20 apr 2014
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The Israeli forces broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday morning through Dung and Al-Silsileh Gates.
Witnesses said that the Israeli forces (Special Forces, snipers, Intelligence, Musta’ribeen and borders police) broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque around 7:40 a.m. and were deployed in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa especially near Al-Qibli Mosque. They randomly fired sound grenades and rubber bullets towards the Marabouts in Al-Aqsa. Witnesses added that the Israeli forces assaulted the Marabouts in Al-Aqsa courtyards and surrounded the worshippers in Al-Qibli Mosque in addition to getting on top of the roofs and high area inside Al-Aqsa. |
The Musta’ribeen unit went on the roof of Al-Qibli Mosque in an unprecedented step.
Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Sheikh Omar Kiswani, director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, said that the snipers fired live bullets during the break-in which hit the platform of Salah Eddin inside Al-Qibli Mosque. He also pointed out that the forces insisted on breaking-into Al-Qibli Mosque on Wednesday but the Islamic Awqaf intervened and prevented them.
He added that the forces withdrew from the Mosque around 8:45 and the clashes last for more than an hour which is considered a serious escalation.
Clashes at Al-Aqsa Gates
Violent clashes broke out at Al-Aqsa gates after hundreds of Jerusalemites including employees of Al-Awqaf, constructions committee, students of Al-Aqsa Schools and other citizens were prevented from entering. The forces established iron barriers few meters from Al-Aqsa and dispersed the people present near the gates by force using batons and pepper gas.
Witnesses said that dozens suffocated during the forces assaults and others were injured with bruises.
The forces arrested one student from Lions Gate and assaulted and severely beat him; they also arrested one of Al-Aqsa guards, Mohammad Mujahed, near Al-Silsileh Gate.
Around 10 a.m. the occupation police allowed the Muslims to enter Al-Aqsa on condition of detaining their IDs at the gates. They also searched the bags of every worshipper entering Al-Aqsa so that they don’t sneak in food for the Marabouts.
Settlers breaking-into Al-Aqsa
During the violent clashes at Al-Aqsa, the forces allowed 40 settlers to break-into Al-Aqsa through Dung Gate towards Al-Silsileh Gate without allowing them to carry out their usual tour in Al-Aqsa courtyards.
Dr. Ziad Sroor
Dr. Ziad Sroor from Al-Aqsa Mosque clinics explained that 30 citizens were injured with rubber bullets where most of the injuries were moderate; note that the injuries were mainly in the head, face and chest.
Sroor pointed out that the occupation forces used a new weapon on Wednesday which is a “clear rubber that has a needle and a poisonous substance inside”. When the bullet hits the body, the needle comes out and spreads the poisonous maters on the body causing stains.
Dozens of Jerusalemites suffocated after they were sprayed with pepper gas.
Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque
Sheikh Omar Kiswani, director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, said that the snipers fired live bullets during the break-in which hit the platform of Salah Eddin inside Al-Qibli Mosque. He also pointed out that the forces insisted on breaking-into Al-Qibli Mosque on Wednesday but the Islamic Awqaf intervened and prevented them.
He added that the forces withdrew from the Mosque around 8:45 and the clashes last for more than an hour which is considered a serious escalation.
Clashes at Al-Aqsa Gates
Violent clashes broke out at Al-Aqsa gates after hundreds of Jerusalemites including employees of Al-Awqaf, constructions committee, students of Al-Aqsa Schools and other citizens were prevented from entering. The forces established iron barriers few meters from Al-Aqsa and dispersed the people present near the gates by force using batons and pepper gas.
Witnesses said that dozens suffocated during the forces assaults and others were injured with bruises.
The forces arrested one student from Lions Gate and assaulted and severely beat him; they also arrested one of Al-Aqsa guards, Mohammad Mujahed, near Al-Silsileh Gate.
Around 10 a.m. the occupation police allowed the Muslims to enter Al-Aqsa on condition of detaining their IDs at the gates. They also searched the bags of every worshipper entering Al-Aqsa so that they don’t sneak in food for the Marabouts.
Settlers breaking-into Al-Aqsa
During the violent clashes at Al-Aqsa, the forces allowed 40 settlers to break-into Al-Aqsa through Dung Gate towards Al-Silsileh Gate without allowing them to carry out their usual tour in Al-Aqsa courtyards.
