute war crimes against Palestinian civilians, from international prosecution. This is confirmed by
or give negative replies claiming that there are no that fact that PCHR had filed 1,181 criminal com-
violations in order to shield the Israeli war criminals. plaints to the Military Advocate General following
According to PCHR’s Legal Aid Unit, PCHR’s lawyers “Operation Cast Lead”, but received only 19 replies
submitted 254 complaints, including 236 during relating to 23 cases only. Furthermore, the Military
the offensive on the Gaza Strip, to the Israeli Military The MAG has never brought any of the respondents
Advocate General (MAG) to open criminal inves- to justice although there were international reports
tigations into the Israeli violations and prosecute proving the commission of war crimes and strong-
the perpetrators. PCHR received only 10 replies; ly raising the possibility of occurrence of crimes
in 5 ones, the MAG claimed that the military police against humanity against Palestinians in oPt, espe-
would conduct an investigation while, and in 4 ones, cially during “Operation Cast Lead”. The most promi-
it claimed that the case was closed as the suspicion nent report was the one prepared by the United
of the commission of a criminal offense was not Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Conflict in Gaza
proven. (the Goldstone Report).
Second: Denying victims’ right to remedy Israel to access the court. Justice Elyakim Rubinstein
stated in the decision that the state simultaneously
Israeli authorities continued to deny the Palestinian wears two hats, as the party “responsible for security
victims’ right to redress through imposing a series on the one hand, and as the defendant on the other,”
of financial and legal obstacles. The latest of these and that “it must take care as far as possible not to
measures was on 16 December 2014 when the Is- confuse the two issues.”
raeli Supreme Court approved regulations that ban
Palestinians from Gaza from entering Israel for their It should be mentioned that in 2014 PCHR’s law-
compensation cases against the Israeli military in ad- yers submitted 1080 notices to the Israeli Ministry
dition to the amendment No. 8 to the Israeli Tort Law of Defence to file cases in order to compensate the
(Liability of the State) of 1952, which was approved Palestinian victims (according to the Israeli law) due
by the Israeli Knesset on 16 July 2012. to the Israeli violations that resulted in killing 469
Palestinian civilians, wounding 337 others and the
On 16 December 2014, the Supreme Court of Is- destruction of 256 houses during “Operation Protec-
rael rejected a petition submitted by human rights tive Edge.” PCHR does not expect from the Israeli Ju-
organizations against Israel’s policy of preventing diciary to ensure remedy for the victims due to the
residents of Gaza who have submitted compensa- obstacle imposed by the Israeli authorities for vic-
tion lawsuits for damages against the Israeli military, tims and their lawyers in addition to Lack of fairness
and their witnesses, from entering Israel to attend and impartiality of Israeli judges.
their own court hearings. Adalah filed the petition
in cooperation with the Al Mezan Center for Human It should be mentioned that the Israeli authorities
Rights, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, imposed many obstacles before Palestinian civilians
and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel on behalf to deny them access to justice. The most significant
of four individuals from Gaza who filed tort lawsuits and latest of which was Amendment No. 8 to the Is-
against the Israeli military and whose requests for raeli Tort Law (Liability of the State) of 1952, which
permission to enter Israel to pursue their cases were was approved by the Israeli Knesset on 16 July 2012.
repeatedly denied. Although the Court rejected the This amendment exempts the State of Israel of any
petition, it pointed out the conflict of interests cre- liability arising from damages caused to a resident
PART one
ated by this policy between the state’s position as of an enemy territory during a ‘combat action’ or
the defendant before the court and as the author- ‘military operation’. This amendment disregards the
ity that determines who can and who cannot enter vital question of the legality of these attacks. It also
86
ignores the damage caused to the victims as a result from the Gaza Strip is valid if it carries the signature
of such attacks, potentially violating rules governing and stamp of an Israeli diplomatic body. This re-
the conduct of armed forces during military opera- quirement is impossible because the claimants from
tions, as prescribed under international humanitar- the Gaza Strip are denied access to Israel.
ian law. Amendment No. 8 directly contravenes the
norms of customary international law, which hold This amendment confirms the denial of the Palestin-
that a State is responsible for all acts committed ians’ right to resort to the Israeli courts to claim for
by persons who are operating as part of its armed compensation. The Ministry of Defence has always
forces. The Israeli legal system is used to shield sus- ignored notices sent by PCHR to file civil cases on
pected Israeli war criminals from justice. behalf of the Palestinian victims. For example, from
2009 to before the “Operation Protective Edge”,
Amendment 8 applies retroactively from 2005 on- PCHR filed 1,459 civil complaints to the Compensa-
wards and exempts the Israeli forces not only of pro- tion Officer in the Israeli Ministry of Defence, and
viding reparations for the victims of the latest Israeli only in 3 of them victims received financial compen-
offensive, but also the victims of the “Operation Cast sation upon financial settlements between the Pros-
Lead” in 2008-2009 and “Operation Pillar of Defence” ecution and PCHR’s lawyer. However, the remaining
in 2012 in addition to all the attacks committed complaints were either dismissed or ignored. For
against Palestinian civilians since 2005. As a result, example, 32 cases filed before the Israeli courts were
PCHR could not file any compensation complaint on dismissed according to this amendment, and 105
behalf of the “Pillar of Defence” victims. Moreover, cases were dismissed due to not paying the high
the Israeli courts dismissed many compensation financial guarantee imposed by the court in order
complaints that were already filed by PCHR on be- to make it impossible for the victims to have access
half of the victims. to justice. Moreover, 11 other cases were dismissed
as witnesses could not attend to testify before the
In February 2013, the Israeli central court in Beer- court. Thus, the amendment has offered a legal
sheba cancelled 14 cases filed by PCHR to claim shield for this denial for years.
remedy for the Palestinian civilians who were killed,
wounded or sustained financial loss due to the Israe- The above-mentioned measures are part of a larger
li violations of the international law. Of the 14 cases, scheme of Israeli measures to deny the Palestinians’
the court dismissed 11 cases based on Amendment right to remedy. In the past years, the Israeli au-
No. 8. The other 3 cases were dismissed under the thorities issued decisions and amended legislation
pretext they did not meet the procedural standards through which they imposed legal, financial and
which require that a power of attorney for a civil case material obstacles.
87
Third: Denying Justice for Victims Killed by Israeli »» Procrastination in Prosecuting the Soldiers
Forces in Cold Blood who killed Nadim Nowarah and Mohammed
The Israeli Judiciary continued its racist policy Salamah:
against Palestinian victims who were killed in cold
blood by Israeli soldiers and settlers. The Israeli judi- On 15 May 2014, Israeli forces killed Nadim
ciary and prosecution deal in double standards with Nowarah and Mohammed Salamah near Ofer
the Israeli crimes committed against Palestinian ci- Prison, west of Ramallah. Despite plenty of clear
vilians. Although the Israeli judiciary and prosecu- evidence on the crime through having complete
tion are being strict when prosecuting and punish- documentation of the crime by surveillance cam-
ing any violation by any Palestinian, we find them eras and the autopsy of the martyrs’ corps, the Is-
completely opposite when dealing with the crimes raeli politicians and officers are trying to cover up
committed by the Israeli soldiers and settlers against the perpetrators through spreading rumors that
Palestinian civilians. The following are most signifi- the evidence is fabricated. Moreover, despite
cant cases of procrastination and disregard for the the ongoing investigations and arrest of a soldier
prosecution of soldiers and settlers responsible for from the Israeli border guards, PCHR, depending
killing Palestinians in cold blood: on its experience in such incidents, is concerned
that the perpetrator is being covered or tolerated
»» Israeli Prosecution closed case of Yousif al-Sha- as it happened in dozens of former cases.
wamrah killed in cold blood by Israeli soldiers
without bringing perpetrators before justice »» Procrastination in bringing the murderers of
Judge Ra’ed Z’eiter before justice:
On 19 March 2014, Israeli forces shot and killed
14-year-old Yousif al-Shawamrah when he On 10 March 2014, Israeli forces killed a Jordanian
crossed through a wide breach in the annexation judge of Palestinian origins, Ra’ed Z’eiter, while
wall near Dura village, south of Hebron, in order passing through al-Karamah crossing. Accord-
to pick gundelia [Arabic: ‘Akub] to support his ing to investigations, the Israeli soldiers shot him
family. According to the investigations conduct- dead from a short distance although he posed no
ed by B’Tselem, al-Shawamrah was shot in broad danger to any person and was not carrying any
daylight with no advance warning and posed no weapon. By the end of the year, Israeli authori-
danger to any other persons. Despite all of this, ties had not declares the results of the investiga-
the prosecution closed the investigation in July tions and nor had held the soldiers accountable.
2014 claiming that “there is no suspicion that the PCHR emphasize that there is no indication that
open-fire regulations had been breached or that there is a serious investigation into the attack is
any military personnel were involved in criminal being conducted. Moreover, this proves that the
action”.10 Israeli investigation authorities are complicit in
the crimes committed against the Palestinian ci-
vilians by procrastinating the measures.
PART one
10. B›tselem, «No one to be held responsible for killing 14-year-old Palestinian boy out picking edible plants», http://www.btselem.org/
accountability/20141106_shawamreh_investigation_file_closed
88
89
Section (2):
Palestinian Violations of Human
Rights and Obstacles to Demo-
cratic Reform
PART one
Violations of the Right to Life and Personal Secu-

rity
In 2014, more violations of the right to life and personal security due to the misuse of weapons, as well
as violations of the rule of the law in the oPt were reported. During this year, security chaos escalated
especially in the Gaza Strip which witnesses a series of bombing incidents and extra-judicial executions
that warn of returning to the state of security chaos in the Gaza Strip in previous years. The Palestinian
territories also witnessed the escalation of murdering women on grounds of “Family honour”. PCHR
documented the deaths of 99 people (84 in the Gaza Strip and 15 in the West Bank), including 9 children
and 8 women. More than 167 persons were also wounded. Violations of the right to life and personal
security were perpetrated in the following contexts: the excessive use of force by law enforcement offi-
cials; illegal use of weapons; the use of weapons in personal and family disputes, murders motivated by
“family honour.” Moreover, during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Gaza witnessed extra-
judicial executions carried out by armed Palestinians affiliated with Palestinian factions against per-
sons on suspicion of collaborating with Israel.
The Excessive Use of Force by Law Enforcement Officials
In 2014, 35 persons were killed during law enforcement operations carried out by the security
services (law enforcement officials); 33 in the Gaza Strip and 2 in the West Bank. The most
prominent cases were as follow:
1. On 26 January, Ashraf Thaher Farajallah (19) was killed after falling on his head and sus-
taining shrapnel wounds to the right hand due to the explosion of a suspicious object in
al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
2. On 06 March, Mos’aad Mousa Abu Samrah (22), from Deir al-Balah, was killed by a bullet to
the neck when an armed person fired in celebration of one of his relatives’ wedding party.
3. On 11 March, Mohammed Taysir Ismail (26) was killed when an explosion occurred on
the third floor of an inhabited house in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip as armed
persons mishandled an explosive device. Two other persons were killed while Ismail was
killed when he was by accident near the house as a result of the scattered glass of the
house windows. Moreover, 8 persons were wounded, including 2 women and 2 children,
one of whom identified as Mohammed Belal Ismail (3) died later on 16 March due to sus-
taining serious wounds.
4. On 13 March, a home-made rocket landed on a house belonging to the family of Isma’il

Abdul Fattah Mohammedin (35) in al-Wadi Street in Beit Hanoun town in the north of the
Gaza Strip. The rocket made a hole whose diameter was one meter in the south-eastern
wall of the house and exploded inside. As a result, Aisha Atiya Mohammedin (52) sustained
shrapnel injuries and amputation to the right hand, and she died because of her serious
PART one
injuries at approximately 00:30 on Friday, 14 March 2014, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Additionally, another 5 civilians living in the house, including 3 children, were injured.
92
5. On 25 May, ‘Amid Salim ‘Aqoubah (23), from the in the northern Gaza Strip sustained shrapnel
Old City in Nablus, died due to wounds he sus- wounds as a home-made rocket landed near
tained in an internal explosion that occurred on them while they were playing. They children who
22 May in Nablus market in the north of the West were evacuated to Kamal Edwan Hospital. Medi-
Bank. cal sources declared on the same day the death
of 2-year-old Joud Mohammed Hasan al-Danaf
6. On 28 May, ‘Abdel Rahman Zaki al-Anqah (17) due to her wounds.
was killed by 2 live bullets from unleashed from
a Kalashnikov rifle when his 13-year-old brother 10. On 14 August, four unidentified armed persons
mishandled the weapon in their house in Jabalia opened fire at Baker ‘Abdel Razeq Ahmed Abu
in the northern Gaza Strip. Baker (34) from al-Shokah village, east of Rafah,
when he was in front of al-Zahraa’ UNRWA School
7. On 01 June, ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Hatem Qashlan (10), from in al-Brazil neighbourhood in the south of Rafah.
al-Nussairat refugee camp, was killed by a bullet They kidnapped him in a black Kia Car and then
to the chest when he was playing with his friends threw him near the housing project area, east of
near Gaza Valley near the camp, around 70 me- Rafah. Medical sources in Abu Yousif al-Najjar
ters away from the training site of a Palestinian Hospital declared the death of the aforemen-
armed group, while training was taking place in tioned upon his arrival at the hospital due to be-
the site, during which there were shootings and ing shot with 3 bullets to the abdomen and legs
explosions. and sustaining wounds throughout his body as a
result of being stabbed with sharp tools.
8. On 11 June, an explosion occurred in Jalal Ra’fat
al-Ghussain’s house in Tufah neighbourhood in 11. On 26 August and following the declaration of
the east of Gaza. As a result, his son, Khalil (14), an Egyptian-brokered truce in the Gaza Strip,
died after sustaining injuries in different parts of dozens of gunmen opened fire in all areas in the
his body. Moreover, the explosion caused partial Gaza Strip. As a result, a woman was killed and
damage to the house. 95 persons, including 33 children and 15 women,
were injured.
9. On 24 June, 4 children from the al-Danaf fam-
ily from al-Atatrah neighbourhood in Beit Lahia
The most prominent injuries were as follows:
1. On 08 April, 3 civilians, including a child, sus- 3 engineers working at al-Banna Company for
tained bullet injuries when an armed person fired Survey and Engineering Services were traveling
in the air to celebrate a wedding party in Balatah in Johr al-Deek area, southeast of Gaza City. As a
refugee camp, east of Nablus, north of the West result, Hamzah Suheil Hiji (26) was hit by a bullet
Bank. Medical sources reported that the wound- to the back and was then taken to the hospital
ed persons’ conditions were moderate. due to the seriousness of his condition.
2. On 18 April, Samirah Mustafa ‘Arayshi (19) sus- 4. On 07 July, a homemade rocket fell onto a 2-sto-
tained a bullet injury to the jaw as an armed rey house belonging to Fadel ‘Abed al-Kafarnah
person fired in the air to celebrate a wedding in Beit Hanoun town. As a result of the explo-
party in ‘Askar al-Jadid refugee camp, northeast sion, 7 civilians sustained glass shrapnel wounds
of Nablus in the north of the West Bank. Medi- throughout their bodies. Two nearby houses
cal sources at Rafidia Hospital reported that her were also damaged.
condition was serious.
5. 07 July, unknown gunmen opened fire at a
3. On 09 June, an armed member of the Izziddin branch of Bank of Palestine near Bahlul Petrol
al-Qassam Brigades opened fire at a car in which Station in al-Naser neighbourhood, north of
93
Gaza City. As a result, the bank’s façade and two shelter by the gate of al-Hamdallah’s house. The
ATMs were damaged. Meanwhile, masked gun- house guards went out immediately after they
men smashed the ATM at a branch of the Bank of heard the shooting. Khresiha’s car was hit by 4
Palestine near al-Shawa Petrol Station in the cen- bullets which settled in the back body of the car,
tre of the city. As a result, the bank ‘sadministra- the rear glass and the seat next to the driver’s.
tion decided to close all the branches all over the
Gaza Strip for fear of further incidents. It should 7. On 14 September, unknown gunmen opened fire
be mentioned that the Branch of the Bank of Pal- at 4 civilians who were present in front of a house
estine in al-Naser neighbourhood had been at- belonging to Mohammed Nasman in al-Karamah
tacked by unknown persons on 30 June as they neighborhood in the north of Gaza City. As a re-
smashed an ATM at the bank in addition to out- sult, the four civilians were hit by 4 bullets and
side surveillance cameras. Moreover, the ATM of were taken to receive medical treatment in al-
the Arab Bank in al-Remal Street was subjected Shifa Hospital in the city. The wounded persons
to a similar attack. were identified as:
A. Mohammed Ghassan al-Qishawi (21), seri-
6. 04 September, unknown gunmen opened fire at ously hit by a bullet to the thigh;
Dr. Hassan Abdel Fattah Khreisha (59), Member B. Mohammed Ahmed al-’Arouqi (21), hit by 2
of the PLC, when he was driving his Mercedes bullets to the left leg and right hand;
car near his house in Jabal al-Sayed area, east of C. ‘Abdel Hakim Maher Abu Zaid (23), hit by a
Tulkarm in the north of the West Bank. Khreisha’s bullet; and
house is only 50 meters away from Prime Minis- D. Sami Mohammed Nisman (22), sustained a
ter Dr. Rami al-Hamdallah’s house. Khreisha took shrapnel wound to the left leg.
Personal and Family Disputes
In 2014, 26 persons, including 16 ones in the Gaza ly to throwing stones by the two parties to the
Strip and 10 ones in the West Bank, were killed as a dispute. One of the parties then used a firearm
result of the use of weapons in personal and fam- and opened fire indiscriminately. As a result, Abu
ily disputes. The victims included 3 children and 3 Eita was shot dead. It should be noted that Abu
women. The most prominent cases were as follows: Eita was visiting his grandfather in Jabalia.
1. On 08 January, a family dispute erupted between 3. On 13 January, Khaled Hasan Abu Hammad (24)
the Abu al-Khair and Qasem families in al-Zaitoun from al-Eizariya village near Jerusalem residing in
neighbourhood in the east of Gaza City. The dis- Jericho was shot dead on the ground of a fam-
pute escalated and firearms were used. As a result, ily revenge. A gunman fired from a pistol at Abu
Sohair Fo’ad Abu al-Khair (34) sustained a bullet Hammad when he was at the main square in Jeri-
wound to the shoulder while she was at home, and cho. Abu Hammad was instantly killed by 5 bul-
Mos’ab Mazen Azzam (10) sustained a bullet wound lets to the chest and the head.
to the chest while he was with his father, who is a
peddler. In addition, Jawad Majed Abu al-Khair (18) 4. On 13 February, Raslan Hafez Halabi (25), from
sustained a bullet wound to the lower back. Rojib village, east of Nablus, in the northern West
2. On 08 January, Salim Abdul Hay Abu Eita (14) was Bank, was killed over a family dispute. An armed
admitted to Kamal Odwan hospital in Beit Lahia, person in a civilian vehicle opened fire at Halabi
in the northern Gaza Strip. He was pronounced while he was in Beit Foreek village. As a result,
dead upon arrival as a result of a bullet wound to Halabi was killed by gunshots to the head and
the head. According to investigations conducted chest.
by PCHR and statements of eyewitnesses, a dis-
PART one
pute about playing children erupted between 5. On 17 March, Aladdin al-Awawda, from al-Bureij
the Safi and Ghrayeb families in Jabalia, in the refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, was killed
northern Gaza Strip. The dispute escalated quick- by several bullets in a family dispute. Addition-
94
ally, a member of the same family was injured in tal in Khan Yunis as he was hit by 2 bullets to the
the same incident as he was attacked by a sharp head and chest. The police suspect that the crime
tool. The aforementioned person had intervened was committed on the grounds of a 10-year-old
to resolve a family dispute on a plot between his family revenge as Bashir was accused of a mur-
cousins. The dispute developed into using fire- der.
arms and sharp tools, due to which al-Awawda
sustained several bullet wounds. 8. On 14 June, a family dispute erupted between
members of the Abu Halhoul family in al-Zawai-
6. On 25 April, the Palestinian police found the da village in the central Gaza Strip. The dispute
corpse of Fadel al-Astal (53), who works as a developed into using firearms. As a result, Sha-
currency exchanger in the southern Gaza, in a reef Abdullah Abu Halhoul (32) was killed with a
bookshop in the centre of the city. The corpse bullet to the chest. Another 4 persons were in-
was tied, and the head was covered with a sack. jured in the dispute.
According to sources of the Palestine police and
Public Prosecution in Khan Yunis, the murder was 9. On 24 July, the body of Fawwaz Isma’il Hasan Kul-
committed on the ground of financial transac- lab (59), from Jabalia refugee camp, was brought
tions. to the Kamal ‘Edwan Hospital in Beit Lahia in the
northern Gaza Strip. PCHR learnt that this crime
7. On 03 May, the body of Bashir Naser Suleiman was committed on the grounds of an old family
Abu Sneimah (35) from al-Nasser village, north of revenge.
Rafah, was brought to the European Gaza Hospi-
PCHR also documented the injury of 16

persons as follows:
1. On 01 May, a gunman wearing a helmet stormed Mashrou’ neighborhood in the east of Rafah during
al-Aneeq tailor shop in Ghayaza neighborhood in a wedding party.
Qalqilya in the northern West Bank, fired from a
gun at the shop’s owner, Saddam Ibrahim Abu al- 3. On 01 July, a family dispute erupted between
So’oud (28) and immediately fled. As a result, Abu members of the Mahani family and those of an-
al-So’oud was wounded by two bullets in the right other family in Baghdad Street in al-Shuaja’iya
side of the waist and the right elbow. Abu al-So’oud neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, where
said that he knew the identity of the gunman who both families live. The dispute developed into
committed the crime, which is on the grounds of a the use of firearms. As a result, 6 members of the
personal dispute between them. Mahani family were slightly injured and identi-
fied as Khaled Ibrahim Mahani, 48; Mohammed
2. On 02 May, two civilians were injured as firearms Ibrahim Mahani, 51; Ibrahim Radwan Mahani,
were used in a family dispute between members 31; Ussama Mohammed Mahani, 25; Bilal Mousa
of Jarghone family in al-Anwar Wedding Hall in al- Mahani, 22; and Mohammed Ussama Mahani, 23.
95
Murders for “Family Honor”
In 2014, PCHR documented the murders of three women “to protect family honor.” PCHR is gravely concerned
about the recurrence of such crimes and calls on the Palestinian authorities to take more measures to confront
them.
In 2011, PCHR had observed a remarkable improvement in terms of the measures taken to put an end to
violence in the community, especially murders on the grounds of so-called “family honour”. On 15 May 2011,
President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decision with the force of law putting an end to the issuance of lenient
sentences against the perpetrators of so-called “honour killings.” PCHR hoped that this decision would signify
a step forward in confronting these crimes, whose perpetrators enjoyed impunity due to the application of
lenient sentences that did not exceed three years. These lenient sentences contributed to the increase of these
crimes in the Palestinian society in recent decades, undermining the rule of law. In 2014, these crimes were as
follows:
1. On 10 January, S.’A.D. (35), a woman from Kafr al-Deek village, west of Salfit in the northern West Bank, was killed
after being stabbed several times with a sharp tool by a first-degree relative. According to police sources, the
Palestinian police immediately arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect.
2. On 20 February, the body of E. M.Sh. (18), a woman from Bani Sheila in the east of Khan Younis in the southern
Gaza Strip, was brought Naser Hospital in the city after having been stabbed with a sharp tool in the neck. The
Palestinian police immediately went to the family’s house and arrested her brother on suspicion of being in-
volved in the murder in addition to confiscating the crime tool.
3. On 03 June, A.Y. (21), a married woman living in Deir Ghassanah village, northwest of Ramallah in the central
West Bank, was killed due to having been hit with a sharp tool on the chest. The victim’s brother, M. Y. (30), liv-
ing in Beit Rima village, north of Ramallah, took his sister’s body to the police station in the village claiming that
he committed the crime on the grounds of so-called “family honor”.
Extra-judicial Executions Claiming Collaboration with the Israeli Forces
During the latest Israeli offensive, gunmen affiliated with Palestinian factions carried out extra-judicial executions
against persons under claims of collaboration with the Israeli forces. PCHR documented 27 cases as follows:
1. On 05 August, armed gunmen affiliated with Palestinian factions carried out extra-judicial executions against
5 persons, who had been detained in Gaza Central Prison and subjected to the court proceedings before
the offensive on Gaza On charges of collaborating with hostile parties.
2. On 22 August, gunmen carried out extra-judicial executions against 18 persons; 9 of whom were executed by
firing squad in al-Katiba yard in the west of Gaza City and the others were killed near al-’Omari Mosque in the
centre of the city. The gunmen distributed a statement saying that those persons were subjected to revolu-
tionary trials on the grounds of collaborating with the Israeli forces.
3. On 23 August, gunmen carried out extra-judicial executions against 4 persons on the grounds of suspected
collaboration with the Israeli forces near al-Khulafaa’ Mosque in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
PART one
96
In 2014, PCHR documented cases of attack on the physical and personal security by official and non-
official bodies. The most prominent of which were as follows:
1. On 19 February, Wasfi Ezzat Qabha (54), former Prisoners’ Minister, from Jenin in the northern West Bank, was
beaten up by unknown masked persons near Burqin village, west of the city. Following medical examina-
tion and x-ray, it was found that Qabha sustained a fracture in the left hand and bruises in the face, head
and left side of the body.
2. On 26 February, a heavy explosion was heard in the yard of the Latin Church and Latin Patriarchate School in
al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in the east of Gaza City. The Palestinian police arrived at the scene immediately
and opened an investigation to find out the circumstances of the incident. It was found that the explosion
resulted from a homemade bomb planted by unknown persons under the church bus, so fire broke out in
one of its wheels. The police also found an abusive slogan written on the church’s wall.
3. On 13 May, Engineer Muhanned Jom’aah al-Qanou’a (34), from al-Safa neighbourhood, west of Jabalia, sustained
fractures in both legs and the left hand and bruises in various parts of his body. Al-Qanou’a said to a PCHR
fieldworker that he was hit with steel stick by unknown persons who stepped out of a black Kia car without any
registration plate near his house.
4. On 15 July, a group of civilians attacked a car belonging to Dr. Jawad Naji, Minister of Health, and his accompany-
ing delegation near the gate of Rafah International Crossing Point in the southern Gaza Strip and threw stones
and shoes at the car. The car driver attempted to escape from the place backwards, but he collided with a truck,
which was behind the car. The driver was then forced to break down the checkpoint established at the crossing
gate and fled away. Staff members of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, headed by Dr. Yousif Abu al-Rish, Undersec-
retary of the Ministry of Health, attempted to protect the minister and prevent the attack on him. However, they
were attacked as well, and the attack recurred when the Minister’s car arrived at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. A
civilian gathering in the hospital yard attacked the car forcing the minister’s car driver to flee away.
97
Arrests, Detention, Torture, and Other Forms of

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
This part covers the illegal arrests and repeated summonses of activists and political rivals often under
the pretext of security reasons. Such campaigns often failed to follow legal procedures that regulate
arrests and their circumstances in order to guarantee the tights, dignity and humanity of persons in ad-
dition to their houses and personal belongings. This part also reviews the practice of torture and other
forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in detention facilities of the security services in the
West Bank and Gaza either on criminal or political grounds.
In 2014, security services in Ramallah and Gaza continued illegal arrest campaigns and sum-
monses and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment against. Most of those
summonses and arrests were carried out on political grounds due to the continuation of the
political split between Fatah and Hamas. Although a positive atmosphere prevailed in the
oPt after the Palestinian reconciliation agreement (al-Shati’ Agreement) was signed on 23
April 2014 ending a black era of the political split between Fatah and Hamas and forming
a national reconciliation government on 02 June, the political arrests continued. In 2014,
PCHR documented torture and maltreatment cases committed by the security services in the
West Bank and Gaza Strip. In addition to the political arrests, we can clearly notice in arrests
on criminal grounds the accompanying failure to follow the legal procedures for arrests and
the practice of torture and humiliation in interrogation and detention centres of the security
services in the West Bank and Gaza.
Arrests and Summonses on Political Grounds
In 2014, security services in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank intensified campaigns of repeat-
ed summonses and detentions of political rivals, often under the pretext of security reasons.
Such campaigns often failed to follow legal procedures for arrests according to the Palestin-
ian law and international human rights law. Moreover, detainees were held under conditions
that violated their human dignity.
Gaza Strip
Dozens of Fatah movement activists were arrested for varying periods, and most of them
were subject to inhuman and cruel treatment. They were beaten and forced to repeatedly
refer to the Internal Security Service after releasing them. Security officers also searched
houses and confiscated property before arresting wanted persons.
One of the most prominent campaigns was in early March when dozens of participants in a
commemoration ceremony organized by the Fatah movement and the al-Qassas family for
3 members of the family in the family divan in Khan Younis. One of the persons who were ar-
rested said to a PCHR fieldworker that he was arrested when he was in the family’s divan and
PART one
was taken with dozens of persons to the police station. They were held in prison for an hour
and a half. He added that the police officers raided and searched his 3-storey house and a
house belonging to one of his relatives.
98
West Bank of some of detainees on bail and extending the de-
In the West Bank, security services (the General In- tention of others.
telligence Service (GIS), the Preventive Security Ser-
vice (PSS) and the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) On Monday, 09 June 2014, Security service officers
continued to illegally arrest and summon Hamas attacked a peaceful demonstration that was initi-
and Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir (Liberation Party) activists. ated from several areas in Ramallah and al-Bireh in
During the arrest campaigns, the detainees were solidarity with the administrative detainees on hun-
subject to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, ger strike and arrested a number of civilians taking
and prisoners were detained for long periods with- them away. Around the same time, Palestinian se-
out trials. curity forces attacked a demonstration organized in
Nablus in solidarity with the administrative detain-
One of the most prominent campaigns took place ees. Eyewitnesses said to the PCHR’s staff that offic-
in the beginning of February when the PSS and ers of PSS, GIS and National Security Forces arrived
ISS launched an arrest campaign against dozens of at the area and attacked the peaceful demonstration
members of the Islamic Liberation Party (Hizb ut- claiming that they were looking for a man who was
Tahrir) throughout the West Bank. According to in- shooting in the air, and then arrested Nazih Abu Al-
formation available to PCHR’s fieldworkers, the PSS ’Oun, a Hamas leader, and Imad Ishteiwi, who is re-
and ISS referred the majority of the detainees to the sponsible for the solidarity tent, after beating them
Public Prosecution and then to judiciary. Later, the up with batons.
Palestinian courts issued decisions ordering release
Torture and Ill-Treatment
In 2014, torture was considered one of the most significant stages experienced by a detainee during his ar-
rest in the detention facilities and prisons of the security and police services in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
According to PCHR’s investigations, the Palestinian security services in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip do
not hesitate to use torture against the detainees in their prisons. Torture starts from the very beginning of
the arrest, which is carried out within an atmosphere full of intimidation and shooting sometimes in addition
to beating, insulting and threating. When prisoners arrive at a detention centre, they are subjected to cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment. Prisoners were arrested either on political or criminal grounds. The most sig-
nificant forms of torture that were used in detention centres and prisons of the police and security services are
as follows: insults; beating using batons, sharp tools, feet and hands; tying detainees’ feet and hands to a chair;
and beating with batons or wires. Detainees were also held in cells or small rooms under degrading conditions.
Gaza Strip
In 2014, the security officers continued to practice said that on 08 February 2015, officers from the
torture as a primary means when dealing with pris- investigation police arrested him from his house
oners and detainees in the detention centres. PCHR accusing him of stealing money from a relative,
documented many testimonies by victims or their and took him to Abu ‘Areiban police station in al-
relatives that either they or their sons were sub- Nussairat. The complainer said to PCHR that the
ject to torture inside the detention centres of the police officers severely beat him for 10 minutes
PA in Gaza. These crimes were committed against with their hands and feet upon his arrival at the
civilians who were arrested on political or criminal police station. They then shackled him on a small
grounds by the security services. chair and tied his hands to the back with a rope
attached to the ceiling. They did it again with him
The following are the most prominent cases of the in order to force him to confess the robbery. They
torture monitored by PCHR: then forced him to stand on one leg, and when-
ever he tried to put the other leg down, he was
»» M. M. H (22), from al-Nussairat refugee camp, severely beaten up. The complainer also empha-
99
sized that they exerted pressure on him to confess a theft and he was subject to forms of torture and
as the officers put him in a room, ordered him to degrading treatment. On 15 November 2014, the
take off his pants and then made him hold a plate aforementioned civilian was examined by a doc-
with his name on it. They then took photos of him tor, and during the first medical examination, it
and put him in the investigation room, where they was found that the aforementioned civilian suf-
poured water on the ground until the next morn- fer from hemiplegia in the upper limbs and the
ing. On the fourth day, he was entered into the neck in addition to numbness in both hands due
investigation room with his hands tied, and they to being shackled for long periods. It should be
attempted to shackle and hang him to the ceiling. mentioned that the father of the aforementioned
However, he resisted and they severely beat him civilian submitted a complaint to the police chief
with a hose and forcibly hanged him to the ceil- in the central area about the torture committed
ing. He added that he confessed the robbery out against his son, but he did not receive any reply.
of severe pain, but he was released on the same
day afternoon on bail.
West Bank
»» On 17 March 2014, E. E. Sh (16), from al-Sabrah
neighbourhood in Gaza City, who works with his In 2014, the security officers continued to practice
uncle, Sa’ed Ismail Sa’id Shuhaibar in his shop for torture as a primary means when dealing with pris-
marble and Jerusalem stones was threatened and oners and detainees in detention facilities in the
subjected to violence. At approximately 13:00, of- West Bank. PCHR documented many cases, during
ficers of the military police headed to the afore- which torture was clearly practiced by the Palestin-
mentioned shop, where the boy was alone. They ian security Services, especially the GIS and PSS. The
questioned him about the place of his father, who torture cases in the West Bank were not limited to
lives abroad, and then beat and threatened him. political activists but also against persons arrested
on criminal grounds.
»» On 06 August 2014, (B. Kh. ‘A) (48), from Tal al-Ha-
wa area in the south of Gaza City, was subject to
torture. He said that he received a summons to »» N. Sh. (29), from Heron, stated to PCHR that he was
refer to the police general investigation service in tortured by police officers on grounds of establish-
al-Rimal. According to his testimony, he was ques- ing a Facebook page. The complainer emphasized
tioned about his testimony in a theft that hap- that on 29 January, he headed to the Criminal In-
pened. He was released on the same day, but was vestigation office upon a call he received. He was
asked to bring his children on the following day. entered into the interrogation room and directly
On 06 August 2014, the aforementioned civilian beaten and insulted. He was then taken to a cell,
headed with his children to the police investiga- where 8 persons were detained. In the morning,
tion station, where they were beaten and insulted. all of them were taken to Dura Magistrate Court,
However, they were all released on the following and the aforementioned civilian stayed in the
day. According to the aforementioned civilian’s defendants cage until15:00 without appearing
testimony, an investigation officer threatened him before the court. He was then taken back to the
at gunpoint to expel him from his house. It should investigation office in Hebron and entered into
be mentioned that the aforementioned civilian the interrogation room, where there were a num-
submitted many complaints to the competent au- ber of persons. Two of whom punched the afore-
thorities but in vain. mentioned civilian many times on the chest for 4
hours until he lost balance and fell on the ground.
»» On 24 October 2014, ‘A. G. M (31), from al-Nus- Despite this, they kept beating and kicking him
sairat refugee camp, headed to the police general throughout his body for 10 minutes. They then
investigation office upon a summons he received tied his hands to the back with a plastic wire and
to refer there. According to his father’s account, beat him again. He fell on the ground, but they
PART one
on 14 November 2014, he visited his son and saw kept beating him. One of them put a cigarette out
signs of torture on his body. His son told him that on his hand and forced him to sit on a chair with
upon his arrival, an officer questioned him about his hands tied to the back and then beat him se-
100
verely. He was released four days later and then to the car. The complainer said to PCHR that when
headed to the hospital to conduct medical tests. he was taken to the car, he was hit on the head,
It was found that he sustained two fractures in the insulted and threated. When he arrived at the
chest bones, bruises in the left hand and the neck PSS office, they kept beating him. They then put
and burns in the skin and left ankle. him in a cell until the following morning when he
was taken to the Public Prosecution. They inter-
rogated him, and his case was referred to a judge,
»» On 08 September 2014, the PSS arrested and tor- who extended his detention for 15 days pending
tured 6 students on political grounds. A 2nd-year investigation. He was then bailed out until his
Student at Bir Zeit University, M. Y. K. (19), went next hearing. It should be mentioned that the
out with five of his colleagues and rented a car to aforementioned civilian was prevented from see-
visit their friend from Shaqba village, west of Ra- ing his lawyer and his relative at that time.
mallah. He said that when they approached the
village’s entrance near the PSS office, there were 6 »» On 21 November 2014, M. G. H. (17), a high school
persons; 5 ones in military uniform and a police of- student from al-Far’ah refugee camp in Tubas, was
ficer. They arrested the 6 students and took them subject to torture. According to his account to
to the PSS office. While the students were under PCHR on his arrest and detention by Palestinian
arrest, they were beaten up, insulted and subject- police officers, the complainer emphasized that
ed to degrading treatment. During the investiga- Palestinian police officers and members of special
tion, he was attacked and threatened. At approxi- units dressed in civilian clothes arrived at the area
mately 23:00, the aforementioned student and his because some children threw stones at police of-
brother were released. ficers there. They took me in car to Tubas police
station as he was in the street and threatened to
»» On 22 October 2014, ‘A. M. Sh. (24), a student at al- beat him without introducing themselves. During
Quds Open University from Bedia village in Salfit, the arrest, he was beaten many times with batons
was arrested by PSS officers when he was present and hands throughout his body and his face, and
near an olive press. Two persons dressed in civil- his hands were tied to the back for five minutes
ian clothes caught him in front of the people and before he was taken to the police station in Tubas.
attempted to take him away. During the arrest, The complainer said to PCHR that while he was be-
they beat and fired at him. He was then taken at ing questioned, he was beaten and asked to con-
gunpoint to the car, and one of them hit him with fess things he did not do. He was then taken to the
a frozen water bottle on his face while taking him medical services and transferred to Tubas Hospital
to receive medical treatment.
Deaths in Prisons and Detention Facilities
In 2014, 6 civilians died inside the Palestinian securi- he found that it lacked the adequate detention
ty detention facilities. Four of them died in the Gaza conditions according to the minimal international
Strip, and the other two ones died in the West Bank. standards and the Reform and Rehabilitation Cen-
Available information pointed out that the official tres Law. The lawyer emphasized that the detention
authorities neglected and failed to provide medical facility was a residential apartment comprised of 3
care for prisoners and detainees or provide personal small rooms in a building in the centre of a popu-
protection for them. Moreover, they deliberately ig- lated area. Around 130 persons were detained in
nored the detainees’ diseases, which are supposed the apartment, so the rooms were overcrowded and
to be found in the medical examination upon their the detainees suffered suffocation. Moreover, the
arrival at the prisons. PCHR reiterates its demand to detainees were not allowed to take a break and this
conduct an investigation into the circumstances of is in violation of the most basic health requirements
the deaths of these civilians and publish the inves- for detention facilities.
tigation results. It should be mentioned that during
a PCHR lawyer’s visit to a detention facility in April,
101
Deaths inside prisons were as follows:
»» On 14 May 2014, the family of Saleh Mesleh ‘Atiya added that his son was in a good health and had
Abu Hashish (33) was informed about his death never complained of any chronic diseases.
when he was in Beit Lahia detention facility. His
corpse was taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to On 16 May 2014, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza
be examined by a coroner to identify the causes published a statement on its website indicating
of his death. that Eyad al-Buzom, spokesperson of the Minis-
try of Interior, stated that “the detainee, W. S. (28),
The family said to a PCHR fieldworker that Abu died this morning due to a sudden heart attack.”
Hashish, who is a former officer of the National According to the statement, “the corpse was ex-
Security Forces, married to two women and has amined by a coroner who confirmed that he died
6 children, was arrested by the Anti-Drug Service because of dramatic failure of the heart.”
about 27 days earlier. Abu Hashish was arrested
several times on the charge of drug dealing. The »» On 12 March 2014, the deceased’s brother Ahmed
family added that they visited him the day before received a phone call from a relative, who works in
in the abovementioned facility and he was fine. Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis, telling him that the
The deceased’s family pointed out that they re- body of his detained brother Mohammed Abdul
ceived the corpse from Shifa Hospital without al- Qader Abu ‘Amra (45) was brought to the hospi-
lowing doctors to do the autopsy. Sources at the tal. He was brought from Khan Yunis prison to the
Forensic Department believed that Abu Hashish hospital lifeless. Ahmed said to a PCHR fieldworker
died due to a heart attack and that he died at ap- that his brother, Mohammed, had been arrested
proximately 02:00 on the same day, according to by the Palestinian police from his house in al-Ma-
external examination. On its website, the Ministry hatta area, east of Deir al-Balah, on the grounds of
of Interior in Gaza posted that the detained “S. H.” a financial matter on 01 March 2014, and he was
(30) died in the morning and that an investigation detained in Deir al-Balah prison. Ahmed added
was initiated. Moreover, the corpse was examined that he and his brother’s wife used to visit him in
by a coroner who confirmed that he died because Deir al-Balah prison during his detention period.
of a “heart attack”. They noticed signs of fatigue and exhaustion,
especially as he suffered from chronic diseases
»» On 16 May 2014, W.M.S (28), died in Beit Lahia such as hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopa-
detention facility. At approximately that day, his thy and clogging in the coronary artery. He also
father received a call from police officers in “Abu underwent a cardiac catheterization. Ali Madi,
‘Obaidah” detention facility in Beit Lahia telling supervisor of the Reform and Rehabilitation Pro-
him that his son was transferred from the deten- gram in Khan Yunis prison confirmed to the PCHR
tion facility to Martyr Kamal ‘Odwan Hospital and fieldworker that the deceased had medical reports
he was in a serious condition. The father said that proving that he suffered from many diseases, in-
he and members of the family headed immediate- cluding a cardiac problem.
ly to the hospital, where they were informed that
Waleed died upon arrival at the hospital. He said Ahmed confirmed that he and the deceased’s
that the doctors told him that there were no signs wife requested the officers in the police station in
of torture on the corpse and he died due to a heart Deir al-Balah many times to provide Mohammed
attack. The father added that the corpse of his son with necessary medical attention. However the
was transferred to the Forensic Department at prison’s administration did not respond. Moham-
Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Sources at the Foren- med stayed in Deir al-Balah prison until 12 March.
sic Department said that the victim died due to a He was transferred at approximately 14:00 to Khan
heart attack. His father said to a PCHR fieldworker Yunis prison. His wife visited him there and con-
that his son was arrested on 10 March 2014, and firmed that he told her he had suffered from se-
PART one
was held in a detention center in Beit Lahia by vere fatigue few hours before he was pronounced
the Palestinian police as his detention period was dead. Madi also confirmed it as he said that Abu
extended on the grounds of a criminal case. He ‘Amra fell onto the ground in Khan Yunis prison,
102
when detainees had been moved to another place fearing of Israeli attacks. When Abu ‘Amra fell down, he
was holding a sprayer in his hand. An ambulance was called to take him to Nasser Hospital, but he died on
his way to hospital. The corpse was referred to the Forensic Department in Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The
coroner said to a PCHR fieldworker that Abu ‘Amra suffered from chronic and serious diseases, the most
significant of which were hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arteriosclerosis. However, there
were no signs of torture or beating on the corpse.
»» On 01 June 2014, Khalil Hasan Abu Seif (64), who was detained in al-Nussairat police station, died due to the
deterioration of his health condition. According to PCHR’s investigations, on the same day morning, Khalil
Hasan Abu Seif was detained by the GIS when he was in his farmland in al-Moghraqah area in Gaza. Abu Seif
was taken to al-Nussairat police station in the central Gaza Strip. Shortly, his health condition deteriorated,
so he was taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where his death was declared.
»» On 22 May 2014, Salah Jamil Mohammed Saradih (28) died in the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre due to
an indisposition he sustained when he was in the center. The aforementioned civilian was taken to Jericho
Hospital after sustaining an indisposition. Doctors declared his death, and his corpse was transferred to the
Forensic department. The police initiated an investigation into the incident. The Public Relations Depart-
ment at Qalqilya police service said that: “this morning, the death of the detainee pending court in a case
of drug possession and abuse, Usamah Tawfiq Redwan al-Sha’er, was preliminarily considered normal as the
body was transferred to the forensic department for autopsy. The police report has not been issued yet.”
103
Continued Disruption of the Legislature

