18 mar 2013
IOF closes Jeet barrier in Nablus, storms Fawar camp
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) closed Jeet barrier that links between the cities of Nablus and Qalqilya in the northern West Bank, after an armed attack against an Israeli settler in that area.
The IOF closed the main roads in the area and prevented the passage of Palestinian vehicles following the accident, and then imposed strict measures at Jeet checkpoint, searching and checking the Palestinian citizens' vehicles and identity cards, local sources confirmed.
Voice of Israel radio station has reported that an Israeli settler was slightly injured after being shot from a Palestinian car, as it claimed.
Meanwhile, the IOF stormed on Monday Fawar refugee camp south of al-Khalil in the West Bank, where Israeli patrols were deployed near the southern entrance of the district.
Dozens of soldiers stormed the camp, roaming between its neighborhoods, no arrests were reported, eyewitnesses told PIC reporter.
Occupation patrols have also stormed the southern entrance to the city of al-Khalil and the entrance to Beit Haggai settlement built on the Palestinian land.
In a related context, the Israeli occupation forces arrested at dawn on Monday the liberated prisoner Kedar Ghaith, 33, from al-Khalil after storming his house, where he was taken to unknown destination.
The occupation authorities have released Kedar a few months ago, where he spent 7 years in Israeli jails.
The IOF closed the main roads in the area and prevented the passage of Palestinian vehicles following the accident, and then imposed strict measures at Jeet checkpoint, searching and checking the Palestinian citizens' vehicles and identity cards, local sources confirmed.
Voice of Israel radio station has reported that an Israeli settler was slightly injured after being shot from a Palestinian car, as it claimed.
Meanwhile, the IOF stormed on Monday Fawar refugee camp south of al-Khalil in the West Bank, where Israeli patrols were deployed near the southern entrance of the district.
Dozens of soldiers stormed the camp, roaming between its neighborhoods, no arrests were reported, eyewitnesses told PIC reporter.
Occupation patrols have also stormed the southern entrance to the city of al-Khalil and the entrance to Beit Haggai settlement built on the Palestinian land.
In a related context, the Israeli occupation forces arrested at dawn on Monday the liberated prisoner Kedar Ghaith, 33, from al-Khalil after storming his house, where he was taken to unknown destination.
The occupation authorities have released Kedar a few months ago, where he spent 7 years in Israeli jails.
Israeli court delays trial of Abu Arafah and Totah
The so-called District Court in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday adjourned the trial of former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Khalid Abu Arafa and MP for Jerusalem Mohammed Totah to April 10.
The trial's postponement came at the request of the prosecution under the pretext it was not ready for presenting its case, according Fadi Qawasmi, the lawyer for the two detainees.
The lawyer pointed out that the Public Prosecutor has delayed the trial for the second time, where it demanded to sentence the two detainees for high provisions under the pretext of their high positions in Hamas movement.
MP Ahmed Attoun was turned to administrative detention for 6 months under the pretext of contacting some of Hamas leaders in West Bank.
The last court session was positive, where the court refused the Israeli internal minister's decision to withdraw their identity cards.
The trial's postponement came at the request of the prosecution under the pretext it was not ready for presenting its case, according Fadi Qawasmi, the lawyer for the two detainees.
The lawyer pointed out that the Public Prosecutor has delayed the trial for the second time, where it demanded to sentence the two detainees for high provisions under the pretext of their high positions in Hamas movement.
MP Ahmed Attoun was turned to administrative detention for 6 months under the pretext of contacting some of Hamas leaders in West Bank.
The last court session was positive, where the court refused the Israeli internal minister's decision to withdraw their identity cards.
Hamas condemns IOF storming, arrest of leader Eshtiye
Hamas movement condemned the Israeli arrest on Sunday of its leader Jamil Eshtiye after savagely storming into his home and terrorizing his family.
A responsible source in the movement said it holds the Israeli occupation authority fully responsible for any harm done to Eshtiye and warned it of further targeting Palestinian leaders.
The source described the method of arrest as a desperate attempt reflecting the fear of the Israeli army soldiers and officers.
The source said that such arrests would not weaken the resoluteness of the Palestinian people and their leaders, and urged all factions to unite in face of the Israeli “occupation’s criminal schemes”.
A responsible source in the movement said it holds the Israeli occupation authority fully responsible for any harm done to Eshtiye and warned it of further targeting Palestinian leaders.
The source described the method of arrest as a desperate attempt reflecting the fear of the Israeli army soldiers and officers.
The source said that such arrests would not weaken the resoluteness of the Palestinian people and their leaders, and urged all factions to unite in face of the Israeli “occupation’s criminal schemes”.
Israel cancels visits to Gaza prisoners for three weeks
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) informed the Red Cross office in Gaza that visits to Gaza prisoners in IOA jails would be suspended for three weeks.
The Red Cross spokeswoman in Gaza Arawa Mihana told the PIC reporter on Monday that the IOA called off the visits for relatives of Gaza prisoners due to Jewish feasts and holidays.
Relatives of Gaza prisoners were allowed to visit them only recently after six years ban after the mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners that asked for certain demands including allowing relatives of Gaza prisoners to visit them.
The Red Cross spokeswoman in Gaza Arawa Mihana told the PIC reporter on Monday that the IOA called off the visits for relatives of Gaza prisoners due to Jewish feasts and holidays.
Relatives of Gaza prisoners were allowed to visit them only recently after six years ban after the mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners that asked for certain demands including allowing relatives of Gaza prisoners to visit them.
UFree to attend human rights council's session on Palestine
The European network to defend the rights of Palestinian prisoners UFree will participate on Monday in the session to be held in Geneva by the UN human rights council to table some key Palestinian issues.
