9 aug 2013
Wadi Hilweh Information Center- Silwan monitored the Israeli violations against Jerusalemites in the city during the month of July in which several arrests took place as well as extremist settlers’ assaults in Al-Aqsa and on the properties of Jerusalemites.
The Information Center monitored the arrest of 35 Jerusalemites including minors and a woman where most of the arrests took place during clashes that broke out in the streets of Jerusalem and while suppressing peaceful protests.
The month of July also witnessed an Israeli escalation by violating the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque as dozens of settlers raided Al-Aqsa on occasion of the so-called “Destruction of the Temple”, in addition to organizing tours on the outside doors of Al-Aqsa and practicing religious rituals near them.
The occupation authorities ordered Zeina Amro, a teacher in Al-Aqsa education program (Masateb), to stay away from Al-Aqsa for three months claiming that she disrupts security and public safety, knowing that she was arrested while being in the Augusta Victoria hospital in Jerusalem; 25-year old Hussam Sider who is an employee of Al-Aqsa Mosque Reconstruction Committee was also ordered to stay away from Al-Aqsa.
The Israeli occupation forces also suppressed in July a protest for the prisoners and another one that was against the Prawer Plan and assaulted and attacked the participants and severely beat them using batons, sound bombs and Calvary units.
Demolition
In the context of demolitions in the Holy City, Al-Sharabati family in the old city executed the court’s decision and removed the tin plates from the top of their house in order to avoid evacuation, knowing that the family put the tin plates on the top of the house almost 20 years ago to protect the rooms from the rain.
The municipality also handed a demolition order to the family of Jerusalemite prisoner Khaled Shweiki to demolish the balcony of his house since it is built without a permit.
Assaults
Towards the end of last month, a Jerusalemite young man was shot in his foot in Sheikh Jarrah as verbal altercations broke out between him and an Israeli police man who was dressed in civil clothes and ended up shooting him.
Settlers continued their assaults on Jerusalemites and their properties as they damaged the windows of several cars at Lions gate and assaulted young men during the so-called “Destruction of the Temple” protest, knowing that the police was present at the scene but did not interfere and prevent the settlers or arrest them.
Lands and properties
In the context of attacks on lands and properties, a decision to evacuate Siam’s family from their house in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah was issued, in favor of the settlers. The family has been living in the house since the 1960’s but the Custodian of Absentee Property claims that the family has been living there since 1968 so that they don’t benefit from the protection rights; the Custodian of Absentee Propertyis ordering Siam family to pay 40 thousand NIS to freeze the evacuation.
Settlers also tried to seize a land and a house in the neighbourhood of Al-Tur at the beginning of July. They assaulted the residents as well as attacking 53-year old Sami Qalouni and Jamal Abu Steve and injuring them with wounds and bruises.
The settlers are also trying to seize a property that belongs to Al-Rweidi family in Al-Ein area in Silwan. The family was surprised when the settlers appealed the District court’s decision which confirmed the family’s ownership of the property that consists of 3 floors (5 residential apartments) and 30 individuals live in it; it is registered under the name of Jom’a Mohammad Salem Darwish Rweidi.
Follow: Wadi Hilweh Information Center monthly Report
The Information Center monitored the arrest of 35 Jerusalemites including minors and a woman where most of the arrests took place during clashes that broke out in the streets of Jerusalem and while suppressing peaceful protests.
The month of July also witnessed an Israeli escalation by violating the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque as dozens of settlers raided Al-Aqsa on occasion of the so-called “Destruction of the Temple”, in addition to organizing tours on the outside doors of Al-Aqsa and practicing religious rituals near them.
The occupation authorities ordered Zeina Amro, a teacher in Al-Aqsa education program (Masateb), to stay away from Al-Aqsa for three months claiming that she disrupts security and public safety, knowing that she was arrested while being in the Augusta Victoria hospital in Jerusalem; 25-year old Hussam Sider who is an employee of Al-Aqsa Mosque Reconstruction Committee was also ordered to stay away from Al-Aqsa.
The Israeli occupation forces also suppressed in July a protest for the prisoners and another one that was against the Prawer Plan and assaulted and attacked the participants and severely beat them using batons, sound bombs and Calvary units.
Demolition
In the context of demolitions in the Holy City, Al-Sharabati family in the old city executed the court’s decision and removed the tin plates from the top of their house in order to avoid evacuation, knowing that the family put the tin plates on the top of the house almost 20 years ago to protect the rooms from the rain.
The municipality also handed a demolition order to the family of Jerusalemite prisoner Khaled Shweiki to demolish the balcony of his house since it is built without a permit.
Assaults
Towards the end of last month, a Jerusalemite young man was shot in his foot in Sheikh Jarrah as verbal altercations broke out between him and an Israeli police man who was dressed in civil clothes and ended up shooting him.
Settlers continued their assaults on Jerusalemites and their properties as they damaged the windows of several cars at Lions gate and assaulted young men during the so-called “Destruction of the Temple” protest, knowing that the police was present at the scene but did not interfere and prevent the settlers or arrest them.
Lands and properties
In the context of attacks on lands and properties, a decision to evacuate Siam’s family from their house in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah was issued, in favor of the settlers. The family has been living in the house since the 1960’s but the Custodian of Absentee Property claims that the family has been living there since 1968 so that they don’t benefit from the protection rights; the Custodian of Absentee Propertyis ordering Siam family to pay 40 thousand NIS to freeze the evacuation.
Settlers also tried to seize a land and a house in the neighbourhood of Al-Tur at the beginning of July. They assaulted the residents as well as attacking 53-year old Sami Qalouni and Jamal Abu Steve and injuring them with wounds and bruises.
The settlers are also trying to seize a property that belongs to Al-Rweidi family in Al-Ein area in Silwan. The family was surprised when the settlers appealed the District court’s decision which confirmed the family’s ownership of the property that consists of 3 floors (5 residential apartments) and 30 individuals live in it; it is registered under the name of Jom’a Mohammad Salem Darwish Rweidi.
Follow: Wadi Hilweh Information Center monthly Report
8 aug 2013
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up 100 Palestinians in Al-Khalil province during the month of Ramadan including 30 minors, a report said. The Palestinian prisoner’s society said in a report on Wednesday that the IOF in cooperation with the Shabak launched the largest arrest campaign ever in Al-Khalil in Ramadan.
The report charged that the soldiers humiliated and harassed citizens during the arrest campaigns, describing the arrest measures as savage and vengeful.
It said that the Israeli interrogators pursue sadistic interrogation methods against the detainees in violation of the international humanitarian law and all ethical and religious values.
The report pointed out that in addition to 30 detainees under 18 years old the IOF did not spare students and rounded up 28 of them in the same period mostly university students.
The report charged that the soldiers humiliated and harassed citizens during the arrest campaigns, describing the arrest measures as savage and vengeful.
It said that the Israeli interrogators pursue sadistic interrogation methods against the detainees in violation of the international humanitarian law and all ethical and religious values.
The report pointed out that in addition to 30 detainees under 18 years old the IOF did not spare students and rounded up 28 of them in the same period mostly university students.
7 aug 2013
A Palestinian human rights organization has documented mass Israeli arrests and attacks against Jerusalemites and their properties during July. In its report issued Wednesday, Wadi al-Hilweh Information Center stated that 35 Jerusalemites were arrested during July including two minors and one woman, pointing out to the Israeli continued attacks against al-Aqsa mosque and Jerusalemite properties.
The report documented an escalation in Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque during July where Talmudic rituals were performed.
Israeli settlers continued their attacks against Palestinians and their cars in al-Asbat Gate during the so-called the "destruction of the Temple march", the report said.
The center pointed out to the Israeli confiscation to a number of Jerusalemite houses and the assault of Jerusalemites in Tur neighborhood.
The report documented an escalation in Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque during July where Talmudic rituals were performed.
Israeli settlers continued their attacks against Palestinians and their cars in al-Asbat Gate during the so-called the "destruction of the Temple march", the report said.
The center pointed out to the Israeli confiscation to a number of Jerusalemite houses and the assault of Jerusalemites in Tur neighborhood.
Right-wing Israelis protest in Tel Aviv in 2011
A single question from a recent public opinion poll gave some the impression that Israelis are backing off support for a peace deal. A closer look shows little actual change in public support for a two-state solution, but highlights the danger of sensationalizing polls in an ultra-sensitive environment of negotiations. As usual, the devil is in the details.
The latest Peace Index survey [PDF] by Tel Aviv University and the Israel Democracy Institute has only been out for 24 hours and already there is a minor uproar: The Israeli public has turned dramatically! The Times of Israel headline says so: 63 percent oppose a major West Bank pullout! How could this possibly be, asks TOI, when just a couple of weeks ago, 55 percent of Israelis supported a two-state deal in a referendum in a Haaretz poll?
This is the moment when one inwardly sighs at the need, yet again, to do damage control over poor understanding of public opinion research; journalists, after all, are not pollsters.
Here’s the first deep and mysterious reason why the two numbers seem so contradictory: They are two different questions. Haaretz asked:
“Would you support or a oppose an agreement that would be accepted by the Palestinians and that the Prime Minister supports, that will be put to a referendum”? As noted, 55 percent in total (definitely and likely) supported the general idea of the agreement.
And the Peace Index question cited in the headline was:
“If Israel and the Palestinians reach an understanding and a permanent peace agreement that includes security arrangements for Israel, a demilitarized Palestinian state, international guarantees, and declaration of the end of the conflict by the Palestinians, in return for this peace agreement, would you support or not support each of the following? (The first line item among four questions) – “Withdrawal to the 1967 borders with territorial swaps”
In response, 32 percent of Jews (the sample was 602, and it was conducted at the end of July) said they support this item, along with 72 percent of Arabs, bringing the Israeli total to 38 percent, with 55.5 percent total opposed. Two questions later, the respondents were asked, following the same introduction:
“[And would you support or oppose] An evacuation of settlements, except for Ariel, Maaleh Adumim, and the settlement blocs?”
Here support among Jews was eight points higher than the previous question, or 40 percent, and 44 percent among the whole population (combining 69 percent support among Arabs). Fifty-two percent of the whole Israeli population is opposed – just an eight point gap. It’s not a radical change – actually this is remarkably consistent with the most recent survey by the Truman Institute at Hebrew University from June (also 601 people), showing 44 percent support and 51 percent opposed to “dismantling most of the settlements in the territories as part of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.”
Apparently withdrawal as a broad principle seems like a frightening concession (if I had to guess, because it implies relinquishing military control, which Israelis believe keeps them safe), while dismantling settlements is consistently more acceptable.
It’s true that the data on the point about withdrawing to adjusted 1967 lines looks grim as a line item within an agreement – which is always weaker than support for the whole package – but it’s not actually a dramatic change from previous years. Depending on how the question is asked, the trends range from small majorities at best, to support of around one-third at worst – so this fits in with about a decade of polling. I provided a full review here.
The bottom line is that when it comes to two-state negotiations and the Israeli public, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. What’s the “whole”? Israelis support a two-state solution and the general agreement under consideration; but totally lack confidence in the process of getting there.
• In the Haaretz survey, the majority accepted the referendum when told that the Palestinians and most importantly, Prime Minister Netanyahu support it. I believe this is key. It’s no accident that in the current Peace Index survey, 60 percent of Jews trust Netanyahu to negotiate a deal in a way that protects Israel’s security. That’s why he was, after all, re-elected – not because of his compassionate economic policies.
• Fifty-eight percent of Jews and 62 percent of all Israelis sampled support “the solution based on the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, known as the two-state solution” (Truman Institute, June 2013)
• Fifty-four percent of Israelis support mutual recognition after a Palestinian state has been established, final status issues resolved such as Jerusalem and refugees (Truman Institute, June 2013). But when the package is outlined and described as the Saudi peace initiative, support drops dramatically in that same poll – a clear signal of awfully low levels of trust in the Arab world.
• However, a majority of Israelis no longer believe the two-state solution to be relevant (40 percent of all Israelis think it still is, in the Truman Institute poll)
• Only 30 percent of all Israelis believe that two-state negotiations will lead to peace (Peace Index July survey)
• Both surveys show that fewer Israelis believe their fellow citizens support elements of an agreement (for example, a referendum, or settlement evacuation) than those who actually do. For example, 54 percent of all Israelis do not believe that a referendum would gain a majority (which is not the same as asking whether they support it themselves) in the Peace Index survey.
• This is not a time for over-confidence on the left or the right. The public is prepared to accept the concessions it resents, in return for end of conflict and mutual recognition clauses – but in my opinion, only if the Israeli Prime Minister himself is fully committed to the agreement, showing straightforward leadership and not Janus-faced ambiguity. Unfortunately, that’s not his strong point.
A single question from a recent public opinion poll gave some the impression that Israelis are backing off support for a peace deal. A closer look shows little actual change in public support for a two-state solution, but highlights the danger of sensationalizing polls in an ultra-sensitive environment of negotiations. As usual, the devil is in the details.
The latest Peace Index survey [PDF] by Tel Aviv University and the Israel Democracy Institute has only been out for 24 hours and already there is a minor uproar: The Israeli public has turned dramatically! The Times of Israel headline says so: 63 percent oppose a major West Bank pullout! How could this possibly be, asks TOI, when just a couple of weeks ago, 55 percent of Israelis supported a two-state deal in a referendum in a Haaretz poll?
