27 feb 2014
Mother and daughter walk through the ruins of their destroyed home, Silwan
In its Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, for the week of 20 - 26 February, 2014, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that during the past week, Israeli forces wounded 29 Palestinian civilians, sixteen of whom were wounded in the Gaza Strip and 13 who were wounded in the West Bank.
Of the wounded were 5 children, 3 journalists, a human rights activist, a paramedic and a member of the Gaza Interior Ministry.
In addition, Israeli forces conducted 4 shooting incidents along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and 2 shooting incidents against fishermen in the sea.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 59 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week. 3 civilians were wounded. 41 civilians, including 6 children were abducted. Of the abducted were 4 employees from International Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human Rights in Nablus, including a woman.
In the West Bank, 13 civilians, including 2 children, a paramedic, a journalist and a human rights activist, were wounded; 10 of whom were wounded in peaceful demonstrations and the 3 others were wounded during an Israeli incursion in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and Taqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem.
In one example of this week’s 59 incursions, on Monday February 24th, at approximately 01:30 AM, Israeli forces moved into the west of Deir Estya, northwest of Salfit. They stopped Sharaf Dawood Mohammed 'Ebeid (22), attacked him to take a photo of him. In addition, they detained his friend Ra'fat Emad Abdul Majid Diab (18) and released both of them later. At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces withdrew, neither house raids nor arrests were reported. Ra'fat Diab said to PCHR's fieldworker:
"At approximately 01:30 on Monday, 24 February, 2014, I was sitting with some friends near a supermarket on the main streets of Deir Estya village. I set up the fire as usual and was sitting together with my friends. One of our friends decided to go home, so I went with my friend Sharaf Ebeid to get him home. When we returned, we heard some people but saw nobody because it was dark. We kept walking. Suddenly, an Israeli soldier appeared out of the dark and caught us while we were walking in front of the supermarket. They detained me, obliged me to put my hands up and turn my face against the wall. After a while, they ordered me to go home, but started beating up my friend Sharaf with gun butts. They detained him for some time, took a photo of him and released him later. On the following day, Sharaf told me that he felt pain in the back. Israeli forces withdrew at 01:50, as shown in the surveillance camera of the supermarket."
On 25 February, 2014, Israeli forces abducted 4 employees from the International Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human Rights in Nablus. They searched their houses and the organizations office and confiscated 6 computers and some documents.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
As part of using military checkpoints and border crossings as traps to abduct Palestinian civilians, under the pretext they are wanted, Israeli forces abducted at least 2 civilians in the West Bank.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 9 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were abducted at checkpoints.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip. 16 civilians were wounded in separate shooting incidents. The wounded included 2 children, 2 journalists and a member of the Interior Ministry.
In the Gaza Strip, on 21 February, 2014, 12 civilians, including 2 children and a journalist, were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian civilians, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence near Sofa crossing, northeast of al-Shouka village, northeast of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at 2 members of the Interior Ministry, who were about 300 meters away from the said fence.
On 22 February, 2014, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.
On 24 February, 2014, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in Taqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem, when Israeli forces moved into the village.
On 24 February, 2014, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Qarara village, northeast of the city, but no casualties were reported.
On 25 February, 2014, 2 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded during a demonstration organized by the Intifada Coalition in the vicinity of Nahal Oz crossing, east of al-Shuja'iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. A number of demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response.
In the context of targeting fishermen, on 20 February, 2014, Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip. Two missiles landed on a site belonging to the Palestinian National Security service, along the border fence between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported. The site sustained minor damage.
On the same day, Israeli gunboats stationed off the shore northwest of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at fishing boats sailing within a nautical mile.
3 Palestinian civilians were abducted at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. On Thursday evening, 20 February, 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the borderline with Israel, in the northern Gaza Strip, abducted the 3 Palestinian civilians while they were trying to pass the border in order to enter into Israel to work there.
The 18, 19 and 20-year-old are all from Block 5 in Jabalia refugee camp. According to Yousif Fayyad, he lost his son ‘Atta and his nephew Mohammed on the aforementioned Thursday, and they did not come back home. They left in the early morning, and none knew where they were till he received a call on his cell phone from the Israeli police telling him that his son and his nephew were under arrest, after passing the northern borders of the Gaza Strip. He added that they were being held in Eshkol prison, and that they needed legal assistance.
The family of al’Ajrami said that they received a call from the Israeli police telling them that their son is abducted by Israeli authorities and he is now in Eshkol prison, so they have to hire a lawyer for him.
Israel continued to impose a total closure on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June of 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 7 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem and other countries around the world.
This has resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people.
The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Lands were demolished in Kofur al-Deek, west of Salfit, to expand a settlement outpost. Israeli forces continued issuing house demolition notices in area (C). Some settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in the north and south of the West Bank.
On 20 February, 2014, Israeli forces served civilians from Ezna village, west of Hebron, with 3 notices to halt construction work in their own structures, under the pretext of having no construction permit, in the areas classified as “C” according to the 1993 Oslo Agreement. The notices included an under-construction house and 4 barracks used for collecting scrap.
On 22 February, 2014, a number of settlers from “Beit ‘Ein” settlement, established on the Palestinian lands confiscated from the west of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, threw stones at and insulted Mohammed ‘Abdel Hamid al-Sleibi (78) and his sons while they were working on their land in Abu al-Rish area, west of the village. As a result, they were forced to flee fearing for their lives.
On the same day, a group of settlers from “Jel’aad” settlement attacked the residents of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya, after the residents planted olive seedlings in their lands adjacent to the aforementioned settlement. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, when farmers finished planting the seedlings, around 100 settlers attacked the farmers and chased them into the village. They smashed the windows of a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yousif al-Sakhen, and the windows of a vehicle belonging to ‘Awni Nassar.
They also attacked a vehicle belonging to Nasim ‘Abdel Qader al-Sedah and smashed its windows. They then raided a house belonging to the family of Sami Ahmed ‘Erman, attacking his family members with sticks who as a result escaped from the house.
At approximately 14:00 on the same day, a group of settlers under intensive protection of Israeli forces stormed the old city markets of central Hebron. The settlers threw stones at shops and verbally abused at the civilians. The old city in Hebron has recently witnessed increasing violations by settlers living in the outposts of “Beit Romamo” and “Beit Hadasa”, in front of Israeli forces and police.
On 23 February, 2014, a group of settlers headed by Baroukh Marzel from “Ramat Yishai” outpost established on the lands confiscated from Tal al-Ramidah neighborhood, in central Hebron, stormed the old city markets under heavy guard of Israeli forces. The settlers gathered near the intersection of al-Sahlah Street and attempted to stop the Palestinian workers from carrying out rehabilitation works in one of the shops belonging to Ghassan ‘Ezz al-Deen Abu Hadid.
On 25 February, 2014, Israeli forces accompanied by an officer from the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration served Rami Shehadah ‘Asi (26) from Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah, with a notice bearing number 160428 to halt construction works in a 200-square-meter barrack built of bricks and shaders and roofed with tin. The barrack is used as a popular café.
On 26 February, 2014, Israeli forces leveled Palestinian lands belonging to Mesleh Nayef Soliman al-Deek in Kafr Deek village, of the Deir Abu Sam’aan area, west of Salfit, in order to establish a road to the “Lishim” outpost. Civilians managed to force Israeli bulldozers to stop temporarily working, after skirmishing with the Israeli forces. Israeli forces have been leveling the area for four years. However, in the evening of the aforementioned day, Israeli bulldozers leveled this land in order to annex it to the aforementioned outpost. The owners of the targeted lands in that area previously headed to the Israeli courts to submit the papers proving their ownership; no decision has been issued in this regard.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 civilians, including a paramedic, were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest. Moreover, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli forces.
In the same context, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, a journalist and a human rights activist, were wounded during peaceful demonstrations organized at the entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah; Selwad village, northeast of the city; and the centre of Hebron.
Following the Friday Prayer, 21 February, 2014, dozens of Palestinian civilians, with international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest of the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags, heading to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning, in order to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to cross the fence before Israeli forces which are stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water at them, chasing them into the olive fields.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers. In addition, 2 civilians, including a paramedic, were wounded. Paramedic Mohammed Ahmed Yassin (24) was hit by a gas canister to the belly and a 20-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right side of the head.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbed wire and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it, before they responded by throwing stones. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration, in protest of the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah. Demonstrators took to the streets raising Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity resistance, and then headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to gain by force near “Halamish” settlement. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village, since morning, to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived on the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village.