UFree stated that it would take part along with other human rights groups in the session to be held to discuss the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, most importantly, with regard to the Palestinian prisoners and Israel's settlement activities.
Executive coordinator of UFree Khaled Walid said the network is keen on internationalizing the issue of the Palestinian prisoners, especially since Israel flouted all international laws and resolutions that protect the prisoners' rights.
Walid stated that the network in coordination with the Swiss society "rights for all" would organize a symposium on Tuesday aimed at raising the awareness of the Swiss street about the violations to which the Palestinian prisoners are exposed in Israel's jails.
UFree stated that it would take part along with other human rights groups in the session to be held to discuss the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, most importantly, with regard to the Palestinian prisoners and Israel's settlement activities.
Executive coordinator of UFree Khaled Walid said the network is keen on internationalizing the issue of the Palestinian prisoners, especially since Israel flouted all international laws and resolutions that protect the prisoners' rights.
Walid stated that the network in coordination with the Swiss society "rights for all" would organize a symposium on Tuesday aimed at raising the awareness of the Swiss street about the violations to which the Palestinian prisoners are exposed in Israel's jails.
IOF soldiers arrest brother of Ayman Sharawne
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested Jihad Sharawne, the brother of released hunger striker Ayman, at dawn Monday only hours after the release of his brother.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers blasted their way into the home of Jihad, burst into his bedroom and confiscated his mobile phones and personal computer before taking him away handcuffed.
IOF soldiers had a few days earlier arrested Ismail Sharawne, Ayman’s nephew, who is currently held in Askalan jail.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers blasted their way into the home of Jihad, burst into his bedroom and confiscated his mobile phones and personal computer before taking him away handcuffed.
IOF soldiers had a few days earlier arrested Ismail Sharawne, Ayman’s nephew, who is currently held in Askalan jail.
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Liberated prisoner Ayman Sharawne has affirmed that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) will pay for its crimes against the Palestinian people. Sharawne, who was released but exiled to the Gaza Strip, said after his arrival in the Strip on Sunday night that he would return to the West Bank with the dawn of victory.
Sharawne said from his hospital bed in Shifa medical complex that he was victorious after his long hunger strike, more than 250 days. He charged the IOA with committing two crimes against him first his re-arrest and second banishing him away from his family and hometown. |
Sharawne had arrived in Gaza via the Erez crossing on Sunday night to an official and popular welcome ceremony.
Hunger striker Sharawna arrives in Gaza
A massive crowd of citizens received on Sunday evening Palestinian prisoner Ayman Sharawna after his arrival in the Gaza Strip through Beit Hanoun crossing.
The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Gaza said that prisoner Ayman was transported by an ambulance because of his very poor health condition, while hundreds of citizens gathered around the vehile to welcome him.
A news conference is expected to be held for the prisoner to explain the circumstance of his release process.
Senior Hamas officials and former prisoners also attended the popular reception that was given to Ayman.
Palestinian minister of prisoners' affairs Attallah Abul Sabeh stated in a press release on Sunday that the release of prisoner Ayman Sharawna, who went on a hunger strike for about eight months, was a victory over his jailers.
"We wished that his release was to his native city Al-Khalil, but his leaving from a Palestinian city to another Palestinian city is better than staying in jails for 20 more years suffering from suppression, injustice and ongoing physical and psychological torture," Abul Sabeh said.
Hunger striker Sharawna arrives in Gaza
A massive crowd of citizens received on Sunday evening Palestinian prisoner Ayman Sharawna after his arrival in the Gaza Strip through Beit Hanoun crossing.
The Palestinian information center (PIC) reporter in Gaza said that prisoner Ayman was transported by an ambulance because of his very poor health condition, while hundreds of citizens gathered around the vehile to welcome him.
A news conference is expected to be held for the prisoner to explain the circumstance of his release process.
Senior Hamas officials and former prisoners also attended the popular reception that was given to Ayman.
Palestinian minister of prisoners' affairs Attallah Abul Sabeh stated in a press release on Sunday that the release of prisoner Ayman Sharawna, who went on a hunger strike for about eight months, was a victory over his jailers.
"We wished that his release was to his native city Al-Khalil, but his leaving from a Palestinian city to another Palestinian city is better than staying in jails for 20 more years suffering from suppression, injustice and ongoing physical and psychological torture," Abul Sabeh said.
17 mar 2013
14 Palestinian prisoners suffer cancer in the Israeli jails
A human rights report said that the occupation authorities continue to detain fourteen Palestinian prisoners suffering from cancer.
Palestine Prisoners' Center for Studies said in a report issued on Sunday that there are 14 Palestinian prisoners inside the occupation jails and detention centers who suffer from different types of cancers, amid the prison administration's deliberate policy of medical neglect.
According to the report, "prisoners with cancer in the Israeli occupation jails suffer a lot due to their terminal illness, especially in light of the neglect of the occupation authorities that do not provide them with the appropriate treatment, and the harsh prison conditions, which led to continuous deterioration in their health condition."
The Center called on all institutions and international organizations, especially the World Health Organization and Doctors without Borders, to intervene in order to release the prisoners with cancer due to their serious health conditions.
Palestine Prisoners' Center for Studies said in a report issued on Sunday that there are 14 Palestinian prisoners inside the occupation jails and detention centers who suffer from different types of cancers, amid the prison administration's deliberate policy of medical neglect.
According to the report, "prisoners with cancer in the Israeli occupation jails suffer a lot due to their terminal illness, especially in light of the neglect of the occupation authorities that do not provide them with the appropriate treatment, and the harsh prison conditions, which led to continuous deterioration in their health condition."
The Center called on all institutions and international organizations, especially the World Health Organization and Doctors without Borders, to intervene in order to release the prisoners with cancer due to their serious health conditions.
