25 feb 2013
Sudden deterioration in health condition of hunger strikers
The health condition of hunger strikers Tarek Qadan and Jafar Ezzuddin has deteriorated suddenly and they were both rushed to Assaf Harofeh hospital on Sunday.
Lawyer Jawad Bulous, the head of the legal section in the Palestinian prisoner’s society, said on Monday that doctors supervising the condition of both hunger strikers have expressed concern regarding their health condition after three months of hunger strike.
He said that the doctors were specifically concerned about the condition of Ezzuddin who lost 27 kilograms of his weight. He weighs only 47 kilograms now, Bulous said, adding that Ezzuddin refrained from drinking water for a few days before he agreed to return to drink water with some vitamins and sugar, which are not considered food in the international norms.
The lawyer added that Qadan was drinking water with only one dose of vitamins and sugar and his condition is no less serious than that of Ezzuddin.
He said that the Israeli military court in Ofer would open a hearing in their case on Tuesday to discuss the prosecution’s demand to renew their administrative detention for three more months.
Doctors are concerned about transferring them to court in such a critical health condition, Bulous said, noting that they were both on hunger strike since 27th November last year protesting their administrative custody, without trial or charge.
Lawyer Jawad Bulous, the head of the legal section in the Palestinian prisoner’s society, said on Monday that doctors supervising the condition of both hunger strikers have expressed concern regarding their health condition after three months of hunger strike.
He said that the doctors were specifically concerned about the condition of Ezzuddin who lost 27 kilograms of his weight. He weighs only 47 kilograms now, Bulous said, adding that Ezzuddin refrained from drinking water for a few days before he agreed to return to drink water with some vitamins and sugar, which are not considered food in the international norms.
The lawyer added that Qadan was drinking water with only one dose of vitamins and sugar and his condition is no less serious than that of Ezzuddin.
He said that the Israeli military court in Ofer would open a hearing in their case on Tuesday to discuss the prosecution’s demand to renew their administrative detention for three more months.
Doctors are concerned about transferring them to court in such a critical health condition, Bulous said, noting that they were both on hunger strike since 27th November last year protesting their administrative custody, without trial or charge.
Autopsy of captive Jaradat's body proves he died of severe torture
The autopsy report, which was conducted on Sunday on the body of the prisoner Arafat Jaradat, proved that he was subjected to severe torture, and that he did not die of a heart attack, as claimed by the Israeli authorities. The report confirmed that Arafat has sustained his injuries recently in the period of his detention and interrogation.
The Palestinian doctor who participated in the autopsy of the Arafat's body, that took place in the Israeli Abu Kabir Institute, stated that the autopsy showed bruises and signs of torture on the back of the martyr on the right side, in addition to signs of torture on the chest and visible injuries down the neck and shoulder.
The report stressed that the autopsy showed that the heart of the martyr was sound, and that there are no signs of a heart attack, as the occupation claimed after the death of the young man.
Meanwhile; violent clashes broke out on Sunday between hundreds of citizens and the occupation forces in different parts of Ramallah, in the center of the West Bank.
Hundreds of citizens gathered near Ofer prison in the west of Ramallah and staged a march to protest the death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat, eyewitnesses told PIC.
The occupation forces suppressed the march, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes during which a number of Palestinian citizens suffered suffocation and minor wounds as the Israeli soldiers fired metal bullets and tear gas grenades.
Witnesses reported that similar clashes erupted near the Atara military checkpoint, north of Ramallah, after young people organized marches towards the checkpoint in protest at the killing of captive Jaradat.
The soldiers fired tear gas grenades and metal bullets at the youths who responded by throwing stones, empty bottles and Molotov cocktails.
Local sources said that violent confrontations have also broken out near the Qalandiya checkpoint in the south, where a number of citizens suffered from suffocation and the road leading to Jerusalem has been closed.
Clashes and confrontations were also renewed in several areas in al-Khalil Governorate to protest the death of Arafat in the Israeli jails.
The clashes started in the morning hours of Sunday in the area of Beit Ainun close to house of martyr Jaradat, as well as other areas in the center and the north of al-Khalil.
According to eyewitnesses; the Palestinian youths threw stones and empty bottles and set fire to tires while the occupation soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets and tear gas grenades at the young people.
In Gaza, thousands of citizens took part in a mass rally called for by Hamas movement in north of the Strip in condemnation of the assassination of martyr Arafat Jaradat by the occupation.
Marches were launched from mosques in the northern Gaza Strip, on Sunday evening. All the demonstrators gathered and headed to the house of the isolated prisoner Dirar Abu Sisi, chanting slogans condemning the crimes of the occupation and calling on the resistance fighters to capture Israeli soldiers in order to be able to release Palestinian prisoners through exchange deals.
Sheikh Mohammed Abu Askar said, in a speech he delivered on behalf of Hamas, that his movement and its military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, will not abandon their responsibilities towards the prisoners, and are working to liberate them.
He also condemned the world's silence regarding the Israeli crimes, and demanded the international community to exert pressure on the occupation to release the prisoners, especially the hunger strikers.
Hundreds of Palestinian women have also participated on Sunday in a mass rally in solidarity with Palestinian hunger striking prisoners and in protest at the policy of administrative detention.
The march which was called for by Wissal network, under the Association of Culture and Free Thought, was launched from the Unknown Soldier Square in Gaza, and headed to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The participants in the march raised Palestinian flags, photos of hunger striking prisoners and banners denouncing the Israeli crimes against them.
A delegation of the marchers, headed by Director of the Culture and Free Thought Association Mariam Zakut, handed a protest note to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Gaza in which they expressed their protest at the poor conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and demanded the international institutions to protect the prisoners.
The protestors held a rally outside the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights where speeches were delivered in which speakers stressed on their solidarity with the issue of prisoners.
Zakut pointed to the difficult conditions of prisoners in general, and hunger strikers in particular, and called on all concerned authorities and humanitarian institutions to immediately intervene in order to protect the captives before it is too late.
Hebrew media revealed on Sunday that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has sent a letter to the Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, demanding him to "take the necessary measures to calm the situation in the West Bank."
The demonstrations that have broken out in the past two days in different parts of the occupied West Bank in solidarity with the prisoners led the occupation forces to take precautionary measures in anticipation of the deterioration of the situation in the West Bank.
Four Palestinian prisoners; Samer al-Issawi, Ayman Sharawna, Jafar Ezzedine and Tarek Qa'adan, have been waging an open hunger strike for months in the Israeli occupation jails, in protest at their administrative detention.
UFree demands an international investigation into the death of captive Jaradat
UFree Network to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners strongly condemned killing the detainee Arafat Jaradat, 30, by the Israeli intelligence in Megiddo prison, because of extreme torture. The Network demanded, in a statement on Monday, opening an international investigation to prosecute Jaradat's killers. It also held the Israel Prison Administration fully responsible for the death of Jaradat on Saturday, February 23.
It said that Jaradat was subjected to systematic torture the effects of which have clearly appeared on his body, according to the autopsy report, and confirmed the falsehood of the occupation authorities' claims that Jaradat died of a cardiac arrest.
UFree stressed that the rights of the Palestinian prisoners are guaranteed by all international conventions, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
It has also revealed that it will be acting at the international level, through European Parliament delegation visit to the prisoners and their families and will seek to put the issue of Palestinian prisoners on the agenda of UN human council which is due to meet next month.
The Palestinian doctor who participated in the autopsy of the Arafat's body, that took place in the Israeli Abu Kabir Institute, stated that the autopsy showed bruises and signs of torture on the back of the martyr on the right side, in addition to signs of torture on the chest and visible injuries down the neck and shoulder.
The report stressed that the autopsy showed that the heart of the martyr was sound, and that there are no signs of a heart attack, as the occupation claimed after the death of the young man.
Meanwhile; violent clashes broke out on Sunday between hundreds of citizens and the occupation forces in different parts of Ramallah, in the center of the West Bank.
Hundreds of citizens gathered near Ofer prison in the west of Ramallah and staged a march to protest the death of prisoner Arafat Jaradat, eyewitnesses told PIC.