The disruption of the PLC entered its eighth year in 2014. The complete absence of a mandated PLC is a
result of actions taken against PLC Members by Israel and the fragmentation of the Palestinian execu-
tive which has been ongoing since 2007. This undermined all efforts endeavoured to find good gov-
ernance in Palestine as the PLC is the legislative and monitoring authority of the PNA otherwise no
democratic system cannot be imagined. The year of 2014 ended, and the PLC was not convened nor a
date was agreed on to hold legislative elections, which should have been held in 2010, although it was
agreed to start implementing the reconciliation agreement since April 2014.
Arbitrary Practices against the PLC Members by Israel
Israeli authorities continued their systematic targeting of the PLC Members in 2014. They
arrested dozens of PLC members, especially after the disappearance of 3 settlers on 12 June
2014. The Israeli forces arrested more than 25 PLC Members representing the “Change and
Reform” bloc. As a result, the number of arrested PLC Members amounted to 37, including 23
ones who are still under arrest.
Israeli forces continued to detain PLC Members, most of whom are from the Hamas-affiliated
‘Change and Reform’ bloc. Israeli forces continued to detain ‘Aziz Dweik, Speaker of the PLC,
while each of Marwan al-Barghuthi, PLC Member representing Fatah Parliamentary bloc, and
Ahmed Sa’adat, PLC Member representing the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
(PFLP) are spend their life imprisonment sentences in the Israeli prisons.
It should be noted that Israeli authorities added the Hamas-affiliated ‘Change and Reform’
bloc to the list of terrorist organizations on 02 December 2012. In July 2012, the Israeli mili-
tary commander issued a decision that the Islamist parliamentary bloc would be considered
as “a banned union”.1 The decision made reference to Article 84 (1) (b) of the Defense Regula-
tions (State of Emergency) which were issued in 1945. The intention of the July decision was
to legalize Israel’s systematic oppression of PLC Members since the Israeli authorities refused
dealing with the results of the PLC elections in 2006 when the Change and Reform Bloc won
the overwhelming majority in the PLC.
Israeli forces attempted to transfer Ms. Khalida Jarra, Member of the Palestinian Legislative
Council (PLC) representing Abu Ali Mustafa Parliamentary Bloc, to Jericho claiming that “she
poses a threat to the security of the region”. On 20 August 2014, Israeli forces raided her
house in Ramallah, and the officer handed her a military notice ordering her transfer from
Ramallah to Jericho until 19 February 2015. Jarrar said to PCHR that the notice was written in
Hebrew, but the officer read it to her in Arabic and requested her to sign it, but she refused.
The officer then gave her a map that specifies her movement inside Jericho.
PART one
1. In July 2009, the Change and Reform Bloc changed its name in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, to ‘Islamists Parliament Members’
bloc to avoid the consequences of the arbitrary decision by Israel that considers the Change and Reform bloc as “a banned union”.
104
The internal political conflict continues to disrupt the PLC despite the reconciliation and formation of
the unity government
The disruption of the PLC entered its eighth year and its consequences during the division.
despite the application of the Palestinian reconcilia-
tion agreement and formation of the national unity The Change and Reform bloc has stopped conven-
government (the seventeenth government) as it ing session on behalf of the PLC or issue laws on
made the constitutional oath before the President behalf of it since the reconciliation agreement was
on 02 June 2014. The provisions of the agreement reached. PCHR considered this a positive develop-
did not include restoring the PLC’s role or obliging ment and called upon the Palestinian President not
the Palestinian President to call the PLC to convene. to issue any legislation except in cases of extreme
It should be mentioned that the unity government necessity as stipulated in the Palestinian Basic Law.
that was formed in June 2014 did not obtain the PCHR emphasized that the issue of legislations is-
vote of confidence. PCHR stresses that the PLC must sued during the division must be resolved very
immediately convene and fully exercise its powers soon, and the Palestinian judiciary and particularly
to monitor the unity government until holding elec- the Constitutional Court must be given the sufficient
tions and having a new council as soon as possible. authority to determine the future of these laws and
The PLC elections should have been held since 2010. their consequences.
It should be mentioned that the current PLC elected
in 2006 was disrupted and its ability to take decisions PCHR followed up with deep concern the new at-
was curbed only few months after being elected tempts by the government in Gaza to allow physi-
due to the political conflict between the two major cal punishment, including whipping. In March 2014,
blocs in the PLC, Fatah Parliamentary bloc and the the parliamentary Change and Reform Bloc in the
Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform bloc. The PLC Gaza Strip presented again the new draft of the
was fully disrupted following the division in the PA in Penal Code to be adopted in the second reading.
June 2007 that resulted in establishing two parallel PCHR emphasized that the very attempt to present
authorities in the West Bank headed by Palestinian such law would result in dangerous consequences
President Mahmoud ‘Abbas and in the Gaza Strip run at both the political and legal levels. The discus-
by the caretaker government headed by Ismail Hani- sion and presentation of such law are illegitimate
yah. Despite the disruption, the Change and Reform and unconstitutional, and the bill includes physical
Bloc convened sessions on behalf of the PLC in Gaza punishment such as whipping and restricts free-
and issued laws and decisions on behalf of the PLC. doms and rights. This constitutes a clear violation of
Moreover, the Palestinian President issued presiden- the Palestinian Basic Law and international human
tial decrees according to Article (43) of the Palestini- rights standards. Once knowing about presenting
an Basic Law under the pretext of the absence of the the law for discussion, PCHR in cooperation with the
PLC. PCHR declared a clear position at that time and Palestinian NGO Network and other human rights
expressed its reservation regarding all legislations organizations contacted and held meetings with a
issued in light of the division. PCHR also called upon number of officials in the Gaza government and Ha-
the Change and Reform Bloc to stop issuing laws on mas to warn them against continuing the discussion
behalf of the PLC and the Palestinian President to of this law.
strictly comply with the principle of necessity.
Those contacts and meetings came with assurances
Despite PCHR’s repeated demands to stop the legis- from the decision-makers in the Gaza government
lative chaos, the Change and Reform Bloc and Pales- and Hamas not to violate the personal liberties and
tinian President issued dozens of legislations during denial of any attempt to impose Hamas’s ideology
the division. This chaos contributed to increasing on the people. Both ‘Emad al-Alami, a Hamas Lead-
the fragmentation of the Palestinian law and com- er, and Mohammed Faraj al-Ghoul, chairman of the
plicating the rule of law reality in the PA. It should Change and Reform Bloc in the PLC, emphasized in
be mentioned that the reconciliation agreement did a phone call with the representatives of the commu-
not include or mention how to deal with these laws nity-based organizations that the bill was neither
105
adopted in the first nor the second reading. They also stressed that any decisions would be discussed with the
community-based organizations and that what is going in the PLC is only discussion and there was no inten-
tion to adopt this law.
It is noteworthy that this is the second time that some of the decision-makers in the Gaza Strip present this
bill as this issue had already been raised. Human rights organizations and community-based organizations
then intervened to stop these attempts by sending a memorandum to the decision-makers in the Gaza gov-
ernment, and held meetings with a number of officials, who reconfirmed their commitment not to impose a
specific ideology on the Gaza Strip and to respect the ideological and cultural diversity in the Gaza Strip.
Replacing PLC Members after Their Death or Resignation
PLC Member Ahmed Hazzaa’ Shreim from the Fatah Parliamentary Bloc died on 22 November 2014, so his seat
became vacant in the PLC. The issue of vacant PLC seats due to death became a phenomena in the PA due to
the continued 8-year disruption of the PLC without holding the election that should have been held in 2010.
Eight PLC Members have died since the Palestinian legislative elections in 2006. There is a legal problem re-
garding replacing PLC members in light of the absence of the PLC and the expiry of its mandate, especially the
members who were elected with the system of electoral lists.
PART one
106
Erosion of the Authority of the Judiciary
In 2014, the judiciary continued to deteriorate, and its independence continued as well to be abused
by the executive authority. Despite the efforts to end the division and the formation of the unity gov-
ernment in June 2014, the division in the judicial system still exists. PCHR considers that negligence
by both parties of division to reunite the judicial system will have serious consequences on the steps
towards ending the division due to not having an independent and united judiciary, to which people
can seek refuge in order to end any dispute. The current reality of the Palestinian judiciary constitutes a
violation of the Palestinian Basic Law, especially article 97 which emphasizes that “the judiciary is inde-
pendent” and Article 2 which as well emphasizes the principle of the separation of powers.
The judiciary has suffered the state of division since 2007, and its independence and work
has been as well abused by both parties of division especially in the Gaza Strip. There are cur-
rently two separate judicial systems enforced in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In violation
of the Palestinian Basic Law, the government in Gaza established a separate judicial system,
to which the people of the Gaza Strip are subject. The judicial system in the West Bank ap-
plies only to those who live there. PCHR has repeatedly appealed to the concerned parties in
Ramallah and Gaza to ensure the independence of the judiciary, despite the ongoing internal
political division. However, the absence of a real political will and the lack of the public inter-
est led to the effect of the division on the judiciary. In 2014, the following shows the status of
the Palestinian judiciary in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, the conditions establishing the division in the judiciary and the unconstitu-
tional appointments in the judiciary continued in 2014. Moreover, the High Judicial Council
formed in Gaza continued to work despite the application of the reconciliation agreement
since April 2014.
In the days following the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip in mid-June 2007, the Higher Ju-
dicial Council in Ramallah continued to suspend the judiciary in the Gaza Strip due to several
measures and violations committed by the government in Gaza against the judiciary and
prosecution in the Gaza Strip. The most serious measure took place on 26 November 2007 in
the form of an attack on the civil court compound in the Gaza Strip, and the takeover of the
office of the President of the Higher Judicial Council and President of the High Court by the
“Higher Justice Council” formed by the Council of Ministers in Gaza. As a result, the Higher
Judicial Council announced an indefinite suspension of the work of the civil court system in
the Gaza Strip. The Government in Gaza then appointed new judges and members of pros-
ecution instead of those who abstained from work.
On 27 October 2009, the Gaza government issued a decision, changing the name of the
‘Higher Justice Council’ to the ‘Higher Judicial Council’. Hence, there are now two Higher Judi-
cial Councils operating in the PNA, which are administratively and financially separate.
Human rights organizations took a clear position at that time against the takeover of the
judiciary and called for neutralizing the judiciary from the conflict between the parties to
division and supporting its independence. However, the parties to division did not respond.
Although the human rights organizations boycotted the judicial system formed in Gaza as
107
they considered it unconstitutional, they returned to carrying a penalty of imprisonment or dismissal from
deal with the judiciary in 2011 under the pressure position if the accused individual is a public official or
of the need to protect the rights and liberties from assigned to public service. The aggrieved party may file
the executive authority’s abuse considering it as a de a case directly to the competent court and the National
facto authority. In April 2014, PCHR filed a petition Authority shall guarantee a fair remedy for him.”
challenging the constitutionality of the ministerial
amendment made to the Executive Bill of Charita- According to Reports prepared by the Independent
ble Associations and Community Organizations Commission for Human Rights (ICHR)2, they received
Law. Moreover, PCHR field a petition in May 2013 23 complaints about not implementing judicial rul-
to appeal against the prevention by Internal Secu- ings mostly related to illegal arbitrary arrests during
rity Services (ISS) of two members of its staff from 2014. Moreover, 13 rulings have not implemented
travelling to the West Bank via Beit Hanoun (“Erez”) yet from last years. Although it is in violation of the
crossing. Both petitions were rejected by the court. constitution and constitutes a crime under the Penal
Thus, PCHR became certain of the weak power and Code, it can be said through PCHR’s follow-up that
independence of the judiciary formed in Gaza. non-implementation of court rulings represents a
policy adopted by the executive authorities in the
In the West Bank, the executive authority continued West Bank.
to control the judiciary, particularly when abstaining
from executing court rulings and decisions. In this PCHR emphasizes that its call upon the parties to
context, PCHR emphasizes that refusal to execute division to rehabilitate the judicial authority in Pal-
court rulings constitutes a crime under the 2003 Pal- estine, ensure its independence and neutralizing
estinian Basic Law, which provides that the person it from any conflict. PCHR also called upon the
who obstructs or refrains from implementing the ju- decision-makers to immediately take the necessary
dicial ruling shall be subject to dismissal from his po- measures to reunite the judicial system on a sound
sition or imprisonment. Article 106 stipulates that: legal basis and apply them without any delay con-
“Judicial rulings shall be implemented. Refraining from sidering them as one of the priorities to end the di-
or obstructing the implementation of a judicial ruling vision and an important guarantee not to resort to
in any manner whatsoever shall be considered a crime force to resolve disputes.
PART one
2. It is an official commission established by the 2003 Palestinian Basic Law to protect and promote human rights in Palestine.
108
Obstruction of General and Local Elections
The fragmentation of the Palestinian executive continued to be the main obstacle to democratic reform.
Despite the formation of the national unity government on 02 June 2014 and emergence of positive
signs that would end the division and rehabilitate the PA institutions, including holding presidential
and PLC elections, the Presidential and legislative elections were not held in 2014 to renew the legiti-
macy of the Palestinian people’s representatives, who were elected in 2005 and 2006 respectively. By
the end of 2014, five and four years had passed since the expiration of the legal terms in office of the
Palestinian President and the PLC respectively. The PA remains unable to hold general elections.
By the end of 2014, there had been still no progress in terms of holding or setting a date for
the presidential and legislative elections in the oPt. According to the Palestinian law, the Pal-
estinian President must call for legislative elections three months prior to holding them. This
did not happen.
Regarding the local elections, nothing happened in 2014. On 20 October 2012, the PA organ-
ized local elections in the West Bank. On 12 March 2013, the Council of Ministers in Ramallah
issued a decision that the elections in the local councils, in which elections were not held, and
in the councils, which lost its legal quorum as the majority of its members resigned, would be
held on 01 June 2013. However, the elections of the local councils in the Gaza were not held.
Moreover, the government in Gaza continued to appoint local councils close to Hamas and
kept some local councils which are affiliated to it.
Although elections are demanded by all national powers and civil society groups, including
PCHR, they are not possible without first reaching a comprehensive national reconciliation
that can bring an end to the division and restore the integrity of the legislative, executive and
judicial institutions. Holding elections requires an appropriate electoral environment, includ-
ing respect for public liberties, the release of political prisoners, and lifting the bans imposed
on political activities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
PCHR criticised at that time holding elections on 20 October 2012, as long as the internal
political division persists. PCHR demanded that the Gaza and Ramallah governments provide
an atmosphere conducive to the organisation of transparent and fair elections. This will allow
people to freely choose their public representatives, who will be subject to accountability in
the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Most importantly, such an atmosphere will ensure protec-
tion for public liberties and respect for constitutionally guaranteed human rights, including
political rights, and the lifting bans on different political factions.
109
Violations of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and

Expression
In 2014, violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression continued despite the positive
atmosphere which accompanied the formation of the national unity government on 02 June and fol-
lowing the Palestinian reconciliation agreement known as (al-Shati’ agreement) between Hamas and a
delegation empowered by President Mahmoud ‘Abbas in the house of Ismail Haniyah, Prime Minister
of the Gaza government, on 23 April 2014. Although the Shati’ agreement resulted in positive steps
regarding the redistribution of newspapers of al-Quds, al-Hayat al-Jadeeda and al-Ayyam in the Gaza
Strip, and the newspapers of Palestine and al-Risala in the beginning of May, the situation deteriorated
later and the violations of this right in the West Bank and Gaza Strip continued by the official bodies.
The most prominent violations were as follows:
The Gaza Strip
Major violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression included: summoning, ar-
resting and interrogating journalists and opinion writers as well as citizens for their political
opinions; assaulting and disregarding journalists by members of the security services; closing
media offices; confiscating journalists’ equipment during their work; and preventing journal-
ists from covering events and from traveling. During the reporting period, PCHR also docu-
mented the continuation of violations by unidentified or identified parties against journalists
on the grounds of their profession.
The most significant violations in the Gaza Strip were as follows:
»» On 25 March, Ayman Ghazi al-‘Aloul, a reporter of al-Furat Satellite Channel, headed to the
General Investigation Unit in Gaza in al-Jawazat Police Headquarter in the west of Gaza
City upon a prior summons he had received from police officers in al-Remal police station.
Al-‘Aloul was questioned about a video, in which he was giving his personal opinion dur-
ing a festival organized by Hamas in al-Sarayah Square in the west of the city on 23 March
2014. He shared the video on his personal Facebook page, and other people shared it as
well. After hours of detention, Al-‘Aloul was released.
»» On 01 June, Bassam al-Madhoun, Dubai TV’s correspondent, was stopped by two un-
known persons while he was walking near al-Azhar University in al-Remal neighbour-
hood, west of Gaza City. The two persons forced al-Madhoun to give them his laptop and
then fled away.
»» On 05 May, Palestinian police officers beat Yousef Hammad, a correspondent of al-Watan

radio station, with batons and gun butts while he was covering the salary crisis in Gaza
and making live interviews with a number of civilians near the Bank of Palestine in Jabalia
in the northern Gaza Strip.
PART one
»» On 15 June, officers of the National Security Forces beat four journalists with sticks and
batons while they were covering a peaceful protest organized by a youth group called
110
“Palestinian Intifada Youth Coalition” near the judiciary, as they were accused of incitement to
eastern borders of Gaza City to commemorate sectarian strife and undermining the dignity of
the 66th anniversary of Palestinian Nakba. The the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian courts
journalists were identified as: issued decisions to release some of them on bail
1. Mohammed Jadallah Salem, a photojour- and to extend the detention of others. According
nalist in Reuters; to information obtained by PCHR’s fieldworkers
2. Wissam Nassar, a photojournalist in the Chi- from a number of the released members, they
nese News Agency (Xinhua); had been questioned on the said statement,
3. Mo’men Fayez Qreiqe’a; and while others said that security services raided
4. Majdi Fathi Qreiqe’a, both are freelance and searched their houses and confiscated PC
photojournalists. sets and books related to the Party.
The West Bank »» On 08 February, the Palestinian General Intelli-

gence Service (GIS) in Hebron arrested 3 civilians
Major violations of the right to freedom of opinion affiliated to a group named “Ahmadiyya Muslim
and expression include: summoning, arresting and Community” when they headed to the GIS office
interrogating journalists and opinion writers as well to obtain a permit to distribute leaflets related
as citizens for their political opinions; assaulting and to their Community. On the following day, the
disregarding journalists by members of the security GIS officers referred the 3 detainees to the Pub-
services; closing media offices; confiscating journal- lic Prosecution for investigation. The detainees
ists’ equipment during their work; and preventing were also accused of inciting for sectarian strife.
journalists from covering events and from traveling. On 10 February, they appeared before the com-
During the reporting period, PCHR also document- petent court that issued a decision to extend
ed the continuation of violations by unidentified or their detention pending investigation. On the
identified parties against journalists on the grounds same day, the Palestinian police in the city arrest-
of expressing their opinions. The most prominent ed 8 persons affiliated to the same community
violations were the following: on the grounds of distributing leaflets on MTA
channel belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim
»» On 12 January, members of the National Security Community. On 11 February, the detainees ap-
Forces detained Samer Nazzal and Shadi Hatem, peared before Hebron District Court that issued
photographers of Rayah Media Network, while a decision to extend their detention for 15 days.
they were covering the events that accompa-
nied the re-opening of the main road near Surda »» On 29 March, security services stopped 2 staff
village, north of Ramallah. The road had been members of the local Watan TV, Ahmed Melhem,
closed by young men in protest against the bad a reporter, and Ahmed Zaki, a cameraman, while
situation in the nearby al-Jalazoun refugee camp. covering a religious sermon organized by Hizb
The security officers confiscated from the afore- Ut-Tahrir (Liberation Party) following al-Maghrib
mentioned journalists their ID and press cards prayer in Jamal Abdul Nasser Mosque in al-Bireh
as well as the cameras they had while covering. in the centre of the West Bank. They also pre-
Soon after, the photographers were released af- vented them from covering the subsequent at-
ter the contents of their cameras had been de- tacks by the security services against dozens of
leted, and they were given their cameras back. civilians who were inside the mosque. Two offic-
ers violently took the aforementioned journalists
»» On 07 February, the Palestinian security ser- outside the mosque and beat up Melhem. They
vices launched an arrest campaign against doz- then attempted to arrest the two journalists and
ens of members of the Islamic Liberation Party took them to the security jeeps. However, an of-
throughout the West Bank on the grounds of ficer intervened and released them.
publishing a statement, titled “President Ab-
bas Paves the Way for New Crusaders’ Invasion.” »» On 12 April, security officers dressed in plain
The security services referred the majority of the clothes arrested 3 young men who peacefully
detainees to the Public Prosecution and then to protested in al-Kasabah Theater in Ramallah
111
against a performance by an Indian troupe, by the security officers, who forcibly dispersed
which violated the standards of the academic and beat a group of civilians and journalists who
and Cultural Boycott with Israel. The three young were participating in a protest organized by the
men were then taken to the police station in the syndicate.
city where they were detained and presented
the following morning to a judge of the Ramal- »» On 20 June, officers of Palestinian security ser-
lah Magistrates Court, which decided to release vices deployed in the vicinity of al-Hussein Bin
them on bail after charging them with “disturb- Ali Mosque in ‘Ain Sarah Street in Hebron in
ing order”. Moreover, the security officers also the south of the West Bank prevented journal-
confiscated a camera from Palestine Today Chan- ists from covering the security officers’ attacks
nel crew that was covering the detention of the 3 against participants in a peaceful demonstration
young men by the security forces. However, they in solidarity with the administrative detainees
returned the camera on the same day afternoon. on hunger strike. The security officers smashed
a camera belonging to Kareem Sa’ed Khader,
»» On 09 June, a number of journalists were beat- a photojournalist of CNN. The journalists who
en up by Palestinian security officers to prevent were prevented from covering the events by the
them from media coverage, and destroyed the security officers included:
filming materials. Meanwhile, the officers at- 1. Eiad Nimer Maghribi, who works for the As-
tacked the participants in a peaceful protest or- sociated Press (AP);
ganized near al-Bireh Municipality in the centre 2. Yousef ‘Issa Shahin, who works for the PalMe-
of the West Bank. Yousef al-Shayeb, a reporter of dia Agency for Media Production; and
al-Hayah al-Jadidah Newspaper, was one of the 3. Hazem Bader, who works for France Press
journalists who were beaten and whose filming Agency (AFP).
material was destroyed.
»» On 16 July, a number of Palestinian officers
»» On 11 June, Hadi al-Debes, a reporter of Pales- dressed in plain clothes detained Palestine TV
tine Today Channel, and Ma’az ‘Amaranah, corre- staff comprised of Murad Abu ‘Omer, a reporter;
spondent of al-Aqsa Channel, were beaten and Mojahed al-Sa’di, a cameraman; and Rabi’a Munir
their cameras were confiscated by Palestinian se- who works in Ramatan Company for Media Pro-
curity officers while they were covering a protest duction, while they were on duty and covering
organized by the Journalists Syndicate in Ramal- a peaceful protest organized in Jenin refugee
lah against the continued attacks on journalists camp against the Israeli offensive on the Gaza
by security officers. ‘Abdel Naser al-Najjar, the Strip. The police officers took the 3 journalists to
head of the Journalists Syndicate, was insulted the Jenin police station, where they confiscated
the filming materials of their cameras to delete
PART one
112
them, and released the journalists later.
Violations of the Right to Peaceful Assembly

The year of 2014 witnessed continued violations of the right to peaceful assembly in the oPt by both
governments in the Gaza Strip and West Bank and their security services. These violations included im-
posing precautionary measures to prevent and restrict organizing peaceful assemblies in their respec-
tive areas of control. Despite the positive atmosphere that spread over the oPt following the recon-
ciliation agreement in April and formation of the national unity government on 02 June, the situation
deteriorated. These violations went beyond the official restrictions and affected private meetings as
well, which do not fall within the scope the Law (12) of 1998 on Public Meetings, although organizers
of such meetings are not required to notify the Palestinian police or governors according to the law.
Moreover, the Palestinian Basic Law guarantees the right to hold private meetings without the inter-
vention of the Palestinian police.
In 2014, the most significant violations of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly were the
following:
In the Gaza Strip, Security services continued to impose bans on public meetings, disperse a
number of public gatherings, and impose precautionary measures to restrict civilians’ right to
hold public meetings, especially gatherings which contradict the mainstream opinion. These
measures were applied inappropriately and beyond their original scope, affecting private
meetings, which were held in closed places and whose organization is not required by law to
be notified to competent official bodies.
The most notable violations were:
»» On 08 March, the Palestinian police ended a memorial event for 3 Palestinians who were
killed by Israeli forces in the al-Qassas family’s divan which is located in al-Sheikh Nasser
neighbourhood in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip and dispersed the participants.
The Palestinian police arrived at the family’s divan where a memorial ceremony for Riyadh
al-Qassas, major-general Ahmed Mifrej and ‘Aref Herzallah was being held in coordination
with Fatah movement. Dozens of people participated in the event. The police officers
ordered the participants to end the event and evacuate the place immediately. Upon the
notice, quarrels erupted between the participants and police officers. More backup forces
arrived and started forcibly dispersing the event, beating the participants and opening
fire in the air. A number of participants threw stones in response. Some police officers
raided the divan, ended the event and arrested a number of participants. They took the
detainees to Khan Younis police station. The detained persons were released later.
»» On 16 March, dozens of civilians gathered at the Unknown Soldier Square the west of
Gaza City in response to a call by the “Popular Campaign to Maintain Inalienable Rights”
to support President Mahmoud Abbas in the negotiations that took place in the United
States. Security forces arrived at the area and ordered the participants to evacuate the
area for they had no prior permit from the official authorities. The security forces arrested
a number of participants, but released them later after interrogating them on the said
assembly.
»» On 17 March, dozens of civilians gathered in front of the International Committee of the

Red Cross (ICRC) in al-Shuhada’ Street in the west of Gaza City, where a tent to support
Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails is weekly established, in response to a call by the “Popu-
113
lar Campaign to Maintain Inalienable Rights” to to hold private peaceful assemblies in closed
support President Mahmoud Abbas in the ne- places, such as seminars, workshops and celebra-
gotiations that took place in the United States. tions, do not fall within the scope of application
Security forces deployed in Gaza prevented the of the Public Meetings Law 12/1998, so organiz-
participants from marching towards the Un- ers of such meetings are no required to notify the
known Soldier Square and arrested a number of Palestinian police or governors according to the
them. law. The Palestinian Basic Law guarantees the
right to hold private meetings without the inter-
»» On 08 June, police officers dispersed an assem- vention of the Palestinian police according to ar-
bly, in which dozens of Fatah supporters par- ticle (26-5) which stipulates: “To conduct private
ticipated, near the house of ‘Arafat ‘Odah Abu meetings without the presence of police mem-
Shabab, a Fatah activist, in al-Shabourah refugee bers and to conduct public meetings, gatherings
camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip in pro- and processions, within the limits of the law”.
test against arresting him by the Internal Secu-
rity Service on 03 June 2014. The most notable violations in the West Bank were
the following:
»» On 12 June, the Palestinian police dispersed 50
members affiliated with the mainstream of Salafi »» On 29 March, Palestinian security services dis-
movement near al-’Awdah square in Rafah in the persed a religious sermon organized by Hizb
southern Gaza Strip. Dozens of Salafi mainstream Ut-Tahrir (Liberation Party) following al-Maghrib
activists gathered at al-’Awdah Square and dis- prayer at Jamal Abdul Nasser Mosque in al-Bireh
tributed sweets to express their delight at the in the centre of the West Bank. The security offic-
takeover by Islamic armed groups of Iraqi cities. ers closed the gates, excluding the eastern one,
and dispersed the sermon. They then arrested
»» On 15 June, members of the National Security dozens of civilians, who were inside the mosque,
Forces forcibly dispersed a peaceful demonstra- while they were on their way out.
tion in the east of Gaza City in commemoration »» On 09 June, Palestinian security officers attacked
of the 66th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakbah a peaceful demonstration in which dozens of
(the uprooting of the Palestinian people from civilians participated, including members of Ha-
their lands in 1949). The demonstration that was mas and Islamic Jihad movements in solidarity
organized by a youth group called “Palestinian with the prisoners on hunger strike in the Israeli
Intifada Youth Coalition” headed from Baghdad jails, near al-Bireh Municipality in the center of
Street n al-Shuja’iyah neighbourhood in the east the West Bank. They beat a number of civilians,
of the city to the eastern borders under the slo- including Hasan Yousif, a PLC Member. Moreo-
gan of “the Return Day”. The security officers ver, a journalist was beaten up, and other jour-
used batons and sticks to beat the participants nalists were prevented from doing their job and
in order to disperse and force them to leave the covering the events.
area. The officers also beat 4 journalists, who »» Around the same time, Palestinian security offic-
were covering the event. ers attacked a demonstration organized in front
of a sit-in tent set up in solidarity with the pris-
Imposing Restrictions on Holding Private Meet- oners on hunger strike at al-Shuhadaa› intersec-
ings in Gaza Strip: tion in Nablus in the north of the West Bank and
dispersed it.
»» On 13 April, police general investigation officers »» On 11 June, a number of journalists and civilians
conducted a tour to a number of restaurants and gathered near al-Manarah Square in Ramallah in
hotels in Gaza City and demanded the admin- the centre of the West Bank upon an invitation
istrations of these places that the associations from the Journalists Syndicate in protest against
and organizations must obtain permits from the repeated attacks by security officers against jour-
PART one
general command of the police before organiz- nalists. Security service officers arrived at the
ing any symposiums or workshops in the halls. area and started beating and insulting the par-
In this context, PCHR emphasizes that the right ticipants in an attempt to disperse the assembly.
114
Hadi al-Debes, who works for the Palestine Today the streets of Ramallah and al-Bireh chanting na-
TV, and Mo›aaz ‹Amarnah, correspondent of al- tional slogans. When dozens of civilians arrived
Aqsa TV, were beaten and their cameras were at Nablus Street in al-Bireh, they were surprised
confiscated. In the same context, ‹Abdel Naser with the closure of the street by large forces of
al-Najjar, Chairman of Journalists Syndicate, was Palestinian security services and police. Follow-
insulted by the security officers. ing verbal quarrels between the two parties, the
»» On 20 June, members of Palestinian security security officers immediately fired tear gas can-
services deployed in the vicinity of al-Hussein isters at the demonstrators and beat a number
Bin Ali Mosque on ‘Ain Sarah Street in Hebron in of them using sticks and batons. Samih Muhsin,
the south of the West Bank prevented women, Director of PCHR branch in Ramallah, said that
including mothers of prisoners, from reaching he headed there after he was done with a TV in-
the mosque for Friday Prayer to participate in a terview on Palestine TV on the Israeli offensive
peaceful demonstration, which was supposed to on the Gaza Strip. He added that he was with a
be initiated from the mosque following the Fri- number of civilians behind the security officers,
day prayer in solidarity with the administrative who then pushed them without any prior warn-
detainees on hunger strike. Following the Friday ing. When Muhsen protested at their attitude
Prayer, the demonstration, in which women par- and identified himself, a security officer strongly
ticipated, moved from the mosque, but the se- pushed him and kicked him with his foot in the
curity officers prevented the demonstrators from bottom of his abdomen causing him severe
heading towards ‘Ain Sarah Street and forced pains. Moreover, a number of civilians suffered
them to head to the neighboring Ibn Rushd tear gas inhalation.
Street, where other Palestinian security officers »» On the same day, hundreds of civilians gathered
were waiting for them. Palestinian security offic- in the centre of Nablus and organized a demon-
ers used force to disperse the demonstration and stration protesting against the Israeli offensive
attacked the demonstrators, including women, on Gaza and the Israeli attack on al-Shuja’aiyah
with sticks and batons. As a result, many demon- neighborhood. When the demonstration ar-
strators sustained bruises. In the same context, rived in front of the National Hospital, dozens of
Palestinian security officers attempted to pre- Palestinian security service officers stopped the
vent a number of journalists from covering the demonstrators in an attempt to disperse them.
events near the mosque. They smashed a camera Clashes broke out between the officers and the
belonging to Kareem Sa›ed Khader, a photojour- demonstrators, so security backups arrived at the
nalist of CNN. area. They fired bullets in the air, rubber-coated
»» On 16 July, Palestinian Security Service Officers metal bullets and tear gas canisters at the demon-
attacked a peaceful demonstration organized strators. As a result, eight civilians were wounded;
in Jenin refugee camp in protest against the Is- one of them was hit with a bullet to the abdomen,
raeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The security and the other 7 ones were hit with metal bullets
officers were waiting for the demonstration in and gas canisters in different parts of their body.
Nazareth Street in the city leading to al-Jalamah Moreover, a number of security officers were
checkpoint established by Israeli forces at Jenin’s wounded due to being thrown with stones.
entrance. The police officers fired bullets in the On 30 August, hundreds of supporters and lead-
air in addition to tear gas canisters at the par- ers of Hamas and national and Islamic factions in
ticipants in the demonstration to disperse them. Ramallah and al-Bireh gathered in the yard next
They also detained 3 journalists working for Pal- to al-Bireh municipality in the centre of the city
estine TV and Ramatan Company for Media Pro- to organize a festival titled as “Allegiance and
duction. Victory of Resistance in the Gaza Strip”. Palestin-
»» On 20 July, hundreds of civilians gathered at al- ian security forces, most of whom were dressed
Manarah Square in Ramallah in the centre of the in plain clothes, established checkpoints at all
West Bank in protest against the Israeli offensive entrances of Ramallah and al-Bireh and to the
on the Gaza Strip, in particular the crime commit- festival area in order to check all the cars and
ted by Israeli forces in al-Shuja’iyah neighbour- their travellers. Security officers stopped a car,
hood in Gaza City. The demonstrators roamed on which a loudspeaker was set, belonging to
115
the festival and took it, including the four young The Change and Reform Bloc issued two laws on
men who were in it, to the PSS office. When the the associations’ work, and they are only applied in
festival finished, dozens of security officers, most the Gaza Strip. One of those laws is the Companies
of whom dressed in plain clothes, stormed the Law No. (7) of 2012, which ignored mentioning the
festival yard and confiscated all the tools and right to form non-profit companies and abolished
equipment that were used in it. the Companies Law of 1929, whose article 23 al-
lowed the establishment of non-profit companies.
Violations of the Right to Freedom of Association Therefore, non-profit companies in the Gaza Strip
are subject to a legal vacuum. During the division,
Violations of the right to freedom of association con- the Council of Ministers issued 8 decisions relating
tinued in 2014 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. to the right to freedom of association in order to
Despite the formation of the national unity govern- take over the associations and undermining their
ment in June 2014, the chaotic legal regulation of independence. All of these decisions are in violation
the associations still exists as the laws and decrees of the Societies Act and the relevant international
issued under the political division in relation to as- standards. One of the most prominent amendments
sociations continued to be applied. Moreover, the was the one made by the Council of Ministers to the
physical and arbitrary attacks against associations Executive Bill of Charitable Associations and Com-
and syndicates continued in the West Bank and the munity Organizations, which granted the Ministry of
Gaza Strip. These violations included arrests in the Interior powers not approved by law. The amend-
West Bank on grounds of practicing in the union ac- ment equalized between the competent authority
tion, and explosions in the Gaza Strip targeting lo- and the Ministry of Interior in powers. The latest de-
cal and international associations. This emphasizes cisions were the Ministry’s decision no. (98) issued in
that the PA in the West Bank and Gaza Strip failed October 2013 in regards to the elections in the char-
to respect and protect the right to freedom of as- itable societies and community organizations and
sociation in 2014. This is part of a policy adopted decision no. (61) concerning the financial affairs of
since the establishment of the PA that targets asso- charitable societies and community organizations.
ciations and attempts to take over the civil society Both decisions are in violation of the Palestinian Ba-
and undermine its role. This policy escalated follow- sic Law and relevant international standards. These
ing the division in the PA as many associations were decisions constituted an interference into the as-
arbitrarily and illegally closed. Moreover, many laws sociations’ affairs and a violation of their independ-
and decrees were enacted to impose restrictions as- ence and right to privacy.
sociations’ activities.
PCHR called many times upon the parties to the po-
It should be mentioned that the Palestinian President litical division to immediately unite the legal system
Mahmoud ‘Abbas issued during the division two laws particularly of the right to freedom of association.
related to the right to freedom of assembly in addi- PCHR also demanded annulling all decisions issued
tion to Decree No. 11 of 2012 on Establishment of in regards to associations under the division and the
the Civil Society Organization Affairs Commission. need to review all legislations relating to the right
PCHR considers it as a re-establishment of an old or- to freedom of association especially those issued
ganization which failed in the past, which is aimed during the division. The year of 2014 ended, and
to take over the civil society and its funding sources. the Unity Government did not issue any decision to
Moreover, the Council of Ministers issued two deci- abolish all the decisions, which were issued under
sions relating to the right to freedom of association, the division in regards to associations, or even hav-
the most prominent of which was Decision No. (3) of ing any indicator that both parties to division agreed
2010 on Regulation of Non-Profit Companies which on how to deal with the laws and decisions under
constituted a disappointment in its content, includ- the division.
ing not respecting the formation of non-profit com-
panies as a right and granting arbitrary powers to the Violations of the right to freedom of association con-
PART one
Ministry of Economy regarding monitoring and dis- tinued in the West Bank in 2014. The executive au-
solving the non-profit companies. thority in the West Bank in cooperation with the ju-
diciary targeted the Public Employees Syndicate and
116
accused it of being an illegal body under the pretext sociation according to the international standards,
that the syndicate is not duly licensed. PCHR em- which oblige the authorities to prevent any attack
phasized that if the syndicate is not licensed, it does on associations by a third party. The attacks on the
not mean that it is an illegal association. The most associations documented by PCHR were as follows:
that the PA can do is to ask the syndicate to correct
its legal status and give it an opportunity to do so. »» On 12 December, a heavy explosion was heard
throughout Gaza City. It was found that the ex-
On Thursday evening, 6 November 2014, the Pal- plosion was caused by an explosive device that
estinian police in Ramallah summoned Bassam unknown persons detonated at the south-east-
Zakarna (46), Head of the Public Employees Syn- ern side of the fence of the French Cultural Cent-
dicate, and his deputy Mu’in ‘Ansawi (42). The two er, which is located near Ansar Security Complex
were detained until Sunday morning, 09 November in the west of Gaza City. The explosion caused
2014, and they were then brought before the public partial damage to the fence and a neighboring
prosecution. They were questioned about their syn- fence. Police officers immediately rushed to the
dicate’s work, and were accused of “affiliation with place and opened an investigation into the at-
an illegal association.” The public prosecution ex- tack. This was the second attack on the French
tended their detention for 48 hours. They appeared Cultural Center in two months. On 07 October
before the public prosecution for a second time the 2014, two explosive devices were detonated in
next day, and their detention was extended for an the south-eastern side of the aforementioned
additional 15 days. Moreover, the PSS detained oth- building. The attack resulted in extensive dam-
er members of the Syndicate due to practicing their age to the building and fire broke out as a fuel
union work, including Zahi Sawalmah; Mohammed tank exploded. The security forces opened an
al-A’araj; Hamdi ‘Arafah; Ahmed Tawfiq; Usamah investigation into the incident at that time, and
Najjar; Ashraf al-Barghuthi; Amjad al-Ahmed; ‘Omer the results of the investigation have not been an-
‘Odah. They also transferred many other members nounced so far.
from their positions for the same reason, includ-
ing ‘Omer ‘Abdel Naser, Ahmed ‘Odah and Basman »» On 10 December 2014, unknown persons blew
Mohammed Ahmed Jeibat. PCHR stressed that tar- up the entrance of Yabous Charitable Association
geting the Public Employees Syndicate constitutes in Rafah. As a result, a child and woman were
a violation of the right to form unions guaranteed wounded as they were near the place at the mo-
according to article (26) of the Palestinian Basic Law. ment of the explosion. A group called «Support-
ers of the Islamic State» claimed responsibility
In the same context, on 08 November 2014, mem- for the explosion in a statement published on
bers of the Preventive Security Service arrested Mu- 11 December 2014 saying that they targeted the
hammad Basem Hussein (30), Head of the Syndicate afomrentioned association because it tried to
of Families of Martyrs and Wounded Persons after spread Shiism in the Gaza Strip. The statement
summoning him on his phone by the police. He ap- also threatened the association no to open again
peared before the public prosecution on 09 Novem- otherwise the people in charge of it would be
ber 2014, and the prosecution decided to detain physically liquidated.
him. On 11 November 2014, he appeared before the
Magistrate’s Court in Ramallah that decided to ex- »» On 26 February 2014, a heavy explosion occurred
tend his detention for 15 days. He was released later. in the yard of the Latin Church and the Latin Pa-
triarchate School in al-Zaytoun neighbourhood
The Gaza Strip witnessed a series of attacks on asso- in the east of Gaza City. The Palestinian police
ciations in 2014, including explosions that targeted arrived at the scene immediately, and discovered
local and foreign associations warning of serious that the explosion resulted from a home-made
risks to the civil society and its freedom to practice bomb detonated by unknown persons under the
its activities, especially as the available information Church›s bus. The police also found offensive
indicates that the attacks’ grounds are ideological. words on one of the Church›s walls.
These attacks proved the failure of the authorities in
the Gaza Strip to protect the right to freedom of as-
117
Continued Application of the Death Penalty
The year of 2014 witnessed the continuation and application of the death penalty despite PCHR’s and
civil society’s efforts to abolish this punishment. In 2014, 8 death sentences were issued; one of them
was on the ground of collaboration with the Israel and the rest were on grounds of murders. The Min-
istry of Interior in Gaza implemented two death sentences by firing squad without ratification by the
Palestinian President according to the law against two persons convicted of collaboration with Israel.
According to PCHR’s documentation, the death sentences issued by the PA decreased in 2014
compared with 2013, during which 14 sentences were issued, including 13 ones that were is-
sued in the Gaza Strip. The number of death sentences issued by the Palestinian courts since
the 1994 has risen to 156; 129 of which were issued in the Gaza Strip, and 27 of which were is-
sued in the West Bank. The total number of death sentences issued in the Gaza Strip since the
Hamas’ takeover in 2007 has increased to 71. The PA also implemented 32 death sentences
since its establishment; 30 of which were in the Gaza Strip and 2 of which in the West Bank; 19
of those sentences were implemented after Hamas’ takeover in 2007.
PCHR became optimistic of the possibility of putting an end to executions in the Gaza Strip
after the formation of the Unity Government as the Palestinian President adopted in the West
Bank a policy under which he refrained from ratifying death sentences. This situation did
not last long as unknown bodies took advantage of the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza
Strip and implemented extra-judicial executions against persons accused of collaborating
with the Israel. PCHR documented 27 extra-judicial executions against persons convicted of
spying, some of whom were serving their sentences in prison on charges of collaboration.
Bodies claiming that they are affiliated with the Palestinian resistance claimed responsibil-
ity for these executions although those who implemented the executions were masked and
nothing showed their affiliation. Moreover, heads of the persons who were executed were
covered, and some of those executions were videotaped and broadcasted via media.
PCHR at that time published a press release demanding stopping such executions. More-
over, Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, sent urgent letters to a number of Palestinian leaders
demanding them to immediately and decisively intervene to stop such extra-judicial execu-
tions, considering that they cause damage to all of us. He believed that the circumstances
of the offensive must not undermine the rule of law and respect for human rights, especially
the right to fair trial.
PART one
118
Death Sentences Issued in 2014
Sentencing body and