As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada (2000). Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
On Friday, 21 February, 2014, dozens of children and young men gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of "Beit Eil" settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters.
As a result, 3 civilians, including a child, were wounded. In addition, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. A 21-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg, a 20-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg and a 16-year-old was hit by a gas canister in his right hand.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad village and Yabrod village near Street (60) to throw stones at the aforementioned street. As a result, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them, chasing them to the village. A 23-year-old male sustained 2 bullet wounds to the back of the head and right side of the pelvis as a result.
At noon, dozens of Palestinian civilians, activists of the Youth Forum against Settlement Activity and other human rights activists gathered in front of 'Ali al-Baka' mosque, in the center of Hebron, for a demonstration calling for the opening of Shuhada Street, which has been closed since 1994, following the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre of 1993, committed by Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein against Muslim worshipers. The demonstrators headed towards the entrance of Shuhada Street. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters and abducted 2 demonstrators.
In the meantime, a group of youngsters threw stones at Israeli soldiers in the Tale't al-Zaheda and Bab al-Zawiya areas. In response, the Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live-bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them.
As a result, 4 civilians were wounded: Mousa Mahmoud Abu Hashhash (59), researcher at B'Tselem, sustained a bullet wound to the head; Abdul Ghani al-Natcha (34), journalist at Palmedia agency, sustained a bullet wound to the face; a 19-year-old male sustained 2 bullet wounds to the left leg and right hand; and a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. Al-Shuhada' street has been closed for 5,000 Palestinians since the Ibrahim Mosque massacre in 1994.
Journalist Abul Ghani al-Natcha said to PCHR's fieldworker: "I was standing at the entrance of Beersheba street, opposite to al-Shuhada' street. I fixed my camera on the tripod and put on a press vest, helmet and a muzzle. At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces started firing gas and smoke canisters in the area and withdrew towards a checkpoint erected at the entrance of al-Shuhada' street. When the demonstration ended, I took off the muzzle.
In the meantime, Israeli soldiers were present about 15 meters away from me. I heard a gunshot and something hit me in the face, near my left eye. I was pushed 2 meters backwards, as a result, and fell to the ground. I fainted and then woke up in Hebron hospital. The doctors stitched the wound, but still I cannot see with my left eye."
Mousa Abu Hashhash, researcher at B'Tselem, said to PCHR's fieldworker: "I was standing near clock square. I put on a long vest with B'Tselem logo on it and held a camera. I tried to cross the street, heading to the other side, but I heard a gunshot. I felt something had hit me in the left side of my head. Blood was covering my head. I was taken to Hebron hospital, where they examined me and stitched the wound."
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR has 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.
In addition, the PCHR 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 20 - 26 February, 2014, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) found that during the past week, Israeli forces wounded 29 Palestinian civilians, sixteen of whom were wounded in the Gaza Strip and 13 who were wounded in the West Bank.
Of the wounded were 5 children, 3 journalists, a human rights activist, a paramedic and a member of the Gaza Interior Ministry.
In addition, Israeli forces conducted 4 shooting incidents along the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel and 2 shooting incidents against fishermen in the sea.
Israeli attacks in the West Bank:
Israeli forces conducted 59 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week. 3 civilians were wounded. 41 civilians, including 6 children were abducted. Of the abducted were 4 employees from International Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human Rights in Nablus, including a woman.
In the West Bank, 13 civilians, including 2 children, a paramedic, a journalist and a human rights activist, were wounded; 10 of whom were wounded in peaceful demonstrations and the 3 others were wounded during an Israeli incursion in Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah, and Taqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem.
In one example of this week’s 59 incursions, on Monday February 24th, at approximately 01:30 AM, Israeli forces moved into the west of Deir Estya, northwest of Salfit. They stopped Sharaf Dawood Mohammed 'Ebeid (22), attacked him to take a photo of him. In addition, they detained his friend Ra'fat Emad Abdul Majid Diab (18) and released both of them later. At approximately 01:50, Israeli forces withdrew, neither house raids nor arrests were reported. Ra'fat Diab said to PCHR's fieldworker:
"At approximately 01:30 on Monday, 24 February, 2014, I was sitting with some friends near a supermarket on the main streets of Deir Estya village. I set up the fire as usual and was sitting together with my friends. One of our friends decided to go home, so I went with my friend Sharaf Ebeid to get him home. When we returned, we heard some people but saw nobody because it was dark. We kept walking. Suddenly, an Israeli soldier appeared out of the dark and caught us while we were walking in front of the supermarket. They detained me, obliged me to put my hands up and turn my face against the wall. After a while, they ordered me to go home, but started beating up my friend Sharaf with gun butts. They detained him for some time, took a photo of him and released him later. On the following day, Sharaf told me that he felt pain in the back. Israeli forces withdrew at 01:50, as shown in the surveillance camera of the supermarket."
On 25 February, 2014, Israeli forces abducted 4 employees from the International Tadamun (Solidarity) for Human Rights in Nablus. They searched their houses and the organizations office and confiscated 6 computers and some documents.
Israeli forces have continued to impose severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians throughout the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Thousands of Palestinian civilians from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip continue to be denied access to Jerusalem.
As part of using military checkpoints and border crossings as traps to abduct Palestinian civilians, under the pretext they are wanted, Israeli forces abducted at least 2 civilians in the West Bank.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank. At least 9 Palestinian civilians, including 3 children, were abducted at checkpoints.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip:
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip. 16 civilians were wounded in separate shooting incidents. The wounded included 2 children, 2 journalists and a member of the Interior Ministry.
In the Gaza Strip, on 21 February, 2014, 12 civilians, including 2 children and a journalist, were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at dozens of Palestinian civilians, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence near Sofa crossing, northeast of al-Shouka village, northeast of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at 2 members of the Interior Ministry, who were about 300 meters away from the said fence.
On 22 February, 2014, 2 Palestinian civilians were wounded when Israeli forces moved into Nabi Saleh village, northwest of Ramallah.
On 24 February, 2014, a Palestinian civilian was wounded in Taqou' village, southeast of Bethlehem, when Israeli forces moved into the village.
On 24 February, 2014, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Qarara village, northeast of the city, but no casualties were reported.
On 25 February, 2014, 2 civilians, including a journalist, were wounded during a demonstration organized by the Intifada Coalition in the vicinity of Nahal Oz crossing, east of al-Shuja'iya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City. A number of demonstrators threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters in response.
In the context of targeting fishermen, on 20 February, 2014, Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats off Rafah shore, south of the Gaza Strip. Two missiles landed on a site belonging to the Palestinian National Security service, along the border fence between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported. The site sustained minor damage.
On the same day, Israeli gunboats stationed off the shore northwest of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at fishing boats sailing within a nautical mile.
3 Palestinian civilians were abducted at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel. On Thursday evening, 20 February, 2014, Israeli forces stationed at the borderline with Israel, in the northern Gaza Strip, abducted the 3 Palestinian civilians while they were trying to pass the border in order to enter into Israel to work there.
The 18, 19 and 20-year-old are all from Block 5 in Jabalia refugee camp. According to Yousif Fayyad, he lost his son ‘Atta and his nephew Mohammed on the aforementioned Thursday, and they did not come back home. They left in the early morning, and none knew where they were till he received a call on his cell phone from the Israeli police telling him that his son and his nephew were under arrest, after passing the northern borders of the Gaza Strip. He added that they were being held in Eshkol prison, and that they needed legal assistance.
The family of al’Ajrami said that they received a call from the Israeli police telling them that their son is abducted by Israeli authorities and he is now in Eshkol prison, so they have to hire a lawyer for him.
Israel continued to impose a total closure on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world. The illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which has steadily tightened since June of 2007, has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli authorities impose measures to undermine the freedom of trade, including the basic needs for the Gaza Strip population and the agricultural and industrial products to be exported. For 7 consecutive years, Israel has tightened the land and naval closure to isolate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem and other countries around the world.
This has resulted in grave violations of the economic, social and cultural rights and a deterioration of living conditions for 1.7 million people.
