30 sept 2016
On the 25th of September, 2016, the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee submitted a comprehensive complaint to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, regarding the frequent and systematic extrajudicial killing of Palestinians in the Hebron’s Old City district since September of 2015.
Since then, 32 Palestinians were slain there. 4 of the 32 killings have occurred within the past 10 days. The use of force by Israeli military personnel has shown, according to the PNN, not to be in proportion to perceived threats — if such a threat exists — in direct contravention of international law.
Additionally, in all cases, Israeli military forces prevented Palestinian medical staff from rendering life-saving medical care to victims. Israeli military medics offered no aid and, instead, forced Palestinian victims to lay on the ground bleeding and suffering for nearly one hour before Israeli ambulances arrived. This intentional prevention of medical aid directly violates international law and constitutes torture, under the internationally accepted definitions.
The complaint also states how Israeli government forces and settlers strategically use instances where Palestinians are killed to expand settlement activities and further expel Palestinians from the Old City of Hebron. The killings, related impunity and settlement expansion are all methods used in a larger attempt by the Israeli government to ethnically cleanse the Old City of Palestinians.
Urgent intervention is needed by human rights organizations, diplomats, foreign governments, UN agencies and other actors. The Hebron Rehabilitation Committee has called on these organizations, individuals and groups to work quickly, in an attempt to protect Palestinians in Old City Hebron, and to pressure the Israeli government to meet their human rights obligations and abide by international law.
All forms of assistance are needed and advocacy initiatives must take place without delay.
Since then, 32 Palestinians were slain there. 4 of the 32 killings have occurred within the past 10 days. The use of force by Israeli military personnel has shown, according to the PNN, not to be in proportion to perceived threats — if such a threat exists — in direct contravention of international law.
Additionally, in all cases, Israeli military forces prevented Palestinian medical staff from rendering life-saving medical care to victims. Israeli military medics offered no aid and, instead, forced Palestinian victims to lay on the ground bleeding and suffering for nearly one hour before Israeli ambulances arrived. This intentional prevention of medical aid directly violates international law and constitutes torture, under the internationally accepted definitions.
The complaint also states how Israeli government forces and settlers strategically use instances where Palestinians are killed to expand settlement activities and further expel Palestinians from the Old City of Hebron. The killings, related impunity and settlement expansion are all methods used in a larger attempt by the Israeli government to ethnically cleanse the Old City of Palestinians.
Urgent intervention is needed by human rights organizations, diplomats, foreign governments, UN agencies and other actors. The Hebron Rehabilitation Committee has called on these organizations, individuals and groups to work quickly, in an attempt to protect Palestinians in Old City Hebron, and to pressure the Israeli government to meet their human rights obligations and abide by international law.
All forms of assistance are needed and advocacy initiatives must take place without delay.
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 22– 28 September 2016, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued to use excessive force in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 6 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were wounded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
In addition, Israeli forces conducted 68 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 ones in Jerusalem and its suburbs. 114 civilians, including 16 children, were abducted.
51 of them, including 9 children, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem. Among the abducted was Jamal al-Natsha, a PLC member from Hamas’ Change and Reform Bloc.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child.
On 22 September 2016, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wounded to the right thigh and another bullet wound to the right side, and another 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces moved into the east of Nablus.
On 23 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to “Givat Kharsina” settlement, east of Hebron, opened fire at Anas Zaidat (14), from Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron, when he was present at a nearby car stop. As a result, he was wounded to the lower limbs and was then transported to an Israeli hospital.
On the same day, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg while participating in a protest organized at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, in protest against the Israeli policies. The wounded person was transported to Palestine Medical Complec in Ramallah to receive the necessary medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces abducted at least 114 Palestinian civilians, including 16 children. Fifty-one of them, including 9 children, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem. Among the abducted was Jamal al-Natsha, member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) from Hamas’ Change and Reform Bloc.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, on 23 September 2016, Qais Mohammed Baker (40), from al-Shati refugee camp, was wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to Nahal Oz area in participation of activities supporting Jerusalem.