No. Name Place of Residence Date Charge
sentence
Military court, sentenced in Collaboration with Israeli
1. A. W. E Gaza 06 February
absentia security services
Northern Gaza First degree sentence issued

2. M. S. A 13 February Murder
Strip by the Court of First Instance
First degree sentence issued

3. Gh. N. N Rafah 20 March Kidnap and murder
by the Court of First Instance

4. M. A. A Rafah 20 March Kidnap and murder

5. B. E. A Khan Younis 29 April Murder

6. H. ‹A. K Gaza 08 May Murder

7. E. M. M Gaza 15 May Murder
Military court, first degree

8. A. H. Sh Khan Younis 15 May Murder
sentence
Death Sentences Executed in 2014
Sentencing body and

No. Name Place of Residence Date of Execution Charge
Sentence
Final sentence issued by Collaboration with

1. ‹A. H. K Khan Younis 07 May
the military court Israeli security services
Final sentence issued by Collaboration with

2. Z. A. R Gaza 07 May
the military court Israeli security services
119
Impact of the Political Division on Economic and So-

cial Rights in the Gaza Strip
The economic and social rights of the Gaza population reached the peak of deterioration in 2014 due
to the ongoing Palestinian political division for the 7th consecutive year and the absence of the political
will of both parties to the division to end the worst era in the Palestinian history. The situation in the
Gaza Strip deteriorated to the level of an area of disaster following the latest Israeli offensive on Gaza
in summer 2014, which caused unprecedented destruction to the civilian infrastructure and facilities in
the cities, refugee camps and villages of the Gaza Strip. The Gaza population expressed their optimism
after the parties to the Palestinian political division declared signing the reconciliation agreement
known as “Shati Agreement” on 24 April 2014, and formed the Palestinian unity government , which
swore the oath before the Palestinian President on 02 June 2014. However, all hopes and optimism of
the Gaza population and Palestinian people in general went with the wind due to the continued politi-
cal conflict over the powers and almost-complete absence of the national unity government, which was
expected by people to face the challenges of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which was destroyed
by the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
In 2014, the governments in Gaza and Ramallah continued to take measures at the economic
and social levels that have further aggravated people’s economic and social rights. These
measures coincided with the continued total closure imposed by Israeli authorities on the
Gaza Strip for more than 7 years in a unique case of collective punishment against the civilian
population. This created a state of comprehensive economic and social strangulation and
obstructed all attempts to improve the living conditions of the population and respect their
human dignity.
At the end of 2014 and although the national unity government assumed its powers, the
basic characteristic which prevailed was the ongoing deterioration of all health, education
and social security services. Thousands of public servants and their families have been de-
prived of their salaries they used to receive from the PA budget as the government in Ramal-
lah has stopped paying to those employees since the beginning of the political division in
2007. Meanwhile, the suffering of dozens of civil and military public servant, who receive
their salaries from the PA budget, especially those affiliated with Fatah, due to being pursued
by the Gaza Government and its security services.
Electricity Crisis and Its Impact on Basic Services in the Gaza Strip
In 2014, the chronic electricity crisis in the Gaza Strip was one of the most prominent issues
facing 1.8 million Palestinians. It led to deterioration of economic and social conditions of the
civilian population as it is associated with access to basic services and people’s daily life. Vital
facilities, including water supplies, hospitals and medical centres, sewage treatment plants
and the educational sector, were severely affected. Finding means of alternative energy has
become a key concern for the people of Gaza. The use of power generators or candles to
PART one
compensate the shortage of electricity supplies has caused many accidents, and resulted in a
number of deaths. The Palestinian political division has impacted the electricity crisis as each
party blamed the other one for the crisis. The crisis aggravated due to the wide-scale destruc-
120
tion by the Israeli forces during the latest offensive with the mid-term exams in the schools and uni-
on the Gaza Strip. The Gaza power plant completely versities of the Gaza Strip.
stopped, and the main and sub-networks were com-
prehensively destroyed and levelled in various areas »» Hundreds of institutions and associations in the
of the Gaza Strip. PCHR documented the disastrous Gaza Strip had to postpone their activities and
impacts that resulted from the failure of both parties programs due to the electricity shortage all day
to the political division to mitigate the dangerous and their inability to provide alternative power
implications on the humanitarian conditions of the sources to run their machines and equipment.
civilian population in the Gaza Strip as a result of the
electricity crisis, which became chronic: »» The suffering of the population of the Gaza Strip
has seriously aggravated, especially those living
»» About 1.8 million Palestinians living in the Gaza in high buildings that use elevators. Dozens of
Strip are facing deficiencies in all walks of their residents, including elderly people and patients
daily life, which have affected their basic needs, with chronic diseases have been largely affected.
including health services, access to water, envi-
ronmental health services and ability to meet The political conflict between the two parties to the
the educational needs of school and university conflict continued as each party blamed the other
students. one for deterioration of the electricity crisis. It be-
came clear that the political conflict and internal divi-
»» The deterioration of health conditions in the sion aggravated the humanitarian conditions of the
health facilities of the Gaza Strip due to inabil- population of the Gaza Strip in light of severe short-
ity to compensate the shortage of electricity for age of basic needs especially the electricity. Moreo-
long hours on one hand, and their inability to ver, maintaining the ongoing political division means
provide fuel needed to run the alternative gen- violating more economic, social and cultural rights of
erators in these facilities on the other hand, in the Gaza population, including depriving people of
addition to breakdown of many machines and sufficient electricity supplies especially after repair-
medical equipment at hospitals and health facili- ing the power plant and periodically provide the
ties of the Gaza Strip. fuel supplies required for operating the power plant.
The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO)
»» Hundreds of patients in the hospitals of the and the Palestinian Energy Authority in Gaza failed
Gaza Strip face serious health risks as the medi- to run the electric power sector during the past year
cal equipment and devices are not run regularly, and contributed to aggravating the crisis instead of
especially in the intensive care units and other mitigating it. Residents of the Gaza Strip paid high
medical units like heart and kidney units prices in order to get electricity and were forced to
afford around 3 times the cost of the monthly bill by
»» Local bodies, including municipalities and vil- trying to find alternatives for electricity such as gen-
lage councils, are unable to provide alternative erators, batteries, candles and neon lamps. However,
fuel to ensure the workflow of their vital facili- the generated electrical power did not meet their
ties serving the population of the Gaza Strip, in- daily uses. Civilians endured the results of misus-
cluding water and sanitation facilities. Citizens’ ing the energy alternatives resulting in the deaths of
complaints started to resound because of their a number of them. On 26 March 2014, two sisters
inability to get water in their houses, especially died in Rafah as their family’s house caught fire due
in high buildings. to using a candle during the power outage. Moreo-
ver, their two sisters sustained severe burns and were
»» Educational facilities in universities and educa- transferred to the hospital to receive medical treat-
tional institutions are suffering a serious disor- ment. The number of victims of searching for energy
der, which has led to the inactivity of many edu- alternatives in the Gaza Strip from the beginning of
cational laboratories and the postponement of 2010 until the end of 2014 amounted to 24 persons,
some educational assignments due to electricity including 18 Children. The deterioration of the elec-
shortage and lack of alternative power sources. tricity supplies continued to negatively affect the vi-
The aggravation of electricity crisis coincided tal services of the Gaza population.
121
At the end of the year and in light of the very cold PCHR has repeatedly warmed that the electricity cri-
weather and obstruction of the Gaza Reconstruc- sis facing the Gaza Strip population would result in
tion, the electricity supplies for the residents seri- more disastrous consequences on people’s daily life,
ously deteriorated as the power outage continued including their right to life and personal security and
for 12-16 hours daily, and the power was on for 4-6 safety. PCHR believes that the political conflict and
hours daily. This coincided with the winter depres- internal division aggravated the humanitarian situa-
sion which hit the Gaza Strip that resulted in extra tion in the Gaza Strip in light of the severe shortage
consumption of the energy alternatives especially in of basic needs, especially the electricity. PCHR also
light of the severe shortage of cooking gas supplies, emphasizes that maintaining the political division
in addition to high prices of some energy alterna- means more violations of the economic, social and
tives such as batteries and electricity chargers. cultural rights of the Gaza Strip population in addi-
tion to their political and civil rights.
Health Conditions in the Gaza Strip
In 2014, all services provided to the Gaza Strip popu- 2014. There was an acute shortage of diesel used for
lation were negatively affected by the ongoing po- generators at hospitals, clinics and first aid centers in
litical division. Health conditions of the Gaza Strip light of the power outages. Sources at the Ministry
population, especially patients, deteriorated due of Health in Gaza said at that time that the lack of
to the irregular supply of medicines and medical fuel in all the Ministry’s facilities threatened all the
necessities in all public health facilities in the Gaza medical services they provide, especially after the fi-
Strip, including hospitals and medical centres. The nancial donation made by a number of the Ministry’s
acute shortage of medicines and medical necessi- donors ended by the beginning of October 2014 and
ties in health facilities became a deep and chronic there was no sufficient funds to buy fuel for hospi-
crisis throughout the year. In addition, the severe tals and health facilities in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza
financial crisis in the PA as well as lack of pharma- Strip health facilities need approximately 700,000 lit-
ceutical products and various medical necessities ers monthly, a daily average of 23,000 – 25,000 liters,
meant that hundreds of patients, including those in light of the frequent power outages. The lives of
with chronic diseases, psychological conditions, and thousands of patients would be at stake if the health
financial problems, were no longer able to afford facilities stopped offering health services, including
their medicines. Hundreds of patients were forced 113 infant incubators in the Gaza Strip hospitals;
to wait for months to get appointments in order to over 100 patients in the intensive care units; 500
undergo surgeries decided by the doctors at those patients suffering from renal failure and use 88 di-
hospitals. The Ministry of Health in Gaza declared re- alysis machines 3 days a week; departments of birth,
ducing a number of public health services, including emergency rooms; 45 operation rooms, 11 of which
surgeries in the main hospitals, in addition to basic are used for Caesarean section; and 5 central blood
health services, including dental clinics and public banks, as they all depend on electricity.
and outpatient clinics.
At the beginning of December, 750 cleaning work-
Health facilities suffered from acute shortages of fuel ers who are recruited by private cleaning companies
required to make up for the continued power outage. contracting with the Ministry of Health for years and
PCHR followed up with deep concern the suffering of work in hospitals and health facilities in Gaza started
hospitals, clinics and first aid centres from a real crisis a labor strike and stopped providing their services
due to the lack of diesel needed for the operation of because they had not received their financial dues
generators, especially the UAE Red Crescent Hospi- for 6 months. The Ministry decided to close the
tal in Rafah, because it ran out of the diesel used for outpatient clinics and delay 180 non-urgent opera-
generators and the continued power outage for long tions as garbage piles were growing. As a result,
PART one
hours. The health facilities in the Gaza Strip suffered garbage piled for a few days in the buildings and
from a real crisis due to the stoppage of the power departments of all governmental hospitals causing
plant that was bombarded by Israeli forces on 28 July a miserable and dangerous health situation. Moreo-
122
ver, health conditions of patients and medical staffs Ministry stopped many laboratory tests and medi-
were as well in danger. Therefore, the Ministry of cal imaging in addition to endoscopy, urology, bone
Health declared reducing the working hours in the and nerve surgeries. The Ministry declared also that
clinics and other departments in the Gaza hospitals, the health services were reduced in some first aid
including stopping already-decided surgeries in the departments and hospitals as well as the water and
operations rooms such as surgeries for children, eye food watch services, child and woman healthcare
surgeries and cardiac catheterization. Moreover, the and environment and occupational health.
123
Salaries Crisis
PCHR follows up with deep concern the closure of ees on the basis of recognizing the right of each
banks in the Gaza Strip for 6 days as the former Gaza government employee to receive his/her salary
government employees prevented the Palestinian regularly, without prejudice or discrimination
Authority (PA) employees from receiving their sala- based on political affiliation or other grounds.
ries in protest against the non-payment of their sala- PCHR called upon the Prime Minister to contain
ries by the new national unity government formed the crisis and reassure the PA employees, includ-
following the Palestinian reconciliation agreement. ing the former Gaza government employees
In June 2014, violence erupted and the PA employ- whose problem was agreed to be solved.
ees were denied access to the banks and ATMs. The
Palestinian police then intervened and beat a num- »» PCHR expressed its deep concern over the dete-
ber of employees who attempted to approach ATMs. rioration of economic and social conditions due
to the suspension of the banking activities and
PCHR warned of the disastrous impacts left by the warned of further deterioration to these condi-
closure of the banks on the Gaza Strip’s economic tions as thousands of families in the Gaza Strip
situation, which had been already deteriorating due became without any source of income to provide
to the collective punishment and closure policy im- them with their needs of food, clothes and other
posed by the Israeli forces on the Gaza Strip for 7 necessary needs. Moreover, this situation threat-
years. All financial transactions through the banks ened the future of the Palestinian reconciliation.
were suspended threatening the economic sectors
to be paralyzed. This also portended more suffer- »» PCHR condemned the acts of violence which ac-
ing not only to the public employees but to all citi- companied the crisis and demanded conducting an
zens, especially the poor ones, including thousands investigation into them. During those acts of vio-
of families of the deceased and wounded as well as lence, many persons, including women and journal-
socially insecure persons as they were not able to ob- ists, were beaten by police officers. PCHR demanded
tain the financial allocations they receive monthly or taking all legal measures against whoever violated
regularly. The year of 2014 ended and the salaries the law. Respecting human rights must be the ulti-
crisis of the former government employers in Gaza mate goals of law enforcement. PCHR stressed the
were not solved, except for agreeing on paying them role of the Palestinian police and security services,
only advances. In light of the continuation of this cri- which are considered as law enforcement bodies, to
sis without any close possible solutions threatening promote the principle of the rule of law, maintain the
the future of the Palestinian reconciliation and put- public order and protect the safety and security of
ting it in front of a serious challenge in its beginning: civilians and public and private property, including
banks and ATMs. The role of the law enforcement of-
»» PCHR emphasized that the crisis of salaries is a ficials was to open the Gaza banks immediately and
completely political crisis and that the solution facilitate their work as well as protecting civilians
to this crisis must be one of the key priorities and enabling them to have safe access to them. The
of the Palestinian President, Hamas and Fatah continued closure of the banks constituted a danger-
movements as well as the national unity govern- ous precedent that must be ended. Moreover, banks
ment. All efforts must be devoted to ensure the must not be involved in the problems resulting from
payment of the salaries to all the public employ- reconciliation issues or the division remnants.
PART one
124
Conditions of Persons with Disabilities in the Gaza Strip
In 2014, persons with disabilities in the Gaza Strip suffered

from acute shortage and serious deterioration at the level of
enjoyment of their rights in light of the ongoing internal divi-
sion and having two governments in Gaza and Ramallah in ad-
dition to the absence and non-application of Law No. 4 of the
1999 the Rights of Disabled Palestinians’ Law which guarantees
their rights in the field of health services, rehabilitation, health-
care, education and employment in addition to their rights in
the field of entertainment and sports and participation in the
cultural life of the society. Despite of the formation of the na-
tional unity government in June 2014, their periodic social al-
lowances continued to be delayed and irregularly paid in spite
of their deteriorating economic and social conditions. Those
persons and their families became poorer and were deprived of
rehabilitation and health care services and lack of the medical
devices they need. The situation aggravated more due to the
increase in the number of persons with permanent disabilities
due to the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip as many of
them suffered from the lack of adequate health and rehabilita-
tion services. Although Palestine acceded to the Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 02 April 2014 and
the Convention entered into force, the PA did not take any steps
or measures to harmonize the Palestinian legislations or apply
Law No. 4 of the 1999 the Rights of Disabled Palestinians’ Law
especially the issuance of the disabled card, which gives them
access to the main services in the fields of health, rehabilitation,
training and education. PCHR calls for an immediate end to the
ongoing internal division that has had a catastrophic impact
on the rights of Palestinians in general, and disabled persons in
particular. PCHR also urges the Palestinian Authority to imple-
ment the provisions of law and take all the steps required for ap-
plying all the rights in the Law. PCHR also calls upon ministries
and governmental organizations to respect the Law pertaining
to the disabled persons’ quota of at least 5% in the number of
employees in these institutions as a prelude to generalize it in
the NGOs and private sector institutions.
125
PART (2):
PCHR’S ACTIVITIES IN 2014
PART one
126
Introduction
The first part of this report reviews the human rights conditions in the oPt, and highlights violations
of human rights and the international humanitarian law. This part details PCHR’s activities in 2014 ac-
cording to its 2012-2014 plan, to which PCHR was committed in spite of the serious obstacles arose by
the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip and the internal Palestinian political division. In 2014, PCHR pre-
pared a strategic plan for 2015-2017 through which it seeks to promote its activities at all levels. PCHR’s
activities and efforts in 2014 are detailed below.
First: PCHR’s Efforts during and after the Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip
PCHR enhanced its efforts during and after the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in order
to stop it, monitor and document Israeli violations of human rights, contribute to achieving
redress for Palestinian victims and ensure prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals to
prevent the recurrence of such offensive. PCHR employed its extensive experience, capabili-
ties and relations to monitor and document Israeli crimes and human rights violations, com-
municate with diplomats and the international and local media to show the real picture of
Israeli human rights violations, stop them and hold accountable those responsible for their
perpetration. PCHR prepared legal files for victims, supported by necessary evidence, relying
on its accumulated experience during previous offensives on the Gaza Strip. PCHR further
enhanced its cooperation with other human rights organizations in an unprecedented man-
ner to reach the best and most accurate results and have a stronger and faster access to the
international judiciary and public opinion. The most notable efforts made by PCHR during
and after the offensive were as follows:
Mr. Raji Souarni during a field

tour to investigate results of Israeli
attacks during the offensive on the
Gaza Strip
127
1. Monitoring, Documentation and Publication
Since the very beginning of the Israeli offensive on

the Gaza Strip, PCHR had monitored and document-
ed Israeli crimes and human rights violations. PCHR’s
field workers throughout the Gaza Strip worked
day and night during the 50-day offensive to moni-
tor and document Israeli crimes and human rights
violations, gather testimonies of eyewitnesses and
affidavits from Palestinian victims and their families,
photograph scenes of attacks and collect other evi-
dence from the field. The Field Work Unit issued daily
reports on all human rights violations it document-
ed during the offensive, which were published on
Yasser Abdel Ghafour, PCHR’s field worker, take a
testimony from an eyewitness
PCHR’s web page in both Arabic and English. These
reports served as a major reference for interested
people at both the international and local levels.
These efforts contributed to exposing to the world
the invalidity of Israeli claims that Israel did not tar-
get civilians. PCHR provided well-documented in-
formation and it enjoys credibility throughout the
world.
PCHR’s staff during a visit to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City
2. Communication with the Media

on the offensive, during which they highlighted Is-
During the offensive, PCHR enhanced communica- raeli crimes and violations of human rights, Israel’s
tion with the international, regional and local media. responsibilities towards the civilian population in
In this context, it received dozens of journalists, rep- the Gaza Strip and the international community’s
resentatives of local and international TV channels obligation to immediately stop the offensive. PCHR’s
and reporters of local radio stations and news web follow-ups of the media reveal the extensive media
sites during and after the offensive to explain the sit- coverage of PCHR’s reports and statements about
uation and comment on it. PCHR’s Director and staff the offensive by major international, regional and
members conducted dozens of media interviews local news agencies and TV channels.
PART two
128
3. Creating Legal Files
Since the very beginning of the Israeli offensive on

the Gaza Strip, PCHR had collected all necessary field
information and evidence, relying on its accumu-
lated experience in monitoring and documenting
Israeli crimes during the past years, in order to cre-
ate legal files to ensure the realization of the victims’
right to justice and remedy. PCHR was able to create
hundreds of legal files, 225 of which were submit-
ted to the Israeli Military Advocate General demand-
ing opening investigations into crimes committed
by Israeli soldiers. PCHR further established files for
compensation claims for the interest of victims of
the offensive.
A PCHR lawyer gathering evidence from the scene of the

attack on children of the Shuhaiber family
4. Joint Work with Other Human Rights Organiza- sons were recruited to enter the collected data in
tions to Confront the Offensive a designated database. Most of these volunteers
were reporting to PCHR and Al Mezan Center for
During and after the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Human Rights. They were equally deployed in
Strip, PCHR enhanced cooperation with other hu- the five major areas of the Gaza Strip. They were
man rights organizations. Cooperation and net- trained on the methodology of joint work among
working with human rights organization reached the organizations, and were provided with spe-
unprecedented levels, and joint crews were formed cial forms to collect extensive information about
to monitor and document Israeli crimes and hu- the victims and the circumstances of their deaths
man rights violations. These efforts produced un- or about houses and other civilian property.
precedented results at the levels of accuracy and Dozens of thousands of these forms were com-
extensiveness of information, and employment of pleted. The crew was divided into three major
information to expose Israeli crimes and ensure the teams: the fist team documented crimes and
victims’ access to justice. human rights violations in the south and center
of the Gaza Strip; the second team documented
»» Joint efforts in monitoring and documentation: crimes and human rights violations in Gaza City
Since the very beginning of the Israeli offensive, and the north and the Gaza Strip; and the third
Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights, Al-Haq, team entered the data in a computerized data-
PCHR and Al Mezan Center for Human Rights co- base. These efforts produced a comprehensive
ordinated efforts to monitor and document Is- database of human rights violations perpetrated
raeli crimes and human rights violations during by Israeli forces during the offensive. In parallel
the offensive. After the offensive, the coordina- with activities, investigations were conducted
tion turned into joints work by field work units in and testimonies and affidavits were collected
the four organizations, which contributed to pro- from witnesses and victims on crimes committed
ducing unprecedented extensive documenta- against Palestinian civilians and property.
tion of Israeli crimes and human rights violations
during the offensive. The human rights organiza- »» Joint legal work: The joint work amounted to
tions recruited 76 volunteers for field surveys, in a maximal level through categorizing and le-
addition to the core crews of field work units in gally characterizing the collected information
the four organizations. Additionally, seven per- and collating necessary evidence relating to war
129
crimes committed during the offensive. PCHR ing the offensive and their impact on the human
coordinated with the other three human rights rights conditions, and coordinating efforts to
organizations to unite the efforts before the Is- ensure providing necessary care for victims and
raeli judiciary. Such coordination allowed access internally displaced persons and complying with
to the Israeli judiciary equipped with all neces- human rights standards in this regard.
sary documents and evidence professionally and
in a timely manner, which enhanced the victims’ »» Communication with the UN Human Rights
positions before the judiciary. The human rights Council: PCHR and the other human rights organ-
organizations systematically and seriously pro- ization held a meeting with the High Commis-
vided assistance to the UN Independent Com- sioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, via Skype.
mission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict es- They provided her with information supported
tablished by the UN Human Rights Council. by figures about Israeli crimes and human rights
violations during the offensive. They highlighted
»» Joint advocacy activities: The human rights the willful and extensive targeting of Palestinian
organizations enhanced advocacy activities dur- civilian and objects, which raises concerns that
ing and after the offensive to stop it and hold crimes against humanity and war crimes were
suspected Israeli war criminal accountable. They committed against Palestinian civilians in the
used various methods, including holding joint Gaza Strip. This meeting was held one day before
press conferences, submitting joint interventions Ms. Pillay’s speech before the UN Human Rights
with international bodies and organizations and Council in its special 21st session on 24 July 2014,
preparing a joint comprehensive report on the of- in which the Council decided to form a com-
fensive. These activities included: mission of inquiry to investigate the situation
in Palestine, respect for international law in the
»» Holding joint press conferences: PCHR and the oPt, including East Jerusalem, especially during
other human rights organizations held joint press the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, and Israeli
conferences during the Israeli offensive in the violations of the rights of the Palestinian people
Gaza Strip to highlight Israeli crimes and human in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, which had
rights violations in the Gaza Strip and remind escalated since 12 July 2014.
the international community of its responsibili-
ties. These conference were met by extensive »» Preparing a joint comprehensive report on the
media interest and coverage at the international, offensive: After the Israeli offensive, the human
regional and local levels, which made the world rights organizations prepared a comprehensive
largely aware of the situation in the Gaza Strip. report on it. The report provided a comprehen-
In this context, the human rights organizations sive documentation of the offensive, including
held four press conferences during the offensive. war crimes and crimes against humanity com-
All the conferences were held in Shifa Hospital in mitted against Palestinian civilians, the econom-
Gaza City due to the intensive media presence in ic and social impact of the destruction, the suf-
the hospital during the offensive. fering of the civilian population and the Israeli
siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. The human
»» Joint meetings with the ICRC and UNRWA: rights organizations rely on this report to serve
PCHR and the other human rights organizations as a major toll in the upcoming stage to pressur-
held meetings with representatives of the ICRC ize the international community to prosecute
and UNRWA for the purpose of exchanging in- suspected Israeli war criminals, reconstruct the
formation on the humanitarian conditions dur- Gaza Strip and lift the siege imposed on it.
PART two
130
Second: Intensive Advocacy Efforts at the International Level
In 2014, PCHR enhanced its efforts to network and cooperate with international and local allies and partners
to influence the international community’s positions and urge it to take serious action to confront crimes com-
mitted by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, especially during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza
Strip, and the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian conditions throughout the oPt.
1. Following-up the Work of the UN Independent

Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Con-
flict
Since the UN Human Rights Council established the sion’s presence in the Gaza Strip to directly observe
Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 the impact of Israeli crimes against Palestinian civil-
Gaza Conflict (Operation Protective Edge), PCHR ians and civilian objects.
had expressed willingness to provide necessary as-
sistance and information to the Commission. PCHR Appreciating the Commission’s inability to enter
contacted the Commission to coordinate their visit the Gaza Strip, PCHR and the other human rights
to the Gaza Strip to allow them to observe Israeli organizations communicated with the Commission
crimes and human rights violations during the of- to provide assistance by providing them with all in-
fensive, but Israel prevented the Commission from formation, evidence, affidavits and testimonies they
entering the Gaza Strip. Consequently, the Com- collected during their ongoing field work during
mission were forced to hold its meetings in Jordan and after the offensive. The human rights organiza-
and limit its work to following up field reports. PCHR tions sought to enable the Commission to conclude
observed with utmost concern the Israeli measures accurate results that could ensure justice for the vic-
and complicity of some international parties that tims. The Commission welcomed cooperation with
prevented UN investigators from entering the Gaza the human rights organizations in a letter sent by
Strip. The year ended and five months had passed Mr. William Schabas, Head of the Commission, to
since the end of the Israeli offensive without the Lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR.
Commission having been able to enter the Gaza
Strip. PCHR and the other human rights organiza- PCHR and the other human rights organizations
tions demanded in a joint statement condemning provided the Commission assistance to investigate
the Israeli ban on the Commission and explicitly Israeli attacks on UN buildings during the offensive.
holding Israel responsible. PCHR emphasized that They provided the Commission with accurate infor-
no objective, professional and independent inves- mation, testimonies and affidavits they collected
tigation could be conducted without the Commis- during and after the offensive.
A consultation meeting held by human

rights organizations concerning the
Independent Commission of Inquiry on
the 2014 Gaza Conflict
131
2. Working with UN Human Rights Mechanisms development as a major turning point in the legal
struggle to combat the culture of impunity, which
PCHR has a consultative status at the UN Economic would allow prosecuting suspected Israeli war crimi-
and Social Council. Therefore, it is able to directly in- nals before the International Criminal Court. On 31
tervene with UN human rights mechanisms, includ- December 2014, it was reported in Ramallah Presi-
ing human rights treaty bodies. In 2014, PCHR con- dent Abbas ratified the Rome Statute together with
tinued to cooperate with these bodies and provide 19 international treaties.
them with information relating to the human rights
conditions in the oPt. Palestine’s accession to the Rome Statute had been
a major demand by PCHR and other Palestinian and
3. PCHR’s Efforts to Internationalize the Cause of international human rights organizations since Pal-
Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails estinian was recognized as a non-member observer
State in the United National according to the UN
As part of its ongoing efforts in support for Pales- General Assembly’s Resolution on 29 November
tinian prisoners in the Israeli prisons and advocacy 2012.
for this humanitarian, legal and political cause, on
12 June, PCHR received an international delegation On 10 December 2012, PCHR launched a campaign
from the committees of solidarity with the Palestin- to lobby with the Palestinian Authority and the in-
ian people in Spain, Venezuela and France. The visit ternational community to allow Palestine to accede
aimed to explore living conditions of the Palestinian to the Rome Statute and ensure prosecution of sus-
prisoners in the Israeli jails, especially the prisoners pected Israeli war criminals. PCHR believes that the
who suffer from health problems and the adminis- ratification of the Rome Statute constitute a victory
trative detainees. The delegation members intend- of the human rights movement and victims in Pal-
ed to organize campaigns in their countries target- estine. Accession to the Rome Statute constitutes a
ing politicians and members of the parliaments in major development in the legal struggle to confront
order to encourage them to support the cause of the crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian
Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. civilians and civilian objects in the West Bank and
the Gaza Strip, especially settlement activities and
4. Traveling abroad and Receiving International land confiscation, the construction of the annexa-
Delegation tion wall, willful killings, the illegal siege imposed on
the Gaza Strip and other crimes and policies of col-
In spite of the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip and lective punishment against the Palestinian civilians.
the continuous restrictions on movement, PCHR
continued its efforts to increase the awareness of PCHR is currently preparing all necessary informa-
the international community about human rights tion, documents and evidence for any future inves-
violations perpetrated against the Palestinian peo- tigations that may be conducted by the Interna-
ple. When PCHR’s Director and staff members were tional Criminal Court in crimes committed by Israel
able to travel, they held meetings with relevant or- in the oPt, some of which may amount to the level
ganizations that discussed the human rights con- of crimes against humanity. PCHR hopes that the
ditions in the oPt. PCHR also received a number of Palestinian Authority will refer all necessary data to
international delegations and figures and provided the International Criminal Court as soon as possible
them with first-hand information about the human to allow it to immediately investigate Israeli crimes.
rights conditions in the oPt, especially in the Gaza PCHR is willing to fully cooperate in this regard by
Strip after the latest Israeli offensive. providing all the information and experience it has
in this field. PCHR will contact the Prosecutor of the
5. Palestine’s Accession to the Rome Statute of In- International Criminal Court to initiate inquiries and
ternational Criminal Court investigation based on the authorities is has accord-
ing to article 15 of the Rome Statute.
PART two
PCHR welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud

Abbas’ ratification of the Rome Statute of Interna-
tional Criminal Court. PCHR viewed this important
132
Third: Joint Report with IDMC
On 01 February 2014, “Under Fire”, a joint report prepared by PCHR and the Internal Displacement Monitoring
Center, was published in London. The report addresses Israeli human rights violations in the Access-Restricted
Areas (ARA) on land and in the sea in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the suffering of the civilian population,
including farmers and fishermen, in these areas as a result of Israeli attacks, including the restrictions on the
movement, repeated targeting of civilians by gunfire and limiting the fishing area. The publication of the re-
port was declared in a special event organized in London, in which Lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR,
participated from Gaza via Skype. On 3 April 2014, the report was published in Gaza City in an event, in which
international diplomats and representatives of civil society groups and international organizations working in
the oPt participated.
A meeting organized on 14 April to present “Under Fire”, a Mr. Raji Sourani during the meeting organized by NRC on 3
report prepared jointly by IDMC and PCHR April to announce the publication of “Under Fire”, a report
issued jointly with PCHR
Fourth: Networking with Other Organizations
In 2014, PCHR promoted networking with the Pales- 1. Activating Efforts of the Palestinian Human
tinian civil society. It maintained coordination with Rights Organizations Council (PHROC)
human rights organizations, Palestinian NGO Net-
work and dozens of other NGOs in order to promote In 2014, PCHR enhanced its activities in the PHROC,
human rights and democracy in the Palestinian soci- a body that includes 12 Palestinian human rights or-
ety to confront Israeli war crimes and the Palestinian ganizations, which was established in order to unify
Authority’s violation of human rights. These efforts efforts to promote and protect human rights in the
played a major role in establishing common posi- Palestinian society, report on Israeli crimes against
tions highlighting human rights violations perpe- Palestinian civilians and confront violations of rights
trated against the Palestinian people and stopping and liberties in the Palestinian Authority areas. PCHR
some of them. Networking with other human rights joined PHROC in 2013. In 2014, PHROC united the ef-
organizations was evident during the Israeli offen- forts in regards to a number of issues relating to sys-
sive on the Gaza Strip. tematic and serious human rights violations in Pales-
tine. PHROC issued a number of statements in 2014:
PCHR held several meetings with civil society organ- »» On 10 March 2014, PHROC issued a statement
izations to discuss developments, coordinate efforts, demanding opening Rafah International Cross-
issue joint statements and organize conferences ing Point on the Egyptian border immediately.
and workshops. These efforts played a major role in »» On 14 June 2014, PHROC issued a statement
forming common positions that highlighted human condemns attacks on peaceful demonstrations
rights violations perpetrated against the Palestinian organized in the West Bank in solidarity with Pal-
people and contributed to stopping some of them. estinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
133
2. Promoting Joint Work with Civil Society Organi-

zations, Including PNGO and Human Rights Or-
ganizations
The year was characterized by enhanced joint work

with human rights organizations and the Palestinian
NGO Network (PNGO). The cooperation included
organizing conferences and preparing joint memo-
randa and statements. On 25 November 2013, PCHR
and PNGO published an appeal calling for imme-
diately ending the Palestinian political division in
light of the deterioration of socio-economic and
political conditions in the oPt, especially following
the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. On 15 October
2014, human rights organizations and PNGO issued
a joint statement demanding Mr. Pan Ki Moon, UN
Secretary-General, to work towards lifting the siege
Human rights organizations express solidarity with Palestinian pris-
oners on hunger strikes by visiting a solidarity sit-in tent on 10 June imposed on the Gaza Strip rather than legitimizing it
by adopting the Serri Plan for Gaza reconstruction.
On 29 March 2014, PNGO and human rights organi-
zations issued a statement rejecting a bill for physi-
cal penalties in the Gaza Strip, which violates human
rights.
PCHR cooperated with human rights organizations

concerning a number of important issues, on which
a number of joint statements were issued. In this
context, PCHR, Al Mezan Center of Human Rights
and Al Dameer Association for Human Rights or-
ganized a joint visit to Shifa Hospital to check the
conditions there in light of the strike declared by
cleaning workers. They then issued a joint statement
demanding concerned authorities to fulfill their ob-
A meeting of the Human Rights Secretariat Council ligations towards this crisis.
held in PCHR’s head office in Gaza on 4 September
PCHR and the other human rights organization sus-
pended their work on 5 June 2014 to join the sit-in
tent established in solidarity with Palestinian prison-
ers in Israeli jails who were on hunger strike.
In 2014, PCHR presented a research paper on the mechanisms of incorporating human rights standards in the
legal system of associations in Palestine, in a joint event with PNGO and human rights organizations.
3. Networking with Grassroots Organizations and Youth Movements
PCHR continued to coordinate and cooperate with grassroots organizations and youth movements to organ-
ize joint activities. In this context, PCHR organized 150 events that included training courses, workshops and
awareness meetings, in cooperation with 145 grassroots organizations and youth movements. PCHR contin-
ued also to encourage youth activities by maintaining cooperation with youth movements. PCHR pays a spe-
PART two
cial attention for ensuring attendance by representatives of grassroots organizations and youth movements
of all activities organized by PCHR. PCHR supports these organizations by using their resources to organize
workshops in return for a certain amount.
134
Fifth: Efforts to Enhance Activities on Gender Is- Sixth: Libeling Campaigns against PCHR
sues
Right-wing Israeli groups, supported by the Israeli
In 2014, PCHR continued its efforts to incorporate government, launched more labeling campaigns
gender aspects in its policies and programs. PCHR against PCHR by publishing rumors and lies concern-
started in the past years working on incorporating ing PCHR’s activities, inciting against it and demand-
gender aspects in its plans and programs and by ing the international community and organizations
increasing women’s representation in decision-mak- to boycott PCHR. These efforts reached the meanest
ing and management of PCHR’s programs and activ- level when they were carried out by Israeli officials,
ities. In 2014, these efforts were reflected at several when the Israeli envoy to the United National criti-
levels the most notable of which are: cized Palestinian human rights organizations, es-
pecially PCHR. He accused OCHA of deviating from
1. Incorporating gender issued in PCHR’s strategic its humanitarian mandate by funding PCHR, which
plan for the upcoming years, which was based seeks to hold Israeli soldiers accountable in order
on establishing a comprehensive and integrated to cause damage to Israel, according to his claims.
vision to incorporate gender issues in PCHR’s He demanded the UN Secretary General to monitor
policies and programs, in addition to taking UN funds because they are allegedly used for incite-
steps and actions at the levels of programs and ment against Israel.
activities to enhance gender incorporation.
2. PCHR followed a balanced employment and These efforts are part of a systematic policy adopted
training policies, and it absorbed a number of by the Israeli government to silence the Palestin-
trainers most of them were women. ian voice in the international arena by desperate
3. PCHR organized a two-training days on well- attempts to undermine PCHR’s credibility. The Is-
being and self-care for the female staff following raeli government plays this suspicious role through
the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The female extremist organizations under several names, the
staff put a strategy to complete efforts to en- most extremist of which is an organization known as
hance well-being and self-care which had a posi- “NGO Monitoring”, which claims to be a civil society
tive effect on them. organization in spite its explicit goal to undermine
4. PCHR paid attention to gender balance in all its any civil society group that criticizes Israeli practices
activities in 2014, and a large number of women which constitute serious human rights violations,
from various social, education and age back- and even war crimes and crimes against humanity.
ground were targeted by these activities. On 10 August 2014, this organization published a
5. PCHR monitored, documented and highlighted statement introducing PCHR, through which it at-
violations of women’s rights, especially killings in tempted to distort some positions of PCHR in an at-
various contexts. tempt to undermine its credibility.
135
Continued Institutionalization and Capacity Building in PCHR
In 2014, PCHR continued efforts to enhance the pro-

cesses of institutionalization and capacity building
in various directions: 1) Holding regular meetings of
leading administrative and program bodies; 2) Set-
ting a strategic plan for 2015-2017; and 3) Capacity
building of human resources.
1. Regular Meetings of Leading Bodies
A meeting of PCHR’s Board of