Sharawne to be released, exiled to Gaza
Detained hunger striker Ayman Al-Sharawne has signed an agreement with the Israeli occupation authorities by which he would be released and exiled to Gaza for ten years.
Jihad, Ayman’s brother, said on Sunday that his brother would be released in the next few hours and deported to Gaza, adding that he was awaiting details of the agreement from the lawyer.
Jihad said that his brother was the one who decided to go on strike and he is the one to decide how to end it, pointing out that Ayman’s health condition was rapidly worsening.
He explained that Ayman lost weight, one of his kidneys was damaged, and his eyesight was affected in addition to acute pain in his feet.
Sources had said that the lawyer carried an Israeli offer last week stipulating releasing Ayman and exiling him for ten years, adding that Ayman asked for reducing the deportation years, exiling him to Gaza, and allowing his family to visit him.
The sources said that apparently all were accepted except reducing the ten years exile period.
Sharawne, who was serving a 38-year sentence, was released in the Wafa Al-Ahrar prisoners’ exchange deal in October 2011.
Sharawne served ten years of his sentence and was arrested only few months after his release. He was waiting a court hearing on Monday to decide either to release him or to complete his imprisonment sentence.
Jihad, Ayman’s brother, said on Sunday that his brother would be released in the next few hours and deported to Gaza, adding that he was awaiting details of the agreement from the lawyer.
Jihad said that his brother was the one who decided to go on strike and he is the one to decide how to end it, pointing out that Ayman’s health condition was rapidly worsening.
He explained that Ayman lost weight, one of his kidneys was damaged, and his eyesight was affected in addition to acute pain in his feet.
Sources had said that the lawyer carried an Israeli offer last week stipulating releasing Ayman and exiling him for ten years, adding that Ayman asked for reducing the deportation years, exiling him to Gaza, and allowing his family to visit him.
The sources said that apparently all were accepted except reducing the ten years exile period.
Sharawne, who was serving a 38-year sentence, was released in the Wafa Al-Ahrar prisoners’ exchange deal in October 2011.
Sharawne served ten years of his sentence and was arrested only few months after his release. He was waiting a court hearing on Monday to decide either to release him or to complete his imprisonment sentence.
Health of prisoner seriously worsening
Family of prisoner Mohammed Mirdawi has called for urgent intervention to save him from severe pneumonia.
Mohammed’s brother told Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights on Sunday that relatives visited him a few days ago in Eshel prison and found him in a very bad health condition.
Mohammed told the visitors that the Israeli prison administration refused to transfer him to hospital and gave him an injection that did not do any good to him.
For his part, Fuad Al-Khafsh, director of Ahrar, said that Mohammed had suffered from a disease in his lungs back in the nineties of the past century and underwent a surgery in 1991.
He said that Mohammed needed a certain medication to be given to him each year that prevents further deterioration in his health condition.
Khafsh said that Mohammed, who is serving a 28-year sentence, stopped taking that medication since his arrest in 1999, adding that the Israeli prison service refuses to take him to hospital and is content with giving him sedatives.
Mohammed’s brother told Ahrar center for prisoners’ studies and human rights on Sunday that relatives visited him a few days ago in Eshel prison and found him in a very bad health condition.
Mohammed told the visitors that the Israeli prison administration refused to transfer him to hospital and gave him an injection that did not do any good to him.
For his part, Fuad Al-Khafsh, director of Ahrar, said that Mohammed had suffered from a disease in his lungs back in the nineties of the past century and underwent a surgery in 1991.
He said that Mohammed needed a certain medication to be given to him each year that prevents further deterioration in his health condition.
Khafsh said that Mohammed, who is serving a 28-year sentence, stopped taking that medication since his arrest in 1999, adding that the Israeli prison service refuses to take him to hospital and is content with giving him sedatives.
IOA extends 3 prisoners' administrative detention
An Israeli military court extended the administrative detention of three Palestinian prisoners from Ramallah including two leaders in Hamas movement.
Ofer military court ordered to extend the administrative detention of two leaders in Hamas movement Abdul Kader Srour, 40, a liberated prisoner who suffers heart problems, and served as director of the PLC Speaker’s office, and Abdul Hafiz Gazan, 52, a former mayor of Qibya, for 4 months.
The Court extended also the administrative detention of Najib Mafarjeh, 28, from Beit Liqya west of Ramallah for 6 months.
In a related context, Ofer court sentenced the prisoner Sharif Rajoub, from Dura town in al-Khalil to 15 months. Rajoub is a journalist working for Sawt Al-Aqsa radio station, where he has been in Israeli jails since ten months.
Meanwhile, Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights denounced the wide scale transfer campaign waged by the occupation authorities in prisons aiming to create a state of confusion and instability.
Fuad Al Khuffash, the director of the center, stressed that the Israeli transfer campaign among the prisoners, particularly the administrative detainees and prisoners serving high sentences, aims to torture these prisoners and to create an unstable atmosphere for them.
The prisoners, who are arrested for the first time, need time to get used to the prison atmosphere, Khuffash pointed out, adding that transferring the prisoner from one prison to another creates a state of confusion to him.
On the other hand, Khuffash stated that the transfer of prisoners from one prison to another hampers or even prevents families visits who face difficulties in obtaining visit-permits, to be informed later, that their son is transferred to another prison, forcing them to wait for obtaining another permit.
The center’s director called to facilitate the visit-permits, and to stop the obstacles imposed on families’ visits.
Ofer military court ordered to extend the administrative detention of two leaders in Hamas movement Abdul Kader Srour, 40, a liberated prisoner who suffers heart problems, and served as director of the PLC Speaker’s office, and Abdul Hafiz Gazan, 52, a former mayor of Qibya, for 4 months.
The Court extended also the administrative detention of Najib Mafarjeh, 28, from Beit Liqya west of Ramallah for 6 months.