On the same day, Ayman al-Najjar, (25) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, southeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to the area in participation of activities supporting Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.
The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
Concerning house demolitions, on 27 September 2016, the Israeli municipality vehicles demolished 2 residential buildings belonging to Abu al-Hawa family in al-Khelwa area in al-Tour village, east of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
In the same context, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished on the same day a restaurant in Beit Safafa village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing as well. It should be noted the restaurant was built over 20 years ago and offers income to 25 families.
In the evening, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished parts of a house belonging to Sa’id al-Qassas near “Gilo” settlement under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted the demolished part was attached to al-Qassas’ house 18 years ago.
On 18 September 2016, Rami Elwan and Emad Jaber self-demolished their houses in al-Ashqariya neighbourhood in Beit Hanina, north of occupied Jerusalem, upon a decision from the municipality. They self-demolished their houses to avoid the expensive fines imposed on the demolition.
On 26 September 2016, Israeli forces demolished a container used as an old car garage in southern Nablus.
On the same day, Israeli forces demolished a livestock barrack in the east of Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus, belonging to Sa’ed Abu Jaish.
On 27 September 2016, Israeli forces accompanied by Israeli Civil Administration crew moved into Kherbet al-Hamma in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They demolished dwellings and barns belonging to families of 5 brothers. As a result, 26 civilians, including 14 children, were rendered homeless.
On the same day, Israeli forces demolished 4 wells in Jouret al-Khail area, east of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, under the pretext of building without license in area (C) according to Oslo Accords. It should be noted that on 16 August 2016, Israeli forces moved into the same area and demolished 5 houses, sheds and barracks under the pretext of non-licensing as well.
Concerning settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 25 September 2016, a group of settlers set fire to an under-construction house in Burin village, south of Nablus, belonging to Dakheel Eid. Fire burnt the walls, wood and construction equipment before the Civil defence could extinguish it.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli troops used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations by Palestinian civilians protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall.
On Friday, 23 September 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men organized a protest against the Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. Protesters set fire to tiers and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at them. Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs in response. As a result, an 18-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right leg and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment.
Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, some of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
At approximately 15:20 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, a demonstration headed to the lands in ‘Iraq al-Toutah in Deir Balout, west of Salfit, in protest against levelling those lands to annex to “Lishin” Settlement. The Israeli company, which works in the site, removed the barbed wires separating the settlement from other lands and levelled and confiscated new dumdums. These lands to be confiscated belong to Idris Jubarah Mahmoud ‘Abdullah; ‘Amer Yousif Mahmod ‘Abdullah; ‘Ahed Mousa Saleh ‘Abdullah; Mahmoud Hussein ‘Abdullah and Ahmed Hadrous ‘Abed Salman.
The aforementioned civilians headed to where the bulldozers were levelling and stood in front of them in protest against the confiscation. Although there were identification papers proving the ownership in addition to an Israeli decision issued to prevent seizing them after the owners filed a case regarding previous attempts to annex these lands to the aforementioned settlement, the bulldozers continued their work in the site. The Israeli company then called in the Israeli forces and police.
The Israeli forces arrived and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the Palestinian civilians, causing gas inhalation. The Israeli forces also abducted ‘Amer Yousif Mahmoud ‘Abdullah (50) after protesting against the levelling and standing in front of the bulldozers and put him in a military vehicle. After the vehicle rolled over in the aforementioned site, ‘Abdullah was wounded and transferred to a hospital in Israel for treatment. At approximately 12:30 on the next day, he was released. The leveling is ongoing in the site.
At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 23 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya, east of a Gaza City, fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinian young men, while heading to Nahal ‘Oz area, east of al-Shuja’iya participating in activities to support Jerusalem. The activities continued until 18:00. At approximately 17:15, Qays Mohamed Abed al-Raouf Baker (40), from al-Shati camp, was hit with a live bullet to the thigh (entered and exited) and was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where medical sources classified his wounds as serious.