This is the moment when one inwardly sighs at the need, yet again, to do damage control over poor understanding of public opinion research; journalists, after all, are not pollsters.
Here’s the first deep and mysterious reason why the two numbers seem so contradictory: They are two different questions. Haaretz asked:
“Would you support or a oppose an agreement that would be accepted by the Palestinians and that the Prime Minister supports, that will be put to a referendum”? As noted, 55 percent in total (definitely and likely) supported the general idea of the agreement.
And the Peace Index question cited in the headline was:
“If Israel and the Palestinians reach an understanding and a permanent peace agreement that includes security arrangements for Israel, a demilitarized Palestinian state, international guarantees, and declaration of the end of the conflict by the Palestinians, in return for this peace agreement, would you support or not support each of the following? (The first line item among four questions) – “Withdrawal to the 1967 borders with territorial swaps”
In response, 32 percent of Jews (the sample was 602, and it was conducted at the end of July) said they support this item, along with 72 percent of Arabs, bringing the Israeli total to 38 percent, with 55.5 percent total opposed. Two questions later, the respondents were asked, following the same introduction:
“[And would you support or oppose] An evacuation of settlements, except for Ariel, Maaleh Adumim, and the settlement blocs?”
Here support among Jews was eight points higher than the previous question, or 40 percent, and 44 percent among the whole population (combining 69 percent support among Arabs). Fifty-two percent of the whole Israeli population is opposed – just an eight point gap. It’s not a radical change – actually this is remarkably consistent with the most recent survey by the Truman Institute at Hebrew University from June (also 601 people), showing 44 percent support and 51 percent opposed to “dismantling most of the settlements in the territories as part of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.”
Apparently withdrawal as a broad principle seems like a frightening concession (if I had to guess, because it implies relinquishing military control, which Israelis believe keeps them safe), while dismantling settlements is consistently more acceptable.
It’s true that the data on the point about withdrawing to adjusted 1967 lines looks grim as a line item within an agreement – which is always weaker than support for the whole package – but it’s not actually a dramatic change from previous years. Depending on how the question is asked, the trends range from small majorities at best, to support of around one-third at worst – so this fits in with about a decade of polling. I provided a full review here.
The bottom line is that when it comes to two-state negotiations and the Israeli public, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. What’s the “whole”? Israelis support a two-state solution and the general agreement under consideration; but totally lack confidence in the process of getting there.
• In the Haaretz survey, the majority accepted the referendum when told that the Palestinians and most importantly, Prime Minister Netanyahu support it. I believe this is key. It’s no accident that in the current Peace Index survey, 60 percent of Jews trust Netanyahu to negotiate a deal in a way that protects Israel’s security. That’s why he was, after all, re-elected – not because of his compassionate economic policies.
• Fifty-eight percent of Jews and 62 percent of all Israelis sampled support “the solution based on the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, known as the two-state solution” (Truman Institute, June 2013)
• Fifty-four percent of Israelis support mutual recognition after a Palestinian state has been established, final status issues resolved such as Jerusalem and refugees (Truman Institute, June 2013). But when the package is outlined and described as the Saudi peace initiative, support drops dramatically in that same poll – a clear signal of awfully low levels of trust in the Arab world.
• However, a majority of Israelis no longer believe the two-state solution to be relevant (40 percent of all Israelis think it still is, in the Truman Institute poll)
• Only 30 percent of all Israelis believe that two-state negotiations will lead to peace (Peace Index July survey)
• Both surveys show that fewer Israelis believe their fellow citizens support elements of an agreement (for example, a referendum, or settlement evacuation) than those who actually do. For example, 54 percent of all Israelis do not believe that a referendum would gain a majority (which is not the same as asking whether they support it themselves) in the Peace Index survey.
• This is not a time for over-confidence on the left or the right. The public is prepared to accept the concessions it resents, in return for end of conflict and mutual recognition clauses – but in my opinion, only if the Israeli Prime Minister himself is fully committed to the agreement, showing straightforward leadership and not Janus-faced ambiguity. Unfortunately, that’s not his strong point.
According to a new poll conducted by Israeli Democracy Institute 56% of the surveyed were opposed to Israeli withdrawal to pre 1967 ceasefire line.
The poll also showed that 66% did not believe in a peace-agreement this year, and 67% were opposed to Palestinian refugees Right of Return, while 50% were opposed to that east Jerusalem neighborhoods could become a part of a Palestinian state.
The poll made by the Israeli Democracy Institute (IDI) includes 603 test persons and showed alarmingly low numbers of support for future agreements supporting a Palestinian state.
66% of the requested said they did not believe in that the negotiations would reach a deal within next year.
56% were opposed to withdrawal to the pre 1967 ceasefire lines even if land swaps, allowing some of the illegal settlements to remain on Palestinian land, were carried out.
Amongst the Jewish population the skepticism rose as high as 63%, whilst only 15% of the Israeli-Arab population opposed to the withdrawal.
Also, 67% of polled persons were as well opposed to any deal that would allow the Palestinian refugees, displaced during the Nakba of 1948, to return to their homeland were Israel was created.
The same group were also opposed to any form of financial compensation to the refugees or their families.
50% were against neighborhoods of eastern Jerusalem becoming a part of a future Palestinian state.
The attitudes opinions of Israelis are essential to a future agreement between Israel and Palestine, and these results highlight some of the numerous obstacles that remain before any “Peace talk” could possibly be fruitful.
Poll: Most Israelis object to withdrawing to pre-1967 borders
More than 50% oppose peace agreement that involves withdrawal to Green Line, even with landswaps; 65.6% doubt peace deal with Palestinians can be achieved
Most Israelis would oppose any peace deal with the Palestinians that involved withdrawing to pre-1967 ceasefire lines, even if landswaps were agreed to accommodate Jewish settlements, a poll showed on Tuesday. The survey by the liberal Israeli Democracy Institute (IDI) showed 65.6% of those questioned did not expect to see a deal in talks between Israel and the Palestinians within a year.
The talks resumed last month after a three-year hiatus. US Secretary of State John Kerry has said he hopes a peace agreement that has eluded the parties for decades can be achieved within nine months. But even if the Israeli government managed to defy skeptics and secure an accord, the poll, jointly sponsored by Tel Aviv University, suggested it would struggle to sell it to its people. Of the 602 people questioned, 55.5% said they were against Israel agreeing to the 1967 lines, even if there were landswaps which would enable some Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to remain part of Israel.
Among Israel's majority Jewish population, opposition to such an agreement was 63%, while among Israeli Arabs, a minority group, only 15% objected to such a deal. The issue, which refers to the lines that existed before the Six Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors, is considered key to sealing any deal. Some 67% of all Israelis said they would also oppose Palestinian demands for a return of even a small number of refugees who either fled or were driven away when Israel was created in 1948.
They were also against compensating the refugees or their descendents financially. On one of the other issues facing negotiators, the question of whether Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem should become part of a Palestinian state, some 50% of Israeli Jews said they were against the idea. Only 55% of Israeli Arabs were in favor, fewer than might be expected, suggesting Arab residents of east Jerusalem did not want to lose advantages of living under Israeli government control, such as health and national insurance benefits, the IDI said.
After an opening round of talks in Washington a week ago, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to meet again during the second week of August.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also facing an uphill task trying to sell the talks to his people, even within his Palestine Liberation Organization – an umbrella body that includes many leading political factions. In a statement on Tuesday, two groups – the Popular and the Democratic Fronts for the Liberation of Palestine – called for the talks to be suspended, denouncing them as "a repetition of pointless and harmful negotiations" held since the early 1990s.
The poll also showed that 66% did not believe in a peace-agreement this year, and 67% were opposed to Palestinian refugees Right of Return, while 50% were opposed to that east Jerusalem neighborhoods could become a part of a Palestinian state.
The poll made by the Israeli Democracy Institute (IDI) includes 603 test persons and showed alarmingly low numbers of support for future agreements supporting a Palestinian state.
66% of the requested said they did not believe in that the negotiations would reach a deal within next year.
56% were opposed to withdrawal to the pre 1967 ceasefire lines even if land swaps, allowing some of the illegal settlements to remain on Palestinian land, were carried out.
Amongst the Jewish population the skepticism rose as high as 63%, whilst only 15% of the Israeli-Arab population opposed to the withdrawal.
Also, 67% of polled persons were as well opposed to any deal that would allow the Palestinian refugees, displaced during the Nakba of 1948, to return to their homeland were Israel was created.
The same group were also opposed to any form of financial compensation to the refugees or their families.
50% were against neighborhoods of eastern Jerusalem becoming a part of a future Palestinian state.
The attitudes opinions of Israelis are essential to a future agreement between Israel and Palestine, and these results highlight some of the numerous obstacles that remain before any “Peace talk” could possibly be fruitful.
Poll: Most Israelis object to withdrawing to pre-1967 borders
More than 50% oppose peace agreement that involves withdrawal to Green Line, even with landswaps; 65.6% doubt peace deal with Palestinians can be achieved
Most Israelis would oppose any peace deal with the Palestinians that involved withdrawing to pre-1967 ceasefire lines, even if landswaps were agreed to accommodate Jewish settlements, a poll showed on Tuesday. The survey by the liberal Israeli Democracy Institute (IDI) showed 65.6% of those questioned did not expect to see a deal in talks between Israel and the Palestinians within a year.
The talks resumed last month after a three-year hiatus. US Secretary of State John Kerry has said he hopes a peace agreement that has eluded the parties for decades can be achieved within nine months. But even if the Israeli government managed to defy skeptics and secure an accord, the poll, jointly sponsored by Tel Aviv University, suggested it would struggle to sell it to its people. Of the 602 people questioned, 55.5% said they were against Israel agreeing to the 1967 lines, even if there were landswaps which would enable some Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to remain part of Israel.
Among Israel's majority Jewish population, opposition to such an agreement was 63%, while among Israeli Arabs, a minority group, only 15% objected to such a deal. The issue, which refers to the lines that existed before the Six Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors, is considered key to sealing any deal. Some 67% of all Israelis said they would also oppose Palestinian demands for a return of even a small number of refugees who either fled or were driven away when Israel was created in 1948.
They were also against compensating the refugees or their descendents financially. On one of the other issues facing negotiators, the question of whether Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem should become part of a Palestinian state, some 50% of Israeli Jews said they were against the idea. Only 55% of Israeli Arabs were in favor, fewer than might be expected, suggesting Arab residents of east Jerusalem did not want to lose advantages of living under Israeli government control, such as health and national insurance benefits, the IDI said.
After an opening round of talks in Washington a week ago, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to meet again during the second week of August.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also facing an uphill task trying to sell the talks to his people, even within his Palestine Liberation Organization – an umbrella body that includes many leading political factions. In a statement on Tuesday, two groups – the Popular and the Democratic Fronts for the Liberation of Palestine – called for the talks to be suspended, denouncing them as "a repetition of pointless and harmful negotiations" held since the early 1990s.
Police block demonstrators marching from the city center towards Mahmoud Abbas' headquarters in Ramallah, on Sunday, July 29, 2013
A new opinion poll indicates that a great majority of Palestinians do not have confidence in the role played by the US in the Israel-Palestine talks.
The survey, which was conducted by Gallup between May 21 and June 4, was based on face-to-face interviews with 1000 Palestinian and Israeli adults. Its results were released on July 26.
The findings revealed that 74 percent of the participants disagreed with the acceptability of the solutions proposed by US president Barack Obama and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Only 12 percent of the respondents considered it as acceptable.
When the participants were asked about their trust in Obama to help the process of Israel-Palestine talks, 66 percent expressed no confidence in him.
On July 29, the Israelis returned to the negotiation table in Washington with the Palestinian Authority officials for direct talks for the first time in three years.
Several Palestinian factions, including Hamas resistance movement and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), condemned the resumption of talks.
Hundreds of Palestinians also took to the streets of Ramallah and Gaza to protest against acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas' decision to restart talks with the Israeli regime.
The last Palestinian-Israeli talks broke down in September 2010 after Tel Aviv refused to freeze its settlement activities in the occupied West Bank.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories where the settlements are being constructed were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are therefore subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
A new opinion poll indicates that a great majority of Palestinians do not have confidence in the role played by the US in the Israel-Palestine talks.
The survey, which was conducted by Gallup between May 21 and June 4, was based on face-to-face interviews with 1000 Palestinian and Israeli adults. Its results were released on July 26.
The findings revealed that 74 percent of the participants disagreed with the acceptability of the solutions proposed by US president Barack Obama and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Only 12 percent of the respondents considered it as acceptable.
When the participants were asked about their trust in Obama to help the process of Israel-Palestine talks, 66 percent expressed no confidence in him.
On July 29, the Israelis returned to the negotiation table in Washington with the Palestinian Authority officials for direct talks for the first time in three years.
Several Palestinian factions, including Hamas resistance movement and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), condemned the resumption of talks.
Hundreds of Palestinians also took to the streets of Ramallah and Gaza to protest against acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas' decision to restart talks with the Israeli regime.
The last Palestinian-Israeli talks broke down in September 2010 after Tel Aviv refused to freeze its settlement activities in the occupied West Bank.