The Israeli authorities have established Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shaloum) as the sole crossing for imports and exports in order to exercise its control over the Gaza Strip’s economy. They also aim at imposing a complete ban on the Gaza Strip’s exports.
Israeli settlement activities:
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank, and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
Lands were demolished in Kofur al-Deek, west of Salfit, to expand a settlement outpost. Israeli forces continued issuing house demolition notices in area (C). Some settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in the north and south of the West Bank.
On 20 February, 2014, Israeli forces served civilians from Ezna village, west of Hebron, with 3 notices to halt construction work in their own structures, under the pretext of having no construction permit, in the areas classified as “C” according to the 1993 Oslo Agreement. The notices included an under-construction house and 4 barracks used for collecting scrap.
On 22 February, 2014, a number of settlers from “Beit ‘Ein” settlement, established on the Palestinian lands confiscated from the west of Beit Ummar village, north of Hebron, threw stones at and insulted Mohammed ‘Abdel Hamid al-Sleibi (78) and his sons while they were working on their land in Abu al-Rish area, west of the village. As a result, they were forced to flee fearing for their lives.
On the same day, a group of settlers from “Jel’aad” settlement attacked the residents of Jeet village, northeast of Qalqilya, after the residents planted olive seedlings in their lands adjacent to the aforementioned settlement. According to investigations conducted by PCHR, when farmers finished planting the seedlings, around 100 settlers attacked the farmers and chased them into the village. They smashed the windows of a house belonging to the family of Mohammed Yousif al-Sakhen, and the windows of a vehicle belonging to ‘Awni Nassar.
They also attacked a vehicle belonging to Nasim ‘Abdel Qader al-Sedah and smashed its windows. They then raided a house belonging to the family of Sami Ahmed ‘Erman, attacking his family members with sticks who as a result escaped from the house.
At approximately 14:00 on the same day, a group of settlers under intensive protection of Israeli forces stormed the old city markets of central Hebron. The settlers threw stones at shops and verbally abused at the civilians. The old city in Hebron has recently witnessed increasing violations by settlers living in the outposts of “Beit Romamo” and “Beit Hadasa”, in front of Israeli forces and police.
On 23 February, 2014, a group of settlers headed by Baroukh Marzel from “Ramat Yishai” outpost established on the lands confiscated from Tal al-Ramidah neighborhood, in central Hebron, stormed the old city markets under heavy guard of Israeli forces. The settlers gathered near the intersection of al-Sahlah Street and attempted to stop the Palestinian workers from carrying out rehabilitation works in one of the shops belonging to Ghassan ‘Ezz al-Deen Abu Hadid.
On 25 February, 2014, Israeli forces accompanied by an officer from the Construction and Organization Department in the Israeli Civil Administration served Rami Shehadah ‘Asi (26) from Beit Loqaya village, southwest of Ramallah, with a notice bearing number 160428 to halt construction works in a 200-square-meter barrack built of bricks and shaders and roofed with tin. The barrack is used as a popular café.
On 26 February, 2014, Israeli forces leveled Palestinian lands belonging to Mesleh Nayef Soliman al-Deek in Kafr Deek village, of the Deir Abu Sam’aan area, west of Salfit, in order to establish a road to the “Lishim” outpost. Civilians managed to force Israeli bulldozers to stop temporarily working, after skirmishing with the Israeli forces. Israeli forces have been leveling the area for four years. However, in the evening of the aforementioned day, Israeli bulldozers leveled this land in order to annex it to the aforementioned outpost. The owners of the targeted lands in that area previously headed to the Israeli courts to submit the papers proving their ownership; no decision has been issued in this regard.
Israeli attacks on non-violent demonstrations:
Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 civilians, including a paramedic, were wounded during Bil'in weekly protest. Moreover, a number of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten up by Israeli forces.
In the same context, 8 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, a journalist and a human rights activist, were wounded during peaceful demonstrations organized at the entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah; Selwad village, northeast of the city; and the centre of Hebron.
Following the Friday Prayer, 21 February, 2014, dozens of Palestinian civilians, with international and Israeli human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration in Bil’in, west of Ramallah, in protest of the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets raising the Palestinian flags, heading to the liberated territories near the annexation wall. Israeli forces had closed all the entrances of the village since the morning, in order to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. Demonstrators marched adjacent to the cement wall and tried to cross the fence before Israeli forces which are stationed behind the wall, in the western area, and a large number of soldiers deployed along it, fired live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water at them, chasing them into the olive fields.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation, and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers. In addition, 2 civilians, including a paramedic, were wounded. Paramedic Mohammed Ahmed Yassin (24) was hit by a gas canister to the belly and a 20-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right side of the head.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian civilians organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Ni’lin village, west of Ramallah, in protest against the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities. Demonstrators took the streets and headed to the annexation wall. Israeli forces closed the gates of the wall with barbed wire and prevented the demonstrators from crossing to the land behind it, before they responded by throwing stones. As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
Around the same time, dozens of Palestinian civilians and Israeli and international human rights defenders organised a peaceful demonstration, in protest of the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in Nabi Saleh village, southwest of Ramallah. Demonstrators took to the streets raising Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against the occupation and in support of the Palestinian unity resistance, and then headed to the lands that the settlers are trying to gain by force near “Halamish” settlement. Israeli forces closed all the entrances of the village, since morning, to prevent Palestinian and international activists and journalists from participating in the demonstration. When they arrived on the land, demonstrators were met by live bullets, tear gas canisters, rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs and skunk water and were chased into the village.
As a result, many civilians suffered tear gas inhalation and bruises due to being beaten up by Israeli soldiers.
Following the Friday prayer, Palestinian civilians and international activists organised a peaceful demonstration in the centre of Kufor Qaddoum village, northwest of Qalqilia, and headed towards the eastern entrance of the village, in protest at the continued closure of the entrance with an iron gate since the beginning of the Aqsa Intifada (2000). Clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Israeli forces who fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters to prevent them from reaching the aforementioned gate.
As a result, dozens of demonstrators suffered tear gas inhalation and others sustained bruises as they were beaten by Israeli soldiers.
On Friday, 21 February, 2014, dozens of children and young men gathered at the southern entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah. They were about 300 meters away from the fence of "Beit Eil" settlement. Israeli forces stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters.
As a result, 3 civilians, including a child, were wounded. In addition, dozens of civilians suffered tear gas inhalation. A 21-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg, a 20-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the right leg and a 16-year-old was hit by a gas canister in his right hand.
On the same day, dozens of Palestinian young men gathered at the western entrance of Selwad village, northeast of Ramallah, on the road between Selwad village and Yabrod village near Street (60) to throw stones at the aforementioned street. As a result, Israeli soldiers stationed in the area fired live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at them, chasing them to the village. A 23-year-old male sustained 2 bullet wounds to the back of the head and right side of the pelvis as a result.
At noon, dozens of Palestinian civilians, activists of the Youth Forum against Settlement Activity and other human rights activists gathered in front of 'Ali al-Baka' mosque, in the center of Hebron, for a demonstration calling for the opening of Shuhada Street, which has been closed since 1994, following the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre of 1993, committed by Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein against Muslim worshipers. The demonstrators headed towards the entrance of Shuhada Street. Israeli forces fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters and abducted 2 demonstrators.
In the meantime, a group of youngsters threw stones at Israeli soldiers in the Tale't al-Zaheda and Bab al-Zawiya areas. In response, the Israeli soldiers fired rubber-coated metal bullets, live-bullets, sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them.
As a result, 4 civilians were wounded: Mousa Mahmoud Abu Hashhash (59), researcher at B'Tselem, sustained a bullet wound to the head; Abdul Ghani al-Natcha (34), journalist at Palmedia agency, sustained a bullet wound to the face; a 19-year-old male sustained 2 bullet wounds to the left leg and right hand; and a 17-year-old male sustained a bullet wound to the left leg. Al-Shuhada' street has been closed for 5,000 Palestinians since the Ibrahim Mosque massacre in 1994.