Directors in November
Meetings of the Board of Directors
In 2014, the Board of Directors held six meetings

during which it discussed various issued relating to
administrative and financial policies. It also exten-
sively discussed the strategic plan for 2015-2017.
The meeting of PCHR’s General Assembly

on 23 December
Meetings of the General Assembly
On 22 December 2014, the General Assembly of the bly decided to increase the capital of PCHR from US$
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) held 10,000 to JD 20,000 and to amend article 6 of the
two consecutive meetings in the presence of repre- rules of procedure in conformity with the Council of
sentatives of the Ministry of National Economy and Ministers› decision. Moreover, the General Assembly
Corporate Comptroller of the Palestinian Authority. decided to amend article 22 of the rules of proce-
The meetings were headed by Dr. Riyadh al-Za’noun, dure and increase the minimum number of Board
Chairman of the Board of Directors, and was attend- members from 2 to 5 and the maximum from 4 to
ed by the Board members, Raji Sourani, PCHR’s Di- 11 members.
rector, and members of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly dedicated its ordinary annual
The General Assembly held its first extraordinary meeting to address and approve the 2013 adminis-
meeting to discuss the letter of the acting undersec- trative report and the 2013 auditor›s report and to
retary of the Ministry and Corporate Comptroller on select an auditor for 2014. The administrative report
PART two
correcting the status of the company according to presented by Mr. Sourani and auditor›s report were
the Council of Ministers› decision no. 412/2011 rel- both approved by the General Assembly. Further-
evant to non-profit companies. The General Assem- more, the General Assembly agreed on the Board›s
136
nomination of Ernst and Young as the auditor for b. In May 2014, Rawan Abu Shahla, from the Finance
2014. Department, participated in a training course on
need assessment organized by Dan Church Aid.
Meetings of the Program Committee c. Mohammed Abu Hashem, from the Democratic
Development Unit participated in an online
The Program Committee, which supervises PCHR’s training course in January-April 2014 on advoca-
activities and which includes directors of the units, cy and campaigning organized by NOVACT and
headed by Director of PCHR or his Deputy for Pro- Barcelona University. Abu Hashem was selected
gram Affairs, held 19 meetings. A number of meet- to participate in two training courses in Madrid
ings were devoted to discuss strategic planning for and Barcelona organized by NOVACT on lobby-
the upcoming stage, including setting a new action ing and advocacy campaigns for three weeks,
plan for the next three years. which were followed by a two-month online
training to present and discuss projects.
2. Setting a Strategic Plan for 2015-2017 d. In November 2014, the directors of PCHR’s units
and a number of staff members participated in
By the end of 2014, PCHR had completed setting a training course on strategic planning imple-
the new strategic action plan for 2015-2017, as the mented by Oxfam in the context of a project
previous plan for 2012-2014 ended. The process of funded by the European Union.
preparing the plan took several months and was e. In the period 20 October-17 December 2014,
suspended during the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Fadel al-Muzeini, from the Economic, Social and
Strip. All PCHR’s bodies and staff contributed to this Cultural Rights Unit, participated in the rest and
process. The Board of Directors and the Program respite program organized by Frontline Defend-
Committee held a number of joint meetings. PCHR’s ers in Ireland.
leading bodies also held a series of meetings with f. Hany Abu Nahla, from the Translation Unit,
representatives of civil society organizations, po- joined postgraduate studies in Ireland to ob-
litical powers, human rights organizations and the tain the master degree in human rights under a
media. In addition, PCHR’s units held meetings with scholarship offered by Irish Aid.
various segments of the beneficiaries. g. In the period 6 October-10 December 2014, Mo-
hammed Alami, a lawyer in the Legal Aid Unit,
3. Capacity Building and Human Resources Devel- participated in the exchange program with the
opment European Center of Constitutional and Human
Rights in Berlin.
This includes capacity building of the staff through h. In the period 1-8 June 2014, Mahmoud al-Efranji,
training, scholarships and experience exchange. a researched in the Democratic Development
This process continued in 2014 as a number of staff Unit, participated in a training course on ac-
members participated in local and international accountability under international law organized in
tivities, the most notable of which were: Jordan by Al Haq and Al Haq Center for Applied
a. In May 2014, the finance staff participated in a International Law.
training course on preparing financial reports i. In December 2014, a number of field workers
and balance sheets and structuring projects im- participated in a training course on monitoring,
plemented by the Training and Management In- documentation and reporting organized by the
stitute (Tami) funded by Christian Aid. Arab Organization for Human Rights in Cairo.
Participants in a training course on

preparing financial reports and balance
sheets and structuring projects
137
Activities of PCHR’s
Units
PART two
138
Field Work Unit
In 2014, the Field Work Unit continued to monitor and document the human rights situation throughout
the oPt as set out in its annual plan. This year was characterized by additional activities and workload
especially in its second half, as in June Israeli forces escalated their violent attacks against Palestinian
civilians in the West Bank, particularly in Hebron, while in July they launched an unprecedented offen-
sive on the Gaza Strip, so field workers had to work 24 hours a day throughout the 51 days of the offen-
sive. PCHR, in cooperation with other human rights organizations in the Gaza Strip, recruited a number
of volunteers in order to document human rights violations during the offensive. The unit supervised
these volunteers who worked for two months.
The unit is the major artery that provides PCHR with information and data on human rights vi-
olations. The field workers of the unit in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip monitor and docu-
ment human rights violations, and interview victims or their families and encourage them to
refer to PCHR to seek legal assistance and remedy. The unit further produces weekly reports
and several press releases on Israeli human rights violations in the oPt. Additionally, the unit
monitors and documents human rights violations at the internal Palestinian level both in the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank and refers the documented materials to relevant PCHR units.
Staff members of the unit participate in various community activities and constitute a means
of communication between PCHR and the society.
In the second half of 2014, the Israeli forces launched an unprecedented offensive on the
Gaza Strip, which left disastrous consequences on all aspects of life. Thousands of Palestinian
civilians were killed or wounded and extensive destruction was inflicted on houses, civilian
facilities and the infrastructure. At the same time, the Israeli forces have continued to impose
a total closure for more than seven years, violating all fundamental rights of the Palestinian
civilian population. In 2014, the Israeli forces continued to bombard Palestinian civilian prop-
erty and conduct limited incursions into Palestinian areas located along the border between
the Gaza Strip and Israel. They also continued to attack Palestinian civilians in access-restrict-
ed areas along the eastern and northern border of the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, the Israeli forces and settlers escalated attacks against Palestinian civilians
and their property, and continued efforts to create a Jewish demographic majority in East Je-
rusalem. They further maintained hundreds of checkpoints which restricted the movement
of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank. In June, the Israeli forces launched violent
attacks against the Palestinian civilian population following the deaths of three Israeli settlers.
At the internal Palestinian level, the political split continued to impact on all aspect of life in
the Palestinian Authority controlled areas. In this regard, the unit continued to monitor and
document human rights violations at the Palestinian level in the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip.
139
Output (1)
Documentation of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the oPt
A. Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Israeli forces
B. Palestinian violations of human rights
A. Documentation of Violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by the Israeli Forces
The unit carried out the following activities:
1. Documentation of willful and extra-judicial

killings, injuries, bombardments, incursions,
house raids and arrests perpetrated by the Is-
raeli forces
According to the unit’s documentation, in 2014

the Israeli forces killed 2,281 Palestinians, includ-
ing 1,693 civilians (including 566 children and 291
women). They also wounded 11,724 Palestinians, in-
cluding 3,443 children and 2,136 women. During the
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in summer, 2,217
Palestinians were killed, including 1,642 civilians (in-
cluding 554 children and 290 women), and 10,895
others were wounded, including 3,306 children and
2,114 women.
Additionally, the Israeli forces arrested 3,340 Pales-

tinians, including 46 fishermen and 24 Palestinians
who were arrested while attempting to infiltrate into
Israel through the Gaza Strip border. This number
includes 459 children and 49 women. Emad Hawash, PCHR’s field worker in Hebron, documents
Israeli attacks
The unit further documented at least 3,215 Israeli incursions into Palestinian communities, during which 3,035
Palestinians were arrested. The Israeli forces also launched approximately 10,000 aerial, ground and naval
bombing attacks, mostly during the offensive on the Gaza Strip in summer.
2. Documentation of restrictions imposed by the Israeli on the freedom of movement
The unit monitored and documented restrictions imposed by the Israeli forces on the freedom of movement,
including the tightened closure imposed on the Gaza Strip and its impacts on the Palestinian civil, political,
economic, social and cultural rights. In this context, field workers wrote 192 reports on the movement of
goods and persons, including patients, at border crossings of the Gaza Strip. The unit also documented estab-
lishing 1,182 temporary checkpoints, in addition to 99 permanent ones, in the west of Bank, which restricted
the movement of Palestinian civilians and the denied access of Palestinian farmers to their lands. In this con-
text, the unit documented 292 cases of arresting Palestinians at military checkpoints in the West Bank and at
Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the Gaza Strip, including 73 children and 8 women. It also documented two
PART two
deaths as a result of denial of their access to medical treatment. The unit also wrote dozens of reports on the
impacts of the closure on the infrastructure, education, health and other vital sectors, including fishing, in the
Gaza Strip.
140
3. Documentation of civilian property confisca- and 67,607 women, live. The Israeli forces also leveled
tion and destruction 10,894.017 dunums of agricultural land, and destroyed
125 educational facilities, 1,592 commercial facilities,
The Gaza Strip: 214 industrial facilities and 194 mosques.
In 2014, excluding the offensive in summer, the Is-
raeli forces demolished 13 houses and destroyed 7 The West Bank:
civilian facilities. The Israeli forces destroyed 198 houses, including
96 ones in East Jerusalem. They also blew up three
During the offensive, according to monitoring and doc- houses in Hebron and East Jerusalem. Addition-
umentation by PCHR and other human rights organi- ally, they destroyed 149 civilian facilities in the West
zations in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces destroyed Bank, including East Jerusalem. The document fur-
8,347 houses completely and 23,685 other partially, in ther documented uprooting and damaging hun-
which 251,675 individuals, including 125,117 children dreds of trees.
Sabreen al-Tartour, a PCHR field

worker in Gaza City, takes an affidavit
from a victim
4. Documentation of settlement activities, attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and
property and developments related to the construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank
In 2014, the unit documented at least 200 attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and property.
The unit documented also 305 attacks by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians and international and
Israeli human rights defenders during the dispersion of peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to the
construction of the annexation wall in the West Bank. These attacks resulted in at least 363 injuries and 66
detentions. The unit documented also 12 cases of denial of farmers’ access to their lands.
5. Documentation of violations of the right to freedom of expression attacks against journalists and me-
dia institutions
In 2014, the unit documented 12 attacks by the Israeli forces against journalists and media institutions, includ-
ing closure of a number of institutions, and at least 305 attacks against local and international human rights
defenders to prevent them from participating in activities against the construction of the annexation wall.
6. Database of killings, injuries, house demolitions and land leveling, bombardments and detentions
In 2014, the unit entered at least 4,700 files into the database. The unit and other human rights organizations
entered 49,426 files relating to the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip into the database.
141
To be able to document such human rights violations, field workers carry out the following activities:
1. Field Visits and First-Hand Information 4. Collating Photographic/Video Evidence
Field workers conduct visits to the sites of violations Field workers are required to take photographs or
of human rights, despite the dangers often existing video footages of the scenes of violations wherever
in these areas. On average, a field worker can make possible. Photographic or video evidence can pro-
2-3 field visits to document one incident. vide valuable record of incidents for both legal and
historical records.
In 2014, field workers in the Gaza Strip and the West
Bank conducted approximately 50,000 field visits. The unit took hundreds of photographs of human
rights violations.
2. Interviews with Victims and/or Their Families and
Eyewitnesses 5. Collating Other Documentation Related to
Human Rights Violations
Field workers usually make interviews with several
people on every single violation in order to verify Documents, including medical reports, ownership
the accuracy of information. Eyewitnesses are very documents, personal photographs, clichés and
important to draw a clear and real picture of single maps, are also necessary evidence for legal and his-
violations, especially when field workers are not torical record of incidents.
able to reach immediately following a violation hav-
ing taken place due to dangers they may face. Field In 2014, approximately 8,000 documents were col-
workers have to work hard in this regard as they lected.
have to interview as many people as possible to
ensure the accuracy of information, and interviews
6. Writing Reports on Human Rights Violations
usually take long times.
Field workers wrote detailed reports on human
In 2014, the field workers made at least 40,000 in-
rights violations, in which eyewitnesses’ testimonies
terviews with victims and eyewitnesses. They also
and the field workers’ notes are included, to give a
gathered at least 1,000 testimonies from victims and
comprehensive description of violations.
eyewitnesses.
In 2014, the field workers wrote at least field reports
3. Completion of Forms for Reports on Violations of
on human rights violations.
Human Rights
7. Scanning of Documents to Be Entered into
These forms are designed to gather clear and ac-
curate information to be entered into the database. the Database.
Each form requests basic details on an incident, its
location, timing, victim and witnesses. Field workers The documents were scanned and then entered into
are required to complete a form for each violation PCHR’s database under the unit’s supervision.
they report. Many incidents require a number of dif-
ferent individual reports.
PART two
142
Indicators Means of Verification
»» The number of visits, the number of reports, the »» Documentation of the number of visits, the
number of interviews, the number of affidavits, number of reports, the number of interviews,
the number of photographs, the number of press the number of affidavits, the number of photo-
releases, the number of forms and the number of graphs, the number of press releases, the num-
documents entered into the database. ber of forms and the number of documents en-
»» All documented human rights violations were tered into the database.
entered into PCHR’s database. »» Dozens of photographs taken by field workers
»» All human rights violations were covered in 51 were published on PCHR’s web site.
weekly reports. »» The unit received dozens of phone calls inquiring
»» A number of cases were referred to PCHR Legal about certain human rights violations.
Aid Unit. »» The unit wrote 51 weekly reports and 114 press
»» Documents related to restrictions on the free- releases.
dom of movement were referred to PCHR Eco- »» PCHR published 6 updates on Israeli attacks
nomic, Social and Cultural Rights. against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
»» Materials available at the unit were used in writ- »» PCHR published a report on violations of chil-
ing PCHR’s annual report on the human rights dren’s rights in the Gaza Strip.
situation in the oPt. »» PCHR published 12 updates on Israeli attacks in
»» Documents related to attacks on journalists were access-restricted areas in the Gaza Strip.
used in Silencing the Press, a report prepared by »» PCHR published a report on the humanitarian
the Democratic Development Unit’s on Israeli at- situation in the Gaza Strip.
tacks against journalists. »» PCHR published two reports on the human
»» Photographs taken by field workers were put on rights situation in the oPt in the first and second
PCHR’s web site and publications. quarters of 2014.
»» Materials available at the unit were used in press »» PCHR, in cooperation with the Internal Displace-
releases and reports issued by PCHR, especially ment Monitoring Center, published a report on
the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit. Israeli attacks in the access-restricted areas in the
»» The unit director received dozens of phone calls Gaza Strip.
from other organizations inquiring about human »» Weekly reports and press releases prepared by
rights violations. the unit were published on PCHR’s web site.
»» Materials available at the unit, including figures »» All human rights violations were entered into
and statistics, were used in media interviews by PCHR’s database.
PCHR staff, and they were also used by interna- »» The unit’s staff conducted 16 media interviews.
tional inquiry missions that visited the Gaza Strip.
143
B. Documentation of Palestinian Violations of Hu- To be able to document human rights violations,

man Rights field workers carry out the following activities:
The unit carried out the following activities:
1. Field Visits and First-Hand Information
1. Documentation of the State of Lawlessness and
Proliferation of Weapons Field workers conducted field visits to scenes of in-
»» Documentation of Killings and Injuries cidents, police stations, and hospitals to obtain fur-
ther information on incidents. They also interviewed
In this context, the unit documented 132 killings, in- eyewitnesses. Field workers conducted at least 630
cluding 3 women killed allegedly to protect “family field visits in 2014.
honor.” The unit documented also 110 injuries, in-
cluding 26 children and 8 women. 2. Interviews with Victims and/or Families and Eye-
witnesses
2. Documentation of cases of medical negligence
at health care facilities that result in deaths Field workers are required to conduct interviews
with several people regarding each incident in or-
The unit documented 6 cases of alleged medical der to verify/cross-check information. Difficulties in
negligence. obtaining accurate and detailed statements include
witnesses’ fears of reprisals. In 2014, field workers
3. Documentation of mass and individual arrests made at least 350 interviews with victims and eye-
(political arrests) by security services of the witnesses, and gathered at least 300 testimonies
Gaza government and Security Services in the from victims and eyewitnesses.
West Bank
3. Completion of Forms for Reports on Violations of
The unit documented 70 political arrests in the West Human Rights
Bank, and dozens of summonses for members of
Fatah movement or on the ground of opinion and These forms are designed to gather clear and ac-
expression in the Gaza Strip. curate information to be entered into the database.
Each form requests basic details on an incident, its
4. Documentation of cases of torture in detention location, timing, victim and witnesses. Field workers
centers administered by security services in the are required to complete a form for each violation
Gaza Strip and the West Bank they report. In 2014, field workers completed 273
forms.
The unit documented 22 cases of torture.
4. Collating Photographic/Video Evidence
5. Documentation of Attacks on Public Freedoms
and the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Attacks Dozens of photographs of human rights violations
on Journalists and Media Institutions were collated.
In this context, the unit documented 15 attacks. 5. Collating Other Documents Related to Human
Rights Violations
The unit collected 130 documents that were trans-

ferred to other units.
6. Writing Reports on Human Rights Violations

PART two
In 2014, field workers wrote at least 537 reports on

human rights violations.
144
»» Information related to killings and injuries was »» The unit has a well-classified database on such
entered into the database. violations, which has been used by PCHR units
»» Cases documented by the unit with regard to the and the media.
state of lawlessness and proliferation of weapons »» The unit has an archive of field photographs.
were transferred to PCHR Democratic Develop- »» Information and photographs gathered by the
ment Unit to write press releases and field up- unit were used by other local, regional and inter-
dates. national organizations.
»» Cases documented by the unit with regard to »» The unit received at least 15 phone calls from
killings for family honor were transferred to interested people inquiring about certain viola-
Women’s Rights Unit and Democratic Develop- tions.
ment Unit. »» Information gathered by the unit and figures
»» These activities were widely covered by the me- from the database were used in a number of re-
dia. ports, including “Report on the Right to Freedom
»» Information gathered by the unit was used in of Opinion and Expression in the oPt.”
PCHR’s annual report. »» PCHR issued 45 press releases on Palestinian hu-
»» Photographs taken by field workers were used man rights violations in the oPt.
on PCHR’s web site and publications. »» PCHR issued 22 updates on the state of border
»» Many cases related to assaults on public liber- crossings in the Gaza Strip.
ties, attacks on private property, political arrests,
torture in detention facilities and closure of civil
societies organizations or charities were referred
to the Democratic Development Unit and the Le-
gal Aid Unit.
»» Cases of violations of the right to freedom of
opinion and the rights to peaceful assembly
were referred to the Democratic Development
Unit.
»» PCHR was accredited as a reliable source of infor-
mation and statistics for international, regional
and local organizations. The unit received many
phone calls and e-mails requesting information.
145
Output (2)
Reporting on Israeli violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the oPt
Verifiable Indicators
1. Weekly Report on Israeli violations of human rights in the oPt
2. Press Releases on Israeli violations of human rights in the oPt
3. Strengthening relations with the community.
4. Escorting visiting international delegations in field tours
1. Weekly Report on Israeli Violations of Human Rights in the oPt
The unit prepares weekly reports on Israeli violations of human rights in the oPt. The weekly reports are based
on information collated each week by the field workers and aim to provide a comprehensive account of Israeli
violations of human rights of Palestinians throughout the oPt each week. They are published on Thursday in
both Arabic and English.
Indicators »» Summaries of the reports are often published in

local newspapers and some web sites.
»» Preparation of weekly reports on Israeli viola- »» The unit director received dozens of inquiries
tions of human rights in the oPt. from a number of organizations and media insti-
»» Dissemination of the report. tutions.
»» Some information included in the reports was
Means of Verification used by PCHR’s staff in their interventions at con-
ferences and meetings abroad.
»» The unit prepared 51 weekly reports in 2014.
2. Press Releases on Israeli Violations of Human Rights in the oPt
The unit staff members prepare press releases on specific incidents as they occur. Press releases are issued on
events that are of particular significance. Sometimes, two or more press releases are issued on a day.
Means of Verification
Indicators
»» The unit prepared 114 press releases on Israeli
»» Preparation of press releases. violations and another 45 ones on the internal
situation.
»» Press releases are published on PCHR’s web page
and distributed by e-mail.
»» Press releases are often covered by local and in-
ternational media.
PART two
146
3. Strengthening Relations with the Community
• Meetings and Contacts with Victims of Human Rights Violations
Field workers meet with victims of human rights violations, provide them with information about the services
provided by PCHR and encourage them to go to PCHR’s offices to receive appropriate legal aid and assistance.
• Media Activities
The unit’s staff members were interviewed by the local and international media on violations of human rights
perpetrated by IOF and on the deterioration of the internal situation in the oPt. In 2014, the unit’s staff con-
ducted 16 media interviews.
Indicators
»» People’s visits to PCHR’s offices to receive legal
consultations or to know more about PCHR’s ac- »» Hundreds of victims refer to PCHR’s Legal Aid
tivities. Unit through field workers.
»» Dissemination of copies of the weekly reports in »» Dozens of people referred to PCHR to submit
the Gaza Strip and most areas in the West Bank. complaints with regard to human rights viola-
»» Media interviews. tions.
»» Cooperation of people with field workers »» Hundreds of people participated in activities or-
»» Cooperation of public institutions and security ganized by PCHR, including conferences, work-
services with field workers. shops and training courses.
»» Cases investigated by PCHR and legal aid pro- »» Hundreds of copies of weekly reports were circu-
vided accordingly. lated by field workers in the Gaza Strip and the
»» Participation in community activities. West Bank.
»» Interventions by the unit’s staff at conferences »» The unit provided data and statistics to scholars
and workshops. and university students on human rights viola-
»» Requests for information by scholars and univer- tions to assist them in their researches.
sity students for their research. »» The unit’s director and staff conducted 16 media
interviews.
4. Escorting International Delegations on Field Visits
In 2014, the unit staff members escorted visiting international delegations and individuals on visits to locations
throughout the Gaza Strip and provide on the spot briefings on recent incidents. They also organized meetings
for international figures and PCHR international staff with victims.
Indicator Means of Verification
The unit staff members briefed the international del- In 2014, the unit staff members escorted visiting in-
egations they escorted on the human rights situa- ternational delegations and individuals in at least 45
tion in the oPt. field visits throughout the Gaza Strip.
147
Other Activities Not Included in the Annual Plan
• The unit’s staff participated in a meeting on combatting crimes held in Khan Yunis Municipality.
• The unit’s staff participated on a conference against “family honor” killings.
• The field workers observed elections of the Chamber of Commerce.
• The unit’s staff participated in two seminars on the youth and unemployment organized by the Community
Media Center in Khuza’a village and al-Satar al-Gharbi area in Khan Yunis.
• The unit’s staff participated in a course on psychological release organized by PCHR for its staff following
the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
• The unit’s staff participated in a number of activities organized by PCHR or other organizations in solidarity
with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who were on hunger strikes.
• The unit held a meeting with activists of civil society groups to discuss it strategic plan.
• The unit’s staff participated in a solidarity activity organized by Solidarity Association for Human Rights fol-
lowing detention of a number of its staff members.
• The unit’s staff participated in a course on dealing with traumas.
• The unit’s staff participated in a course on documentation and monitoring mechanisms organized by
OHCHR.
• The unit’s staff participated in a training or trainers course organized by PCHR.
• The unit’s staff participated in a course on human rights documentation, monitoring and reporting organ-
ized by the Arab Organization for Human Rights in Cairo.
• The unit’s staff participated in a training course on the documentation of violations by Israeli private secu-
rity companies at checkpoints in the West Bank.
PART two
148
Legal Aid Unit
The unit made persistent efforts to complete all activities included in its annual plan for 2014 and made
efforts to carry out all of these activities. The unit provides legal assistance to Palestinian victims of hu-
man rights violations at both the Israeli and Palestinian levels.
Israeli Agenda
The unit attempted to carry out all activities set out in its annual plan regarding to providing
legal assistance to victims of human rights violations perpetrated by the Israeli force.
Output (1)
Legal Aid for Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails
1. Providing Medical Care to Prisoners
2. Ensuring Release, or Better Detention Conditions for Detainees
3. Determining the Legal Status and Places of Detention of Detainees
4. Participating in Meetings and Colloquia
5. Issuing Press Release
1. Providing Medical Care to Prisoners

»» The unit provided legal aid for 59 Palestinian
The unit coordinated and cooperated with a number prisoners in Israeli jails, specifying places of their
of Israeli health care organizations, including Physi- detention, visiting them and representing them
cians for Human Rights and the Public Committee before court.
against Torture in Israel, to follow up health condi- »» The unit followed up detention conditions of 27
tions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails through Palestinians who were arrested by Israeli forces
providing physicians who visit the prisoners. In during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza
2014, the unit followed up the health conditions of Strip. A unit lawyer visited 12 of those detainees
13 Palestinian prisoners. in Ashkelon Prison.
»» The lawyer authorized by the unit conducted
2. Ensuring Release of, or Better Detention Condi- 10 visits to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to
tions for Detainees check their health conditions and legal status.
The unit was able to provide legal aid to 5 Palestin- b. Submitting Complaints and Petitions
ian detainees to ensure their release from Israeli jails. »» The unit submitted 13 complaints to concerned
Israeli authorities, including the Israeli Prison Ser-
3. Determination of the Legal Status and Places of vice, the Public Prosecutor and the Military Ad-
Detention of Detainees vocate General, demanding release of detainees
for the deterioration of their health conditions or
a. Representing Palestinian Prisoners before Is- transferring them to other places with adequate
raeli Courts health services.
149
c. Legal Consultations to Families of Detainees tion of a wounded Palestinian.

»» An interview with ARTE TV on legal assistance
»» In 2014, the unit provided 132 legal consulta- provided to detained Palestinian fishermen.
tions to families of detainees. 5. Issuing Press Releases
4. Participation in Meetings and Colloquia »» On 16 June 2014, PCHR issued a press release
on receiving an international delegation in the
In 2013, the unit lawyers held 5 meetings in regards context of PCHR’s efforts to internationalize the
to detention conditions of Palestinian prisoners in cause of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Israeli jail: »» On 11 September 2014, PCHR issued a press
release condemning detention of a Palestinian
»» A meeting with ICRC protection department to who was wounded during the latest Israeli offen-
discuss the human rights situation, possible co- sive on the Gaza Strip.
operation and the detention conditions of Pales- »» On 14 September 2014, PCHR issued a press re-
tinian prisoners in Israeli jails. lease on its follow-up of detention conditions of
»» An interview with al-Quds TV on detention of pa- Palestinians who were arrested during the latest
tients at Erez crossing. Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
»» An interview with a-Hayat al-Jadeeda newspaper »» On 23 November 2014, PCHR issued a press re-
on detention of patients at Erez crossing. lease on arresting a Palestinian patient at Erez
»» An interview with al-Quds Radip on the deten- crossing.
»» The unit followed up health conditions of 13 Pal- »» Observation of the number of detainees suffer-
estinian prisoners in Israeli jails to ensure better ing from health problems.
health conditions for them. »» Observation of the number of released detain-
»» The unit provided legal assistance to 59 Palestin- ees.
ian prisoners in Israeli jails. »» Observation of positive feedbacks to services
»» 5 prisoners, whose cases were pursued by the provided by the unit.
unit, were released. »» Observation of increased cases of detention of
»» The lawyer authorized by the unit conducted 10 Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
visits to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
»» The unit submitted 13 complaints to concerned
Israeli authorities.
»» The unit provided 132 legal consultations to fam-
ilies of Palestinian prisoners.
»» The unit participated in 5 meetings.
»» The unit issued 4 press releases.
PART two
150
Output (2)
Legal Aid for Victims of Israeli Violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitar-
ian Law
1. Compensation for Victims
2. Prosecution of War Criminals
1. Compensation for Victims
To achieve this output, the unit carried out a number of activities as set out in its annual plan:
a. Legal Documentation
The unit has continued to document Israeli violations of human rights. The unit intensified its efforts to prepare
legal files, especially for human rights violations perpetrated during the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip (8
July – 26 August 2014), through the following steps in order to ensure access of victims to justice and remedy:
»» Examining the scenes of attacks.
»» Collating affidavits from eyewitnesses.
»» Taking photos and preparing sketches and aerial images of the scenes of attacks.
»» Obtaining necessary documents related to attacks.
»» Collecting any documents or statements issued by Israeli authorities with regard to attacks.
»» Collecting exhibits from the scenes of attacks.
»» Obtaining technical reports from EOD concerning the weapons used in attacks.
»» Obtaining powers of attorney from victims to legally represent them.
In 2014, the unit documented 254 files on Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights related to 1,080 victims,
as shown in the following table:
Table (1): Legal Files Prepared by the Unit on Israeli Violations of Human Rights in 2014
Violation Number of Files
Killings 473
Injuries 348
Destruction or robbery of property 259
Total 1,080
b. Submitting Legal Complaints on Behalf of Victims to Concerned Bodies
In 2014, the unit submitted 254 complaints in regards to 1,080 Palestinian civilians who were subject to Israeli
violations of human rights. These complaints were submitted to the Israeli Military Advocate General demand-
ing reparation for the victims. They included cases of killings, injuries and destruction or robbery of property.
151
Table (2): Complaints Regarding Cases of Killing, Injuries and Destruction and Robbery of Property and
Results of Pursuits in 2014
Subject of Complaint Number of Complaints
Killing 473
Injuries 348
Destruction or robbery of property 259
Total 1,080
The unit also sent a number of reminding letter to the Israeli Military Advocate General and the compensation
officer of the Israeli Defense Ministry regarding previous complaints.
In the addition, the unit sent written notices to the Israeli Defense Ministry in accordance with amendments
made on 24 July 2002 to the Tort Law – Liability of the State of 1952, which requires sending a written notice
within 60 days from the date of an incident to ensure that the right to judicial claims within two years from
an incident is not lost. In 2014, the unit sent 1,080 written notices to the compensation officer of the Israeli
Defense Ministry, including 1,062 ones concerning victims of “Operation Protective Edge” launched by Israel
against the Gaza Strip.
c. Complaints Concerning Attacks against Palestinian Fishermen
In 2014, the unit pursued 16 complaints concerning attacks against Palestinian fishermen, including some
from previous years. These complaints were sent to the legal advisor of the Israeli Defense Ministry, the com-
pensation officer, the claims and compensation department and the legal advisor of the Israeli Navy.
Table (3): Complaints Concerning Attacks against Palestinian Fishermen
Current Status
Subject of Complaint Number
Positive Negative Under pursuit
‫ج‬ Confiscation of fishing boats 14 1
Destruction of fishing boats 1 1
Wounding fishermen 1 1
Total 16 1 15
d. Claims before the Israeli Judiciary
»» In 2013, the unit filed two compensation claims before the Israeli judiciary concerning journalists who were
killed by Israeli forces. It also followed up several cases in the Israeli courts filed against the State of Israel
on behalf of victims of Israeli violations of human rights, including killings, injuries, house demolitions and
destruction of fishing boats. The unit demanded compensation for the victims.
»» The unit submitted an objection to the Israeli Military Advocate General concerning limiting the area of
fishing in the Gaza Strip.
»» The unit filed dozens appeals at Israeli courts against decisions to dismiss cases based on Amendment No.
PART two
8/2012, and in regards to procedures related to powers of attorney.

»» The unit followed up a petition filed on 27 December 2012, in cooperation with a number of human rights
organizations, before the Israeli Supreme Court against preventing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip who file
152
claims against Israeli forces from entering Israel claims on due time. Before the 1st of August 2002,
to appear before Israeli courts. such period had been 7 years, but the Israeli Knes-
set amended the law decreasing it to two years, ap-
It should be noticed that Israeli courts issued a num- parently to deprive Palestinians of their right to file
ber of decisions that makes it impossible for Pales- judicial claims.
tinian victims to judicial remedy. These decisions
compel each claimant in a civil case to pay a court Israeli courts often require plaintiffs to pay insurance
insurance fee (guaranty) of 20,000 NIS before the fees before initiating the judicial procedures. Such fees
court will allow the case to proceed. If the money is are left for estimations of courts. Concerning claims re-
not paid within 120 days, the claim will be dismissed. lated to damages incurred to property, the fees are pro-
portions of the values of property. In claims related to
According to the Israeli law, civil claims must be filed killings and injuries, there is no specific range for fees.
within two years from the date of the event; other-
wise, victims would lose their right to effective rem- Under the Israeli law, for a testimony or an affidavit to
edy. Fulfilling this condition is extremely difficult, be legal, an eyewitness or a victim must physically ap-
especially in light of the Israeli restrictive measures pear before a court. Since 2007, in spite of decisions by
imposed on the Gaza Strip. Two years of restrictions courts summoning victims or eyewitnesses, IOF have
mean that victims would not be able to file their prevented them from traveling outside the Gaza Strip.
e. Meetings and Seminars
In 2013, the unit held 8 meetings concerning Israeli violations of human rights and legal assistance provided
to victims:
»» Two interviews with al-Quds TV on the anniversary of the Israeli attack on al-Fakhoura School during “Op-
eration Cast Lead”, and on legal developments relating to al-Quds TV’s case before Israeli courts.
»» An interview with al-Aqsa TV on the sixth anniversary of “Operation Cast Lead” and PCHR’s legal work in
this regard, and two interviews about journalists killed during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
»» The unit held a meeting in the office of the Human Rights Defenders Network on preparing legal files.
»» Due work requirements, the unit director, lawyer Iyad Alami, and lawyer Mohammed Alami held two meet-
ings on 25 and 30 December 2014 with the Israeli Deputy Military Advocate General, his assistant, a mem-
ber of the inquiry committee established by the Israeli military and the manager of Erez crossing in the
latter’s office at Erez crossing. The meeting discussed complaints submitted by PCHR concerning Israeli at-
tacks against Palestinian civilians and property during “Operation Protective Edge”. The meeting discussed
also some cases related the right to freedom of movement.
»» Based on the unit’s interventions with the
Israeli military police concerning cases that
have been investigated, the unit sent evi-
dence concerning the attack on Moham-
med al-Abadla, an ambulance driver, in Khan
Yunis, and the attack on Ahmed al-Bura’ei, a
paramedic, in the northern Gaza Strip. The
evidence included medical reports and tes-
timonies of witnesses. The unit coordinated
for the witnesses to meet with the Israeli mili-
tary police in the present of PCHR lawyers.
Lawyer Mohammed Alami takes an affidavit

from a victim of «Operation Protective Edge»
153
f. Issuing Press Releases
The unit issued a press release on the unit’s success to ensure compensation for the al-Tilbani family through
Israeli courts.
Indicators
»» The unit documented 254 legal files.

»» The unit submitted 254 complaints concerning cases of killing and destruction and robbery of property, on
behalf of 1,080 victims.
»» The unit sent 1,080 written notices to the Compensation Officer of the Israeli Defense Ministry.
»» The unit received 10 responses to complaints concerning “Operation Protective Edge”: 4 negative ones; 5
ones on decisions to initiate investigations; and a general one concerning 225 complaints that they were
referred to concerned authorities.
»» The unit submitted 16 complaints regarding attacks against Palestinian fishermen.
»» A fishing boat were returned.
»» An objection was submitted to the Israeli Military Advocate General concerning limiting the area of fishing
in the Gaza Strip.
»» The unit received 9 negative responses to objection submitted to the Israeli Military Advocate General con-
cerning closing criminal complaints relating to attacks during “Operation Pillar of Defense”.
»» 5 claims were dismissed because of non-payment of financial guaranties.
»» The unit pursued 27 compensation claims before Israeli courts on behalf of victims.
»» Israeli courts issued a number of arbitrary decisions against victims by compelling each claimant to pay a
financial guaranty that amounts to 20,000 NIS.
»» The unit lawyers held 8 meetings.
»» The unit issued one press release.
Success Stories
»» The unit succeeded in ensuring remedy for the family of ‘Ahed al-Telbani, from al-Maghazi refugee camp in the
central Gaza Strip, who was killed by the Israeli forces 13 years ago. Following years of legal work and persis-
tent follow-up, a settlement was concluded with the Israeli Military Advocate General’s representatives to pay
175,000 NIS for the heirs of the aforementioned civilian in exchange for closing the case. On 31 January 2001,
Israeli forces stationed at al-Shuhadaa’ intersection “previously called Netzarim”, south of Gaza City, opened fire
at a cap belonging to al-Telbani from a very close range while he was passing the intersection. As a result, he
was killed.
»» During “Operation Protective Edge”, PCHR lawyers were able to assist 15 families who were caught in a danger-
ous area. The lawyers made contacts with the ICRC to secure their evacuation by ambulances to a safer area.
PCHR lawyers delivers a compensation

amount obtained from Israeli authori-
PART two
ties to the al-Talbani family
154
»» The unit established 241 files of human rights violations that were sent to the Israeli Military Advocate Gen-
eral, including killings, injuries and destruction or robbery of property.
»» In 2014, the unit received 39 responses from Israeli offi
»» cial bodies to its correspondences.
Table (4): Responses Received by the Unit from Israeli Authorities in 2014
Concerned Party Positive Negative Under pursuit Total

Compensation officer at Defense Ministry Nil 1 7 8
MAG Nil 13 18 31
Total Nil 14 25 39
»» The unit received a response from the Israeli Military Advocate General confirming that the 225 complaints
submitted by PCHR concerning “Operation Protective Edge” were received and were being considered by
concerned authorities.
»» Observation of Israel’s disregard for the rights of Palestinian victims and the international law, as 4 com-
plaints relating to “Operation Protective Edge” were dismissed.
»» Observation of continued Israeli attacks against Palestinian fishermen.
»» Arbitrary Israeli court rulings, especially concerning compensation claims as a number of claims were dis-
missed because the victims were not able to pay the financial guaranties.
»» Observation of the threats of dismissing many claims at Israeli courts because of non-payment of financial
guaranties
»» Decisions by Israeli court to dismiss 5 compensation claims.
2. Prosecution of War Criminals
Prosecution of Israeli war criminals occupies a ma-

jor part of the unit’s activities, as the Israeli judicial
system has failed to ensure justice for Palestinian ci-
vilians and has worked to provide a legal cover for
crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestin-
ian civilians. To achieve this output, the unit carried
out a number of activities as set out in its annual
plan:
a. Legal Documentation
The unit has continued to document Israeli violation

of human rights. In 2014, the unit established 254
files on Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights.
Lawyer Khalil al-Wazeer takes an affidavit from a victim
of torture
155
b. Contacts with International Attorneys and Legal Experts
The unit has maintained contacts with international attorneys and legal experts in the context of its efforts to
search for and prosecute Israeli war criminals before international tribunals. Following the end of “Operation
Protective Edge”, PCHR lawyers held a series of meetings via video conference with a committee of internation-
al legal expert for the purpose of cooperation in investigating war crimes committed by Israeli forces during
the operation. The committee was comprised of 7 legal and military experts from Italy, UK and Ireland. These
meetings served to enrich PCHR lawyers’ long experience in establishing legal files, as the experts discussed
with the lawyers a number of legal files to be prepared in accordance with international legal standards to be
usable before international tribunals.
PCHR has also continued its regular activities in this regard:
• PCHR has prepared files and cases on behalf of victims of Israeli violations of human rights to be sued be-
fore national courts in other countries, especially the United Kingdom and Spain.
• PCHR has maintained cooperation with the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) in New York and Hickman
& Rose in London, which work on the prosecution of war criminals.
• PCHR has continued to follow up lawsuits filed against Israeli war criminals in the Netherlands and Spain.
c. Meetings and Consultations with Experts on the Issue of Universal Jurisdiction
The unit was not able to organize any meeting due to the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Indicators by Chief London Magistrate Timothy Workman

against Major General (retired) Doron Almog is
»» The unit has documented 254 legal files. still effective.
»» PCHR has prepared dozens of cases to be pur-
sued under the principle of universal jurisdiction. Means of Verification
»» PCHR has continued to follow 3 claims against Is-
raeli war criminals before the national judiciaries »» This issue has attracted a special Palestinian, Is-
of the Netherlands and Spain. raeli and international legal attention.
»» PCHR has maintained efforts to prosecute Israeli »» Raising this issue can deter many individuals
war criminals before the national judiciaries of a from committing war crimes fearing from being
number of European countries. prosecuted before the international judiciary.
»» Movement of a number of Israeli officials respon- »» Restricted movement of Israeli officials due to
sible for war crimes against Palestinians has been concerns that arrest warrants may be issued
restricted in a number of countries due to claims against them.
brought against them before courts.
»» The arrest warrant issued on 10 September 2005
PART two
156
Output (3)
Legal Aid to Those Who Are Denied Freedom of Movement
The unit continued to provide legal aid for Palestinian civilians with regard to restrictions imposed on their
freedom of movement. Israel has continued to impose a tightened closure n the Gaza Strip and continued to
close its border crossings. They imposed additional restriction on the movement of Palestinian civilians, includ-
ing patients who need advanced medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. To achieve this output, the unit
carried out a number of activities as set out in its annual plan.
1. Complaints Regarding Freedom of Movement
In 2014, the unit pursued 219 complaints submitted to the humanitarian cases center at Erez crossings.
Table (5): Complaints Regarding Freedom of Movement and Results of Pursuits in 2014
Current Status
Number of
Subject of Complaint
Complaints
Positive Negative Under pursuit
Denial of traveling to Israel for medical treatment 47 23 14 10
Denial of traveling to the West Bank and Jordan

118 44 41 33
for medical treatment
Denial of traveling to accompany patients 9 4 2 3
Denial of traveling of traders to Israel and the

43 8 18 17
West Bank
Denial of traveling of Palestinians to Israel and
11 0 11 0
the West Bank to join their families
Preventing Palestinians from Jerusalem from en-
9 7 2 0
tering Gaza
Preventing Palestinians from traveling to the

West Bank to attend meetings or interviews in 2 1 1 0
embassies
Denial of traveling to the West Bank and Jerusa-

5 1 4 0
lem for religious purposes
Preventing Palestinians from traveling abroad for
47 27 15 5
studying and for other purposes
Total 291 115 108 68
Additionally, the unit sent dozens of reminding letters in regards to complaints related to restriction on the
freedom of movement.
157
2. Networking with Human Rights Organizations
PCHR has strong relations with a number of human rights organizations to ensure the freedom of movement
of Palestinian civilians. In this context, PCHR has relations with Physician for Human Rights in Israel. In 2014,
the unit sent 102 letters to the External Medical Treatment Department in Gaza and to Physicians for Human
Rights in Israel with regard restrictions imposed on access of patients from the Gaza Strip to medical treatment
abroad and in Israel.
Indicators
»» In 2014, the unit pursued 219 complaints concerning freedom of movement.