The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories where the settlements are being constructed were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are therefore subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbids construction on occupied lands.
6 aug 2013
Last July witnessed an escalation of violations against media freedoms by the Israeli Occupation, monitored by the Palestinian center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), where the Occupation committed a large amount of violations against Palestinian journalists during their coverage of the different events in the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well during their protest demanding their right of free movement.
Another increase was witnessed in the violations committed by Palestinians against Palestinian journalists and media outlets, which lead to the deterioration of media freedoms status during the past month, significantly in the Gaza Strip, especially after the Attorney General's decision to illegally close the offices of Ma'an News Agency, Al-Arabiya, and Al Lens Media Production Company.
Israeli Occupation Violations:
Israeli occupation forces IOF arrested Palestine News Network cameraman Mohammed Walid Al azza (23 years old), from his home in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, on Monday 1st July 2013, he was released after 11 days and paid bail of 1,500 Israeli shekels (approximately 420 US dollar). The IOF also arrested the correspondent of Hona Al Quds network for Community Media Ahmad Aruri, from his home in the village of Arura, near Ramallah, on Sunday 28th July 2013. Aruri is still detained by the IOF.
The IOF also attacked a group of journalists when they were covering a protest demanding open Peteen village road leading to villages east of Ramallah, near the settlement of Beit El, on Wednesday 3rd July 2013. Those journalists are: Alhaya Aljadeda newspaper photographer Essam Rimawi Palestine Public TV cameraman Fadi Jayyousi, the Associated Press photographers Imad Isaeed and Fadwa Hodali, Reuters' photographers Mohammed Turkmen and Saed Hawari, freelance photographer Haitham al-Khatib, and the France Press Agency photographer Abbas Momeni.
In Nablus, the IOF detained the crew of Alaqsa TV and Aljazeera TV for 3 hours, while they were on their way to prepare a report on cut of 1,000 olive trees from the village of Awarta, in the West Bank city of Nablus, the occupation forces, on Thursday 11th July 2013.
In another incident, the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists and dispersed their peaceful protest to claim their right to freedom of movement as part of the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement", on Wednesday 16th July 2013, in front of the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah. The Israeli soldiers threw tear gas at journalists and prevented them from completing their peaceful protest, while they pushed some of the journalists.
The Palestinian Violations:
The Police prevented the Palestine Public TV crew (correspondent Safaa Alhabeel and Photographer Ayman Alswesi) from preparing a report on the water crises in Khan Younis district south of Gaza Strip, on Tuesday 2nd July 2013.
Anonymous people, who identified themselves as the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) threatened the director of the Chinese News Agency office Imad Drimli, and freelance journalist Majed Abu Salama with "death and to cut their tongues" if they continued to express their opinions regarding the events in Egypt.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian Preventive Security called the writer and freelance journalist Khaled Ma'ali for investigation on Tuesday 16th July 2013, to their headquarters in the town of Salfit north of West Bank, where he was interrogated about his articles and journalistic work, his detention lasted for a period of 4 hours and a half.
The Internal security in Gaza prevented journalists from protesting in front of the Office of the High Representative, demanding an intervention in order to ensure the right of the Palestinian journalists of free movement, within the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement," on Wednesday 17th July 2013.
The Security forces in Gaza seized the office keys of Ma'an and Al-Arabiya, preventing employees from entering their offices, on Tuesday 30th July 2013. Nearly after 5 days from The Attorney-General Counsel Ismail Jabr order to close the offices of Ma'an, Alarabia TV, and Lens media Production Company in Gaza on a temporary basis, on Thursday 25th July 2013.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
MADA condemns all violations against media freedoms in Palestine. and calls upon the international community to take a firm stand on the ongoing Israeli violations against journalists and for those responsible to be held accountable, especially after the marked escalation of violations against journalists during the past month, and to pressure the Israeli authorities to allow journalists to move freely and without restrictions between the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem.
MADA expresses its grave concern from the deterioration of media freedoms, particularly in the Gaza Strip after the closing of the offices of Ma'an, Alarabia TV, and Lens media Production Company, which is against the laws of Palestine, and is considered a flagrant violation of freedom of expression, guaranteed by international conventions and the Palestinian Basic Law. MADA calls on the Palestinian authorities to respect the right of expression, and demand the accountability of all those involved in such violations, and the reopening of the offices of Ma'an, Alarabia TV, and Lens media Production Company immediately.
Details of Violations:
(1/7) Israeli occupation forces IOF arrested Palestine News Network cameraman Mohammed Walid Al azza (23 years old), from his home in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, on Monday 1st July 2013, he was released after 11 days and paid bail of 1,500 Israeli shekels (approximately 420 US dollar). Al azza reported to MADA after his release, that the IOF investigated him on charges of possessing informational materials and video on the confrontations in the Aida refugee camp, which he said that this is normal because he is a journalist and holds a legal press card.
Al azza added: "Even the Israeli judge stated in court that there was no need to arrest me and he ordered my release, but the prosecution appealed and tried to fabricate other charges on me, but I was released for lack of evidence on the charges against me." It's important to recall that Al azza was injured by a rubber bullet in the face fired deliberately by Israeli soldiers, during his coverage of the clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths in the Aida refugee camp on 8th April 2013.
(2/7) The Police prevented the Palestine Public TV crew (correspondent Safaa Alhabeel and Photographer Ayman Alswesi) from preparing a report on the water crises in Khan Younis district south of Gaza Strip, on Tuesday 2nd July 2013.
Alhabeel reported to MADA that she and her colleague headed towards eastern region of Khan Younis district, to prepare a report on the water crises in the area after an appeal from Palestinian citizens, where there were many media outlets present to cover the citizens' protest in front of the municipality. After a half an hour of filming, the municipal policeman came and prevented from filming, and began to push the cameraman and forced them to enter the municipal building. Alhabeel added: "he began insulting me and the cameraman as well, then confiscated the tape from the camera, after that the police came and asked us to go to their headquarters in the eastern region. The police were understanding of our profession and apologized for what happened, and we stayed there for 4 hours in order to take the tape back".
(3/7) The IOF attacked a group of journalists when they were covering a protest demanding open Peteen village road leading to villages east of Ramallah, near the settlement of Beit El, on Wednesday 3rd July 2013.
Alhaya Aljadeda Newspaper photographer Essam Rimawi reported to MADA that the Israeli soldiers targeted journalists deliberately with gas bombs, insults, and beating. Where the IOF shot gas bombs at the journalists, where his colleague Palestine Public TV cameraman Fadi Jayyousi was hit by a bomb which caused him burns and bruises. The Associated Press photographers Imad Isaeed (45 years old) reported to MADA: "We received a call from the Popular Resistance Committee in order to cover the protest that will start from the village of Peteen towards the closed roads, and when we arrived there we started covering normally, and that's when the IOF ignored the demonstrators and began assaulting and beating journalists, where most of the journalists fell to the ground and they are: Associated Press photographer Fadwa Hodali, she was injured after a sound bomb was shot between her legs. Reuters' photographers Mohammed Turkmen and Saed Hawari, and freelance photographer Haitham al-Khatib were pushed by the IOF". Isaeed adds: "one of the soldiers attacked and hit me and sprayed pepper gas on my back and pushed me on the ground more than once". The French agency photographer Abbas Momeni (37 years old) reported to MADA that one of the soldiers assaulted him with the back of his rifle, and beat him on his chest, and that all journalists were targeted clearly during the protest.
(4/7) Anonymous people, who identified themselves as the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) threatened the director of the Chinese News Agency office Imad Drimli, and freelance journalist Majed Abu Salama with "death and to cut their tongues" if they continued to express their opinions regarding the events in Egypt.
Darimli reported to MADA that he received a call from an anonymous that told him "you have a long tongue and it must be cut", and advised him not to write about the events in Egypt, or he would be shot. The Darimli reported that he received this call after he expressed his opinion about what is happening in Egypt via the social networks. He also reported that Majed Abu Salama was contacted by anonymous people, who identified themselves as the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) and threatened him not to write about Egypt, saying to him: "Pay attention to your words, we will cut your tongue and fingers until you learn to think before writing."
(11/7) In Nablus, the IOF detained the crew of Alaqsa TV and Aljazeera TV for 3 hours, while they were on their way to prepare a report on cutting 1,000 olive trees from the village of Awarta, in the West Bank city of Nablus, the occupation forces, on Thursday 11th July 2013.
Alaqsa TV correspondent Tareq Abu Zeid reported to MADA that they received an invitation from the head of the village council to make a report on the cutting of olive trees. When they arrived, Israeli soldiers stopped them and confiscated their identity cards, Abu Zeid, the photographer and the head of the village council. The Israeli soldiers also confiscated the Identity cards of Aljazeera crew (Correspondence Sheren Abu Aqla, the photographer and his assistant), and they were asked to follow the soldiers to the Hawara camp. Abu Zeid added: "After we got to the camp we waited for 3 hours without interrogation, but the head of the village council was taken inside, then our identity cards were returned".
(16/7) The Palestinian Preventive Security called the writer and freelance journalist Khaled Ma'ali for investigation at their headquarters in the town of Salfit, North of the West Bank, on Tuesday 16th July 2013. A family member of Ma'ali reported to MADA that Ma'ali received a call from the preventive security to go to their headquarters at 10 am, and when he went he was interrogated about his articles and professional work, where his detention lasted for a period of 4 hours and a half. The source also reported to MADA that "Ma'ali was not harmed or threatened, but the idea of calling him for investigation and interrogation caused him psychological pressure and undermined press freedoms".
(16/7) the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists and dispersed their peaceful protest to claim their right to freedom of movement as part of the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement", on Wednesday 16th July 2013, in front of the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah. The Israeli soldiers threw tear gas at journalists and prevented them from completing their peaceful protest, while they pushed some of the journalists.
Nida Younis a Journalists from ministry of information reported to MADA that the Israeli soldiers shot tear gas heavily on the journalists, where she was hit by one of the bombs that caused her skin severe redness. Wafa Agency photographer Mufeed Abu Hasna reported to MADA that the journalists were targeted by the occupation soldiers upon their arrival to the Qalandiya checkpoint. Abu Hasna added: "the IOF did not consider that we are journalists protesting to demand our rights. And a sound bomb exploded near my feet which injured me and I received treatment in the field by the Red Crescent crew".
A member of the General Secretariat at the journalists' syndicate Sanaad Sahlya reported that a sound bomb wounded him in the leg which caused him medium bruises and burns, and that two female journalists were injured as well they are: Naila Khalil, and aseel Al a'raj".
(17/7) The Internal security prevented journalists from protesting in front of the Office of the High Representative in Gaza city, demanding an intervention in order to ensure the right of the Palestinian journalists of free movement, within the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement," on Wednesday 17th July 2013. A member of the Secretariat of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate in Gaza Yousef Alostaz reported to MADA that he had received a call from internal security telling him not to allow journalists to carry out the protest, without explaining the reasons for it directly.
Noted that Hamas does not recognize the Syndicate, which is based in Ramallah, but recognizes the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate which was formed last year and based in Gaza.
(28/7) Israeli occupation forces arrested the correspondent of Hona Al Quds network for Community Media Ahmad Aruri, from his home in the village of Arura, north of Ramallah, on Sunday 28th July 2013. Aruri's mother reported to MADA that the occupation forces came to their house at exactly two o'clock in the morning on Sunday, and searched it, also ordered all family members to stay in one room. She added: "After that, they took my son to another room to talk, and then they confiscated his computer and the hard disk, then they arrested him." Aruri's mother also reported that she received a call on the same day from an Israeli human rights organization, who informed her that her son was being held in the Maskobya detention center in West Jerusalem, and so far she has no other information about him.
(30/7) Hamas Security forces seized the office keys of Ma'an and Al- Arabiya, preventing employees from entering their offices, on Tuesday 30th July 2013.
According to Ma'an agency editor-in-chief Nasser Al-laham who reported to MADA that Hamas security forces contacted the director of Ma'an's office in Gaza, Imad Eid on 29th July 2013, and requested to hand over the office keys, but he refused to do so. Al-laham added: "the security summoned Mr. Eid on 30 July to their headquarters and demanded him to hand over the keys, but they refused to show him any official warrant that he must hand the keys. They also prevented any staff from entering the offices or to take anything from the office not even a pen."
Al-Arabiya correspondent Islam Abdel Kareem has reported to MADA that he had received a phone call in Tuesday from Hamas security forces and was called immediately to their headquarters, and when he went there, they asked him to hand over the keys to the office immediately, and not to allow any employee from entering the offices. Abdel Kareem added: "they did not talk to me or interrogate me regarding any news, and I did not receive any official warrant to hand over the keys, but they said that it is the implementation of the Attorney General's decision to close the office."
Ma'an News Agency has stated that the Attorney-General Counsel Ismail Jabr had issued an order on Thursday 25th July 2013, to close the offices of Ma'an and Alarabia TV in Gaza, on a temporary basis. The reason was "fabricating News, spreading rumors, and transmitting false information that is not reality of truth, which threatens civil peace and harms the Palestinian people and its resistance".
The closer of Lens Company for Media Productions also on 25th July 2013 was for its work relationship with the Israeli news channel 124NEWS, according to an earlier decision of Hamas government which prohibits working with Israeli media.