The occupation forces suppressed the march, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes during which a number of Palestinian citizens suffered suffocation and minor wounds as the Israeli soldiers fired metal bullets and tear gas grenades.
Witnesses reported that similar clashes erupted near the Atara military checkpoint, north of Ramallah, after young people organized marches towards the checkpoint in protest at the killing of captive Jaradat.
The soldiers fired tear gas grenades and metal bullets at the youths who responded by throwing stones, empty bottles and Molotov cocktails.
Local sources said that violent confrontations have also broken out near the Qalandiya checkpoint in the south, where a number of citizens suffered from suffocation and the road leading to Jerusalem has been closed.
Clashes and confrontations were also renewed in several areas in al-Khalil Governorate to protest the death of Arafat in the Israeli jails.
The clashes started in the morning hours of Sunday in the area of Beit Ainun close to house of martyr Jaradat, as well as other areas in the center and the north of al-Khalil.
According to eyewitnesses; the Palestinian youths threw stones and empty bottles and set fire to tires while the occupation soldiers fired live and rubber-coated bullets and tear gas grenades at the young people.
In Gaza, thousands of citizens took part in a mass rally called for by Hamas movement in north of the Strip in condemnation of the assassination of martyr Arafat Jaradat by the occupation.
Marches were launched from mosques in the northern Gaza Strip, on Sunday evening. All the demonstrators gathered and headed to the house of the isolated prisoner Dirar Abu Sisi, chanting slogans condemning the crimes of the occupation and calling on the resistance fighters to capture Israeli soldiers in order to be able to release Palestinian prisoners through exchange deals.
Sheikh Mohammed Abu Askar said, in a speech he delivered on behalf of Hamas, that his movement and its military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, will not abandon their responsibilities towards the prisoners, and are working to liberate them.
He also condemned the world's silence regarding the Israeli crimes, and demanded the international community to exert pressure on the occupation to release the prisoners, especially the hunger strikers.
Hundreds of Palestinian women have also participated on Sunday in a mass rally in solidarity with Palestinian hunger striking prisoners and in protest at the policy of administrative detention.
The march which was called for by Wissal network, under the Association of Culture and Free Thought, was launched from the Unknown Soldier Square in Gaza, and headed to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The participants in the march raised Palestinian flags, photos of hunger striking prisoners and banners denouncing the Israeli crimes against them.
A delegation of the marchers, headed by Director of the Culture and Free Thought Association Mariam Zakut, handed a protest note to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Gaza in which they expressed their protest at the poor conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and demanded the international institutions to protect the prisoners.
The protestors held a rally outside the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights where speeches were delivered in which speakers stressed on their solidarity with the issue of prisoners.
Zakut pointed to the difficult conditions of prisoners in general, and hunger strikers in particular, and called on all concerned authorities and humanitarian institutions to immediately intervene in order to protect the captives before it is too late.
Hebrew media revealed on Sunday that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has sent a letter to the Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, demanding him to "take the necessary measures to calm the situation in the West Bank."
The demonstrations that have broken out in the past two days in different parts of the occupied West Bank in solidarity with the prisoners led the occupation forces to take precautionary measures in anticipation of the deterioration of the situation in the West Bank.
Four Palestinian prisoners; Samer al-Issawi, Ayman Sharawna, Jafar Ezzedine and Tarek Qa'adan, have been waging an open hunger strike for months in the Israeli occupation jails, in protest at their administrative detention.
UFree demands an international investigation into the death of captive Jaradat
UFree Network to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners strongly condemned killing the detainee Arafat Jaradat, 30, by the Israeli intelligence in Megiddo prison, because of extreme torture. The Network demanded, in a statement on Monday, opening an international investigation to prosecute Jaradat's killers. It also held the Israel Prison Administration fully responsible for the death of Jaradat on Saturday, February 23.
It said that Jaradat was subjected to systematic torture the effects of which have clearly appeared on his body, according to the autopsy report, and confirmed the falsehood of the occupation authorities' claims that Jaradat died of a cardiac arrest.
UFree stressed that the rights of the Palestinian prisoners are guaranteed by all international conventions, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
It has also revealed that it will be acting at the international level, through European Parliament delegation visit to the prisoners and their families and will seek to put the issue of Palestinian prisoners on the agenda of UN human council which is due to meet next month.
IOF soldiers round up 19 Palestinians including two sisters
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up 19 Palestinian citizens in the past 24 hours in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem including two sisters and a journalist.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers nabbed two young men in Burin village, south of Nablus city, at dawn Monday, and two university students in Zawiya village in Salfit province.
IOF soldiers also arrested a journalist in al-Khalil city, his father Abdulsamad Shawar said, adding that the soldiers broke into his home and searched it before taking away his son Musab who works with a local radio station.
IOF soldiers rounded up six Palestinian young men in Ein Yabrud village, north east of Ramallah, and a youth in Zabuba village in Jenin.
Local sources in occupied Jerusalem said that Israeli policemen stationed near to the Aqsa mosque arrested three Jerusalemites at dawn Monday.
Amjad Abu Asab, the head of the committee of relatives of Jerusalem prisoners, told the PIC that Israeli forces detained four Palestinians in Issawiye village, two brothers and two sisters.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers nabbed two young men in Burin village, south of Nablus city, at dawn Monday, and two university students in Zawiya village in Salfit province.
IOF soldiers also arrested a journalist in al-Khalil city, his father Abdulsamad Shawar said, adding that the soldiers broke into his home and searched it before taking away his son Musab who works with a local radio station.
IOF soldiers rounded up six Palestinian young men in Ein Yabrud village, north east of Ramallah, and a youth in Zabuba village in Jenin.
Local sources in occupied Jerusalem said that Israeli policemen stationed near to the Aqsa mosque arrested three Jerusalemites at dawn Monday.
Amjad Abu Asab, the head of the committee of relatives of Jerusalem prisoners, told the PIC that Israeli forces detained four Palestinians in Issawiye village, two brothers and two sisters.
Israeli special forces storm ward in Negev jail
Special Israeli forces raided ward-8 in the Negev jail on Sunday night and searched it for a few hours, the Palestine prisoners center for studies said on Monday.
The center said in a statement that it received a phone call from prisoners in the desert jail saying that police forces affiliated with the prison took part in the raid that started on 10.00 pm and lasted for a few hours.
The prisoners said that the raiding forces suddenly stormed their ward and forced them out in the cold weather and wreaked havoc on their rooms and confiscated some of their personal belongings and electric appliances.
The prisoners said that a big number of soldiers took part in the raid to quell any possible protest on the part of the prisoners especially after the growing tension in prisons due to the death of detainee Arafat Jaradat.
The center said that the prison wards are almost daily stormed by Israeli forces at the pretext of looking for mobile phones used by prisoners to contact their families in light of their visit deprivation.
The center said in a statement that it received a phone call from prisoners in the desert jail saying that police forces affiliated with the prison took part in the raid that started on 10.00 pm and lasted for a few hours.
The prisoners said that the raiding forces suddenly stormed their ward and forced them out in the cold weather and wreaked havoc on their rooms and confiscated some of their personal belongings and electric appliances.
The prisoners said that a big number of soldiers took part in the raid to quell any possible protest on the part of the prisoners especially after the growing tension in prisons due to the death of detainee Arafat Jaradat.
The center said that the prison wards are almost daily stormed by Israeli forces at the pretext of looking for mobile phones used by prisoners to contact their families in light of their visit deprivation.
IOA renews administrative detention of Barq for three months
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) renewed on Sunday the administrative detention of Samer Al-Barq for three more months despite earlier promises of releasing him.
Barq’s family said in a press release that the Israeli prosecution backtracked on earlier promises to release Barq, 39, on condition that a country was ready to receive him.
The family said that Egypt had declared readiness to receive him but the Israeli war on Gaza postponed the issue, adding that Barq’s passport and other necessary papers are with the Egyptians but the Israelis are still procrastinating on the issue.