Dr. Ziad Sroor
Dr. Ziad Sroor from Al-Aqsa Mosque clinics explained that 30 citizens were injured with rubber bullets where most of the injuries were moderate; note that the injuries were mainly in the head, face and chest.
Sroor pointed out that the occupation forces used a new weapon on Wednesday which is a “clear rubber that has a needle and a poisonous substance inside”. When the bullet hits the body, the needle comes out and spreads the poisonous maters on the body causing stains.
Dozens of Jerusalemites suffocated after they were sprayed with pepper gas.
The Jerusalemites detainees and prisoners’ families committee and Prisoners Club in Jerusalem issued a comprehensive statistics about Jerusalemite prisoners (number, geographical distribution, age groups, their sentences, and the years they spent in prison) on the Prisoner’s Day.
Wadi Hilweh Information center-Silwan received a copy of the statistics which showed 294 Jerusalemite prisoners where 36 of them are sentenced for life sentences and two prisoners that have been in prison for more than 20 years in addition to 37 children under the age of 18 years and three female prisoners.
The town of Silwan came first in terms of number of prisoners which reach 80 followed by the village of Esawyeh (39), Shu’fat refugee camp-Anata (29), Sur Baher 26, the Old City of Jerusalem (24), Jabal Al0Mukabber (17), Qufor Aqab-Qalandia (16), Al-Tur (12), Al-Thori (12), Beit Hanina (10), Wad Al-Joz (9), Shu’fat (3) and two prisoner from each of Beit Safafa, Al-Sowaneh and Sheikh Jarrah and one prisoner from Um Tuba and 9 prisoners from different areas.
Below are the statistics of Jerusalemites prisoners:
Years Number of prisoners
More than 20 years 2
15-20 years 8
10-15 years 66
5-10 years 14
3-5 years 31
Less than 3 years 173
Total 294
Prison Sentences:
Sentence Number of prisoner
Life Sentence 36
More than 25 years 12
20-25 years 10
15-20 years 21
10-15 years 16
5-10 years 24
3-5 years 46
Less than 3 years 57
Detainee 71
Administrative 1
Total 294
Jerusalemite prisoners according to residency:
Residency- Neighbourhood
Silwan – Ras Al-Amoud 80
Esawyeh 39
Shu’fat Refugee Camp- Anata 29
Sur Baher 26
Old City 24
Jabal Al-Mukabber 17
Qufor Aqab- Qalandia 16
Al-Thori 13
Al-Tur 12
Beit Hanina 10
Wad Al-Joz 9
Beit Safafa 2
Shu’fat 3
Al-Sowaneh 2
Sheikh Jarrah 2
Um Tuba 1
Other areas 9
Total 294
Dean of Jerusalemite prisoners: Samir Abu Ni’meh (54 years old): spent 28 years in prison and is serving a life sentence.
Oldest Jerusalemite prisoner: MP Sheikh Mohammad Abu Teir: spent more than 30 years in the Israeli prisons.
Youngest Jerusalemite prisoner: 14-year old Laith Husseini who is serving a 9-month sentence
Highest prison sentence in Jerusalem: the 43-year old Wael Qasem who is serving 35 life sentences plus 50 years; he has been imprisoned for 12 years now.
Isolated prisoners: Murad Nimer (29 years old) has been isolated for 9 months and is serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Prisoner who are Members of Parliament (MP): Ahmad Atwan and Mohammad Abu Teir.
Ill prisoner: 53
Wadi Hilweh Information center-Silwan received a copy of the statistics which showed 294 Jerusalemite prisoners where 36 of them are sentenced for life sentences and two prisoners that have been in prison for more than 20 years in addition to 37 children under the age of 18 years and three female prisoners.
The town of Silwan came first in terms of number of prisoners which reach 80 followed by the village of Esawyeh (39), Shu’fat refugee camp-Anata (29), Sur Baher 26, the Old City of Jerusalem (24), Jabal Al0Mukabber (17), Qufor Aqab-Qalandia (16), Al-Tur (12), Al-Thori (12), Beit Hanina (10), Wad Al-Joz (9), Shu’fat (3) and two prisoner from each of Beit Safafa, Al-Sowaneh and Sheikh Jarrah and one prisoner from Um Tuba and 9 prisoners from different areas.
