5 feb 2013
IOF detains mother of prisoner Rami Khanfar
Rami Khanfar daughters
Israeli forces arrested Fathia Khanfar, 56, mother of prisoner Rami Youssef, upon her arrival to Negev prison to visit her son, while they released at dawn Monday the captive's two daughters.
The lawyer for the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) stated that the two girls arrived to Mitron checkpoint near al-Khalil Valley in a bad psychological state. They were handed over to the Palestinian authorities to be returned to their family that lives in the town of Silat al-Dhahr in Jenin district.
Raed Khanfar brother of captive Rami said that the occupation authorities are still detaining his mother, who suffers from a difficult health condition, pending investigation.
He added that the prison administration has transferred his brother Rami, who is suffering from several health issues, to the solitary confinement cells after the arrest of his mother.
The Israeli occupation authorities released 60 members of families from Nablus after detaining them for several hours under harsh conditions in the Negev desert prison. They have also canceled the visits and prevented the captives' families from seeing their sons.
Israeli forces arrested Fathia Khanfar, 56, mother of prisoner Rami Youssef, upon her arrival to Negev prison to visit her son, while they released at dawn Monday the captive's two daughters.
The lawyer for the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) stated that the two girls arrived to Mitron checkpoint near al-Khalil Valley in a bad psychological state. They were handed over to the Palestinian authorities to be returned to their family that lives in the town of Silat al-Dhahr in Jenin district.
Raed Khanfar brother of captive Rami said that the occupation authorities are still detaining his mother, who suffers from a difficult health condition, pending investigation.
He added that the prison administration has transferred his brother Rami, who is suffering from several health issues, to the solitary confinement cells after the arrest of his mother.
The Israeli occupation authorities released 60 members of families from Nablus after detaining them for several hours under harsh conditions in the Negev desert prison. They have also canceled the visits and prevented the captives' families from seeing their sons.
Tension in Negev prison in solidarity with Sharawna
Ayman Sharawna, on hunger strike since seven months, has escalated his hunger strike by refusing drinking water since three days to protest his transfer from the prison hospital to the Negev desert prison, human rights sources revealed.
Waed association for the support of Palestinian prisoners said in a press statement on Tuesday that a state of tension prevailed among Palestinian prisoners in Negev prison after seeing the hunger striker Ayman Sharawna in a very difficult health condition.
The hunger striker suffers a very critical health deterioration here he became unable to move, and he may die at any moment.
The association denounced the "shameful silence" practiced by international humanitarian organizations towards striking prisoners, stressing that "there are international bodies participating in this silent crime committed against the prisoners, especially the strikers."
In the same context, Hundreds of Palestinians in 1948 occupied territories and international activists have staged a sit-in last night outside 'Ramle Prison', in the city of Ramle, in solidarity with the striking prisoners.
The sit-in was organized by the Jerusalemite prisoners' families committee, the PPS, and the Higher Follow-up Committee for Arabs in 1948-occupied territories in solidarity with the hunger striker Samer al-Issawi, Ayman Sharawna,Tarek Kaadan, Jaafar Ezzedine.
The participants held the striking prisoners' pictures, and the Palestinian flag, and banners in different languages against political and administrative detention, demanding the immediate release of the prisoners on hunger strike.
Samer al-Issawi's mother declared during the sit-in her support to her son's escalatory steps even if they were at the expense of his health.
She called for putting pressure on the Israeli government for the release of striking prisoners, especially after their serious health deterioration.
Meanwhile, the liberated prisoner and the leader in the Islamic Jihad movement from the Jenin refugee camp, Sheikh Bassam Ragheb al-Saadi, 53, said that all prisoners languishing in Israeli jails, representing all Palestinian factions and National Action, called for ending the division and to renew reconciliation, and to stand by the prisoners especially the hunger strikers.
During a ceremony organized by national and Islamic forces, the liberated prisoner called on the Egyptian authorities to intervene for implementing the conditions of the Shalit exchange deal and called on the free world to bear its responsibility towards the prisoners' issue.
He called for organizing more supportive campaigns in solidarity of the prisoners on hunger strike.
He pointed out to the difficult conditions of thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails including his wife Nawal al-Saadi who suffers several health problems.
He added that the prisoners are facing a fierce campaign carried out by the IPS against the striking prisoners.
He warned against the strikers' serious health deterioration, calling on the international community to move immediately to save the strikers' lives before it is too late.
The liberated prisoner al-Saadi has visited the houses of the hunger strikers Jafar Azzedine and Tarek Kaadan in Arraba town, and visited the homes of prisoners and martyrs in the Jenin refugee camp.
Waed association for the support of Palestinian prisoners said in a press statement on Tuesday that a state of tension prevailed among Palestinian prisoners in Negev prison after seeing the hunger striker Ayman Sharawna in a very difficult health condition.
The hunger striker suffers a very critical health deterioration here he became unable to move, and he may die at any moment.
The association denounced the "shameful silence" practiced by international humanitarian organizations towards striking prisoners, stressing that "there are international bodies participating in this silent crime committed against the prisoners, especially the strikers."
In the same context, Hundreds of Palestinians in 1948 occupied territories and international activists have staged a sit-in last night outside 'Ramle Prison', in the city of Ramle, in solidarity with the striking prisoners.
The sit-in was organized by the Jerusalemite prisoners' families committee, the PPS, and the Higher Follow-up Committee for Arabs in 1948-occupied territories in solidarity with the hunger striker Samer al-Issawi, Ayman Sharawna,Tarek Kaadan, Jaafar Ezzedine.
The participants held the striking prisoners' pictures, and the Palestinian flag, and banners in different languages against political and administrative detention, demanding the immediate release of the prisoners on hunger strike.
Samer al-Issawi's mother declared during the sit-in her support to her son's escalatory steps even if they were at the expense of his health.
She called for putting pressure on the Israeli government for the release of striking prisoners, especially after their serious health deterioration.
Meanwhile, the liberated prisoner and the leader in the Islamic Jihad movement from the Jenin refugee camp, Sheikh Bassam Ragheb al-Saadi, 53, said that all prisoners languishing in Israeli jails, representing all Palestinian factions and National Action, called for ending the division and to renew reconciliation, and to stand by the prisoners especially the hunger strikers.
During a ceremony organized by national and Islamic forces, the liberated prisoner called on the Egyptian authorities to intervene for implementing the conditions of the Shalit exchange deal and called on the free world to bear its responsibility towards the prisoners' issue.
He called for organizing more supportive campaigns in solidarity of the prisoners on hunger strike.
He pointed out to the difficult conditions of thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails including his wife Nawal al-Saadi who suffers several health problems.
He added that the prisoners are facing a fierce campaign carried out by the IPS against the striking prisoners.
He warned against the strikers' serious health deterioration, calling on the international community to move immediately to save the strikers' lives before it is too late.
The liberated prisoner al-Saadi has visited the houses of the hunger strikers Jafar Azzedine and Tarek Kaadan in Arraba town, and visited the homes of prisoners and martyrs in the Jenin refugee camp.
The number of the detained MPs in Israeli jails rises to 16
The number of Palestinian MPs abducted in Israeli prisons has risen to 16 deputies, after re-arresting 3 MPs on Monday from al-Khalil and Ramallah, Palestinian human rights sources confirmed.
PPS said in a statement on Monday that the Israeli forces kidnapped more than 25 Palestinians in the cities and villages of the West Bank, including a number of deputies and Islamic leaders, in addition to many university students and local cadres.
The human rights statement noted that this campaign "considered the broadest since the campaign carried out by the occupation after the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip in November, where 6 of Palestinian MPs were kidnapped at one time under the pretext of organizing events in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, raising the number of deputies at that time to 13 deputies."
Today, the number of kidnapped MPs rose to 16 deputies after the abduction of three deputies last night, in addition to the continuation of the detention of 3 former ministers.
Meanwhile, Hamas lawmaker Samira Halaiqa strongly denounced the PA's embarrassing position toward the Israeli arrest campaign against Palestinian lawmakers, noting that it has not issued an official strong position towards the continued arrest campaigns targeting representatives of legislative council.
The authority's threat to halt security coordination with the occupation would prevent the continued arrest campaigns against the representatives of the Palestinian people and would force the occupation authorities to end the suffering of the detained lawmakers since their election in 2006, she told Quds press.
She called on the PA to "issue a strong position condemning the arrests, pointing out that the PA has "not issued an official statement condemning any arrest campaign against the deputies."
MP Halaiqa stressed that the recent arrest campaign targeting 3 MPs and leaders in Hamas movement in the West Bank was a systematic campaign to eliminate the Palestinian lawmakers’ role in Palestinian society.
She pointed out that the occupation detained MP Hatem Qafisha from al-Khalil for more than 70 months and MP Mohammad al-Tal six months after his release, and it exiled the Jerusalemite MP Mohammad Attoun, who was arrested on Monday, to the city of Ramallah, where he has spent most of his legislative term detained and deported in Ramallah.
