18 apr 2013
PA liaison secures release of child in Israeli custody
The Palestinian Authority Liaison Office said Wednesday it had secured the release of a 10-year-old boy that was being held in Israeli custody for allegedly throwing stones, a statement said.
The child was released after the liaison office contacted Israeli authorities. PA officials urged the boy's family to inform them immediately if he was taken into custody again by Israeli forces.
Under Israeli military orders, a Palestinian child can be held for up to 188 days before being charged with an offense and for up to two years between being charged and tried.
Most Palestinian children are held for throwing stones, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years under military law.
On Wednesday, the Palestinian Authority said Israel was detaining at least 236 children as young as 12, among nearly 5,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Israel is the only country in the world that has devised military courts for children, and it has detained over 8,000 children since 2000.
The United Nations Children Fund says Palestinian children in Israeli custody are subject to widespread, systematic and institutionalized ill-treatment that violates international law.
Occupation issues harsh sentences against Palestinians accused of stone throwing
The Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies confirmed that the sentences issued by the Israeli courts against Palestinians involved in acts of throwing stones at Israeli occupation soldiers have significantly increased.
Kaher Abu Kamal, media spokesman for the Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies, said in a press release on Wednesday that the occupation forces have been using several methods to disperse and repress participants in the peaceful demonstrations; by firing stun and gas grenades, spraying wastewater at them, and using sniffer dogs.
Abu Kamal pointed out that the occupation started to issue harsh sentences against the Palestinian demonstrators and the stone throwers, in addition to arresting some journalists involved in covering the marches and protests.
For his part; Mustafa Azmouti, lawyer at Ministry of Prisoners, told the Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies that the sentences issued against the stone throwers have become very harsh after last year's events.
The child was released after the liaison office contacted Israeli authorities. PA officials urged the boy's family to inform them immediately if he was taken into custody again by Israeli forces.
Under Israeli military orders, a Palestinian child can be held for up to 188 days before being charged with an offense and for up to two years between being charged and tried.
Most Palestinian children are held for throwing stones, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years under military law.
On Wednesday, the Palestinian Authority said Israel was detaining at least 236 children as young as 12, among nearly 5,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Israel is the only country in the world that has devised military courts for children, and it has detained over 8,000 children since 2000.
The United Nations Children Fund says Palestinian children in Israeli custody are subject to widespread, systematic and institutionalized ill-treatment that violates international law.
Occupation issues harsh sentences against Palestinians accused of stone throwing
The Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies confirmed that the sentences issued by the Israeli courts against Palestinians involved in acts of throwing stones at Israeli occupation soldiers have significantly increased.
Kaher Abu Kamal, media spokesman for the Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies, said in a press release on Wednesday that the occupation forces have been using several methods to disperse and repress participants in the peaceful demonstrations; by firing stun and gas grenades, spraying wastewater at them, and using sniffer dogs.
Abu Kamal pointed out that the occupation started to issue harsh sentences against the Palestinian demonstrators and the stone throwers, in addition to arresting some journalists involved in covering the marches and protests.
For his part; Mustafa Azmouti, lawyer at Ministry of Prisoners, told the Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies that the sentences issued against the stone throwers have become very harsh after last year's events.
IOF arrest 7 Palestinians from the West Bank
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested at dawn on Thursday seven citizens after launching raid and search campaigns in different parts of the occupied West Bank.
IOF stormed the eastern district of Jenin, and raided and searched a house belonging to Yasser Deeb Tahaana, where they arrested his son Mujahid Tahaana.
In Tubas, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mahmoud al-Shobaki, 22, after raiding and searching his house. The IOF also summoned Salim Hamza Musa Alian, 22, after raiding his family's house.
Meanwhile, The IOF launched raid and arrest campaigns at dawn in Aroub refugee camp north of al-Khalil, where they arrested 3 Palestinian youths and took them to an unknown destination.
Eyewitnesses revealed that Palestinian youths stoned the Israeli soldiers who responded by firing a heavy barrage of tear gas, injuring many of them.
IOF stormed the eastern district of Jenin, and raided and searched a house belonging to Yasser Deeb Tahaana, where they arrested his son Mujahid Tahaana.
In Tubas, Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mahmoud al-Shobaki, 22, after raiding and searching his house. The IOF also summoned Salim Hamza Musa Alian, 22, after raiding his family's house.
Meanwhile, The IOF launched raid and arrest campaigns at dawn in Aroub refugee camp north of al-Khalil, where they arrested 3 Palestinian youths and took them to an unknown destination.
Eyewitnesses revealed that Palestinian youths stoned the Israeli soldiers who responded by firing a heavy barrage of tear gas, injuring many of them.
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Israel frees sick prisoner
Israel released sick Palestinian prisoner Muhammad al-Taj Thursday after a serious deterioration in his health, the Palestinian ministry of prisoners affairs announced.
Al-Taj had been serving a 15-year sentence since 2003. He recently began suffering from pulmonary failure. He was immediately transferred to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to start treatment. |
Ziad Abu Ein, undersecretary of the prisoners ministry, said Palestinian officials were still holding talks with the Israeli side about the fate of hunger-striker Samer Issawi.
Lawyers say Issawi has refused offers from Israel for a temporary deportation to Gaza for two years. He insists instead on returning to Jerusalem.
IOA releases prisoner Mohammed al-Taj after health deterioration
The Israeli Occupation Authorities released the sick Palestinian prisoner Muhammad al-Taj on Thursday after a serious deterioration in his health. The court's decision came after several delays to release him despite his serious health condition, the Palestinian Prisoner Society revealed, adding that they have submitted more than once a request to the Israeli court for an early release, but the court was procrastinating.
Mohamed al-Taj has gone on a hunger strike for 77 days to demand his right to be considered as a war prisoner.
The liberated prisoner was transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah where he underwent urgent medical tests due to his serious health status, where he suffers pulmonary failure and breathing difficulties.
Al-Taj's mother confirmed that the Israeli authorities have delayed her son's treatment for 9 years, causing his sharp health deterioration.
She held the occupation fully responsibility for her son's worsening health condition, urging the Palestinian concerned authorities to provide him with the necessary treatment.
Lawyers say Issawi has refused offers from Israel for a temporary deportation to Gaza for two years. He insists instead on returning to Jerusalem.
IOA releases prisoner Mohammed al-Taj after health deterioration
The Israeli Occupation Authorities released the sick Palestinian prisoner Muhammad al-Taj on Thursday after a serious deterioration in his health. The court's decision came after several delays to release him despite his serious health condition, the Palestinian Prisoner Society revealed, adding that they have submitted more than once a request to the Israeli court for an early release, but the court was procrastinating.
Mohamed al-Taj has gone on a hunger strike for 77 days to demand his right to be considered as a war prisoner.
The liberated prisoner was transferred to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah where he underwent urgent medical tests due to his serious health status, where he suffers pulmonary failure and breathing difficulties.
Al-Taj's mother confirmed that the Israeli authorities have delayed her son's treatment for 9 years, causing his sharp health deterioration.
She held the occupation fully responsibility for her son's worsening health condition, urging the Palestinian concerned authorities to provide him with the necessary treatment.
Israeli pressures on EU countries to deny entry to liberated prisoner Sarsak
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has sent diplomatic letters to the EU countries urging them to deny entry to the Palestinian liberated prisoner and footballer Mahmoud Sarsak, Palestinian human rights sources revealed.