»» The unit received 115 positive responses to the complaints it submitted.
»» The unit sent 102 letters to the External Medical Treatment Department in Gaza and to Physicians for Hu-
man Rights.
»» The unit received 100 positive responses to its letters to health organizations concerning patients.
Success Stories
1. “I have never realized the risk of being deprived of the ID card… at a moment it could mean life”
A. A., 36, began her talk to a PCHR lawyer when she resorted to PCHR seeking help to save her life.
Her problem started in February 2014, when she suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage due to hypertension, which
resulted in paralyses to the right hand and foot. Doctors decided to urgent fix a filter in the leg to prevent the spread
of clots to sensitive parts of the body. As this kind of treatment was not available in Gaza, she was immediately re-
ferred to al-Mezan Hospital in Hebron. Her family submitted an application to the Civil Affairs Department, but they
did not receive any response because she did not have an ID card. On 23 February 2014, her husband came to PCHR
seeking assistance. Immediately, PCHR intervened with concerned authorities, especially the humanitarian center
at Erez Crossing and the Palestinian Ministry of Health. On 24 February, the lawyers› efforts proved fruitful and the
patient travelled to al-Mezan Hospital in Hebron where she received the necessary medical treatment. She returned
to Gaza one week later in a good health condition.
2. The unit provided legal assistance to a cancer patient
On 28 May 2014, N. J, traveled to the Arab Care Center to have atomic scanning, after the unit had intervened with
concerned authorities. N. J. suffers from breat cancer, and doctors confirmed that medical treatment for her was
not available in the Gaza Strip. Accordingly, she was referred to a hospital in the West Bank. On 29 April 2014, Israeli
authorities rejected her application to travel to the West Bank through Erez crossing. She resorted to PCHR seeking
assistance. Immediately, PCHR lawyers made necessary efforts to ensure her travel, and their efforts succeeded.
»» The unit noticed continued restrictions imposed on the movement of Palestinian civilians by the Israeli
forces.
PART two
»» The unit noticed cooperation between PCHR and many health and human rights organizations.
158
Output (4)
Contribution to International Advocacy Projects
This output included a number of activities which were carried out in cooperation with PCHR’s International
Unit.
1. Contribution to interventions before UN bodies
The unit carried out this activity in cooperation with the International Unit, by providing it with necessary data
to prepare interventions before UN bodies.
2. Providing assistance to international fact-finding missions
In 2013, the unit did not provide such assistance because no fact-fining missions came to the Gaza Strip. How-
ever, the unit director held 6 meetings with international figures who wished to know about the human rights
situation in the oPt. He briefed them on the human rights situation in the oPt, especially in the Gaza Strip.
3. Testifying before the UN Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the
Palestinian People and Other Arabs in the Occupied Territories.
In 2014, the unit director did not testify before the UN Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the
Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs in the Occupied Territories.
Output (5)
Providing Legal Aid to Ensure the Release Bodies of Palestinians Held by IOF
1. Complaints Demanding Release of Bodies
In 2014, the unit continued to follow up 14 cases of requests for return of victims’ bodies, including cases from
previous years. It also submitted 2 complains in this regard. Israeli authorities have continued to hold the bod-
ies of some Palestinians, refusing to deliver them to their families for burial in violation of humanitarian norms.
2. Filing Claims
As the Israeli occupation authorities procrastinated in responding to PCHR’s correspondences with regard to
the release of bodies of victims, the unit filed an appeal at the appeal department of the Israeli Military Advo-
cate General.
159
Indicators
»» The unit has followed up one appeal submitted to the appeal department of the Israeli military prosecution
with regard to the release bodies of 16 victims.
»» The unit noticed interest in its efforts in this regard.
Obstacles
»» Israeli authorities have continued to keep bodies of Palestinian victims.

»» The unit noticed political extortion by the Israeli occupation authorities in dealing with this use.
Output (6)
Promotion of the Right of Health
1. Ensuring Financial Coverage and Ensuring Access to Medical Treatment
The unit has continued to provide legal services to patients. For this purpose it maintained communication
with some health organizations, especially the External Medical Treatment Department of the Palestinian Min-
istry of Health, to ensure appointments and financial coverage for patients. In 2014, the unit provided assis-
tance to 554 patients.
2. Coordination with Concerned Bodies to Ensure Travel of Patients
The unit facilitated coordination for the travel of 481 patients to hospitals outside the Gaza Strip through Erez
crossing and Rafah International Crossing Points.
It should be noted that each patient has to pass through a series of complicated procedures in order to be able
to travel for medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. The unit provides another form of assistance with regard
to patients whose condition cannot by diagnosed at local hospitals. It contacts relevant organizations, in order
to ensure financial coverage and an appointment at an Israeli hospital.
Indicators
»» The unit ensured appointments and financial coverage for 554 patients.
»» The unit facilitated coordination for the travel of 481 patients.
PART two
160
Success Stories
1. During “Operation Protective Edge”, the unit was able to facilitate the referral and travel of 149 patients to hos-
pitals in Israel through Erez crossing. It obtained appointments for those patients and coordinated their travel
through the crossing.
2. “I have made everything to save my sister, and you are my last resort…”
These were the words of a man who came to the unit on 6 January 2014 asking for help to save the life of his sister,
A. M., who was suffering from leukemia and was in need for urgent transplantation of a spinal cord, but he could
not afford to pay the high amount of money required for the operation. He pointed out that the Ministry of Health
provided him with a small portion of the required amount, but he could not provide the remaining amount. Imme-
diately, PCHR lawyer made contract with the Ministry of Health to cover the expenses of her treatment. The Ministry
referred her to an Israeli hospital, and the maximum limit of the Ministry’s financial coverage was 245,000 NIS, while
the required amount was 357,713 NIS. Following PCHR’s efforts, on 16 January 2014, the patient obtained the re-
quired amount for the operation.
»» Positive feedbacks by clients.

»» The unit noticed cooperation by medical organizations and the Ministry of Health in Ramallah, especially
during the closure of the External Medical Treatment Department.
Palestinian Agenda
In 2014, the negative developments at the internal Palestinian level impacted on activities
conducted by the unit.
Output (1)
Providing Legal Aid for Prisoners in Palestinian Jails
1. Stopping Political Arrests
The unit has made efforts to ensure the release of political prisoners. In 2014 the unit received 23 notifications
about arrests. In the context of its legal assistance program, the unit determined places of detention of the
detainees, and held meetings with competent authorities to urge them to stop illegal arrests.
2. Ensuring the Release of, or Better Detention Conditions for Detainees
161
A. Representation of Detainees and Visits to De- 3. Stopping Torture

tention Centers
Complaints
The unit continued to provide legal aid to Pales-
tinian prisoners in Palestinian jails. PCHR lawyers »» The unit submitted 13 complaints to the Minister
visited detainees in detention centers to observe of Justice, the Attorney General and the comp-
their health conditions and legal status and en- troller of security services in the Ministry of In-
sure better detention conditions. terior concerning illegal detention and beating
and inhuman and degrading treatment of per-
1. The unit lawyers made 10 visits to detention sons.
centers of the Internal Security Service in
Gaza.
2. The unit lawyers visited 10 detainees to
check their health conditions.
B. Meetings and Contacts
1. On 18 February 2014, a meeting was held

with the chief of the Internal Security Service
to discuss the detention conditions of prison-
ers.
2. On 2 July 2014, a meeting was held with ICRC
protection department in Gaza. The meeting
discussed the human rights situation, coop-
eration between PCHR and the ICRC and the
detention conditions of prisoners. PCHR lawyers and trainees during an NRC
training project for lawyers
4. Observation of Court Hearings
The operation of Palestinian courts has continued to be instable due to the political fragmentation in the Pal-
estinian National Authority and the subsequent measures taken by the government in Gaza. Such measures
have largely undermined respect for human rights and the separation of powers.
»» In 2014, the Military Court and a civil court in Gaza issued 6 death sentences.
»» The unit documented extra-judicial execution death sentences against 11 persons, including 9 ones during
the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
»» The unit was informed about the detention of 23 »» The unit observed illegal detention and torture
persons. of persons in detention facilities.
»» The unit lawyers conducted 10 visits to deten- »» The unit observed positive cooperation by con-
tion centers in the Gaza Strip. cerned authorities.
»» The unit visited 10 detainees. »» The unit noticed an increase in the number of
»» The unit submitted 13 complaints. death sentences by courts in Gaza.
»» The unit has not received any responses to its »» The unit noticed the execution of death sentenc-
complaints. es without the Palestinian President’s ratification.
»» The unit held 2 meetings with regard to detainees.
PART two
»» Courts in Gaza issued 6 death sentences.

»» The unit documented extra-judicial execution
death sentences against 11 persons.
162
Output (2)
Legal Assistance to Victims of the Misuse of Authority

1. Ensuring the application of the Civil Service Law
2. Ensuring the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly
1. Ensuring the Application of the Civil Service Law
The unit was not able to carry out this activity due to the ongoing political split between the West Bank and
the Gaza Strip.
»» Complaints and Claims before Courts on Behalf of Victims of the Misuse of Authority
In 2014, the unit submitted a number of complaints to concerned authorities and held a number of meet-
ings with concerned parties with regard to the misuse of authority.
Complaints Submitted by the Unit to Concerned Bodies
Concerned Body Number of Complaints
Ministry of Justice 1
Ministry of Transportation 1
Attorney-General (Ramallah and Gaza) 3
Ministry of Interior (Ramallah and Gaza) 5
Ministry of Health 2
Ministry of Finance 1
Total 13
»» Meetings and Interventions
In 2014, the unit held 5 meetings:

1. A meeting with the public relations officer of the Ministry of Interior, which discussed the human rights
situation.
2. A meeting with the chief of the Internal Security Service, which discussed the detention conditions of
prisoners in Palestinian jails.
3. A meeting with the chairman of the Palestinian Fishermen Syndicate on fishermen’s complaints.
4. A meeting with the project manager of the Water Authority to discuss the problem of drinking water in
the east of the Gaza Strip.
5. A meeting with the director-general of social care and medical rehabilitation department to ensure
providing disabled persons with health insurance.
163
Indicators
»» 13 complaints were submitted by the unit in 2013.

»» The unit received 4 positive responses and a negative one to these complaints.
»» The unit held 5 meetings with concerned authorities concerning the misuse of authority.
Success Story
“No words can be enough to thank you all,” Z. D. said to PCHR lawyer when she received her passport.
Z. D., 76, was suffering from heart problems, and as treatment for her condition was not available in Gaza, doctors
decided to refer her to hospital aboard. As she did not have a passport, she was not able to travel. She came to Gaza
in 2008 by an Egyptian travel document, and since then she had not left the Gaza Strip. She resorted to PCHR to
solve her problem. When she came to PCHR, the lawyer immediately sent a letter to the Minister of Interior to issue a
passport for her for external uses. On 14 September 2014, PCHR’s efforts proved fruitful, and a Palestinian passport
was issued for the woman.
»» The unit noticed continued misuse of authority by executive bodies.

»» The unit received a number of responses to its complaints.
»» The unit noticed cooperation by concerned bodies during meetings with the unit lawyers.
2. Ensuring the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly
The unit made serious attempts to carry out this activity, but it faced some problems because victims of viola-
tions of this right refused to submit complaints.
PART two
164
Output (3)
Legal Aid to Victims of Lawlessness
1. Confronting the state of lawlessness and the proliferation of weapons
The unit did not implement this activity.
2. Making efforts to stop encroachments on public property
The unit did not implement this activity.
Output (4)
Legal Aid for Victims of Medical Negligence
1. Complaints and Meetings
»» The unit submitted 3 complaints concerning medical negligence.

»» On 16 January 2014, a report was published in al-Risala newspaper on the legal assistance provided by the
unit to victims of medical negligence.
»» PCHR lawyers were interviewed by Palestine TV and Hona al-Quds TV on the legal assistance provided by
the unit to victims of medical negligence.
2. Compensation Claims
The compensation claim field by PCHR in 2006 before Gaza initial proceedings court demanding compensa-
tion for the deaths of twins due to medical negligence is still delayed to the judicial situation in the Gaza Strip.
Indicators
»» The unit submitted 3 complaints.

»» The unit has not received any responses to the complaints.
»» The unit held 3 meetings.
»» The unit documented cases of medical negligence.

»» Clients were satisfied by the legal aid provided by the unit.
165
Output (5):
Capacity Building of Staff
In 2014, the unit lawyers participated in a number of training courses:
• In the period 20-22 January 2014, the unit director and a unit lawyer participated in an international confer-
ence organized by Palestine Bar Association in Jericho on Palestine and international law.
• On 12 May 2014, a unit lawyer participated in a meeting on law judicial proceedings organized by the Pal-
estinian Center for Conflict Resolution in Gaza City.
• On 25 June 2014, a unit lawyer participated in a workshop organized by al-Mezan Center for Human Rights
on legislation under the ongoing political split.
• In the period 6 October to 10 December 2014, a unit lawyer participated in the exchange program with the
European Center of Constitutional and Human Rights in Berlin.
Lawyer Ahlam al-Aqra' delivers

a lecture on women's political
participation
»» The unit lawyers participated in 5 activities. »» Increased skills of lawyers.

»» 5 lawyers participated in these activities. »» Invitations to lawyers to participate in training
courses.
PART two
166
Output (6):
Raising Legal Awareness
1. Legal Consultation
The unit provided 4,230 legal consultations to 5,850 clients.
2. Contribution to Training Courses Organized by PCHR
The unit delivered 20 lectures on the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, requirements for a fair
trial, judicial remedy for victims and challenges facing Palestinian fishermen and farmers.
»» The unit received 5,850 clients. »» Positive feedbacks by clients.

»» The unit provided 4,230 legal consultations. »» Positive feedbacks by trainees.
»» The unit lawyers delivered 20 lectures in training
courses organized by PCHRl.
»» The number of trainees who attended these lec-
tures was 429.
Activities Not Included in the Annual Plan
1. The unit sent a letter to the Embassy of Jordan in Ramallah to help a Jordanian patient who lives
in Gaza travel through Erez crossing to be able to travel to Jordan to receive medical treatment.
2. On 1 October 2014, the unit started a one-year training program in international humanitarian
law and criminal law for 6 young lawyers who participated in the International Criminal Law Moot
Court Competition.
167
Democratic Development Unit
The unit carried out the activities as set out in its 2014 annual plan, with some adjustments due the de-
velopments on the ground, especially the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. The unit was supposed to
supervise preparing a comprehensive report on the Israeli offensive, but it was agreed later that a joint
report would be prepared by the four partner organizations that jointly worked on the documentation
of human rights violations during the offensive: PCHR, Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, Al-Dameer
Association for Human Rights and Al-Haq.
Output (1)
Raising Awareness of the International Community and the Local Public on Violations of Civil and Politi-
cal Rights and International Human Rights Law in the oPt
Activities
1. PCHR’s Annual Report 2013
1. The report occupied a large portion of the unit’s burden of work in the first quarter of 2014.
2. The report was published by PCHR on 25 March 2014.
3. On 25 March 2014, PCHR held a reception in the Roots Restaurant in Gaza City to declare the publication
of the report. The event was attended by about 150 representatives of civil society organization and politi-
cal factions, members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, jurists and journalists. Electronic copies of the
report and hard copies of its summary. The report was widely disseminated locally and internationally.
Announcement of the publication

of PCHR Annual Report 2013, 27
March
2. Two Quarterly Reports on the Human Rights Situation in the oPt

PART two
• The first report, which covered the first quarter of the year, was published on 1 April 2014, while the second
one, which covered the second quarter of the year, was published in July 2014
• The two reports were widely disseminated and two news released about them were issued.
168
3. Press Releases and Other Media Outputs man rights. The conference was organized by
the Gaza Community Mental Health Program, Al
• The unit issued 58 press releases on Palestinian Mezan Center for Human Rights and the Office of
violations of human rights, including violations the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the
of the right to freedom of opinion and expres- Roots Restaurant in Gaza. The unit director facili-
sion, the right to peaceful assembly, the right to tated a session that addressed torture, adminis-
freedom of association, the death penalty and trative detention and hunger strikes.
other issues, as well as Israeli violation of Pales- • On 27 September, the unit director participated
tinian human rights in the oPt, including willful in a seminar on the possibility of prosecuting Is-
killings, torture and other violations. raeli occupation officials, which was organized
by the Center for Political and Development
4. Media Interviews: Studies in Gaza. He submitted an intervention
of the Palestinian and international efforts that
The unit’s staff made more than 70 interviews with should be made in order to prosecute Israeli oc-
the local, Arab and international media cupation officials at international tribunals and
the obstacles facing such efforts.
5. Participation in Activities Organized by Civil So- • On 1 October, Mohammed Abu Hashem, a re-
ciety Organizations searched in the unit, participated in a seminar or-
ganized in Madrid for Spanish and international
The unit’s staff participated in a number of activities activists on the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
organized by civil society organizations in 2014. The In his intervention, Abu Hashem addressed the
unit’s staff presented working papers or facilitated European official position which contributed to
discussions in the following activities: the continuity of the offensive, PCHR’s efforts to
prosecute war criminals and the role that should
• On 8 June, the unit director submitted an inter- be played by human rights and peace activists
vention on civil and political rights in an activity around the world to end the suffering of the Pal-
organized by the Center for Political and Devel- estinian people.
opment Center in Gaza. • On 7 October 2014, Mohammed Abu Hashem, a
• On 26 June, the unit director participated in a researched in the unit, participated in a seminar
conference on administrative detention and held in Barcelona on the Israeli offensive on the
forcible feeding of detainees as violations of hu- Gaza Strip.
Indicators
»» Media coverage of the annual report: Several journalists attended the press conference held by PCHR, and
the media reported on it.
»» The report was used in reports and publications issued by local and international organizations.
»» PCHR has a documentation of news published in the media about the unit’s activities.
»» PCHR has a documentation of some reports which depended on information included in the annual report.
169
Output (2)
Documentation of the State of Lawlessness and Attacks on the Rule of Law and
Activities
1. Press Releases
They units issued 12 press releases in 2014 focusing on the state of lawlessness and murders of women moti-
vated by the so-called family honor.
2. Field Updates
In 2014, the unit issued 38 field updates on human rights violations related to the state of lawlessness and at-
tacks on the rule of law, including violations of the right to life and the misuse of weapons.
Indicators
»» The number of press releases and field updates: PCHR issued 12 press released and 38 field updates.
»» Wide media coverage of these activities.
»» Observation of the use of such materials by local and international organizations.

»» Documentation of media reports in this regard.
Output (3)
Efforts to Minimize Violations of the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly through
Reporting on These Violations
Activities
1. Periodic Report on Violations of the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly
The report is being prepared.
2. Silencing the Press: Israeli Attacks on Journalists and Media Institutions

PART two
This is the 16th in this series or reports. It covered the period from 1 January 2013 ro 31 March 2014. It was pub-
lished on 3 May 2014, and PCHR issued a news release on its publication.
170
3. A Paper on Israeli Attacks against Journalists violations against journalists and media person-
and Media Institutions during the Offensive on nel, “Silencing the Press,” and the second is on the
Gaza human rights situation in the oPt from 01 Janu-
ary to 31 March 2014. Three focused discussion
»» The unit prepared a paper on Israeli attacks sessions were held later as part of the activity.
against journalists and media institutions during First, a discussion on the “Reality of Press Free-
the offensive in the Gaza Strip. It documented doms”, in which Lana Shaheen, a reporter of al-
all Israeli attacks in this context, and it was pub- Mayadeen channel, was hosted and interviewed
lished on 3 August 2014. by Abdul Nasser Abu ‘Oun, an announcer at al-
Quds Radio. Second: a discussion on “Defending
4. Foldouts Press Freedoms”. Lawyer Raji Sourani, Director
of PCHR, was interviewed by Samia al-Zubaidi,
»» The unit updated a foldout on the right to free- a journalist at Media Development Center – Bir
dom of expression. It is distributed locally, espe- Zeit University. The third discussion was about
cially during meetings and activities organized “Governmental Policies towards Press Freedoms”.
by PCHR. Ehab al-Ghussain, Director of the Governmental
Information Office – Gaza, was interviewed by
5. Press Releases Fat’hi Sabbah, Director of the Palestinian Insti-
tute for Communication and Development.
»» The unit issued 3 press releases on violations of »» Three of the meetings organized under Output
the right to freedom of expression. (9) were devoted to discuss issues relating to the
right to freedom of opinion and expression.
6. Advocacy Activities »» On 5 January, the unit director participated in a
seminar organized on media freedoms in light
»» On Monday, 05 May 2014, PCHR organized an of regional changes, which was organized by
activity on press freedoms in Palestine on the the Democratic Media Community in Laterna
occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, 03 Restaurant in Gaza City. He submitted a working
May. The event that was held in the Light House paper of media freedom under the ongoing Pal-
Restaurant’s hall in Gaza City was attended by estinian political split.
a large number of journalists, representatives »» On 8 December, Mohammed Abu Hashem, a
of community-based organizations, politicians, researched in the unit, participated in a pro-
members of the Palestinian Legislative Council gram broadcasted by Hona al-Quds Television
and the Government Information Office, and on the freedom of thought and expression. He
public figures. In conjunction with this occasion, explained the rights and legal restrictions under
PCHR issued two reports; the first is about Israeli internal law and standards.
Meetings organized by the Democratic

Development Unit on media freedoms
in Palestine, 5 May
171
»» Decreased attacks against journalists and media »» PCHR has a documentation of violations of the
institutions: Regrettably, the political split and rights to freedom of opinion and expression.
conflict between the two governments in Gaza »» PCHR has a documentation of media coverage of
and Ramallah contributed to increased attacks the activities.
on the freedom of opinion and expression in the
oPt.
»» Media coverage: The unit’s activities were cov-
ered by the media.
Output (4)
Efforts to Protect the Right to Peaceful Assembly, Including Annulling the Executive Bill of the Public
Meetings Law of 1998 Which Restricts This Right
Activities
1. Periodic Report on Israeli Violations of the Right to Peaceful Assembly
The report is being prepared.
2. Press Releases on the Right to Peaceful Assembly
The unit issued 6 press releases on violations of the right to peaceful assembly.
3. Foldout
The unit updated and published a foldout on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. It is distributed in
activities organized by the unit.
Indicators
»» Decreased violations of the right to peaceful assembly: There was no decrease in these violations.
»» Media coverage: The unit’s activities were covered by the media.
»» PCHR has a documentation of violations of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression.
»» PCHR has a documentation of media coverage of the activities.
PART two
172
Output (5)
Efforts to Protect the Right to Freedom of Association through Reporting on Violations of This Right and
Advocacy Activities
Activities
1. Report on the State of the Right to Freedom of Association
The report was not published due to the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, as the unit’s staff members were
involved in preparing a comprehensive report on the offensive.
2. Press Releases
The unit issued one press release on violations of the right to freedom of association.
3. Advocacy and Lobbying in Support for Freedom of Association
The unit was involved in several activities to protect the right to freedom of association, including activities in
cooperation with human right organizations and the Palestinian NGO Network.
»» On 21 May 2014, the unit prepared a letter that was sent by PCHR to political leaders in Gaza. The letter
highlighted major decisions and laws relating to the right to the right to freedom of association, which
were issued under the ongoing political split in violation of Palestinian laws and international standards.
A report on the impact of the role and regulation of associations, the section on the right to freedom of
association in the Annual Report 2013 and the section on the right to freedom of association in the first
quarterly report 2014 were enclosed with the letter.
»» On 24 December 2014, Mohammed Abu Hashem, a researched in a unit, submitted a research paper in a
conference organized by al-Dameer Association for Human Rights on the right to freedom of association.
The paper was entitled “Mechanisms of Incorporating International Standards Relating to the Right to Free-
dom of Association in Palestinian Legislation”.
Indicators
»» Decreased violations of the right to freedom of association: Such violations continue under the ongoing
political division.
»» Media coverage: The local media reported on the unit’s activities.
»» PCHR has a documentation of media coverage of the activities.

»» Documentation of violations.
173
Output (6)
Contribution to the Protection of the Right Not to Be Subject to Illegal Detention, Torture and Other
Forms of Cruel and Degrading Treatment
Activities
1. Report on Detention of Torture under the Palestinian National Authority
The report covers torture cases in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in the period from May 2013 until June
2014. It was published in July 2014.
2. Press Releases
The unit issued 6 press releases.
3. Advocacy Activities
On 26 June, the unit director participated in a conference on administrative detention and forcible feeding of
detainees as violations of human rights. The conference was organized by the Gaza Community Mental Health
Program, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the
Roots Restaurant in Gaza. The unit director facilitated a session that addressed torture, administrative deten-
tion and hunger strikes.
Indicators
»» Decreased cases of illegal detention and torture: cases illegal detention and torture are still reported.
»» Media coverage of these activities.
»» Observation of decreased cases of illegal detention and torture.

»» Documentation of media publications based on PCHR’s publications.
PART two
174
Output (7)
Abolishment or Suspension of the Death Penalty
Activities
1. Press Releases
The unit issued 6 press releases condemning death sentences.
2. Workshops and Meetings with Youth Groups and Civil Society Activists to Raise Debate on the Death Pen-
alty and the Need to Abolish It
»» On 27 October 2014, the unit organized a panel discussion on “Prosecuting Suspected Collaborators with
Israeli Forces and Extra-judicial Executions” in the Laterna hall in Gaza City. A number of politicians, mem-
bers of the Palestinian Legislative Council and CBOs, representatives of the police and security services,
public figures, academics and media figures participated in the panel discussion. The panel discussion was
held in view of extra-judicial executions applied during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, as PCHR
believes such crimes undermine the rule of law, security and serenity of the Palestinian society. Therefore,
PCHR works on putting an end to this phenomenon in cooperation with different competent bodies, stress-
ing the importance of prosecuting suspected collaborators in the context of the rule of law and guarantees
to a fair trial. Furthermore, the panel aimed to highlighting the phenomenon of prosecuting suspected
collaborators with the Israeli forces, the application of extra-judicial executions and the position of human
rights organizations regarding this phenomenon.
A seminar on extra-judicial
execution of persons suspected
of collaboration with
Israeli authorities, 27 October
»» In an unprecedented step in the process of in- in Arabic and English. They were involved in the
creasing human rights awareness, on 27 Novem- discussion, expressed their opinions and asked
ber 2014, the unit coordinated with the Social questions. The attendants in the hall and via
Media to broadcast a workshop on the abolish- the social media network discussed their view-
ment of the death penalty through social media points and visions concerning the death penalty
networks – Twitter and Facebook – and allow and the need to abolish it. the workshop was
followers to watch the Power Point training ma- attended by 24 persons, including 12 women,
terial, express their opinions and ask questions. and was organized in Light House Hall in Gaza
The workshop was followed by 33,000 persons City. The workshop discussed a number of top-
175
ics, including the death penalty in international »» Additionally, two awareness meetings addressed
and domestic laws; guarantees regarding the the abolishment of the death penalty as detailed
application of the death penalty under interna- under Output (10) below.
tional and domestic standards; the debate over
the abolishment of the death penalty; and legal 3. A Position Paper and a Foldout
and objective justifications for PCHR’s rejection
for the death penalty in Palestine. The workshop »» The unit updated and published a position paper
also addressed extra-judicial executions for al- of extra-judicial execution for alleged collabora-
leged collaboration with Israeli occupation au- tion with Israeli forces.
thorities, and their serious impact on the security »» The unit updated and published a foldout on the
and rule of law in the Palestinian society. abolishment of the death penalty in the Palestin-
ian Authority.
Indicators
»» Abstention from implementing death sentences: Regrettably, 2 death sentences were executed in the Gaza
Strip, while no one was executed in the West Bank.
»» For the 7th consecutive year, the Palestinian President has not ratified any death sentences.
»» Abstention from issuing new death sentences: 8 death sentences were issued in Gaza, while no sentences
were issued in the West Bank.
»» Amendments to laws: No amendments have been made to laws that allow the death penalty.
»» Media coverage of activities: The unit’s activities were covered by the media.
»» Contribution to raising debate in the society over the death penalty.
»» Monitoring and documentation.
Mohammed Abu Hashem, a legal

researcher, during a meeting with civil
society activists on the death penalty
PART two
176
Output (8)
Monitoring the Performance of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and Urging It to Assume Its Full
Responsibilities
1. Monitoring the Work of the Change and Reform Bloc in Gaza and Legislations Promulgated in the PLC’s
Name
»» The unit monitors and documents legislations passed by the Change and Reform Bloc.
2. Monitoring Decrees That Have the Power of Laws Issued by the Palestinian President Allegedly Because
the PLC Is Absent
»» The unit monitors and documents decrees that have the power of laws issued by the Palestinian President.
»» On 3 December 2014, Mohammed Abu Hashem, a researched in the unit was interviewed via telephone by
al-Kitab Television on the legislative process under the ongoing political split and their fate if a Palestinian
reconciliation is achieved.
Indicators
»» More awareness of the work mechanisms of the PLC and criticism to its performance.
»» Media coverage of activities.
Output (9)
Contribution to Support of Efforts to Hold General and Local Elections in the Palestinian National Au-
thority
No public or local elections were held in 2014. During the year, the issue of elections was part of advocacy ac-
tivities by PCHR and the unit, including support for the national reconciliation and creation of an appropriate
environment for elections.
The unit updated and issued a foldout on the right to political participation. It is distributed in events organ-
ized by the unit.
177
Output (10)
Raising Awareness of 600 Young Men and Women of Values of Democracy and Fundamental Freedoms
through Workshops and Lectures Organized in Cooperation with Civil Society Organizations
The unit organized 26 workshops on democratic concepts and human rights, which targeted 549 persons,
including 280 women, in cooperation with 12 society organizations and youth groups.
Table of Workshops
attendants
Topic Partner Organization Place Date
No.
Males Females Total
Youth Capacity Develop-

1 Political participation PCHR, Gaza 14 5 19 23 Jan.
ment Team
Democracy and political Youth Capacity Develop-

2 PCHR, Gaza 18 5 23 26 Jan.
regimes ment Team
Youth Defenders of Hu-

3 Political participation PCHR, Gaza 5 12 17 28 Jan.
man Rights
Legitimate restrictions on the

4 right to freedom of opinion PCHR, Gaza 17 9 26 30 Jan.
ment Team
and expression
Democracy and political Youth Defenders of Hu-

5 PCHR, Gaza 7 10 17 3 Feb.
regimes man Rights
Abolishment of the death Youth Capacity Develop-

6 PCHR, Gaza 13 8 21 6 Feb.
penalty ment Team

7 right to freedom of opinion PCHR, Gaza 7 9 16 11 Feb.
ment Team
and expression
Youth Defenders of Hu-

8 The death penalty PCHR, Gaza 7 10 17 18 Feb.
man Rights
Adwaa Training
9 Political participation Adwaa Training Center 3 11 14 23 Feb.
Center
Freedom of opinion and Adwaa Training

10 Adwaa Training Center 3 8 11 24 Feb.
expression Center
Legislation and parliamen- Palestinian Defenders of

11 PCHR, Gaza 11 14 25 25 Feb.
tary monitoring Human Rights
PART two
Palestinian Defenders of
12 Transitional justice PCHR, Gaza 8 14 22 4 Mar.
Human Rights
178
attendants
Topic Partner Organization Place Date
No.
Males Females Total

Southern Female Media The forum›s
14 right to freedom of opinion 11 15 26 29 May
Professionals Forum office, Rafah
and expression
Southern Female Media The forum›s

15 Transitional justice 10 12 22 5 Jun.
Professionals Forum office, Rafah
Abolishment of the death Southern Female Media The forum›s

17 8 13 21 18 Sep.
penalty Professionals Forum office, Rafah
Culture and
Abolishment of the death Culture and Develop- Development
18 0 27 27 22 Sep.
penalty ment Youth House Youth House,
Jabalya
National As-
Abolishment of the death National Association for sociation for
19 7 7 14 24 Sep.
penalty Democracy and Law Democracy and
Law, Rafah
265 Days Youth
Abolishment of the death 265 Days Youth Move-
20 Movement, 16 8 24 10 Nov.
penalty ment
Gaza
Abolishment of the death Light House

21 Highness Youth Group 14 9 23 17 Nov.
penalty Restaurant
Abolishment of the death Light House

22 Social Media Club 14 10 24 27 Nov.
penalty Restaurant
Merciful Hands
Abolishment of the death Merciful Hands Associa-
23 Association, 16 6 22 2 Dec.
penalty tion
Gaza
Union of Pales-
Abolishment of the death Union of Palestinian
24 tinian Trainers, 13 6 19 10 Dec.
penalty Trainers
Gaza
Abolishment of the death

25 Gaza Cultural Council Museum Hotel 18 6 24 11 Dec.
penalty
Land and Hu-

Land and Human
Abolishment of the death man Research
26 Research and Studies 19 6 25 17 Dec.
penalty and Studies
Center
Center, Gaza
179
»» Positive feedbacks. »» The unit has lists of participants and partner or-
»» These activities were organized in cooperation ganizations.
with 12 organizations. »» Feedbacks.
»» Media coverage: the activities were covered by »» Media coverage.
the local media.
Output (11)
Capacity Building
1. Nominating Staff Members of the Unit to Participate in Training Courses on Human Rights and Democracy
»» Mahmoud al-Efranji, a researcher in the unit, participated in a training course on accountability under in-
ternational law, national experiences, which was organized in Jordan in the period 1-8 June 2014 by al-Haq
and al-Haq Applied Center for International Law.
»» Mohammed Abu Hashem, a researched in the unit, participated in an online training course on advocacy
and campaigning organized by NOVACT and Barcelona University in the period from January to April 2014.
Abu Hashem was selected to participate in two training courses organized by NOVACT in Madrid and Bar-
celona on training skills for advocacy. The training continued for three weeks, completed by two months of
online activities to present and discuss projects.
PART two
180
Women and Children Rights Unit
In 2014, the unit carried out most of the activities set out in its annual plan, but it was not able to carry
out some activities due to the 51-day Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, which impacted on all activities,
especially awareness and advocacy activities. On the other hand, there was an increase the number of
women who resorted to the unit seeking legal assistance after the offensive. Following the offensive,
the unit organized a number of meetings with community-based organizations focusing the rights of
widow women.
Output (1)
Legal Aid for Women
1. Representation of Women and Their Children before Sharia Courts
The unit continued to represent women before Sharia courts. In 2014, the unit pursued 1,249 cases in Shar’ia
courts, including 69 ones from 2013.
Table (1): Shar’ia Court Cases Pursued by the Unit in 2014
Case Type Number
Alimony 691
Rights to household property 214
Custody rights 49
Access rights to children 44
Hosting 39
Payment for childbirth 40
Delayed dowry 40
Separation 65
Obedience 2
Divorce confirmation 17
Marriage confirmation 1
Custody payment 30
House rental 3
Others 14
Total 1,249
181
Table (2): Results of Cases Followed by the Unit before Sharia Courts in 2014
Rulings Under consideration Reconciled Cancelled Total
812 90 293 54 1,249
Notes: The work in Sharia courts faced several obstacles that impacted on the consideration of cases, including
delayed service of notices by the judicial police, which organized several labor strikes. This is evident by the fact
that 90 of the cases that were filed in courts in 2014 were transferred to 2015.
Table (3): Distribution of Cases at PCHR’s Offices
Gaza Office Jabalya Office Khan Yunis Office Total
513 338 329 1,180
1.2. Coordination with Sharia Courts
In 2014, cooperation and coordination enhanced with the Shar’ia Courts in the Gaza Strip, which refer women
who need legal assistance to the unit. The unit is its turn provides free legal assistance to women. Cooperation
between the unit and Shar’ia courts is not limited to cooperation with judges, rather it extends to all staff of the
courts, thus facilitating the work of lawyers.
1.3. Coordination with Women’s Organizations
The unit pursued a number of cases referred to it by women’s organizations, especially Women’s Health Center
in Jabalya, the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution, the Independent Commission for Hu-
man Rights and Women’s Health Center in Al Boreij.
»» The unit received 1,121 cases. »» The unit observed the number and nature of
»» The courts issued 700 judgments in favor of cases received in 2014.
women. »» The unit observed the number of cases trans-
»» Sharia courts referred 576 cases to the unit. ferred by the Sharia courts.
»» Community and women’s organizations referred »» The unit observed the number of cases trans-
90 cases to the unit. ferred by community and women’s organiza-
»» The unit represented 574 women at courts. tions, especially following the latest offensive on
»» 370 children benefited from the unit’s legal as- the Gaza Strip.
sistance. »» The unit observed the cases referred to the unit
by women who had previously received legal as-
sistance from the unit.
»» The unit observed an increase in the number of
women seeking legal assistance after the latest
Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
PART two
»» The unit observed a number of success stories:
182
Case No. (1): Verification of Lineage
(N. D.) is a woman from Gaza. She got married to a man, but under his family’s pressure, he was forced to di-
vorce her before the Sharia Court. Later, he decided to re-marry her without informing his family, and he did
but without registering their marriage at the Sharia Court. During their marriage, they had a child but they did
not obtain a birth certificate for him from the Ministry of Interior. When the child reached the age of six, the
woman wanted to enroll him at school, but the school refused to enroll him due to the lack of a birth certificate.
She went to the Ministry of Interior to obtain the certificate, but they refused to issue the certificate under the
pretext that she was divorced according to their records, and the child was born more than one year after her
divorce.
The woman referred to the Sharia Court seeking a solution for her problem, and the court referred her to the
unit. After receiving information from her, the unit filed a claim for verification of marriage and lineage, and
the Sharia Court ruled that her marriage and her child’s lineage to her husband were legal. Accordingly, she
obtained a birth certificate from the Ministry of Interior and the child joined school.
Case No. (2):
(F. Gh.) is a 40-year old woman who got married to a man who lives in the United Arab Emirates. There, she
was subjected to violence by her husband, who was not spending for her subsistence. He left her and travelled
to Malaysia, so she decided to return to the Gaza Strip to live with her family. She referred to the unit seeking
legal consultation and inquiring about her legal rights. A unit lawyer explained to the woman her legal rights.
She then asked the lawyer to file a claim for alimony. Six months following the execution of the alimony ruling,
the lawyer filed a claim for separation due to the husband’s failure to spend for her subsistence, and the court
issued a positive ruling, which was certified by the Sharia Court of Appeal.
2. Providing Legal Consultations to 500 Women
In 2014, the unit provided 618 legal consultations to women in person or by phone: 287 consultations in Gaza
office; 164 ones in Jabalya office; and 167 ones in Khan Yunis office.
Indicators
»» The unit provided 618 legal consultations to women.
»» The unit observed the number of legal consultations provided to women in person or by phone.
183
3. Enforcement of Judgments Issued by Sharia Courts
In 2013, the unit worked towards the enforcement of 41 judgments issued by Sharia courts through enforce-
ment departments at sharia courts.
Indicators
»» The number of women who benefited from the enforcement of judgments was 41.
»» The number of judgments issued by Shar’ia court that were enforced was 41.
»» The benefiting women’s positive feedbacks.
4. Providing Legal Consultations to Female Prisoners
In 2014, the unit lawyers conducted three visits to the detention facility of women, where 30 women were de-
tained, and checked their detention conditions. They also met with the manager of the facility and discussed
with her the prisoners’ demands.
The unit, in coordination with the Children’s Protection Network at the Ministry of Social Affairs, intervened to
ensure absorption of homeless children of female prisoners in SOS Village in Rafah.
The unit provide female prisoners with 15 legal consultations.
Indicators
»» The unit lawyers conducted 3 visits to the detention facility of women.

»» The unit lawyers visited 30 female prisoner.
»» The unit lawyers provided 15 legal consultations to female prisoners.
»» The unit observed living and detention conditions of female prisoners.