At approximately 15:30, on Friday, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel, south of al-Bureij refugee camp. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired live bullets and tear-gas canisters at them. As a result, Ayman Ali Hasan al-Najar (25) was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital, where medical sources classified his wounds as moderate.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in its reports submitted to the concerned committees.
Click here for the full text of the report.
In addition, Israeli forces conducted 68 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 ones in Jerusalem and its suburbs. 114 civilians, including 16 children, were abducted.
51 of them, including 9 children, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem. Among the abducted was Jamal al-Natsha, a PLC member from Hamas’ Change and Reform Bloc.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded 3 Palestinian civilians, including a child.
On 22 September 2016, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wounded to the right thigh and another bullet wound to the right side, and another 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces moved into the east of Nablus.
On 23 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the entrance to “Givat Kharsina” settlement, east of Hebron, opened fire at Anas Zaidat (14), from Bani Na’im village, east of Hebron, when he was present at a nearby car stop. As a result, he was wounded to the lower limbs and was then transported to an Israeli hospital.
On the same day, an 18-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg while participating in a protest organized at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah, in protest against the Israeli policies. The wounded person was transported to Palestine Medical Complec in Ramallah to receive the necessary medical treatment. His wound was classified as moderate.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 68 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 15 ones in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. During these incursions, Israeli forces abducted at least 114 Palestinian civilians, including 16 children. Fifty-one of them, including 9 children, were abducted in occupied Jerusalem. Among the abducted was Jamal al-Natsha, member of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) from Hamas’ Change and Reform Bloc.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, on 23 September 2016, Qais Mohammed Baker (40), from al-Shati refugee camp, was wounded when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, east of al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to Nahal Oz area in participation of activities supporting Jerusalem.
On the same day, Ayman al-Najjar, (25) sustained a bullet wound to the left leg when Israeli forces stationed at the border fence, southeast of al-Bureij refugee camp, opened fire at dozens of Palestinian youngsters who headed to the area in participation of activities supporting Jerusalem.
The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has been steadily tightened since June 2007 has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 9 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and other countries around the world. This resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.8 million people.
The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports. The Israeli closure raised the rate of poverty to 38.8%, 21.1% of which suffer from extreme poverty. Moreover, the rate of unemployment increased up to 44%, which reflects the unprecedented economic deterioration in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces continued their efforts to create Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem.
Concerning house demolitions, on 27 September 2016, the Israeli municipality vehicles demolished 2 residential buildings belonging to Abu al-Hawa family in al-Khelwa area in al-Tour village, east of occupied Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing.
In the same context, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished on the same day a restaurant in Beit Safafa village, south of East Jerusalem, under the pretext of non-licensing as well. It should be noted the restaurant was built over 20 years ago and offers income to 25 families.
In the evening, Israeli municipality bulldozers demolished parts of a house belonging to Sa’id al-Qassas near “Gilo” settlement under the pretext of non-licensing. It should be noted the demolished part was attached to al-Qassas’ house 18 years ago.
On 18 September 2016, Rami Elwan and Emad Jaber self-demolished their houses in al-Ashqariya neighbourhood in Beit Hanina, north of occupied Jerusalem, upon a decision from the municipality. They self-demolished their houses to avoid the expensive fines imposed on the demolition.
On 26 September 2016, Israeli forces demolished a container used as an old car garage in southern Nablus.
On the same day, Israeli forces demolished a livestock barrack in the east of Beit Dajan village, east of Nablus, belonging to Sa’ed Abu Jaish.
On 27 September 2016, Israeli forces accompanied by Israeli Civil Administration crew moved into Kherbet al-Hamma in northern Jordan Valley, east of Tubas. They demolished dwellings and barns belonging to families of 5 brothers. As a result, 26 civilians, including 14 children, were rendered homeless.
On the same day, Israeli forces demolished 4 wells in Jouret al-Khail area, east of Sa’ir village, east of Hebron, under the pretext of building without license in area (C) according to Oslo Accords. It should be noted that on 16 August 2016, Israeli forces moved into the same area and demolished 5 houses, sheds and barracks under the pretext of non-licensing as well.