Below are the statistics of Jerusalemites prisoners:
Years Number of prisoners
More than 20 years 2
15-20 years 8
10-15 years 66
5-10 years 14
3-5 years 31
Less than 3 years 173
Total 294
Prison Sentences:
Sentence Number of prisoner
Life Sentence 36
More than 25 years 12
20-25 years 10
15-20 years 21
10-15 years 16
5-10 years 24
3-5 years 46
Less than 3 years 57
Detainee 71
Administrative 1
Total 294
Jerusalemite prisoners according to residency:
Residency- Neighbourhood
Silwan – Ras Al-Amoud 80
Esawyeh 39
Shu’fat Refugee Camp- Anata 29
Sur Baher 26
Old City 24
Jabal Al-Mukabber 17
Qufor Aqab- Qalandia 16
Al-Thori 13
Al-Tur 12
Beit Hanina 10
Wad Al-Joz 9
Beit Safafa 2
Shu’fat 3
Al-Sowaneh 2
Sheikh Jarrah 2
Um Tuba 1
Other areas 9
Total 294
Dean of Jerusalemite prisoners: Samir Abu Ni’meh (54 years old): spent 28 years in prison and is serving a life sentence.
Oldest Jerusalemite prisoner: MP Sheikh Mohammad Abu Teir: spent more than 30 years in the Israeli prisons.
Youngest Jerusalemite prisoner: 14-year old Laith Husseini who is serving a 9-month sentence
Highest prison sentence in Jerusalem: the 43-year old Wael Qasem who is serving 35 life sentences plus 50 years; he has been imprisoned for 12 years now.
Isolated prisoners: Murad Nimer (29 years old) has been isolated for 9 months and is serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Prisoner who are Members of Parliament (MP): Ahmad Atwan and Mohammad Abu Teir.
Ill prisoner: 53
The Israeli occupation has arrested Sunday at down a Gaza resident infiltrated into ‘southern Israel’, Hebrew media outlets reported. A Palestinian youth was captured near the border with Gaza after infiltrating into a Kibbutz called Netiv Hasarah, the sources said.
The military investigations found that the Palestinian held turned to be seeking a job inside the 1948 occupied territories.
Since 1967, when Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, more than 650,000 Palestinians have been detained by Israel. This represents approximately 20% of the total population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and 40% of all males.
There are an estimated 6,800 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel, of which 10 are members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
The military investigations found that the Palestinian held turned to be seeking a job inside the 1948 occupied territories.
Since 1967, when Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, more than 650,000 Palestinians have been detained by Israel. This represents approximately 20% of the total population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and 40% of all males.
There are an estimated 6,800 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel, of which 10 are members of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
The Israeli occupation army on Sunday launched a campaign of arrests and raids in different West Bank areas. Local sources said that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) stormed Deir Samit village and kidnapped a Palestinian citizen from his home.
In Jenin, the IOF raided several Palestinian homes in its refugee camp and the towns of Yabad, Silat Al-Harthiya and Yamoun.
Local sources in Jenin refugee camp told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that special Israeli forces wearing civilian clothing kidnapped two young men identified as Mohamed Hasri, 19, and Saad Abu Satour, 20, from their homes in the camp.
The IOF also raided the house of prisoner Karim Hasanat, who has been in detention for 10 years, and handed his family a summons for him from the Israeli intelligence.
The family of the prisoner failed to convince the Israeli soldiers that its son is already in an Israeli jail, according to local sources.
Several homes in Doheisheh refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, were raided as well by the IOF. Ex-detainee Abdul-Qader Zagari was handed a summons from the intelligence during the campaign in the camp.
Violent clashes broke out between young men from Doheisheh camp and the invading troops.
In an earlier incident, three young men were taken prisoners during an overnight campaign in Turmus'ayya town near Ramallah on Saturday.
Israeli media sources, for their part, claimed that three young men were members of a Palestinian "gang" who had launched systematic stone attacks on Israeli settlers' cars on the main road in Turmus'ayya between Ramallah and Nablus cities.
In Jenin, the IOF raided several Palestinian homes in its refugee camp and the towns of Yabad, Silat Al-Harthiya and Yamoun.