PART two
184
Output (2)
Legal Awareness for Women: Raising Awareness of 2,000 Women of Their Rights Ensured by Domestic
Laws and Human Rights Instruments
1. Organizing Legal Awareness Lectures, for Women
In 2014, the unit organized 82 legal awareness lectures. Of these lectures: 25 ones focused on the Family Law;
33 ones addressed violence against women; two ones focused on the rights of the child; six ones addressed
the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; four ones addressed women’s
political participation; and 12 ones following the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip which addressed the rights
of widows and violence against women during the offensive.
The unit also received requests from community and women’s organizations and preparatory and secondary
schools to organize legal awareness lectures. In this context, the unit cooperated with 33 community and
women’s organizations and 12 schools.
Majeda Shihada, a researcher

in the unit, delivers a lecture
185
Table of Lectures in 2014
No. Date Place Area Topic Attendants
1. 12 Jan. Women›s Activities Center Deir al-Balah CEDAW 27
Union of Social Work Com-

2. 15 Jan. Khan Yunis CEDAW 25
mittees
3. 23 Jan. Afaq Charity Al-Nussairat Personal Status Law 20
Akka Secondary School for

4. 26 Jan. Khan Yunis Violence against women 40
Girls
5. 5 Feb. Vocational Training Center Khan Yunis Personal Status Law 35
National Center for Rural Women›s political partici-

6. 10 Feb. Khan Yunis 17
Development pation
7. 12 Feb. Vocational Training Center Rafah Personal Status Law 33
Violence against women

8. 13 Feb. Women›s Struggle Bloc Rafah 15
and honor killings
Aman Center of the Ministry Women›s rights to inherit-
9. 16 Feb. Gaza 30
of Social Affairs ance
10. 18 Feb. Al-Boreij Elementary School Al-Boreij Personal Status Law 22
UN Security Council Reso-

11. 25 Feb. «If We Stop Dreaming» Society Khan Yunis 27
lution 1325
Gaa al-Qurain Neighborhood Women›s political partici-
12. 26 Feb. Khan Yunis 40
Committee pation
Law students of al-Azhar
13. 27 Feb. Gaza Violence against women 22
University
Women›s Department in Khan Women›s rights in the
14. 10 Mar. Khan Yunis 22
Yunis Municipality Personal Status Law
Women›s rights in the
15. 11 Mar. Khan Yunis Elementary School Khan Yunis 19
Personal Status Law
Union of Agricultural Work Women›s rights in the
16. 13 Mar. Khuza›a 35
Committees Personal Status Law
17. 16 Mar. Khan Yunis Elementary School Khan Yunis 32
Personal Status Law
18. 17 Mar. Women›s Struggle Bloc Jabalya 24
Personal Status Law
19. 20 Mar. Al-Shawka Preparatory School Rafah 22
Personal Status Law
20. 26 Mar. Women›s Activities Center Al-Maghazi 27
Personal Status Law
Abu Tu›aima Elementary Convention of the Rights
PART two
21. 15 Apr. Bani Suhaila 12

School of the Child
Disabled Persons Rehabilita-
22. 16 Apr. Jabalya CEDAW 20
tion Society
186
Gizan Abu Rashwan Neigh-

23. 21 Apr. Khan Yunis CEDAW 45
borhood Committee
Khan Yunis Elementary School
24. 22 Apr. Khan Yunis Children›s rights 17
B
25. 24 Apr. Women›s Activities Center Al-Maghazi Personal Status Law 24
Middle East Council of

26. 8 May Gaza Violence against women 22
Churches
Women and Children Devel-
27. 14 May Rafah CEDAW 20
opment Society
28. 19 May Women›s Work Department Jabalya CEDAW 18
29. 20 May Safa Charity Khan Yunis Violence against women. 20
30. 22 May Citizenship Association Khan Yunis Personal Status Law 20
Women›s political partici-

31. 27 May Palestine Liberation Front Khan Yunis 12
pation
Palestinian Women Develop-
32. 11 Jun. Al-Boreij Violence against women 18
ment Society
General Union of Palestinian
33. 18 Jun. Abassan Violence against women 20
Women
Gizan Abu Rashwan Neigh-
34. 25 Jun. Khan Yunis Violence against women 18
borhood Committee
35. 26 Jun. Wifaq Charity Rafah Violence against women 20
The Israeli offensive on

36. 28 Oct. Nawar Educational Center Khan Yunis 35
Gaza
Gaa al-Qurain Development The Israeli offensive on
37. 30 Oct. Khan Yunis 35
Society Gaza
38. 30 Oct. Gaza Personal Status Law 35
Churches
39. 2 Nov. Riada Charity Khan Yunis 35
Gaza
40. 3 Nov. Al-Haneen Association Khan Yunis 35
Gaza
41. 4 Nov. Right and Justice Association Khan Yunis 35
Gaza
42. 4 Nov. Gaza Personal Status Law 35
Churches
43. 4 Nov. Gaza Personal Status Law 35
Churches
44. 5 Nov. Al-Boreij Violence against women 35
ment Society
45. 6 Nov. Women›s Activities Center Deir al-Balah 35
Gaza
187
.46 9 Nov. Khuza›a Sprouts Society Khuza›a Violence against women 35

47. 10 Nov. Information Center Abassan 35
Gaza
48. 11 Nov. Aman Center Gaza 35
Gaza
49. 12 Nov. Gaza Inheritance 35
Churches
50. 13 Nov. Rescue Society Abassan Violence against women 35

51. 13 Nov. Gaza Violence against women 35
Churches
52. 14 Nov. Afaq Society Al-Nussairat 35
Gaza
53. 17 Nov. Women›s Work Department Beit Lahia Violence against women 35
54. 18 Nov. Women›s Struggle Bloc Gaza Violence against women 35
55. 19 Nov. Al-Safa Society Khan Yunis Violence against women 35

56. 20 Nov. Bait al-Maqdis School Al-Nussairat 35
Gaza
57. 23 Nov. Women›s Struggle Bloc Al-Nussairat Violence against women 35
Human Development As-

58. 24 Nov. Al-Qarara Violence against women 35
sociation
Khan Yunis Elementary School The Israeli offensive on
59. 25 Nov. Khan Yunis 35
for Girls Gaza
Al-Qarara Development
60. 27 Nov. Al-Qarara Violence against women 35
Center
61. 3 Dec. Smiley Kids Institution Al-Qarara Violence against women 35
62. 4 Dec. Al-Quds Society Al-Qarara Violence against women 22

63. 8 Dec. Akka School Khan Yunis 35
Gaza
64. 8 Dec. Al-Safa Association Khan Yunis Violence against women 35

65. 9 Dec. Al-Boreij Violence against women 35
ment Society
National Society for Disabled The Israeli offensive on
66. 10 Dec. Rafah 35
Rehabilitation Gaza
Khan Yunis Elementary School
PART two
67. 11 Dec. Khan Yunis Violence against women 30

for Girls
68. 14 Dec. Ministry of Social Affairs Khan Yunis Violence against women 35
188
69. 15 Dec. Riada Association Khan Yunis Violence against women 35

70. 16 Dec. Lara Society Al-Qarara 35
Gaza
71. 17 Dec. Aman Center Gaza Violence against women 35
Khan Yunis Elementary School The Israeli offensive on

72. 18 Dec. Abassan 35
for Girls C Gaza
73. 21 Dec. Khan Yunis School for Girls Khan Yunis Violence against women 35
74. 21 Dec. Khan Yunis School for Girls Khan Yunis Violence against women 35
75. 22 Dec. Ministry of Social Affairs Khan Yunis Violence against women 35
Al-Qarara Development The Israeli offensive on

76. 23 Dec. Al-Qarara 35
Society Gaza
77. 24 Dec. Women›s Work Department Beit Lahia Violence against women 35
78. 25 Dec. Women›s Activities Center Deir al-Balah Violence against women 35
79. 28 Dec. Women›s Struggle Bloc Rafah Violence against women 33

80. 29 Dec. Al-Safa Association Khan Yunis 35
Gaza
Human Development As-
81. 30 Dec. Al-Qarara Violence against women 35
sociation
82. 31 Dec. Aman Center Gaza 35
Gaza
Total 2,467
Lawyer Sameer Hassaniya

delivers a lecture
189
Indicators
»» In 2014, the unit organized 82 legal awareness lectures, including: 25 ones on the Family Law; 33 ones on
violence against women; two ones on the rights of the child; six ones on the Convention of the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and four ones on women’s political participation.
»» 2,347 women attended these lectures.
»» 112 men attended these lectures.
»» 120 women referred to the unit seeking legal aid after having attended these lectures.
»» The unit provided 320 on-spot legal consultations to women during these lectures.
»» These lectures were organized in cooperation with 33 organizations and 12 schools throughout the Gaza
Strip.
»» The unit’s activities covered marginalized areas which lack community and women’s organizations.
»» Observation of the number of women who referred to the unit seeking legal assistance after having at-
tended these lectures.
»» Observation of the number of on-spot legal consultations.
»» Observation of the numbers of women and men who attended the lectures.
»» Observation of the number of community and women’s organizations with which the unit cooperated.
»» Observation of women’s interest to know about widows’ rights, especially after the latest Israeli offensive
on the Gaza Strip.
»» The unit was invited to deliver legal awareness lecture, including an invitation by the Ministry of Social Af-
fairs to organize lectures on the rights of widows.
2. Press Release on International Women’s Day
The unit issued a press release on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March titled “On Interna-
tional Women’s Day: Conjugating Efforts to Put an End to the Killing of Palestinian Women”.
The International Women’s Day coincided with an increase in the number of killings of women for various motives.
Indicators
»» The press release was issued.

»» It was published on PCHR’s webpage and on PCHR’s page on Facebook.
»» Positive feedbacks to the press release.
3. Cooperation with the Media
»» On 21 June 2014, lawyer Sameer Hassaniya participated in an episode of the Consultant program on al-
Kitab TV, which was allocated for discussing the issue of depriving women of inheritance.
»» On 22 June 2014, lawyer Hanan Matar, participated in a program broadcasted by al-Iman Radio the reasons
PART two
for divorce.
»» On 22 June 2014, lawyer Hanan Matar was interviewed by Alwan Radio about the issue of inheritance.
190
4. Contribution to Training Courses Organized by PCHR Training Unit
In 2014, the unit contributed to training courses organized by PCHR Training Unit in the field of democracy and
human rights. The unit delivered lectures on the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, gender issues and the Declaration on the Elimina-
tion of Violence against Women.
Mona al-Shawa, director of the unit, delivers a lecture Lawyer Hanan Matar during a meeting
Output (3)
Contribution to the Elimination of Violence against Women, Including Murders Related to “Family Honor”
1. Awareness Lectures on Violence
»» In 2014, the unit organized 34 awareness lectures on violence against women, and 18 ones on violence
against women during the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
Indicators
»» The unit organized 33 awareness lectures on violence against women.

»» The unit organized seven lectures on violence against women during the Israeli offensive.
»» 1,694 women attended these lectures.
»» There was an interest by women to know about the rights of widows after the latest Israeli offensive on the
Gaza Strip.
»» The unit received an invitation by the Ministry of Social Affairs to organize lectures on the rights of widows.
191
2. Periodic Visits to Women’s Shelter House and Raising Women’s Awareness
In 2014, the unit visited the women’s shelter house, which was established by the Ministry of Social Affairs to
provide protection to women who are subjected to violence. The unit followed up the women’s living condi-
tions, organized legal awareness lectures and provided legal assistance to some women.
Indicators
»» The unit conducted 4 visits to the women’s shelter house.

»» The unit provided 14 legal consultations.
»» The unit organized 3 awareness lectures to women in the shelter house.
»» 45 women attended these lectures.
»» In 2014, the unit observed a number of cases which it followed up with the administration of the
shelter house.
3. A Press Release and a Poster on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Additionally, the unit issued a press release on 25 November 2014 titled “On International Day for the Elimina-
tion of Violence against Women: An Open Call to the International Community to Offer Protection to Palestin-
ian Women”.
The unit issued also a poster on this occasion, and disseminated 500 copies of it.
Indicators
»» The press release was published on PCHR’s webpage and PCHR’s page on Facebook.
»» 500 copies of the poster were disseminated
»» Positive feedbacks to the press release and poster.

PART two
192
4. Cooperation with the Field Work Unit to Document Women’s Killings
In 2014, the unit coordinated with the Field Work Unit to prepare special records of women who are victims of
violence in light of the increase of killings of women for various motives. In 2014, PCHR documents 15 murders
of women, including three ones for the so-called “family honor”. In this context, PCHR issued two press releases
condemning “family honor” killings, and calling for investigating these crimes and prosecuting the perpetrators.
Indicators
»» PCHR documents 15 killings of women for various motives, including 3 killings for the so-called “family
honor”.
»» PCHR issued two press releases condemning “family honor” killings.
5. Cooperation with Amal (Hope) Coalition against Violence against Women
In 2014, the unit director participated in meetings of the Coalition. The unit participated also in a number of ac-
tivities organized by the Coalition. In this context, on 3 March 2014, the unit participated in a protest organized
by the Coalition, in cooperation with the General Union of Palestinian Women, in front of the office of the Attor-
ney General in Gaza City against increasing killings of women. The participants issued a press statement that
was distributed during the protest condemning these crimes and calling for prosecuting their perpetrators.
The unit participated in activities organized in the context of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence:
»» On 10 December 2014, the unit participated in a march organized by the Coalition calling for freedom and
dignity for Palestinian women. The participants moved from the gate of the Palestinian Legislative Council
to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, where the 450 participants handed a petition signed
by them to be sent to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
»» On 28 December 2014, the unit participated in a conference titled “Voices of Women during the Offensive –
Gaza 2014” organized by the Coalition and the Forum for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
6. Coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs
The unit visited the Ministry of Social Affairs to coordinate organizing awareness lectures at vocational training
centers of the Ministry.
Success Stories
A case of a woman and her daughters who were subjected to domestic violence was referred to the unit by the
Women’s Affairs Technical Staff. Ms. A. Sh. was subjected to physical violence by her husband, and her daughters
were subjected to sexual and physical violence by their father. The women sough assistance to stop the violence
practiced against her and against her seven daughters, while it was difficult for her to submit a compliant to the
police fearing from her husband’s family. The unit contacted the police public relations officers, informed him about
the case and demanded the police to intervene to protect the woman and her daughters from the violence practiced
against them. He came to PCHR and heard the woman’s complaint. On the same day, the husband was summoned
and questioned, and he signed a pledge not to hurt his wife and daughters.
193
Output (4)
Qualifying Young Lawyers to Litigate before Sharia Courts
1. Training Young Lawyers to Litigate before Sharia Courts
In 2014, the unit, in cooperation with PCHR Training Unit, organized a training course for lawyers wishing to
obtain licenses to practice the Sharia legal profession. The 18-hour course was held in PCHR’s office in Khan
Yunis in the period form 29 April to 7 May. The number of lawyers who participated in it was 22.
2. Training Young Lawyers in the Unit
The unit began to train two young female layer in March in PCHR’s head office in Gaza City and in its office in
Jabalya to qualify them to defend women’s rights at sharia court and facilitate women’s access to justice.
»» 22 lawyers participated in the training courses. »» Positive feedbacks to the training course.
»» Two young female lawyers received training in »» Following the training, the unit observed the
the unit. number of lawyers who passed the examination
to obtain licenses to practice the Sharia legal
profession.
Output (5)
Capacity Building
On 21 May 2014, the unit participated in a training seminar on gender organized by the Swedish Consulate
General in the offices of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Gaza City.
Training on Safety and Self-Care for PCHR’s Staff
In the period 22-25 September 2014, the unit, in cooperation with the Swedish Kvinna till Kvinna, organized
a special training course on safety and self-care for PCHR’s staff. The training program included the following:
»» Special training for the female staff, 7 hours daily.
»» A recreational day for all PCHR’s staff.
»» A meeting for all PCHR’s staff.
The training had special importance as it was organized a short period after the Israeli offensive on the Gaza
PART two
Strip.
194
Indicators
»» 25 female staff members of PCHR participated in the training.

»» 60 staff members of PCHR participated in the recreational activities.
»» Positive feedbacks by PCHR’s female staff and permanent strategy was set for self-care.
»» Positive feedbacks by PCHR’s staff concerning the recreational day and the collective meeting.
Participation in Activities Organized by Other Civil Society Organizations
• On 10 January 2014, Majeda Shehad, a researcher, presented a working paper on women’s rights to work
and property in a conference on the elimination of violence against women organized by Bunian Training
Association.
• On 18 February 2014, lawyer Hanan Matar presented a working paper on inheritance in the conference
organized by Zakher Association on inheritance.
• On 11 March 2014, lawyer Sameer Hassaniya presented a working paper on “family honor” killings in a
meeting on legal assistance held in PCHR’s office.
• On 13 April 2014, lawyer Sameer Hassaniya presented a working paper in a workshop organized by al-Quds
Association for Islamic Research and Studies on the right of woman to inheritance.
• On 12 June 2014, the unit’s staff visited the Social Care Office to coordinate for a joint activity to train the
female staff of the Ministry of Social Affairs on women’s rights.
• On 17 June 2014, Majeda Shehad, a researcher, presented a working paper on the concept of empower-
ment in a conference organized by the Society’s Voice Association on women’s empowerment.
• On 18 June 2014, lawyer Hanan Matar presented a working paper of khula’ (divorce instigated by the wife),
law and practice, in a meeting held in the Islamic University.
• On 28 June 2014, Majeda Shehad, a researcher, presented a working paper on the rights of old people in a
workshop organized by the Elderly Care Institution.
• On 16 December 2014, the unit director presented a working paper on violence against women from a
human rights perspective in a conference organized by the Palestinian Medical Relief Association on the
youth’s support for women.
195
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Unit
In 2014, the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit undertook implementing all activities set out in
its annual plan. However, there was a change to some its activities due to the impact of the latest Israeli
offensive on the economic, social and cultural rights of the population of the Gaza Strip. During and
after the offensive, the unit was involved in advocacy activities and reporting on violations of these
rights. Over the year, the activities focused on two major issues: 1) Ongoing monitoring of the total clo-
sure imposed on the oPt, especially Gaza Strip; and the continuous military operations which IOF carry
out throughout Gaza Strip, especially in areas near the border; 2) Following up the impact of the latest
Israeli offensive on the economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian civilian population in the
Gaza Strip, include the wide-scale destruction of civilian facilities, including houses; and 3) Monitor-
ing the repercussions of the political split on the economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian
population. The unit contributed in many ways to following up the impact of Israeli policies on the Pal-
estinian civilian population, and the deterioration of its social, economic and cultural rights. The unit
focused also on pursuing all field developments related to the social, economic and cultural rights of
the Palestinian civilians and their continuous suffering due to the closure imposed by Israeli authorities
for the seventh consecutive year.
The unit also monitored, studied and documented the social, economic and cultural rights
in the oPt in general, and specifically in Gaza Strip. In addition, the unit continued its work
on the Palestinian agenda in the field of promoting and protecting the social, economic and
cultural rights of the Palestinian people.
Furthermore, the unit issued a number of periodic and special reports and contributed to
implement other PCHR’s activities, especially in the training unit. Outstandingly, the unit also
promoted partnerships and networking with NGOs and international organizations and co-
operated with them in carrying out activities. The unit also partook in activities of civil society
organizations in Gaza Strip. Finally, the unit was distinguished at promoting its activities at
the media level. The following is a detailed description of the unit’s activities in 2014.
Output (1)
Contribution to Raising Awareness of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the oPt, Especially the Gaza
Strip
Activities:
1. Establishing a database on the situation of social, economic and cultural rights in the Gaza Strip
2. Meetings with development experts, officials from local and international governmental and
PART two
non-governmental organizations. Academics, donors and UN bodies.

3. Issuing a report on the closure policy and its impact on the economic, social and cultural rights
in the oPt.
196
4. Issuing field updates on the state of border The most significant meetings were as follows:
crossings in the Gaza Strip
5. Organizing a workshop on the economic and • On 19 January 2014, the unit director escorted a
social rights in the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip. delegation from the Irish Trocaire in a field tour
6. Issuing fact sheets on violations of Palestinian that included Gaza fishing harbor. The delega-
children’s rights in the Gaza Strip. tion met with a number of Palestinian fishermen
7. Issuing press releases and other media activities. who were subjected to Israeli attacks.
• On 6 March 2014, the unit director escorted a
The unit focused on monitoring the deteriorating Japanese delegation in a field tour that included
humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip and the Gaza fishing harbor, border areas in the north
repercussions of the closure imposed by Israel on and east of the Gaza Strip and al-Mentarl (Karni)
the social, economic and cultural rights of Palestin- crossing.
ian civilian populations. These activities included • On 26 March 2014, the unit director participated
the following: in a meeting with Martin Oelz, from the Inter-
national Labor Organization. The meeting dis-
1. Establishing a database on the situation of so- cussed living conditions of the Palestinian labor
cial, economic and cultural rights in the Gaza force in the Gaza Strip under the ongoing Israeli
Strip closure.
In 2014, the unit continued to create a database on Intervention at UN Human Rights Committee’s
economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the oPt, es- Hearing
pecially in the Gaza Strip. This database has been
the main source of information for the unit of viola- On 20 October 2014, Khalil Shaheen, Director of
tions of the rights of education, adequate housing, PCHR Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit,
work, health and development; attacks on fisher- made an intervention at the UN Human Rights
men; destruction of economic facilities; attacks on Committee’s heading no. 112. Shaheen presented
medical crews; deaths at border crossings and mili- his intervention via the video conference at the UN
tary checkpoints; and poverty and unemployment. headquarter in Gaza, because PCHR’s representative
were not able to travel to Geneva due to the block-
2. Meetings with development experts, officials ade imposed on the Gaza Strip, as the Committee
from local and international governmental and was conducting the periodic review of Israel. In his
non-governmental organizations. Academics, intervention, Shaheen reviewed the human rights
donors and UN bodies situation in the oPt, especially in the Gaza Strip. He
highlighted the wide-scale serious violations perpe-
The unit held several meetings to raise the aware- trated by Israeli forces during their offensive on the
ness on violations of the economic, social and cul- Gaza Strip, the ongoing blockade and the obstruc-
tural rights of the Palestinian civilian population. tion of the process of reconstruction.
These meeting focused on the impacts of the total
closure imposed by Israel on the oPt on the Palestin- 3. Issuing a report on the closure policy and its im-
ian economic, social and cultural rights. pact on the economic, social and cultural rights
in the oPt
»» Meetings with international delegations rep-
resenting NGOs, relief organizations, solidarity The report was supposed to be published in the sec-
movements and diplomatic missions. ond half of the year, but it was delayed because the
»» Meetings with representatives of UN agencies, unit was involved in following up the impact of the
including UNRWA, WHO, OCHA, UNDP, OHCHR Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip. In this regard, the
and ILO. unit prepared a report on the humanitarian condi-
»» Meetings with ministers in the government of tions in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli offensive. It
Gaza, members of the Palestinian Legislative .was published on 25 August 2014
Council and representatives of local NGOs.
197
4. Issuing field updates on the state of border Lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, highlighted
crossings in the Gaza Strip the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, point-
ing to the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza Strip,
In light of the closure of border crossings of the Gaza which is illegal and inhumane and constitutes a
Strip, the unit continued to issue monthly updates form of collective punishment against the Palestin-
on the state of border crossings of the Gaza Strip ian civilian population in the Gaza Strip. He added
and the impacts of their closure on the economic, that the closure has hindered any communication
social and cultural rights of the Palestinian civilian between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on the
population. one hand and the Gaza Strip and the outside world
on the other hand. He explained that Israeli viola-
5. Organizing a workshop on the economic and tions against the Palestinian civilians in the ARA are
social rights in the oPt, especially the Gaza Strip a limited sample of the closure, indicating that Israeli
violations and restrictions imposed on the access to
On 14 April 2014, PCHR organized a meeting to livelihood reflect the daily suffering of fishermen
present a report titled “Under Fire” that was jointly and farmers in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli measures
issued by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights in the ARA despoil 35% of the best agricultural area
(PCHR) and the Internal Displacement Monitor- and deny the Palestinian farmers and fishermen
ing Centre (IDMC). The meeting was held in PCHR’s access to 85% of their livelihood. Sourani pointed
head office in Gaza City, where a number of repre- that “Under Fire” report was launched in February
sentatives of community-based and international in London in the presence of about 40 members of
organizations and media agencies attended. The the European Parliament, politicians and journalists.
meeting was opened by Mr. Khalil Shaheen, Direc- Sourani delivered a speech on that occasion on the
tor of the PCHR’s Economic and Social Rights’ Unit. human rights situation in the Gaza Strip via Skype.
He explained that the meeting was held in the con-
text of PCHR’s efforts to monitor and follow up the 6. Issuing fact sheets on violations of Palestinian
living conditions of civilians in the Gaza Strip, espe- children’s rights in the Gaza Strip
cially under the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza
Strip for over 7 years and the constant Israeli attacks The unit continued to issue monthly fact sheets on
against civilians who are protected according to the violation of children’s rights in time of armed con-
international humanitarian law. Mr. Shaheen added flicts in the Gaza Strip, depending on the monitor-
that the report seeks to shed light on the Israeli vio- ing and reporting mechanism established by the UN
lations in the Access Restricted Areas (ARA) in land Security Council Resolution 1612 of 2005. The facts
and sea in the Gaza Strip and on the motivations and sheets documentation Israeli violations of children’s
consequences of such violations in the ARA, includ- rights, and attacks against children in the context of
ing the impacts related to internal displacement, the state of security chaos and misuse of weapons in
health, financial conditions and livelihood. the Gaza Strip.
A workshop on the future of hous-

ing policies in the Gaza Strip, 5 June
PART two
198
7. Issuing press releases and other media activi- on all economic and social rights of the Gaza
ties Strip’s population.
• The unit issued a number of news releases
»» Press Releases about its activities under this output.
• In 2014, the unit issued 34 press releases on »» Media Activities

violations of economic, social and cultural
rights calling upon the international commu- In 2014, the unit’s staff members were inter-
nity to intervene to stop the collective penal- viewed by the local, Arab and international me-
ties and protect the Palestinian economic, so- dia. The interviews focused on human rights
cial and cultural rights to avoid deterioration violations perpetrated against the Palestinian
of the humanitarian conditions. The press civilian population in the oPt, especially in the
release also addressed the right of health and Gaza Strip. The number of these activities was
the impact of the Palestinian political split more than 100.
Output (2)
Promotion of the Right to Education
Activities
1. Monitoring the impact of the closure on education in the Gaza Strip

2. Meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Education.
3. A report on the right of education in the Gaza Strip.
4. Press releases and media activities.
1. Monitoring the impact of the closure on educa- 3. A report on the right of education in the Gaza Strip
tion in the Gaza Strip
The unit was supposed to prepare a report on the
In 2014, the unit monitored the impact of the total right of education in the Gaza Strip. However, in light
closure imposed by Israeli authorities on the Gaza of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, the unit fo-
Strip on the educational sector, including denial of cused on documenting Israeli attacks on schools and
access of students to education outside the Gaza educational institutions. It also prepared a special
Strip, the entry of educational technical supplies report on these attacks as a part of a comprehensive
into the Gaza Strip and the obstacles to reconstruc- report issued by PCHR on the Israeli offensive.
tion of educational institutions in the Gaza Strip.
4. Press releases and media activities
2. Meetings with representatives of the Ministry of
Education In 2014, the unit carried out several media activities
highlighting violations of the right of education and
Staff members of the unit held a number of meetings attacks on schools and educational institutions in
with representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. These activities in-
UNRWA Education Department, the private educa- cluded interviews with the local, Arab and interna-
tion sector in the Gaza Strip to discuss mechanisms tional media.
to develop education. The meetings discussed also
ways to overcome challenges facing the educational
sector in the Gaza Strip.
199
Output (3)
Promoting of the Right to Health
Activities
1. Monitoring health services in the Gaza Strip

2. Meetings with bodies that provide health services
3. Advocacy activities to promote the right of health
4. A factsheet on health services in the Gaza Strip
5. Press releases and other media activities
1. Monitoring health services in the Gaza Strip 3. Advocacy activities to promote the right of health
The unit monitored health services in the Gaza Strip The unit implemented a number of advocacy activi-
through updating the data available in the unit, in- ties aimed to promote health services in the Gaza
cluding following up the procedures of granting Strip. These activities included following up the
medical transfers to patients to hospitals in Israel and work of the External Medical Treatment Department
the West Bank, including Jerusalem. The unit further of the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, and the
monitored heath conditions in the Gaza Strip in light shortage of medicines and medical needs in public
of shortages in medicines and medical consuma- health facilities. Media activities carried out by the
bles, especially during the latest Israeli offensive on unit contributed to highlighting the deteriorating
the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces attacked health facilities, health conditions and services in the Gaza Strip.
medical crews, ambulances and civil defense crews
while attempted to rescue the wounded. Addition- 4. A workshop on health services in the Gaza Strip
ally, the unit followed up the impact of the political
split on health services in the Gaza Strip, especially The unit prepared a factsheet on the health condi-
the supplies of medical consignments and paying tions in the Gaza Strip. It highlighted Israeli attacks
operational expensed in health departments. on medical facilities, crews and ambulances during
the offensive on the Gaza Strip, the shortages of
2. Meetings with bodies that provide health services medicines and medical needs and obstruction of pa-
tients’ access to medical treatment outside the Gaza
In 2014, the unit enhanced its relations with all bod- Strip and reconstruction of the health infrastructure
ies that provide health services in the Gaza Strip. It due to the Israeli closure imposed on the Gaza Strip.
held several meetings with the Ministry of Health, It further addressed
WHO and patients who were victims of violations
of the right to health. In this context, the unit’s staff 5. Press releases and other media activities
held a number of meetings with these bodies:
The unit issued a number of press releases on health
»» On 25 April 2014, Azzam Shaat, a researcher in conditions in the Gaza Strip, including the shortages
the unit, met with Dr. Ashraf Abu Mahadi, Di- of medicines and medical needs, the strike of clean-
rector General of the Pharmacy Department in ing workers in hospitals, medical negligence which
the Ministry of Health in Gaza. The meeting dis- caused deaths of a number of patients, obstruction
cussed health conditions of patients in the Gaza of patients’ access to medical treatment outside the
PART two
Strip in light of the shortages of medicines and Gaza Strip and the impact of the electricity crisis on
medical needs. health services:
200
»» On 7 January 2014, the unit issued a press release on the detention by Israeli forces at Erez cross-
on the detention by Israeli forces at Erez crossing ing of a patient who was on his way to Jordan to
of a patient who was on his way to the West Bank receive medical treatment.
to receive medical treatment. »» On 21 October 2014, the unit issued a press re-
»» On 4 February 2014, the unit issued a press release warning of the shortage of fuel at Gaza
lease on the death of a girl in Rafah while she was hospitals, and calling on the Palestinian Presi-
allegedly being treated by Quran. dent and government to intervene and ensure
»» On 9 February 2014, the unit issued a press re- supplying the hospitals with fuel.
lease on the death of a child in Rafah following »» On 4 December 2014, the unit issued a press
a surgery. release warning of the impact of the strike de-
»» On 12 February 2014, the unit issued a press re- clared by clearing companies at hospitals and
lease on the obstruction of passage of Palestin- medical centers in the Gaza Strip.
ian patients by Israeli forces through Erez cross-
ing allegedly because of the logo of State of The unit’s staff made several media interviews on
Palestine. health services in the Gaza Strip, especially the
»» On 17 March 2014, the unit issued a press re- shortages of medicines, medical negligence, the im-
leased calling for investigating the death of a pact of the electricity crisis on health facilities and
man in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. detention of Palestinian patients while traveling to
»» On 19 June 2014, the unit issued a press release hospitals in the West Bank or Israel.
Output (4)
Enforcement of the Palestinian Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (4) of 1999
Activities
1. Monitoring the situation of the rights of disabled persons

2. Advocacy and lobbying activities
3. A media workshop on the rights of disabled persons.
4. A factsheet on the rights of disabled persons in the Gaza Strip
5. Lectures on the rights of disabled persons
1. Monitoring the situation of the rights of the disabled
In 2014, the unit pursued building its database on the situation of the rights of the disabled with regard to
work, education, health and social security. Other activities included preparation of statistical figures on the
number of persons injured or killed and the destruction of their rehabilitation facilities. This data was compiled
through holding interviews and meetings with victims or their families, and employees from institutions which
were destroyed or damaged.
2. Advocacy and lobbying activities
The unit’s staff held a number of meetings to discuss the government’s policies towards disabled persons,
including a meeting of the director of the Rehabilitation Department in the Ministry of Social Affairs and a
meeting with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The meetings discussed the enforcements
201
of Law No. 4 of 1999 on the Rights of Persons with persons under the international and national
Disabilities, and efforts to issue special cards for disa- laws. Azzam Shaat, a researcher in the unit, deliv-
bled persons that covers a series of basic services to ered a lecture on the rights of disabled persons
disabled persons. The unit’s staff also participated in in the Gaza Strip and obstacles to the application
a number of meetings organized by organizations of Law No. 4 of 1999 on the Rights of Persons
that provide rehabilitation, educational and em- with Disabilities. The workshop was held in the
ployment services to disabled persons with various office of the Swedish Organization in the north-
ministries, especially the Ministry of Health, Ministry ern Gaza Strip and was attended by its staff and
of Social Affairs and Ministry of Labor to lobby for families of disabled persons.
the enforcement of Law No. 4 of 1999 on the Rights »» On 24 March 2014, the unit organized a lecture
of Persons with Disabilities, included the percentage on rights of disabled persons in the Gaza Strip for
of employment assigned to disabled persons and 30 students of Abassan Preparatory School, east
exemption of disabled persons and their families of Khan Yunis. The lecture addressed in particular
from health fees in public health facilities. the right to health of disabled persons.
»» On 9 November 2014, the unit director partici-
3. A factsheet on the rights of disabled persons pated in a workshop organized by Future Associ-
in the Gaza Strip ation for the Adult Deaf on the rights and duties
of disabled persons under the law.
The unit prepared a brief report on Israeli attacks »» On 7 December 2014, the unit participated in a
against disabled persons during the latest Israeli conference organized by Atfaluna Association
offensive on the Gaza Strip. The report highlighted for Deaf Children on documentation of viola-
also the destruction of institutions that provide ser- tions of the rights of disabled persons. The unit
vices to disabled persons. It will be included in a director presented an intervention on the hu-
comprehensive report on the Israeli offensive on the man rights approach to violations of the rights of
Gaza Strip which will be published in 2015. disabled persons.
4. Lectures on the rights of disabled persons 5. Press releases and media activities
The unit organized a number of lectures and work- In 2014, the unit carried out a series of media activi-
shops on the rights of disabled persons. The staff ties, including interviews with the local, Arab and in-
members participated also on a number of activities ternational media, on the rights of disabled persons.
organized by organizations that provide services to These activities highlighted the obstacles to the im-
disabled persons. plementation of Law No. 4 of 1999 on Persons with
Disabilities due to the ongoing political split, Israeli
»» On 17 March 2014, the unit organized a work- attacks on institutions that provide services to disa-
shop in cooperation with the Swedish Organiza- bled persons.
tion for Individual Relief on the rights of disabled
PART two
202
Output (5)
Promotion of the Right to Adequate Housing
Activities
1. Monitoring the right to adequate housing in the Gaza Strip

2. Meetings with the Ministry of Housing, UNRWA, the Palestinian Housing Council, housing associations,
contractors and beneficiaries
3. A factsheet on the right to adequate housing in the Gaza Strip
4. A seminar on the right to adequate housing in the Gaza Strip
5. Lectures on the right to adequate housing
1. Observation of housing projects for victims of the Gaza Strip. It called further for re-evaluating the
the right to adequate housing Palestinian Authority’s obligation in regards to the
right to adequate housing, and protecting people
The unit followed up housing projects for victims of from forcible eviction of their houses by providing
the right to adequate housing. In this regard, the adequate alternatives. Additionally, it called for mak-
unit documented the number of houses that were ing information relating to the allocation of public
destroyed in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli offen- lands accessible, and evaluating such policies for the
sive on the Gaza Strip (“Operation Protective Edge”), purpose of best investment of available lands.
and the areas of land that were razed by Israeli forces
during their military operations in the Gaza Strip, in- 4. A seminar on the right to adequate housing in
cluding greenhouses, irrigation networks, wells, ani- the Gaza Strip
mal and bird farms and agricultural pools.
On 5 June 2014, the unit organized a workshop on
2. Meetings with the Ministry of Housing, the the future of housing policies in the Gaza Strip. The
Palestinian Housing Council, housing associa- workshop was held in Commodore Hotel in Gaza
tions, contractors and beneficiaries City. Representatives from the Ministry of Public
Works and Housing, the Palestinian Housing Coun-
Staff members of the unit held meetings with rep- cil and the Office of the High Commissioner for Hu-
resentatives of the Palestinian Ministry of Housing, man Rights participated in the workshop. Eng. Naji
the Palestinian Housing Council, UNRWA and con- Sarhan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public
tractors to discuss housing conditions in the Gaza Works and Housing, presented an intervention on
Strip in order to overcome the impacts of the Israeli housing in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Fadel al-Muzieni, a re-
offensive on the Gaza Strip. searcher in the unit, presented an intervention on
the impact of the Israeli closure on housing projects
3. A factsheet on housing in the Gaza Strip in the Gaza Strip. Saber al-Nairab, from the Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights, present-
The unit issued a factsheet entitled “Governmental ed an intervention on the Palestinian development
Policies: A Critique from the Perspective of Econom- plan from the perspective of the right to adequate
ic and Social Rights”. It called upon the Palestinian housing. The unit director presented an intervention
Authority to adopt policies and plans to promote on governmental policies towards housing issues
the right to adequate housing and taken into con- from the perspective of economic and social rights.
sideration the urgent needs of thousands of civilian
who lost their homes during the Israeli offensive on
203
In 2014, the unit carried out several medic activities, including interviews with the local, Arab and international
media, on the right to adequate housing. These activities highlighted the impact of the Israeli closure on the
reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following the Israeli offensive that destroyed many housing units.
Output (6)
Promotion of Economic and Social Rights of the Population of Access-Restricted Areas (ARA)
Activities
1. Monitoring violations of the economic and social rights of the population of the ARA
2. Meetings with the population to determine their needs
3. Meetings with development experts, representatives of the Palestinian Authority, international organiza-
tions, academics and donors
4. Advocacy and lobbying for the rights of the population
5. A report on Israeli attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip
6. Six fact-sheets on attacks against fishermen in the Gaza Strip
The unit monitored the economic and living conditions of the population of the Israeli-imposed ARA in the
Gaza Strip, including farmers and fishermen, and the impact of the Israeli closure on their subsistence. The unit
highlighted the impact of Israeli attacks against Palestinian farmers and fishermen.
1. Monitoring violations of the economic and the population and its basic needs, and document
social rights of the population of the ARA, in- Israeli attacks against farmers and fishermen.
cluding fishermen
3. Meetings with international and local organi-
In 2014, the unit monitored violations of the eco- zations, including donors
nomic and social rights of the population of the
Israeli-imposed ARA in the Gaza Strip, including The unit director held several meetings with inter-
farmers and fishermen. It highlighted restrictions national organizations to highlight the suffering of
on access to farmers to agricultural areas and fisher- Palestinian civilians living in ARA and violations of
men to the sea, and it documented attacks against their rights. He also escorted several visiting inter-
them. The unit has been a major source for data on national delegations and representatives of interna-
the ARA, including daily attacks on farmers and fish- tional organizations operating in the Gaza Strip in
ermen and their property. field tour to border areas and Gaza fishing harbor to
meet with farmers and fishermen.
2. Meetings with the population to determine
their needs »» On 6 March 2014, the unit director escorted
a Japanese delegation in a field tour that in-
The unit’s staff held periodic meetings with resi- cluded Gaza fishing harbor, border areas in
PART two
dents of the ARA, including representatives of the the north and east of the Gaza Strip and al-
civil societies in the area and the Fishermen Syndi-
Mentarl (Karni) crossing.
cate. These meetings addressed efforts to support
204
On 26 March 2014, the unit director participated in and on the motivations and consequences of
a meeting with Martin Oelz, from the International such violations in the ARA, including the im-
Labor Organization. The meeting discussed living pacts related to internal displacement, health,
conditions of the Palestinian labor force in the financial conditions and livelihood. Lawyer
Gaza Strip under the ongoing Israeli closure. Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, highlighted the
humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, point-
4. Advocacy and lobbying for the rights of the ing to the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza
population Strip, which is illegal and inhumane and consti-
tutes a form of collective punishment against
The unit carried out a number of activities to high- the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza
light the suffering of the population of border areas Strip. He added that the closure has hindered
and fishermen: any communication between the Gaza Strip
and the West Bank on the one hand and the
»» Meetings with societies operating in border Gaza Strip and the outside world on the oth-
areas, including fishing associations, to dis- er hand. He explained that Israeli violations
cuss the economic and social conditions in against the Palestinian civilians in the ARA are
these areas. a limited sample of the closure, indicating that
»» Escorting international delegations in field Israeli violations and restrictions imposed on
tours in these areas to witness the suffering the access to livelihood reflect the daily suffer-
of the population. ing of fishermen and farmers in the Gaza Strip.
»» Providing information and statistics to inter- The Israeli measures in the ARA despoil 35%
national relief organizations to provide assis- of the best agricultural area and deny the Pal-
tance to victims of Israeli attacks. estinian farmers and fishermen access to 85%
»» Media interviews on violations against the of their livelihood. Sourani pointed that “Un-
population of border areas and fishermen. der Fire” report was launched in February in
»» Coordination and cooperation with interna- London in the presence of about 40 members
tional solidarity activists to organize activities of the European Parliament, politicians and
to support for the population of border areas journalists. Sourani delivered a speech on that
and fishermen. occasion on the human rights situation in the
»» On 14 April 2014, PCHR organized a meeting to Gaza Strip via Skype.
present a report titled “Under Fire” that was
jointly issued by the Palestinian Centre for Hu- 5. A report on Israeli attacks against fishermen
man Rights (PCHR) and the Internal Displace- in the Gaza Strip
ment Monitoring Centre (IDMC). The meeting
was held in PCHR’s head office in Gaza City, The unit issued a report documenting Israeli attacks
where a number of representatives of com- against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip in the
munity-based and international organizations period from 1 September 2013 to 1 December 2014.
and media agencies attended. The meeting The report reviews incident of shooting and wound-
was opened by Mr. Khalil Shaheen, Director of ing fishermen, confiscating and damaging fishing
the PCHR’s Economic and Social Rights’ Unit. equipment and chasing and arresting fishermen.
He explained that the meeting was held in The report indicates that all attacks against Palestin-
the context of PCHR’s efforts to monitor and ian fishermen took place within the six-nautical-mile
follow up the living conditions of civilians in limit imposed by Israeli forces for Palestinian fishing.
the Gaza Strip, especially under the Israeli-
imposed closure on the Gaza Strip for over 7 6. Fact-sheets on attacks against fishermen in
years and the constant Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip
civilians who are protected according to the
international humanitarian law. Mr. Shaheen The unit issued six fact-sheets on Israeli attacks
added that the report seeks to shed light on against Palestinian fishermen, including shooting
the Israeli violations in the Access Restricted and detention of fishermen and damaging and con-
Areas (ARA) in land and sea in the Gaza Strip fiscation of fishing boats.
205
7. Press releases and media activities was attended by representatives of member

local and international organization. The unit
In 2014, the unit carried out a number of media ac- presented “Under Fire”, a report jointly is-
tivities, including eight interviews with the local, sued by PCHR and the Internal Displacement
Arab and international media, highlighting the liv- Monitoring Center, which documents Israeli
ening and economic conditions of the Palestinian attacks in the ARA.
population and Israeli attacks in the ARA. »» On 18 February 2010, the unit director partic-
ipated in the meeting of the Protection Clus-
»» On 10 February 2014, the unit director partic- ter in the Office of the High Commissioner for
ipated in the meeting of the Protection Clus- Human Rights in Gaza City. The meeting was
ter in the Office of the High Commissioner attended by representatives of member local
for Human Rights in Gaza City. The meeting and international organization.
o Contribution to Training Courses Organized Other Activities

by the Training Unit
»» The unit’s staff members were involved in
In 2014, the unit actively contributed to train- PCHR’s activities to document Israeli attacks
ing courses organized by PCHR’s Training Unit. against Palestinian civilians and property dur-
In this context, the unit’s staff contributed to 8 ing the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in
training courses, facilitating lectures on the eco- summer 2014. They prepared press releases
nomic, social and cultural rights, including the and special reports on the humanitarian con-
right of education, health and development. ditions, violations of economic and social
rights and attacks against medical personnel.
o Contribution to PCHR’s Annual Report They also contributed to media activities ex-
posing Israeli violations of human rights.
The unit contributed to PCHR’s annual report by »» The unit’s staff members were involved in
preparing a number of reports that focused on preparing a report on the Israeli offensive on
the following issues: the Gaza Strip. They prepared sections in the
report on destruction of civilian property, at-
»» Continued closure and violation of the tacks against medical and humanitarian per-
right to freedom of movement. sonnel and the impact of the Israeli closure
»» Destruction of civilian property. during the offensive.
»» Impact of the political division on the eco- »» On 13 March 2014, the unit director held a
nomic and social conditions in the Gaza skype meeting with Carrol Palf, from Christian
Strip. Aid, on seizure of land in the Gaza Strip and
the situation in the ARA.
Khalil Shaheen, director of the unit,