PPS said in a statement on Monday that the Israeli forces kidnapped more than 25 Palestinians in the cities and villages of the West Bank, including a number of deputies and Islamic leaders, in addition to many university students and local cadres.
The human rights statement noted that this campaign "considered the broadest since the campaign carried out by the occupation after the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip in November, where 6 of Palestinian MPs were kidnapped at one time under the pretext of organizing events in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, raising the number of deputies at that time to 13 deputies."
Today, the number of kidnapped MPs rose to 16 deputies after the abduction of three deputies last night, in addition to the continuation of the detention of 3 former ministers.
Meanwhile, Hamas lawmaker Samira Halaiqa strongly denounced the PA's embarrassing position toward the Israeli arrest campaign against Palestinian lawmakers, noting that it has not issued an official strong position towards the continued arrest campaigns targeting representatives of legislative council.
The authority's threat to halt security coordination with the occupation would prevent the continued arrest campaigns against the representatives of the Palestinian people and would force the occupation authorities to end the suffering of the detained lawmakers since their election in 2006, she told Quds press.
She called on the PA to "issue a strong position condemning the arrests, pointing out that the PA has "not issued an official statement condemning any arrest campaign against the deputies."
MP Halaiqa stressed that the recent arrest campaign targeting 3 MPs and leaders in Hamas movement in the West Bank was a systematic campaign to eliminate the Palestinian lawmakers’ role in Palestinian society.
She pointed out that the occupation detained MP Hatem Qafisha from al-Khalil for more than 70 months and MP Mohammad al-Tal six months after his release, and it exiled the Jerusalemite MP Mohammad Attoun, who was arrested on Monday, to the city of Ramallah, where he has spent most of his legislative term detained and deported in Ramallah.
IOF soldiers arrest young woman near Ibrahimi mosque
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested a young Palestinian woman in the vicinity of the Ibrahimi mosque in Al-Khalil city afternoon Monday for possessing a knife.
A Hebrew website claimed that the soldiers positioned near the gates leading to the Ibrahimi mosque detained the young woman after finding a sharp tool in her possession.
It said that the young woman was taken for interrogation after the soldiers suspected that she was planning to attack one of them with her knife.
A Hebrew website claimed that the soldiers positioned near the gates leading to the Ibrahimi mosque detained the young woman after finding a sharp tool in her possession.
It said that the young woman was taken for interrogation after the soldiers suspected that she was planning to attack one of them with her knife.
IOF soldiers nab seven Palestinians including Hamas leader
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued on Tuesday the campaign of arrests in lines of Hamas cadres and activists and rounded up seven Palestinians.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers stormed Assira Al-Shamaliya, south of Nablus, and searched many homes before taking away Hamas leader Sheikh Dirar Hamdne after wreaking havoc on his home.
Other soldiers stormed Zawata town to the west of Nablus and arrested Zaher Mousa, a Hamas activist.
IOF soldiers nabbed two other Palestinians one in Ramallah and the other in Al-Khalil, the latter was released only a week earlier from the PA preventive security jail.
In the Jordan Valley, IOF troops manning Al-Hamra roadblock arrested three young men on Monday night and closed the checkpoint after the incident.
The Israeli radio claimed that the soldiers found two homemade explosive devices in the car in which the three Palestinians were riding, adding that the soldiers blasted the two devices safely then took the three young men for interrogation.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers stormed Assira Al-Shamaliya, south of Nablus, and searched many homes before taking away Hamas leader Sheikh Dirar Hamdne after wreaking havoc on his home.
Other soldiers stormed Zawata town to the west of Nablus and arrested Zaher Mousa, a Hamas activist.
IOF soldiers nabbed two other Palestinians one in Ramallah and the other in Al-Khalil, the latter was released only a week earlier from the PA preventive security jail.
In the Jordan Valley, IOF troops manning Al-Hamra roadblock arrested three young men on Monday night and closed the checkpoint after the incident.
The Israeli radio claimed that the soldiers found two homemade explosive devices in the car in which the three Palestinians were riding, adding that the soldiers blasted the two devices safely then took the three young men for interrogation.
Israeli court sentences detained Hamas MP
The Israeli military court in Ofer, near Ramallah, sentenced detained Hamas MP Hassan Yousef to 28 months along with a fine.
Family of the MP told Quds Press on Monday that the court imposed a six thousand shekels fine on Yousef.
They said that the MP had been in jail for the past 15 months as administrative detainee, without charge, before the court fabricated a new charge and sentenced him accordingly.
Yousef has served 13 years in Israeli occupation jails at separate intervals.
Family of the MP told Quds Press on Monday that the court imposed a six thousand shekels fine on Yousef.
They said that the MP had been in jail for the past 15 months as administrative detainee, without charge, before the court fabricated a new charge and sentenced him accordingly.
Yousef has served 13 years in Israeli occupation jails at separate intervals.
4 feb 2013
Hunger strikers in Israeli jails decide to stop drinking water
The hunger striking prisoner, Jafar Ezzedine, threatened that the hunger striking prisoners decided to escalate their steps, by stopping drinking water starting from February 17, in order to pressure IPS to meet their demands.
Jafar told his lawyer Fadi Obeidat that the prison administration has been deliberately pressuring the captives through the repeated searches of their rooms, in addition to the poor and difficult prison conditions. He confirmed that he will continue his hunger strike until the achievement of his demands, his legitimate rights and his freedom.
Captive Tarek Qa'dan told the lawyer Obeidat that the IPS has been exercising psychological pressure on the prisoners and threatening them to use force against them in order to oblige them halt the strike.
Hundreds of families of prisoners and national and human rights institutions representatives in the city of Nablus participated on Monday in a march in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli occupation jails, especially those on hunger strike.
The march was called for by the National Committee to support the prisoners in Nablus with the participation of Women General Union, a number of ex-detainees and delegations representing Nablus Municipality, Palestinian factions, Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) and the Ministry of Prisoners Affairs.
The demonstrators roamed the streets of Nablus chanting slogans that call for freeing the prisoners, and raising the hunger strikers' photos.
The captives' mothers called on the masses to support their sons and demanded the international community to press the Israeli government and force it to release all prisoners.
Raed Amer, director of the PPS and spokesman for the National Committee to support the prisoners, confirmed that events supporting the prisoners will continue and urged all the institutions to take part in these events.
Meanwhile, dozens of citizens staged today a sit-in in solidarity with Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails at Ibn Rushd Square in the center of al-Khalil, in the southern the West Bank.
Many national figures, MPs, families of prisoners and human rights organizations participated in the sit-in, called for by the PPS.
The protesters chanted slogans condemning the Israeli practices against the Palestinian detainees, including the repeated raids of their sections, the continued detention of the MPs and the policy of medical neglect.
Hundreds of school students in the city of Jenin have also staged a sit-in on Monday afternoon in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike.
For his part; the brother of the hunger striking captive Tarek Qa'dan called for supporting the striking prisoners until achieving their release and the end of the administrative detention file.
Jafar told his lawyer Fadi Obeidat that the prison administration has been deliberately pressuring the captives through the repeated searches of their rooms, in addition to the poor and difficult prison conditions. He confirmed that he will continue his hunger strike until the achievement of his demands, his legitimate rights and his freedom.
Captive Tarek Qa'dan told the lawyer Obeidat that the IPS has been exercising psychological pressure on the prisoners and threatening them to use force against them in order to oblige them halt the strike.
Hundreds of families of prisoners and national and human rights institutions representatives in the city of Nablus participated on Monday in a march in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli occupation jails, especially those on hunger strike.
The march was called for by the National Committee to support the prisoners in Nablus with the participation of Women General Union, a number of ex-detainees and delegations representing Nablus Municipality, Palestinian factions, Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) and the Ministry of Prisoners Affairs.
The demonstrators roamed the streets of Nablus chanting slogans that call for freeing the prisoners, and raising the hunger strikers' photos.
The captives' mothers called on the masses to support their sons and demanded the international community to press the Israeli government and force it to release all prisoners.
Raed Amer, director of the PPS and spokesman for the National Committee to support the prisoners, confirmed that events supporting the prisoners will continue and urged all the institutions to take part in these events.
Meanwhile, dozens of citizens staged today a sit-in in solidarity with Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails at Ibn Rushd Square in the center of al-Khalil, in the southern the West Bank.
Many national figures, MPs, families of prisoners and human rights organizations participated in the sit-in, called for by the PPS.
The protesters chanted slogans condemning the Israeli practices against the Palestinian detainees, including the repeated raids of their sections, the continued detention of the MPs and the policy of medical neglect.
Hundreds of school students in the city of Jenin have also staged a sit-in on Monday afternoon in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike.
For his part; the brother of the hunger striking captive Tarek Qa'dan called for supporting the striking prisoners until achieving their release and the end of the administrative detention file.