Barq, from Jayus town to the east of Qalqilia, was arrested on 11/7/2010 at the Karame bridge. He went on hunger strike on 24/5/2012 for 125 days demanding an end to his administrative custody. He broke his hunger strike after a deal was brokered to release and to deport him to Egypt.
Palestinian prisoners call for intifada
Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails have called on the Palestinian people to launch a new intifada in support of their cause. The prisoners in a message on Sunday called on all factions and forces to double efforts for the sake of securing their release.
They also called on Egypt to immediately intervene and check the Israeli crimes against Palestinian prisoners and to save the sick and isolated prisoners and those on hunger strike before it is too late.
The prisoners said that they were now united more than ever before and the spirit of challenge was still running in their veins and the increasing pressures by the Israeli prison authorities would only lead to an explosion within those jails.
They warned that more funerals might get out of Israeli jails soon, pointing to the presence of critical conditions for prisoners in Ramle prison hospital.
Barq’s family said in a press release that the Israeli prosecution backtracked on earlier promises to release Barq, 39, on condition that a country was ready to receive him.
The family said that Egypt had declared readiness to receive him but the Israeli war on Gaza postponed the issue, adding that Barq’s passport and other necessary papers are with the Egyptians but the Israelis are still procrastinating on the issue.
Barq, from Jayus town to the east of Qalqilia, was arrested on 11/7/2010 at the Karame bridge. He went on hunger strike on 24/5/2012 for 125 days demanding an end to his administrative custody. He broke his hunger strike after a deal was brokered to release and to deport him to Egypt.
Palestinian prisoners call for intifada
Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails have called on the Palestinian people to launch a new intifada in support of their cause. The prisoners in a message on Sunday called on all factions and forces to double efforts for the sake of securing their release.
They also called on Egypt to immediately intervene and check the Israeli crimes against Palestinian prisoners and to save the sick and isolated prisoners and those on hunger strike before it is too late.
The prisoners said that they were now united more than ever before and the spirit of challenge was still running in their veins and the increasing pressures by the Israeli prison authorities would only lead to an explosion within those jails.
They warned that more funerals might get out of Israeli jails soon, pointing to the presence of critical conditions for prisoners in Ramle prison hospital.
IOF soldiers arrest young man west of Jenin
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested a Palestinian youth in his village of Zabuba, west of Jenin, at a late night hour on Sunday, local sources said.
They said that 25-year-old Esmat Nassar was taken from his family home at the hands of IOF soldiers who searched the house after forcing all family members out of it.
The sources noted that IOF soldiers were deployed all the way from Jenin-Nazareth road to Jalama roadblock, north of Jenin, while military barriers were set up in various areas to block citizens’ movement and curb confrontations with the soldiers.
They said that 25-year-old Esmat Nassar was taken from his family home at the hands of IOF soldiers who searched the house after forcing all family members out of it.
The sources noted that IOF soldiers were deployed all the way from Jenin-Nazareth road to Jalama roadblock, north of Jenin, while military barriers were set up in various areas to block citizens’ movement and curb confrontations with the soldiers.
Israeli court extends remand of Issawi’s brother
The Israeli Magistrate Court in occupied Jerusalem extended on Sunday the remand of Shadi Issawi, the brother of hunger striker Samer Issawi, and did not allow him to see his lawyer.
Shireen Issawi, the sister of Shadi and a lawyer, said that the arrest of Shadi and extending his remand fell in line with pressures on Samer to end his seven months hunger strike.
She charged the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) with targeting all members of Samer’s family, recalling that the IOA razed the home of her third brother Rafat at the start of the year and cut water supplies to her family home in addition to detaining her and her fourth brother Firas for a period of time.
Shireen Issawi, the sister of Shadi and a lawyer, said that the arrest of Shadi and extending his remand fell in line with pressures on Samer to end his seven months hunger strike.
She charged the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) with targeting all members of Samer’s family, recalling that the IOA razed the home of her third brother Rafat at the start of the year and cut water supplies to her family home in addition to detaining her and her fourth brother Firas for a period of time.
War on Gaza conference calls for liberating all prisoners
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh stressed during War on Gaza conference on Sunday the need to develop a complete liberation strategy, noting the importance of investing the new Palestinian, Arab, and international situation.
Haniyeh stressed in his closing speech to the Conference on the need to maintain the resistance level and to work to develop it, calling for strategies to bring back independence and freedom, indicating that the strategy of liberation must be shared by everyone.
He pointed out that the government and Hamas and the resistance factions prepared a strategy to move from resistance of defense to a resistance of liberation.
Gaza is doing its duty in defending all of Palestine, also the West Bank has a role in the liberation project, he said, noting that resolving the conflict with the occupation could only be in the West Bank.
The prime minister pointed to the role of the Arab and Islamic nation in the strategy for the Liberation of Palestine especially in light of the Arab Spring.
He explained that the human dimension in the world also has an important role in the strategy of liberation, especially that the Israeli true criminal face has been exposed to the world day after day.
Haniyeh drew attention to the government committee specialized in documenting the Israeli crimes, greeting all human rights organizations that work to expose the crimes of the occupation and work to prosecute its leaders.
He confirmed that one of the government's strategies is to complete the national reconciliation, pointing out to the Gaza government's keen to implement the reconciliation, stressing Hamas' adherence to each inch of the soil of Palestine.
He pointed to the positive atmosphere that prevailed in the Cairo meetings, stressing that the recent slowness in implementing the reconciliation was due to foreign pressures.
He stated that reconciliation must be based on the protection of the Palestinian rights and constants and the support of resistance.
Regarding the prisoners' issue, the Prime Minister greeted the prisoners' steadfastness in Israeli jails, mourning the martyr prisoner Arafat Jaradat, calling on the Palestinian people and the nation to assume its responsibilities to liberate the prisoners.
He emphasized that the government's commitment to the prisoners' liberation, appreciating the participants' efforts in the conference. He noted that such conferences confirm that the Palestinian cause is the cause of the Arab and Islamic nation and all the free world.
He said that the assassination of the leader martyr Ahmed Jabari was an Israeli declaration of war, where the leader was a heroic Resistance figure to the Palestinian people and the whole nation, pointing out to the Israeli wrong estimation of Gaza's strength.
He explained that the recent war witnessed a Palestinian cohesion, where the West Bank's official position was better than the previous war, pointing out that the regional atmosphere, especially the Arab spring that defends the Palestinian resistance project.
The Prime Minister also pointed out to the international position that did not provide cover for the Israeli crimes, as well as for the European popular movement against the Israeli aggression, despite the presence of some collusion with the occupation at the official level.
A two-day conference in Gaza was held to analyze the impacts of the war and their implications on the future of Gaza and the region. The conference which officially kicked off on Friday attracted a very diverse audience including human rights organizations, leading academics, public figures, and senior diplomats.
The participants discussed ways to end the siege on Gaza away from the international Quartet's resolution and the foreign pressures and conditions.
The researchers stressed the need to implement reconciliation based on the Palestinian constants and to enhance the regional and international contacts in order to support Palestinian rights in all forums.
The conference stressed the urgent need for a political decision to start prosecuting the Israeli leaders and officials as war criminals.
The conference also pointed out to the need to provide the financial, technical, and political support to the Palestinian people till achieving their rights.
Haniyeh stressed in his closing speech to the Conference on the need to maintain the resistance level and to work to develop it, calling for strategies to bring back independence and freedom, indicating that the strategy of liberation must be shared by everyone.
He pointed out that the government and Hamas and the resistance factions prepared a strategy to move from resistance of defense to a resistance of liberation.
Gaza is doing its duty in defending all of Palestine, also the West Bank has a role in the liberation project, he said, noting that resolving the conflict with the occupation could only be in the West Bank.
The prime minister pointed to the role of the Arab and Islamic nation in the strategy for the Liberation of Palestine especially in light of the Arab Spring.
He explained that the human dimension in the world also has an important role in the strategy of liberation, especially that the Israeli true criminal face has been exposed to the world day after day.
Haniyeh drew attention to the government committee specialized in documenting the Israeli crimes, greeting all human rights organizations that work to expose the crimes of the occupation and work to prosecute its leaders.