Prisoners' Studies Center quoted the liberated prisoner Sarsak as saying that the Israeli Foreign Ministry has asked formally the European countries not to receive or deal with him claiming that he is affiliated with a “terrorist” organization.
Sarsak, went on hunger strike for 96 days in order to obtain his release on 10 July 2012, has traveled to France last month as part of a European tour to expose the Israeli policies against the Palestinian prisoners, and to urge the European Union to cancel 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship in Israeli entity this summer.
Sarsak declared his participation in solidarity activities with the Palestinian prisoners in the Netherlands and Italy, while he will deliver a speech at the annual celebration of Milan late April.
The Palestinian football player Mahmoud Sarsak, 25, has received a European and international solidarity during the recent months.
Prisoners' Studies Center quoted the liberated prisoner Sarsak as saying that the Israeli Foreign Ministry has asked formally the European countries not to receive or deal with him claiming that he is affiliated with a “terrorist” organization.
Sarsak, went on hunger strike for 96 days in order to obtain his release on 10 July 2012, has traveled to France last month as part of a European tour to expose the Israeli policies against the Palestinian prisoners, and to urge the European Union to cancel 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship in Israeli entity this summer.
Sarsak declared his participation in solidarity activities with the Palestinian prisoners in the Netherlands and Italy, while he will deliver a speech at the annual celebration of Milan late April.
The Palestinian football player Mahmoud Sarsak, 25, has received a European and international solidarity during the recent months.
Sudden deterioration of the prisoner Arede's health status
The sick prisoner Sami Arede's family, from Arraba village south of Jenin, confirmed that their son, detained in Megiddo prison, was transferred urgently yesterday for treatment after a sudden health deterioration. The prisoner's brother called on international human rights organizations to intervene for the release of his sick brother in light of his serious health condition.
Sami suffers high blood pressure and breathing difficulty, in addition to his inability to move as a result to the Israeli deliberate medical negligence, his brother added.
The prisoner's family expressed concern over their son's health deterioration, knowing that he spent 14 years of his 19-year sentence in Israeli jails.
Arraba village has witnessed several sit-ins and marches calling for the release of Arede, holding the occupation authorities fully responsible for his health deterioration.
Sami suffers high blood pressure and breathing difficulty, in addition to his inability to move as a result to the Israeli deliberate medical negligence, his brother added.
The prisoner's family expressed concern over their son's health deterioration, knowing that he spent 14 years of his 19-year sentence in Israeli jails.
Arraba village has witnessed several sit-ins and marches calling for the release of Arede, holding the occupation authorities fully responsible for his health deterioration.
Child from New Orleans sentenced to serve in adult prison in Israel
A 14-year old boy from New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced on Wednesday to a two-week term in an Israeli prison, after having been abducted on April 5th by Israeli forces while sleeping in his family’s home in the West Bank.
Mohammed Khalek is a dual Palestinian-US citizen, having been born in New Orleans but living now in the West Bank with his family. He suffers from a heart murmur, and says that he was physically abused during interrogation. He was charged with throwing stones, and will have to pay a fine of $835, in addition to the two weeks in adult prison.
The sentencing on Wednesday followed a ‘call-in campaign’ by Palestine solidarity activists from Mohammed’s home state of Louisiana, in the southern US. Jacob Flom, a member of Palestine Solidarity Committee, New Orleans, which helped organize the campaign, said, “The U.S. has deliberately ignored the abuses of Palestinians by Israel, as our politicians continue to send over $3 billion a year to support the illegal occupation. We are demanding our representatives take a stand now by supporting their own constituent, Mohammed Khalek. We will not allow our representatives to be silent as they send our tax dollars to imprison children who have been stripped of their land and their rights.”
According to a dual press release from Addameer and Defence for Children International (DCI-Palestine), Israeli forces detained Mohammad on suspicion of stone-throwing during a predawn raid on his home, according to his father. Israeli soldiers tied his hands and roughed him up while transferring him for interrogation at a nearby police station. Mohammad was unaccompanied by his parents during questioning, but heard his father arguing to see him. After interrogators told Mohammad they would release him to his father if he cooperated with them, he confessed.
“Mohammad was arrested without a warrant, denied access to an attorney, and interrogated without the presence of a parent,” said RandaWahbe, advocacy officer at Addameer. “There is also evidence that he was mistreated during his arrest and transfer. It is difficult to find a right that was not violated.”
Mohammad is being held at Ofer prison in the West Bank, according to his lawyer, Firas Sabah of Addameer. On April 7, he appeared before an Israeli military court judge, who granted the prosecution’s request to extend the interrogation period. Mohammad complained to the judge about the physical abuse he endured during arrest and questioning. His father was particularly concerned for Mohammad’s wellbeing because he has suffered from a heart murmur since birth.
“In every way, this is a typical case involving the arrest and mistreatment of a Palestinian child by Israeli forces,” said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program director at DCI-Palestine. “Sadly, night time arrests and the abuse of children are systematic within the Israeli military detention system. This case is exceptional only because the child happens to also have US citizenship.”
Some form of physical violence during arrest, interrogation and pretrial detention occurred in nearly 79 percent of cases documented by DCI-Palestine in 2012. In more than half of those cases, children were arrested from the family home between midnight and dawn.
DCI-Palestine evidence shows that children arrive to Israeli interrogation centers blindfolded, bound and sleep deprived. Unlike their Israeli counterparts, Palestinian children have no right to be accompanied by their parents during an interrogation. They are questioned alone and rarely informed of their rights, particularly their right against self-incrimination. The interrogation techniques are generally mentally and physically coercive, frequently incorporating a mix of intimidation, threats and physical violence with a clear purpose of obtaining a confession.
DCI-Palestine and Addameer maintain that all children must be entitled to have a parent present at all times during interrogation, as well as have access to a lawyer of their choice prior to interrogation, and preferably throughout the interrogation process. All interrogations of children must be audio-visually recorded.
In March, there was a total of 4,812 Palestinians being held in Israeli jails, according to Addameer. Of those, 236 were children aged 12-17, based on DCI-Palestine research.
Mohammed Khalek is a dual Palestinian-US citizen, having been born in New Orleans but living now in the West Bank with his family. He suffers from a heart murmur, and says that he was physically abused during interrogation. He was charged with throwing stones, and will have to pay a fine of $835, in addition to the two weeks in adult prison.
The sentencing on Wednesday followed a ‘call-in campaign’ by Palestine solidarity activists from Mohammed’s home state of Louisiana, in the southern US. Jacob Flom, a member of Palestine Solidarity Committee, New Orleans, which helped organize the campaign, said, “The U.S. has deliberately ignored the abuses of Palestinians by Israel, as our politicians continue to send over $3 billion a year to support the illegal occupation. We are demanding our representatives take a stand now by supporting their own constituent, Mohammed Khalek. We will not allow our representatives to be silent as they send our tax dollars to imprison children who have been stripped of their land and their rights.”
According to a dual press release from Addameer and Defence for Children International (DCI-Palestine), Israeli forces detained Mohammad on suspicion of stone-throwing during a predawn raid on his home, according to his father. Israeli soldiers tied his hands and roughed him up while transferring him for interrogation at a nearby police station. Mohammad was unaccompanied by his parents during questioning, but heard his father arguing to see him. After interrogators told Mohammad they would release him to his father if he cooperated with them, he confessed.