Another increase was witnessed in the violations committed by Palestinians against Palestinian journalists and media outlets, which lead to the deterioration of media freedoms status during the past month, significantly in the Gaza Strip, especially after the Attorney General's decision to illegally close the offices of Ma'an News Agency, Al-Arabiya, and Al Lens Media Production Company.
Israeli Occupation Violations:
Israeli occupation forces IOF arrested Palestine News Network cameraman Mohammed Walid Al azza (23 years old), from his home in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, on Monday 1st July 2013, he was released after 11 days and paid bail of 1,500 Israeli shekels (approximately 420 US dollar). The IOF also arrested the correspondent of Hona Al Quds network for Community Media Ahmad Aruri, from his home in the village of Arura, near Ramallah, on Sunday 28th July 2013. Aruri is still detained by the IOF.
The IOF also attacked a group of journalists when they were covering a protest demanding open Peteen village road leading to villages east of Ramallah, near the settlement of Beit El, on Wednesday 3rd July 2013. Those journalists are: Alhaya Aljadeda newspaper photographer Essam Rimawi Palestine Public TV cameraman Fadi Jayyousi, the Associated Press photographers Imad Isaeed and Fadwa Hodali, Reuters' photographers Mohammed Turkmen and Saed Hawari, freelance photographer Haitham al-Khatib, and the France Press Agency photographer Abbas Momeni.
In Nablus, the IOF detained the crew of Alaqsa TV and Aljazeera TV for 3 hours, while they were on their way to prepare a report on cut of 1,000 olive trees from the village of Awarta, in the West Bank city of Nablus, the occupation forces, on Thursday 11th July 2013.
In another incident, the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists and dispersed their peaceful protest to claim their right to freedom of movement as part of the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement", on Wednesday 16th July 2013, in front of the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah. The Israeli soldiers threw tear gas at journalists and prevented them from completing their peaceful protest, while they pushed some of the journalists.
The Palestinian Violations:
The Police prevented the Palestine Public TV crew (correspondent Safaa Alhabeel and Photographer Ayman Alswesi) from preparing a report on the water crises in Khan Younis district south of Gaza Strip, on Tuesday 2nd July 2013.
Anonymous people, who identified themselves as the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) threatened the director of the Chinese News Agency office Imad Drimli, and freelance journalist Majed Abu Salama with "death and to cut their tongues" if they continued to express their opinions regarding the events in Egypt.
In the West Bank, the Palestinian Preventive Security called the writer and freelance journalist Khaled Ma'ali for investigation on Tuesday 16th July 2013, to their headquarters in the town of Salfit north of West Bank, where he was interrogated about his articles and journalistic work, his detention lasted for a period of 4 hours and a half.
The Internal security in Gaza prevented journalists from protesting in front of the Office of the High Representative, demanding an intervention in order to ensure the right of the Palestinian journalists of free movement, within the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement," on Wednesday 17th July 2013.
The Security forces in Gaza seized the office keys of Ma'an and Al-Arabiya, preventing employees from entering their offices, on Tuesday 30th July 2013. Nearly after 5 days from The Attorney-General Counsel Ismail Jabr order to close the offices of Ma'an, Alarabia TV, and Lens media Production Company in Gaza on a temporary basis, on Thursday 25th July 2013.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
MADA condemns all violations against media freedoms in Palestine. and calls upon the international community to take a firm stand on the ongoing Israeli violations against journalists and for those responsible to be held accountable, especially after the marked escalation of violations against journalists during the past month, and to pressure the Israeli authorities to allow journalists to move freely and without restrictions between the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem.
MADA expresses its grave concern from the deterioration of media freedoms, particularly in the Gaza Strip after the closing of the offices of Ma'an, Alarabia TV, and Lens media Production Company, which is against the laws of Palestine, and is considered a flagrant violation of freedom of expression, guaranteed by international conventions and the Palestinian Basic Law. MADA calls on the Palestinian authorities to respect the right of expression, and demand the accountability of all those involved in such violations, and the reopening of the offices of Ma'an, Alarabia TV, and Lens media Production Company immediately.
Details of Violations:
(1/7) Israeli occupation forces IOF arrested Palestine News Network cameraman Mohammed Walid Al azza (23 years old), from his home in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, on Monday 1st July 2013, he was released after 11 days and paid bail of 1,500 Israeli shekels (approximately 420 US dollar). Al azza reported to MADA after his release, that the IOF investigated him on charges of possessing informational materials and video on the confrontations in the Aida refugee camp, which he said that this is normal because he is a journalist and holds a legal press card.
Al azza added: "Even the Israeli judge stated in court that there was no need to arrest me and he ordered my release, but the prosecution appealed and tried to fabricate other charges on me, but I was released for lack of evidence on the charges against me." It's important to recall that Al azza was injured by a rubber bullet in the face fired deliberately by Israeli soldiers, during his coverage of the clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths in the Aida refugee camp on 8th April 2013.
(2/7) The Police prevented the Palestine Public TV crew (correspondent Safaa Alhabeel and Photographer Ayman Alswesi) from preparing a report on the water crises in Khan Younis district south of Gaza Strip, on Tuesday 2nd July 2013.
Alhabeel reported to MADA that she and her colleague headed towards eastern region of Khan Younis district, to prepare a report on the water crises in the area after an appeal from Palestinian citizens, where there were many media outlets present to cover the citizens' protest in front of the municipality. After a half an hour of filming, the municipal policeman came and prevented from filming, and began to push the cameraman and forced them to enter the municipal building. Alhabeel added: "he began insulting me and the cameraman as well, then confiscated the tape from the camera, after that the police came and asked us to go to their headquarters in the eastern region. The police were understanding of our profession and apologized for what happened, and we stayed there for 4 hours in order to take the tape back".
(3/7) The IOF attacked a group of journalists when they were covering a protest demanding open Peteen village road leading to villages east of Ramallah, near the settlement of Beit El, on Wednesday 3rd July 2013.
Alhaya Aljadeda Newspaper photographer Essam Rimawi reported to MADA that the Israeli soldiers targeted journalists deliberately with gas bombs, insults, and beating. Where the IOF shot gas bombs at the journalists, where his colleague Palestine Public TV cameraman Fadi Jayyousi was hit by a bomb which caused him burns and bruises. The Associated Press photographers Imad Isaeed (45 years old) reported to MADA: "We received a call from the Popular Resistance Committee in order to cover the protest that will start from the village of Peteen towards the closed roads, and when we arrived there we started covering normally, and that's when the IOF ignored the demonstrators and began assaulting and beating journalists, where most of the journalists fell to the ground and they are: Associated Press photographer Fadwa Hodali, she was injured after a sound bomb was shot between her legs. Reuters' photographers Mohammed Turkmen and Saed Hawari, and freelance photographer Haitham al-Khatib were pushed by the IOF". Isaeed adds: "one of the soldiers attacked and hit me and sprayed pepper gas on my back and pushed me on the ground more than once". The French agency photographer Abbas Momeni (37 years old) reported to MADA that one of the soldiers assaulted him with the back of his rifle, and beat him on his chest, and that all journalists were targeted clearly during the protest.
(4/7) Anonymous people, who identified themselves as the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) threatened the director of the Chinese News Agency office Imad Drimli, and freelance journalist Majed Abu Salama with "death and to cut their tongues" if they continued to express their opinions regarding the events in Egypt.
Darimli reported to MADA that he received a call from an anonymous that told him "you have a long tongue and it must be cut", and advised him not to write about the events in Egypt, or he would be shot. The Darimli reported that he received this call after he expressed his opinion about what is happening in Egypt via the social networks. He also reported that Majed Abu Salama was contacted by anonymous people, who identified themselves as the al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas) and threatened him not to write about Egypt, saying to him: "Pay attention to your words, we will cut your tongue and fingers until you learn to think before writing."
(11/7) In Nablus, the IOF detained the crew of Alaqsa TV and Aljazeera TV for 3 hours, while they were on their way to prepare a report on cutting 1,000 olive trees from the village of Awarta, in the West Bank city of Nablus, the occupation forces, on Thursday 11th July 2013.
Alaqsa TV correspondent Tareq Abu Zeid reported to MADA that they received an invitation from the head of the village council to make a report on the cutting of olive trees. When they arrived, Israeli soldiers stopped them and confiscated their identity cards, Abu Zeid, the photographer and the head of the village council. The Israeli soldiers also confiscated the Identity cards of Aljazeera crew (Correspondence Sheren Abu Aqla, the photographer and his assistant), and they were asked to follow the soldiers to the Hawara camp. Abu Zeid added: "After we got to the camp we waited for 3 hours without interrogation, but the head of the village council was taken inside, then our identity cards were returned".
(16/7) The Palestinian Preventive Security called the writer and freelance journalist Khaled Ma'ali for investigation at their headquarters in the town of Salfit, North of the West Bank, on Tuesday 16th July 2013. A family member of Ma'ali reported to MADA that Ma'ali received a call from the preventive security to go to their headquarters at 10 am, and when he went he was interrogated about his articles and professional work, where his detention lasted for a period of 4 hours and a half. The source also reported to MADA that "Ma'ali was not harmed or threatened, but the idea of calling him for investigation and interrogation caused him psychological pressure and undermined press freedoms".
(16/7) the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists and dispersed their peaceful protest to claim their right to freedom of movement as part of the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement", on Wednesday 16th July 2013, in front of the Qalandiya checkpoint near Ramallah. The Israeli soldiers threw tear gas at journalists and prevented them from completing their peaceful protest, while they pushed some of the journalists.
Nida Younis a Journalists from ministry of information reported to MADA that the Israeli soldiers shot tear gas heavily on the journalists, where she was hit by one of the bombs that caused her skin severe redness. Wafa Agency photographer Mufeed Abu Hasna reported to MADA that the journalists were targeted by the occupation soldiers upon their arrival to the Qalandiya checkpoint. Abu Hasna added: "the IOF did not consider that we are journalists protesting to demand our rights. And a sound bomb exploded near my feet which injured me and I received treatment in the field by the Red Crescent crew".
A member of the General Secretariat at the journalists' syndicate Sanaad Sahlya reported that a sound bomb wounded him in the leg which caused him medium bruises and burns, and that two female journalists were injured as well they are: Naila Khalil, and aseel Al a'raj".
(17/7) The Internal security prevented journalists from protesting in front of the Office of the High Representative in Gaza city, demanding an intervention in order to ensure the right of the Palestinian journalists of free movement, within the activities of the campaign "Palestinian journalists' freedom of movement," on Wednesday 17th July 2013. A member of the Secretariat of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate in Gaza Yousef Alostaz reported to MADA that he had received a call from internal security telling him not to allow journalists to carry out the protest, without explaining the reasons for it directly.
Noted that Hamas does not recognize the Syndicate, which is based in Ramallah, but recognizes the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate which was formed last year and based in Gaza.
(28/7) Israeli occupation forces arrested the correspondent of Hona Al Quds network for Community Media Ahmad Aruri, from his home in the village of Arura, north of Ramallah, on Sunday 28th July 2013. Aruri's mother reported to MADA that the occupation forces came to their house at exactly two o'clock in the morning on Sunday, and searched it, also ordered all family members to stay in one room. She added: "After that, they took my son to another room to talk, and then they confiscated his computer and the hard disk, then they arrested him." Aruri's mother also reported that she received a call on the same day from an Israeli human rights organization, who informed her that her son was being held in the Maskobya detention center in West Jerusalem, and so far she has no other information about him.
(30/7) Hamas Security forces seized the office keys of Ma'an and Al- Arabiya, preventing employees from entering their offices, on Tuesday 30th July 2013.
According to Ma'an agency editor-in-chief Nasser Al-laham who reported to MADA that Hamas security forces contacted the director of Ma'an's office in Gaza, Imad Eid on 29th July 2013, and requested to hand over the office keys, but he refused to do so. Al-laham added: "the security summoned Mr. Eid on 30 July to their headquarters and demanded him to hand over the keys, but they refused to show him any official warrant that he must hand the keys. They also prevented any staff from entering the offices or to take anything from the office not even a pen."
Al-Arabiya correspondent Islam Abdel Kareem has reported to MADA that he had received a phone call in Tuesday from Hamas security forces and was called immediately to their headquarters, and when he went there, they asked him to hand over the keys to the office immediately, and not to allow any employee from entering the offices. Abdel Kareem added: "they did not talk to me or interrogate me regarding any news, and I did not receive any official warrant to hand over the keys, but they said that it is the implementation of the Attorney General's decision to close the office."
Ma'an News Agency has stated that the Attorney-General Counsel Ismail Jabr had issued an order on Thursday 25th July 2013, to close the offices of Ma'an and Alarabia TV in Gaza, on a temporary basis. The reason was "fabricating News, spreading rumors, and transmitting false information that is not reality of truth, which threatens civil peace and harms the Palestinian people and its resistance".
The closer of Lens Company for Media Productions also on 25th July 2013 was for its work relationship with the Israeli news channel 124NEWS, according to an earlier decision of Hamas government which prohibits working with Israeli media.
2 aug 2013
Canaan protest village destroyed for the 5th time by Israeli forces
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 25 - 31 July 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian civilians in border areas in the Gaza Strip, wounding 2 Palestinian civilians. 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank during Israeli incursions, and 2 Palestinian civilians, including a B’Tselem volunteer, were wounded by Israeli forces during non-violent demonstrations.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 51 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, abducting at least 26 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children.