International campaign for the release of striking prisoners
The European network for the defense of Palestinian prisoners (UFree), based in Oslo, declared an international campaign for the support of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The campaign came in solidarity with the Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails, UFree said in its statement on Sunday.
The campaign, titled "Freedom and Justice for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails", called for the release of Palestinian prisoners who are on a hunger strike as their arrest is illegal as it’s the case with thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
UFree called on Egyptian President, Mohammad Morsi, to personally interfere to release those prisoners as they were released within the Shalit swap deal which was reached through Egyptian mediation on October 2011.
The human right network also called on Doctors Without Borders and the International Red Cross to promptly and immediately interfere to save the lives of Ayman and Samir and to expose Israeli flagrant violations, torture and inhumane treatment against Palestinian prisoners.
It urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to release striking prisoners in addition to sending an International commission to investigate torture practiced against Palestinian prisoners.
The campaign, titled "Freedom and Justice for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails", called for the release of Palestinian prisoners who are on a hunger strike as their arrest is illegal as it’s the case with thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
UFree called on Egyptian President, Mohammad Morsi, to personally interfere to release those prisoners as they were released within the Shalit swap deal which was reached through Egyptian mediation on October 2011.
The human right network also called on Doctors Without Borders and the International Red Cross to promptly and immediately interfere to save the lives of Ayman and Samir and to expose Israeli flagrant violations, torture and inhumane treatment against Palestinian prisoners.
It urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to release striking prisoners in addition to sending an International commission to investigate torture practiced against Palestinian prisoners.
IOF soldiers round up 40 Palestinians in the past 48 hours
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) nabbed 40 Palestinians in the past 48 hours including MPs and leaders in Hamas, statistics by the Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights said on Monday.
It said that the IOF was launching a large-scale arrest campaign in lines of citizens in various West Bank provinces focusing on Bethlehem, Al-Khalil, and Nablus.
The center charged that the campaign was primarily targeting Palestinian legitimacy topped by the legislative council in addition to impeding national reconciliation. It asked the Palestinian Authority to do whatever it has to do to confront such arrests.
It said that the IOF was launching a large-scale arrest campaign in lines of citizens in various West Bank provinces focusing on Bethlehem, Al-Khalil, and Nablus.
The center charged that the campaign was primarily targeting Palestinian legitimacy topped by the legislative council in addition to impeding national reconciliation. It asked the Palestinian Authority to do whatever it has to do to confront such arrests.
Captive Shaaban's family expresses concern about his health
The family of prisoner Youssef Shaaban, who had been on hunger strike for two months, expressed its concern about the deterioration of Youssef's health condition in light of the IPS's policy of medical neglect.
Prisoner Youssef's father told PIC's reporter on Sunday that although his son suffers from chronic conditions and needs health care, the occupation authorities keeps preventing his lawyer as well as a medical committee from visiting him.
He urged the human rights and medical organizations to visit his son and inform them about his health situation, especially after he had announced suspending his hunger strike after being informed that continuing it will cause him kidney failure.
Captive Shaaban, 32 from the town of Anin Western Jenin, had waged a hunger strike and was forced to halt it after two months due to kidney problems. He has been held in Megiddo prison instead of being transferred to Ramle prison Hospital.
Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights reported that the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been exposed to 22 raids of their sections during January, 2013.
The center confirmed that the raids included all the occupation's prisons, with a clear focus on Ashkelon prison which is located in the south of the occupied Palestinian territories.
For his part, Fuad al-Khuffash, Director of Ahrar Center, confirmed that the center has monitored and documented the Israeli violations represented in repeatedly storming and searching the prisoners' rooms, attacking the captives and transferring some of them to solitary confinement cells.
Kuffash noted that in Eshel prison in Be'er Sheva 27 prisoners have been transferred to the solitary confinement.
He appealed to human rights organizations to immediately intervene and file lawsuits against the Israeli occupation, which has been taking repressive measures against the Palestinian prisoners and violating the Geneva Convention and other international treaties.
Prisoner Youssef's father told PIC's reporter on Sunday that although his son suffers from chronic conditions and needs health care, the occupation authorities keeps preventing his lawyer as well as a medical committee from visiting him.
He urged the human rights and medical organizations to visit his son and inform them about his health situation, especially after he had announced suspending his hunger strike after being informed that continuing it will cause him kidney failure.
Captive Shaaban, 32 from the town of Anin Western Jenin, had waged a hunger strike and was forced to halt it after two months due to kidney problems. He has been held in Megiddo prison instead of being transferred to Ramle prison Hospital.
Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights reported that the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been exposed to 22 raids of their sections during January, 2013.
The center confirmed that the raids included all the occupation's prisons, with a clear focus on Ashkelon prison which is located in the south of the occupied Palestinian territories.
For his part, Fuad al-Khuffash, Director of Ahrar Center, confirmed that the center has monitored and documented the Israeli violations represented in repeatedly storming and searching the prisoners' rooms, attacking the captives and transferring some of them to solitary confinement cells.
Kuffash noted that in Eshel prison in Be'er Sheva 27 prisoners have been transferred to the solitary confinement.
He appealed to human rights organizations to immediately intervene and file lawsuits against the Israeli occupation, which has been taking repressive measures against the Palestinian prisoners and violating the Geneva Convention and other international treaties.
IOA releases mother of prisoner after detaining her along with his children
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) released the mother of a Palestinian prisoner at a late night hour on Sunday after detaining her for hours along with his two children.
Local sources said that 53-year-old Fathiya Abdulqader, from Jenin, was taken after visiting her son Rami Khanfar in the Negev prison.
They said that Israeli occupation forces took her and the two little girls to a police station for questioning.
The sources said the mother was interrogated under security pretexts, which, they said, were only meant to harass relatives of prisoners.
Khanfar, from Seelat Al-Dhaher village in Jenin, is serving a 15-year sentence.
Local sources said that 53-year-old Fathiya Abdulqader, from Jenin, was taken after visiting her son Rami Khanfar in the Negev prison.
They said that Israeli occupation forces took her and the two little girls to a police station for questioning.
The sources said the mother was interrogated under security pretexts, which, they said, were only meant to harass relatives of prisoners.
Khanfar, from Seelat Al-Dhaher village in Jenin, is serving a 15-year sentence.
IOF detains 23 MPs, activists in another spate of arrests in lines of Hamas
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) launched a large-scale arrest campaign in the West Bank at dawn Monday in lines of Hamas MPs and activists.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights, said that the IOF arrested, among others, the Jerusalemite MP Ahmed Attoun, who was exiled to Ramallah, and Al-Khalil MPs Hatem Qufaisha and Mohammed Al-Taal.
He said that the arrests did not spare Hamas leaders in Nablus Adnan Asfour and Bakir Bilal, in Ramallah Falah Nada, in Qalqilia Riyadh Al-Walwil, in Balata refugee camp Omar Al-Jabrini, along with other leaders and activists, including a university lecturer, in Nablus, Bethlehem, and Al-Khalil.
Khafsh pointed out that IOF forces also nabbed five activists in Qaryut village, south of Nablus.
The Ahrar director charged that the IOF arrests aimed at obstructing the Palestinian national reconciliation, and questioned the role of the Palestinian Authority vis-à-vis such arrests.
He asked the PA to adopt effective measures to check the Israeli drain of Palestinian activists in the West Bank, and appealed to the international human rights groups to assume their roles and expose the Israeli practices.
The Palestinian street had woken up this morning to news of the sweeping arrests and listened to the reports with apprehension and disgust.
Many citizens said that the arrests were aimed at meddling with the reconciliation process, pointing to the fact that most of those detained were among those championing the acceleration of reconciliation.
Human rights groups and societies catering for prisoners urged the world parliaments, especially the Arab parliaments, to intervene and check the Israeli repeated detention of MPs and to release all those held in detention without any legal justification.
Hamas warns of repercussions of arrests of Palestinian leaders
Hamas condemned the extensive campaign of arbitrary arrests carried out by IOF against the movement's leaders and MPs in various cities of the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces conducted an arrest sweep of Hamas-affiliated officials in the West Bank at dawn today, including 3 MPs, 7 leaders and 13 liberated captives and Hamas members.
The Islamic resistance movement held in a press statement on Monday the occupation fully responsible for the lives and safety of the MPs, icons and national leaders, and warned of the serious consequences of this campaign "aimed at weakening the role of the leaders of the Palestinian people and their steadfastness."
The movement stressed that these arrests "will not deter our people and its symbols and leaders from continuing to struggle, and will not affect their steadfastness and their determination."
It called on the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the humanitarian and human rights organizations to expose the occupation crimes committed against the Palestinian leaders, and to pressure Israel to stop its aggression against the Palestinian people, land and holy sites.
The Hamas leader, Rafat Nasif, told PIC that this arrests campaign represents an attempt by the occupation to disturb reconciliation efforts and the internal consensus and to destroy the infrastructure of Hamas in the West Bank.