“Mohammad was arrested without a warrant, denied access to an attorney, and interrogated without the presence of a parent,” said RandaWahbe, advocacy officer at Addameer. “There is also evidence that he was mistreated during his arrest and transfer. It is difficult to find a right that was not violated.”
Mohammad is being held at Ofer prison in the West Bank, according to his lawyer, Firas Sabah of Addameer. On April 7, he appeared before an Israeli military court judge, who granted the prosecution’s request to extend the interrogation period. Mohammad complained to the judge about the physical abuse he endured during arrest and questioning. His father was particularly concerned for Mohammad’s wellbeing because he has suffered from a heart murmur since birth.
“In every way, this is a typical case involving the arrest and mistreatment of a Palestinian child by Israeli forces,” said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program director at DCI-Palestine. “Sadly, night time arrests and the abuse of children are systematic within the Israeli military detention system. This case is exceptional only because the child happens to also have US citizenship.”
Some form of physical violence during arrest, interrogation and pretrial detention occurred in nearly 79 percent of cases documented by DCI-Palestine in 2012. In more than half of those cases, children were arrested from the family home between midnight and dawn.
DCI-Palestine evidence shows that children arrive to Israeli interrogation centers blindfolded, bound and sleep deprived. Unlike their Israeli counterparts, Palestinian children have no right to be accompanied by their parents during an interrogation. They are questioned alone and rarely informed of their rights, particularly their right against self-incrimination. The interrogation techniques are generally mentally and physically coercive, frequently incorporating a mix of intimidation, threats and physical violence with a clear purpose of obtaining a confession.
DCI-Palestine and Addameer maintain that all children must be entitled to have a parent present at all times during interrogation, as well as have access to a lawyer of their choice prior to interrogation, and preferably throughout the interrogation process. All interrogations of children must be audio-visually recorded.
In March, there was a total of 4,812 Palestinians being held in Israeli jails, according to Addameer. Of those, 236 were children aged 12-17, based on DCI-Palestine research.
Israeli court extends remand of Atta Ayyash
An Israeli court in Petah Tikwa ordered the remand of Atta Ayyash for 12 more days pending further investigations.
Atta, the uncle of martyr Yehya Ayyash, a renowned Qassam Brigades commander, was arrested at the Karame Bridge on his return from a visit to Jordan.
Atta’s lawyer said that the court charged him with Hamas affiliation and transferring money to the family of martyr Yehya Ayyash.
Atta denied his membership in Hamas and said that it was only natural to give money to Yehya’s family since they are related.
Atta, the uncle of martyr Yehya Ayyash, a renowned Qassam Brigades commander, was arrested at the Karame Bridge on his return from a visit to Jordan.
Atta’s lawyer said that the court charged him with Hamas affiliation and transferring money to the family of martyr Yehya Ayyash.
Atta denied his membership in Hamas and said that it was only natural to give money to Yehya’s family since they are related.
IOF Forces Arrest 11 Palestinians across West Bank
Abdullah Abu Sharar (L) Saleh Badawi (C) and Adde Khalil al-Jawabra
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested at dawn, two youngsters from Tubas governorate and handed a third a notice to meet with the Israeli Intelligence.
Security sources said that Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mahmoud Shobaki, 23, and Mubeen Jamal Salah, 21, after raiding their parents' houses and rummaging with the contents. The forces also raided the house of Hamzeh Mussa Olayan, 22, interrogated its residents and handed him a notice to meet with the Israeli Intelligence.
In Jenin, Israeli forces arrested Mujahed Yasser Deeb Tahayneh, 23, after they raided his parents' house and rummaged with the contents in the eastern neighborhood in the city. The forces also raided the house of Abdul Razaq al-Sa'di and searched it. No arrests were reported.
Israeli forces arrested eight Palestinians from Hebron.
Security sources said that Israeli forces arrested the 23-year-old University student Mohammed Younes Al-Atrash, from the old city of Hebron and Mahmoud Hammad Abu Maryah from Beit Ummar village.
Israeli forces arrested Sharhapel Badawi al-Masalmeh, 33, from Beit Awwa village, southwest of Hebron, while crossing al-Container Checkpoint, north of Bethlehem.
Israeli forces stormed Al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron and arrested Odai Khalil Jwabreh, 20, Wassim Saleh al-Badawi, 18, and Abdullah Imad, 18.
The soldiers arrested Wednesday night, the 13-year-old youngsters Bahjat Khaled al-Rajabi, and Wael al-Rajabi near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested at dawn, two youngsters from Tubas governorate and handed a third a notice to meet with the Israeli Intelligence.
Security sources said that Israeli forces arrested Ahmed Mahmoud Shobaki, 23, and Mubeen Jamal Salah, 21, after raiding their parents' houses and rummaging with the contents. The forces also raided the house of Hamzeh Mussa Olayan, 22, interrogated its residents and handed him a notice to meet with the Israeli Intelligence.
In Jenin, Israeli forces arrested Mujahed Yasser Deeb Tahayneh, 23, after they raided his parents' house and rummaged with the contents in the eastern neighborhood in the city. The forces also raided the house of Abdul Razaq al-Sa'di and searched it. No arrests were reported.
Israeli forces arrested eight Palestinians from Hebron.
Security sources said that Israeli forces arrested the 23-year-old University student Mohammed Younes Al-Atrash, from the old city of Hebron and Mahmoud Hammad Abu Maryah from Beit Ummar village.
Israeli forces arrested Sharhapel Badawi al-Masalmeh, 33, from Beit Awwa village, southwest of Hebron, while crossing al-Container Checkpoint, north of Bethlehem.
Israeli forces stormed Al-Aroub refugee camp, north of Hebron and arrested Odai Khalil Jwabreh, 20, Wassim Saleh al-Badawi, 18, and Abdullah Imad, 18.
The soldiers arrested Wednesday night, the 13-year-old youngsters Bahjat Khaled al-Rajabi, and Wael al-Rajabi near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
Prisoners on hunger strike in solidarity with Issawi
Nine Palestinian prisoners began a hunger strike on Wednesday in solidarity with long term hunger-striker Samer Issawi, a statement issued by the Detainees' Center said.
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine detainees said they would end their strike upon Issawi's release to East Jerusalem.
The latest solidarity strike follows an offer by Israel on Friday to exile Issawi to a UN member country. Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for over 265 days, rejected the offer, insisting on returning to his hometown in Issawiya, East Jerusalem.
On Wednesday Issawi called for "rage and solidarity" to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day, in a letter sent through his lawyer from his hospital bed.
Issawi is the last of four Palestinian prisoners who were on extended hunger strikes in Israeli prisons, after two ended their fast in February and a third was exiled from the West Bank last month to the Gaza Strip for 10 years.
Issawi, 33, was first arrested in 2002 and sentenced to 26 years for military activities on behalf of the DFLP.
In a letter to EU chief Catherine Ashton, PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said the accusation showed "the absurdity and injustice of Israel's obsession with controlling Palestinian lives."
Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine detainees said they would end their strike upon Issawi's release to East Jerusalem.
The latest solidarity strike follows an offer by Israel on Friday to exile Issawi to a UN member country. Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for over 265 days, rejected the offer, insisting on returning to his hometown in Issawiya, East Jerusalem.
On Wednesday Issawi called for "rage and solidarity" to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day, in a letter sent through his lawyer from his hospital bed.
