Despite evacuation of settlers, Palestinians still under siege
Report, PCHR, 25 August 2005

An Israeli government spokesman on Wednesday said orders were issued to seize four Palestinian-owned tracts of land around Maale Adumim, the largest Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (Arjan El Fassed)

Location: Northern West Bank: Sielat al-Zaher village near Homesh settlement. Gaza Strip: al-Mawasi sealed enclave; the sea at Gaza; Kissufim road near al Qarara; houses near the evacuated settlement of Kfar Darom.

Chronology of Events

IOF have continued to demolish structures in the evacuated settlements in the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank, two days following the official announcement ending the evacuation of settlers. The demolition process is taking place under while a suffocating closure is being imposed on Palestinian communities in the areas close to the evacuated settlements. In addition, IOF have started to dismantle some military facilities in the Gaza Strip, and replace them with tanks.

Closures and Curfews

Al-Mawasi

The area has been totally isolated from the outside world. Food supplies have started to run out as a result of the closure of al-Tuffah and Tal al-Sultan checkpoints at the entrances to the area since the beginning of the implementation of the disengagement plan. The closure has affected patients in need of reaching healthcare facilities outside the area.

A PCHR field worker reported that Mohammed Ibrahim al-Zahouq, 18, is badly in need of medical tests in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. IOF permitted him out of the area, three days after applying for permission. In addition, Zureiq Abu Shallouf (20) and suffering from alopecia was allowed to go to Nasser Hospital on 24 Aug 2005, three days after applying for permission.

Other Areas of the Gaza Strip

IOF have continued to close Erez crossing and al-Sayafa area in the northern Gaza Strip; al-Ma'ni area near Kfar Darom settlement in the central Gaza Strip; and Abu Holi and al-Matahen checkpoints on Salah al-Din Street (the main road between the north and south of the Gaza Strip).

Seizure of Houses

Al- Qarara, near the Kissufim road

At 01:00 on Thursday 25 Aug 2005, IOF moved 250 meters into the neighbourhoods of Abu Haddaf and al-Sumairi to the south of the Kissufim settler road. They raided and searched 2-storey house belonging to Mas'ad Jumey'an al-Sumairi. They placed the 15 residents in one room on the first floor, and transformed the house into a military site for several hours.

Furthermore, IOF raided a two-storey house belonging to Hammad Saleh Abu Haddaf, houses 26 people. All the residents were placed in a room; and the rest of the house was transformed into an outpost until the morning hours.

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