Concerning settler attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property, on 25 September 2016, a group of settlers set fire to an under-construction house in Burin village, south of Nablus, belonging to Dakheel Eid. Fire burnt the walls, wood and construction equipment before the Civil defence could extinguish it.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli troops used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations by Palestinian civilians protesting settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall.
On Friday, 23 September 2016, dozens of Palestinian young men organized a protest against the Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the western entrance to Silwad village, northeast of Ramallah. Protesters set fire to tiers and threw stones and Molotov Cocktails at them. Israeli forces fired live bullets, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs in response. As a result, an 18-year-old male was hit with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the right leg and was then taken to Palestine Medical Complex to receive medical treatment.
Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organized protests in Bil’in and Ni’lin villages, west of Ramallah; al-Nabi Saleh village, northwest of the city and Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqiliya. Israeli forces forcibly dispersed the protests, firing live and rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs. They also chased protesters into olive fields and between houses. As a result, some of the protesters suffered tear gas inhalation while others sustained bruises as Israeli soldiers beat them up.
At approximately 15:20 on Sunday, 25 September 2016, a demonstration headed to the lands in ‘Iraq al-Toutah in Deir Balout, west of Salfit, in protest against levelling those lands to annex to “Lishin” Settlement. The Israeli company, which works in the site, removed the barbed wires separating the settlement from other lands and levelled and confiscated new dumdums. These lands to be confiscated belong to Idris Jubarah Mahmoud ‘Abdullah; ‘Amer Yousif Mahmod ‘Abdullah; ‘Ahed Mousa Saleh ‘Abdullah; Mahmoud Hussein ‘Abdullah and Ahmed Hadrous ‘Abed Salman.
The aforementioned civilians headed to where the bulldozers were levelling and stood in front of them in protest against the confiscation. Although there were identification papers proving the ownership in addition to an Israeli decision issued to prevent seizing them after the owners filed a case regarding previous attempts to annex these lands to the aforementioned settlement, the bulldozers continued their work in the site. The Israeli company then called in the Israeli forces and police.
The Israeli forces arrived and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the Palestinian civilians, causing gas inhalation. The Israeli forces also abducted ‘Amer Yousif Mahmoud ‘Abdullah (50) after protesting against the levelling and standing in front of the bulldozers and put him in a military vehicle. After the vehicle rolled over in the aforementioned site, ‘Abdullah was wounded and transferred to a hospital in Israel for treatment. At approximately 12:30 on the next day, he was released. The leveling is ongoing in the site.
At approximately 15:00 on Friday, 23 September 2016, Israeli forces stationed at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel, east of al-Shuja’iya, east of a Gaza City, fired live bullets and rubber-coated metal bullets at Palestinian young men, while heading to Nahal ‘Oz area, east of al-Shuja’iya participating in activities to support Jerusalem. The activities continued until 18:00. At approximately 17:15, Qays Mohamed Abed al-Raouf Baker (40), from al-Shati camp, was hit with a live bullet to the thigh (entered and exited) and was then taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where medical sources classified his wounds as serious.
At approximately 15:30, on Friday, dozens of Palestinian young men headed to the border fence between Gaza Strip and Israel, south of al-Bureij refugee camp. They threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired live bullets and tear-gas canisters at them. As a result, Ayman Ali Hasan al-Najar (25) was hit with a live bullet to the left leg and was then taken to al-Aqsa Hospital, where medical sources classified his wounds as moderate.
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR made several recommendations to the international community. Among these were a recommendation that the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the Parties to international human rights instruments, especially the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to pressurize Israel to comply with their provisions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to compel it to incorporate the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in its reports submitted to the concerned committees.
Click here for the full text of the report.
28 sept 2016
Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor revealed in a new report issued Wednesday that Israel has adopted a systematic campaign to prevent activists and NGO workers from working in the Palestinian territories.
The international secretary of Euro-Med, Pam Bailey, is one of the victims of the surging number of deportations, and the NGO called on the council to file a formal complaint against Israel with international bodies.