Local sources in Jenin refugee camp told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that special Israeli forces wearing civilian clothing kidnapped two young men identified as Mohamed Hasri, 19, and Saad Abu Satour, 20, from their homes in the camp.
The IOF also raided the house of prisoner Karim Hasanat, who has been in detention for 10 years, and handed his family a summons for him from the Israeli intelligence.
The family of the prisoner failed to convince the Israeli soldiers that its son is already in an Israeli jail, according to local sources.
Several homes in Doheisheh refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, were raided as well by the IOF. Ex-detainee Abdul-Qader Zagari was handed a summons from the intelligence during the campaign in the camp.
Violent clashes broke out between young men from Doheisheh camp and the invading troops.
In an earlier incident, three young men were taken prisoners during an overnight campaign in Turmus'ayya town near Ramallah on Saturday.
Israeli media sources, for their part, claimed that three young men were members of a Palestinian "gang" who had launched systematic stone attacks on Israeli settlers' cars on the main road in Turmus'ayya between Ramallah and Nablus cities.
Jerusalemite sit-inners confronted Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and settlers who stormed the mosque on Sunday morning and sustained several injuries in the process. Several Palestinian citizens were left wounded during the confrontations that broke out as IOF shot the non-violent Palestinian sit-inners with tear gas canisters and rubber-coated bullets.
Extremist Knesset member Moshe Feiglin, backed by Israeli invading troops, raided holy al-Aqsa Mosque via Bab al-Silsila gate.
According to a PIC news reporter, the peaceful sit-inners were violently assaulted by IOF near and within al-Aqsa gates. Several youngsters were attacked by batons, pepper gas, bullets, and tear gas canisters. Many Palestinian civilians were left seriously wounded.
IOF soldiers have also closed the Mosque’s main gates so as to deny the peaceful Muslim congregation aged less than 50 the right to perform their prayers within the Mosque.
Along the same line, IOF arrested last night 5 Jerusalemite youngsters including a journalist, blocking any authentic coverage of events.
Violent clashes broke out between Jerusalemite youngsters and IOF soldiers in Saadiya suburb near al-Aqsa, down to Bab Hitta quarters adjacent to the Mosque.
PIC news reporter further documented ongoing confrontations between IOF troops and Palestinian native youth in Bab Hitta, where hundreds of Palestinian youngsters and women, who came to pray in al-Aqsa, were banned to enter by IOF.
The incident coincides with chairman of the Knesset subcommittee responsible for the execution of Israeli policies in al-Aqsa David Tzur’s call to ban Palestinian Muslims from entering al-Aqsa.
Israeli radio quoted Tzur as saying: “Jewish visitors should have easy access into al-Aqsa courtyards.” Ironically, in Tzur’s view, the decision serves Israeli’s interests just as it does Palestinians’.
Extremist Knesset member Moshe Feiglin, backed by Israeli invading troops, raided holy al-Aqsa Mosque via Bab al-Silsila gate.
According to a PIC news reporter, the peaceful sit-inners were violently assaulted by IOF near and within al-Aqsa gates. Several youngsters were attacked by batons, pepper gas, bullets, and tear gas canisters. Many Palestinian civilians were left seriously wounded.
IOF soldiers have also closed the Mosque’s main gates so as to deny the peaceful Muslim congregation aged less than 50 the right to perform their prayers within the Mosque.
Along the same line, IOF arrested last night 5 Jerusalemite youngsters including a journalist, blocking any authentic coverage of events.
Violent clashes broke out between Jerusalemite youngsters and IOF soldiers in Saadiya suburb near al-Aqsa, down to Bab Hitta quarters adjacent to the Mosque.
PIC news reporter further documented ongoing confrontations between IOF troops and Palestinian native youth in Bab Hitta, where hundreds of Palestinian youngsters and women, who came to pray in al-Aqsa, were banned to enter by IOF.
The incident coincides with chairman of the Knesset subcommittee responsible for the execution of Israeli policies in al-Aqsa David Tzur’s call to ban Palestinian Muslims from entering al-Aqsa.
Israeli radio quoted Tzur as saying: “Jewish visitors should have easy access into al-Aqsa courtyards.” Ironically, in Tzur’s view, the decision serves Israeli’s interests just as it does Palestinians’.