For his part, Dr. Aziz Dweik, head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, condemned the campaign of arrests of MPs and leaders of the Hamas movement in the West Bank.
He told Quds Press on Monday that the occupation state aims, through arresting and targeting the people's representatives and leaders, to disrupt the internal Palestinian reconciliation efforts and widen the Palestinian internal division.
Meanwhile, Dr. Salah Bardawil, spokesman for Hamas parliamentary bloc, considered that campaign of arrests is clearly targeting the Palestinian reconciliation.
Bardawil held, in an exclusive statement to PIC, Ramallah authority responsible for these arrests in light of the ongoing security coordination with the occupation.
He added that all human rights bodies are also responsible for these arrests in light of their silence and their inaction towards the crimes of the Israeli occupation.
The Hamas leader stressed that the Palestinians will never give up their rights and called on Egypt to put pressure on Israel to release the detainees and abide by the truce agreement.
Khreisha champions reactivating PLC in response to Israeli arrests
Dr. Hassan Khreisha, the second deputy speaker of the Palestinian legislative council, has said that Israel was cloning its previous step of detaining Palestinian MPs to influence their effective role in the Palestinian arena. Khreisha told Quds Press on Monday that Israel was trying to obstruct the work of the PLC and retain the internal Palestinian division, adding that Israel was the only one benefitting from the present state of affairs and was seeking to maintain it.
The Tulkarem MP said that the best response to the Israeli step is to hold an urgent PLC session, adding that appeals and requests did not lead to the release of a single MP and the “Palestinians have to embark on a practical step to change the de facto situation”.
He expected more arrests to take place, possibly targeting leaders and activists of other factions. He advocated seriousness in achieving reconciliation, any further delay of which would give Israel a new opportunity to sabotage it.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights, said that the IOF arrested, among others, the Jerusalemite MP Ahmed Attoun, who was exiled to Ramallah, and Al-Khalil MPs Hatem Qufaisha and Mohammed Al-Taal.
He said that the arrests did not spare Hamas leaders in Nablus Adnan Asfour and Bakir Bilal, in Ramallah Falah Nada, in Qalqilia Riyadh Al-Walwil, in Balata refugee camp Omar Al-Jabrini, along with other leaders and activists, including a university lecturer, in Nablus, Bethlehem, and Al-Khalil.
Khafsh pointed out that IOF forces also nabbed five activists in Qaryut village, south of Nablus.
The Ahrar director charged that the IOF arrests aimed at obstructing the Palestinian national reconciliation, and questioned the role of the Palestinian Authority vis-à-vis such arrests.
He asked the PA to adopt effective measures to check the Israeli drain of Palestinian activists in the West Bank, and appealed to the international human rights groups to assume their roles and expose the Israeli practices.
The Palestinian street had woken up this morning to news of the sweeping arrests and listened to the reports with apprehension and disgust.
Many citizens said that the arrests were aimed at meddling with the reconciliation process, pointing to the fact that most of those detained were among those championing the acceleration of reconciliation.
Human rights groups and societies catering for prisoners urged the world parliaments, especially the Arab parliaments, to intervene and check the Israeli repeated detention of MPs and to release all those held in detention without any legal justification.
Hamas warns of repercussions of arrests of Palestinian leaders
Hamas condemned the extensive campaign of arbitrary arrests carried out by IOF against the movement's leaders and MPs in various cities of the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces conducted an arrest sweep of Hamas-affiliated officials in the West Bank at dawn today, including 3 MPs, 7 leaders and 13 liberated captives and Hamas members.
The Islamic resistance movement held in a press statement on Monday the occupation fully responsible for the lives and safety of the MPs, icons and national leaders, and warned of the serious consequences of this campaign "aimed at weakening the role of the leaders of the Palestinian people and their steadfastness."
The movement stressed that these arrests "will not deter our people and its symbols and leaders from continuing to struggle, and will not affect their steadfastness and their determination."
It called on the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the humanitarian and human rights organizations to expose the occupation crimes committed against the Palestinian leaders, and to pressure Israel to stop its aggression against the Palestinian people, land and holy sites.
The Hamas leader, Rafat Nasif, told PIC that this arrests campaign represents an attempt by the occupation to disturb reconciliation efforts and the internal consensus and to destroy the infrastructure of Hamas in the West Bank.
For his part, Dr. Aziz Dweik, head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, condemned the campaign of arrests of MPs and leaders of the Hamas movement in the West Bank.
He told Quds Press on Monday that the occupation state aims, through arresting and targeting the people's representatives and leaders, to disrupt the internal Palestinian reconciliation efforts and widen the Palestinian internal division.
Meanwhile, Dr. Salah Bardawil, spokesman for Hamas parliamentary bloc, considered that campaign of arrests is clearly targeting the Palestinian reconciliation.
Bardawil held, in an exclusive statement to PIC, Ramallah authority responsible for these arrests in light of the ongoing security coordination with the occupation.
He added that all human rights bodies are also responsible for these arrests in light of their silence and their inaction towards the crimes of the Israeli occupation.
The Hamas leader stressed that the Palestinians will never give up their rights and called on Egypt to put pressure on Israel to release the detainees and abide by the truce agreement.
Khreisha champions reactivating PLC in response to Israeli arrests
Dr. Hassan Khreisha, the second deputy speaker of the Palestinian legislative council, has said that Israel was cloning its previous step of detaining Palestinian MPs to influence their effective role in the Palestinian arena. Khreisha told Quds Press on Monday that Israel was trying to obstruct the work of the PLC and retain the internal Palestinian division, adding that Israel was the only one benefitting from the present state of affairs and was seeking to maintain it.
The Tulkarem MP said that the best response to the Israeli step is to hold an urgent PLC session, adding that appeals and requests did not lead to the release of a single MP and the “Palestinians have to embark on a practical step to change the de facto situation”.
He expected more arrests to take place, possibly targeting leaders and activists of other factions. He advocated seriousness in achieving reconciliation, any further delay of which would give Israel a new opportunity to sabotage it.
IOA detains son of MP on return from abroad
MP Nayef Al-Rejoub
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) detained Hudhaifa, the eldest son of detained MP Nayef Al-Rejoub, on his return from studying abroad via Jordan. The Rejoub family said that the IOA detained Hudhaifa Sunday afternoon at the bridge linking Jordan to the occupied West Bank and took him to Ofer jail, west of Ramallah.
They said that Hudhaifa had completed his MSc in engineering in the United Arab Emirates three days earlier and was on his way to his hometown of Dura in Al-Khalil.
The father, MP Nayef Rejoub is held in the Israeli Negev jail under administrative detention, without trial or charge. Rejoub was detained twice after his election as MP, in the first time he served 54 months and in the second he spent 24 months and he is still in detention. He enjoyed freedom for six months only since his election in 2006.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) detained Hudhaifa, the eldest son of detained MP Nayef Al-Rejoub, on his return from studying abroad via Jordan. The Rejoub family said that the IOA detained Hudhaifa Sunday afternoon at the bridge linking Jordan to the occupied West Bank and took him to Ofer jail, west of Ramallah.
They said that Hudhaifa had completed his MSc in engineering in the United Arab Emirates three days earlier and was on his way to his hometown of Dura in Al-Khalil.
The father, MP Nayef Rejoub is held in the Israeli Negev jail under administrative detention, without trial or charge. Rejoub was detained twice after his election as MP, in the first time he served 54 months and in the second he spent 24 months and he is still in detention. He enjoyed freedom for six months only since his election in 2006.
3 feb 2013
Occupation sentences 8 children to imprisonment
Ofer Court in the west of Ramallah sentenced to imprisonment eight children from the town of Beit Ummar, north of al-Khalil, on Sunday.
Mohammed Awad, the spokesman for the Popular Committee in Beit Ummar village, told PIC that the prison sentences issued against the eight children range between 11 and 18 months, in addition to paying financial fines.
He added that the occupation forces have arrested the children in March last year on charge of throwing stones at settlers’ vehicles.
Mohammed Awad, the spokesman for the Popular Committee in Beit Ummar village, told PIC that the prison sentences issued against the eight children range between 11 and 18 months, in addition to paying financial fines.
He added that the occupation forces have arrested the children in March last year on charge of throwing stones at settlers’ vehicles.
Israeli intelligence claims arresting Jihad cell planning to kidnap soldiers
Suspects, from right, clockwise: Yusef Warda, Anas Jabarin, Tawfiq Agbariya, Said Jassr
The Israeli Shabak, the counterintelligence agency, claimed on Sunday that a cell affiliated with Islamic Jihad movement was arrested. A Hebrew website quoted the Shabak as saying that the cell consisted of seven members, five of them from Jenin, and two from 1948 occupied Palestine.
It said that the cell members were detained at the start of 2013 and were planning to capture Israeli soldiers to exchange them for Palestinian prisoners.