Issawi is the last of four Palestinian prisoners who were on extended hunger strikes in Israeli prisons, after two ended their fast in February and a third was exiled from the West Bank last month to the Gaza Strip for 10 years.
Issawi, 33, was first arrested in 2002 and sentenced to 26 years for military activities on behalf of the DFLP.
In a letter to EU chief Catherine Ashton, PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat said the accusation showed "the absurdity and injustice of Israel's obsession with controlling Palestinian lives."
17 apr 2013
Report on Torture in Israeli Jails Based on Interviews with Former Prisoners, Detainees
Israel is considered by both International Human Rights organisations and media polls as one of the worst countries regarding human rights abuses, due to its dreadful record of human rights violations.
Amnesty International and Middle East Monitor issued various reports in which they expressed concerns about the Israeli's practices. A BBC World Service poll in 2007 revealed that Israel is perceived by the majority of people as top country for having a negative influence in the world and a more recent public poll carried out in Norway and Germany circumscribed Israel as "a hostile entity". This negative image of Israel is caused by its frequent violations of international law since its forced establishment in 1948.
Since the occupation of Palestine in 1948, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned. From 1967 onwards, over 700,000 Palestinians, 20% of the population of the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip have been detained. This number represents approximately 40% of the total male Palestinian population in the Occupied Territories. International law sets the foundation for humane and fair treatment of prisoners, assuring that prisoners are not humiliated or tortured. Several countries, including Israel, deny these laws and regulations and practice different forms of humiliation and torture. Palestinian prisoners and detainees are exposed to unfair trials, administrative detention, solitary confinement, and deprived of seeing their families. In addition, physical and psychological torture is exerted by Israeli security services. This report reveals the different methods used by Israeli forces to torture Palestinian political prisoners and is based on interviews with former Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Palestinian prisoners and detainees: a political issue
Detention and imprisonment became one of the tools for Israeli forces to oppress the Palestinian people calling for freedom and self-determination. This led to never-ending arrests campaigns that imprisoned hundreds of thousands Palestinians over the past seven decades. According to Addameer Detention Report there were 4,812 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centres in February 2013, including 178 administrative detainees, 12 women and 219 children (31 under the age of 16).
UFree Network, established to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, mentioned in previous reports that there are no juvenile prisons for Palestinians. As a result, children often serve their sentences in the same cells as adults. More than 6,000 Palestinian children have been detained since 2000. In February 2013 there were 219 Palestinian prisoners and detainees under 18, more than 10% of them being under the age of 16. A large number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees are accused of executing acts of terrorism or participating in such acts. However, those prisoners were calling for freedom and self-determination, but they did not select terrorism as the appropriate strategy.
Living conditions in prisons
In addition to the arbitrary practice of administrative detention, the restrictions on family visits and the practice of torture, Palestinian prisoners and detainees are denied access to basic health services. Israeli authorities refuse to provide the needed medications to prisoners suffering various health problems. On different occasions, the prison authorities were reported to give prisoners with chronic health disease solely pain killers.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a report issued by the Justice Ministry's Public Defender's Office revealed widespread overcrowding, inadequate access to medical care, poor hygienic conditions, and excessive punitive measures in most Israeli facilities. In a recent report by the Independent Commission for Human Rights, the organisation stated that they are "gravely concerned over the extreme deterioration of the Palestinian prisoners' conditions in the Israeli prisons and detention centres"
Torture in Israeli jails: methods used
Israel uses both psychical and psychological torture methods while interrogating Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Recently, Arafat Shalsh Jaradat, 30, has been murdered by Israeli intelligence (Mossad) while he was under extreme torture in Majdo prison facility. Jaradat has died due to a heart attack because of heavy beating. The torture methods and its duration vary from one detainee to another, but their overall goal is to intimidate prisoners and seek for information that, in many cases, does not exist. This report reveals the main methods used by Israeli forces to torture Palestinian political prisoners. The methods of torture were obtained by UFree through a series of interviews with former Palestinian prisoners and detainees. For the sake of clarity, the methods are divided into two categories: physical and psychological methods. However, many of the methods used are a combination of both physical and psychological torture.
Physical methods:
Repeatedly beating or kicking the prisoner in different parts of the body (head, hands, face, abdomen, back, genitalia), using hands and/or metal tools. Sometimes the prisoners' hands were being tied to the wall or to metal bars during the beatings. Former prisoners also reported to have been beaten deliberately on wounds and injuries caused earlier.
Tying the prisoners' hands and/or legs together for a long period of time. Former prisoners reported to have been tied to the ceiling through their hands and legs. Others have been tied and left in the rain/cold weather for a long period of time.
Shaking prisoners violently. This is being done by investigators who change from time to time.
Forcing the prisoner to sit on a small chair (chairs for kindergarten kids) for long hours and sometimes days. This is associated with covering the head with a dirty plastic/clothing bag. While the prisoner is in this position he is exposed to very loud music and deprived from sleeping.
Forcing the prisoner to remain standing for a long period of time.
Forcing the prisoner to sleep on the floor without mattress, also during winter times. Former prisoners also reported to have been forced to sleep whilst sitting on the floor.
Blindfolding a prisoner and dragging him/her on the stairs.
Spraying gas in the face of a prisoner and using electric shocks against them.
Pulling out the hair of the prisoner.
Cold water being poured on the prisoner whilst asleep.
Suffocating prisoner by putting his head in the water and telling him that he will be drowned to death.
Psychological methods:
Placing the prisoner on a chair with his head covered whilst meanwhile drops of water hit the head regularly.
Depriving the prisoner from food for a long period of time or providing the prisoner old or spoiled food.
Exposing the prisoner to loud music for a long period of time.
Using military and policy dogs to frighten the prisoners. Investigators threaten prisoners the dogs will be unleashed and will attack the prisoner.
Threatening the prisoner will be sexually abused. Former prisoners reported to have been forced to be nearly naked.
Speaking negatively about the prisoners' family members and/or threatening the prisoner that their family members will be caused harm. Some former prisoners reported that they were threatened that their wife would be sexually abused.
Depriving the prisoner from defecating or urinating for a long period of time. Other former prisoners reported being forced to defecate or urinate in front of prison inmates.
Telling the prisoner, wrongfully, that his family will visit him today. Other former prisoners were, wrongfully, informed that one or more family members passed away.
Spitting in the prisoner's face.
Forcing the prisoner to verbally abuse his/her religious and national symbols.
Jailing some of the relative of the prisoner and torturing them in front of the prisoner.
Legal background
The treatment of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees is a violation of Articles 32, 49 and 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. The use of torture methods is not in line with Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). According to Conor Foley (University of Essex) and the Human Rights Centre, torture is also prohibited in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), the European Convention on Human Rights (1950), the American Convention on Human Rights (1978) and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (1981).
Additionally, the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984), the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1987), the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture (1985) reject the use of torture methods.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Palestinians prisoners and detainees face the arbitrary practice of administrative detention, restrictions on family visits, the denial of medical care and the practice of torture. This report revealed the most frequently mentioned methods of torture practiced by Israeli forces against Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The documented methods were obtained through interviewing former Palestinian prisoners and detainees and violate international law. The international community must meet its legal obligation by putting pressure on Israel to abide by international law and the treaties cited above. UFree therefore recommends the following:
Freezing the EU-Israeli relations until the latter abides by international law.