He confirmed that one of the government's strategies is to complete the national reconciliation, pointing out to the Gaza government's keen to implement the reconciliation, stressing Hamas' adherence to each inch of the soil of Palestine.
He pointed to the positive atmosphere that prevailed in the Cairo meetings, stressing that the recent slowness in implementing the reconciliation was due to foreign pressures.
He stated that reconciliation must be based on the protection of the Palestinian rights and constants and the support of resistance.
Regarding the prisoners' issue, the Prime Minister greeted the prisoners' steadfastness in Israeli jails, mourning the martyr prisoner Arafat Jaradat, calling on the Palestinian people and the nation to assume its responsibilities to liberate the prisoners.
He emphasized that the government's commitment to the prisoners' liberation, appreciating the participants' efforts in the conference. He noted that such conferences confirm that the Palestinian cause is the cause of the Arab and Islamic nation and all the free world.
He said that the assassination of the leader martyr Ahmed Jabari was an Israeli declaration of war, where the leader was a heroic Resistance figure to the Palestinian people and the whole nation, pointing out to the Israeli wrong estimation of Gaza's strength.
He explained that the recent war witnessed a Palestinian cohesion, where the West Bank's official position was better than the previous war, pointing out that the regional atmosphere, especially the Arab spring that defends the Palestinian resistance project.
The Prime Minister also pointed out to the international position that did not provide cover for the Israeli crimes, as well as for the European popular movement against the Israeli aggression, despite the presence of some collusion with the occupation at the official level.
A two-day conference in Gaza was held to analyze the impacts of the war and their implications on the future of Gaza and the region. The conference which officially kicked off on Friday attracted a very diverse audience including human rights organizations, leading academics, public figures, and senior diplomats.
The participants discussed ways to end the siege on Gaza away from the international Quartet's resolution and the foreign pressures and conditions.
The researchers stressed the need to implement reconciliation based on the Palestinian constants and to enhance the regional and international contacts in order to support Palestinian rights in all forums.
The conference stressed the urgent need for a political decision to start prosecuting the Israeli leaders and officials as war criminals.
The conference also pointed out to the need to provide the financial, technical, and political support to the Palestinian people till achieving their rights.
24 feb 2013
IOF soldiers clash with protestors in Jenin, storm village
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired rubber bullets and teargas at Palestinian young men who marched outside Jenin city on Sunday in protest at the death of a Palestinian prisoner in Israeli custody.
Local sources said that the youths threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers manning the Jalama roadblock, north of Jenin.
They said that special units chased the young men into the outskirts of Jenin city, adding that PA patrols were seen trying to persuade the youths not to engage in confrontations with the IOF.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers stormed the village of Yabad at dawn Sunday and broke into a house that is still under construction.
Locals said that the soldiers questioned the owner of the house after searching it and arrested a number of citizens and interrogated them inside it.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers raided three other nearby villages.
Local sources said that the youths threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers manning the Jalama roadblock, north of Jenin.
They said that special units chased the young men into the outskirts of Jenin city, adding that PA patrols were seen trying to persuade the youths not to engage in confrontations with the IOF.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers stormed the village of Yabad at dawn Sunday and broke into a house that is still under construction.
Locals said that the soldiers questioned the owner of the house after searching it and arrested a number of citizens and interrogated them inside it.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers raided three other nearby villages.
Palestinian prisoner goes on hunger strike to protest 30 years in captivity
Palestinian prisoner Maher Yunis went on hunger strike on Sunday to protest his 30 years of captivity in Israeli occupation jails, the Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights said.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center, said that Yunis, 54, wants to send a message to the Palestinian leadership with this strike, mainly that he was neglected for long years and left in prison without being included in prisoners exchange deals since 1985 at the pretext that he was from 1948 occupied Palestine.
Khafsh, meanwhile, said that Palestinian prisoners in Gilboa jail would start to return meals and refrain from receiving visitors as of Sunday as preliminary protest steps against escalation of Israeli repressive measures.
Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center, said that Yunis, 54, wants to send a message to the Palestinian leadership with this strike, mainly that he was neglected for long years and left in prison without being included in prisoners exchange deals since 1985 at the pretext that he was from 1948 occupied Palestine.
Khafsh, meanwhile, said that Palestinian prisoners in Gilboa jail would start to return meals and refrain from receiving visitors as of Sunday as preliminary protest steps against escalation of Israeli repressive measures.
Occupation renews administrative detention for captives Qa'adan and Ezzedine
The Israeli occupation authorities renewed the administrative detention of captives Jafar Ezzedine and Tarek Qa'dan from the city of Jenin in the northern West Bank, who have been on hunger strike for the third month. Mohammed, the brother of the prisoner Jafar Ezzedine, pointed out that the occupation authorities informed his brother's lawyer that the Israeli intelligence service has issued a new decision to extend the administrative detention of the captives Jaafar and Tarek for three additional months, and that Ofer court will hold a hearing this week to approve the new sentence.
Mohammed Ezzedine said that his brother was scheduled to be released last Thursday after the completion of his sentence, pointing out that "the occupation authorities did not take into account the health conditions of the two prisoners who have been on hunger strike for the third month."
The Israeli occupation forces arrested the two leaders in the Islamic Jihad movement, Jaafar and Tarek, last November and sentenced them to three months administrative detention. The two captives have started an open-ended hunger strike in protest at this decision.
Tarek's sister, captive Muna Qa'dan, has also begun last Thursday a hunger strike in solidarity with her brother.
Mohammed Ezzedine said that his brother was scheduled to be released last Thursday after the completion of his sentence, pointing out that "the occupation authorities did not take into account the health conditions of the two prisoners who have been on hunger strike for the third month."
The Israeli occupation forces arrested the two leaders in the Islamic Jihad movement, Jaafar and Tarek, last November and sentenced them to three months administrative detention. The two captives have started an open-ended hunger strike in protest at this decision.
Tarek's sister, captive Muna Qa'dan, has also begun last Thursday a hunger strike in solidarity with her brother.
Prisoner al-Saidi demands the release of hunger striker Sharawna
Palestinian captive Awad al-Saidi, 35, held in solitary confinement at Ela jail in Beersheba confirmed that the health condition of hunger striking prisoner Ayman Sharawna has seriously deteriorated after his last court hearing. Saidi, who is held in a cell next to Sharawna's cell, confirmed that the striking captive Ayman did not stop his hunger strike and that he only drinks water.
He told Prisoners Society's lawyer Yusuf Matya, who has recently visited him, that the prison administration has been deliberately exercising psychological pressure and imposing restrictions on captive Sharawna.
Ayman has been transferred more than once to the Soroka hospital where he has been refusing to take medicines. The Prison administration returns him each time to the solitary confinement where he suffers from the very harsh conditions.
Captive al-Saidi called on all the free people of the world to save captive Sharawna before it is too late.
Al-Saidi has been detained since the 12th of February 2004 and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
He told Prisoners Society's lawyer Yusuf Matya, who has recently visited him, that the prison administration has been deliberately exercising psychological pressure and imposing restrictions on captive Sharawna.
Ayman has been transferred more than once to the Soroka hospital where he has been refusing to take medicines. The Prison administration returns him each time to the solitary confinement where he suffers from the very harsh conditions.
Captive al-Saidi called on all the free people of the world to save captive Sharawna before it is too late.
Al-Saidi has been detained since the 12th of February 2004 and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
IOA extends youths' detention, releases others
The so-called Magistrate's Court has extended on Saturday the detention of three youths from Issawiya until Sunday, where they had been arrested by Israeli undercover unit yesterday during clashes that broke out in the village of Issawiya.
Al-Dameer's lawyer, Mohammed Ramzi Mahmoud, confirmed that the Israeli court has extended the arrest of 3 Palestinian youths charged with throwing stones, while releasing two others including a child.
The Israeli police also extended the detention of three members of Prisoners' Families and Jerusalemite detainees Committee to hold them for trial on Sunday, where they were arrested at the crossroads Jerusalem's Wadi Joz neighborhood.