Journalist Abul Ghani al-Natcha said to PCHR's fieldworker: "I was standing at the entrance of Beersheba street, opposite to al-Shuhada' street. I fixed my camera on the tripod and put on a press vest, helmet and a muzzle. At approximately 17:30, Israeli forces started firing gas and smoke canisters in the area and withdrew towards a checkpoint erected at the entrance of al-Shuhada' street. When the demonstration ended, I took off the muzzle.
In the meantime, Israeli soldiers were present about 15 meters away from me. I heard a gunshot and something hit me in the face, near my left eye. I was pushed 2 meters backwards, as a result, and fell to the ground. I fainted and then woke up in Hebron hospital. The doctors stitched the wound, but still I cannot see with my left eye."
Mousa Abu Hashhash, researcher at B'Tselem, said to PCHR's fieldworker: "I was standing near clock square. I put on a long vest with B'Tselem logo on it and held a camera. I tried to cross the street, heading to the other side, but I heard a gunshot. I felt something had hit me in the left side of my head. Blood was covering my head. I was taken to Hebron hospital, where they examined me and stitched the wound."
Recommendations to the international community:
Due to the number and severity of Israeli human rights violations this week, the PCHR has 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.
In addition, the PCHR 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
An Israeli soldier fires a tear gas canister during clashes in Hebron
Israeli military forces routinely use "unnecessary, arbitrary and brutal force" against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with some killings amounting to war crimes, Amnesty International said Thursday.
In a report entitled 'Trigger-happy', the human rights group says Israeli forces display a "callous disregard" for human life with near total impunity for the killing of Palestinian civilians in cases examined since 2011.
"The report presents a body of evidence that shows a harrowing pattern of unlawful killings and unwarranted injuries of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces in the West Bank," said Philip Luther, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Amnesty International.
"The frequency and persistence of arbitrary and abusive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers and police officers – and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators – suggests that it is carried out as a matter of policy."
Amnesty documented the killing of 22 Palestinians in 2013, 14 of which took place during protests and four of whom were children.
In all cases the civilians killed posed no direct or immediate threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers and there is evidence that some were willfully killed, which would amount to a war crime.
The report presents a case study of the killing of Samir Awad, 16, in the Ramallah village of Budrus, who was shot three times in the back of the head, leg and shoulder as he fled Israeli soldiers in January 2013.
Awad and his friends had tried to stage a protest against Israel's separation wall before being ambushed by Israeli forces and fleeing.
"They shot him first in the leg, yet he managed to run away… how far can an injured child run? They could have easily arrested him… instead they shot him in the back with live ammunition," a friend of Samir told Amnesty.
Samir's killing may amount to an extrajudicial execution, or willful killing, which is considered a war crime under international law, the report added.
Forty-five Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since 2011, with peaceful protesters, civilian bystanders, human rights activists and journalists among the victims.
In the same time period, 261 Palestinians, including 67 children, have been seriously injured by live fire, while over 8,500 people, including 1,500 children, have been shot and wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters.
"The staggering numbers of wounded provide a sobering reminder of the relentless daily danger faced by Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank," said Philip Luther.
In many cases several victims were shot in the back, indicating that they posed no genuine threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers and were targeted as they fled.
Israeli investigations into suspected unlawful killings have lacked transparency, impartiality and "proved woefully inadequate."
"Too much civilian blood has been spilled. This long-standing pattern of abuse must be broken. If the Israeli authorities wish to prove to the world they are committed to democratic principles and international human rights standards, unlawful killings and unnecessary use of force must stop now," Luther said.
Israel's army responded to the report by noting a "substantial increase in Palestinian violence" over the past year.
"The IDF holds itself to the highest of professional standards and trains and equips itself as such. When there is any suspicion of wrong doing, or breach of discipline, the IDF reviews, investigates and takes action where appropriate," a statement said.
Israeli military forces routinely use "unnecessary, arbitrary and brutal force" against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with some killings amounting to war crimes, Amnesty International said Thursday.
In a report entitled 'Trigger-happy', the human rights group says Israeli forces display a "callous disregard" for human life with near total impunity for the killing of Palestinian civilians in cases examined since 2011.
"The report presents a body of evidence that shows a harrowing pattern of unlawful killings and unwarranted injuries of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces in the West Bank," said Philip Luther, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Amnesty International.
"The frequency and persistence of arbitrary and abusive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank by Israeli soldiers and police officers – and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators – suggests that it is carried out as a matter of policy."
Amnesty documented the killing of 22 Palestinians in 2013, 14 of which took place during protests and four of whom were children.
In all cases the civilians killed posed no direct or immediate threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers and there is evidence that some were willfully killed, which would amount to a war crime.
The report presents a case study of the killing of Samir Awad, 16, in the Ramallah village of Budrus, who was shot three times in the back of the head, leg and shoulder as he fled Israeli soldiers in January 2013.
Awad and his friends had tried to stage a protest against Israel's separation wall before being ambushed by Israeli forces and fleeing.
"They shot him first in the leg, yet he managed to run away… how far can an injured child run? They could have easily arrested him… instead they shot him in the back with live ammunition," a friend of Samir told Amnesty.
Samir's killing may amount to an extrajudicial execution, or willful killing, which is considered a war crime under international law, the report added.
Forty-five Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since 2011, with peaceful protesters, civilian bystanders, human rights activists and journalists among the victims.
In the same time period, 261 Palestinians, including 67 children, have been seriously injured by live fire, while over 8,500 people, including 1,500 children, have been shot and wounded by rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters.
"The staggering numbers of wounded provide a sobering reminder of the relentless daily danger faced by Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank," said Philip Luther.
In many cases several victims were shot in the back, indicating that they posed no genuine threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers and were targeted as they fled.
Israeli investigations into suspected unlawful killings have lacked transparency, impartiality and "proved woefully inadequate."
"Too much civilian blood has been spilled. This long-standing pattern of abuse must be broken. If the Israeli authorities wish to prove to the world they are committed to democratic principles and international human rights standards, unlawful killings and unnecessary use of force must stop now," Luther said.
Israel's army responded to the report by noting a "substantial increase in Palestinian violence" over the past year.
"The IDF holds itself to the highest of professional standards and trains and equips itself as such. When there is any suspicion of wrong doing, or breach of discipline, the IDF reviews, investigates and takes action where appropriate," a statement said.
26 feb 2014
Palestine Liberation Organization- Negotiation Affairs Department issued Wednesday a report revealing the number of Israeli violations that were committed since the resumption of negotiations, as follows:
Since the resumption of negotiations in July 30th 2013, Israel has escalated its aggressions against the people in the occupied State of Palestine. During the past 7 months Israel has advanced 10,489 housing units in Israeli settlements (or over 52,000 new settlers), killed 44 Palestinians, conducted 3,360 military raids, arrested 2702 Palestinians, demolish 154 homes as well as settlers have conducted 497 terror attacks.
At the same time, dozens of Palestinian institutions, notably the Orient House and the Chamber of Commerce, continue to be closed by Israel, in defiance of its obligations as an occupying power. For a just peace to prevail, the international community has the responsibility to hold Israel accountable for its international law and human rights violations that continue to affect the people of Palestine on a daily basis.
To Read Full Report, Click Here [PDF]
Since the resumption of negotiations in July 30th 2013, Israel has escalated its aggressions against the people in the occupied State of Palestine. During the past 7 months Israel has advanced 10,489 housing units in Israeli settlements (or over 52,000 new settlers), killed 44 Palestinians, conducted 3,360 military raids, arrested 2702 Palestinians, demolish 154 homes as well as settlers have conducted 497 terror attacks.
At the same time, dozens of Palestinian institutions, notably the Orient House and the Chamber of Commerce, continue to be closed by Israel, in defiance of its obligations as an occupying power. For a just peace to prevail, the international community has the responsibility to hold Israel accountable for its international law and human rights violations that continue to affect the people of Palestine on a daily basis.
To Read Full Report, Click Here [PDF]
The Israeli buffer zone has deepened Palestinians' suffering in Gaza Strip, where it denied farmers' access to their lands, totaling 35% of the agricultural lands in Gaza Strip estimated at 17% of the whole area of the Strip. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) have issued a report under the title "Under Fire" [PDF] addressing Israeli violations in Access Restricted Areas (ARA) in the Gaza Strip.
The report highlighted "the suffering experienced by civilians, farmers and fishermen due to restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement in those areas, the frequent targeting of civilians with live ammunition, house demolitions and restrictions imposed on fishing areas."