United Nations and its Agencies must expose Israeli crimes and act to save the lives of Palestinian prisoners. Press releases and condemnations are not adequate any more, freezing Israeli participation in the UN meetings are a step in the right direction.
Palestinian Authority should freeze its security contacts with Israel and take action to stop its human rights violations.
Civil society organisations must engage in exposing the atrocities perpetrated by Israel. The BDS campaign can be the cornerstone of any steps in this direction.
Amnesty International and Middle East Monitor issued various reports in which they expressed concerns about the Israeli's practices. A BBC World Service poll in 2007 revealed that Israel is perceived by the majority of people as top country for having a negative influence in the world and a more recent public poll carried out in Norway and Germany circumscribed Israel as "a hostile entity". This negative image of Israel is caused by its frequent violations of international law since its forced establishment in 1948.
Since the occupation of Palestine in 1948, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned. From 1967 onwards, over 700,000 Palestinians, 20% of the population of the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip have been detained. This number represents approximately 40% of the total male Palestinian population in the Occupied Territories. International law sets the foundation for humane and fair treatment of prisoners, assuring that prisoners are not humiliated or tortured. Several countries, including Israel, deny these laws and regulations and practice different forms of humiliation and torture. Palestinian prisoners and detainees are exposed to unfair trials, administrative detention, solitary confinement, and deprived of seeing their families. In addition, physical and psychological torture is exerted by Israeli security services. This report reveals the different methods used by Israeli forces to torture Palestinian political prisoners and is based on interviews with former Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Palestinian prisoners and detainees: a political issue
Detention and imprisonment became one of the tools for Israeli forces to oppress the Palestinian people calling for freedom and self-determination. This led to never-ending arrests campaigns that imprisoned hundreds of thousands Palestinians over the past seven decades. According to Addameer Detention Report there were 4,812 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centres in February 2013, including 178 administrative detainees, 12 women and 219 children (31 under the age of 16).
UFree Network, established to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, mentioned in previous reports that there are no juvenile prisons for Palestinians. As a result, children often serve their sentences in the same cells as adults. More than 6,000 Palestinian children have been detained since 2000. In February 2013 there were 219 Palestinian prisoners and detainees under 18, more than 10% of them being under the age of 16. A large number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees are accused of executing acts of terrorism or participating in such acts. However, those prisoners were calling for freedom and self-determination, but they did not select terrorism as the appropriate strategy.
Living conditions in prisons
In addition to the arbitrary practice of administrative detention, the restrictions on family visits and the practice of torture, Palestinian prisoners and detainees are denied access to basic health services. Israeli authorities refuse to provide the needed medications to prisoners suffering various health problems. On different occasions, the prison authorities were reported to give prisoners with chronic health disease solely pain killers.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a report issued by the Justice Ministry's Public Defender's Office revealed widespread overcrowding, inadequate access to medical care, poor hygienic conditions, and excessive punitive measures in most Israeli facilities. In a recent report by the Independent Commission for Human Rights, the organisation stated that they are "gravely concerned over the extreme deterioration of the Palestinian prisoners' conditions in the Israeli prisons and detention centres"
Torture in Israeli jails: methods used
Israel uses both psychical and psychological torture methods while interrogating Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Recently, Arafat Shalsh Jaradat, 30, has been murdered by Israeli intelligence (Mossad) while he was under extreme torture in Majdo prison facility. Jaradat has died due to a heart attack because of heavy beating. The torture methods and its duration vary from one detainee to another, but their overall goal is to intimidate prisoners and seek for information that, in many cases, does not exist. This report reveals the main methods used by Israeli forces to torture Palestinian political prisoners. The methods of torture were obtained by UFree through a series of interviews with former Palestinian prisoners and detainees. For the sake of clarity, the methods are divided into two categories: physical and psychological methods. However, many of the methods used are a combination of both physical and psychological torture.
Physical methods:
Repeatedly beating or kicking the prisoner in different parts of the body (head, hands, face, abdomen, back, genitalia), using hands and/or metal tools. Sometimes the prisoners' hands were being tied to the wall or to metal bars during the beatings. Former prisoners also reported to have been beaten deliberately on wounds and injuries caused earlier.
Tying the prisoners' hands and/or legs together for a long period of time. Former prisoners reported to have been tied to the ceiling through their hands and legs. Others have been tied and left in the rain/cold weather for a long period of time.
Shaking prisoners violently. This is being done by investigators who change from time to time.
Forcing the prisoner to sit on a small chair (chairs for kindergarten kids) for long hours and sometimes days. This is associated with covering the head with a dirty plastic/clothing bag. While the prisoner is in this position he is exposed to very loud music and deprived from sleeping.
Forcing the prisoner to remain standing for a long period of time.
Forcing the prisoner to sleep on the floor without mattress, also during winter times. Former prisoners also reported to have been forced to sleep whilst sitting on the floor.
Blindfolding a prisoner and dragging him/her on the stairs.
Spraying gas in the face of a prisoner and using electric shocks against them.
Pulling out the hair of the prisoner.
Cold water being poured on the prisoner whilst asleep.
Suffocating prisoner by putting his head in the water and telling him that he will be drowned to death.
Psychological methods:
Placing the prisoner on a chair with his head covered whilst meanwhile drops of water hit the head regularly.
Depriving the prisoner from food for a long period of time or providing the prisoner old or spoiled food.
Exposing the prisoner to loud music for a long period of time.
Using military and policy dogs to frighten the prisoners. Investigators threaten prisoners the dogs will be unleashed and will attack the prisoner.
Threatening the prisoner will be sexually abused. Former prisoners reported to have been forced to be nearly naked.
Speaking negatively about the prisoners' family members and/or threatening the prisoner that their family members will be caused harm. Some former prisoners reported that they were threatened that their wife would be sexually abused.
Depriving the prisoner from defecating or urinating for a long period of time. Other former prisoners reported being forced to defecate or urinate in front of prison inmates.
Telling the prisoner, wrongfully, that his family will visit him today. Other former prisoners were, wrongfully, informed that one or more family members passed away.
Spitting in the prisoner's face.
Forcing the prisoner to verbally abuse his/her religious and national symbols.
Jailing some of the relative of the prisoner and torturing them in front of the prisoner.
Legal background
The treatment of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees is a violation of Articles 32, 49 and 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. The use of torture methods is not in line with Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). According to Conor Foley (University of Essex) and the Human Rights Centre, torture is also prohibited in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), the European Convention on Human Rights (1950), the American Convention on Human Rights (1978) and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (1981).
Additionally, the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984), the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1987), the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture (1985) reject the use of torture methods.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Palestinians prisoners and detainees face the arbitrary practice of administrative detention, restrictions on family visits, the denial of medical care and the practice of torture. This report revealed the most frequently mentioned methods of torture practiced by Israeli forces against Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The documented methods were obtained through interviewing former Palestinian prisoners and detainees and violate international law. The international community must meet its legal obligation by putting pressure on Israel to abide by international law and the treaties cited above. UFree therefore recommends the following:
Freezing the EU-Israeli relations until the latter abides by international law.
United Nations and its Agencies must expose Israeli crimes and act to save the lives of Palestinian prisoners. Press releases and condemnations are not adequate any more, freezing Israeli participation in the UN meetings are a step in the right direction.
Palestinian Authority should freeze its security contacts with Israel and take action to stop its human rights violations.
Civil society organisations must engage in exposing the atrocities perpetrated by Israel. The BDS campaign can be the cornerstone of any steps in this direction.