In a related context, Ofer court sentenced the prisoner Sharif Rajoub, from Dura town in al-Khalil to 15 months. Rajoub is a journalist working for Sawt Al-Aqsa radio station, where he has been in Israeli jails since ten months.
Meanwhile, Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights denounced the wide scale transfer campaign waged by the occupation authorities in prisons aiming to create a state of confusion and instability.
Fuad Al Khuffash, the director of the center, stressed that the Israeli transfer campaign among the prisoners, particularly the administrative detainees and prisoners serving high sentences, aims to torture these prisoners and to create an unstable atmosphere for them.
The prisoners, who are arrested for the first time, need time to get used to the prison atmosphere, Khuffash pointed out, adding that transferring the prisoner from one prison to another creates a state of confusion to him.
On the other hand, Khuffash stated that the transfer of prisoners from one prison to another hampers or even prevents families visits who face difficulties in obtaining visit-permits, to be informed later, that their son is transferred to another prison, forcing them to wait for obtaining another permit.
The center’s director called to facilitate the visit-permits, and to stop the obstacles imposed on families’ visits.
Israeli intelligence interrogates Sharawne’s brother over Mishaal phone call
Israeli intelligence summoned and interrogated brother of detained hunger striker Ayman Sharawne, Jihad, for six hours.
Jihad told Quds Press that he was summoned to Etzion near Bethlehem where Israeli intelligence questioned him about his solidarity activity with his brother Ayman, adding that the intelligence officer threatened him with arrest and a fate similar to his brother in the event he continued “to incite against Israel”.
He said that the intelligence told him that he was summoned also for the phone calls his family received from political bureau chairman of Hamas Khaled Mishaal and Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya.
Israeli occupation forces had arrested Ayman’s nephew, a teenager, after bursting into his work place in Tel Aviv on Thursday. He was held in Askalan interrogation center for questioning on his role in publicizing his uncle’s issue on the media.
Ayman Sharawne has been on hunger strike for ten months and has suffered health complications as a result, forcing the Israeli prison administration to transfer him to Soroka hospital.
Jihad told Quds Press that he was summoned to Etzion near Bethlehem where Israeli intelligence questioned him about his solidarity activity with his brother Ayman, adding that the intelligence officer threatened him with arrest and a fate similar to his brother in the event he continued “to incite against Israel”.
He said that the intelligence told him that he was summoned also for the phone calls his family received from political bureau chairman of Hamas Khaled Mishaal and Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya.
Israeli occupation forces had arrested Ayman’s nephew, a teenager, after bursting into his work place in Tel Aviv on Thursday. He was held in Askalan interrogation center for questioning on his role in publicizing his uncle’s issue on the media.
Ayman Sharawne has been on hunger strike for ten months and has suffered health complications as a result, forcing the Israeli prison administration to transfer him to Soroka hospital.
IOF soldiers arrest 8 Palestinians including Hamas leader
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up eight Palestinians at dawn Sunday including a Hamas leader in Salem village to the east of Nablus.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers arrested Awad Eshtiye, who was previously detained by the IOF and PA security, from his home.
IOF soldiers broke into the home of Ibrahim Abu Khalifa in Doheisha refugee camp in Bethlehem and took away his son Malik, 22.
Three young men were kidnapped in Hares village, Salfit province, at the hands of IOF soldiers, locals reported.
Other IOF units stormed Yamon village, west of Jenin, and took away three youngsters including two brothers and their cousin.
Local sources said that IOF soldiers arrested Awad Eshtiye, who was previously detained by the IOF and PA security, from his home.
IOF soldiers broke into the home of Ibrahim Abu Khalifa in Doheisha refugee camp in Bethlehem and took away his son Malik, 22.
Three young men were kidnapped in Hares village, Salfit province, at the hands of IOF soldiers, locals reported.
Other IOF units stormed Yamon village, west of Jenin, and took away three youngsters including two brothers and their cousin.
Settlers Burn A Chicken Coop Near Nablus
Several Attacks Reported In West Bank
A number of armed extremist Israeli settlers burnt on Sunday at dawn a chicken coop that belongs to a villager of Qasra village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Local sources reported that settlers of the Magdolim illegal settlement, attacked the village of Qasra, southeast of Nablus, and burnt a chicken coop that belongs to resident Jamal Abu Reeda.
The Radio Bethlehem 2000 interviewed the head of the Qasra Village Council, Abdul-Athim Al-Wady, who stated that the settlers have escalated their attacks against the village, and several nearby villages, especially over the past few days.
In related news, a number of Israeli settlers raised Israeli flags, planted olive saplings, and placed some clay pots at the entrance of the Al-Qit area, in Al-Khader south of Bethlehem.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Al-Khader, Ahmad Salah, told Radio Bethlehem 2000 that, a few months ago, the settlers illegally occupied five dunams (1.23 Acres) of Palestinian lands in the area, and were never removed.
He added that the settlers are repeatedly trying to occupy and plant Palestinians lands in the area in order to install illegal settlement outposts, or to expand existing illegal outposts.
Furthermore, a number of armed Israeli settlers attacked several Palestinian farmers, and prevented them from plowing their own lands east of Yatta town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Also, the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of the of Hebron, reported that Israeli soldiers kidnapped three children, earlier on Sunday at dawn, an issue that led to clashes between local youths and Israeli soldiers.
Also on Sunday, Israeli soldiers kidnapped three Palestinian youths in Hares village, near the central West Bank city of Salfit, and three more Palestinians in the Al-Yamoun village, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
A number of armed extremist Israeli settlers burnt on Sunday at dawn a chicken coop that belongs to a villager of Qasra village, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus.