For his part, PPS lawyer Moufid alHaj said that the Magistrate's Court has released two detainees on bail of 500 shekels.
Magistrates' Court also released the child Yazan Maher Obeid, 17, on bail of 1,000 shekels guaranteed by a third party.
Within the same conditions, the court released 2 other detainees charged with participating in a march in solidarity with the hunger striker Samer Issawi.
Al-Dameer's lawyer, Mohammed Ramzi Mahmoud, confirmed that the Israeli court has extended the arrest of 3 Palestinian youths charged with throwing stones, while releasing two others including a child.
The Israeli police also extended the detention of three members of Prisoners' Families and Jerusalemite detainees Committee to hold them for trial on Sunday, where they were arrested at the crossroads Jerusalem's Wadi Joz neighborhood.
For his part, PPS lawyer Moufid alHaj said that the Magistrate's Court has released two detainees on bail of 500 shekels.
Magistrates' Court also released the child Yazan Maher Obeid, 17, on bail of 1,000 shekels guaranteed by a third party.
Within the same conditions, the court released 2 other detainees charged with participating in a march in solidarity with the hunger striker Samer Issawi.
Extending Youth Tarek Odeh’s Arrest
17-year-old Tarek Odeh had his arrest extended until the 13th March 2013 by the Main Court.
The Wadi Hilwe’s Information Centre said he was arrested in mid-January; he was accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks towards Beit Myukhes settlement in Silwan.
His father stated that 22 days were spent under investigation in the cells in Maskubiye, during which he was denied lawyer’s visits or receiving clothes. His hearings were confidential. He was pushed psychologically by being held in a small, dark and cold cell; he was on a hunger strike for two days.
On the day of his arrest, Tarek was studing for his Bagrut exams. He was then transferred to Ha Sharon’s prison where he was able to get his clothes and other needs.
His mother says this is his third arrest. The first was two years ago on 23rd January; he was arrested and searched whilst walking with his cousins, accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Beit Yonatan’s settlement. During this arrest he was held in al Makubiye for nine days before being released to house arrest outside Silwan. His mother added: “During that time he was requested for investigations in Jabal Al Mukaber’s police; he was threatened with arrest if he didn’t show up. After the investigation he stayed in jail for three months then released to a house arrest away from our home for nine months; this ended in June 2012.”
The Wadi Hilwe’s Information Centre said he was arrested in mid-January; he was accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks towards Beit Myukhes settlement in Silwan.
His father stated that 22 days were spent under investigation in the cells in Maskubiye, during which he was denied lawyer’s visits or receiving clothes. His hearings were confidential. He was pushed psychologically by being held in a small, dark and cold cell; he was on a hunger strike for two days.
On the day of his arrest, Tarek was studing for his Bagrut exams. He was then transferred to Ha Sharon’s prison where he was able to get his clothes and other needs.
His mother says this is his third arrest. The first was two years ago on 23rd January; he was arrested and searched whilst walking with his cousins, accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Beit Yonatan’s settlement. During this arrest he was held in al Makubiye for nine days before being released to house arrest outside Silwan. His mother added: “During that time he was requested for investigations in Jabal Al Mukaber’s police; he was threatened with arrest if he didn’t show up. After the investigation he stayed in jail for three months then released to a house arrest away from our home for nine months; this ended in June 2012.”
Jaradat family confirms the presence of bruises and blood on Arafat's body
Mother of Martyr Jaradat
Sources from the family of the martyr Arafat Jaradat, from the town of Sa'ir northeast of al-Khalil, confirmed the presence of bruises and blood on various parts of Arafat's body, which confirms that he was killed under torture. The sources told PIC's reporter that Mohammed, Arafat's brother told the family members that there are bruises and blood on different parts of his brother's body as a result of being beaten and tortured during the interrogation, which contradicts the occupation's claim that his brother died from a heart attack.
Human rights organizations and the martyr's family demanded the formation of a commission of inquiry to uncover the circumstances of the assassination of Jaradat.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Sunday during a rally at the Unknown Soldier Square in Gaza City that his movement will resort to all means to liberate all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
For his part; Dr. Atallah Abu Subbah, the Minister of prisoners' affairs, called on Fatah movement to return to the option of resistance and release the resistance fighters in the occupied West Bank in order to deter the occupation and stop its crimes against the prisoners.
Abu Subbah emphasized that kidnapping Israeli soldiers is the most successful way to liberate the Palestinian prisoners from the occupation jails, pointing out that the negotiations are futile and gave nothing for the prisoners and the Palestinian cause.
Mazen Fuqaha, the spokesman for the captive movement, warned of the possibility of the death of other prisoners under the international silence regarding the Israeli abuses.
He called for an urgent intervention to save the lives of the hunger striking prisoners who have been suffering in the occupation jails, before it is too late.
Fuqaha noted that the occupation deprives the prisoners of their basic rights, calling on the Palestinian people to launch a new uprising for the support of the captives.
Palestinian prisoner Arafat Shailesh Jaradat, 30, died in the Israeli Megiddo prison, six days after his arrest.
Sources from the family of the martyr Arafat Jaradat, from the town of Sa'ir northeast of al-Khalil, confirmed the presence of bruises and blood on various parts of Arafat's body, which confirms that he was killed under torture. The sources told PIC's reporter that Mohammed, Arafat's brother told the family members that there are bruises and blood on different parts of his brother's body as a result of being beaten and tortured during the interrogation, which contradicts the occupation's claim that his brother died from a heart attack.
Human rights organizations and the martyr's family demanded the formation of a commission of inquiry to uncover the circumstances of the assassination of Jaradat.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said on Sunday during a rally at the Unknown Soldier Square in Gaza City that his movement will resort to all means to liberate all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
For his part; Dr. Atallah Abu Subbah, the Minister of prisoners' affairs, called on Fatah movement to return to the option of resistance and release the resistance fighters in the occupied West Bank in order to deter the occupation and stop its crimes against the prisoners.
Abu Subbah emphasized that kidnapping Israeli soldiers is the most successful way to liberate the Palestinian prisoners from the occupation jails, pointing out that the negotiations are futile and gave nothing for the prisoners and the Palestinian cause.
Mazen Fuqaha, the spokesman for the captive movement, warned of the possibility of the death of other prisoners under the international silence regarding the Israeli abuses.
He called for an urgent intervention to save the lives of the hunger striking prisoners who have been suffering in the occupation jails, before it is too late.
Fuqaha noted that the occupation deprives the prisoners of their basic rights, calling on the Palestinian people to launch a new uprising for the support of the captives.
Palestinian prisoner Arafat Shailesh Jaradat, 30, died in the Israeli Megiddo prison, six days after his arrest.
UFree launches an international campaign to address Israeli crimes
UFree Network to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners strongly condemned the murder of the Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat due to extreme torture during interrogation, bringing the number of Palestinian prisoners killed in Israeli jails to 207 detainees.
UFree Network called on the UN human rights council, which is due to meet next month, to put the issue of Palestinian prisoners and the brutal torture against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails on its agenda.
Arafat was arrested on 18/2/2013, and was held in interrogation in Jalameh Detention Center. He is from Sa'eer, a village near al-Khalil. He is married and has two young children, a three year old and a two year old. Arafat and his wife Dalal were expecting their third child in June.
He was arrested by a special unit of the Israeli occupation army, where he has been murdered by Israeli security services while he was under extreme torture in Majdo prison facility, in addition to neglecting his health deterioration and not taking him to a hospital until he died.
"It’s widely known that Israel one of the top countries that constantly violates International laws. Yet, this fact did not drive an International action or pressure. Torture continued to be an integral part of the policy of this state. Meanwhile, no inspection against these prisons was carried out. There were also no reports that denounced what Israelis have been doing over the past decades," stated UFree.
UFree Network confirmed that it will launch a wide international media campaign to shed light on the Israeli inhumane practices against Palestinian prisoners, calling on the UN human rights council which is due next month, to put the issue of Palestinian prisoners on the agenda.