Activists cut through barbed wire near Ofer jail
Dozens of popular resistance activists cut through a barbed wire surrounding the Israeli Ofer jail to the west of Ramallah on Wednesday morning.
Activists, who were celebrating the Palestinian prisoner’s day, marched from Rafat village, which overlooks the jail, to Ofer where more than 800 Palestinians are incarcerated.
They succeeded in cutting more than 30 meters of the barbed wire before arrival of the Israeli occupation forces, who fired stun grenades at the activists to prevent them from reaching the other electronic fence surrounding the jail.
Abdullah Abu Rahme, the coordinator of the anti-wall committee in Bilin village, told the soldiers at the barbed wire, “You are terrorists, and the detainees will win their freedom soon”.
Abu Rahme later said in a press release that cutting the barbed wire was to express solidarity with the prisoners and in protest against occupation.
Activists, who were celebrating the Palestinian prisoner’s day, marched from Rafat village, which overlooks the jail, to Ofer where more than 800 Palestinians are incarcerated.
They succeeded in cutting more than 30 meters of the barbed wire before arrival of the Israeli occupation forces, who fired stun grenades at the activists to prevent them from reaching the other electronic fence surrounding the jail.
Abdullah Abu Rahme, the coordinator of the anti-wall committee in Bilin village, told the soldiers at the barbed wire, “You are terrorists, and the detainees will win their freedom soon”.
Abu Rahme later said in a press release that cutting the barbed wire was to express solidarity with the prisoners and in protest against occupation.
International organization calls for the immediate release of Issawi
An international human rights organization has called for the immediate release of Jerusalemite detainee Samer Issawi who has been on hunger strike in Israeli jails for nine months.
The Friends of Humanity organization appealed for international intervention to save the life of Issawi before it is too late.
The organization expressed concern, in a statement on Wednesday, over the health condition of Issawi, adding that his life was in danger.
The organization asked the Hebrew state to abide by its commitments in the latest prisoners’ exchange deal and stop prosecuting liberated prisoners. It pointed out that the Israeli authorities re-arrested nine of the prisoners who were liberated in that deal.
UFree Network intensifies its activities in defense of prisoners
UFree Network to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners stressed the fairness of the issue of prisoners, criminalized the international silence regarding the Israeli practices against them, and called on the international community to confront the Israeli violations. UFree said in its statement on the 39th anniversary of the Palestinian Prisoners' Day, that the Palestinian prisoners will remain a distinguishing mark in the international human rights path, adding that the continued Israeli violations against the prisoners put the UN conventions on Human Rights to the test.
The network hailed the Palestinian prisoners' high spirits despite the international unjustified silence and inaction regarding their issue.
The Oslo based network pointed to the usurped rights of Palestinian prisoners, led by prisoner Karim Younis who has served 31 years in occupation jails, and the Palestinian female prisoners' dean Lena Jerboni, detained since 2002, in addition to 5000 other Palestinian prisoners held in poor condition in Israeli jails.
The network appreciated the prisoners' hunger strike as a weapon to restore their rights, pointing to the Jerusalemite hunger striker Samer al-Issawi, who may die at any moment in light of the Israeli procrastination to meet his demands.
This year's anniversary of Palestinian Prisoners' Day is taking place in light of martyrdom of three Palestinian captives in custody: Ashraf Abu Dhra'a, Arafat Jaradat, and Maysara Abu Hamdiya, the network added, considering their martyrdom a proof of Israeli abuses against prisoners.
Nearly 230 children under the age of 18 are still detained in Israeli prisons where they are subjected to different forms of torture, the statement said.
UFree called on the Israeli occupation to unconditionally release all prisoners and detainees, and urged the United Nations to take a clear stance regarding the issue of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. It also called on the PA and the Arab League to include the prisoners' issue within any negotiation.
The network concluded its statement by stressing that it will continue the campaigns in support of the Palestinian prisoners throughout April. It stressed on its intensified efforts to include most of the European countries, and declared its participation on the Palestinians in Europe Conference in Brussels in May.
It is scheduled that the Palestinians in Europe Conference will be accompanied by a petition signed by European MPs calling on the occupation to stop its violations against the prisoners.
Hamas and Jihad movements call for liberating prisoners by all means
Hamas movement confirmed that the Palestinian prisoners' release from Israeli jails will remain at the top of its national priorities, stressing its continuous work to liberate them by all means. Hamas held in its statement on Wednesday on the Palestinian Prisoners' Day the Israeli occupation "fully responsible for its systematic crimes against the Palestinian and Arab prisoners, stressing that the Israeli deliberate crimes will never be a subject to statute of limitations.
The continued detention of the Palestinian MPs is a flagrant violation of international norms and conventions, and a desperate attempt to break their will and spirits, the statement added.
The movement called on the Palestinian people to support the prisoners' issue, and called on the Palestinian factions to unite their efforts for the release of the prisoners through all means topped by resistance option that proved its ability to liberate the prisoners in Wafa al-Ahrar deal.
Hamas called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to act urgently for the protection of Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli violations of the international conventions and to pressure the occupation for the release of the prisoners led by female prisoners and children.
The statement stressed the need to prosecute the Israeli war criminals in international courts, particularly the International Criminal Court.
Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad and Hamas movements stressed, in a sit-in outside the Red Cross headquarters in the Gaza strip, that capturing Israeli soldiers is the effective way to liberate the prisoners from Israeli jails.
Hamas MP Mushir al-Masri called during the sit-in on the Palestinian factions to work hard for the liberation of all prisoners through resistance option and called on the international human rights institutions to pressure the Israeli occupation to end its medical negligence policies, solitary confinement, and administrative detention.
For his part, the leader in Jihad movement, Khaled al-Batsh, confirmed that Wafa al-Ahrar deal 2 will be the only way to end the prisoners' suffering in Israeli jails, pointing out to the prisoners' strike that forced the occupation to meet their demands.
He stressed that the Palestinian Prisoners' Day should increase the Palestinian people’s adherence to the resistance option.
Erekat Calls on Ashton to Save Life of Issawi
PLO Executive Committee Member Saeb Erekat Wednesday sent an urgent letter to the European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton calling for a prompt intervention to save the life of striking prisoner Samer al-Issawi. Issawi has been on a strike for about six months now and might lose his life at any moment.
Erekat held the Israeli authorities fully responsible for the life of Issawi and the rest of prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
The letter stressed that Israel must release the 107 prisoners who were arrested before the 1994 Oslo accord, the 1000 prisoners agreed upon to be released by president Mahmoud Abbas and former prime minister Ehud Olmert, in addition to the 15 prisoners released in Gilad Shalit swap deal and later re-arrested, including Issawi.
The Friends of Humanity organization appealed for international intervention to save the life of Issawi before it is too late.
The organization expressed concern, in a statement on Wednesday, over the health condition of Issawi, adding that his life was in danger.
The organization asked the Hebrew state to abide by its commitments in the latest prisoners’ exchange deal and stop prosecuting liberated prisoners. It pointed out that the Israeli authorities re-arrested nine of the prisoners who were liberated in that deal.
UFree Network intensifies its activities in defense of prisoners
UFree Network to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners stressed the fairness of the issue of prisoners, criminalized the international silence regarding the Israeli practices against them, and called on the international community to confront the Israeli violations. UFree said in its statement on the 39th anniversary of the Palestinian Prisoners' Day, that the Palestinian prisoners will remain a distinguishing mark in the international human rights path, adding that the continued Israeli violations against the prisoners put the UN conventions on Human Rights to the test.