The report was launched in London with the participation of lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, via Skype.
The report confirmed "the farmers' inability to access their lands, totaling 62.6 km2, i.e. 35% of the agricultural lands in the Gaza Strip or 17% of the whole area of the Gaza Strip."
The Israeli authorities have imposed a buffer zone eastern the border fence along Gaza Strip ranging between 300 and 1000 meters.
The report also addressed the Israeli denial of the right to fish in 85% of the fishing area according to Oslo Accords.
Statistics and data are provided on the losses in lives and property due to the Israeli practices in that area. The report also tackles the financial and economic loss that afflicts civilians, farmers and fishermen and which is further exacerbated by the closure. The report indicated that the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas in 2012 did not help in altering the situation in ARA.
The report has drawn attention to the fact that Israeli forces use live ammunition when targeting civilians in the ARA without taking into consideration the principles of distinction and proportionality, which is considered a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The report also emphasized that Israel does not respect the international standards related to the use of force and in many instances, directly resort to the use of lethal force.
The report confirmed that many relief foundations fail to understand the nature of the suffering of the ARA residents. "The relief foundations' main focus is on finding shelter for residents whose houses have been demolished without paying attention to their real loss (homes and livelihood) or addressing the underlying cause of this; the ARA policy imposed by the Israeli authorities."
The report concluded with a number of recommendations addressed to Israel, calling for lifting the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip as it is considered a collective punishment against Palestinian civilians, respecting international humanitarian law, and not using lethal force against Palestinian civilians.
It also called for stopping targeting farmers and fishermen in the ARA, stressing the need to allow the ARA residents to go back to their property immediately and remove all obstacles to achieve that.
The report called for ceasing the ARA imposed on the sea and allowing fishing according to the Oslo Accords, and to allow exportation and importation from and to the Palestinian territories, and to bring Israeli officials to account for violations of international law, and to direct international support for the border areas.
The report highlighted "the suffering experienced by civilians, farmers and fishermen due to restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement in those areas, the frequent targeting of civilians with live ammunition, house demolitions and restrictions imposed on fishing areas."
The report was launched in London with the participation of lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, via Skype.
The report confirmed "the farmers' inability to access their lands, totaling 62.6 km2, i.e. 35% of the agricultural lands in the Gaza Strip or 17% of the whole area of the Gaza Strip."
The Israeli authorities have imposed a buffer zone eastern the border fence along Gaza Strip ranging between 300 and 1000 meters.
The report also addressed the Israeli denial of the right to fish in 85% of the fishing area according to Oslo Accords.
Statistics and data are provided on the losses in lives and property due to the Israeli practices in that area. The report also tackles the financial and economic loss that afflicts civilians, farmers and fishermen and which is further exacerbated by the closure. The report indicated that the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas in 2012 did not help in altering the situation in ARA.
The report has drawn attention to the fact that Israeli forces use live ammunition when targeting civilians in the ARA without taking into consideration the principles of distinction and proportionality, which is considered a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The report also emphasized that Israel does not respect the international standards related to the use of force and in many instances, directly resort to the use of lethal force.
The report confirmed that many relief foundations fail to understand the nature of the suffering of the ARA residents. "The relief foundations' main focus is on finding shelter for residents whose houses have been demolished without paying attention to their real loss (homes and livelihood) or addressing the underlying cause of this; the ARA policy imposed by the Israeli authorities."
The report concluded with a number of recommendations addressed to Israel, calling for lifting the closure imposed on the Gaza Strip as it is considered a collective punishment against Palestinian civilians, respecting international humanitarian law, and not using lethal force against Palestinian civilians.
It also called for stopping targeting farmers and fishermen in the ARA, stressing the need to allow the ARA residents to go back to their property immediately and remove all obstacles to achieve that.
The report called for ceasing the ARA imposed on the sea and allowing fishing according to the Oslo Accords, and to allow exportation and importation from and to the Palestinian territories, and to bring Israeli officials to account for violations of international law, and to direct international support for the border areas.
24 feb 2014
Assistance to torture regimes violates US & international law
Guest post by Daniel Wickham
The top ten recipients of US foreign assistance this year all practice torture and are responsible for major human rights abuses, according to the findings of Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other leading human rights organisations. This may be in violation of existing US law, which requires that little or no aid be provided to a country which “engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including torture.”
A report released by the Congressional Research Service lists the following countries as the largest beneficiaries of US government-provided aid planned for 2014:
1. Israel - $3.1bn
2. Afghanistan - $2.2bn
3. Egypt - $1.6bn
4. Pakistan - $1.2bn
5. Nigeria - $693m
6. Jordan - $671m
7. Iraq - $573m
8. Kenya - $564m
9. Tanzania - $553m
10.Uganda -$456m
All ten have been accused of torturing people in the last year, and at least half of them are reported to be doing so on a massive scale. In Afghanistan, for example, a UN report that torture in prisons continues to be “widespread”, with over half of the 635 detainees who were interviewed claiming to have been abused. According to Amnesty International, torture is also “widespread” in Uganda and remains “common” practice in Iraq.
Elsewhere, in Kenya, Human Rights Watch claim that “police in Nairobi tortured, raped and otherwise abused and arbitrarily detained at least 1,000 refugees between mid-November 2012 and late January 2013.” Tanzanians “at most risk of HIV” also face “widespread police abuse” - including torture - and are “regularly raped, assaulted and arrested.”
The worst abuses in detention, however, are alleged to be happening Nigeria, where in addition to the “widespread” use of torture, nearly a thousand people died in military custody in the first six months of 2013. A senior officer in the Nigerian army, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that “about five people, on average, are killed nearly on a daily basis.” According to the Associated Press, “if the number is accurate, Nigeria’s military has killed more civilians than the (Boko Haram) militants did” in the same six month period.
The “abysmal” human rights situation in Egypt, whose government still receives half a billion dollars in foreign aid annually from the United States, is also a pressing concern. According to Tayab Ali of ITN solicitors in London, “the evidence suggests that Egypt’s military regime has carried out crimes against humanity on a horrendous scale, including murder, persecution, torture and enforced disappearances.” At least 1,300 protesters have been massacred and anywhere between 3,500 and 21,317 Muslim Brotherhood supporters arrested since the elected government of Mohammed Morsi was overthrown in a coup d’etat in July.
Although the crackdown shows no signs of letting up, with dozens more killed on the anniversary of the Egyptian uprising in January, the United States is on course to increase its support for the military regime after Congress passed a new bill which will allow the US to restore the full $1.5bn in foreign assistance which is traditionally provided.
Israel, the top recipient of US military aid, has also been accused of committing major human rights abuses over the last year, including the torture of Palestinian children. A recent report by the Public Committee against Torture in Israel described how detained children “suspected of minor crimes” have been sexually assaulted by Israeli security forces and kept in outdoor cages during the winter.
It found that “74% of Palestinian child detainees experience physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation.” This would appear to back up the claims of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which last year reported that “Palestinian children are systematically subject to degrading treatment, and often to acts of torture” by the Israeli military and police.
Likewise, in Jordan and Pakistan, torture is practiced with “near-total impunity.” The Pakistani authorities have carried out particularly egregious human rights abuses in the province of Balochistan, where 160 people have been extra-judicially killed and 510 “disappeared” over the last year. According to reports from the country’s most widely read English-language newspaper, at least 592 mutilated dead bodies have now been found since January 2010. The United States, however, has kept silent on the mounting evidence of atrocities and continues to provide over a billion dollars in foreign assistance annually, making it Pakistan’s “largest donor of development and military aid.”
A number of other recipients of US foreign assistance are also alleged to practice torture systematically. In Bahrain, for example, Amnesty International report that “children are being routinely detained, ill-treated and tortured”, while in Mexico and Ethiopia, torture is described as “widespread.” Controversially, the Obama administration has also recently restored military aid to Uzbekistan, where the UN claim torture is practiced in its “worst forms.” In one particularly horrifying case, a man was actually boiled to death in an Uzbek prison for allegedly being a member of an Islamist group.