The Shabak claimed that adhesive tapes, ropes, a plastic pistol and other tools were found in the possession of those cell members that were supposed to be used in the kidnap operation, adding that they would be indicted soon.
Shin Bet nabs Islamic Jihad cell plotting to kidnap Israelis
Israeli Arab and two Palestinians detained at road block in Sharon region; additional Israeli Arab suspected of purchasing weapons on behalf of cell.
Three members of an Islamic Jihad cell have confessed to plotting to kidnap an Israeli soldier or civilian around New Year’s Eve, according to information from Israeli security forces that was released yesterday.
After a gag order on the case was lifted, it emerged that three members of the cell uncovered by the Shin Bet security service and Israel Police were taken into custody just after midnight on New Year’s Eve at a checkpoint at Eyal Junction in the Sharon region, based on an intelligence tip.
The suspects − Yusef Warda from the Israeli Arab town of Tira, and Tawfiq Agbariya and Said Jassr from the West Bank city of Jenin − told investigators they had scoured local hitchhiking stations in late December, with the intention of finding a soldier to kidnap.
A Shin Bet investigation revealed that the three had intended to smuggle the abductee into Jenin to be used as a negotiating chip for the release of Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel.
Warda and another Israeli citizen, Anas Jabarin from Umm al-Fahm, who is suspected of knowingly providing the cell with weapons and lodging, were set to be indicted yesterday on charges of making contact with a foreign agent and terror group, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Jabarin was also to be charged with weapons violations.
The Israeli Shabak, the counterintelligence agency, claimed on Sunday that a cell affiliated with Islamic Jihad movement was arrested. A Hebrew website quoted the Shabak as saying that the cell consisted of seven members, five of them from Jenin, and two from 1948 occupied Palestine.
It said that the cell members were detained at the start of 2013 and were planning to capture Israeli soldiers to exchange them for Palestinian prisoners.
The Shabak claimed that adhesive tapes, ropes, a plastic pistol and other tools were found in the possession of those cell members that were supposed to be used in the kidnap operation, adding that they would be indicted soon.
Shin Bet nabs Islamic Jihad cell plotting to kidnap Israelis
Israeli Arab and two Palestinians detained at road block in Sharon region; additional Israeli Arab suspected of purchasing weapons on behalf of cell.
Three members of an Islamic Jihad cell have confessed to plotting to kidnap an Israeli soldier or civilian around New Year’s Eve, according to information from Israeli security forces that was released yesterday.
After a gag order on the case was lifted, it emerged that three members of the cell uncovered by the Shin Bet security service and Israel Police were taken into custody just after midnight on New Year’s Eve at a checkpoint at Eyal Junction in the Sharon region, based on an intelligence tip.
The suspects − Yusef Warda from the Israeli Arab town of Tira, and Tawfiq Agbariya and Said Jassr from the West Bank city of Jenin − told investigators they had scoured local hitchhiking stations in late December, with the intention of finding a soldier to kidnap.
A Shin Bet investigation revealed that the three had intended to smuggle the abductee into Jenin to be used as a negotiating chip for the release of Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel.
Warda and another Israeli citizen, Anas Jabarin from Umm al-Fahm, who is suspected of knowingly providing the cell with weapons and lodging, were set to be indicted yesterday on charges of making contact with a foreign agent and terror group, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Jabarin was also to be charged with weapons violations.
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The car used by the suspects after being detained by the Shin Bet
After their arrest, Warda, Agbariya and Jassr told investigators they offered a group of soldiers and civilians a ride, but no one took them up on it. They adjusted their plan and were seeking to abduct a civilian on New Year’s Eve, on the assumption that it would be easier to kidnap someone who had been drinking alcohol, according to the indictment. |
The operation appears to have been organized and funded by an Islamic Jihad operative in Jenin named Majbdi, the brother of one of the two Palestinian suspects.
Detectives from a special police unit found handcuffs, a toy gun, a utility knife, duct tape and a ski cap in the suspects’ car.
Eight other Palestinians from Jenin have been arrested on charges of failing to report the abduction plot.
Security forces learned of the cell’s existence after hearing of a different plot to kidnap a soldier, which turned out to be false. When they stationed soldiers at roadblocks to investigate that report, the details of this case came to light.
In recent months, the Shin Bet has disclosed several attempts to abduct Israeli civilians, but all of those suspected terror cells were taken into custody before they could embark on the operation. The current incident is out of the ordinary because, security forces say, the cell had already begun attempting to carry out the planned abductions, and because they were caught in Israel.
Last month, a cell affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine was uncovered in Ramallah. Security forces said it was also plotting to abduct Israelis.
Officers from the IDF Central Command said that nearly every terrorist in the West Bank, even the most amateur among them, was plotting to kidnap Israelis.
Detectives from a special police unit found handcuffs, a toy gun, a utility knife, duct tape and a ski cap in the suspects’ car.
Eight other Palestinians from Jenin have been arrested on charges of failing to report the abduction plot.
Security forces learned of the cell’s existence after hearing of a different plot to kidnap a soldier, which turned out to be false. When they stationed soldiers at roadblocks to investigate that report, the details of this case came to light.
In recent months, the Shin Bet has disclosed several attempts to abduct Israeli civilians, but all of those suspected terror cells were taken into custody before they could embark on the operation. The current incident is out of the ordinary because, security forces say, the cell had already begun attempting to carry out the planned abductions, and because they were caught in Israel.
Last month, a cell affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine was uncovered in Ramallah. Security forces said it was also plotting to abduct Israelis.
Officers from the IDF Central Command said that nearly every terrorist in the West Bank, even the most amateur among them, was plotting to kidnap Israelis.
Waed: occupation still prevents visits of a number of prisoners' families
Waed Society for prisoners and ex-prisoners said that the forces of the IPS continue to prevent a number of prisoners' families from visiting their sons in the Israeli occupation jails.
Waed Society pointed in a statement on Sunday that the visits program, which had been suspended for six years, was resumed after the mass hunger strike that was waged by the prisoners in May last year and lasted nearly a month. The IPS started allowing family visits for some prisoners, but a number of other captives' families are still not allowed to visit their detained sons.
It added that the occupation authorities have not informed the families who had already visited their sons about the dates of the next visit, which is against the most basic international humanitarian laws.
It also stated that only some first-degree family members (father, mother and wife) are allowed to visit the captives, while the children are still not allowed to visit their detained fathers in Israeli jails.
Waed demanded the International Committee of the Red Cross, which monitors the implementation mechanism of the program of visits, to show a clear attitude facing such Israeli repeated violations.
Waed Society pointed in a statement on Sunday that the visits program, which had been suspended for six years, was resumed after the mass hunger strike that was waged by the prisoners in May last year and lasted nearly a month. The IPS started allowing family visits for some prisoners, but a number of other captives' families are still not allowed to visit their detained sons.
It added that the occupation authorities have not informed the families who had already visited their sons about the dates of the next visit, which is against the most basic international humanitarian laws.
It also stated that only some first-degree family members (father, mother and wife) are allowed to visit the captives, while the children are still not allowed to visit their detained fathers in Israeli jails.
Waed demanded the International Committee of the Red Cross, which monitors the implementation mechanism of the program of visits, to show a clear attitude facing such Israeli repeated violations.
Ramla jailers bar int'l medical delegation from visiting hunger strikers
The Israeli administration of the Ramla jail infirmary prevented an international medical delegation from visiting the Palestinian hunger strikers without giving reasons.
The Palestinian prisoner committee said the medical delegation was supposed to assess the health conditions of the hunger strikers and patients in the infirmary and work on providing their medication needs.
The committee also expressed in a press release its grave concern over the Israeli decision to return the hunger strikers from the infirmary to their cells, despite their need for continuous medical care according to the recommendations of doctors.
In another incident, the Israeli jailers transferred prisoner Bassam Diyab, from Kafr Ra'ei village in Jenin, to administrative detention for six months.
Diyab, 29, was jailed at the pretext of his participation in prisoner solidarity events.
In a related context, the assembly of the Palestinian trade unions in Gaza called on international and UN organizations to urgently intervene to end the suffering of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
"The Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are living inhumanly and in a way contradicting all international laws and treaties, which protect the prisoner the right to a decent human life," the assembly stressed in a press release.
It added that the health conditions of many hunger strikers have deteriorated very badly and they could die any moment, holding Israel fully responsible for any repercussions that may result from their death.
The Palestinian prisoner committee said the medical delegation was supposed to assess the health conditions of the hunger strikers and patients in the infirmary and work on providing their medication needs.
The committee also expressed in a press release its grave concern over the Israeli decision to return the hunger strikers from the infirmary to their cells, despite their need for continuous medical care according to the recommendations of doctors.
In another incident, the Israeli jailers transferred prisoner Bassam Diyab, from Kafr Ra'ei village in Jenin, to administrative detention for six months.