In the West Bank, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Jenin town and refugee camp during clashes with Israeli forces that moved into the town and the refugee camp. On Thursday, July 25th, at approximately 04:45, Israeli forces moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched an under-construction kindergarten in the camp. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the youngsters.
As a result, a 20-year-old Palestinian was injured by shrapnel from sound bombs, and a number of others suffered tear gas inhalation.
During one of this week's 51 incursions, Israeli forces attacked a Palestinian family in al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, while abducting a child.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were abducted by Israeli forces at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 30 July 2013, Israeli forces moved in Be’r al-Ballouta area to the west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. They delivered a notice to a Palestinian civilian ordering the demolition of a 200-cubic-meter water reservoir that belongs to the municipality, claiming that it was established without a license.
On 26 July 2013, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli forces, stormed the lands of Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin, where an evacuated Israeli settlement, “Homesh,” used to stand. The settlers performed Talmudic rituals and set up a number of tents in the area. They left the area later and no more incidents were reported.
On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from “Matsvi Yair” settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron, stormed the lands of Khirbat Qoyous area and attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds and international solidarity activists. Israeli forces also intervened and abducted 3 Palestinians.
On 27 July 2013, a number of Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli forces, stormed the lands to the south of Jenin, where an evacuated Israeli settlement, “Tirsla,” used to stand. The settlers performed Talmudic rituals and set up a number of tents in the area. They left the area later and no more incidents were reported.
On 29 July 2013, a number of Israeli settlers from “Bitar Illit” settlement, which stands on Palestinian lands to the west of Bethlehem, stormed ‘Ein Fares area in the west of Nahalin village.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli forces in the central and northern Gaza Strip. On Saturday, July 27th, At approximately 19:15, Israeli forces positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired at a person who approached the border in the central Gaza Strip, wounding him with 2 bullets to legs. He was identified as Fadi Waleed ‘Eissa, 29, from Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in Gaza City. According to his mother, he suffers from a physiological disorder.
During the reporting period, Israeli naval forces continued to attack Palestinian fishing boats. On 27 July 2013, a Palestinian fishing boat was damaged as it was hit by the Israeli gunfire when it was sailing 6 nautical miles of Gaza shore.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a B'Tselem volunteer, were wounded. Besides, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises due to Israeli soldiers' attack on them.
Following the Friday Prayer on 26 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire. When the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees.
As a result, Haitham Mohammed al-Khatib, a photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall in Bil’in and a volunteer in B’Tselem – the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, was hit by a tear gas canister. An 18-year-old civilian was also wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left leg.
Additionally, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to organize a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water.
As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall. The demonstration moved from the center of the village towards the wall. Israeli forces attacked the demonstrators and abducted Mahmoud ‘Alaa’ al-Din, 27.
At 13:12, following the Friday Prayer, 26 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest at closing that entrance since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000. The demonstrators gathered in front of the entrance. Israeli forces fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation. Neither casualties nor abductions were reported.
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 international community and the United Nations 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 Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
The PCHR also calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 25 - 31 July 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that Israeli forces continued to fire at Palestinian civilians in border areas in the Gaza Strip, wounding 2 Palestinian civilians. 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in the West Bank during Israeli incursions, and 2 Palestinian civilians, including a B’Tselem volunteer, were wounded by Israeli forces during non-violent demonstrations.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 51 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, abducting at least 26 Palestinian civilians, including 8 children.
In the West Bank, 5 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Jenin town and refugee camp during clashes with Israeli forces that moved into the town and the refugee camp. On Thursday, July 25th, at approximately 04:45, Israeli forces moved into Jenin town and refugee camp. They raided and searched an under-construction kindergarten in the camp. In the meantime, a number of Palestinian youngsters gathered and threw stones and empty bottles at the Israeli forces. Immediately, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the youngsters.
As a result, a 20-year-old Palestinian was injured by shrapnel from sound bombs, and a number of others suffered tear gas inhalation.
During one of this week's 51 incursions, Israeli forces attacked a Palestinian family in al-‘Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron, while abducting a child.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. 2 Palestinian civilians, including a child, were abducted by Israeli forces at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
On 30 July 2013, Israeli forces moved in Be’r al-Ballouta area to the west of Ethna village, west of Hebron. They delivered a notice to a Palestinian civilian ordering the demolition of a 200-cubic-meter water reservoir that belongs to the municipality, claiming that it was established without a license.
On 26 July 2013, dozens of Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli forces, stormed the lands of Seilat al-Zaher village, south of Jenin, where an evacuated Israeli settlement, “Homesh,” used to stand. The settlers performed Talmudic rituals and set up a number of tents in the area. They left the area later and no more incidents were reported.
On the same day, a number of Israeli settlers from “Matsvi Yair” settlement to the southeast of Yatta village, south of Hebron, stormed the lands of Khirbat Qoyous area and attacked Palestinian farmers and shepherds and international solidarity activists. Israeli forces also intervened and abducted 3 Palestinians.
On 27 July 2013, a number of Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli forces, stormed the lands to the south of Jenin, where an evacuated Israeli settlement, “Tirsla,” used to stand. The settlers performed Talmudic rituals and set up a number of tents in the area. They left the area later and no more incidents were reported.
On 29 July 2013, a number of Israeli settlers from “Bitar Illit” settlement, which stands on Palestinian lands to the west of Bethlehem, stormed ‘Ein Fares area in the west of Nahalin village.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
In the Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded by Israeli forces in the central and northern Gaza Strip. On Saturday, July 27th, At approximately 19:15, Israeli forces positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fired at a person who approached the border in the central Gaza Strip, wounding him with 2 bullets to legs. He was identified as Fadi Waleed ‘Eissa, 29, from Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in Gaza City. According to his mother, he suffers from a physiological disorder.
During the reporting period, Israeli naval forces continued to attack Palestinian fishing boats. On 27 July 2013, a Palestinian fishing boat was damaged as it was hit by the Israeli gunfire when it was sailing 6 nautical miles of Gaza shore.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 Palestinian civilians, including a B'Tselem volunteer, were wounded. Besides, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises due to Israeli soldiers' attack on them.
Following the Friday Prayer on 26 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire. When the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees.
As a result, Haitham Mohammed al-Khatib, a photographer of the Public Committee against the Wall in Bil’in and a volunteer in B’Tselem – the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, was hit by a tear gas canister. An 18-year-old civilian was also wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the left leg.
Additionally, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to organize a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration. Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water.
As a result, dozens of Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders organized a peaceful demonstration in al-Ma’sara village, south of Bethlehem, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall. The demonstration moved from the center of the village towards the wall. Israeli forces attacked the demonstrators and abducted Mahmoud ‘Alaa’ al-Din, 27.
At 13:12, following the Friday Prayer, 26 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilya, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest at closing that entrance since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2000. The demonstrators gathered in front of the entrance. Israeli forces fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation. Neither casualties nor abductions were reported.
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 international community and the United Nations 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 Assembly with a vast majority, using all international legal mechanisms, including sanctions to end the occupation of the State of Palestine;
The PCHR also calls upon the United Nations to provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
1 aug 2013
The Israeli forces have killed one Palestinian and arrested 200 during July throughout West Bank and Gaza strip, Tadamun Foundation for human rights revealed. Ahmad al-Bitawi, a researcher at the foundation, stated that Moataz Idris Sharawna, 19, was martyred after being hit by an Israeli jeep during clashes that erupted in Dura in al-Khalil.
The foundation's report said that 200 Palestinians were detained during July including 40 minors between the ages of 12-18 years and 10 university students who study abroad.
Nearly 70 Palestinians were arrested in al-Khalil, 32 were detained in Nablus, 30 in Ramallah and al-Bireh, 25 in Jerusalem, 23 in Jenin, and 2 in Gaza strip.
The report pointed out that among the detainees were a Palestinian deputy, a university lecturers, two journalists and liberated prisoners.
Several Palestinians were arrested at Israeli checkpoints set up throughout West Bank and Erez crossing of the Gaza strip in addition to the Karama border crossing of the West Bank.
The foundation's report said that 200 Palestinians were detained during July including 40 minors between the ages of 12-18 years and 10 university students who study abroad.
Nearly 70 Palestinians were arrested in al-Khalil, 32 were detained in Nablus, 30 in Ramallah and al-Bireh, 25 in Jerusalem, 23 in Jenin, and 2 in Gaza strip.
The report pointed out that among the detainees were a Palestinian deputy, a university lecturers, two journalists and liberated prisoners.
Several Palestinians were arrested at Israeli checkpoints set up throughout West Bank and Erez crossing of the Gaza strip in addition to the Karama border crossing of the West Bank.
31 july 2013
In June, a UN OCHA report [PDF] found there has been a significant rise in Palestinian deaths and injuries by Israeli forces in the West Bank during the first half of 2013.
On 28 June 2013, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the chest with live ammunition around 2 am near Qalandia camp.
Young children continue to be targeted by Israeli forces and settlers. On 7 June 2013, Israeli settlers approached an 8-year-old Palestinian boy and unleashed a dog that chased him. The boy tripped and fell as he tried to run away, and hit his head on a rock.
On June 10, Israeli forces pepper sprayed a 13-year-old boy as he walked down the street toward his home in East Jerusalem.
Also in June, DCI-Palestine highlighted the case of Muhammad R, 17, who was used as a human shield by Israeli border police during clashes with protesters in the West Bank town of Abu Dis.
On April 19, around 10 Israeli forces armed with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas were caught on video confronting a crowd of protesters using Muhammad as a human shield.
He was forced to walk at gunpoint with his hands raised in the air as they approached the protesters. He was then detained an ill-treated in the Israeli military detention system.
Less than a month following his release, Muhammad appeared visibly shaken by the abuse and trauma he sustained. His ribs are bruised and the invisible wounds he carries remain open and raw.
Previously, DCI-Palestine documented the case of a 9-year-old boy used as a human shield by Israeli forces in February near Ofer military prison outside Ramallah.
Since 2004, DCI-Palestine has documented 21 cases of Israel’s use of Palestinian children as human shields.
In October 2005, and in accordance with international law, the Israeli High Court of Justice banned the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields. However, Israel continues to use Palestinian children as human shields with near complete impunity.
Violations Bulletin - Issue 33 - June 2013 [PDF]
On 28 June 2013, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the chest with live ammunition around 2 am near Qalandia camp.
Young children continue to be targeted by Israeli forces and settlers. On 7 June 2013, Israeli settlers approached an 8-year-old Palestinian boy and unleashed a dog that chased him. The boy tripped and fell as he tried to run away, and hit his head on a rock.
On June 10, Israeli forces pepper sprayed a 13-year-old boy as he walked down the street toward his home in East Jerusalem.
Also in June, DCI-Palestine highlighted the case of Muhammad R, 17, who was used as a human shield by Israeli border police during clashes with protesters in the West Bank town of Abu Dis.
On April 19, around 10 Israeli forces armed with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas were caught on video confronting a crowd of protesters using Muhammad as a human shield.
He was forced to walk at gunpoint with his hands raised in the air as they approached the protesters. He was then detained an ill-treated in the Israeli military detention system.
Less than a month following his release, Muhammad appeared visibly shaken by the abuse and trauma he sustained. His ribs are bruised and the invisible wounds he carries remain open and raw.
Previously, DCI-Palestine documented the case of a 9-year-old boy used as a human shield by Israeli forces in February near Ofer military prison outside Ramallah.
Since 2004, DCI-Palestine has documented 21 cases of Israel’s use of Palestinian children as human shields.
In October 2005, and in accordance with international law, the Israeli High Court of Justice banned the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields. However, Israel continues to use Palestinian children as human shields with near complete impunity.
Violations Bulletin - Issue 33 - June 2013 [PDF]
27 july 2013
As of June 30, 2013, a total of 193 Palestinian children were imprisoned and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system.
The number of children between the ages of 12 and 15 was 41, a decrease of 14.6 percent, but still higher than the annual averages of the past three years.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child released a report [PDF] in June finding that Israel forces continue to commit serious violations against Palestinian children, including systematic ill-treatment of children in Israeli military detention.
DCI-Palestine submitted a report to four separate United Nations independent human rights experts on June 25 that detailed the widespread and systematic ill-treatment Palestinian children encounter in the Israeli military detention system during 2012.
The report details the type of violations children encounter in the system, including the use of hand ties in 97% of cases; use of blindfolds in 95% of cases; and no lawyer present during interrogation in 99% of cases
The report highlighted that Palestinian children were subjected to physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation in 74% of cases.
Solitary confinement was used for interrogation purposes on Palestinian children in 19% of cases.
The report was based on 108 affidavits collected during 2012 from Palestinian children arrested in the West Bank and prosecuted in the Israeli military detention system.
Detention Bulletin - Issue 42 - June 2013 [PDF]
The number of children between the ages of 12 and 15 was 41, a decrease of 14.6 percent, but still higher than the annual averages of the past three years.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child released a report [PDF] in June finding that Israel forces continue to commit serious violations against Palestinian children, including systematic ill-treatment of children in Israeli military detention.