In spite of this, the United States remains a signatory of the United Nations Convention against Torture, which it ratified in 1994 [PDF]. However, the fact that the top ten recipients of US foreign assistance all practice torture raises serious questions about the Obama administration’s stance on human rights. If the United States wants to be taken seriously on these issues, a serious re-evaluation of its foreign assistance programme is needed. At a minimum, the Obama administration should respect existing US law by placing conditions, such as an end to the practice of torture, on the provision of military aid to foreign governments, which will hopefully then push those governments towards reform and a greater respect for human rights.
Guest post by Daniel Wickham
The top ten recipients of US foreign assistance this year all practice torture and are responsible for major human rights abuses, according to the findings of Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other leading human rights organisations. This may be in violation of existing US law, which requires that little or no aid be provided to a country which “engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including torture.”
A report released by the Congressional Research Service lists the following countries as the largest beneficiaries of US government-provided aid planned for 2014:
1. Israel - $3.1bn
2. Afghanistan - $2.2bn
3. Egypt - $1.6bn
4. Pakistan - $1.2bn
5. Nigeria - $693m
6. Jordan - $671m
7. Iraq - $573m
8. Kenya - $564m
9. Tanzania - $553m
10.Uganda -$456m
All ten have been accused of torturing people in the last year, and at least half of them are reported to be doing so on a massive scale. In Afghanistan, for example, a UN report that torture in prisons continues to be “widespread”, with over half of the 635 detainees who were interviewed claiming to have been abused. According to Amnesty International, torture is also “widespread” in Uganda and remains “common” practice in Iraq.
Elsewhere, in Kenya, Human Rights Watch claim that “police in Nairobi tortured, raped and otherwise abused and arbitrarily detained at least 1,000 refugees between mid-November 2012 and late January 2013.” Tanzanians “at most risk of HIV” also face “widespread police abuse” - including torture - and are “regularly raped, assaulted and arrested.”
The worst abuses in detention, however, are alleged to be happening Nigeria, where in addition to the “widespread” use of torture, nearly a thousand people died in military custody in the first six months of 2013. A senior officer in the Nigerian army, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that “about five people, on average, are killed nearly on a daily basis.” According to the Associated Press, “if the number is accurate, Nigeria’s military has killed more civilians than the (Boko Haram) militants did” in the same six month period.
The “abysmal” human rights situation in Egypt, whose government still receives half a billion dollars in foreign aid annually from the United States, is also a pressing concern. According to Tayab Ali of ITN solicitors in London, “the evidence suggests that Egypt’s military regime has carried out crimes against humanity on a horrendous scale, including murder, persecution, torture and enforced disappearances.” At least 1,300 protesters have been massacred and anywhere between 3,500 and 21,317 Muslim Brotherhood supporters arrested since the elected government of Mohammed Morsi was overthrown in a coup d’etat in July.
Although the crackdown shows no signs of letting up, with dozens more killed on the anniversary of the Egyptian uprising in January, the United States is on course to increase its support for the military regime after Congress passed a new bill which will allow the US to restore the full $1.5bn in foreign assistance which is traditionally provided.
Israel, the top recipient of US military aid, has also been accused of committing major human rights abuses over the last year, including the torture of Palestinian children. A recent report by the Public Committee against Torture in Israel described how detained children “suspected of minor crimes” have been sexually assaulted by Israeli security forces and kept in outdoor cages during the winter.
It found that “74% of Palestinian child detainees experience physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation.” This would appear to back up the claims of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which last year reported that “Palestinian children are systematically subject to degrading treatment, and often to acts of torture” by the Israeli military and police.
Likewise, in Jordan and Pakistan, torture is practiced with “near-total impunity.” The Pakistani authorities have carried out particularly egregious human rights abuses in the province of Balochistan, where 160 people have been extra-judicially killed and 510 “disappeared” over the last year. According to reports from the country’s most widely read English-language newspaper, at least 592 mutilated dead bodies have now been found since January 2010. The United States, however, has kept silent on the mounting evidence of atrocities and continues to provide over a billion dollars in foreign assistance annually, making it Pakistan’s “largest donor of development and military aid.”
A number of other recipients of US foreign assistance are also alleged to practice torture systematically. In Bahrain, for example, Amnesty International report that “children are being routinely detained, ill-treated and tortured”, while in Mexico and Ethiopia, torture is described as “widespread.” Controversially, the Obama administration has also recently restored military aid to Uzbekistan, where the UN claim torture is practiced in its “worst forms.” In one particularly horrifying case, a man was actually boiled to death in an Uzbek prison for allegedly being a member of an Islamist group.
In spite of this, the United States remains a signatory of the United Nations Convention against Torture, which it ratified in 1994 [PDF]. However, the fact that the top ten recipients of US foreign assistance all practice torture raises serious questions about the Obama administration’s stance on human rights. If the United States wants to be taken seriously on these issues, a serious re-evaluation of its foreign assistance programme is needed. At a minimum, the Obama administration should respect existing US law by placing conditions, such as an end to the practice of torture, on the provision of military aid to foreign governments, which will hopefully then push those governments towards reform and a greater respect for human rights.
- This article was first published by Left Foot Forward
There are currently 17 women political prisoners in Hasharon Prison, of whom 10 are detainees pending trial, while seven others have already been sentenced. In addition, three detainees are under house arrest.
Health care
In the prison there are no specialized physicians for women political prisoners (apart from dentists, who administer only basic treatments) and the process of getting a medical specialist is long and complicated, if not impossible. In cooperation with the NGO Yussef Al-Sadek, permission has been granted for a dermatologist to visit three of the prisoners. The permit was first given to only one woman, but following correspondence with the prison authorities, permission to receive this specialized medical care was granted to two additional prisoners. Currently efforts are being made to enable a dentist to visit the prison to perform more complicated treatments that the prison medical service does not provide.
Sports Equipment
The prisoners are interested in introducing sports equipment, such as an exercise walker (treadmill) and bicycle etc.
The International Red Cross (IRC) is entitled to being this equipment into the prison under the Israel Prison Service (IPS) regulations, but the IRC has declared it has no funding for this, and is unwilling to bring in equipment donated by other organizations. WOFPP's legal adviser, attorney Taghrid Jahshan, approached the prison authorities in order to find an alternative way of acquiring this equipment, and the question is being discussed by the IPS central command. WOFPP is also exploring the possibility of asking the prison authorities to provide this equipment, as is the case at the Neve Tirzah facility for criminal women prisoners.
Heating equipment for the winter
This winter prisoners were forbidden to buy space heaters for their cells from the prison canteen shop, despite this being permitted last year.
Due to the extreme cold this winter, additional aid was given and the prisoners were provided with blankets. Once again, this was the result of cooperation between WOFPP and the Yussuf Al-Sadek organization which donated a sum enabling each woman to purchase a blanket from the canteen shop, since the provision of blankets by the prisoners' families was also forbidden this year.
Because some prisoners cannot afford these basic items (the price of blankets in the prison canteen shop is more than double the market price) WOFPP will work towards enabling the families to bring in blankets once more.
Receiving and Sending Letters
The prisoners have recently complained that for several months they have received almost no letters from their families or others.
With the encouragement and support of WOFPP many prisoners correspond with people abroad. But one French citizen complained that for several months his letters had not reached the prisoner Lina Jarbuni and that his letters were not returned to him. WOFPP's legal adviser approached the prison authorities who, together with the advisor and the prisoners, investigated the receipt of mail.
WOFPP is still following up on letters sent by the prisoners and their receipt by the addressees. The matter is ongoing, but this month Lina Jarbuni received a letter from France, and two other prisoners also reported receiving mail this month.
Shoes for the Prisoners
For several years the IPS has prevented families from bringing shoes to prisoners (men as well as women - although the situation for women prisoners is harder than for the men, since the shoes in the canteen shop are men's shoes).
The expense of the shoes prevents the prisoners from buying them, and since they have no suitable shoes that they can wear in the cold, the severity of the situation increases every year over winter. The prisoners walk around in rubber slip-ons, which is the only shoe they can afford at the canteen shop.
Transport to the Courts
The detainees who have to attend a court session at the Ofer and Salem Military Courts complain of the harsh attitude of the wardens/guards, male and female, from the Nachshon Unit of the IPS. They also complain of the conditions in the 'paddy wagon' (the IPS transport vehicle) - especially the cold air-conditioning and the freezing cold of the court's holding cells in which they are kept during the day.