PART two
with the Yemeni Minister of Justice

and Polish Ambassador to Tunisia
206
Training Unit
In 2014, the unit carried out activities detailed in its annual plan. In spite of the complicated changes
and conditions in the oPt, the unit continued to implement its activities with the new groups it began
to target, in addition to the groups it already targets. The human rights education has continued to be
faced by a state of frustration among Palestinians due to the impunity granted to alleged Israeli war
criminals, the failure of the international community to fulfill its moral and legal obligations to hold
Israel accountable for crimes committed against the Palestinian civilian population and dual standards
adopted by European governments. In summer, Israel launched a large-scale offensive on the Gaza
Strip, which lasted for 50 days. During that period, Palestinian were to unprecedented violent attacks
and they lacked security even inside their homes.
Additionally, the ongoing political division in the Palestinian territory has led to extensive hu-
man rights violations and obstruction of democratic reform, causing more frustration to the
Palestinian populations. Although a Palestinian national unity government was formed, the
situation in the Gaza Strip did not improve and it even deteriorated. Palestinians have little
hope in the success of reconciliation, which has served to increase their frustration.
All these factors have obstructed the education of human rights and democracy and have
added more burdens on human rights defenders to revive and disseminate the human rights
culture in the Palestinian society.
Output (1)
Organizing raining courses for 400 young man and women who are university graduates or students,
journalists, lawyers or members of civil society organizations in the field of human rights and democracy
This output was distributed into 18 activities, but the unit was able to organize 10 training courses only due
to the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, and its subsequent impacts. The number of participants in these
courses 267 persons representing more than 20 community-based organizations throughout the Gaza Strip.
The unit organized training courses in cooperation with local organizations, including Palestinian Women De-
velopment Association; Tawasul Association for Culture and Arts; youth groups at universities; and activists
defending the rights of prisoners.
Training Courses Organized by the Unit in 2014
Number of Courses and Targeted Women’s Partici-

No. Number of Participants Number of Training Hours
Groups pation
4 courses for university students
1 158 80 48.5%
(youth groups)
2 5 courses for members of CBOs 130 100 53%
3 One course for young lawyers 22 20 32%
207
In total, the unit organized 10 training courses for 267 persons, including 132 women (49.5%), in 200 training
hours. Attendance was estimated at 93%. A specialized team of trainers from PCHR and external trainers pro-
vided the training.
A meeting in PCHR's head office with

a student parliament of an UNRWA
school, March 2014
Training Courses Organized by the Unit in 2014
Number of Training Women’s

No. Target Group Place Period
Trainees Hours Participation
Students of the Faculty
PCHR›s office in Gaza
1 of Sharia and Law at the 28 20 21 Apr. – 4 May 57%
City
Islamic University
Members of Somow Youth PCHR›s office in Gaza
2 30 20 22 Apr. – 6 May 63%
Group City
Young lawyers in Khan PCHR›s office in Khan
3 27 18 29 Apr. – 7 May 32%
Yunis Yunis
Office of Tawasul As-
4 Members of CBOs in Rafah 31 20 11-15 May 61%
sociation in Rafah
Members of Palestinian
Office of Palestinian
Women Development
5 22 Women Development 20 1-5 Jun. 100%
Association in the central
Association in al-Boreij
Gaza Strip
Members of Binaa Asso-
Office of Binaa Associa-
ciation for Development
6 26 tion for Development 20 8-12 Jun. 46%
and Empowerment in
and Empowerment
North Gaza
Members of the Legal
Youth Community (a PCHR›s office in Gaza
7 26 20 16-22 Jun. 61.5%
youth group in the Islamic City
University)
Members of the Youth PCHR›s office in Khan
8 23 20 22-26 Jun. 69.5%
Media Community Yunis
Members of the Youth Al-Dar Restaurant, 30 Nov. – 4

9 31 20 48%
Legal Community Gaza City Dec.
PART two
Activists defending the Al-Dar Restaurant,

10 28 20 16-20 Dec. 0%
rights of prisoners Gaza City
208
It is worth noting that the unit developed tools to measure the effects of training:
No. Tool Indicators
The unit director, who attended all lectures, noticed the following:
»» A state of confusion towards human rights was noticed over the year, which disap-
peared by the end of courses.
1 Observation
»» Participants were increasingly involved in discussions.
»» Trainees demonstrated increased respect for discussion and other opinions.
»» Attendance was satisfactory.
The participants identified the following expectations at the beginning of the course:
»» Knowing about the role of human rights organizations, especially PCHR.
»» Making new contacts.
»» Obtaining certificates of participation.
»» Acquiring new information on human rights and the rights of women and children.
It should be noted that details were different from one category to another. For ex-
ample, civil society volunteers focused on human rights in general; young lawyers
focused on the Sharia Law expression their wish to obtain licenses to work before
Sharia courts; media professionals focused on their status under the international
human rights law; university students focused on the role and rights of the youth;
female activists focused on women’s rights; fishermen and farmers focused on
mechanisms of access to justice; and participants in the regional courses focused
on understanding the mechanisms of the international human rights system and
monitoring and documentation of human rights violations.
The participants evaluated the courses as follows:

Comparison between the »» They knew more about the role of human rights organizations, especially PCHR in
participants› expecta- the prosecution of war criminals and defending human rights.
tions at the beginning
of training courses and
»» They acquired new information on human rights and international humanitarian
2 law.
the outcome and sug-
gestions and at the end »» They made new contacts.
of the courses through »» They acquired new theoretical and practical knowledge.
questionnaires
The participants suggested the following:
»» Holding more similar training courses.
»» Holding training courses on the rights of women for youth groups.
»» Organizing a series of lecture on the rights of detainees under international hu-
manitarian law.
The questionnaires explained the following:

»» The contents of lectures were appropriate to the trainees’ expectations.
»» The trainers were qualified and efficient.
»» Training methods varied.
»» Interaction between trainers and trainees and between the trainees and the con-
tents of training courses was good.
»» Attendance was high.
»» Commitment to the rules of discussion and respect for others’ opinions were good.
»» Training places were adequate, excluding one.
»» The trainees benefited of PCHR’s publications, especially the training guide.
A training session for a youth

group, November 2014
209
No. Tool Indicators
Although it is difficult to trace effects of training on trainers at the personal and profes-
sional levels, the unit director was able to notice the following:
»» Increased efforts to document Israeli violations of Palestinian human rights in bor-

der areas and in the sea.
»» 5 trainees were involved in human rights projects as volunteers.
»» 25 trainees volunteered in PCHR to assist in documenting human rights violations
during the Israeli offensive on Gaza.
Tracing effects of train- »» A number of trainees expressed their wish to work as volunteers.
3 ing at the personal and »» At least 70 trainees visited PCHRs’ offices over the year.
professional levels
»» Many trainees participated in PCHR’s activities following the training.
»» 45 teachers who received training in PCHR facilitated visits of school children to
PCHR’s offices; the number of visiting students in 2014 was 988 children.
»» Directors of a number of other organizations stated to the unit director that their
employees who received training acquired more knowledge and experience and
their relations with their colleagues and organizations improved.
»» The unit organized 4 training course upon initiatives of persons who had received
training at PCHR.
Informing about human In 2014, the unit director received information from trainees on human rights violations
4 rights violations and at least 54 times; 10 trainees came to PCHR to inform about human rights violations;
referring victims to PCHR and 17 trainees accompanied victims to PCHR.
Many trainees participated in PCHR’s activities:

»» A number of trainees participated in workshops organized by PCHR.
»» A number of trainees assisted in organizing 3 training courses in their organizations.
Participation in PCHR’s
5
activities
»» A number of trainees informed PCHR about human rights violations and some of
them accompanied victims to PCHR.
»» A number of trainees invited PCHR’s staff members of deliver lectures or partici-
pated in meetings.
Trainees made a number of initiatives:

»» Trainees coordinated 36 visits for school children to PCHR’s offices.
»» A number of trainees invited a number of PCHR staff members to participate in
workshops organized by their organizations.
6 Trainees’ initiatives
»» A number of trainees informed PCHR on human rights violations and escorted vic-
tims to PCHR’s offices.
»» A number of trainees wished to work as volunteers at PCHR.
»» A number of trainees worked as volunteers in human rights programs.
In 2014, the unit received 12 requests from a number of civil society organizations to
Requests for organizing organize training courses for their members on human rights and democracy, and to be
7
training courses invited to participate in activities organized by PCHR. The unit director held meetings
with director of 10 of these organizations.
PART two
A training session for defenders of

prisoners' rights, November 2014
210
Issuing News Releases Related to the Unit’s Activities
In 2014, the unit issued 13 press releases covering its activities. Local newspapers reported on these activities.
Output (2)
Organizing a Training Course for Human Rights Trainers
The unit planned to organize two training courses to train human rights trainers, but it was able to organize
one inside the Gaza Strip. The number of participants was 23 persons representing 11 CBOs throughout the
Gaza Strip. The 35-training course lasted for five days from 24-30 December 2014. It was held in the Museum
Hotel in Gaza City.
Output (3)
Rising Awareness of 250 Individuals of Rights Ensured by International Human Rights Law
In 2014, the unit delivered 11 training sessions and lectures on basic human rights concepts, democracy, citi-
zenship, preparing legal files, women’s rights and children’s rights. The number of attendants was 287 repre-
senting various segments of the society. The unit organized these activities in cooperation with the Independ-
ent Commission of Human Rights, Creative Woman Forum, al-Adham Association for Development and the
Youth Media Community.
A working group in Train of Trainers

course
211
Activities to Raise Awareness
Activity Implementation Means of Verification Indicators

»» The participants expressed
»» Gaining more knowledge
that they gained more
about human rights issues.
Raising awareness of 250 knowledge about human
The unit organized 11 lec- »» Attendance. rights issues.
individuals of rights en-
tures throughout the Gaza »» The increase in the number
sured by international hu-
Strip on human rights. » » 287 individuals attended
man rights law of requests to organize or
the lectures.
to be invited to attend lec-
»» The unit received 13 re-
tures.
quests.
Details of Lectures
Number of partici-
No. Partner Organization Target Groups Subject Place Date
pants
University
1. Creative Woman Forum Democracy Museum Hotel 18 18 Jan.
graduates
University
2. Creative Women Forum Citizenship Museum Hotel 18 19 Jan.
graduates
University
3. Creative Women Forum Civil society Museum Hotel 18 20 Jan.
graduates
Palestine Legal Com- University stu- Introduction to Palestine Uni-
4. 26 14 Apr.
munity dents human rights versity
Human Rights Defend- University stu- Building legal PCHR›s office in
5. 38 24 Jun.
ers Network dents files Gaza City
Office of the
Research meth-
Independent Commis- Independent
6. NGO workers odology and 33 16 Oct.
sion of Human Rights Commission of
standards
Human Rights
Collecting
Field workers of
evidence without Al-Dar Restau-
7. PCHR human rights 20 4 Dec.
traumatizing rant
organizations
victims
Al-Zaytoun Preparatory
8 Parents Women›s rights The school 51 14 Dec.
School
The
Al-Adham Association Members of the Human rights
9. association›s 30 17 Dec.
for Development association concepts
office
PCHR›s office in
10. PCHR Bloggers Human rights 16 21 Dec.
Gaza City
The
Palestinian Youth Me- Members of the Introduction to
11. community›s 19 22 Dec.
dia Community community human rights
office
PART two
212
Output (4)
Maintaining Contacts with Trainees and Establishing an Alumni Organization
The unit continued its efforts to establish an alumni body that combines individuals who receive training at
PCHR. In 2014, the unit filed contact details of 213 trainees. The list includes names, places of residence, work
places, telephone and fax numbers, e-mails, the coordinating institutions, and the dates and places of courses.
Persons who received training at PCHR contributed to a number of activities organized by PCHR and other
organizations:
1. 25 persons who received training at PCHR as- 5. Five of the trainees were involved in a project
sisted PCHR in documenting human rights vio- relating to violations of children’s rights in the
lations perpetrated by Israeli forces during the Gaza Strip.
latest offensive on the Gaza Strip. 6. A number of PCHR’s staff members were invited
2. The unit added at e-mail addresses of at least to participate in workshops and meeting or-
130 trainees to PCHR’s mailing list. ganized by organizations whose members had
3. The unit received many visitors who received training at PCHR.
training. 7. A number of trainees participated in workshops
4. There was an increasing interest in the docu- and conferences organized by PCHR.
mentation of Israeli violations of Palestinian 8. A number of participants assisted in the organi-
human rights in border areas and the sea in the zation of 4 training courses.
Gaza Strip. A Facebook page was established to 9. A number of participants informed PCHR about
monitor and document Israeli attacks against human rights violations.
fishermen in the Gaza Strip, and a person who 10. 15 trainees volunteered to assist PCHR in a sur-
received training at PCHR documents Israeli vey of CBOs in the Gaza Strip.
attacks against Palestinian civilians, especially 11. Friends of PCHR organized 36 visits for 988
farmers, in border areas, on his own Facebook school children to PCHR’s offices.
page.
Visits by School Children to PCHR’s Offices in 2014
No. School Office Number of Children Date
1. Khan Yunis School «B» for Girls Khan Yunis 22 19 January
2. Jabalya School «B» for Boys Jabalya 35 10 February
3. Rafah Elementary School for Boys Khan Yunis 25 12 February
4. Qulaibu Preparatory School Jabalya 17 17 February
5. Khan Yunis Elementary School «C» Khan Yunis 40 26 February
6. Al-Shujaiya Elementary School «C» Gaza 25 24 February
7. Jabalya Elementary School «A» for Boys Jabalya 23 27 February
8. Tal al-Sultan Preparatory School for Girls Khan Yunis 40 27 February
213
No. School Office Number of Children Date
9. Khan Yunis Elementary School «A» for Girls Khan Yunis 14 10 March
10. Rafah Preparatory School «A» for Boys Gaza 40 12 March
11. Khan Yunis Elementary School «B» for Girls Khan Yunis 12 12 March
12. Khan Yunis Preparatory School for Boys Khan Yunis 25 13 March
13. Al-Fukhari School for Boys Khan Yunis 25 16 March
14. UNRWA School Central Parliament Khan Yunis 30 17 March
15. Al-Fukhari School Khan Yunis 15 30 March
16. Deir al-Balah Elementary School Gaza 25 20 March
17. Deir al-Balah Elementary School «B» Gaza 31 20 March
18. Maan Preparatory School for Boys Khan Yunus 21 24 March
19. Bani Suhaila Preparatory School Khan Yunis 33 25 March
20. Al-Mamouniya Elementary School Gaza 29 25 March
21. Al-Maghazi Elementary School «B» Gaza 52 26 March
22. Deir al-Balah Elementary School «B» Gaza 15 31 March
23. Abu Tuaima Preparatory School for Girls Khan Yunis 5 2 April
24. Rafah Elementary School «A» for Boys Gaza 61 3 April
25. Al-Junaina Preparatory School in Rafah Gaza 25 8 April
26. Beit Lahia Elementary School «A» for Boys Jabalya 24 15 April
27. Rafah Elementary School «D» Gaza 25 26 April
28. Jabalya Elementary School «A» for Girls Jabalya 22 3 November
29. Jabalya Elementary School «B» for Girls Jabalya 30 26 November
30. Al-Qarara Elementary School Khan Yunis 20 30 November
31. Khan Yunis Preparatory School for Girls Kahn Yunis 30 1 December
32. Student Parliaments of Rafah Khan Yunis 29 16 December
33. Al-Zaytoun Preparatory School «A» for Girls Gaza 45 17 November
34. Al-Nussairat Preparatory School «A» for Boys Gaza 26 11 December
35. Jabalya Elementary School «A» for Girls Jabalya 22 3 November

PART two
214
Output (5)
Maintaining Relations with Civil Society Organizations through Training Activities
The unit contributes to promote PCHR’s relations with civil society organizations through participating in train-
ing activities organized by these organizations. The unit receives many invitations from governmental and
non-governmental organizations to organize training courses for their members, delivering lectures or design-
ing training programs due to the unit’s high professionalism.
The unit responded positively to invitations from community-based organizations to deliver lectures or facili-
tate training sessions in the field of human rights. In 2013, the unit implemented 7 of such activities, which
were attended by 192 persons.

Lectures Delivered by the Unit at Training Courses Organized by Other Organizations
Partner Organiza-
No. Target Groups Subject Place Number of participants Date
tion
Creative Woman University
1. Democracy Museum Hotel 18 23 Jan.
Forum graduates
Creative Women University

2. Citizenship Museum Hotel 18 23 Jan.
Forum graduates
Creative Women University

3. Civil society Museum Hotel 18 24 Jan.
Forum graduates
Output (6)
Q&A Manuals of Human Rights
In 2014, the unit prepared 3 manuals; one is being printed, another one is being reviewed and the third one
will be published in 2015.
Details of the Manuals
No. Manual Process
1. Updated human rights training manual Under print
2. Manual for human rights trainers A draft has been prepared and it is being revised
Two Q & A manuals on a number of human rights instru-

3. They will be published in 2015
ments
215
Activities Not Included in the Annual Plan
1. Preparing a form for institutions to examine their activities in the field of defending human rights.
2. 85 forms were completed by institutions throughout the Gaza Strip.
3. Designing a form for individuals to monitor the human rights conditions and the conceptual and behavio-
ral changes in the field of combating human rights violations.
4. More than 300 interviews were conducted with persons who received or will receive training at PCHR, and
forms were completed to monitor the human rights conditions.
5. A monitoring, evaluating, accountability and learning course was organized on 1 and 3 December 2014
for 15 staff members of PCHR. The training was provided by Ibrahim al-Tamimi from Oxfam-Novib via the
video conference.
PART two
216
Advocacy and Lobbying Activities
PCHR pays a special attention to develop a network of relations based on joint cooperation in order to
be able to achieve its goal of protection of human rights and international humanitarian law. PCHR’s
efforts to activate advocacy and lobbying activities at the local level are aimed at protecting human
rights in the Palestinian territory and promoting democratic awareness in the Palestinian society. At
the international level, PCHR makes use of such efforts to defend Palestinian human rights and influ-
ence the international public opinion against human rights violations and crimes perpetrated by the
Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians.
In 2014, PCHR made intensive efforts to make use its relations with partner international organizations
and visiting international delegations towards achieving justice, enforcing human rights standards and
ending Israeli violations against Palestinian civilians.
Participation in international and regional conferences and meetings
Visit to Spain
In the period 7-13 January 2014, PCHR participated in a number of meeting in Spain, includ-
ing a meeting of the international legal team, in which PCHR was represent by its Director, Raji
Spurani. Sourani participated also in a seminar organized in the cultural conference center
in Madrid by civil society organizations and solidarity groups. He also held a series of meet-
ings, including meetings with the Mayor of Madrid and his deputy and members of solidarity
groups.
International Conference in Germany on the Annexation Wall
Hamdi Shaqqura, Deputy Director of PCHR for Program Affairs participated in an international
conference that was organized in Berlin on 7 July 2014 about the annexation wall on the 10th
anniversary of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Legal
Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. organized
by MISEREOR and Brot fur die Welt, in cooperation with Human Rights Center of Potsdam
University. During his stay in Germany, Shaqqura participated in several meetings:
»» A meeting with Sibylle Pfwiffer, Member of Parliament for the Christian Democratic
Union and head of the Parliamentary working group of economic and developmen-
tal cooperation;
»» A meeting with Anitie Groth, Member of Parliament for Dei Linke;
»» A meeting with Dr. Simone Raatz and Gabriele Schmidt, from the parliamentary
working group of Arab nations;
»» A meeting with Omid Nouripour, Member of Parliament for the Green Party and the
foreign affairs spokesperson for the party’s parliamentary bloc;
»» A meeting with Achim Post, Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party
and member of the foreign affairs committee;
»» A meeting with Dr. Karamba Daiby, Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic
Party and member of the human rights and aid committee;
»» A special meeting was held with the Middle East department in Brot fur die Welt or-
217
ganization, which is one of the largest devel- »» A meeting with Robert Grabosch and Katha-
opmental organizations in Germany, where rina Heinzmann about the chances of using
the oPt is covered in the scope of its work . German judiciary to legally peruse business,
The meeting was held in the organization’s which violate human rights of civilians in the
headquarter in which the role of PCHR was oPt.
introduced and an in-depth discussion of the
circumstances of the oPt, including the influ- Conference for Palestine – Italy
ence of regional changes of the Arab world
on the oPt, took place; Upon an invitation by Issam Fares Institute for Pub-
»» A meeting with Christoph Strasser, the Ger- lic Policy and International Affairs in the American
man Human Rights’ Commissioner; University of Beirut, Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR,
»» A meeting with representatives of the Middle participated in a conference in the period 26-30 Sep-
East Unit in the department and their coun- tember 2014, on the latest Israeli offensive on the
terparts in Angela Merkel’s office; Gaza Strip (“Operation Protective Edge”). The confer-
»» A meeting with Dr. Martin Dutzmann, Ambas- ence addressed issues of protection of civilians, ac-
sador of the Protestant Church in Germany countability for war crimes and the need to lift the
for the European Union; closure imposed on Gaza to allow its reconstruction.
»» The European Center for Constitutional and Sourani delivered the opining speech in the confer-
Human Rights organized a discussion semi- ence which constituted a ground for discussion over
nar for the members of the center and law- two days. The UNRWA Commissioner General Pierre
yers from various countries. The seminar ad- Krähenbühl and the former UNRWA Commissioner
dressed the status of human rights in the oPt General Filippo Grandi, and academics and jurists
and the legal intervention procedures to pro- from America, Europe and Palestine participated in
tect human rights, with a detailed presenta- the conference.
tion of the recent developments in the Israeli
judiciary and the Palestinian civilians’ right to Sourani met in Beirut with Dr. Kamel Muhanna, Head
justice. Subsequently, another meeting was of Amel Association; Mr. Ziad Abdul Samad, Head of
held with the director of the center Folvnang the Arab NGO Network; Dr. Salman Abu Sitta; Islah
Kalik to identify cooperation opportunities in Salah; and Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, who are all sup-
the international judiciary; porters of the Palestinian cause and the rights of Pal-
estinian refugees.
Visit to Japan
Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, visited Japan in the

period 8-21 October 2014. He was co-invited to visit
Japan by Professor Egy Najasawa from Tokyo Univer-
sity, Kamakoura, a director at NHK TV channel, and
Dowi Toshikino, a filmmaker specialized in the Pales-
tinian cause. During this visit, he conducted a series
of meetings and lectures in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima,
and Fukushima. Sourani lectured on two consecu-
tive days in Tokyo University before a large audience
of academics, experts, lawyers, solidarity activists,
and journalists. The lectures were introduced by
Prof. Najsawa Origy, from Tokyo University. They
were preceded by two films, one is about the latest
war and the targeting of civilians and the other one
PART two
is about the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip pre-

pared by Dowi Toshikino, a historian and filmmaker. Mr. Raji Sourani delivers a lecture
218
»» Prof. Mary Okeh, a writer and specialist in in last offensive of the Gaza Strip. Moreover,
Arabic language, hosted a meeting with Sou- Sourani asserted that international donors
rani in Kyoto University, which was attended are not an insurance policy for Israeli crimes.
and a large audience of Japanese and Arabs. Prof. Egy Najasawa and Dowi Toshikino at-
It should be noted that Prof Mary Okeh trans- tended the meeting.
lated the full works of Ghassan Kanafani. »» Sourani was interviewed by NHK TV network
»» In Hiroshima, Sourani visited the Hiroshima which recorded a debate between him and an
Peace Memorial Park where he met with four Asian thinker Prof Suh*. The debate was ad-
survivors of the nuclear attack and listened to ministered by the famous director Kamakura.
their stories. They showed great sympathy to- The debate focused on the latest Israeli offen-
wards the Palestinians and condemned Israeli sive on the Gaza Strip. Sourani explained the
attacks against them. Sourani also visited Hi- situation as it is on ground and the western
roshima University where he met with its complicit position towards the people of Pal-
president who is an expert in Middle Eastern estine. He also highlighted the international
affairs and delivered a lecture before a large laws in this regard and the positions of peo-
audience of professors and students. ples of the world communities, which dem-
»» Upon returning to Tokyo, Sourani met with onstrated in solidarity with the Palestinians,
the director general of the Middle East De- especially the peoples and governments of
partment in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Latin America. Additionally, Sourani stressed
Affairs and informed him of the latest devel- the optimism and strength of the people of
opments related to the Palestinian cause and Palestine despite the obvious imbalance of
human rights conditions in the light of the power.
Press Conference
In the conclusion of his visit to Japan, on 20 Octo-
ber 2014, Sourani held a Press conference in Japan
National Press Club (JNPC) (Journalists Syndicate),
which was facilitated by Mr. Yasoushi, JNPC Secre-
tary-General. Around 40 Japanese journalists repre-
senting major Japanese televisions and newspapers
and prominent journalists specialized in the Pales-
tinian-Israeli conflict and Middle East issues attend-
ed the conference.
Mr. Raji Sourani during a lecture in
Japan National Press Club
In the beginning of the conference, Sourani made a

40-minute presentation on the latest Israeli offensive
on the Gaza Strip and the unprecedented crimes com-
mitted by the Israeli forces, including the complete de-
struction of neighborhoods and populated areas, such
as al-Shija’iyah neighborhood, Khuza’a village and Beit
Hanoun town, over the heads of their residents. He
also addressed the annihilation of complete families,
such as the families of al-Najjar, Kaware’, al-Batsh, Ham-
ad, al-Helo and others, as well as targeting schools
used as shelters for the civilians who left their houses
that had been attacked as well. He also talked about
targeting hospitals and medical crews, the destruction
of sewage plants and the only power plant in the Gaza
Strip and other war crimes committed against civilians.
Mr. Raji Sourani with the director general of the Middle East
Department in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
219
PCHR continued advocacy activities at the international level in the context of efforts to defend the rights
of the Palestinian people, but it faced several obstacles as Israeli authorities closed all border crossings
and tightened the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. As PCHR was not able to physically participate in
activities to which it was invited abroad, its participation in a number of activities was limited to presence
through the video conference.
Testifying before the UN Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Pales-
tinian People and Other Arabs in the Occupied Territories
• On 2 June 2014, Hamdi Shaqqura, Deputy Director of PCHR for Program Affairs, testified before the UN
Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other
Arabs in the Occupied Territories. The testimony was made via Skype because member of the Committee
were not allowed in the oPt. Israeli has refused to officially receive the Committee and has denied it access
to the oPt. In his testimony, Shaqqura highlighted violations of human rights and international humanitar-
ian law perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinian civlians. He highlighted two main issues: the exces-
sive and disproportional use of force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians; and the blockade and the
collective punishment imposed on the Gaza Strip for seven years.
Intervention at UN Human Rights Committee’s Hearing
• On 20 October 2014, Khalil Shaheen, Director of PCHR Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit, made an
intervention at the UN Human Rights Committee’s heading no. 112. Shaheen presented his intervention via
the video conference at the UN headquarter in Gaza, because PCHR’s representative were not able to travel
to Geneva due to the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, as the Committee was conducting the periodic
review of Israel. In his intervention, Shaheen reviewed the human rights situation in the oPt, especially in
the Gaza Strip. He highlighted the wide-scale serious violations perpetrated by Israeli forces during their
offensive on the Gaza Strip, the ongoing blockade and the obstruction of the process of reconstruction.
Visiting international delegations

PCHR regularly receives international delegations and public figures as part of its efforts to provide the
international community with a comprehensive overview of and background to violations of human
rights perpetrated by Israeli forces in the oPt. PCHR provides visitors with the required information,
testimonies, affidavits, numbers and statistics. PCHR also briefed the delegations and visitors on the
human rights situation in the oPt.
PART two
220
Program Advisor of the Norwegian Representative Deputy Head of European Union Delegation in Je-
Office rusalem
On 14 January 2013, PCHR received Marte Teie Hel- On 15 January 2014, PCHR received Mr. David Geer,
lum, Program Advisor of the Norwegian Representa- Deputy Head of European Union Delegation in Je-
tive Office to the Palestinian Authority. The visitor rusalem, and Mr. Joris Van Winckel, Officer of Politi-
met with Mr. Jaber Weshah, PCHR’s Deputy Director cal Affairs at the Office of the European Union Rep-
for Branch Affairs, and Mr. Hamdi Shaqqoura. The resentative, at PCHR’s head office in Gaza City. The
meeting discussed the deteriorating human rights two visitors met with Mr. Hamdi Shaqqura, PCHR’s
situation in the oPt due to the continued Israeli vio- Deputy Director for Program Affairs, who discussed
lations. with them the latest developments in regards to the
human rights situation in the oPt.
South African Representative to the Palestinian
Authority Delegation from Friedrich Ebert Foundation
On 14 January 2014, PCHR received Mr. Mlungisi W. On 15 January 2014, Hamdi Shaqqura, Deputy Direc-
Makalima, the South African Representative to the tor of PCHR for Program Affairs, met at PCHR’s head
Palestinian National Authority, and Mr. Goodman office in Gaza with a delegation from the Friedrich
Molate, Political Advisor, at PCHR’s head office in Ebert Foundation, which is one of the most promi-
Gaza City. The two visitors met with Mr. Jaber We- nent active German foundations in the field of devel-
shah, PCHR’s Deputy Director for Branch Affairs. The opment and democracy and has close cooperation
meeting discussed the latest developments in re- relations with the PCHR. The delegation of German
gards to the human rights situation in the occupied foundation included: Ingrid Ross, Director of Frie-
Palestinian territories. Weshah addressed the most drich Eibet; Flex Ikenberg, Palestine Desk Officer; and
prominent Israeli violations in the West Bank and Dr. Osamah ‘Antar, Representative of the Foundation
Gaza Strip. He talked particularly about the ramifica- in the Gaza Strip. The meeting reviewed PCHR’s ac-
tions of the Israeli-imposed closure on the Gaza Strip tivities and the work conducted by PCHR’s different
and how it has denied the Palestinian civilians their units in light of the current situation of human rights
economic, cultural and social rights. He highlighted in the oPt. The meeting also addressed the conse-
the importance of taking a real action to put an end quences of the closure imposed by Israel on the Gaza
to the closure as it is a form of collective punishment. Strip for years as it results in catastrophic conditions
that prevent Palestinian civilians from enjoying many
of their economic, social, and cultural rights.
Mr. Raji Sourani receives Head of the

Representative Office of South Africa
to the Palestinian Authority, 11 June
221
Senior Japanese Delegation
On 3 March 2014, Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR,

met with a senior Japanese delegation composed
of Mari Oka, Professor of Contemporary Arabic at
Kyoto University and coordinator of the Japan Inter-
national Volunteer Center, who translated the works
of Ghassan Kanafani into Japanese; Professor Ohashi
Masaaki at Keisen University and Chairperson of Ja-
pan NGO Center; Dr. Rika Fujiya at Keio University,
and their assistants. Sourani briefed them about the
situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt),
especially in the Gaza Strip. He answered a number
of questions that were raised by the delegation.
International Solidarity Delegation

Mr. Raji Sourani receives the Swedish Consul General, 16
On 12 June 2014, PCHR received an international November
delegation from the committees of solidarity with
the Palestinian people in Spain, Venezuela and Representative of Federal Republic of Germany
France. The delegation included Manu Pineda, Va- On 22 October 2014, PCHR received Mrs. Barbara
leria Cortes, Brigitte Challanole, Arlette Charlot, and Wolf, Head of the Representative Office of Federal
Olivier Bremond. The visit aimed to explore living Republic of Germany, and Mr. Rimette Von Holtz,
conditions of the Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli Director of Consular and Legal affairs, in its head
jails, especially the prisoners who suffer from health office in Gaza City. The two visitors met with Mr.
problems and the administrative detainees. The del- Hamdi Shaqqura, PCHR’s Deputy Director for Pro-
egation members will organize campaigns in their gram Affairs, who appreciated their visit. During the
countries targeting politicians and members of the meeting, Shaqqura reviewed the situation of human
parliaments in order to encourage them to sup- rights in the Palestinian territories and the current
port the cause of the Palestinian prisoners on hun- situation. He also emphasized the importance of
ger strike. The delegation met with Jaber Wishah, the international action on two main issues. The first
PCHR’s Deputy Director for Branch Affairs, in PCHR’s is accountability as Israel would not have committed
head office in Gaza. He reviewed the conditions in- crimes against civilians and their property without
side the Israeli jails and the inhumane and humiliat- having impunity. He added that war crimes must
ing detention conditions. Wishah expressed PCHR’s not go unpunished, and the culture of impunity
willingness to fully cooperate with the delegation must be fought. The second issue is the 7-year clo-
members to ensure carrying out campaigns in their sure imposed on the Gaza Strip which caused devas-
countries in solidarity with the just cause of the Pal- tating consequences on all aspects of lives.
estinian prisoners.
Delegation from the Swedish and Swiss Consulates
Secretary General of Norwegian Refugee Council
(NRC) On 24 and 25 October 2014, PCHR received a del-
egation from the Swedish and Swiss Consulates in
On 14 October 2014, Hamdi Shaqqura, Deputy Di- the context of a fact-finding mission organized by
rector for PCHR, and Essam Younis, Director of Al the International Federation of Human Rights. PCHR
Mezan Center for Human Rights, met Jan Egeland, organized a field tour for the delegation to witness
Secretary General of NRC, in the NRC’s office in Gaza the disastrous impact of the Israeli offensive on the
City. Shaqqura and Younis called for an international Gaza Strip.
PART two
action to combat the impunity enjoyed by Israel.
222
Delegation form Right Livelihood Foundation
PCHR hosted a delegation of the Swedish Right

Livelihood Foundation in the period 28-30 October
2014. The delegation was headed by Mr. Jakob von
Uexkull, the founder of the Right Livelihood Award
(RLA) and co-chair of the Board of Trustees, and it
included: Archbishop Emeritus Andres Wejryd, Eu-
ropean President of the World Council of Churches
(WCC); Lawyer Agneta Johansson, Deputy Director
of the International Legal Assistance Consortium
(ILAC); Bitte Hammargren, Swedish journalist spe-
cializes in Middle East affairs; and Helen Mack Chang,
a human rights defender from Guatemala and 1992
Right Livelihood Award laureate. PCHR prepared an
intensified schedule which included field tours to
observe the destruction and consequences of the
latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, as well as
various meetings with ministers in the Palestinian Mr. Raji Sourani with a number of Japanese citizens in Japan
unity government, political factions, civil society or-
ganizations, business men and others.
Delegation from Grassroots International
Sameeh Mohsen, PCHR’s Coordinator in the West

Bank, received a delegation from Grassroots Interna-
tional – USA. The delegation visited PCHR to witness
the role played by PCHR in defending human rights
in the oPt. Mohsen briefed the delegation on the hu-
man rights situation in the oPt, including Israeli poli-
cies in East Jerusalem that separate the city from the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip; settlement activities
and house demolitions in East Jerusalem; and Israeli
assaults on the religious sites in the city.
A delegation of Right Livelihood Foundation
during a visit to Gaza
Spanish Consul General
On 11 November 2014, PCHR received Mr. Juan Jose

Escobar, the Spanish Consul General, and Ms. Eva
Suarez Leonardo, Senior Program Manager of the
Spanish Cooperation Office. Lawyer Raji Sourani, Di-
rector of PCHR, received the visitors at Beit Hanoun
(Erez) crossing. He accompanied them in a field
visit to a number of areas that were targeted during
the Israeli offensive and witnessed war crimes and
crimes against humanity, including al-Nada housing
project, Beit Hanoun town and al-Shujaiya neigh-
borhood. The visitors met with a number of victims
and their relatives; owners of destroyed houses, fac- A delegation of Right Livelihood Foundation
during a visit to Gaza
tories and property; survivors and families that lost
other members. Moreover, the visitors met with a
223
number of Palestinian businessmen, who explained Palestine Bar Association. Representatives of the
the deteriorating economic situation in the Gaza organizations briefed the visiting delegation on the
Strip and the reconstruction plan that has not been human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian
implemented so far. Palestinian businessmen con- territory (oPt), especially in the Gaza Strip after the
firmed their strong condemnation of the so-called latest Israeli offensive and the massive killing and
plan of Robert Serry, the UN Secretary-General’s destruction of lives and property. The meeting ad-
Personal Representative. The visitors met also with dressed the Israeli closure that has been imposed
representatives of Palestinian factions and CBOs at on the Gaza Strip for 7 years and the attempts to in-
PCHR’s head office in Gaza City. stitutionalize it instead of completely lifting it. The
organizations’ representatives also emphasized the
Swedish Delegation importance to hold Israel accountable for the war
crimes and crimes against humanity against Pales-
On 17 November 2014, PCHR received a Swedish tinian civilians in the Gaza Strip during the latest of-
delegation comprised of Mr. Robert Rydberg, Head fensive.
of the Middle East and North Africa Department at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden; Ms. Ann- Trocaire Delegation
Sofie Nilsson, the Swedish Consul General; her dep-
uty Ms. Johanna Strömquist; and representative of On 17 November 2014, PCHR received a delegation
Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law from the Irish “Trocaire” Foundation. The delegation
Secretariat. The delegation met with a number of included: Garry Walsh, Program Director; and Niall
representatives of member organizations of Human O’keeffe, Trocaires’s Programme Leader for Govern-
Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sec- ance and Human Rights. Mr. Raji Sourani, Director
retariat: Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights; of PCHR, and PCHR’s staff met with the Irish delega-
al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights, Palestinian tion and explained the human rights situation in the
Centre for Human Rights, Women’s Affairs Centre, oPt especially in the Gaza Strip following the offen-
Independent Commission for Human Rights, and sive. This visit is the first of its kind for the delegation
members after the offensive on Gaza.
A reception organized by PNGO for Mr. Raji

Sourani for being awarded the
Alternative Nobel Prize, January 2014
PART two
224
Mr. Raji Sourani receives the Italian Consul General, A visit by a delegation of the Organization of
22 September Islamic States to PCHR, 2 September
Palestine Bar Association honors Mr. Raji Sourani for being

Mr. Raji Sourani receives an ICRC delegation, 10 March
awarded the Alternative Nobel Prize
Mr. Raji Sourani and the Spanish Consul General

during a field tour to see the destruction caused
by the Israeli offensive, 11 November
225
International figures and visitors who met with PCHR in Gaza in 2014
Date Visitors
»» A meeting with Rami Murad , Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat
06 January
»» A meeting with Hiba al-Zayan, Director of UN Women Gaza
9 January »» A meeting with Wafaa al-Kafarna, Norwegian Refugee Council
12 January »» A meeting with Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat
»» A meeting with Marte Teie Hellum, Program Advisor of the Norwegian Representative Office to the
Palestinian Authority.
14 January
»» A meeting with Mlungisi W. Makalima, the South African Representative to the Palestinian National
Authority
»» A meeting with David Geer, Deputy Head of European Union Delegation in Jerusalem, and Joris Van
15 January
Winckel, Officer of Political Affairs at the Office of the European Union Representative
»» A meeting with Ingrid Ross, Director of Friedrich Eibet; Flex Ikenberg, Palestine Desk
Officer; and Dr. Osamah ‘Antar, Representative of the Foundation in the Gaza Strip
»» A meeting with Caoimhe De Barra, Torocaire›s Head of International Programs, and

19 January Garry Walsh, Program Officer, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel, Trocaire,
Ireland
»» A meeting with Pradeep Wagle, Head of OHCHR sub-office in Gaza, and Saber al-
23 January Nairab, OHCHR
»» A meeting with Martine Van de Velde, Consultant
»» A meeting with a French minister and Majdi Shaqqura, Consul of France in Gaza, in
28 January
the French Cultural Center
»» A meeting with a delegation from the Representative Office of South Africa to the
3 February Palestinian Authority
»» A meeting with representatives of Toni Blair’s office
»» A meeting with the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Secretariat
4 February
»» A meeting with UNRWA Commissioner-General and Director of Operations
»» A meeting with Toni Blair, the Quartet›s Envoy, and Hadi Abu Shahla
10 February
»» A meeting with James Rawley, Humanitarian Coordinator, OCHA
»» A meeting with an Australian delegation and Ms. Suhaila Tarazi, from the Arab Na-
12 February tional Hospital
»» A meeting with Deputy Ambassador of South Africa
PART two
13 February »» A meeting with Fredrik Westerholm, from the Swedish Consulate
226
Date Visitors
»» A meeting with Ms. Yoshiko Tanaka, director of a Japanese organization

16 February
»» A meeting with a US delegation
»» A meeting with Assistant UN Secretary-General and civil society organizations

17 February »» A meeting with Leonard Mohl, from the Austrian Development Agency, and Christo-
pher Sternat, from the Representative Office of Austria to the PA
18 February »» A meeting with Cathy Bergen
»» A meeting with the First Secretary of the Representative Office of South Africa to
19 February
the PA
227
Media Interviews
PCHR continues to promote cooperation with local and international media. PCHR considers that the
media plays a vital role in disseminating information on the human rights and humanitarian situation
in the oPt to influence the international public opinion. PCHR provides facilitations to journalists, es-
pecially international ones. In 2014, PCHR continued to conduct interviews with local and international
media and respond to requests for information on human rights in the oPt. PCHR’s Director and staff
were interviewed by hundreds of local and international journalists. The interviews focused on the hu-
man rights situation in the oPt, especially during the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in summer 2014.
The major media institutions that interviewed PCHR’s staff were: The Telegraph; New York Times; CNN;
Financial Times; The Guardian; The Independent; Daily Mirror; Der Spiegel; al-Ghad al-Arabi TV; Swiss
RTS; al-Jazeera; Irish TV; Egypt TV; Le Monde; Le Figaro; BBC; Newsweek; and Portuguese TV.
PART two
228
PCHR’s Publications in 2014
PCHR’s publications include: press releases; field updates on the state of lawlessness and proliferation
of weapons; filed updates on the Israeli closure; Aftermath (a series of reports at the aftermath of Is-
rael’s offensive on the Gaza Strip); periodic and special reports; foldouts; position papers; interventions
to UN and other international bodies; and working papers at international and local conferences.
1. Press Releases
PCHR regularly issues press releases providing detailed and timely information regarding specific incidents,
violations of human rights or international humanitarian law, or other important developments. In 2014, PCHR
issued 170 press releases, including 44 that highlighted events relevant to human rights violations related to
the PNA and internal Palestinian issues, and 116 press releases that focused on human rights violations perpe-
trated by Israeli forces. The Remaining 10 press releases were focused on general violations of human rights
and international humanitarian law.
PCHR’s Press Releases on Palestinian Violations of Human Rights in 2014
No. Date Title