Local sources reported that settlers of the Magdolim illegal settlement, attacked the village of Qasra, southeast of Nablus, and burnt a chicken coop that belongs to resident Jamal Abu Reeda.
The Radio Bethlehem 2000 interviewed the head of the Qasra Village Council, Abdul-Athim Al-Wady, who stated that the settlers have escalated their attacks against the village, and several nearby villages, especially over the past few days.
In related news, a number of Israeli settlers raised Israeli flags, planted olive saplings, and placed some clay pots at the entrance of the Al-Qit area, in Al-Khader south of Bethlehem.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Al-Khader, Ahmad Salah, told Radio Bethlehem 2000 that, a few months ago, the settlers illegally occupied five dunams (1.23 Acres) of Palestinian lands in the area, and were never removed.
He added that the settlers are repeatedly trying to occupy and plant Palestinians lands in the area in order to install illegal settlement outposts, or to expand existing illegal outposts.
Furthermore, a number of armed Israeli settlers attacked several Palestinian farmers, and prevented them from plowing their own lands east of Yatta town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Also, the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of the of Hebron, reported that Israeli soldiers kidnapped three children, earlier on Sunday at dawn, an issue that led to clashes between local youths and Israeli soldiers.
Also on Sunday, Israeli soldiers kidnapped three Palestinian youths in Hares village, near the central West Bank city of Salfit, and three more Palestinians in the Al-Yamoun village, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
Letter by Palestinians held in Israeli jails delivered to UN commissioner
Palestinian protestors wave their national flag and hold portraits of Samer al-Issawi, a Palestinian prisoner on hunger strike in an Israeli prison, during a demonstration demanding for his release in the east Jerusalem
A letter written by Palestinian inmates in Israeli prisons has been delivered to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Ramallah.
According to qudsnet.com , the Palestinian Authority's Minister for Prisoners' Affairs Issa Qaraqe handed the letter over to the UN official on Saturday in the presence of prisoners’ families and freed detainees who had travelled to Ramallah from various cities across the West Bank.
Sawsan Shaheen, the coordinator of the event who has been on hunger strike for over one month to express solidarity with Palestinian hunger-striking prisoners, says people should mount pressure on the UN in order to force the body to give an appropriate response.
Commenting on the issue, Khazr Adnan, a senior member of Palestine Islamic Jihad Movement, said UN silence in the face of Israeli regime’s crimes towards Palestinian prisoners amounts to collusion with Tel Aviv in its massacring of the people of Palestine.
More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli prisons. Among the inmates are Ayman Sharawneh, Samer al-Issawi, Jaafar Ezzedine, and Tareq Qaa'dan, who have been refusing food for months.
The four embarked on a hunger strike to protest against their administrative detention, a controversial practice used by Tel Aviv that allows Israeli authorities to incarcerate Palestinians indefinitely without charging them or holding a trial.
In February, thousands of Palestinian prisoners went on a one-day hunger strike in protest at the death of Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two, who had died, according to Israeli prison authorities, of cardiac arrest in Israel's Megiddo Prison.
WB protesters demand immediate release of jailed Palestinians
Large crowds of people have staged a massive march in the occupied West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Saturday in the central city of Ramallah to voice their support for Palestinians who remain in Israeli jails without charge or trial.
They held placards with pictures of the jailed Palestinians. Some were dressed as Palestinian prisoners, handcuffed and blindfolded.
The demonstrators marched from the city center to the Palestinian Authority (PA) offices, where the PA Minister of Prison Affairs Issa Qaraqa made a speech, calling for an immediate release of all prisoners on hunger strike.
In February, thousands of Palestinian prisoners went on a one-day hunger strike in protest at the death of Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two, who allegedly had died of cardiac arrest in Israel's Magiddo prison.
The death also prompted Qaraqa to demand an international investigation into the incident.
More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli prisons. Among the inmates are Ayman Sharawneh, Samer al-Issawi, Jaafar Ezzedine, and Tareq Qaa'dan, who have been refusing food for months.
The four embarked on a hunger strike to protest against their administrative detention, a controversial practice used by Tel Aviv that allows the Israeli authorities to incarcerate Palestinians indefinitely without charging them or holding a trial.
A letter written by Palestinian inmates in Israeli prisons has been delivered to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Ramallah.
According to qudsnet.com , the Palestinian Authority's Minister for Prisoners' Affairs Issa Qaraqe handed the letter over to the UN official on Saturday in the presence of prisoners’ families and freed detainees who had travelled to Ramallah from various cities across the West Bank.
Sawsan Shaheen, the coordinator of the event who has been on hunger strike for over one month to express solidarity with Palestinian hunger-striking prisoners, says people should mount pressure on the UN in order to force the body to give an appropriate response.
Commenting on the issue, Khazr Adnan, a senior member of Palestine Islamic Jihad Movement, said UN silence in the face of Israeli regime’s crimes towards Palestinian prisoners amounts to collusion with Tel Aviv in its massacring of the people of Palestine.
More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli prisons. Among the inmates are Ayman Sharawneh, Samer al-Issawi, Jaafar Ezzedine, and Tareq Qaa'dan, who have been refusing food for months.
The four embarked on a hunger strike to protest against their administrative detention, a controversial practice used by Tel Aviv that allows Israeli authorities to incarcerate Palestinians indefinitely without charging them or holding a trial.
In February, thousands of Palestinian prisoners went on a one-day hunger strike in protest at the death of Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two, who had died, according to Israeli prison authorities, of cardiac arrest in Israel's Megiddo Prison.
WB protesters demand immediate release of jailed Palestinians
Large crowds of people have staged a massive march in the occupied West Bank in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Saturday in the central city of Ramallah to voice their support for Palestinians who remain in Israeli jails without charge or trial.
They held placards with pictures of the jailed Palestinians. Some were dressed as Palestinian prisoners, handcuffed and blindfolded.