DCI-Palestine submitted a report to four separate United Nations independent human rights experts on June 25 that detailed the widespread and systematic ill-treatment Palestinian children encounter in the Israeli military detention system during 2012.
The report details the type of violations children encounter in the system, including the use of hand ties in 97% of cases; use of blindfolds in 95% of cases; and no lawyer present during interrogation in 99% of cases
The report highlighted that Palestinian children were subjected to physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation in 74% of cases.
Solitary confinement was used for interrogation purposes on Palestinian children in 19% of cases.
The report was based on 108 affidavits collected during 2012 from Palestinian children arrested in the West Bank and prosecuted in the Israeli military detention system.
Detention Bulletin - Issue 42 - June 2013 [PDF]
26 july 2013
Olive tree cut and burned by Israeli settlers, near Bethlehem
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 18 - 24 July 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that a Palestinian boy was wounded in al-Bireh in the West Bank during an Israeli incursion. In addition, Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem spokesperson, was wounded during al-Nabi Saleh protest, northwest of Ramallah and dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises due to Israeli soldiers' attack.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded an 18-year-old boy and an Israeli human rights defender, and dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation during peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. Furthermore, a number of civilians sustained bruises due to Israeli settlers' attack on them.
Israeli forces conducted 50 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which at least 25 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were abducted. On 27 July 2013, an 18-year-old boy was wounded during an Israeli incursion in al-Bireh. The boy was shot by 2 bullets to the chest.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. 10 Palestinian civilians were abducted by Israeli forces at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli forces have continued efforts to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. An Israeli court gave Siyam family an extension until 01 August 2013 to evacuate their house in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in the occupied city.
Licenses were issued to build 165 new settlement units in “Nabi Ya'qoub" settlement.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
The total closure of al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports.
The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
The settlers set fire to 400 fruitful olive trees, south of Bethlehem. The settlers continued their attacks on the Palestinian farmers and shepherds, south of Hebron. 4 settlers tortured a Palestinian woman, northwest of Ramallah, and put her life at risk.
At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 18 July 2013, four armed settlers from “Talmon” settlement, which is established on the western side of the lands of the southern Mazra’ah al- village, northwest of Ramallah, attacked Khatemah al-‘Abed Mahmoud Shreiteh (50) when she was picking a sage field in an agricultural area known as “Na’alan”, west of the village.
The aforementioned woman said to a PCHR fieldworker that:
“I support a family of 4 boys and 1 girl. My husband is ill and cannot work. Two of my sons study at the university; therefore, I pick wild plants and sell them to provide a living and some family requirements. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 18 July 2013, I left my house with my son, Yousif (9) to Na’alan agricultural area, which is around 1 kilometer away from “Telmoun” settlement, west of al-Mazra’aah al-Qabaliya village, northwest of Ramallah. When we arrived, I asked Yousif to sit under an olive tree seeking shade in our farmland in the aforementioned area and I then walked to the top of the mountain searching for the sage field.
At approximately 09:30, I was surprised by 4 armed settlers, one of whom was carrying a rifle and the other three were carrying guns, approaching me. They started shouting in Hebrew and could not understand them. When I tried to escape, one of them hit my back with a big stone on. After taking two steps, I fell to the ground and they started beating me severely with hands and legs and all over my body. One of them was beating me with the gun butts on my chest for 20 minutes and then another one beat me on the back of my head with a gun butt.
I was bleeding and then lost consciousness. During the attack, I did not shout because I was afraid that my son, Yousif, could come to my voice and they would kill him. I then woke up to find myself lying on my chest and felt something heavy on my back. I thought the settlers were stepping on me and then I touched my back with difficulty to find a 50-kilogram rock. I started moving my body and brought it down. I then started to crawl on my hands and knees between rockets and thorns towards my son, Yousif, because I could not stand on my legs due to the severe pain.
I felt blood flowing between my thighs. When I reached Yousif, He saw me in this condition and started crying. I asked him to stop crying fear of being heard by settlers, who would come and beat us. I then asked him to go to a nearby stone-pit to tell anyone about what happened. I completed crawling 100 meters to the road leading to the stone-pit, where the car would arrive. A few minutes later, Yousif came with the owner of the stone-pit in his car, and I was transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah.
I passed out on the way and then woke up to find myself in the Complex. After medical examinations, it was found out that I sustained bruises all over my body and stayed in the complex till Saturday, 20 July 2013."
At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 19 July 2013, a group of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, which is established on the Palestinian lands, east of Hebron, threw stones at Palestinian houses in Jaber neighborhood in the centre of the old town of Hebron. They also attempted to raid the houses under the pretext that a settler was hit by a stone in the face.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 08:00, on Friday, Ziad Sa'di Abu Rmeilah was out with his wife when a number of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement threw stones at their house and attempted to raid it, where Abu Rmeilah's three children were inside and were terrified. Meanwhile, Islam (17) tried to push his body against the door to prevent the settlers from getting inside until his brother Iyad (24) found the key and locked the door. 20 minutes later, some Israeli soldiers arrived and raided the house.
They found the windows broken because of the settlers’ attack. The soldiers checked ID cards of Abu Rmeilah's children and took Iyad and Islam out to the yard. The soldiers asked the wounded settler to recognize them. However, they were released later.
Moreover, a house belonging to the family of Tha'er Hussein Jaber in the same area was also stoned by 10 settlers, who attempted to raid the house. As a result, some windows were broken. Israeli forces intervened a few minutes later. They checked the occupants' ID cards and asked the settlers to identify them.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem’s spokesperson, was wounded by a bullet to the left knee. Besides, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises due to Israeli soldiers' attack on them.
At approximately 11:15 on Monday, 15 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians from Bethlehem and neighbouring villages, representatives from popular committees against settlement activities and a number of international human rights activists organized a peaceful demonstration in protest at the Israeli decision to evacuate Negev. They started the demonstration in Housan village, west of Bethlehem, heading to an intersection around "Bitar Elit" settlement, which is established on Palestinian lands, west of the city. They held a sit-in at the intersection, where Israeli soldiers attacked the demonstrations with tear gas canisters. Israeli soldiers also used high resonance to disperse the demonstrations.
At approximately 13:10, following the Friday Prayer, 12 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest at closing that entrance since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2001. The demonstrators gathered in front of the entrance. Israeli forces fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces raided 2 houses belonging to the families of Abdul Razeq Mahmoud Amer and Mohammed Taha Amer, and used them to observe the demonstrators and help catching them. An hour later, the demonstration was over. Neither casualties nor arrests were reported.
Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration.
Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water. As a result, Sarit Michaeli (40), BTselem spokesperson, was wounded by a bullet to the left knee. Moreover, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
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 United Nations provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories for the week of 18 - 24 July 2013, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that a Palestinian boy was wounded in al-Bireh in the West Bank during an Israeli incursion. In addition, Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem spokesperson, was wounded during al-Nabi Saleh protest, northwest of Ramallah and dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and sustained bruises due to Israeli soldiers' attack.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces wounded an 18-year-old boy and an Israeli human rights defender, and dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation during peaceful protests against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. Furthermore, a number of civilians sustained bruises due to Israeli settlers' attack on them.
Israeli forces conducted 50 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, during which at least 25 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were abducted. On 27 July 2013, an 18-year-old boy was wounded during an Israeli incursion in al-Bireh. The boy was shot by 2 bullets to the chest.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. 10 Palestinian civilians were abducted by Israeli forces at checkpoints in the West Bank.
Israeli forces have continued efforts to create a Jewish majority in occupied East Jerusalem. An Israeli court gave Siyam family an extension until 01 August 2013 to evacuate their house in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in the occupied city.
Licenses were issued to build 165 new settlement units in “Nabi Ya'qoub" settlement.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
The total closure of al-Mentar ("Karni") crossing since 02 March 2011 has seriously affected the economy of the Gaza Strip. Following this closure, all economic and commercial establishments in the Gaza Commercial Zone were shut off. It should be noted that al-Mentar crossing is the biggest crossing in the Gaza Strip, in terms of its capacity to absorb the flow of imports and exports.
The decision to close al-Mentar crossing was the culmination of a series of decisions resulting in the complete closure of the Sofa crossing, east of the Gaza Strip in the beginning of 2009, and the Nahal Oz crossing, east of Gaza City, which was dedicated for the delivery of fuel and cooking gas to the Gaza Strip, in the beginning of 2010.
Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces have continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
The settlers set fire to 400 fruitful olive trees, south of Bethlehem. The settlers continued their attacks on the Palestinian farmers and shepherds, south of Hebron. 4 settlers tortured a Palestinian woman, northwest of Ramallah, and put her life at risk.
At approximately 09:30 on Thursday, 18 July 2013, four armed settlers from “Talmon” settlement, which is established on the western side of the lands of the southern Mazra’ah al- village, northwest of Ramallah, attacked Khatemah al-‘Abed Mahmoud Shreiteh (50) when she was picking a sage field in an agricultural area known as “Na’alan”, west of the village.
The aforementioned woman said to a PCHR fieldworker that:
“I support a family of 4 boys and 1 girl. My husband is ill and cannot work. Two of my sons study at the university; therefore, I pick wild plants and sell them to provide a living and some family requirements. At approximately 08:00 on Thursday, 18 July 2013, I left my house with my son, Yousif (9) to Na’alan agricultural area, which is around 1 kilometer away from “Telmoun” settlement, west of al-Mazra’aah al-Qabaliya village, northwest of Ramallah. When we arrived, I asked Yousif to sit under an olive tree seeking shade in our farmland in the aforementioned area and I then walked to the top of the mountain searching for the sage field.
At approximately 09:30, I was surprised by 4 armed settlers, one of whom was carrying a rifle and the other three were carrying guns, approaching me. They started shouting in Hebrew and could not understand them. When I tried to escape, one of them hit my back with a big stone on. After taking two steps, I fell to the ground and they started beating me severely with hands and legs and all over my body. One of them was beating me with the gun butts on my chest for 20 minutes and then another one beat me on the back of my head with a gun butt.
I was bleeding and then lost consciousness. During the attack, I did not shout because I was afraid that my son, Yousif, could come to my voice and they would kill him. I then woke up to find myself lying on my chest and felt something heavy on my back. I thought the settlers were stepping on me and then I touched my back with difficulty to find a 50-kilogram rock. I started moving my body and brought it down. I then started to crawl on my hands and knees between rockets and thorns towards my son, Yousif, because I could not stand on my legs due to the severe pain.
I felt blood flowing between my thighs. When I reached Yousif, He saw me in this condition and started crying. I asked him to stop crying fear of being heard by settlers, who would come and beat us. I then asked him to go to a nearby stone-pit to tell anyone about what happened. I completed crawling 100 meters to the road leading to the stone-pit, where the car would arrive. A few minutes later, Yousif came with the owner of the stone-pit in his car, and I was transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah.
I passed out on the way and then woke up to find myself in the Complex. After medical examinations, it was found out that I sustained bruises all over my body and stayed in the complex till Saturday, 20 July 2013."
At approximately 08:00 on Friday, 19 July 2013, a group of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement, which is established on the Palestinian lands, east of Hebron, threw stones at Palestinian houses in Jaber neighborhood in the centre of the old town of Hebron. They also attempted to raid the houses under the pretext that a settler was hit by a stone in the face.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 08:00, on Friday, Ziad Sa'di Abu Rmeilah was out with his wife when a number of settlers from "Kiryat Arba" settlement threw stones at their house and attempted to raid it, where Abu Rmeilah's three children were inside and were terrified. Meanwhile, Islam (17) tried to push his body against the door to prevent the settlers from getting inside until his brother Iyad (24) found the key and locked the door. 20 minutes later, some Israeli soldiers arrived and raided the house.
They found the windows broken because of the settlers’ attack. The soldiers checked ID cards of Abu Rmeilah's children and took Iyad and Islam out to the yard. The soldiers asked the wounded settler to recognize them. However, they were released later.
Moreover, a house belonging to the family of Tha'er Hussein Jaber in the same area was also stoned by 10 settlers, who attempted to raid the house. As a result, some windows were broken. Israeli forces intervened a few minutes later. They checked the occupants' ID cards and asked the settlers to identify them.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
During the reporting period, Israeli forces continued the systematic use of excessive force against peaceful protests organised by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank.
As a result, Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem’s spokesperson, was wounded by a bullet to the left knee. Besides, dozens suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises due to Israeli soldiers' attack on them.
At approximately 11:15 on Monday, 15 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians from Bethlehem and neighbouring villages, representatives from popular committees against settlement activities and a number of international human rights activists organized a peaceful demonstration in protest at the Israeli decision to evacuate Negev. They started the demonstration in Housan village, west of Bethlehem, heading to an intersection around "Bitar Elit" settlement, which is established on Palestinian lands, west of the city. They held a sit-in at the intersection, where Israeli soldiers attacked the demonstrations with tear gas canisters. Israeli soldiers also used high resonance to disperse the demonstrations.
At approximately 13:10, following the Friday Prayer, 12 July 2013, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Kufor Qaddoum village, northeast of Qalqilia, heading to the eastern entrance of the village in protest at closing that entrance since the beginning of the al-Aqsa Intifada in 2001. The demonstrators gathered in front of the entrance. Israeli forces fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the demonstrators.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces raided 2 houses belonging to the families of Abdul Razeq Mahmoud Amer and Mohammed Taha Amer, and used them to observe the demonstrators and help catching them. An hour later, the demonstration was over. Neither casualties nor arrests were reported.
Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil'in village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbwire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbwire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Also, following the Friday Prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Ni'lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The demonstrators made their way towards the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the wall gate with barbed wire and, when the demonstrators attempted to access the lands behind the barbed wire, they were stopped by Israeli soldiers. The demonstrators threw stones at the Israeli soldiers who responded with live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, and chased them across fields of olive trees as far as the outskirts of the village.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
Around the same time on Friday, dozens of Palestinian civilians, Israeli and international human rights activists gathered at the Martyrs Square in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, to hold a weekly peaceful protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. The protesters walked towards Palestinian lands that Israeli settlers from the nearby "Halmish" settlement are trying to seize. From the morning, Israeli forces had closed all entrances to the village to prevent Palestinians, international activists, and journalists from joining the demonstration.
Upon their arrival in the area, Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, and tear gas canisters, chased the demonstrators into the village and sprayed them and civilian houses with waste water. As a result, Sarit Michaeli (40), BTselem spokesperson, was wounded by a bullet to the left knee. Moreover, dozens of Palestinians suffered from tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises.
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 United Nations provide international protection to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to ensure the non-recurrence of aggression against the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially the Gaza Strip.
In addition, the PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to compel Israel, as a High Contracting Party to the Conventions, to apply the Conventions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
For the full text of the report, click on the link
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) submitted a shadow report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child in July 2012, for consideration during the Committee's review of Israel's second to fourth periodic reports, which took place in June 2013. The Committee evaluated Israel's compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which it is a State Party.
In its report PCHR notes that Israel has failed to extend the protections required by the CRC to the children of Palestine. PCHR echoes the concerns of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict who, on 26 April 2012, noted the high number of children, in particular Palestinian children, who continue to be affected by the on-going conflict.
Israel is currently failing to respect, protect and ensure the human rights of the children of the Gaza Strip. PCHR's shadow report is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather focuses on the most serious violations of the Convention at this time, which relate to: detention; the right to health; right to education; and attacks on children. The report includes an outline of the violations, supplemented by photos and affidavits from victims and witnesses to help illustrate the current rights violations facing children in the Gaza Strip.
Israel's arrest of children in the 'buffer zone' of the Gaza Strip and their subsequent detention is a violation of Article 37 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Furthermore, Israel is failing to fulfill its duty as the Occupying Power to provide a safe and clean environment for the children of the Gaza Strip, which has a subsequent negative impact on the health of Gaza's children in violation of Article 24 of the Convention. Israel's military attacks against school buildings not only prevent children from gaining a proper education, but also have a negative effect on the mental health of school children, in violation of Articles 24 and 27 of the Convention. Finally, illegal attacks launched by Israeli forces against the Gaza Strip have a significant effect on children, resulting in significant death and injury.
The concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding Israel's compliance with the Convention can be found here.[PDF]
In its report PCHR notes that Israel has failed to extend the protections required by the CRC to the children of Palestine. PCHR echoes the concerns of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict who, on 26 April 2012, noted the high number of children, in particular Palestinian children, who continue to be affected by the on-going conflict.
Israel is currently failing to respect, protect and ensure the human rights of the children of the Gaza Strip. PCHR's shadow report is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather focuses on the most serious violations of the Convention at this time, which relate to: detention; the right to health; right to education; and attacks on children. The report includes an outline of the violations, supplemented by photos and affidavits from victims and witnesses to help illustrate the current rights violations facing children in the Gaza Strip.
Israel's arrest of children in the 'buffer zone' of the Gaza Strip and their subsequent detention is a violation of Article 37 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Furthermore, Israel is failing to fulfill its duty as the Occupying Power to provide a safe and clean environment for the children of the Gaza Strip, which has a subsequent negative impact on the health of Gaza's children in violation of Article 24 of the Convention. Israel's military attacks against school buildings not only prevent children from gaining a proper education, but also have a negative effect on the mental health of school children, in violation of Articles 24 and 27 of the Convention. Finally, illegal attacks launched by Israeli forces against the Gaza Strip have a significant effect on children, resulting in significant death and injury.
The concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding Israel's compliance with the Convention can be found here.[PDF]
25 july 2013
The undersigned human rights organizations strongly condemn the Israeli Supreme Court's reply to a petition filed by human rights organizations to prevent the Israeli military from using white phosphorous in built-up areas, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said in a press release. They believe that the court's decision leaves the door open for continuing the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), extremely endangering the lives of the civilian population.
On 09 July 2013, the Israeli Supreme Court accepted the pledge presented by the Israeli public prosecution, representing the State, to abstain from using white phosphorous against civilians, excluding in exceptional cases. Details of such cases were classified as confidential and were not made available to the petitioners or the public, which do not practically ban the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas in the future, but this time by the consent of the highest Israeli judicial body.
The undersigned organizations point out that white phosphorous is an inflammable chemical compound that causes second and third degree chemical burns once the skin is subjected to it. It also seriously endangers the lives of civilians, and may cause death if it is touched, inhaled or swallowed as it contains poisonous substances.
According to reports of Palestinian human rights organizations, the Israeli military extensively used white phosphorous during its offensive on the Gaza Strip in the period 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009 ("Operation Cast Lead"). The Israeli military used white phosphorous bombs against civilian persons and facilities in Khuza'a village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis; Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the southwest of Gaza City; and the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. As a result of the use of white phosphorous bombs in populated areas and against civilian shelters at UNRWA schools, 12 Palestinian civilians were killed. Some facilities were also burnt, including UNRWA's main warehouses, the buildings of al-Quds and al-Wafa hospitals, the office of Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza City and an UNRWA school in Beit Lahia.
The report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Gaza (Goldstone Report) observed in detail the Israeli military's use of white phosphorous bombs, thus confirming reports of human rights organizations. The report stated: "...The Mission finds that the Israeli armed forces were systematically reckless in determining its use in built-up areas." It also recommended Israel to seriously consider banning the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas.
The undersigned organizations reiterate their condemnation of the continued legal cover provided by the Israeli Supreme Court for Israeli crimes against Palestinian civilians, and calls upon the international community, especially the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, to fulfill their legal obligation to provide protection to Palestinian civilians and to exert pressure on Israel to completely ban the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas.
The human rights organizations are:
Al Haq
Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights
Al Dameer Association for Human Rights
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
On 09 July 2013, the Israeli Supreme Court accepted the pledge presented by the Israeli public prosecution, representing the State, to abstain from using white phosphorous against civilians, excluding in exceptional cases. Details of such cases were classified as confidential and were not made available to the petitioners or the public, which do not practically ban the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas in the future, but this time by the consent of the highest Israeli judicial body.
The undersigned organizations point out that white phosphorous is an inflammable chemical compound that causes second and third degree chemical burns once the skin is subjected to it. It also seriously endangers the lives of civilians, and may cause death if it is touched, inhaled or swallowed as it contains poisonous substances.
According to reports of Palestinian human rights organizations, the Israeli military extensively used white phosphorous during its offensive on the Gaza Strip in the period 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009 ("Operation Cast Lead"). The Israeli military used white phosphorous bombs against civilian persons and facilities in Khuza'a village, east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis; Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in the southwest of Gaza City; and the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia. As a result of the use of white phosphorous bombs in populated areas and against civilian shelters at UNRWA schools, 12 Palestinian civilians were killed. Some facilities were also burnt, including UNRWA's main warehouses, the buildings of al-Quds and al-Wafa hospitals, the office of Palestine Red Crescent Society in Gaza City and an UNRWA school in Beit Lahia.
The report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Gaza (Goldstone Report) observed in detail the Israeli military's use of white phosphorous bombs, thus confirming reports of human rights organizations. The report stated: "...The Mission finds that the Israeli armed forces were systematically reckless in determining its use in built-up areas." It also recommended Israel to seriously consider banning the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas.
The undersigned organizations reiterate their condemnation of the continued legal cover provided by the Israeli Supreme Court for Israeli crimes against Palestinian civilians, and calls upon the international community, especially the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, to fulfill their legal obligation to provide protection to Palestinian civilians and to exert pressure on Israel to completely ban the use of white phosphorous in built-up areas.
The human rights organizations are:
Al Haq
Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights
Al Dameer Association for Human Rights
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
24 july 2013
About 80 percent of tunnels used to smuggle goods and arms into the Gaza Strip from Egypt are "no longer functioning" due to a crackdown by the Egyptian military after it ousted President Mohamed Morsi this month, a UN official said on Tuesday.
UN Middle East peace envoy Robert Serry told the UN Security Council that the Gaza Strip was experiencing "some serious shortages of fuel and basic building materials for which the tunnels had become the primary entry point due to severe restrictions on imports via the official crossings and the higher cost of fuel available from the West Bank and Israel."
Cairo moved to close the tunnels after militants in the Egyptian Sinai desert killed 16 of its soldiers a year ago. Egypt said some of the gunmen had slipped into Sinai from nearby Gaza, an accusation denied by the Islamist Hamas authorities.
The tunnel crackdown has gathered pace since the Egyptian military removed Morsi from power earlier this month. Morsi's short-lived rule had already disappointed Hamas, since despite their shared ideology he appeared to be in no rush to open the Gaza border.
"As a result of these actions against illegal activity, according to some estimates, 80 percent of the tunnels are no longer functioning," Serry said.
Hamas, which taxes much of the traffic through the underground passages, has been hit hard by the losses. Ordinary Palestinians, many of them dependent on UN aid handouts, have seen prices for staple goods skyrocket.
"While the only Israeli crossing for goods ... has remained open and is handling increased quantities of consumers' goods, we are concerned that already difficult economic and humanitarian conditions in Gaza will further deteriorate, if access into Gaza through legal crossings of basic commodities like building materials is not liberalized," Serry said.
Israel still maintains strict control of all imports into Gaza to prevent arms reaching Hamas, which refuses to recognize the Jewish state and has often clashed with it. Under international accords, merchandise cannot be imported via Egypt.
Ala Al-Rafati, the Hamas economy minister, said on Sunday that tunnel closures since June had cost Gaza around $230 million - around one-tenth of the gross domestic product of the territory, where the unemployment rate among its 1.7 million residents is more than 30 percent.
UN Middle East peace envoy Robert Serry told the UN Security Council that the Gaza Strip was experiencing "some serious shortages of fuel and basic building materials for which the tunnels had become the primary entry point due to severe restrictions on imports via the official crossings and the higher cost of fuel available from the West Bank and Israel."
Cairo moved to close the tunnels after militants in the Egyptian Sinai desert killed 16 of its soldiers a year ago. Egypt said some of the gunmen had slipped into Sinai from nearby Gaza, an accusation denied by the Islamist Hamas authorities.
The tunnel crackdown has gathered pace since the Egyptian military removed Morsi from power earlier this month. Morsi's short-lived rule had already disappointed Hamas, since despite their shared ideology he appeared to be in no rush to open the Gaza border.
"As a result of these actions against illegal activity, according to some estimates, 80 percent of the tunnels are no longer functioning," Serry said.
Hamas, which taxes much of the traffic through the underground passages, has been hit hard by the losses. Ordinary Palestinians, many of them dependent on UN aid handouts, have seen prices for staple goods skyrocket.
"While the only Israeli crossing for goods ... has remained open and is handling increased quantities of consumers' goods, we are concerned that already difficult economic and humanitarian conditions in Gaza will further deteriorate, if access into Gaza through legal crossings of basic commodities like building materials is not liberalized," Serry said.
Israel still maintains strict control of all imports into Gaza to prevent arms reaching Hamas, which refuses to recognize the Jewish state and has often clashed with it. Under international accords, merchandise cannot be imported via Egypt.
Ala Al-Rafati, the Hamas economy minister, said on Sunday that tunnel closures since June had cost Gaza around $230 million - around one-tenth of the gross domestic product of the territory, where the unemployment rate among its 1.7 million residents is more than 30 percent.
22 july 2013
Children are often denied access to their families amid controversial citizenship laws.
A system of "quiet deportation" of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear, writes Miriam Pellicano in Al Jazeera English.
If Tasneem, 14, a Palestinian living in East Jerusalem, could speak to the Israeli Minister of Interior, she would deliver this message: "Give us the right to be a family and give us the freedom to live. Don't imprison us."
Tasneem's family is one of thousands affected by the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law, which prohibits Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from obtaining permanent or temporary resident status in East Jerusalem or Israel. The citizenship law applies to married couples even when one spouse holds Israeli residency or citizenship.
A system of "quiet deportation" [PDF] of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. Between 1967 and 2011, more than 14,000 Palestinians have had their residency status revoked.
Since Israel's 1967 annexation of East Jerusalem, a move unrecognized by the international community, Palestinians have rarely been granted citizenship rights, only residency rights. Palestinians live with the threat of having their residency revoked.
As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear. Children tell Defense for Children International Palestine, a local Palestinian child rights organisation, that they are often afraid, sad, or feel different to peers who are afforded different entitlements.
For Tasneem, the purpose of the law is clear. "It's a demographic law," she explains. "They don't want more Palestinian people in Jerusalem."