UFree denounced the international community silence towards the Israeli crimes, saying "such Israeli practiced and International community silence resulted in the death of Jaradat. It even gave Israel cover to continue its crimes against humanity."
It also calls on International organizations like the Red Cross, Amnesty and others to reveal all illegal practices committed by Israel and escalate them to the United Nations and the international community and European Union bodies.
Hamas holds occupation fully responsible for killing Jaradat
Hamas movement held Israeli occupation fully responsible for the death of the Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat , 30, in light of torture and deliberate medical neglect and the harsh conditions in the Israeli jails. The movement confirmed that Jaradat's death reveals the seriousness of the Israeli systematic crimes against the Palestinian prisoners, and warned the occupation of the consequences of the continuation of its abuses.
"We call on human rights and humanitarian organizations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to protect the Palestinian prisoners who have been daily exposed to slow death as a result of the ongoing abuses against them, and to put pressure on the occupation to immediately release them," the movement said in a statement issued by its Information office.
Hamas also called for escalating the popular events in confronting the Israeli occupation crimes against the captives.
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, Hamas spokesman, told PIC in a statement on Saturday evening that killing the prisoner Arafat Jaradat represents a dangerous escalation, and held the occupation fully responsible for the crime and for all its repercussions.
Abu Zuhri called for staging more popular events against the Israeli violations, and demanded the international community to pressure the occupation to end the prisoners' suffering.
The Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat, from Sa'ir village in al-Khalil in the southern West Bank, died in the Israeli Megiddo prison, six days after his arrest.
The Israeli radio claims that the Palestinian prisoner Jaradat died from a heart attack in the prison, while the family of the martyr affirms that he was killed as a result of torture.
Jaradat's family members said that the occupation Special Forces arrested Arafat with a relative, Riad Jaradat, on charges of throwing stones at settlers' cars and transferred them to Jalama detention center.
They held the Israeli prison administration fully responsible for killing their son as it did not provide him with the adequate medical treatment, after he was severely tortured during interrogation.
UFree Network called on the UN human rights council, which is due to meet next month, to put the issue of Palestinian prisoners and the brutal torture against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails on its agenda.
Arafat was arrested on 18/2/2013, and was held in interrogation in Jalameh Detention Center. He is from Sa'eer, a village near al-Khalil. He is married and has two young children, a three year old and a two year old. Arafat and his wife Dalal were expecting their third child in June.
He was arrested by a special unit of the Israeli occupation army, where he has been murdered by Israeli security services while he was under extreme torture in Majdo prison facility, in addition to neglecting his health deterioration and not taking him to a hospital until he died.
"It’s widely known that Israel one of the top countries that constantly violates International laws. Yet, this fact did not drive an International action or pressure. Torture continued to be an integral part of the policy of this state. Meanwhile, no inspection against these prisons was carried out. There were also no reports that denounced what Israelis have been doing over the past decades," stated UFree.
UFree Network confirmed that it will launch a wide international media campaign to shed light on the Israeli inhumane practices against Palestinian prisoners, calling on the UN human rights council which is due next month, to put the issue of Palestinian prisoners on the agenda.
UFree denounced the international community silence towards the Israeli crimes, saying "such Israeli practiced and International community silence resulted in the death of Jaradat. It even gave Israel cover to continue its crimes against humanity."
It also calls on International organizations like the Red Cross, Amnesty and others to reveal all illegal practices committed by Israel and escalate them to the United Nations and the international community and European Union bodies.
Hamas holds occupation fully responsible for killing Jaradat
Hamas movement held Israeli occupation fully responsible for the death of the Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat , 30, in light of torture and deliberate medical neglect and the harsh conditions in the Israeli jails. The movement confirmed that Jaradat's death reveals the seriousness of the Israeli systematic crimes against the Palestinian prisoners, and warned the occupation of the consequences of the continuation of its abuses.
"We call on human rights and humanitarian organizations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to protect the Palestinian prisoners who have been daily exposed to slow death as a result of the ongoing abuses against them, and to put pressure on the occupation to immediately release them," the movement said in a statement issued by its Information office.
Hamas also called for escalating the popular events in confronting the Israeli occupation crimes against the captives.
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, Hamas spokesman, told PIC in a statement on Saturday evening that killing the prisoner Arafat Jaradat represents a dangerous escalation, and held the occupation fully responsible for the crime and for all its repercussions.
Abu Zuhri called for staging more popular events against the Israeli violations, and demanded the international community to pressure the occupation to end the prisoners' suffering.
The Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat, from Sa'ir village in al-Khalil in the southern West Bank, died in the Israeli Megiddo prison, six days after his arrest.
The Israeli radio claims that the Palestinian prisoner Jaradat died from a heart attack in the prison, while the family of the martyr affirms that he was killed as a result of torture.
Jaradat's family members said that the occupation Special Forces arrested Arafat with a relative, Riad Jaradat, on charges of throwing stones at settlers' cars and transferred them to Jalama detention center.
They held the Israeli prison administration fully responsible for killing their son as it did not provide him with the adequate medical treatment, after he was severely tortured during interrogation.
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails go on hunger strike
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails have gone on hunger strike to mourn the death of a Palestinian detainee.
The prisoners returned the meals on Sunday morning also to protest the death of Arafat Jaradat, 30, at an Israeli detention center on Saturday only six days after his arrest and to protest the increasing Israeli quelling practices against prisoners.
The website of Hebrew daily Yediot Ahronot said on Sunday, “The Israel Prison Service announced that 3,000 security prisoners will launch a one-day hunger strike on Sunday to protest Jaradat's death. Prisoners at the Ofer Prison rioted on Saturday evening, banging on their cell doors and hurling objects at the hallways in protest. “
The prisoners returned the meals on Sunday morning also to protest the death of Arafat Jaradat, 30, at an Israeli detention center on Saturday only six days after his arrest and to protest the increasing Israeli quelling practices against prisoners.
The website of Hebrew daily Yediot Ahronot said on Sunday, “The Israel Prison Service announced that 3,000 security prisoners will launch a one-day hunger strike on Sunday to protest Jaradat's death. Prisoners at the Ofer Prison rioted on Saturday evening, banging on their cell doors and hurling objects at the hallways in protest. “
IPS extends isolation of two Palestinian prisoners
The Israeli prison service (IPS) extended the solitary confinement of two Palestinian prisoners in Beersheba jail for one month. Lawyer of the Palestinian prisoner’s society quoted one of them Samer Abu Kuwaik as saying that a court session would be held on 18/3/2013 to discuss their isolation anew.
He said that the IPS was also imposing on him and on Tamer Al-Rimawi other penalties including visit deprivation until 15/3/2013.
Both prisoners, from Ramallah, were transferred from Eshel prison a month ago as a punishment.
Kuwaik, who has been detained since 10/6/2002, is serving three life sentences plus 25 years, while Rimawi, who has been in custody since 28/5/2003, is serving three life sentences.
He said that the IPS was also imposing on him and on Tamer Al-Rimawi other penalties including visit deprivation until 15/3/2013.
Both prisoners, from Ramallah, were transferred from Eshel prison a month ago as a punishment.
Kuwaik, who has been detained since 10/6/2002, is serving three life sentences plus 25 years, while Rimawi, who has been in custody since 28/5/2003, is serving three life sentences.
Israeli forces quell Jerusalemite demo in support of prisoners
Israeli police forces quelled on Saturday afternoon a Palestinian demonstration in occupied Jerusalem in support of hunger striking prisoners.
Mohammed Abul Humus, a member of the committee for the defense of land in Issawiye village, said that two participants were detained at the pretext of “resisting” occupation and hoisting photos of hunger strikers.
He said that Israeli policemen assaulted the march and took a number of marchers to a nearby police station.
The Israeli policemen also severely beat up a Palestinian youth during confrontations with young men near Rashidiya school.
Locals said that the Israeli police arrested three young men after quelling the demonstration and leveled fines against them.
Mohammed Abul Humus, a member of the committee for the defense of land in Issawiye village, said that two participants were detained at the pretext of “resisting” occupation and hoisting photos of hunger strikers.