The demonstrators marched from the city center to the Palestinian Authority (PA) offices, where the PA Minister of Prison Affairs Issa Qaraqa made a speech, calling for an immediate release of all prisoners on hunger strike.
In February, thousands of Palestinian prisoners went on a one-day hunger strike in protest at the death of Arafat Jaradat, a 30-year-old father of two, who allegedly had died of cardiac arrest in Israel's Magiddo prison.
The death also prompted Qaraqa to demand an international investigation into the incident.
More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli prisons. Among the inmates are Ayman Sharawneh, Samer al-Issawi, Jaafar Ezzedine, and Tareq Qaa'dan, who have been refusing food for months.
The four embarked on a hunger strike to protest against their administrative detention, a controversial practice used by Tel Aviv that allows the Israeli authorities to incarcerate Palestinians indefinitely without charging them or holding a trial.
Army Attacks, Detains Palestinian Shepherds Near Hebron
Israeli soldiers attacked and detained five Palestinian shepherds in Yatta town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Rateb Jabour, coordinator of the Popular Committee in Hebron, stated that the soldiers detained several Palestinian shepherds, violently attacked and beat them, and forced them out of their lands.
Jabour added that the area in question is grazing grounds for the shepherds, but Israeli soldiers and settlers want to expand illegal settlements in the area on the expense of the Palestinians.
He said that members of Al-Halees and Abu Sabha Palestinian families legally own the lands and that Israeli settlers in the area repeatedly attacked these lands and forced the shepherds out, so that they (the settlers) use the grazing area for their own livestock.
On Friday, a Palestinian shepherd, identified as Ahmad Mahmoud Shawaheen, suffered bruises and fractures in his leg after being attacked by settlers of the Etnael illegal settlement, near Hebron.
The shepherd was in Khallit Al-Adra area; the settlers also forced him out of the area under the pretext that the lands belong to their illegal settlement.
Rateb Jabour, coordinator of the Popular Committee in Hebron, stated that the soldiers detained several Palestinian shepherds, violently attacked and beat them, and forced them out of their lands.
Jabour added that the area in question is grazing grounds for the shepherds, but Israeli soldiers and settlers want to expand illegal settlements in the area on the expense of the Palestinians.
He said that members of Al-Halees and Abu Sabha Palestinian families legally own the lands and that Israeli settlers in the area repeatedly attacked these lands and forced the shepherds out, so that they (the settlers) use the grazing area for their own livestock.
On Friday, a Palestinian shepherd, identified as Ahmad Mahmoud Shawaheen, suffered bruises and fractures in his leg after being attacked by settlers of the Etnael illegal settlement, near Hebron.
The shepherd was in Khallit Al-Adra area; the settlers also forced him out of the area under the pretext that the lands belong to their illegal settlement.
Three Children Kidnapped In Hebron
The Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West bank city of Hebron, reported that Israeli soldiers kidnapped three children, earlier on Sunday at dawn, an issue that led to clashes between local youths and Israeli soldiers.
The Committee said that eight military vehicles and three troop carriers invaded Beit Ummar through its main road, and through Yasser Arafat Road, west of the town, and headed to the center of the town, Al-Bayada and Aseeda neighborhoods.
Soldiers then broke into several homes and searched them before kidnapping Ali Sa’id Sabarna, 17, Ali Ahmad Sabarna, 16, and Jihad Nasser Ikhlayyil, 16, the Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported.
Local sources reported that the clashes started directly after the army kidnapped the three children, and that the army fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs; several residents have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
Beit Ummar have been subject to daily invasions carried out by the army since the beginning of this month, and the army kidnapped during these invasions 34 Palestinians, including 16.
Inhabitants of Beit Ummar clash with IOF soldiers after arrest of three minors
Palestinian young men in Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil, engaged Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at the entrance to the village after arrest of three minors. Mohammed Awad, the spokesman of the village’s popular committee against the wall, said that IOF soldiers stormed the village and detained three youngsters 16 and 17 years old.
He said that youths in the village threw stones at the IOF soldiers who retaliated by firing rubber bullets and teargas, adding that many youngsters were treated for breathing problems.
Awad underlined that IOF soldiers rounded up 34 inhabitants from the village since the start of 2013 including 16 minors.
The Committee said that eight military vehicles and three troop carriers invaded Beit Ummar through its main road, and through Yasser Arafat Road, west of the town, and headed to the center of the town, Al-Bayada and Aseeda neighborhoods.
Soldiers then broke into several homes and searched them before kidnapping Ali Sa’id Sabarna, 17, Ali Ahmad Sabarna, 16, and Jihad Nasser Ikhlayyil, 16, the Palestine News Network (PNN) has reported.
Local sources reported that the clashes started directly after the army kidnapped the three children, and that the army fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and gas bombs; several residents have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
Beit Ummar have been subject to daily invasions carried out by the army since the beginning of this month, and the army kidnapped during these invasions 34 Palestinians, including 16.
Inhabitants of Beit Ummar clash with IOF soldiers after arrest of three minors
Palestinian young men in Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil, engaged Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at the entrance to the village after arrest of three minors. Mohammed Awad, the spokesman of the village’s popular committee against the wall, said that IOF soldiers stormed the village and detained three youngsters 16 and 17 years old.
He said that youths in the village threw stones at the IOF soldiers who retaliated by firing rubber bullets and teargas, adding that many youngsters were treated for breathing problems.
Awad underlined that IOF soldiers rounded up 34 inhabitants from the village since the start of 2013 including 16 minors.
16 mar 2013
Families of detainees urge UN to intervene and end their suffering
Families of two Palestinian detainees delivered on Saturday a message to the UN Secretary General’s envoy for human rights in Palestine on the prisoners’ plight.