While the law was first issued as a temporary order in 2003, its enforcement has been extended several times, despite the Israeli High Court of Justice describing it as "a disproportionate violation" of the rights of Arab citizens and residents of Israel. In April this year, the Knesset approved an extension of the citizenship law bringing the prohibition on family reunification into its 11th year.
Living with uncertainty
Parents with residency rights in Jerusalem and a Jerusalem identification card cannot automatically transfer their status to their children.
Alaa, an 11-year-old from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, is currently in the process of applying for residency status, which his mother currently holds. He is in the middle of a lengthy and onerous application process that is required in order to register him with the Interior Ministry. It will be difficult for him to obtain Jerusalem residency status if his family fails to submit the request before his 12th birthday. If they apply after he turns 14, it will be impossible for him to receive any residency status.
The convoluted nature of registration has left families with children holding various statuses. Once children turn 18, they are unable to submit an application for child registration or family reunification. This leaves females in particularly vulnerable situations, as it obligates women to live alone or apart from their families, which is contrary to the general customs and traditions of the Palestinian family.
Alaa's mother notices that as he passes through a checkpoint he sinks in his seat and gets tears in his eyes. "I'm afraid that I will be left in the West Bank while the rest of my family stays in East Jerusalem," he says.
Mohammad Shihabi is a lawyer with the Community Action Center (CAC), which has an office to support families lodging applications for residency status in East Jerusalem.
"If children are not yet on their parent's ID card, and they are waiting on the process to obtain some kind of status, they can be subject to harassment at the checkpoints," Shihabi says.
"Registration processes can take years, and renewal of permits often requires a security check that may take anywhere from two months to one year. During this time children are particularly vulnerable."
Alaa is on alert when there is trouble in Silwan, which has a growing Jewish settler presence and where arrests of Palestinian children are common.
"I am very afraid when children are arrested," he says. "I stay inside the house when this happens and I don't move." Since he is not registered on his mother's ID, he is worried about what could happen to him.
The citizenship law has deleterious effects on children, including hampering the registration of children of Israeli residents - with a West Bank spouse - the denial of health, education and insurance services, and most importantly, the right to equality and family life.
In June 2007, HaMoked and several other human rights organisations filed a petition before the Israeli High Court of Justice challenging the citizenship law. The organisations highlighted the effect it has on children, and that the law not only separates spouses from each other, but also separates parents from their children.[PDF] Ultimately, the challenge was rejected and the law was upheld.
'Prisoners in their own city'
The children have not grown used to the idea their father must stay in Eziriya, a suburb separated from Jerusalem due to the annexation. A song played on the children's channel about fathers disturbs them. "They cry when they hear the song," she says. "It is very hard on them."
"The families are under a constant state of pressure," says Rema Rezeq, a coordinator at the CAC's Women's Empowerment Unit. "Spouses don't know if their partner will be granted a permit to enter. Children become upset and distressed that their parent is separated from the family, or are sad when they see how their parents must live. They live with the constant fear that they will never see their parent again."
Since 2008, there has been an absolute prohibition of family reunification for any person from Gaza over the age of 14. This confines children to living in Gaza without one of their parents, or forces the parent to give up their entitlements in Jerusalem and move to Gaza.
There are potentially 10,000 unregistered children in East Jerusalem, which means they are exempt from a variety of social and education benefits. They are not able to obtain a driver's licence or permits, and cannot legally seek employment. They live a life in limbo, without either Jerusalem or West Bank identification. This leaves thousands of Palestinians as stateless persons. Their future and security are precarious in the city.
Sabah, 40, returned to Jerusalem three years ago after separating from her husband in the West Bank. Despite a court order that gives her custody of her children, she can only arrange entrance permits for her children to be with her and not residency status for them.
"I am afraid for their future," says Sabah. "They are high academic achievers, but cannot go to university here. If they go to a University in the West Bank, they will be away from me, and they do not want to live there alone."
Even if families are issued temporary or entrance permits, their renewal is dependent on a security check that can take anywhere from a few months to a year, which delays the reinstatement of an entrance permit. During renewal periods, entitlements are frozen for children and families, which can leave families without health, education and insurance benefits.
"It makes their future education difficult, their movement is restricted, and they cannot marry here," says Sabah. "My children feel like they are prisoners in their own city."
Repeated phone calls and emails for comment on this story to the Interior Ministry went unanswered.
Countering the 'demographic threat'
The revocation of residency rights and the exile and deportation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem is one direct measure the Israeli government implements to counter the "demographic threat" [PDF] to the state of Israel.
Palestinians are at risk of losing their Jerusalem residency if they chose to go overseas to study, work or live. If residents are overseas for more than three years and are unable to prove that their center of life is in Jerusalem or Israel, they will lose their right to renew or update their ID. Residency can also be revoked if Palestinians naturalize.
In contrast to the precarious status of Palestinians with Jerusalem residency, the Foundation for Middle East Peace reports "a large number of Israelis have dual nationality, including an estimated 500,000 Israelis holding US passports (with close to a quarter-million pending applications)."
While Palestinians navigate prohibitive and discriminatory legal and administrative systems to remain in Jerusalem, the Israeli government is financially supporting tens of thousands of immigrants to settle in Israel and illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Ministry of Immigration Absorption, through their financial assistance programs, provides generous housing, education and health incentives, as well as generous tax exemptions to assist immigrants in their settlement process.
While immigrants can take advantage of these generous and attractive incentives, Palestinians are subject to exclusion from the National Insurance Institute (NII) if they cannot comply with measures that target their status and residency rights. They can lose their social and health insurance benefits by not complying with various caveats.
"This law exists to insult the people here in Palestine," says Alaa. "Its purpose is to degrade the Palestinians."
When DCI-Palestine fieldworkers asked him about his vision for the future, he tries to remain positive. "I will get the ID," he says. "I want to finish my education and I see beautiful things in my future."
If he could speak to the Minister of Interior, Alaa says he would request one thing: "Bring my father back to my home."
Miriam Pellicano is a consultant with Defense for Children International Palestine. This article was originally published in Al Jazeera English.
A system of "quiet deportation" of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear, writes Miriam Pellicano in Al Jazeera English.
If Tasneem, 14, a Palestinian living in East Jerusalem, could speak to the Israeli Minister of Interior, she would deliver this message: "Give us the right to be a family and give us the freedom to live. Don't imprison us."
Tasneem's family is one of thousands affected by the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law, which prohibits Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from obtaining permanent or temporary resident status in East Jerusalem or Israel. The citizenship law applies to married couples even when one spouse holds Israeli residency or citizenship.
A system of "quiet deportation" [PDF] of East Jerusalem families has developed as a result of the restrictive laws applied to Palestinians in the city. Between 1967 and 2011, more than 14,000 Palestinians have had their residency status revoked.
Since Israel's 1967 annexation of East Jerusalem, a move unrecognized by the international community, Palestinians have rarely been granted citizenship rights, only residency rights. Palestinians live with the threat of having their residency revoked.
As a result, a generation of Palestinian children have grown up living in uncertainty and fear. Children tell Defense for Children International Palestine, a local Palestinian child rights organisation, that they are often afraid, sad, or feel different to peers who are afforded different entitlements.
For Tasneem, the purpose of the law is clear. "It's a demographic law," she explains. "They don't want more Palestinian people in Jerusalem."
While the law was first issued as a temporary order in 2003, its enforcement has been extended several times, despite the Israeli High Court of Justice describing it as "a disproportionate violation" of the rights of Arab citizens and residents of Israel. In April this year, the Knesset approved an extension of the citizenship law bringing the prohibition on family reunification into its 11th year.
Living with uncertainty
Parents with residency rights in Jerusalem and a Jerusalem identification card cannot automatically transfer their status to their children.
Alaa, an 11-year-old from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, is currently in the process of applying for residency status, which his mother currently holds. He is in the middle of a lengthy and onerous application process that is required in order to register him with the Interior Ministry. It will be difficult for him to obtain Jerusalem residency status if his family fails to submit the request before his 12th birthday. If they apply after he turns 14, it will be impossible for him to receive any residency status.
The convoluted nature of registration has left families with children holding various statuses. Once children turn 18, they are unable to submit an application for child registration or family reunification. This leaves females in particularly vulnerable situations, as it obligates women to live alone or apart from their families, which is contrary to the general customs and traditions of the Palestinian family.
Alaa's mother notices that as he passes through a checkpoint he sinks in his seat and gets tears in his eyes. "I'm afraid that I will be left in the West Bank while the rest of my family stays in East Jerusalem," he says.
Mohammad Shihabi is a lawyer with the Community Action Center (CAC), which has an office to support families lodging applications for residency status in East Jerusalem.
"If children are not yet on their parent's ID card, and they are waiting on the process to obtain some kind of status, they can be subject to harassment at the checkpoints," Shihabi says.
"Registration processes can take years, and renewal of permits often requires a security check that may take anywhere from two months to one year. During this time children are particularly vulnerable."
Alaa is on alert when there is trouble in Silwan, which has a growing Jewish settler presence and where arrests of Palestinian children are common.
"I am very afraid when children are arrested," he says. "I stay inside the house when this happens and I don't move." Since he is not registered on his mother's ID, he is worried about what could happen to him.
The citizenship law has deleterious effects on children, including hampering the registration of children of Israeli residents - with a West Bank spouse - the denial of health, education and insurance services, and most importantly, the right to equality and family life.
In June 2007, HaMoked and several other human rights organisations filed a petition before the Israeli High Court of Justice challenging the citizenship law. The organisations highlighted the effect it has on children, and that the law not only separates spouses from each other, but also separates parents from their children.[PDF] Ultimately, the challenge was rejected and the law was upheld.
'Prisoners in their own city'
The children have not grown used to the idea their father must stay in Eziriya, a suburb separated from Jerusalem due to the annexation. A song played on the children's channel about fathers disturbs them. "They cry when they hear the song," she says. "It is very hard on them."
"The families are under a constant state of pressure," says Rema Rezeq, a coordinator at the CAC's Women's Empowerment Unit. "Spouses don't know if their partner will be granted a permit to enter. Children become upset and distressed that their parent is separated from the family, or are sad when they see how their parents must live. They live with the constant fear that they will never see their parent again."
Since 2008, there has been an absolute prohibition of family reunification for any person from Gaza over the age of 14. This confines children to living in Gaza without one of their parents, or forces the parent to give up their entitlements in Jerusalem and move to Gaza.
There are potentially 10,000 unregistered children in East Jerusalem, which means they are exempt from a variety of social and education benefits. They are not able to obtain a driver's licence or permits, and cannot legally seek employment. They live a life in limbo, without either Jerusalem or West Bank identification. This leaves thousands of Palestinians as stateless persons. Their future and security are precarious in the city.
Sabah, 40, returned to Jerusalem three years ago after separating from her husband in the West Bank. Despite a court order that gives her custody of her children, she can only arrange entrance permits for her children to be with her and not residency status for them.
"I am afraid for their future," says Sabah. "They are high academic achievers, but cannot go to university here. If they go to a University in the West Bank, they will be away from me, and they do not want to live there alone."
Even if families are issued temporary or entrance permits, their renewal is dependent on a security check that can take anywhere from a few months to a year, which delays the reinstatement of an entrance permit. During renewal periods, entitlements are frozen for children and families, which can leave families without health, education and insurance benefits.
"It makes their future education difficult, their movement is restricted, and they cannot marry here," says Sabah. "My children feel like they are prisoners in their own city."
Repeated phone calls and emails for comment on this story to the Interior Ministry went unanswered.
Countering the 'demographic threat'
The revocation of residency rights and the exile and deportation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem is one direct measure the Israeli government implements to counter the "demographic threat" [PDF] to the state of Israel.
Palestinians are at risk of losing their Jerusalem residency if they chose to go overseas to study, work or live. If residents are overseas for more than three years and are unable to prove that their center of life is in Jerusalem or Israel, they will lose their right to renew or update their ID. Residency can also be revoked if Palestinians naturalize.
In contrast to the precarious status of Palestinians with Jerusalem residency, the Foundation for Middle East Peace reports "a large number of Israelis have dual nationality, including an estimated 500,000 Israelis holding US passports (with close to a quarter-million pending applications)."
While Palestinians navigate prohibitive and discriminatory legal and administrative systems to remain in Jerusalem, the Israeli government is financially supporting tens of thousands of immigrants to settle in Israel and illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Ministry of Immigration Absorption, through their financial assistance programs, provides generous housing, education and health incentives, as well as generous tax exemptions to assist immigrants in their settlement process.
While immigrants can take advantage of these generous and attractive incentives, Palestinians are subject to exclusion from the National Insurance Institute (NII) if they cannot comply with measures that target their status and residency rights. They can lose their social and health insurance benefits by not complying with various caveats.
"This law exists to insult the people here in Palestine," says Alaa. "Its purpose is to degrade the Palestinians."
When DCI-Palestine fieldworkers asked him about his vision for the future, he tries to remain positive. "I will get the ID," he says. "I want to finish my education and I see beautiful things in my future."
If he could speak to the Minister of Interior, Alaa says he would request one thing: "Bring my father back to my home."
Miriam Pellicano is a consultant with Defense for Children International Palestine. This article was originally published in Al Jazeera English.