He said that Israeli policemen assaulted the march and took a number of marchers to a nearby police station.
The Israeli policemen also severely beat up a Palestinian youth during confrontations with young men near Rashidiya school.
Locals said that the Israeli police arrested three young men after quelling the demonstration and leveled fines against them.
23 feb 2013
Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli jail
Palestinian prisoner Arafat Jaradat was proclaimed dead in the Israeli Megiddo jail on Saturday, sources in the Palestinian prisoner’s society announced. The Israeli radio earlier said that a 30-year-old prisoner died of a heart attack in Megiddo jail without mentioning his name.
Scores of Palestinian prisoners had died in Israeli captivity such as Raed Abu Hammad in 2010 or shortly after their release the latest being Ashraf Al-Masalama in early 2013.
PA officials call for inquiry into Israeli jail death
Palestinian Authority officials on Saturday demanded an international investigation into the death of a detainee who died in an Israeli jail hours earlier, with family members saying he was in good health before his arrest.
A spokeswoman for Israel's Prison Authority said that the detainee, 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat, had apparently died of cardiac arrest. An emergency service team had tried to resuscitate him but failed, she said.
"Our information was that Jaradat was being interrogated and then he died. Therefore we call for an international investigation into his death, that may have resulted from torture," Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainees Issa Qaraqe said.
Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, said in a statement that Jaradat began feeling ill after eating lunch, while he was resting, and that a police inquiry into the circumstances of his death had begun.
"During his interrogation ... on Thursday, Jaradat was examined numerous times by a doctor. No health problems were found in these examinations and the interrogation continued," the Shin Bet said.
Jaradat, according to Shin Bet, suffered from various health problems prior to his arrest, including back aches and injuries in his leg and stomach, sustained from a rubber bullet and a tear gas canister.
However, family members told Ma'an that Arafat was in good health before his arrest and did not suffer from any diseases or health conditions.
"Arafat was taken directly to a prison far from his residential area. He was taken to al-Jalama prison in the north instead of being taken as usual to interrogation centers close to his area of residence. He was held there for four days before he was transferred to Megido prison," his uncle Mousa Jaradat said.
Arafat was the father of two children, Yara, 4, and Muhammad, who is two years old.
"The whole town is sad," his uncle said.
Arafat's wife, Dalal, told Ma'an that an Israeli intelligence officer brought him back to his home minutes after being arrested and told him to bid farewell to his children.
"For that reason I was worried. My husband was detained several times before, but this time the intelligence officer talked in a bizarre way," she said.
PA ministry of detainees official Ziad Abu Ein is scheduled to meet with the family on Saturday to inform them about arrangements for delivering his body for burial.
Abu Ein said that the Ministry of Detainees would request that a Palestinian doctor representing the ministry examine the body and conduct an autopsy.
He called on the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross to take part in the examination.
Jaradat was arrested this week under suspicion he was involved in stone-throwing that had wounded an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, the Shin Bet said.
There are 4,743 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, including 178 administrative detainees, 10 women and 193 children, according to Addameer.
Scores of Palestinian prisoners had died in Israeli captivity such as Raed Abu Hammad in 2010 or shortly after their release the latest being Ashraf Al-Masalama in early 2013.
PA officials call for inquiry into Israeli jail death
Palestinian Authority officials on Saturday demanded an international investigation into the death of a detainee who died in an Israeli jail hours earlier, with family members saying he was in good health before his arrest.
A spokeswoman for Israel's Prison Authority said that the detainee, 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat, had apparently died of cardiac arrest. An emergency service team had tried to resuscitate him but failed, she said.
"Our information was that Jaradat was being interrogated and then he died. Therefore we call for an international investigation into his death, that may have resulted from torture," Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainees Issa Qaraqe said.
Israel's internal security service, Shin Bet, said in a statement that Jaradat began feeling ill after eating lunch, while he was resting, and that a police inquiry into the circumstances of his death had begun.
"During his interrogation ... on Thursday, Jaradat was examined numerous times by a doctor. No health problems were found in these examinations and the interrogation continued," the Shin Bet said.
Jaradat, according to Shin Bet, suffered from various health problems prior to his arrest, including back aches and injuries in his leg and stomach, sustained from a rubber bullet and a tear gas canister.
However, family members told Ma'an that Arafat was in good health before his arrest and did not suffer from any diseases or health conditions.
"Arafat was taken directly to a prison far from his residential area. He was taken to al-Jalama prison in the north instead of being taken as usual to interrogation centers close to his area of residence. He was held there for four days before he was transferred to Megido prison," his uncle Mousa Jaradat said.
Arafat was the father of two children, Yara, 4, and Muhammad, who is two years old.
"The whole town is sad," his uncle said.
Arafat's wife, Dalal, told Ma'an that an Israeli intelligence officer brought him back to his home minutes after being arrested and told him to bid farewell to his children.
"For that reason I was worried. My husband was detained several times before, but this time the intelligence officer talked in a bizarre way," she said.
PA ministry of detainees official Ziad Abu Ein is scheduled to meet with the family on Saturday to inform them about arrangements for delivering his body for burial.
Abu Ein said that the Ministry of Detainees would request that a Palestinian doctor representing the ministry examine the body and conduct an autopsy.
He called on the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross to take part in the examination.
Jaradat was arrested this week under suspicion he was involved in stone-throwing that had wounded an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, the Shin Bet said.
There are 4,743 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, including 178 administrative detainees, 10 women and 193 children, according to Addameer.
Tawil goes on hunger strike to protest his administrative detention
Hazem Al-Tawil has gone on an open-ended hunger strike four days ago to protest the Israeli occupation’s decision to hold him in administrative detention, without trial or charge.
The Palestine center for prisoners’ studies recalled that Tawil was held in PA jails since 30/1/2013 for two weeks. It added in a statement on Saturday that the Israeli occupation forces arrested Tawil on the same day of his release and ordered his administrative detention for six months in Ofer jail.
It said that Tawil, who previously served a few months in Israeli jails, was held in solitary confinement as a punishment for going on hunger strike.
The center held the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the life of Tawil who suffered a stroke before his arrest and the hunger strike could pose a threat on his life.
The Palestine center for prisoners’ studies recalled that Tawil was held in PA jails since 30/1/2013 for two weeks. It added in a statement on Saturday that the Israeli occupation forces arrested Tawil on the same day of his release and ordered his administrative detention for six months in Ofer jail.
It said that Tawil, who previously served a few months in Israeli jails, was held in solitary confinement as a punishment for going on hunger strike.
The center held the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the life of Tawil who suffered a stroke before his arrest and the hunger strike could pose a threat on his life.
IOF soldiers detain lawyer Issawi for few hours
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained lawyer Shireen Al-Issawi for a few hours on Saturday morning near Beit Hanina, north of occupied Jerusalem.
The lawyer, the sister of detained hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi, said on Twitter that IOF soldiers intercepted her car near Beit Hanina town, searched her and her car then told that she was under arrest.
IOF continues to harass family of Samer Al-Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for 216 days, in a bid pressure him into breaking his strike.
Arraba rallies in support of prisoners
National and Islamic forces in the town of Arraba, south of Jenin, staged a rally on Friday afternoon, with the participation of Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian 1948-occupied territories. PIC's reporter said that the event began after Friday prayers, which was performed at a school in the town, where Sheikh Raed Salah stressed the need to act in order to release the prisoners.
Sheikh Salah called on all governments and Islamic forces in the Arab and Muslim worlds to unite their efforts to defend the Palestinian people and sanctities, and considered that freeing the prisoners is the real beginning to the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Ex-prisoner Youssef Shaaban, liberated two days ago from the occupation jails where he waged a hunger strike for two months, gave a speech in which he stressed the hunger strikers' determination to continue their strike despite the serious deterioration in their health conditions.
Sheikh Yusuf al-Haj Aref, a leader in the Islamic Jihad movement, also delivered a speech in which he hailed Sheikh Raed Salah's great struggle in defending the Islamic sanctities and the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Sheikh Yusuf called on the Palestinian factions and people to unite their efforts, stressing that the resistance is the only way to confront the occupation.