The family of hunger striker Ayman Al-Sharawne and family of Jerusalemite detainee Hussam Shahin appealed in the message addressed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for immediate intervention to end the suffering of those prisoners, some of whom had been behind bars for decades.
The message focused on the difficult health condition of hunger strikers who have been on strike for more than 250 days, charging the Israeli authorities with delaying a solution to their condition without any justification.
Hundreds of Palestinian families coming from various provinces accompanied the families of Sharawne and Shahin and raised slogans asking about the role of the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League in supporting the cause of those prisoners.
A big number of liberated prisoners and members of the higher authority to follow up prisoners’ affairs and private and popular institutions attended the sit-in.
Ex-captive Mazen Natshe: Prisoners will resume mass hunger strike
The liberated captive and activist Mazen Jamal Natshe, 41, from al-Khalil, said that the prisoners inside the Israeli jails plan to step up their protest steps in April in protest at the escalation of the repressive measures against them. Natshe told PIC's correspondent that the Israeli prison administration has recently escalated its repressive measures against the prisoners.
After the death of detainee Arafat Jaradat, the prison administration was expected to calm the situation, but on the contrary, it launched a fierce campaign against the captives, mainly through escalating the raids into the prisoners' rooms, isolating prisoners and preventing family visits, Natshe explained.
He has also pointed to the abusive measures taken by the Israeli prison administration against the hunger strikers, and said that the prison administration transfers to solitary confinement each prisoner who announces a hunger strike, in an attempt to prevent him from communicating with the outside world and to pressure him to retreat from his step.
He stressed that the captives' leaders from all factions are pondering a new mass hunger strike if the prisoners' legitimate demands are not met.
The liberated captive pointed out that the prisoners' demands consist principally of implementing the terms of the agreement reached following the last al-Karama strike, represented mainly in releasing all the prisoners from solitary confinement, and allowing visits to the captives' families from the Gaza Strip.
The prisoners also demand canceling the law of Shalit, represented in sanctions that have been imposed on prisoners after the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and which include stopping the education process inside the jails, preventing entry of Palestinian newspapers, and raising prices of materials and goods the prisoners buy from the canteen.
Natshe confirmed that the prisoners intend to launch a hunger strike next month if the Israeli authorities refuse to meet these demands.
He thanked and hailed the Palestinian people and the human rights, media, social and youth organizations for supporting the prisoners issue through the solidarity activities and events.
The family of hunger striker Ayman Al-Sharawne and family of Jerusalemite detainee Hussam Shahin appealed in the message addressed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for immediate intervention to end the suffering of those prisoners, some of whom had been behind bars for decades.
The message focused on the difficult health condition of hunger strikers who have been on strike for more than 250 days, charging the Israeli authorities with delaying a solution to their condition without any justification.
Hundreds of Palestinian families coming from various provinces accompanied the families of Sharawne and Shahin and raised slogans asking about the role of the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League in supporting the cause of those prisoners.
A big number of liberated prisoners and members of the higher authority to follow up prisoners’ affairs and private and popular institutions attended the sit-in.
Ex-captive Mazen Natshe: Prisoners will resume mass hunger strike
The liberated captive and activist Mazen Jamal Natshe, 41, from al-Khalil, said that the prisoners inside the Israeli jails plan to step up their protest steps in April in protest at the escalation of the repressive measures against them. Natshe told PIC's correspondent that the Israeli prison administration has recently escalated its repressive measures against the prisoners.
After the death of detainee Arafat Jaradat, the prison administration was expected to calm the situation, but on the contrary, it launched a fierce campaign against the captives, mainly through escalating the raids into the prisoners' rooms, isolating prisoners and preventing family visits, Natshe explained.
He has also pointed to the abusive measures taken by the Israeli prison administration against the hunger strikers, and said that the prison administration transfers to solitary confinement each prisoner who announces a hunger strike, in an attempt to prevent him from communicating with the outside world and to pressure him to retreat from his step.
He stressed that the captives' leaders from all factions are pondering a new mass hunger strike if the prisoners' legitimate demands are not met.
The liberated captive pointed out that the prisoners' demands consist principally of implementing the terms of the agreement reached following the last al-Karama strike, represented mainly in releasing all the prisoners from solitary confinement, and allowing visits to the captives' families from the Gaza Strip.
The prisoners also demand canceling the law of Shalit, represented in sanctions that have been imposed on prisoners after the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and which include stopping the education process inside the jails, preventing entry of Palestinian newspapers, and raising prices of materials and goods the prisoners buy from the canteen.
Natshe confirmed that the prisoners intend to launch a hunger strike next month if the Israeli authorities refuse to meet these demands.
He thanked and hailed the Palestinian people and the human rights, media, social and youth organizations for supporting the prisoners issue through the solidarity activities and events.
Appeals for saving Palestinian prisoner’s life
Family of prisoner Sami Issa Aridi, from Arrabah town near Jenin, appealed to all human rights organizations to save the life of its detained son, who suffers from a weakness in the heart muscle and shortness of breath.
Rami Aridi, prisoner Sami's brother, told Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights that “Sami has been suffering from this illness for a long time, but he was hiding it from his family."
He added that the Israeli prison administration did not provide his brother with the appropriate medication and treatment and he has stopped taking the medicines seven months ago. Rami demanded appropriate treatment for Sami.
For his part, Fuad Al Khuffash, director of the center said Sami Aridi was arrested on 19/8/1999, when he was 19 years old. He was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment and is currently held in Megiddo prison.
The captive suffers from high blood pressure, severe headaches, and swelling on his face, Khuffash added.
He has also called for saving the life of prisoner Aridi, noting that he may die at any moment due to medical neglect.