Diyab, 29, was jailed at the pretext of his participation in prisoner solidarity events.
In a related context, the assembly of the Palestinian trade unions in Gaza called on international and UN organizations to urgently intervene to end the suffering of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
"The Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails are living inhumanly and in a way contradicting all international laws and treaties, which protect the prisoner the right to a decent human life," the assembly stressed in a press release.
It added that the health conditions of many hunger strikers have deteriorated very badly and they could die any moment, holding Israel fully responsible for any repercussions that may result from their death.
Five Jerusalemites detained in Silwan confrontations
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested five Jerusalemites at dawn Sunday in Silwan town after violent confrontations with inhabitants.
Suleiman Al-Abbasi, a member of the committee for the defense of Silwan land, said that IOF soldiers stormed the town and served dozens of demolition notifications.
He said that citizens, angry with the notifications, engaged the soldiers in violent clashes that ended with the arrest of five Jerusalemites.
Suleiman Al-Abbasi, a member of the committee for the defense of Silwan land, said that IOF soldiers stormed the town and served dozens of demolition notifications.
He said that citizens, angry with the notifications, engaged the soldiers in violent clashes that ended with the arrest of five Jerusalemites.
IOF soldiers round up 11 citizens in Bethlehem village
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up 11 Palestinians in Beit Fajjar village in Bethlehem province at dawn Sunday.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers broke into citizens houses and arrested the 11 young men.
They identified the detainees, noting that five of them are teenagers.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers broke into citizens houses and arrested the 11 young men.
They identified the detainees, noting that five of them are teenagers.
Night march in Arraba town in solidarity with hunger strikers
Dozens of Palestinians participated on Sunday night in a march in Arraba town south of Jenin city in solidarity with the hunger strikers in Israeli jails.
According to the Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in the city, the relatives of hunger strikers Tarek Qaadan and Jafar Izadein invited through loudspeakers all families of prisoners to take part in the congregational prayer that was held after the night-time prayer to supplicate God to save their sons from the yoke of Israeli jails.
Following the prayers, the Palestinian masses led by some parents and relatives of hunger strikers marched from the grand Mosque across Arraba town chanting slogans and prayers in support of the hunger strikers.
During the march, the participants stopped outside the house of Umm Hamza, who has been on hunger strike for 38 days in solidarity with her striking husband Jafar Izadein.
After standing for a while in supplication to God outside the house, the participants marched towards the sit-in tent near the house of hunger striker Tareq Qaadan.
Muawiya, the brother of Tareq Qaadan, stated that this night march was an indication that the patience of families started to run out and their worries about the lives of their sons increased following reports on their serious health conditions.
According to the Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in the city, the relatives of hunger strikers Tarek Qaadan and Jafar Izadein invited through loudspeakers all families of prisoners to take part in the congregational prayer that was held after the night-time prayer to supplicate God to save their sons from the yoke of Israeli jails.
Following the prayers, the Palestinian masses led by some parents and relatives of hunger strikers marched from the grand Mosque across Arraba town chanting slogans and prayers in support of the hunger strikers.
During the march, the participants stopped outside the house of Umm Hamza, who has been on hunger strike for 38 days in solidarity with her striking husband Jafar Izadein.
After standing for a while in supplication to God outside the house, the participants marched towards the sit-in tent near the house of hunger striker Tareq Qaadan.
Muawiya, the brother of Tareq Qaadan, stated that this night march was an indication that the patience of families started to run out and their worries about the lives of their sons increased following reports on their serious health conditions.
2 feb 2013
Israeli military units break into the Negev prison
Israeli special military units stormed the Negev desert prison for the fifth consecutive time over the past ten days, and attacked the Palestinian prisoners.
Palestine Prisoners Center for Studies said in a press statement on Saturday that the military forces have raided, late Friday night, Section 8 in the Negev prison and launched search campaigns in the rooms of prisoners.
The center pointed out that the Israeli forces closed the section and isolated it from the rest of the prison's sections. They also transferred the administrative detainee Shadi Shehadeh, 27, to solitary confinement under false pretenses.
The Israeli occupation forces had carried out, during the past few days, four previous break-ins in the Negev prison, two of which targeted Section 8 and resulted in transferring three of its prisoners to solitary confinement and confiscating the prisoners' electric appliances.
Palestine Prisoners Center for Studies said in a press statement on Saturday that the military forces have raided, late Friday night, Section 8 in the Negev prison and launched search campaigns in the rooms of prisoners.
The center pointed out that the Israeli forces closed the section and isolated it from the rest of the prison's sections. They also transferred the administrative detainee Shadi Shehadeh, 27, to solitary confinement under false pretenses.
The Israeli occupation forces had carried out, during the past few days, four previous break-ins in the Negev prison, two of which targeted Section 8 and resulted in transferring three of its prisoners to solitary confinement and confiscating the prisoners' electric appliances.
Qaraqe: Egypt makes intensive efforts to save striking prisoners' lives
Issa Qaraqe, Minister of Prisoners' Affairs and Ex-prisoners in Ramallah, said that Egypt has been making intensive efforts in the last few hours to save lives of hunger striking prisoners whose health conditions have gravely deteriorated.
Qaraqe said that contacts are under way between the Israeli and the Egyptian sides to find a solution to the issue of the hunger striking prisoners (Samer al-Issawi, Tarek Qa'dan, Ayman Sharawna and Jafar Ezzedine), meet their demands and save their lives.
He emphasized, during a speech he delivered at the Festival of reception of the Jerusalemite ex-captive Jihad al-Obeidi in the city of Ramallah, that Israel has been violating all international values and principles and neglecting the lives of the hunger strikers.
For his part; Obeidi said during the festival that the prisoners need support as they have been subjected to an unprecedented attack. He has also expected that the prisoners will soon launch a new battle in light of the ongoing violations against them.
The liberated prisoner called on the Palestinian leadership to insist on releasing the prisoners, especially the patients, the MPs and the political leaders.
Qaraqe said that contacts are under way between the Israeli and the Egyptian sides to find a solution to the issue of the hunger striking prisoners (Samer al-Issawi, Tarek Qa'dan, Ayman Sharawna and Jafar Ezzedine), meet their demands and save their lives.
He emphasized, during a speech he delivered at the Festival of reception of the Jerusalemite ex-captive Jihad al-Obeidi in the city of Ramallah, that Israel has been violating all international values and principles and neglecting the lives of the hunger strikers.
For his part; Obeidi said during the festival that the prisoners need support as they have been subjected to an unprecedented attack. He has also expected that the prisoners will soon launch a new battle in light of the ongoing violations against them.
The liberated prisoner called on the Palestinian leadership to insist on releasing the prisoners, especially the patients, the MPs and the political leaders.
Ministry of prisoners: 4,750 detainees in Israeli jails, including 198 kids
The Palestinian ministry of prisoners' affairs said the number of prisoners detained in Israeli jails rose at the end of January to 4,750 detainees, including 198 minors and children.
According to a report released by its statistics department, the majority of the prisoners, 82.5 percent, are from the West Bank, while 9.6 percent of them are from the Gaza Strip, and the rest are from Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied territories.
All of them are held in about 17 detention centers and prisons.
The report stated that there are 186 Palestinians detained administratively without any charges or trials. It said that 12 women are still held in Israeli jails, the oldest of them is Lina Jerboni who has been in jail for 11 years.
Among the prisoners as well, there are 12 Palestinian lawmakers, three former ministers and dozens of teachers and political figures.
The report pointed out that the number of patients in Israeli jails increased to 1,400 prisoners, many of them suffer from serious health problems.
According to a report released by its statistics department, the majority of the prisoners, 82.5 percent, are from the West Bank, while 9.6 percent of them are from the Gaza Strip, and the rest are from Jerusalem and the 1948 occupied territories.
All of them are held in about 17 detention centers and prisons.
The report stated that there are 186 Palestinians detained administratively without any charges or trials. It said that 12 women are still held in Israeli jails, the oldest of them is Lina Jerboni who has been in jail for 11 years.
Among the prisoners as well, there are 12 Palestinian lawmakers, three former ministers and dozens of teachers and political figures.
The report pointed out that the number of patients in Israeli jails increased to 1,400 prisoners, many of them suffer from serious health problems.
1 feb 2013
Attacks Continue Against Silwan
For the second day in a row, Israeli soldiers and policemen continued their campaign in Silwan town, in occupied East Jerusalem. The army broke into homes and stores, and kidnapped a number of residents.
Soldiers, policemen, and personnel of the tax department in the city, started their campaign on Thursday morning, and installed several roadblocks at the entrances the neighborhoods of Be’er Ayyoub, Wadi Al-Rababa, Ein Al-Lowza, Al-Bustan, Ath-Thoury, Al-Abbasiyya, Wadi Hilweh, and Al-Ein.
They searched dozens of vehicles causing huge traffic jams, especially in the morning hours and at noon.