The network hailed the Palestinian prisoners' high spirits despite the international unjustified silence and inaction regarding their issue.
The Oslo based network pointed to the usurped rights of Palestinian prisoners, led by prisoner Karim Younis who has served 31 years in occupation jails, and the Palestinian female prisoners' dean Lena Jerboni, detained since 2002, in addition to 5000 other Palestinian prisoners held in poor condition in Israeli jails.
The network appreciated the prisoners' hunger strike as a weapon to restore their rights, pointing to the Jerusalemite hunger striker Samer al-Issawi, who may die at any moment in light of the Israeli procrastination to meet his demands.
This year's anniversary of Palestinian Prisoners' Day is taking place in light of martyrdom of three Palestinian captives in custody: Ashraf Abu Dhra'a, Arafat Jaradat, and Maysara Abu Hamdiya, the network added, considering their martyrdom a proof of Israeli abuses against prisoners.
Nearly 230 children under the age of 18 are still detained in Israeli prisons where they are subjected to different forms of torture, the statement said.
UFree called on the Israeli occupation to unconditionally release all prisoners and detainees, and urged the United Nations to take a clear stance regarding the issue of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. It also called on the PA and the Arab League to include the prisoners' issue within any negotiation.
The network concluded its statement by stressing that it will continue the campaigns in support of the Palestinian prisoners throughout April. It stressed on its intensified efforts to include most of the European countries, and declared its participation on the Palestinians in Europe Conference in Brussels in May.
It is scheduled that the Palestinians in Europe Conference will be accompanied by a petition signed by European MPs calling on the occupation to stop its violations against the prisoners.
Hamas and Jihad movements call for liberating prisoners by all means
Hamas movement confirmed that the Palestinian prisoners' release from Israeli jails will remain at the top of its national priorities, stressing its continuous work to liberate them by all means. Hamas held in its statement on Wednesday on the Palestinian Prisoners' Day the Israeli occupation "fully responsible for its systematic crimes against the Palestinian and Arab prisoners, stressing that the Israeli deliberate crimes will never be a subject to statute of limitations.
The continued detention of the Palestinian MPs is a flagrant violation of international norms and conventions, and a desperate attempt to break their will and spirits, the statement added.
The movement called on the Palestinian people to support the prisoners' issue, and called on the Palestinian factions to unite their efforts for the release of the prisoners through all means topped by resistance option that proved its ability to liberate the prisoners in Wafa al-Ahrar deal.
Hamas called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to act urgently for the protection of Palestinian prisoners from the Israeli violations of the international conventions and to pressure the occupation for the release of the prisoners led by female prisoners and children.
The statement stressed the need to prosecute the Israeli war criminals in international courts, particularly the International Criminal Court.
Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad and Hamas movements stressed, in a sit-in outside the Red Cross headquarters in the Gaza strip, that capturing Israeli soldiers is the effective way to liberate the prisoners from Israeli jails.
Hamas MP Mushir al-Masri called during the sit-in on the Palestinian factions to work hard for the liberation of all prisoners through resistance option and called on the international human rights institutions to pressure the Israeli occupation to end its medical negligence policies, solitary confinement, and administrative detention.
For his part, the leader in Jihad movement, Khaled al-Batsh, confirmed that Wafa al-Ahrar deal 2 will be the only way to end the prisoners' suffering in Israeli jails, pointing out to the prisoners' strike that forced the occupation to meet their demands.
He stressed that the Palestinian Prisoners' Day should increase the Palestinian people’s adherence to the resistance option.
Erekat Calls on Ashton to Save Life of Issawi
PLO Executive Committee Member Saeb Erekat Wednesday sent an urgent letter to the European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton calling for a prompt intervention to save the life of striking prisoner Samer al-Issawi. Issawi has been on a strike for about six months now and might lose his life at any moment.
Erekat held the Israeli authorities fully responsible for the life of Issawi and the rest of prisoners detained in Israeli jails.
The letter stressed that Israel must release the 107 prisoners who were arrested before the 1994 Oslo accord, the 1000 prisoners agreed upon to be released by president Mahmoud Abbas and former prime minister Ehud Olmert, in addition to the 15 prisoners released in Gilad Shalit swap deal and later re-arrested, including Issawi.
Palestinian prisoners: PA neglects prisoners' issue
The liberated prisoner Rania El Saka accused the PA leadership of depriving her from medical treatment in Italy, stressing that the PA did not provide her with any medical assistance despite her repeated appeals.
El Saka's statements came during a press conference on Tuesday in the Jordanian trade unions headquarters, adding that the Health Ministry in Ramallah wastes the prisoners' allocated money on PA officials' trips to Europe.
The liberated prisoner suffers from breast cancer where she underwent 23 surgeries and she needs to renew her medical papers in Ramallah to continue her treatment in Jordan.
Rania El Sakka accused the Israeli authorities of infecting Palestinian captives with deadly viruses to get rid of them after their release.
El Sakka called on the international community and the Palestinian institutions to examine the liberated prisoners' health situation.
The liberated prisoner El Saka, a mother of several children, was sentenced to 13 years in Israeli jails for stabbing an Israeli soldier at Qalandia crossing between Ramallah and Jerusalem in 2005.
For his part, the prisoner Marwan Barghouthi, a leader in Fatah movement, accused the PA leadership of neglecting the prisoners' issue.
Barghouthi, 11 years in Israeli jails, said that the PA leadership has not placed the issue of the prisoners at the top of its list of priorities during negotiations over the past twenty years.
Barghouti called on the Ramallah authority to take "a strategic decision" to end the prisoners' file and to liberate all the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The prisoner confirmed that the Captive movement is in constant tension with the Israeli occupation authorities to defend the prisoners' rights.
Meanwhile, prisoners' families in Tulkarem strongly condemned the organization of a conference in support of the prisoners' issue without inviting them to attend it.
The prisoners' families stressed that they were not invited by the conference's organizers, denouncing the exclusion policy against them.
The families chose to stage a sit-in outside the Red Cross headquarters where they chanted slogans against the conference's organizers, calling for investigating the so-called Supreme Follow up Committee on Prisoners' Affairs for not representing the prisoners’ issue and the suffering of the prisoners’ families.
The liberated prisoner Khaled Odeh called on the Minister of prisoners' affairs in Ramallah Issa Qaraqe to bear his responsibility towards prisoners' issue.
The PA has organized today a conference on the prisoners' issue under the auspices of the PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas with the presence of Tulkarm governor, the Minister of prisoners' affairs in Ramallah Issa Qaraqe, and head of PPS Qaddura Fares.
Mass hunger strike in all occupation jails to mark Prisoners' Day
Some 5,000 Palestinian captives in Israeli jails went on a one-day hunger strike on Wednesday to mark the Prisoners' Day. The prisoners refused breakfast as part of a final warning message to leaders of the Prison Service to meet their fair and legitimate demands and treat them as prisoners of war.
For its part, the Ministry of prisoners' affairs confirmed that there are currently about 5 thousand Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails, including 1400 patient captives, 25 of whom suffer from cancer.
Wa'ed Society for prisoners and ex-prisoners demanded in a statement on Wednesday on the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners' Day the Palestinian forces and factions to organize continuous activities in support of prisoners in Israeli jails.
