Summary
In the present report, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights highlights issues of concern in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and makes recommendations with regard to each of the main duty-bearers concerned, namely the Government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the authorities in Gaza. With regard to issues in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the High Commissioner examines the excessive use of force by Israeli and Palestinian security forces, which has led to an increase in deaths in the past year. With regard to Gaza, he addresses the ongoing blockade and the enforcement of access restricted areas, noting the hardships and human rights violations that these measures created. In particular, he draws attention to the impact of the blockade on freedom of movement and reconstruction and economic development in Gaza.
I. Introduction
The present report, the seventh periodic report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, covers the period from 9 November 2013 to 31 October 2014.
The period from 12 June to 26 August 2014 was marked by violence throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and an unprecedented escalation of hostilities in Gaza. The possible violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and the human rights abuses committed during that period have been addressed separately (see A/HRC/28/80/Add.1). The International Commission of Inquiry, established pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution S-21/1, is due to report on the events between 12 June and 26 August 2014, and will address issues of accountability for violations of international law at the twenty-eighth session of the Council.
The information contained in the present report is based primarily on human rights monitoring carried out by the field presence of the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Monitoring activities are implemented within the framework of General Assembly resolution 48/141 and Human Rights Council resolutions S-9/1 and S-12/1.