Policemen also ticketed dozens of drivers after searching their cars and inspecting them, while personnel of the revenue department inspected their files.
On Thursday evening, the army kidnapped three Palestinian youths in Silwan, including one who carried a West Bank ID card.
They were kidnapped at the military roadblock in Wadi Al-Rababa. The two have been identified as Sa’id Al-Tawil and Shihab Abu Rmeila.
Jawad Siyam, head of the Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan reported that a similar campaign was carried out for a month in the Al-Esawiyya town, in East Jerusalem, adding that the army kidnapped dozens of residents, including women and children; four residents are still imprisoned.
Siyam stated that the arrests are arbitrary, without any cause or warrant, and that the army also broke into dozens of stores and homes, and repeatedly shutoff water pipes leaving the town without water.
Siyam also stated that the ongoing attacks are acts of collective punishment practiced against the residents, and that there is an Israeli special task force that repeatedly invades and attacks Jerusalem villages and towns that protest the ongoing Israeli settlement activities, the illegal confiscation of Palestinian lands and the ongoing arrests.
On Thursday evening, Israeli soldiers kidnapped two Palestinians in Silwan and took them to a nearby detention center. The two have been identified as Sa’id Tawil and Shihab Abu Rmeila.
In related news, the District Court in Jerusalem extended remand of several Palestinians, including a number of children. Dozens of youths and children were kidnapped last month during repeated invasions and attacks carried out by the police in Silwan.
Soldiers, policemen, and personnel of the tax department in the city, started their campaign on Thursday morning, and installed several roadblocks at the entrances the neighborhoods of Be’er Ayyoub, Wadi Al-Rababa, Ein Al-Lowza, Al-Bustan, Ath-Thoury, Al-Abbasiyya, Wadi Hilweh, and Al-Ein.
They searched dozens of vehicles causing huge traffic jams, especially in the morning hours and at noon.
Policemen also ticketed dozens of drivers after searching their cars and inspecting them, while personnel of the revenue department inspected their files.
On Thursday evening, the army kidnapped three Palestinian youths in Silwan, including one who carried a West Bank ID card.
They were kidnapped at the military roadblock in Wadi Al-Rababa. The two have been identified as Sa’id Al-Tawil and Shihab Abu Rmeila.
Jawad Siyam, head of the Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan reported that a similar campaign was carried out for a month in the Al-Esawiyya town, in East Jerusalem, adding that the army kidnapped dozens of residents, including women and children; four residents are still imprisoned.
Siyam stated that the arrests are arbitrary, without any cause or warrant, and that the army also broke into dozens of stores and homes, and repeatedly shutoff water pipes leaving the town without water.
Siyam also stated that the ongoing attacks are acts of collective punishment practiced against the residents, and that there is an Israeli special task force that repeatedly invades and attacks Jerusalem villages and towns that protest the ongoing Israeli settlement activities, the illegal confiscation of Palestinian lands and the ongoing arrests.
On Thursday evening, Israeli soldiers kidnapped two Palestinians in Silwan and took them to a nearby detention center. The two have been identified as Sa’id Tawil and Shihab Abu Rmeila.
In related news, the District Court in Jerusalem extended remand of several Palestinians, including a number of children. Dozens of youths and children were kidnapped last month during repeated invasions and attacks carried out by the police in Silwan.
Female Prisoner sentenced to 3 Months
An Israeli military court sentenced the female prisoner, Eman Mustafa Bani Odeh from Tubas, 20, to 3 months in prison and to pay a fine of 3000 NIS.
Ahrar center for Prisoners studies and human rights has quoted her family as saying that Eman is detained in Hasharon prison for 3 months after postponing her trial several times.
Fuad Alkhuffash the center’s director said that it is important to release all the female prisoners who are living in harsh conditions and some of them suffer health problems and receive no treatment.
The prisoner Eman Bani Odeh was arrested in 07/12/2012. She is a university student at the Arab American University in medical analysis faculty and she is the sister of the prisoner Anas Bani Odeh, who was released on 18/01/2013 after spending two months in detention and a fine of 5000 NIS, according to the center
Ahrar center for Prisoners studies and human rights has quoted her family as saying that Eman is detained in Hasharon prison for 3 months after postponing her trial several times.
Fuad Alkhuffash the center’s director said that it is important to release all the female prisoners who are living in harsh conditions and some of them suffer health problems and receive no treatment.
The prisoner Eman Bani Odeh was arrested in 07/12/2012. She is a university student at the Arab American University in medical analysis faculty and she is the sister of the prisoner Anas Bani Odeh, who was released on 18/01/2013 after spending two months in detention and a fine of 5000 NIS, according to the center
Trial of 10 prisoners from Qaryut postponed
Salem military court postponed on Thursday the trial of 10 youths from the town of Qaryut near the city of Nablus, after spending two months in Israeli jails.
The father of prisoner Aysar Moneer Ayesh, 21, told Ahrar center for Prisoners studies and human rights that the court postponed the trial to February.
"All ten prisoners’ families were inside the court and we talked to our sons, then they got us out of the hall and returned the prisoners to their prisons," he added.
For his part, Fuad Al-Khuffash, the head of the Ahrar Center, denounced the detention of ten youths whose ages are between (17-23) years and some of them are students who were deprived of completing their education and sitting the exams.
The Israeli occupation arrested the ten youths in November and December, for throwing stones, and participating in marches against the apartheid wall, and settlement.
The father of prisoner Aysar Moneer Ayesh, 21, told Ahrar center for Prisoners studies and human rights that the court postponed the trial to February.
"All ten prisoners’ families were inside the court and we talked to our sons, then they got us out of the hall and returned the prisoners to their prisons," he added.
For his part, Fuad Al-Khuffash, the head of the Ahrar Center, denounced the detention of ten youths whose ages are between (17-23) years and some of them are students who were deprived of completing their education and sitting the exams.
The Israeli occupation arrested the ten youths in November and December, for throwing stones, and participating in marches against the apartheid wall, and settlement.
IOF Troops Arrest a Palestinian Activist from Hebron
Israeli occupation forces arrested a Palestinian from the village of Yatta and set military checkpoints in Hebron governorate.
Coordinator of Popular Committee to Resist Apartheid Wall and Settlement in Yatta, Rateb al-Jbour, told WAFA that the Israeli forces arrested an activist in the popular committees, Mufdi Ahmad Jabriel Rab'I, 45, from al-Twani village, east of Yatta.
Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods and villages in Hebron and set several military checkpoints at the main entrances of Hahoul and Samou' villages, searched Palestinians' vehicles and checked their IDs.
Coordinator of Popular Committee to Resist Apartheid Wall and Settlement in Yatta, Rateb al-Jbour, told WAFA that the Israeli forces arrested an activist in the popular committees, Mufdi Ahmad Jabriel Rab'I, 45, from al-Twani village, east of Yatta.
Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods and villages in Hebron and set several military checkpoints at the main entrances of Hahoul and Samou' villages, searched Palestinians' vehicles and checked their IDs.
Shin Bet claims the arrest of a Qassam cell in al-Khalil
Shin Bet claimed on Thursday the arrest of a cell belonging to Hamas's military wing al-Qassam Brigades in southern al-Khalil, Hebrew media reported.
The sources claimed that the Shin Bet uncovered al-Qassam brigades' plans in al-Khalil after the arrest of twenty Palestinians, mostly liberated prisoners.
The arrest campaign was carried out in several areas in the areas of Al Fawwar, Tarqumiya, Dura, the city of al-Khalil, and other villages, in addition to the confiscation of more of 10 pieces of firearms and bullets and some military items.
The Israeli newspapers reported the names of the detainees, pointing out that the cell's aim was "to carry out an abduction of Israelis as a means to free Palestinian prisoners."
The Israeli occupation forces have launched an arrest campaign in October and November of last year targeting dozens of Hamas supporters and leaders in al-Khalil, where they were interrogated and turned to administrative detention.
The sources claimed that the Shin Bet uncovered al-Qassam brigades' plans in al-Khalil after the arrest of twenty Palestinians, mostly liberated prisoners.
The arrest campaign was carried out in several areas in the areas of Al Fawwar, Tarqumiya, Dura, the city of al-Khalil, and other villages, in addition to the confiscation of more of 10 pieces of firearms and bullets and some military items.
The Israeli newspapers reported the names of the detainees, pointing out that the cell's aim was "to carry out an abduction of Israelis as a means to free Palestinian prisoners."
The Israeli occupation forces have launched an arrest campaign in October and November of last year targeting dozens of Hamas supporters and leaders in al-Khalil, where they were interrogated and turned to administrative detention.
Israeli Forces Arrest Two Brothers in Bethlehem
Israeli occupation forces arrested at dawn, two brothers from Bethlehem in the West Bank.
Security source to Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, that the Israeli soldiers arrested Ahmad Khader Masalmeh, 20, and his brother Ismael, 19, after the soldiers raided their house in al-Fawaghreh neighborhood in Bethlehem.