PCHR Demands an Investigation into the Killing of a Woman and 2 Children in 2 Shooting
1. 9 January
Incidents during Familial Disputes
2. 4 February PCHR Demands Immediate Investigation into Death of Girl While Treating Her with Quran
3. 9 February PCHR Calls for Investigating the Death of Child Following Surgery
4. 9 February Permanent Military Court in Gaza Issues New Death Sentence
PCHR is Concerned over the Arrest of Dozens of Civilians on the Grounds of Freedom of
5. 13 February
Opinion, Expression and Belief in the West Bank
6. 13 February The Court of First Instance in Khan Younis Issues New Death Sentence
7. 20 February Former Minister Wasfi Qabha was Attacked by Unknown Persons in Jenin
Increase in Violence against Women, Two Girls Killed in Jabalia and Khan Younis by Their
8. 22 February
Relatives
9. 27 February PCHR Strongly Condemns the Attack on the Latin Church in Gaza
PCHR Denounces Forcible Dispersal of Private Assembly and Arrest of Number of Partici-
10. 9 March
pants in Khan Yunis
PCHR Condemns 2 Incidents That Caused Civilian Casualties Due to Mishandling Explosive
11. 12 March
Devices in Houses
229
No. Date Title
12. 13 March PCHR Calls for Investigating the Death of Detained Person in Khan Yunis Prison
Palestinian Civilian Killed and 5 Others Injured, Including 3 Children and a Woman, by
13. 16 March
Home-Made Rocket in Beit Hanoun
PCHR Condemns Dispersal of 2 Peaceful Assemblies in Gaza and Detention of Some Par-
14. 17 March
ticipants
15. 17 March PCHR Calls for Investigating Young Man›s Death in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis
16. 20 March Khan Yunis Court of First Instance Issues Two Death Sentences
17. 27 March 2 Children Killed and 2 Others Injured by House Fire during Electricity Outage
Statement issued by the Palestinian NGO Network and human rights organizations con-
18. 29 March
cerning the draft Penal Code
PCHR Condemns Dispersal of Private Meeting of Hizb Ut- Tahrir and Attacking Journalists
19. 30 March
in al-Bireh
PCHR Concerned over Injuries of 11 Civilians, Including 7 Children, Due to Explosions of 2

20. 1 April
Suspicious Objects in Rafah and Khan Yunis
21. 16 April PCHR Denounces Imposing Prior Permits for Holding Private Meetings in Gaza
PCHR Follows up with Deep Concern Sentence Issued by Military Court in Gaza against 12
22. 17 April
Persons on Charges of “Undermining the Revolutionary Unity”
23. 30 April Khan Yunis Court of First Instance in Issues New Death Sentence
24. 7 May PCHR Calls for Investigations into Incidents in Yatta Town
25. 8 May PCHR Condemns Implementation of 2 Death Sentences in Violation of Law in Gaza
26. 14 May PCHR Calls for Investigating Death of Detainee in Beit Lahia Detention Facility
PCHR Concerned over Lack of Fair Trial Procedures, Gaza Military Court Issues Death Sen-
27. 15 May
tence against Man Convicted of Committing Murder Less Than Month ago
28. 18 May Gaza Court of First Instance Issues New Death Sentence
Another Detainee Dies in Beit Lahia Detention Facility, PCHR Calls for Establishing Indepen-
29. 18 May
dent Inquiry Committee to Investigate Detention Conditions in the Facility
PCHR Expresses Satisfaction over the Investigations and Punitive Measures Taken by Minis-
30. 18 May try of Interior in Gaza Regarding Dispersal of Peaceful Protest and Attacks against Journal-
ists by Security Officers
PART two
31. 5 June PCHR Condemns Killing Palestinian Woman on the Ground of “Family Honor” in Ramallah
230
No. Date Title
In Light of Continued Salaries Crisis in the Gaza Strip, PCHR Demands Opening Gaza Banks
32. 10 June
Immediately and Calls upon the Parties to Crisis to Contain Its Implications
PCHR Condemns Use of Force to Disperse Peaceful Demonstrations in Solidarity with the
33. 11 June
Administrative Detainees on Hunger Strike and Attacks on PLC Members and Journalists
PCHR Condemns the Dispersal of Peaceful Demonstration in Solidarity with the Administra-
34. 21 June
tive Detainees on Hunger Strike by Palestinian Security Forces in Hebron
PCHR Concerned for Death of Child and Injury of 5 Others as Home-Made Rockets Hit Popu-
35. 25 June
lated Areas
36. 15 July PCHR Condemns Attack on the Palestinian Minister of Health
PCHR Condemns Dispersal by Security Services of Demonstrations Organized in Solidarity

37. 22 July
with Gaza in Nablus and al-Bireh
38. 22 August PCHR Calls for Stopping Extra-Judicial Executions in Gaza
39. 4 September PCHR Condemns Shooting at Dr. Hassan Khreisha by Unknown Persons
Urgent Appeal to Palestinian President and Government: PCHR Warns of Consequences of

40. 21 October Fuel Shortage at Gaza Hospitals and Expected Suspension of Health Services at UAE Red
Crescent Hospital
41. 7 November PCHR Condemns Gaza Explosions and Warns of Return to Security Chaos
PCHR Condemns Firing in Front of Member of Farah Revolutionary Council and Threats to
42. 10 November
Fatah Members
43. 13 November PCHR Concerned over Detention of Head of Public Employees Syndicate
44. 13 November PCHR Condemns Explosion in the Vicinity of French Cultural Center
PCHR’s Press Releases on Israeli Violations of Human Rights in 2014
No. Date Title

Israeli Forces Continue the Policy of Arresting Gazan Patients at the Beit Hanoun Crossing
1. 7 January
(Erez)
2. 9 January Israeli Navy Forces Escalate their Attacks, Arrest Fisherman and Damage Fishing Boat
3. 21 January Israeli Navy Forces Arrest 2 Fishermen off Beit Lahia Shore and Seize Fishing Equipment
In Extra-Judicial Execution Attempt, Israeli warplanes kill Member of Palestinian Armed

4. 22 January
Group and his Cousin in Beit Hanoun, Northern Gaza
231
No. Date Title

In Excessive Use of Force, Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian and Wound Five Others in
5. 25 January
Two Separate Incidents in the Northern Gaza Strip
6. 30 January Israeli Forces Willfully Kill Palestinian Civilian North of Ramallah
7. 11 February Israeli Naval Forces Arrested three Fishermen and Confiscated two Fishing Boats
Concerning «Pillar of Defense» Victims, For the First Time Israeli Committee Headed by Gen-
8. 12 February
eral Doron Almog Initiates Investigation in a Case Followed-up by PCHR
PCHR Condemns Prevention of Gaza Strip Patients from Traveling to Hospitals in the West
9. 12 February
Bank and Israel
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian in the Gaza Strip and Wound 17 Others, Including 4 Children, in
10. 15 February
2 Separate Shooting Incidents
In Excessive Use of Force, Israeli Forces Wound 12 Palestinians, Including 2 Children and a
11. 22 February
Journalist, in the Northern Gaza Strip
12. 26 February Israeli Forces Wound Two Palestinian Civilians, including a Journalist, East of Gaza City
13. 27 February In Extra-Judicial Execution, Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian in Bir Zeit, North of Ramallah
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian with Mental Disorder, South of the Gaza Strip, and Wound
14. 1 March
Another in the North
2 Palestinian Children Wounded During Israeli Attack on 2 Palestinians in Beit Hanoun vil-
15. 4 March
lage, north of the Gaza Strip
16 11 March Israeli Forces Kill a Judge in Cold Blood at al-Karamah Border Crossing with Jordan
17 11 March Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian, Northeast of Ramallah

Israeli Naval Forces Arrest Two Fishermen, Wound Two Others and Confiscate a Fishing Boat
18. 13 March
in Gaza Waters
19. 19 March Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Child in the Southwest of Hebron and Arrest Two Others
Israeli Forces Target 2 Armed Group Members Wounding 13 Palestinian Civilians, Including
20. 24 April
5 Children, in Beit Lahia in the Northern Gaza Strip
21. 8 May PCHR Concerned over Lives of Palestinian Prisoners on Hunger Strike in Israeli Jails
Israeli Forces Kill Two Palestinian Children and Wounded 8 Civilians, including a Child, in the
22. 16 May
West of Ramallah
23. 21 May Israeli Naval Forces Arrest 2 Fishermen, Wound One and Confiscate Fishing Boat in Gaza Sea
Administrative Detainees’ Hunger Strike Enters Its Second Month; PCHR concerned over
24. 25 May
Lives of the Detainees on Hunger Strike in the Israeli Jails
25. 3 June PCHR Calls for Investigating the Circumstances; Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian in Nablus
Following 13 Years of Legal Pursuit, PCHR Succeeds in Ensuring Remedy for the Family of
26. 11 June
Civilian Willfully Killed by Israeli Forces
3 Palestinian Civilians, Including Child, Wounded When Israeli Forces Targeted Member of
27. 12 June
Palestinian Armed Group in the Northern Gaza Strip
PART two
Israeli Forces Arrest Dozens of Hamas Members and Supporters in the West Bank, Launch
28. 15 June
Air Strikes on the Gaza Strip and Impose More Collective Punishment Measures
232
No. Date Title
Israeli Forces Escalate Attacks in oPt; Palestinian Civilian Killed and 4 Others Wounded in
29. 16 June
al-Jalazon Camp North of Ramallah and 5 Air Strikes Launched on Targets in the Gaza Strip
Israeli Naval Forces Escalate Attacks against Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea; Fishermen
30. 19 June
Arrested and Fishing Boat Confiscated
PCHR Concerned He May Be Subjected to Torture, Israeli Forces Arrest Patient while Head-
31. 19 June
ing to Jordanian Hospitals for Medical Treatment
For the 7th Consecutive Day, Israeli Forces Continue Attacks on the West Bank; 245 Palestin-
32. 19 June
ian Civilians Arrested, Including Speaker and 6 Members of PLC
For the 9th Consecutive Day, Israeli Forces Continue to Attack the West Bank and Launch
33. 21 June Airstrikes on the Gaza Strip; Palestinian Child Killed, Old Man Dies Due to Heart Attack, 6
Civilians, including a Child, Wounded and 320 Palestinian Civilians Arrested
Israeli Forces Use Excessive Lethal Force Killing a Palestinian Civilian Suffering Mental Prob-
34. 22 June
lems in ‘Ein Beit al-Maa’ Refugee Camp in Nablus
Forcible Feeding Constitutes Torture Crime; PCHR Warns of Israeli Efforts to Legitimize Forc-
35. 29 June ible Feeding against Palestinian Detainees and Calls upon the International Community to
Immediately Intervene
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian in Jenin, Destroy 2 Houses in Hebron and Launch Air-
36. 1 July
strikes on Targets in the Gaza Strip
In Heinous Crime by Israeli Settlers, Palestinian Child Kidnapped, Tortured and Killed and
37. 3 July
His Body Mutilated in Occupied Jerusalem
Reprisals Escalate in the oPt; Settlers and Special Israeli Military Units Continue to Attack
38. 6 July Palestinian Civilians in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem, and the Israeli Warplanes
Continue to Launch Airstrikes on Targets in the Gaza Strip
Serious Israeli Escalation: Israeli Warplanes Launch Dozens of Airstrikes on Targets in the
39. 8 July Gaza Strip, Including Houses; 27 Palestinian Civilians, Including 10 Women and 5 Children,
Wounded
Israeli Offensive on Gaza Continues for the Second Consecutive Day: Houses Destroyed
40. 9 July While Residents inside; Palestinian Deaths Rise to 22, Including 6 Children 3 Women, and
255 Wounded, Including 107 Children and 64 Women; and 29 Houses Destroyed
Israeli Offensive on Gaza Continues: 69 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 60 Are Civilians, Includ-
41. 10 July ing 22 Children and 13 Women, and 469 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 166
Children and 85 Women; Driver of Press Vehicle Killed; 70 Houses Destroyed
42. 10 July Israeli Forces Engaged in Punitive Destruction of Homes in the Gaza Strip
43. 11 July Another Family Killed under Debris of Their Targeted House in Rafah
On the 5th Day of the Offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli Warplanes Attack Civilian Facilities,
44. 12 July Including Charities, Parks, Disabilities Rehabilitation Centers, Sport Clubs and Mosque, and
Increasingly Target Houses
156 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 132 Are Civilians, Including 34 Children and 27 Women,
45. 13 July
and 938 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including 280 Children and 194 Women
46. 14 July Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian, South of Hebron, and Arrest 11 PLC Members
Ongoing Israeli Offensive on Gaza: 162 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 137 Are Civilians, In-
47. 14 July cluding 34 Children and 28 Women, and 1,058 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including
332 Children and 212 Women
233
No. Date Title
Ongoing Israeli Offensive on Gaza: 181 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 147 Are Civilians, In-
48. 15 July cluding 36 Children and 29 Women, and 1,181 Others Wounded, Mostly Civilians, Including
368 Children and 253 Women
On the 9th Day of the Offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israeli Warplanes Escalate Attacks on
49. 16 July
Houses, Especially Those of Political Leaders
Since the Beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza: 221 Palestinians Killed, of Whom 179
50. 17 July Are Civilians, Including 45 Children and 32 Women, and 1,458 Others Wounded, Mostly Ci-
vilians, Including 432 Children and 298 Women
On the 11th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Israeli Forces Launch Ground Operation in the Gaza
51. 18 July
Strip Covered by Unprecedented Shelling; Dozens of Palestinian Civilians Killed or Wounded
On the 12th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Israeli Forces Continue Ground Operation in the
52. 19 July Gaza Strip Covered by Unprecedented Shelling; Israeli Forces Use Flechette Shells; Approxi-
mately 50,000 Palestinians Forcibly Displaced in Border Areas
53. 20 July Worst and Bloodiest Day Since the Beginning of the Offensive
Another Bloody Day On the 14th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Complete Families Attack
54. 21 July While inside Their Homes; Rescue Crews to Search for Victims in al-Shuja’iya Neighborhood;
More Palestinians Forcibly Displaced in Border Areas
On the 15th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Dozens of Palestinian Civilians Killed or Wounded
55. 22 July as Israeli Forces Attack Apartment Buildings, Mosques, Hospitals and Schools; White Phos-
phorous Bombs and Flechette Shells Fired by Israeli Forces in Border Areas
56. 22 July PCHR Condemns Israeli Forces› Direct Targeting of Medical Facilities and Medical Crews
57. 22 July PCHR Strongly Condemns Israeli Attacks against Journalists
Living Conditions of Civilians Similar to the Palestinian Nakbah; Massive Displacement of

58. 23 July Civilians in the Gaza Strip; Over 300,000 Displaced Civilians, over 118,000 of Whom Have
Resorted to 77 UNRWA Schools
On the 16th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Dozens of Palestinian Civilians Killed or Wounded
59. 23 July
by Israeli Attacks; More Palestinians Forcibly Displaced in Border Areas
Another Bloody Day of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza: Dozens Palestinian Civilians Killed or
60. 24 July Wounded by Israeli Attacks in Khuza’a, ‘Abassan and al-Qarara Villages; Israeli Forces Attack
Gaza from the Air, the Sea and the Ground; More Palestinians Forcibly
61. 24 July Israeli Forces Kill 3 Palestinian Civilians and Wound 71 Others in the West Bank
On the 18th Day of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza: Israeli Warplane Attack Shelter of Dis-
62. 25 July placed Civilians Killing 11 and Wounding Dozens; Israeli Forces Attack Medical Crews and
Ambulances; Israeli Forces Attack Gaza from the Air, the Sea and the Ground
New Bloody Attack on UNRWA Shelter in Beit Hanoun, Israeli Artillery Shells Kill 11 Civilians
63. 25 July
and Wound over 100 Others
On the 19th Day of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza: Before Declaration of Humanitarian Truce,
64. 26 July Israeli Forces Escalated Attacks against Palestinian Civilian;20 Members of One Family, In-
cluding 11 Children and 5 Women, Killed
Israeli Forces Target Medical Personnel and Facilities in the Gaza Strip; 2 Paramedics Killed
65. 26 July
and 6 Others Wounded
PART two
Israeli Forces Kill 9 Palestinian Civilians, Including 2 Children, and Wound 221, Including 35
66. 26 July
Children and 6 Women, in the West Bank
234
No. Date Title
On the 20th Day of the Israeli Offensive: During Declared Humanitarian Truce, Medical and
67. 27 July Defense Crews Have Access to Areas Invaded by Israeli Forces; Israeli Forces Cause Extensive
Damage to These Areas; Dozens of Corpses of Palestinian Recovered
Most Violent Daye Since the Beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza, On the 22nd Day of
68. 29 July the Israeli Offensive: Extremely Violent Attacks on Palestinian Civilians; Complete Families
Annihilated; Mosques, Media Offices and Gaza Power Plant Destroyed
On the 23rd Day of the Israeli Offensive: Indiscriminate Artillery Shelling; Complete Families
69. 30 July Annihilated; UNRWA Shelter Shelled and 15 Civilians Killed; More Corpses Recovered from
Debris of Houses; Extreme Shortages of Electricity and Water Supplies
On the 24th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Indiscriminate Artillery Shelling Most Dangerous
70. 31 July to Civilians; 30 Palestinian Civilians, Including 10 Members of One Family Killed in Public
Market in al-Shuja›iya
On the 25th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Humanitarian Truce Collapse Less Than One Hour
of Its Entry into Force; Dozens of Palestinian Civilians Killed and Hundreds Wounded by
71. 1 August
Israeli Shelling in Rafah; Before Collapse of Truce, Bodies of Dozens of Palestinian Civilian
Recovered
Heinous Crimes against Humanity, On the 26th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Massacre in Ra-
72. 2 August fah, Most Violent Since the Beginning of the Offensive; Rafah Isolated and Unprecedented
War Crimes Committed
During Protests in the West Bank against the Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinian
73. 2 August
Civilians Killed and 95 Others Wounded, Including 30 Children
On the 27th Day of the Israeli Offensive:Rafah Under Israeli Fire; War Crimes Committed
74. 3 August
against Palestinian Civilians; Complete Families Annihilated
6 Journalists Killed since the beginning of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza, PCHR Condemns
75. 3 August
the Israeli Crimes against Journalists and Media Institutions
76. 3 August New War Crime in UNRWA Shelter in Rafah Kills 9 Civilians and Wounding over 45 Others
On the 28th Day of the Israeli Offensive: Israeli Forces Redeploy in Invaded Areas in the Gaza
77. 4 August Strip; Complete Neighborhoods Destroyed; 11 Palestinian Civilians, Including 5 Children,
Killed by Israeli Bombardment of UNRWA Shelter in Rafah
On the 29th Day of the Israeli Offensive on Gaza: Israeli Forces Redeploy outside the Gaza
78. 5 August Strip; Complete Neighborhoods and Civilian Infrastructure Destroyed; More Houses
Destroyed;72-Hour Humanitarian Truce Declared; Bodies of Victims Recovered
During Humanitarian Truce, Bodies of Victims Recovered from Invaded Areas amidst Un-
79. 7 August
precedented Destruction
Following End of Humanitarian Truce, Israeli Offensive on Gaza Resumed: 10 Palestinians,

80. 9 August 6 of Whom Are Civilians, Including 3 Children, Killed, and 88 Others, Including 24 Children
and 14 Women Wounded
Israeli Offensive on Gaza Continued: 5 Palestinian Civilians, Including Child and Woman,
81. 10 August Killed, and 57 Others, Including 19 Children and 9 Women, Wounded; 13 Houses and One
Mosque Destroyed
3 Palestinian Civilian, Including Child, Killed and 63 Others, Including 16 Children, Wounded
82. 10 August
in Protests against Israeli Offensive on Gaza
Ongoing Israeli Offensive on Gaza:6 Palestinians, Including 4 Civilians, Killed, and 85 Others,
83. 11 August
Including 17 Children and 11 Women, Wounded; 14 Houses and One Mosque Destroyed
235
No. Date Title
PCHR Strongly Condemns Killing of Anwar al-Za’anin, Staff Member of Al Mezan Center for
84. 11 August
Human Rights and Calls for Investigation
5 Persons, Including 2 Journalists One of Whom Is Italian, Killed by Explosion of Missile Left
85. 13 August
by Israeli Forces in North Gaza
Israel Forces Resume Offensive on Gaza and Commit More Crimes; 12 Palestinian Civilians,
86. 20 August Including 5 Children and 3 Women, Killed and 78 Others, Including 29 Children and 19
Women, Wounded;11 Houses Destroyed
87. 20 August PLC Member Khaleda Jarrar›s Transfer Jericho Illegal and Condemned
Israel Forces Continue Their Offensive on Gaza Amidst Threats to Expand It; 30 Palestinians,
88. 21 August 22 of Whom Are Civilians, Including 10 Children and 3 Women, Killed and 110 Others, In-
cluding 36 Children and 22 Women Wounded
Israel Forces Continue Their Offensive on Gaza for 47th Consecutive Day; 20 Palestinians, 16
89. 22 August of Whom Are Civilians, Including 6 Children, Killed and 49 Others, Including 11 Children and
7 Women Wounded; Victims Include 5 Civilians, Including Child
On the 48th Daye of Israeli Offensive on Gaza: 9 Palestinian Civilians, 5 of Whom Are Mem-
90. 23 August bers of One Family, Including 2 Children and 2 Women, Killed and 99 Others, Including 30
Children and 19 Women, Wounded; 5 Houses Destroyed
On the 49th Daye of Israeli Offensive on Gaza:7 Palestinians, 4 of Whom Are Civilians, In-
91. 24 August cluding Woman and Her Child, Killed and 92 Others, Including 34 Children and 19 Women,
Wounded
On the 50th Day of Israeli Offensive on Gaza:14 Palestinians, 10 of Whom Are Civilians,
92. 25 August Including 2 Women and 6 Children, Killed and 120 Others, Including 38 Children and 31
Women, Wounded; 27 Houses, Charity, 2 Mosques, Workshop and Poultry Farm Destroyed
Systematic Attacks on Multi-Storey Buildings and Palestinian Civilians Terrified and Forcibly
93. 26 August
Displaced from Centers of Cities
No Safe Place in Gaza Strip: Israeli Adopts Policy of Multi-Storey Buildings› Destruction…
94. 26 August
Palestinian Civilians… Where to Go?
On the Last Day of the Israeli Offensive and Few Hours before Ceasefire: 11 Palestinians, 5
95. 27 August of Whom Are Civilians, Including 2 Children, Killed and 55 Others, Including 14 Children
and 12 Women, Wounded; Child Dies of Previous Wound; 5 Houses and Mosque Destroyed
Since the Truce into Force, 25 Shooting Incidents at Fishing Boats, Detention of 6 Fishermen
96. 9 September
and Confiscation of 3 Boats Reported
97. 10 September PCHR Calls for Investigating Death of Palestinian Detainee at Israeli Hospital
PCHR Follows up Detention Conditions of Palestinians Arrested by Israeli Forces in Latest

98. 14 September
Offensive on the Gaza Strip
99. 18 September Palestinian Fisherman Wounded by Israeli Forces in Gaza
100. 24 September Israeli Forces Kill 2 Palestinians Accused of Killing 3 Israeli Settlers
PART two
101. 29 September In Breach of Truce, Israeli Forces Wound 2 Workers in the Northern Gaza Strip
102. 15 October Israeli Settlers Set Fire to Abu Baker al-Siddiq Mosque in ‹Aqraba Village near Nablus
236
No. Date Title
Israeli Naval Forces Escalate Attacks against Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea;5 Fishermen
103. 22 October
Arrested and Boat Confiscated
104. 23 October 2 Palestinian Fishers Arrested and Fishing Boat Confiscated by Israeli Forces
Israeli Government Persistently Challenges the International Community and Approves Ad-
105. 3 November
ditional Arbitrary Measures in Occupied Jerusalem
106. 12 November Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian in al-‘Aroub Refugee Camp, North of Hebron
Palestinian Human Rights Organizations Condemn Israel›s Ban on Access of International

107. 12 November
Independent Commission of Inquiry to Gaza
108. 23 November Israeli Forces Arrest Palestinian Patient at Erez Crossing
109. 24 November Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian and Wound Child near the Border in the Gaza Strip
110. 24 November Israeli Settlers Continue Their Attacks against Palestinian Civilians in the West Bank
Four Female Civilians, Including 3 Children, Wounded by Explosion of Suspicious Object in

111. 5 December
Khan Yunis
Israeli Forces Wound 2 Palestinian Civilians in New Excessive Force in the North of the Gaza
112. 6 December
Strip
Israeli Naval Forces Escalate Attacks against Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea; 12 Fisher-
113. 7 December
men Arrested, 5 Fishing Boats Confiscated and Fishing Equipment Damaged
In Excessive Use of Force, Israeli Forces Kill Minister Ziad Abu ‘Ain, Director of the Committee
114. 10 December
against the Annexation Wall and Settlement Activity
115. 16 December Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Civilian in Qalandya Refugee Camp, North of Occupied Jerusalem
116. 30 December Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Child and Wounds another One Southeast of Nablus
Other PCHR’s Press Releases in 2014
No. Date Title

On International Women’s Day: Conjugating Efforts to Put an End to the Killing of Palestin-
1. 8 March
ian Women
2. 10 March Appeal to Open Rafah Crossing

Following Palestine›s Accessions to a Number of International Conventions: PCHR Calls
3. 13 April upon Palestine to Immediately Accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court
Forcible Feeding Constitutes Torture Crime; PCHR Warns of Israeli Efforts to Legitimize
4. 29 June Forcible Feeding against Palestinian Detainees and Calls upon the International Commu-
nity to Immediately Intervene
237
No. Date Title
Joint Statement: Human Rights Organizations Calls on the International Community to Im-
5. 9 July
mediately Act to Stop and the Israeli Offensive and Protect Palestinian Civilians
Urgent Call to the international Community, Israeli Offensive on the Gaza Strip Continues:
6. 31 July Civilians on the Verge of Humanitarian Crisis, Power Outage Denies Civilians’ Access to Wa-
ter and Sewage Services; Over 1.6 Million Civilians Have No Access to Water
PCHR Calls for Full and Immediate Ending of the Closure and Warns of Repercussions of Its
7. 30 September
Institutionalization and Continuity
On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: An Open Call to the
8. 25 November
International Community to Offer Protection to Palestinian Women
Following Field Visit to Observe Situation at Shifa Hospital in Light of Cleaning Workers›
9. 4 December Strike, Human Rights Organizations Call for Humanely Offering Healthcare Services Aside
from Political Issues
10 8 December PCHR Praises the Swiss Government’s Bid to Convene Conference on Palestine
2. Field Updates on the State of Lawlessness and Proliferation of Weapons
In 2006, the Democratic Development Unit began to issue field updates highlighting the state of lawlessness
and proliferation of weapons in the OPT; the updates are based on information gathered by the Field Work
Unit. In 2014, PCHR issued 22 of these updates, all of which are available on PCHR’s web page.
Field Updates on the State of Lawlessness and Proliferation of Weapons in 2014
No. Date Title
1. 14 January Young Man Killed in Jericho in Family Revenge

2. 27 January Civilian Died by Explosion of Suspicious Object in al-Bureij Refugee Camp
3. 16 February Palestinian Killed over Familial Dispute in Nablus
4. 2 March Man Kidnapped and beaten by Unknown Gunmen in Rafah
5. 9 March Palestinian shot in a Wedding Party in Deir al-Balah
6. 18 March Civilian Killed in Family Dispute in al-Bureij Refugee Camp in the Central Gaza Strip
7. 14 April Child Injured Due to Explosion of Suspicious Object in Khan Yunis
8. 27 April Moneychanger›s Corpse Found in Khan Yunis
Civilian Killed and 5 Others, Including Woman, Injured by Firearms in Personal and Family
9. 4 May
Disputes in the West Bank and Gaza
10. 27 May Man Dies after Sustaining Injuries due to an Internal Explosion in Nablus
PART two
Young Man Killed Mistakenly in Jabalia and Another One Wounded in Personal Dispute in
11. 29 May
Gaza
238
No. Date Title
12. 2 June Child Killed in al-Nussairat and Another One Wounded Mistakenly in Rafah
13. 10 June Man wounded by Member of Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza
14. 12 June Death of Child in Internal Explosion East of Gaza
Palestinian Civilian Killed and 4 Others Injured in Family Dispute, and Woman and Child
15. 15 June
Injured by Home-Made Rocket in Beit Hanoun
16. 22 June Civilian and His Son Injured by Live bullets in Family Dispute
17. 2 July 6 Persons Injured in Family Dispute in Gaza
18. 7 July Unknown Gunmen Fire at 2 Branches of Bank of Palestine in Gaza
19. 7 July 7 Persons, Including 3 Children, Injured by Home-Made Rocket
20. 16 September 4 Persons Injured by Unknown Gunmen
21. 26 October Man Killed in Family Dispute in Nablus
22. 11 November Bombs Detonated in Front of 3 Houses in al-
3. News Releases
In 2014, PCHR issued 55 news releases
No. Date Title
1. 14 January PCHR Receives South Africa’s Representative to the Palestinian National Authority
2. 15 January PCHR Receives a Number of Visiting Figures and International Delegations
PCHR Organizes 2 Training Courses for Fishermen and Farmers on Human Rights and Mech-
3. 16 January
anisms of Access to Justice in al-Maghazi
PNGO Organize Ceremony to Honor Lawyer Raji Sourani for Winning «Alternative Noble
4. 30 January
Prize»
PCHR Conducts Series of Workshops on Democracy Concepts in Cooperation with Youth
5. 30 January
Groups
6. 2 February PCHR and IDMC Issue Report on Israeli Violations in Access Restricted Areas
Gaza Centre for the Freedom of Media Organizes Ceremony to Honor Lawyer Raji Sourani
7. 9 February
for Winning «Alternative Noble Prize»
8. 20 February PFLP Honors Lawyer Raji Sourani for Winning «Alternative Noble Prize»
PCHR Organizes 7 Training Courses for Farmers and Fishermen on Human Rights and Mech-
9. 25 February
anisms of Access to Justice
10. 3 March PCHR Organizes Training Course for Female Farmers on Human Rights
11. 4 March Sourani Meets with Senior Japanese Delegation
PCHR Organizes One-Day Training Course for Fishermen on Human rights and Mechanisms
12. 18 March
of Access to Justice
239
No. Date Title
13. 24 March PCHR Organizes Special Event to Launch Its 2013 Annual Report
14. 25 March PCHR Publishes Its 2013 Annual Report
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and the Internal Displacement Monitoring
15. 3 April
Center (IDMC) Launch Joint Report on the Access Restricted Areas in the Gaza Strip
16. 14 April PCHR Organizes Meeting on Launching Report on Access Restricted Areas in the Gaza Strip
17. 29 April PCHR Starts Issuing Quarterly Reports on the Human Rights Situation in the oPt
18. 3 May On World Press Freedom Day, PCHR Publishes «Silencing the Press»
19. 5 May On World Press Freedom Day, PCHR Organizes Activities on Press Freedoms in Palestine
PCHR Concludes Training Course in Human Rights and Democracy for the Students of Shar-
20. 5 May
ia and Law Faculty in Islamic University
21. 6 May PCHR Concludes Training Course in Human Rights and Democracy for Somow Youth Group
PCHR Concludes Training Course in Human Rights in Cooperation with Tawasol Association
22. 15 May
for Youth and Culture in Rafah
PCHR Concludes Workshop on Political Participation in Rafah with Participation of Journal-

23. 22 May
ists and Media Activists
PCHR Gives Testimony before the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Af-
24. 3 June
fecting Rights of Palestinian People and Other Arabs in the 1967 Occupied Territories
25. 5 June PCHR Organizes Workshop on “The Future of Housing Polices in the Gaza Strip”
PCHR Concludes Training Course in Human Rights in cooperation with the Development of
26. 5 June
Palestinian Women Society
Human Rights Organizations Suspend Work in Solidarity with Palestinian Prisoners in Israeli
27. 5 June
Jails
PCHR Concludes Training Course in Human Rights in Cooperation with Benaa’ Association
28. 12 June
for Development and Empowerment in the Northern Gaza Strip
In the Context of Its Efforts to Internationalize the Palestinian Prisoners Cause, PCHR Re-
29. 12 June ceives International Delegation and Brief Them on Latest Developments Concerning Pales-
tinian Prisoners in Israeli Jails
PCHR Concludes Training Course on Children›s Rights for the Youth Legal Community at
30. 22 June
Gaza Universities
PCHR Concludes Training Course in Freedom of Opinion and Expression and Human Rights
31. 26 June
for Youth Media Assembly in Khan Yunis
On 10th Anniversary of ICJ Advisory Opinion: PCHR Participate in the Annexation Wall In-
32. 8 July
ternational Conference
PART two
33. 11 September PCHR Condemns Arresting Civilian Wounded in the 2014 Israeli Offensive on Gaza
34. 18 September PCHR Organizes Workshop for Journalists in Rafah on Abolishing Death Penalty
240
No. Date Title
35. 22 September PCHR Organizes Workshop on Abolishing Death Penalty in Jabalia
Sourani Concludes His Visit to Japan by Holding Press Conference in Japan National Press
36. 22 October
Club
37. 22 October PCHR Receives Representative Office of Federal Republic of Germany to the PA
PCHR Organizes Panel Discussion on «Prosecuting Suspected Collaborators with Israeli

38. 27 October
Forces and Extra-judicial Executions»
39. 27 October PCHR Received Rights Livelihood Delegation During Solidarity Visit to Gaza
40. 30 October Right Livelihood Foundation Delegation Ends its Solidarity Visit to Gaza
41. 4 November PCHR›s Coordinator in Ramallah Receives Grassroots International Delegation
42. 10 November PCHR Organizes Workshop for Youth Activists on Abolishment of Death Penalty
43. 12 November Sourani Meets with the Spanish Consul General
PCHR Organizes Consultative Meeting with Political Factions and CBOs on Repercussion of
44. 15 November Israel›s Ban on Access of International Independent Commission of Inquiry (Schabas Com-
mission) to Gaza
45. 17 November PCHR Organizes Workshop for Human Rights Activists on Abolishment of Death Penalty
46. 18 November PCHR Receives International Delegations
PCHR Concludes Training Course on «Prisoners› Rights/Human Rights» for Prisoners Rights›
47. 23 November
Defenders in the Gaza Strip
Unprecedented Awareness Activity: Thousands of Bloggers and Social Media Activists Par-
48. 27 November
ticipate via Twitter in Workshop on Death Penalty Abolishment Organized by PCHR
PCHR Organizes Workshop for Government Employees and Civil Community Activists on
49. 2 December
Abolishment of Death Penalty
PCHR Concludes Training Course on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Dis-
50. 4 December
crimination against Women (CEDAW) in the Gaza Strip
51. 10 December PCHR Organizes Workshop for Civil Society Activists on Abolishment of Death Penalty
PCHR Discusses with Intellectuals and Creative People Abolishment of Death Penalty and
52. 11 December
Phenomenon of Extra-Judicial Executions
PCHR Organizes Workshop for University Students and Graduates on Abolishment of Death
53. 17 December
Penalty
54. 23 December PCHR›s General Assembly Holds Its Annual Meeting
55. 31 December PCHR Concludes 1st Human Rights TOT Course
241
4. Field Updates on the State of the Gaza Strip Border Crossings
In light of the unprecedented closure imposed by the Israeli Forces on the Gaza Strip, the Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights started to issue field updates documenting the state of the Gaza Strip border crossings. In 2014,
PCHR issued 7 of these updates in both Arabic and English.
No. Date Title
1. 16 January 01 – 31 December 2013
2. 18 February 01 – 31 January 2014
3. 12 March 01 – 28 February 2014
4. 13 April 01 – 31 March 2014
5. 15 May 01 – 30 April 2014
6. 17 June 01 – 31 May 2014
7. 29 July 01 – 30 June 2014
5. Fact Sheets
In 2014, PCHR published (17) fact sheets highlight specific violations of human rights; including violations of
Children’s rights in the Gaza Strip, Attacks on the Gaza Strip and their consequences, the Buffer Zone in the
Gaza Strip, the illegal closure imposed by the Israeli Forces on the Gaza Strip, and the Israeli attacks on the
Palestinian Fishermen in the Gaza Strip.
No. Date Title

1. 03 January Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
2. 08 January Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
3. 23 January Violation of Children›s Rights in the Gaza Strip (01 October – 31 December 2012)
4. 3 February Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
5. 18 February Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
6. 19 March Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
7. 1 April Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
8. 8 April Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
9. 8 April Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
10. 14 May Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
11. 14 May Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
12. 20 October Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
13. 20 October Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
14. 6 November Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
PART two
15. 15 December Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences

16. 15 December Gaza Strip: Attacks and their Consequences
17. 17 December Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza Sea
242
6. Reports, Studies and Other Publications
Publication Kind Number Language
Under Fire, a report issued by the PCHR and the

Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) on
Report 1 Arabic and English
the Israeli violations in Access Restricted Areas (ARA)
in the Gaza Strip
Annual Report 2013 Periodic report 1 Arabic and English
Quarterly Report on the Human Rights Situation in

Quarterly report 1 Arabic and English
the oPts (1st Quarter 2014)
Quarterly Report on the Human Rights Situation in

Quarterly report 1 Arabic and English
the oPts (2nd Quarter 2014)
Silencing the Press: Report of Israeli Attacks against

Report 1 Arabic and English
Journalists (1 January 2013 – 31 March 2014)
Justice Slaughtered by Politics; PCHR Shocked by Is-

rael’s Election by UN General Assembly as Vice-Chair Position Paper 1 Arabic
of UN Special Committee on Decolonization
Report on the Humanitarian Conditions in the Gaza

Report 1 Arabic
Strip
Crimes of Torture in Palestinian Prisons and Deten-

Report 1 Arabic
tion Facilities (May 2013 – June 2014)
Weekly Report on Israeli Human Rights Violations in

Regular report 51 Arabic and English
the oPt
243
PCHR’s Web Page
(www.pchrgaza.org)
PCHR realizes and appreciates the increasing importance of information technology in the contempo-
rary world. PCHR increasingly depends on its website as a means of disseminating human rights infor-
mation. PCHR updates its web site on a daily basis with publications and information on its activities
and events on the ground. The material on the website is available in both Arabic and English. PCHR
also distributes its publications via e-mail; about 10,147 subscribers to the mailing list receive PCHR’s
publications via e-mail. In 2014, PCHR’s web site received 1,808,523 visits with an average of 150,710
visits monthly and 5,023 visits daily.
Additionally, PCHR uses social networks to disseminate its publications. The number of people who like
PCHR’s page on Facebook is estimated at 36,508, and the those who follow PCHR’s page on Twitter is
estimated at 8,142.
Visits to PCHR’s Web Site in 2014
Month Number of Visits Access
January 101,388 1,858,849
February 101,388 1,858,849
March 102,301 1,632,032
April 123,301 1,938,251
May 103,301 1,731,232
June 111,489 1,854,424
July 280,212 3,454,254
August 265,212 2,941,244
September 156,036 1,990,551
October 158,381 1,738,508
November 147,194 1,618,577
December 158,320 1,689,912

PART two
Total 1,808,523 24,306,643
244
‫‪300000‬‬
‫‪250000‬‬
‫‪200000‬‬
‫‪150000‬‬
‫‪100000‬‬
‫‪50000‬‬
‫‪0‬‬
‫ﺩﻳﺴﻤﺒﺮ‬ ‫ﻧﻮﻓﻤﺒﺮ‬ ‫ﺃﻛﺘﻮﺑﺮ‬ ‫ﺳﺒﺘﻤﺒﺮ‬ ‫ﺃﻏﺴﻄﺲ‬ ‫ﻳﻮﻟﻴﻮ‬ ‫ﻳﻮﻧﻴﻮ‬ ‫ﻣﺎﻳﻮ‬ ‫ﺍﺑﺮﻳﻞ‬ ‫ﻣﺎﺭﺱ‬ ‫ﻓﺒﺮﺍﻳﺮ‬ ‫ﻳﻨﺎﻳﺮ‬
‫ﻋﺪﺩ ﺍﻟﺰﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ‬
‫‪245‬‬
The Library
PCHR has a specialized library that includes Arabic and English reference materials and periodicals that
focus on various subjects, including international law, domestic laws, human rights, democracy, the Pal-
estinian cause and the Arab-Israeli conflict. By the end of 2014, the library included 4,952 books (3,109
books in Arabic and 1,843 in English), and 1,221 periodicals (422 in Arabic and 799 in English). The
library is available to the public and it is mainly used by students, academics, scholars and other inter-
ested individuals.
PART two
246
247
PART two
248

PCHR - Eng - 2014 Annual Report

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Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

The Philosophy of the Centre’s Work

Field Work Unit

Democratic Development Unit

Economic and Social Rights Unit

Woman Rights Unit

The Training Unit

Funding of the Centre

»» Al Maqdese for Society Development »» KZE through MISEREOR

Director General: Raji Sourani

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Khan Yunis Branch:

West Bank Office - Ramallah:

PART : )1( HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN THE OPT 10

Arrests ,Torture and Other Forms of Cruel and Inhuman Treatment 15

Destruction of Civilian Property 16

Violations of the Right to Life and Personal Security 18

Continued Disruption of the Legislature 19

Erosion of the Authority of the Judiciary 19

Obstruction of General and Local Elections 19

Violations of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression 19

Violations of the Right to Peaceful Assembly 20

Violations of the Right to Freedom of Association 20

PART (2): PCHR’S ACTIVITIES IN 2014 126

Activities of PCHR’s Units 138

Field Work Unit 139

Legal Aid Unit 149

Democratic Development Unit 168

Women and Children Rights Unit 181

Economic ,Social ,and Cultural Rights Unit 196

Training Unit 207

Advocacy and Lobbying Activities 217

Participation in international and regional conferences and meetings 217

Visiting international delegations 220

Media Interviews 228

The Library 246

Annual Report 2014

PCHR’s 2014 Annual Report is divided into two sections:

3. Arrests, Torture and Other Forms of Cruel 4. Attacks on Journalists

1. Violation of the Right to Life and Attacks on Personal Security

2. Arrests, Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment

assembly, especially gatherings that contradict the on associations by a third party.

Recommendations to the International Community

Recommendations to the Palestinian Decision-Makers

Willful Killings and Other Violations of the Right

According to investigations conducted PCHR, testimonies of eyewitnesses and collected evi-

Bombing houses and humanitarian shelters and exterminating entire families

1. Al-Batsh family – al-Toffah neighborhood, Gaza

3. Abu Jaber family – al-Bureij refugee camp

The attack on Rafah Preparatory school that served

Destruction incurred to al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City

The location of the attack on the

Wesam Shuhaibar, the father of one of the victims, said:

Targeting Medical and Humanitarian Services Crews

Targeting Journalists and Media Personnel

Ongoing Policy of Total Closure and Violation of the

»» High rates of poverty and unemployment: The closure resulted in deterioration of