“We are not individuals who want to live and work in Israel; rather, we seek the right to do so in the Palestinian territories,” notes Bailey.
“The Israeli government likes to claim it is not a prison warden. But what else is it if it controls who Palestinians choose to welcome as visitors and consultants?”
An analysis of UN data conducted by the Euro-Med Monitor shows that a recent surge in reports of deportations of individuals attempting to transit through Israel to work with Palestinians is apparently the result of an official strategy implemented by the Israeli government beginning in January of this year.
Reports submitted to the Access Coordination Unit (ACU) of the United Nations Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator show that in 2015, only 1 percent of the 384 “incidents” encountered by UN and international NGO employees and consultants resulted in deportations.
Rather, the vast majority of the problems (76 percent) were delays. The same pattern was observed in the previous three years. However, through September 20 of this year, “mere” delays (which can last hours) dropped to 58 percent of the 232 reported incidents; instead, there was a dramatic increase in forced cancellation of trips (18 percent) and deportations (9-10 percent).
By far the most incidents were reported at Erez, the crossing from Israel into Gaza, indicating that travelers to the blockaded Strip are particularly targeted. About 4 percent of UN employees were denied permits.
The international secretary of Euro-Med, Pam Bailey, is one of the victims of the surging number of deportations, and the NGO called on the council to file a formal complaint against Israel with international bodies.
“We are not individuals who want to live and work in Israel; rather, we seek the right to do so in the Palestinian territories,” notes Bailey.
“The Israeli government likes to claim it is not a prison warden. But what else is it if it controls who Palestinians choose to welcome as visitors and consultants?”
An analysis of UN data conducted by the Euro-Med Monitor shows that a recent surge in reports of deportations of individuals attempting to transit through Israel to work with Palestinians is apparently the result of an official strategy implemented by the Israeli government beginning in January of this year.
Reports submitted to the Access Coordination Unit (ACU) of the United Nations Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator show that in 2015, only 1 percent of the 384 “incidents” encountered by UN and international NGO employees and consultants resulted in deportations.
Rather, the vast majority of the problems (76 percent) were delays. The same pattern was observed in the previous three years. However, through September 20 of this year, “mere” delays (which can last hours) dropped to 58 percent of the 232 reported incidents; instead, there was a dramatic increase in forced cancellation of trips (18 percent) and deportations (9-10 percent).
By far the most incidents were reported at Erez, the crossing from Israel into Gaza, indicating that travelers to the blockaded Strip are particularly targeted. About 4 percent of UN employees were denied permits.
26 sept 2016
Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Monday FIFA, the worldwide football association, of sponsoring matches in Israeli settlements in the West Bank on land unlawfully taken from Palestinians.
The human rights organization called on FIFA to fulfill its human rights responsibilities. FIFA should require its affiliate, the Israel Football Association (IFA), which is conducting business in unlawful settlements that are off-limits to Palestinians, to move all FIFA-sanctioned games and activities inside Israel, the rights group said.
According to a research conducted by Human Rights Watch, there are six football clubs that are members of the IFA and whose official home fields are located in Israeli illegal settlements in the West Bank.
“Newly-elected FIFA President Gianni Infantino took office pledging to steer FIFA out of the human rights and corruption scandals of recent years, so that fans and players can focus on the “beautiful game” of football.
Doing business in the settlements is inconsistent with these commitments.” “By holding games on stolen land, FIFA is tarnishing the beautiful game of football,” said Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine country director at Human Rights Watch.
“FIFA has new leadership and has made new commitments to human rights this year. FIFA should step up now to give settlement clubs a red card and insist the Israel Football Association play by the rules.”
The human rights organization called on FIFA to fulfill its human rights responsibilities. FIFA should require its affiliate, the Israel Football Association (IFA), which is conducting business in unlawful settlements that are off-limits to Palestinians, to move all FIFA-sanctioned games and activities inside Israel, the rights group said.
According to a research conducted by Human Rights Watch, there are six football clubs that are members of the IFA and whose official home fields are located in Israeli illegal settlements in the West Bank.