The participants in the festival called for escalating solidarity activities to save the lives of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the hunger strikers.
The lawyer, the sister of detained hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi, said on Twitter that IOF soldiers intercepted her car near Beit Hanina town, searched her and her car then told that she was under arrest.
IOF continues to harass family of Samer Al-Issawi, who has been on hunger strike for 216 days, in a bid pressure him into breaking his strike.
Arraba rallies in support of prisoners
National and Islamic forces in the town of Arraba, south of Jenin, staged a rally on Friday afternoon, with the participation of Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of the Islamic movement in the Palestinian 1948-occupied territories. PIC's reporter said that the event began after Friday prayers, which was performed at a school in the town, where Sheikh Raed Salah stressed the need to act in order to release the prisoners.
Sheikh Salah called on all governments and Islamic forces in the Arab and Muslim worlds to unite their efforts to defend the Palestinian people and sanctities, and considered that freeing the prisoners is the real beginning to the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Ex-prisoner Youssef Shaaban, liberated two days ago from the occupation jails where he waged a hunger strike for two months, gave a speech in which he stressed the hunger strikers' determination to continue their strike despite the serious deterioration in their health conditions.
Sheikh Yusuf al-Haj Aref, a leader in the Islamic Jihad movement, also delivered a speech in which he hailed Sheikh Raed Salah's great struggle in defending the Islamic sanctities and the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Sheikh Yusuf called on the Palestinian factions and people to unite their efforts, stressing that the resistance is the only way to confront the occupation.
The participants in the festival called for escalating solidarity activities to save the lives of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, especially the hunger strikers.
IOF soldiers detain Jerusalemite youth at roadblock
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained a Jerusalemite youth at the Container roadblock to the east of occupied Jerusalem on Saturday morning.
Eyewitnesses said that soldiers manning the roadblock detained 24-year-old Mahmoud Nuwara, from Bethlehem, at the roadblock then took him away.
IOF soldiers exploit this roadblock as a trap to capture Palestinians, who are forced to trek that road in its capacity as the sole road that link north of the West Bank to its southern areas. Palestinian citizens are not allowed to use another road.
Eyewitnesses said that soldiers manning the roadblock detained 24-year-old Mahmoud Nuwara, from Bethlehem, at the roadblock then took him away.
IOF soldiers exploit this roadblock as a trap to capture Palestinians, who are forced to trek that road in its capacity as the sole road that link north of the West Bank to its southern areas. Palestinian citizens are not allowed to use another road.
Mother of Sharawna on hunger strike till her son is released
The mother of Palestinian hunger striker Ayman Sharawna on Friday said she would not end her hunger strike unless her son is released. The mother of Sharawna, who is in Aliya hospital, told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that she would continue her hunger strike, which she started seven days ago, in solidarity with her son.
She added that her son, despite his hunger strike for long days, enjoys high spirits and strong will which cannot be subdued by his jailers.
For his part, Jihad, the brother of Sharawna, told the PIC that his family is dismayed by the passive attitude of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah towards the issue of its son, affirming that no one contacted the family, except for Hamas political leader Khaled Mishaal, who phoned it several times, as well as some Hamas lawmakers and officials.
She added that her son, despite his hunger strike for long days, enjoys high spirits and strong will which cannot be subdued by his jailers.
For his part, Jihad, the brother of Sharawna, told the PIC that his family is dismayed by the passive attitude of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah towards the issue of its son, affirming that no one contacted the family, except for Hamas political leader Khaled Mishaal, who phoned it several times, as well as some Hamas lawmakers and officials.
Israeli undercover soldiers demolish sit-in tent in Issawiye, arrest five
Israeli occupation forces and undercover agents stormed the town of Issawiye in occupied Jerusalem on Friday night and arrested five citizens including children.
Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces stormed the town from its main entrance amidst heavy firing of stun grenades while the undercover agents advanced through another area near the Hebrew university and kidnapped five civilians.
Wadi Halawa information center named the kidnapped five citizens, adding that they include children as young as 12 years old and young men.
It said that the agents demolished the sit-in tent pitched in solidarity with detained hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi, adding that young men were quick to rebuild the tent as soon as the Israeli forces left the area.
Eyewitnesses said that the Israeli forces stormed the town from its main entrance amidst heavy firing of stun grenades while the undercover agents advanced through another area near the Hebrew university and kidnapped five civilians.
Wadi Halawa information center named the kidnapped five citizens, adding that they include children as young as 12 years old and young men.
It said that the agents demolished the sit-in tent pitched in solidarity with detained hunger striker Samer Al-Issawi, adding that young men were quick to rebuild the tent as soon as the Israeli forces left the area.
Night clashes in Jenin village
Inhabitants in Yabad village, south of Jenin city, clashed with Israeli occupation forces (IOF) that stormed their village on Friday night.
Local sources said that dozens of young men confronted the invading IOF troops that broke into many suburbs, bringing tension anew to the village that has been the target of similar intermittent attacks over the past week.
They said that a number of citizens were treated for breathing difficulty as a result of the IOF use of teargas, adding that the soldiers arrested a 14-year-old child, Wasim Abu Bakir, and took him to a detention center.
Local sources said that dozens of young men confronted the invading IOF troops that broke into many suburbs, bringing tension anew to the village that has been the target of similar intermittent attacks over the past week.
They said that a number of citizens were treated for breathing difficulty as a result of the IOF use of teargas, adding that the soldiers arrested a 14-year-old child, Wasim Abu Bakir, and took him to a detention center.
Including 2 Children, Army Kidnaps 5 Palestinians In Jerusalem
Israeli soldiers and undercover units invaded Al-Eesawiyya town, in occupied East Jerusalem, and kidnapped five Palestinians before taking them to an unknown destination. Cashes have been reported between the invading soldiers and local youths.
Local sources reported that undercover soldiers of the army infiltrated into the town from its main entrance, using a civilian vehicle, and kidnapped five Palestinian youths.
The soldiers then fired several concussion grenades in addition to some rounds of round ammunition; no injuries were reported.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan, in occupied Jerusalem, reported that the kidnapped residents are 12-30 years old. They have been identified as Wadee’ Obeid, Mohammad Dirbas, Mohammad Assouly, Khaldoun Dari, and Mohammad Halayqa.
The army also removed the protest tent that is installed in the center in the town, and the residents started reinstalling it as soon as the army left the area.
Also on Friday, the army and the Police kidnaped five Palestinians in the yards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and wounded at least 10 others. One of the kidnapped residents it a cameraman identified as Jamil Al-Qadamany.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center reported that ten Palestinian have been injured including an eight-year-old child who was shot by a rubber-coated metal bullet in her abdomen. A local medic, identified as Samer Al-Wa’ry, was also injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army, and members of the undercover forces, invaded the Al-Aqsa mosque from the Al-Magharba Gate, and fired several gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets.
Several worshipers, including elderly, have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
Local sources reported that undercover soldiers of the army infiltrated into the town from its main entrance, using a civilian vehicle, and kidnapped five Palestinian youths.
The soldiers then fired several concussion grenades in addition to some rounds of round ammunition; no injuries were reported.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan, in occupied Jerusalem, reported that the kidnapped residents are 12-30 years old. They have been identified as Wadee’ Obeid, Mohammad Dirbas, Mohammad Assouly, Khaldoun Dari, and Mohammad Halayqa.
The army also removed the protest tent that is installed in the center in the town, and the residents started reinstalling it as soon as the army left the area.
Also on Friday, the army and the Police kidnaped five Palestinians in the yards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and wounded at least 10 others. One of the kidnapped residents it a cameraman identified as Jamil Al-Qadamany.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center reported that ten Palestinian have been injured including an eight-year-old child who was shot by a rubber-coated metal bullet in her abdomen. A local medic, identified as Samer Al-Wa’ry, was also injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army, and members of the undercover forces, invaded the Al-Aqsa mosque from the Al-Magharba Gate, and fired several gas bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets.
Several worshipers, including elderly, have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
