A/HRC/22/35 Palestinian ambulance arrived but was prevented from assisting Mr. Abu Arram until IDF departed. The distance between Mr. Abu Arram and the soldier brings into question whether an imminent threat to life or serious injury existed, when the soldier opened fire the second time.22 27. On 27 March 2012, three brothers in the village of Rammun noticed two unknown men on their neighbour’s car. Thinking they may be thieves, the brothers went out to check, and asked the two men to identify themselves. They responded in Arabic but did not identify themselves. A confrontation ensued and the two unidentified men opened fire at the three brothers. One brother was shot in the leg, another was shot in the neck, and the third was shot in the abdomen. Several dozen uniformed IDF soldiers suddenly appeared. Two of the brothers were shot by uniformed soldiers, with one being struck seven times at close range. The soldiers checked the two men, who it later transpired were undercover IDF soldiers, for injuries and then departed.23 Palestinian ambulances were prohibited by IDF soldiers from providing medical assistance to the wounded. After approximately 40 minutes, the wounded were put in IDF jeeps and transported to Taybeh junction. Crews from two Palestinian ambulances requested to be allowed to assist the wounded, but the IDF soldiers refused. Israeli ambulances eventually took the wounded to a hospital in Jerusalem. The man who had been shot seven times at close range died of his injuries. An autopsy report obtained by OHCHR confirmed that the victim died as a result of “live fire shot from close range”.24 The two other brothers were released from the hospital several days later. According to media reports, IDF subsequently relieved from duty one of the soldiers involved, for having kicked one of the injured brothers in the head, and ordered the opening of a Military Police investigation into the incident.25 28. On 29 July 2012, 14 Palestinian workers without entry permits were being smuggled into Israel in a van driven by an Israeli citizen. As the van approached the Az Za’ayyem checkpoint, a friend called to advise the driver not to cross, since soldiers there were actively searching vehicles. The van’s engine stalled, which prompted two private security guards to approach the vehicle. The driver turned away from the checkpoint towards Az Za’ayyem village. The guards shot at the van, with assault rifles, even though it had diverted away from the checkpoint and was heading toward the village. Three workers were hit by bullets, one to the leg and shoulder, one to the head and another to the leg. All three were taken to the hospital, where one died the next day. 29. During the reporting period, the use of force by ISF during demonstrations resulted in the death of four Palestinians. 30. On 9 December 2011, during clashes between Palestinians and ISF in Nabi Saleh, following the weekly demonstrations that take place in the village, an Israeli soldier in the back of a moving armoured vehicle fired a tear gas canister directly at Mustafa Tamimi, who was approximately 5 metres behind the vehicle and throwing stones at it. The tear gas canister hit Mr. Tamimi below his right eye. He immediately fell and was taken to a 22 23 24 25 According to Israeli media the soldier who opened fire received a citation. Yoav Zitun, “Soldier receives citation for courage”, Ynet News, 23 April 2012, www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L4220080,00.html. On 18 April Israeli media reported that the unit involved in the incident was the “Duvdevan” unit (known for undercover operations) and that they were on a training mission when two undercover soldiers were attacked by four men. According to OHCHR information, the incident involved three Palestinian men. See Yoav Zitun, “Soldier dismissed after kicking bound Palestinian”, www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4217835,00.html. Autopsy report for Rashad Deeb Hassan Shoukha dated 24 June 2012 issued by the Palestine Authority, Ministry of Justice, Palestinian Medico-Legal Institute. Zitun, “Soldier dismissed”. 9