In order to investigate the possibility of a joint action to change these conditions WOFPP maintains contact with other organizations, including the Clinic for the Rights and Rehabilitation of Prisoners at the Faculty of Law at Haifa University.
Source: ALTERNATIVENEWS
Health care
In the prison there are no specialized physicians for women political prisoners (apart from dentists, who administer only basic treatments) and the process of getting a medical specialist is long and complicated, if not impossible. In cooperation with the NGO Yussef Al-Sadek, permission has been granted for a dermatologist to visit three of the prisoners. The permit was first given to only one woman, but following correspondence with the prison authorities, permission to receive this specialized medical care was granted to two additional prisoners. Currently efforts are being made to enable a dentist to visit the prison to perform more complicated treatments that the prison medical service does not provide.
Sports Equipment
The prisoners are interested in introducing sports equipment, such as an exercise walker (treadmill) and bicycle etc.
The International Red Cross (IRC) is entitled to being this equipment into the prison under the Israel Prison Service (IPS) regulations, but the IRC has declared it has no funding for this, and is unwilling to bring in equipment donated by other organizations. WOFPP's legal adviser, attorney Taghrid Jahshan, approached the prison authorities in order to find an alternative way of acquiring this equipment, and the question is being discussed by the IPS central command. WOFPP is also exploring the possibility of asking the prison authorities to provide this equipment, as is the case at the Neve Tirzah facility for criminal women prisoners.
Heating equipment for the winter
This winter prisoners were forbidden to buy space heaters for their cells from the prison canteen shop, despite this being permitted last year.
Due to the extreme cold this winter, additional aid was given and the prisoners were provided with blankets. Once again, this was the result of cooperation between WOFPP and the Yussuf Al-Sadek organization which donated a sum enabling each woman to purchase a blanket from the canteen shop, since the provision of blankets by the prisoners' families was also forbidden this year.
Because some prisoners cannot afford these basic items (the price of blankets in the prison canteen shop is more than double the market price) WOFPP will work towards enabling the families to bring in blankets once more.
Receiving and Sending Letters
The prisoners have recently complained that for several months they have received almost no letters from their families or others.
With the encouragement and support of WOFPP many prisoners correspond with people abroad. But one French citizen complained that for several months his letters had not reached the prisoner Lina Jarbuni and that his letters were not returned to him. WOFPP's legal adviser approached the prison authorities who, together with the advisor and the prisoners, investigated the receipt of mail.
WOFPP is still following up on letters sent by the prisoners and their receipt by the addressees. The matter is ongoing, but this month Lina Jarbuni received a letter from France, and two other prisoners also reported receiving mail this month.
Shoes for the Prisoners
For several years the IPS has prevented families from bringing shoes to prisoners (men as well as women - although the situation for women prisoners is harder than for the men, since the shoes in the canteen shop are men's shoes).
The expense of the shoes prevents the prisoners from buying them, and since they have no suitable shoes that they can wear in the cold, the severity of the situation increases every year over winter. The prisoners walk around in rubber slip-ons, which is the only shoe they can afford at the canteen shop.
Transport to the Courts
The detainees who have to attend a court session at the Ofer and Salem Military Courts complain of the harsh attitude of the wardens/guards, male and female, from the Nachshon Unit of the IPS. They also complain of the conditions in the 'paddy wagon' (the IPS transport vehicle) - especially the cold air-conditioning and the freezing cold of the court's holding cells in which they are kept during the day.
In order to investigate the possibility of a joint action to change these conditions WOFPP maintains contact with other organizations, including the Clinic for the Rights and Rehabilitation of Prisoners at the Faculty of Law at Haifa University.
Source: ALTERNATIVENEWS
23 feb 2014
The Arab League released a report on Sunday focusing on Palestinian and other Arab prisoners currently in Israeli custody, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Issued by the office of the Arab League's secretary general, the report highlights how the Arab League has been following up on the developments on the cases of Arab and Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel.
More than 5,000 Palestinian and other Arab prisoners held in Israeli jails suffer repeated and ongoing violations of their rights, dire humanitarian conditions and abuse of their dignity, according to the report.
Although the majority of the detained are Palestinians, several dozen individuals from other Arab countries are also being held in Israeli prisons.
The report said that several Palestinian prisoners who were previously released were subsequently detained again by Israeli forces, who either imposed new sentences or forced prisoners to finish previous sentences despite the fact that they had already been pardoned and released.
Since 1967, more than 650,000 Palestinians have been detained by Israel, representing 20 percent of the total population and 40 percent of all males in the occupied territories.
Issued by the office of the Arab League's secretary general, the report highlights how the Arab League has been following up on the developments on the cases of Arab and Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel.
More than 5,000 Palestinian and other Arab prisoners held in Israeli jails suffer repeated and ongoing violations of their rights, dire humanitarian conditions and abuse of their dignity, according to the report.
Although the majority of the detained are Palestinians, several dozen individuals from other Arab countries are also being held in Israeli prisons.
The report said that several Palestinian prisoners who were previously released were subsequently detained again by Israeli forces, who either imposed new sentences or forced prisoners to finish previous sentences despite the fact that they had already been pardoned and released.
Since 1967, more than 650,000 Palestinians have been detained by Israel, representing 20 percent of the total population and 40 percent of all males in the occupied territories.
20 feb 2014
Israeli Forces Arrest Boy Ahmed al-Rajabi in Hebron on 17 February 2014
Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
An aggregate collector was killed and another was wounded, east of Gaza City, in excessive use of force.
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip.
16 civilians, including 4 children, in the northern Gaza Strip, and a camel grazer in the southern Gaza Strip were wounded.
A Palestinian girl was wounded at a military checkpoint in the northern West Bank.
Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.
2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Kofur Qaddoum protest, northeast of Qalqilia.
8 civilians were wounded in other protests in the West Bank.
Israeli forces conducted 49 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 limited ones in the Gaza Strip.
At least 30 civilians, including 6 children, were arrested.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.
At least 7 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were arrested at checkpoints.
The Israeli special units maltreated a Palestinian journalist while doing his job.
Israeli navy forces continued targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea.
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
A residential tent, a tent to shelter livestock and 2 tin barracks were demolished in Yerza area in the northern Jordan Valley.
Settlers cut off 650 olive seedlings in the north of Ramallah and al-Bireh.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 29 others, including 4 children and a girl, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip, a civilian was killed and 18 others, including 4 children, were wounded, while 11 civilians, including the girl, were wounded in the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, on 13 February 2014, in an excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian aggregate collector and wounded another, east of al-Zaitoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, when they opened fire at them.
On the same day, a camel grazer was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the eastern borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at him, southeast of al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.
On 14 February 2014, in an excessive use of force, Israeli forces wounded 16 civilians, including 4 children, when they opened fire at dozens of civilians protesting against them, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.
On 16 February 2014, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, fired sound and flare bombs and opened fire, east of al-Qarara village, northeast of the city, but no casualties were reported.
On 18 February 2014, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Qarara village.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, north of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at open areas.
In the context of targeting fishermen, on 18, February 2014, Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats northwest off Beit Lahia shore, in the northern Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, 11 civilians, including an 18-year-old girl, were wounded; 10 of whom were wounded in peaceful demonstrations and the girl was wounded in a shooting incident at a checkpoint.
On 15 February 2014, Israeli soldiers positioned at a military checkpoint, southwest of Nablus, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. As a result, an 18-year-old girl was wounded by a bullet to the pelvis.
In the same context, Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded during Kofur Qaddoum protest, northeast of Qalqilia.
In addition, 8 civilians were wounded during other demonstrations at the entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah; and Selwad village, northeast of the city.
On 15 February 2014, the Israeli policemen attacked a journalist from Nahalin village in Bethlehem, while he was filming the experiences of Palestinian workers who sneak into Israel for work through Wadi Fouqin village. As a result, the journalist sustained bruises and scratches throughout of the body.
Full Report
Israeli forces continue systematic attacks against Palestinian civilians and property in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)
An aggregate collector was killed and another was wounded, east of Gaza City, in excessive use of force.
Israeli forces continued to open fire at border areas in the Gaza Strip.
16 civilians, including 4 children, in the northern Gaza Strip, and a camel grazer in the southern Gaza Strip were wounded.