Security source to Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, that the Israeli soldiers arrested Ahmad Khader Masalmeh, 20, and his brother Ismael, 19, after the soldiers raided their house in al-Fawaghreh neighborhood in Bethlehem.
Prisoners Continue Hunger Strikes Despite Deteriorating Health
Six Palestinian prisoners remain on a hunger strike. The strike has continued for so long that the lives of some of the hunger strikers are now at serious risk, said a report by the Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association “Addameer” on Thursday, 31 January.
Samer Issawi is one of the prisoners on a hunger strike. He has been on this strike since August 1 and, according to Addameer’s lawyer, who visited Ramleh prison clinic, Issawi is continuing despite severe deterioration in his health.
The lawyer said that Issawi is gradually losing the ability to move without help; he stopped drinking water nine days ago, which led to a rise in his body’s temperature, to about 41 degrees. He was transferred to a hospital but refused to receive treatment and used only a damp cloth to cool his temperature.
The doctor from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that Issawi’s health is at risk and he might suffer sudden cardiac arrest or kidney failure.
In its report, Addameer stated that its lawyer was not able to meet Ayman Sharawna, another striking prisoner, as he was transferred to an unknown destination.
Sharawna resumed his hunger strike 10 days ago, according to Addameer.
The report said that Tareq Qadan and Jafar Azzidine, who are both administrative detainees, have been hunger striking since October 28 to protest their detention without charge or trial.
Qadan and Azzidine are suffering from severe pain in the kidneys, back, joints and muscles as well as pain in their eyes, severe headaches and constant nausea, said Addameer.
Meanwhile, Akram Rikhawi continued his hunger strike amid attempts by the Israeli prison’s administration to break his spirits by misleading him about the day of his release.
The report said that Rikhawi suffered low blood sugar, which led him to start taking IV fluids. His brother, Shadi, now continues his hunger strike in solidarity.
Addameer called on the Egyptian broker of the prisoners’ swap deal to immediately intervene to save the lives of striking prisoners, as well as to pressure Israel to release the prisoners who were rearrested and release sick prisoners and detainees in the Ramleh clinic.
A mass rally in Gaza in solidarity with prisoners
Several national and Islamic factions organized on Friday afternoon a mass rally in the northern Gaza Strip in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The demonstrators marched after noon prayers from al-Awda Mosque in Jabaliya and roamed the streets of the city chanting slogans denouncing the Israeli Prison Service's policies and urging Arab and international support to end the suffering of Palestinian prisoners.
Mustafa al-Duqs, member of the central leadership of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said in a speech he delivered during the rally that the prisoners are the key symbol of the conflict at this stage and that the hunger striking detainees were paying the price for defending Palestinians' homeland and freedom.
Al-Duqs urged the resistance factions to take the initiative and use all available and possible means to free all the prisoners.
He also stressed the need to activate the issue of prisoners by launching solidarity campaigns supporting them.
Sit-in in solidarity with the striking prisoners in Jenin
The Palestinian Dentists' union has organized, in Jenin on Thursday, a sit-in in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in front of the central protest tent in the city, stressing the need for immediate action to save the prisoners' lives. "The prisoners are subjected to various kinds of psychological and physical torture that requires national solidarity and unity in dealing with their cause," head of the union in Jenin Imad al-Ghoul stated.
He stressed that the union will not stop organizing solidarity activities until their release as part of the society's duty towards them, stressing the need to restore national unity and to activate the prisoners' issue.
Jerusalem: sit-in in solidarity with striking prisoners
Many prisoners' families has organized a sit-in in Jerusalem outside the headquarters of the Red Cross, at Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike. The participants raised the pictures of prisoners on hunger strike especially the prisoners Samer Issawi, 192 days on hunger strike, demanding their immediate release.
The participants stressed their solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, calling for continuing supportive activities to the prisoners' issue until their release.
We are here to support our heroic prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the hunger strikers, said Nasser Aws, head of PPS in Jerusalem, pointing out the seriousness of Samer Issawi's health condition that requires an immediate intervention to save his life.
Samer Issawi is one of the prisoners on a hunger strike. He has been on this strike since August 1 and, according to Addameer’s lawyer, who visited Ramleh prison clinic, Issawi is continuing despite severe deterioration in his health.
The lawyer said that Issawi is gradually losing the ability to move without help; he stopped drinking water nine days ago, which led to a rise in his body’s temperature, to about 41 degrees. He was transferred to a hospital but refused to receive treatment and used only a damp cloth to cool his temperature.
The doctor from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that Issawi’s health is at risk and he might suffer sudden cardiac arrest or kidney failure.
In its report, Addameer stated that its lawyer was not able to meet Ayman Sharawna, another striking prisoner, as he was transferred to an unknown destination.
Sharawna resumed his hunger strike 10 days ago, according to Addameer.
The report said that Tareq Qadan and Jafar Azzidine, who are both administrative detainees, have been hunger striking since October 28 to protest their detention without charge or trial.
Qadan and Azzidine are suffering from severe pain in the kidneys, back, joints and muscles as well as pain in their eyes, severe headaches and constant nausea, said Addameer.
Meanwhile, Akram Rikhawi continued his hunger strike amid attempts by the Israeli prison’s administration to break his spirits by misleading him about the day of his release.
The report said that Rikhawi suffered low blood sugar, which led him to start taking IV fluids. His brother, Shadi, now continues his hunger strike in solidarity.
Addameer called on the Egyptian broker of the prisoners’ swap deal to immediately intervene to save the lives of striking prisoners, as well as to pressure Israel to release the prisoners who were rearrested and release sick prisoners and detainees in the Ramleh clinic.
A mass rally in Gaza in solidarity with prisoners
Several national and Islamic factions organized on Friday afternoon a mass rally in the northern Gaza Strip in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The demonstrators marched after noon prayers from al-Awda Mosque in Jabaliya and roamed the streets of the city chanting slogans denouncing the Israeli Prison Service's policies and urging Arab and international support to end the suffering of Palestinian prisoners.
Mustafa al-Duqs, member of the central leadership of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said in a speech he delivered during the rally that the prisoners are the key symbol of the conflict at this stage and that the hunger striking detainees were paying the price for defending Palestinians' homeland and freedom.
Al-Duqs urged the resistance factions to take the initiative and use all available and possible means to free all the prisoners.
He also stressed the need to activate the issue of prisoners by launching solidarity campaigns supporting them.
Sit-in in solidarity with the striking prisoners in Jenin
The Palestinian Dentists' union has organized, in Jenin on Thursday, a sit-in in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike in front of the central protest tent in the city, stressing the need for immediate action to save the prisoners' lives. "The prisoners are subjected to various kinds of psychological and physical torture that requires national solidarity and unity in dealing with their cause," head of the union in Jenin Imad al-Ghoul stated.
He stressed that the union will not stop organizing solidarity activities until their release as part of the society's duty towards them, stressing the need to restore national unity and to activate the prisoners' issue.
Jerusalem: sit-in in solidarity with striking prisoners
Many prisoners' families has organized a sit-in in Jerusalem outside the headquarters of the Red Cross, at Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, in solidarity with the prisoners on hunger strike. The participants raised the pictures of prisoners on hunger strike especially the prisoners Samer Issawi, 192 days on hunger strike, demanding their immediate release.
The participants stressed their solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, calling for continuing supportive activities to the prisoners' issue until their release.
We are here to support our heroic prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the hunger strikers, said Nasser Aws, head of PPS in Jerusalem, pointing out the seriousness of Samer Issawi's health condition that requires an immediate intervention to save his life.
Army Kidnaps 20 Palestinians, Allegedly Planning Attacks
The Israeli Internal Security Agency (Shin Bet) revealed Thursday that the army arrested, in Hebron, what it called a Palestinian cell of twenty men who planned attacks against Israeli targets, with the main objective of kidnapping Israeli soldiers.
The Shin Bet claimed that the cell, operating in the Hebron district in the southern carry belongs to the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement.
Israel claims that cell members also planned to a regional leadership that aims at attempting to kidnap Israeli soldiers in order to exchange them with Palestinian political prisoners.
The Shin Bet did not elaborate about when cell members were taken prisoner, but said that most of the cell members have been previously imprisoned by Israel, and that they confessed during interrogation to carrying out several attacks against the army.
The army also uncovered more than 10 weapons that cell members had in possession.
The Shin Bet claimed that the cell, operating in the Hebron district in the southern carry belongs to the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement.
Israel claims that cell members also planned to a regional leadership that aims at attempting to kidnap Israeli soldiers in order to exchange them with Palestinian political prisoners.
The Shin Bet did not elaborate about when cell members were taken prisoner, but said that most of the cell members have been previously imprisoned by Israel, and that they confessed during interrogation to carrying out several attacks against the army.
The army also uncovered more than 10 weapons that cell members had in possession.