“Newly-elected FIFA President Gianni Infantino took office pledging to steer FIFA out of the human rights and corruption scandals of recent years, so that fans and players can focus on the “beautiful game” of football.
Doing business in the settlements is inconsistent with these commitments.” “By holding games on stolen land, FIFA is tarnishing the beautiful game of football,” said Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine country director at Human Rights Watch.
“FIFA has new leadership and has made new commitments to human rights this year. FIFA should step up now to give settlement clubs a red card and insist the Israel Football Association play by the rules.”
On an international day of solidarity with Palestinian Journalists, Israeli forces detained 79 journalists and shot 130 others, the Commission of Supporting Palestinian Journalists reported.
The commission reported, according to Al Ray, that Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists and cameramen have raised dramatically since the beginning of Al-Aqsa Habba – uprising.
Last October saw the highest number of Israeli violations against Palestinian media staff in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and occupied Jerusalem.
The commission said, in a statement published on Monday, that it recorded more than 489 violations committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian media staff between October of 2015 and August of 2016.
174 of the violations committed in the last three months of 2015, while 315 violations were committed at the beginning of 2016.
The 26th of September is now commemorated as the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists.
The commission reported, according to Al Ray, that Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists and cameramen have raised dramatically since the beginning of Al-Aqsa Habba – uprising.
Last October saw the highest number of Israeli violations against Palestinian media staff in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and occupied Jerusalem.
The commission said, in a statement published on Monday, that it recorded more than 489 violations committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian media staff between October of 2015 and August of 2016.
174 of the violations committed in the last three months of 2015, while 315 violations were committed at the beginning of 2016.
The 26th of September is now commemorated as the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists.
Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHRI) has been under attack by a right wing group named Reservists on Duty, which called for funding to be cut for National Service positions at PHRI.
The group also called for the cancellation of PHRI’s participation in a course entitled “Equality and Justice regarding Health in the South” run by the Beersheba Municipality.
Such attacks are yet another sign of the shrinking space available to civil society organizations which oppose the occupation.
PHRI currently doesn’t have National Service staff members, but such an option must remain available so that younger generations of Israelis are exposed to the struggle to secure basic human rights – the foundation of any solid democracy.
Moreover, the inclusion of voices like PHRI’s in initiatives such as those run by Beersheba Municipality are vital to ensure a critical discussion on the right to health.
As stated by Ran Goldstein, PHRI’s Executive Director, in response to the attack “Such attacks force us to turn our attention away from the real problems we are dealing with, such as the important gaps in health services between the periphery and the center of Israel”.
This attack forms part of a trend of intimidation and harassment of organizations and activists by both right wing organization and the government.
It follows on the heels of the recent efforts of right-wing Members of Knesset to deny PHRI of its’ tax exempt status. All these steps have the aim of undermining the legitimacy and efforts of those who are fighting against the occupation.
Dana Moss – International Advocacy Coordinator
dana[at]phr.org.il
The group also called for the cancellation of PHRI’s participation in a course entitled “Equality and Justice regarding Health in the South” run by the Beersheba Municipality.
Such attacks are yet another sign of the shrinking space available to civil society organizations which oppose the occupation.
PHRI currently doesn’t have National Service staff members, but such an option must remain available so that younger generations of Israelis are exposed to the struggle to secure basic human rights – the foundation of any solid democracy.
Moreover, the inclusion of voices like PHRI’s in initiatives such as those run by Beersheba Municipality are vital to ensure a critical discussion on the right to health.
As stated by Ran Goldstein, PHRI’s Executive Director, in response to the attack “Such attacks force us to turn our attention away from the real problems we are dealing with, such as the important gaps in health services between the periphery and the center of Israel”.
This attack forms part of a trend of intimidation and harassment of organizations and activists by both right wing organization and the government.
It follows on the heels of the recent efforts of right-wing Members of Knesset to deny PHRI of its’ tax exempt status. All these steps have the aim of undermining the legitimacy and efforts of those who are fighting against the occupation.
Dana Moss – International Advocacy Coordinator
dana[at]phr.org.il