The human rights activist said that the Israeli occupation has been violating all the terms, agreements and conventions which provide for preserving the life and safety of the detainee, through refusing to offer the patient prisoners treatment.
Ahrar Center has also denounced the transfer campaigns, waged by the occupation authorities inside the jails, which aim to create a state of instability.
Khuffash confirmed that transferring the prisoners, particularly the administrative detainees and those sentenced to long periods, from one prison to another represents another method of torture against them.
He added that this procedure prevents visits by family members who face great difficulties in obtaining permission for the visits, to be later informed that the prisoner was transferred to another jail, which means they have to wait until the new prison issues visit permissions.
He demanded facilitating issuance of permits for visiting the prisoners, and halting the obstacles and restrictions imposed on family visits.
Rami Aridi, prisoner Sami's brother, told Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights that “Sami has been suffering from this illness for a long time, but he was hiding it from his family."
He added that the Israeli prison administration did not provide his brother with the appropriate medication and treatment and he has stopped taking the medicines seven months ago. Rami demanded appropriate treatment for Sami.
For his part, Fuad Al Khuffash, director of the center said Sami Aridi was arrested on 19/8/1999, when he was 19 years old. He was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment and is currently held in Megiddo prison.
The captive suffers from high blood pressure, severe headaches, and swelling on his face, Khuffash added.
He has also called for saving the life of prisoner Aridi, noting that he may die at any moment due to medical neglect.
The human rights activist said that the Israeli occupation has been violating all the terms, agreements and conventions which provide for preserving the life and safety of the detainee, through refusing to offer the patient prisoners treatment.
Ahrar Center has also denounced the transfer campaigns, waged by the occupation authorities inside the jails, which aim to create a state of instability.
Khuffash confirmed that transferring the prisoners, particularly the administrative detainees and those sentenced to long periods, from one prison to another represents another method of torture against them.
He added that this procedure prevents visits by family members who face great difficulties in obtaining permission for the visits, to be later informed that the prisoner was transferred to another jail, which means they have to wait until the new prison issues visit permissions.
He demanded facilitating issuance of permits for visiting the prisoners, and halting the obstacles and restrictions imposed on family visits.
Adalah: Israel denies Palestinian kids in its jails access to education
The legal center of Arab minority rights Adalah demanded in a joint letter with defense for children international (DCI) the Israeli prison authority to grant Palestinian children and minors access to schooling in its jails.
The center pointed out that there are about 400 prisoners aged between 12 and 16 years serving very long terms in the prisons of Magiddo, Hasharon and Ofer.
2013 saw a dangerous turn in Israel's suppression of Palestinian children, where 700 arrest incidents have been documented since the start of the year against children, most of them took part in protests against the occupation.
Israel's detention of children is aimed at intimidating them into ending their participation in popular events against its policies and violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Adalah lawyer Rima Ayoub said that depriving the Palestinian children in prison of education is contrary to court verdicts issued by Israel in this regard and violates the international law that protects their right to education.
Ayoub stressed that Israel discriminately and deliberately deprives the Palestinian children of education, while it provides Israeli children, who are jailed for criminal reasons, with their educational rights in prison.
The center pointed out that there are about 400 prisoners aged between 12 and 16 years serving very long terms in the prisons of Magiddo, Hasharon and Ofer.
2013 saw a dangerous turn in Israel's suppression of Palestinian children, where 700 arrest incidents have been documented since the start of the year against children, most of them took part in protests against the occupation.
Israel's detention of children is aimed at intimidating them into ending their participation in popular events against its policies and violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Adalah lawyer Rima Ayoub said that depriving the Palestinian children in prison of education is contrary to court verdicts issued by Israel in this regard and violates the international law that protects their right to education.
Ayoub stressed that Israel discriminately and deliberately deprives the Palestinian children of education, while it provides Israeli children, who are jailed for criminal reasons, with their educational rights in prison.
IOF soldiers arrest liberated prisoner
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained Ashraf Shawamre, a liberated prisoner, from his hometown of Deir Al-Asal to the west of Al-Khalil on Friday. Relatives told the PIC that IOF soldiers stormed the home of Ashraf and confiscated personal belongings after searching the house then took him away.
They said that Ashraf was released only a year ago after serving five years in Israeli occupation jails. They noted that he was also detained by the PA security agencies in Al-Khalil.
They said that Ashraf was released only a year ago after serving five years in Israeli occupation jails. They noted that he was also detained by the PA security agencies in Al-Khalil.
10 wounded, others detained in clashes in Al-Khalil
About 10 Palestinian young men were wounded and four others were detained in violent clashes on Friday with the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in different areas of Al-Khalil city.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the 10 young men suffered injuries from rubber bullets and many others suffocated from tear gas in confrontations with Israeli troops on the streets of Shalala and Shuhada and in the Old City of Al-Khalil.
They said that the IOF fired rubber bullets intensively at the young protestors in an attempt to inflict the largest number of casualties among them and dealt more aggressively than ever with the detainees.
Similar clashes also erupted at the entrance to Al-Arroub refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, between young men and Israeli troops.
Al-Fawwar camp to the south of Al-Khalil and Beit Ummar village to the north also saw wide military presence of troops ready to subdue any protests that might take place.
Local sources told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the 10 young men suffered injuries from rubber bullets and many others suffocated from tear gas in confrontations with Israeli troops on the streets of Shalala and Shuhada and in the Old City of Al-Khalil.
They said that the IOF fired rubber bullets intensively at the young protestors in an attempt to inflict the largest number of casualties among them and dealt more aggressively than ever with the detainees.
Similar clashes also erupted at the entrance to Al-Arroub refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, between young men and Israeli troops.
Al-Fawwar camp to the south of Al-Khalil and Beit Ummar village to the north also saw wide military presence of troops ready to subdue any protests that might take place.