It stressed that "the issue of prisoners should be on the top priorities of the Palestinian national action in all forums," and called for making more Palestinian national efforts at all levels to liberate the prisoners, especially those who have served long terms.
For its part; Ahrar Center for prisoners’ studies asserted that the Palestinian prisoners' issue cannot be subject to seasonal work, related only to Prisoners’ Day of each year.
Prisoners' Day should be a day in which we celebrate our achievements for the prisoners' interests during the year, the center said.
The human rights center called for preparing a national comprehensive strategic plan to activate the issue of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails, and to focus on activating the files of administrative detention files, detention of children and forms of torture.
El Saka's statements came during a press conference on Tuesday in the Jordanian trade unions headquarters, adding that the Health Ministry in Ramallah wastes the prisoners' allocated money on PA officials' trips to Europe.
The liberated prisoner suffers from breast cancer where she underwent 23 surgeries and she needs to renew her medical papers in Ramallah to continue her treatment in Jordan.
Rania El Sakka accused the Israeli authorities of infecting Palestinian captives with deadly viruses to get rid of them after their release.
El Sakka called on the international community and the Palestinian institutions to examine the liberated prisoners' health situation.
The liberated prisoner El Saka, a mother of several children, was sentenced to 13 years in Israeli jails for stabbing an Israeli soldier at Qalandia crossing between Ramallah and Jerusalem in 2005.
For his part, the prisoner Marwan Barghouthi, a leader in Fatah movement, accused the PA leadership of neglecting the prisoners' issue.
Barghouthi, 11 years in Israeli jails, said that the PA leadership has not placed the issue of the prisoners at the top of its list of priorities during negotiations over the past twenty years.
Barghouti called on the Ramallah authority to take "a strategic decision" to end the prisoners' file and to liberate all the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The prisoner confirmed that the Captive movement is in constant tension with the Israeli occupation authorities to defend the prisoners' rights.
Meanwhile, prisoners' families in Tulkarem strongly condemned the organization of a conference in support of the prisoners' issue without inviting them to attend it.
The prisoners' families stressed that they were not invited by the conference's organizers, denouncing the exclusion policy against them.
The families chose to stage a sit-in outside the Red Cross headquarters where they chanted slogans against the conference's organizers, calling for investigating the so-called Supreme Follow up Committee on Prisoners' Affairs for not representing the prisoners’ issue and the suffering of the prisoners’ families.
The liberated prisoner Khaled Odeh called on the Minister of prisoners' affairs in Ramallah Issa Qaraqe to bear his responsibility towards prisoners' issue.
The PA has organized today a conference on the prisoners' issue under the auspices of the PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas with the presence of Tulkarm governor, the Minister of prisoners' affairs in Ramallah Issa Qaraqe, and head of PPS Qaddura Fares.
Mass hunger strike in all occupation jails to mark Prisoners' Day
Some 5,000 Palestinian captives in Israeli jails went on a one-day hunger strike on Wednesday to mark the Prisoners' Day. The prisoners refused breakfast as part of a final warning message to leaders of the Prison Service to meet their fair and legitimate demands and treat them as prisoners of war.
For its part, the Ministry of prisoners' affairs confirmed that there are currently about 5 thousand Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli jails, including 1400 patient captives, 25 of whom suffer from cancer.
Wa'ed Society for prisoners and ex-prisoners demanded in a statement on Wednesday on the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners' Day the Palestinian forces and factions to organize continuous activities in support of prisoners in Israeli jails.
It stressed that "the issue of prisoners should be on the top priorities of the Palestinian national action in all forums," and called for making more Palestinian national efforts at all levels to liberate the prisoners, especially those who have served long terms.
For its part; Ahrar Center for prisoners’ studies asserted that the Palestinian prisoners' issue cannot be subject to seasonal work, related only to Prisoners’ Day of each year.
Prisoners' Day should be a day in which we celebrate our achievements for the prisoners' interests during the year, the center said.
The human rights center called for preparing a national comprehensive strategic plan to activate the issue of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails, and to focus on activating the files of administrative detention files, detention of children and forms of torture.
Israel Re-arrests Released Prisoner in Hebron
The Israeli forces Wednesday re-arrested a released Palestinian prisoner in Beit-Ommar, north of Hebron, south of the West Bank, according to a local source.
The Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements spokesperson, Muhammad Awad, told WAFA that the Israeli soldiers raided the town of Beit-Ommar and arrested 22-year-old released Muhammad abu Maria, after raiding and searching his house.
The Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements spokesperson, Muhammad Awad, told WAFA that the Israeli soldiers raided the town of Beit-Ommar and arrested 22-year-old released Muhammad abu Maria, after raiding and searching his house.
IOF soldiers round up four Palestinians in Al-Khalil
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up four Palestinians in Al-Khalil city at the early dawn hours on Wednesday that coincided with the Palestinian prisoner’s day.
Local sources said that the arrests included two university students Mohamed Al-Atrash and Jihad Abu Snene after bursting into their homes and searching them.
The IOF soldiers also arrested liberated prisoner Muad Al-Haymoni one week after the arrest of his brother Motez and Mohammed Abu Mariya from Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil.
Palestinian security sources said that IOF soldiers stormed three villages and a number of suburbs in Al-Khalil city and set up roadblocks at the entrances to three other villages.
Local sources said that the arrests included two university students Mohamed Al-Atrash and Jihad Abu Snene after bursting into their homes and searching them.
The IOF soldiers also arrested liberated prisoner Muad Al-Haymoni one week after the arrest of his brother Motez and Mohammed Abu Mariya from Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil.
Palestinian security sources said that IOF soldiers stormed three villages and a number of suburbs in Al-Khalil city and set up roadblocks at the entrances to three other villages.
Palestinian prisoners threaten to escalate their protests
Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails threatened to escalate their protest steps in order to be recognized as war prisoners.
The prisoners called on the head of the Israeli government to take the necessary steps to recognize them as war prisoners and to give them their rights according to international laws and conventions, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS) revealed.
The prisoners pointed out that the Palestinian people' resistance and struggle against the Israeli occupation is popular resistance against a foreign occupation, therefore they are protected under the international conventions as prisoners of war.
The prisoners gave the Israeli government 45 days to implement their demands or they will resort to other protest steps.
Meanwhile, Palestinian human rights sources revealed that 14 Palestinian MPs and 2 ministers are still detained in Israeli jails facing life prison term and administrative detention.
The Israeli forces have launched in 2006 an arrest campaign against Change and Reform Bloc's MPs affiliated to Hamas movement and ministers of the Palestinian tenth government headed by Ismail Haniyeh.
The prisoners called on the head of the Israeli government to take the necessary steps to recognize them as war prisoners and to give them their rights according to international laws and conventions, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS) revealed.
The prisoners pointed out that the Palestinian people' resistance and struggle against the Israeli occupation is popular resistance against a foreign occupation, therefore they are protected under the international conventions as prisoners of war.
The prisoners gave the Israeli government 45 days to implement their demands or they will resort to other protest steps.
Meanwhile, Palestinian human rights sources revealed that 14 Palestinian MPs and 2 ministers are still detained in Israeli jails facing life prison term and administrative detention.
The Israeli forces have launched in 2006 an arrest campaign against Change and Reform Bloc's MPs affiliated to Hamas movement and ministers of the Palestinian tenth government headed by Ismail Haniyeh.