A Palestinian girl was wounded at a military checkpoint in the northern West Bank.
Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in the West Bank.
2 Palestinian civilians were wounded in Kofur Qaddoum protest, northeast of Qalqilia.
8 civilians were wounded in other protests in the West Bank.
Israeli forces conducted 49 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 3 limited ones in the Gaza Strip.
At least 30 civilians, including 6 children, were arrested.
Israel has continued to impose a total closure on the oPt and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.
Israeli forces established dozens of checkpoints in the West Bank.
At least 7 Palestinian civilians, including 4 children, were arrested at checkpoints.
The Israeli special units maltreated a Palestinian journalist while doing his job.
Israeli navy forces continued targeting Palestinian fishermen in the sea.
Israeli forces continued to support settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.
A residential tent, a tent to shelter livestock and 2 tin barracks were demolished in Yerza area in the northern Jordan Valley.
Settlers cut off 650 olive seedlings in the north of Ramallah and al-Bireh.
During the reporting period, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 29 others, including 4 children and a girl, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In the Gaza Strip, a civilian was killed and 18 others, including 4 children, were wounded, while 11 civilians, including the girl, were wounded in the West Bank.
In the Gaza Strip, on 13 February 2014, in an excessive use of force, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian aggregate collector and wounded another, east of al-Zaitoun neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, when they opened fire at them.
On the same day, a camel grazer was wounded when Israeli forces stationed along the eastern borders between the Gaza Strip and Israel opened fire at him, southeast of al-Shouka village, southeast of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.
On 14 February 2014, in an excessive use of force, Israeli forces wounded 16 civilians, including 4 children, when they opened fire at dozens of civilians protesting against them, east of Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip.
On 16 February 2014, Israeli forces positioned along the border fence east of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, fired sound and flare bombs and opened fire, east of al-Qarara village, northeast of the city, but no casualties were reported.
On 18 February 2014, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, east of Khan Yunis, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of al-Qarara village.
On the same day, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence, north of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, opened fire at open areas.
In the context of targeting fishermen, on 18, February 2014, Israeli navy forces opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats northwest off Beit Lahia shore, in the northern Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, 11 civilians, including an 18-year-old girl, were wounded; 10 of whom were wounded in peaceful demonstrations and the girl was wounded in a shooting incident at a checkpoint.
On 15 February 2014, Israeli soldiers positioned at a military checkpoint, southwest of Nablus, opened fire at a Palestinian civilian vehicle. As a result, an 18-year-old girl was wounded by a bullet to the pelvis.
In the same context, Israeli forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrations organised by Palestinian civilians, international and Israeli human rights defenders in protest at the construction of the annexation wall and settlement activities in the West Bank. As a result, 2 civilians were wounded during Kofur Qaddoum protest, northeast of Qalqilia.
In addition, 8 civilians were wounded during other demonstrations at the entrance of al-Jalazoun refugee camp, north of Ramallah; and Selwad village, northeast of the city.
On 15 February 2014, the Israeli policemen attacked a journalist from Nahalin village in Bethlehem, while he was filming the experiences of Palestinian workers who sneak into Israel for work through Wadi Fouqin village. As a result, the journalist sustained bruises and scratches throughout of the body.
Full Report
The number of Palestinian administrative detainees in Israeli jails recently passed 200, a human rights organization said Tuesday.
Usama Maqbol, a lawyer from the Palestinian human rights group Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights, said that the rise in the number of administrative detainees is the result of an ongoing campaign of daily arrests by Israeli forces.
He said that this campaign is targeting recently freed prisoners and leaders of Palestinian political groups, highlighting that 90 percent of administrative detainees are from those two categories, he added.
Israeli human rights groups B'tselem reported in October that 140 Palestinians were being kept in administrative detention in Israeli prisons, down from a high of nearly 1,000 in 2002. The new numbers, however, suggest a renewed push on the part of Israeli occupation authorities.
Maqbol explained that the orders for administrative detention come from the regional military commanders of each region according to undisclosed information, and that the orders do not rely on evidence or confessions.
The information is even kept secret from defense lawyers, he added.
Administrative detention refers to the tactic of keeping a prisoner without charge or trial for extended periods of time, often due to "security" concerns.
Israel routinely uses this tactic on detained Palestinians, even though international law stipulates it only be used in exceptional circumstances.
Usama Maqbol, a lawyer from the Palestinian human rights group Solidarity Foundation for Human Rights, said that the rise in the number of administrative detainees is the result of an ongoing campaign of daily arrests by Israeli forces.
He said that this campaign is targeting recently freed prisoners and leaders of Palestinian political groups, highlighting that 90 percent of administrative detainees are from those two categories, he added.
Israeli human rights groups B'tselem reported in October that 140 Palestinians were being kept in administrative detention in Israeli prisons, down from a high of nearly 1,000 in 2002. The new numbers, however, suggest a renewed push on the part of Israeli occupation authorities.
Maqbol explained that the orders for administrative detention come from the regional military commanders of each region according to undisclosed information, and that the orders do not rely on evidence or confessions.
The information is even kept secret from defense lawyers, he added.
Administrative detention refers to the tactic of keeping a prisoner without charge or trial for extended periods of time, often due to "security" concerns.
Israel routinely uses this tactic on detained Palestinians, even though international law stipulates it only be used in exceptional circumstances.
19 feb 2014
The Palestinian terminal in Rafah border area
Palestinian official statistics showed that in the past year 2013, the Rafah border crossing was closed for 101 days, while the number of its closure days reached 96 since June 30.
Annual Statistics, issued by General Administration of crossings at the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza, showed that the number of departures via the Rafah crossing in 2013 has only reached 152 thousand and 278 passengers, which is a small number compared to the year 2012, due the repeated closure of the crossing, especially during the second half of the year.
Rafah crossing has been partially opened since the first of last July after the Egyptian military coup.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have been trapped in the Gaza Strip because of the continued closure of the crossing, which has caused a real humanitarian catastrophe.
Palestinian official statistics showed that in the past year 2013, the Rafah border crossing was closed for 101 days, while the number of its closure days reached 96 since June 30.
Annual Statistics, issued by General Administration of crossings at the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza, showed that the number of departures via the Rafah crossing in 2013 has only reached 152 thousand and 278 passengers, which is a small number compared to the year 2012, due the repeated closure of the crossing, especially during the second half of the year.
Rafah crossing has been partially opened since the first of last July after the Egyptian military coup.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have been trapped in the Gaza Strip because of the continued closure of the crossing, which has caused a real humanitarian catastrophe.
18 feb 2014
Judge Nissim Yeshaya is in hot water for saying that ‘there are girls who enjoy rape’ during a court case june 5th 2013.
“ The number of criminal files against government employees in Israel significantly increased by 41% during 2013 ,” according to the annual report issued by the Israeli Discipline Department in the General Personnel Council. According to the survey results, 303 files were submitted in 2013 compared to 132 files during 2012.”
It also indicated that 142 pleas brought to the discipline court in 2013 compared to 132 during 2012, in an average of 7%.
About 53 government employees have been sacked while five employees were transferred from their offices.
The report revealed that 75% of the files submitted on charges of harassment and sexual offenses.
Most complaints were against workers of some bodies and institutions, which includes: Ministry of Education,311, Ministry of Health, 180, Taxes Authority, 126, Immigration and Housing Authorities, 50, Ministry of Transportation, 40, Fire Brigade Authority, 30 and 24 complaints were against Ministry of Justice, according to the report.
“ The number of criminal files against government employees in Israel significantly increased by 41% during 2013 ,” according to the annual report issued by the Israeli Discipline Department in the General Personnel Council. According to the survey results, 303 files were submitted in 2013 compared to 132 files during 2012.”
It also indicated that 142 pleas brought to the discipline court in 2013 compared to 132 during 2012, in an average of 7%.
About 53 government employees have been sacked while five employees were transferred from their offices.
The report revealed that 75% of the files submitted on charges of harassment and sexual offenses.
Most complaints were against workers of some bodies and institutions, which includes: Ministry of Education,311, Ministry of Health, 180, Taxes Authority, 126, Immigration and Housing Authorities, 50, Ministry of Transportation, 40, Fire Brigade Authority, 30 and 24 complaints were against Ministry of Justice, according to the report.