Israeli colonial forces arrested Saturday evening three Palestinian youths near a settlement in the West Bank city of Ramallah and led them to an unknown destination. Occupation radio said that Israeli soldiers arrested the youths under the pretext of throwing stones at settlers’ vehicles on the bypass roads.
In Bethlehem, Israeli forces summoned four Palestinian youths from al-Dehisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, to meet its intelligence. One of them is still inside the Israeli prisons.
Witnesses said that the forces summoned Saleh al-Je’idy, Malek Abu Khalifa, Abdulqader al-Zeghary and prisoner Karim al-Hasanat after ransacking their houses.
Israeli occupation forces routinely carry out arrest raids in the West Bank. Around 40 percent of Palestinian men living in the occupied territories have been detained by Israel at some point in their lives.
IOF soldiers nab three Palestinians for allegedly throwing stones
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up three Palestinians while standing at a bypass road near a settlement in Ramallah on Saturday night.
Radio Israel claimed that the three were arrested for throwing stones at settlers and army vehicles.
It said that the three young men were detained near Tarmisaya village to the north of Ramallah.
In Bethlehem, Israeli forces summoned four Palestinian youths from al-Dehisha refugee camp, south of Bethlehem, to meet its intelligence. One of them is still inside the Israeli prisons.
Witnesses said that the forces summoned Saleh al-Je’idy, Malek Abu Khalifa, Abdulqader al-Zeghary and prisoner Karim al-Hasanat after ransacking their houses.
Israeli occupation forces routinely carry out arrest raids in the West Bank. Around 40 percent of Palestinian men living in the occupied territories have been detained by Israel at some point in their lives.
IOF soldiers nab three Palestinians for allegedly throwing stones
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) rounded up three Palestinians while standing at a bypass road near a settlement in Ramallah on Saturday night.
Radio Israel claimed that the three were arrested for throwing stones at settlers and army vehicles.
It said that the three young men were detained near Tarmisaya village to the north of Ramallah.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) waged several large-scale raid campaigns against Jenin refugee camp, along with Yabad, Sila al-Harthiya, and Yamon villages on Sunday. Several Palestinian homes were stormed and native civilians were arrested in the process. Local sources told PIC news reporter that two Palestinian youngsters, aged 19 and 20, from Jenin camp were kidnapped by Israeli soldiers disguised in civilian costumes. The boys were heavily beaten by IOF soldiers.
IOF invaded also Yabad town at dawn time and fired sound bombs to frighten the native citizens. Several barriers were erected by IOF at the town’s main entrance.
IOF raided Sila Harthiya west of Jenin and attacked its Palestinian inhabitants. Several Palestinian houses were ransacked and native citizens were forced out for search.
Yamon town was subject to a similar brutal invasion by IOF, who stationed around the Arkam mosque for long uninterrupted hours.
In a related context, IOF raided Doheisha refguee camp, south of Bethlehem, where several homes were attacked and ransacked.
PIC news reporter documented the raid and search of detainee Karim Jebril Hasanat’s home under pretext of pursuing the wanted captive, who has been detained in Israeli prisons for 10 years, despite his family members’ assertion that he is Israeli custody.
In another event, IOF raided the homes of Palestinian citizens in Doheisha camp and handed ex-detainee Abd Qader Zaghlawi a summons for intelligence interrogation.
Violent confrontations broke out between Palestinian youngsters and IOF soldiers in the alleys of the camp followed by heavy firing of sound bombs at Palestinian youths who responded by throwing stones.
Such attacks and arrest campaigns coincide with the detention campaigns launched against Jerusalemites. The number of detained Jerusalemites has gone up to 294 Palestinians, including 36 sentenced to life, 37 minors under 18, and three female detainees.
According to data published by Prisoners’ Families Committee and Palestinian Prisoner Society, the highest rate of prisoners is recorded in Silwan, south of holy al-Aqsa Mosque, with 80 prisoners, compared to 39 in Issawiya, 20 in Shafaat, and 24 in the Old City.
Data revealed that detainee Samir Abu Naama, 54, has been held in Israeli lockups for 28 years and sentenced to life.
A Jerusalemite minor 14, sentenced to nine months, is also reported to be held in Israeli prisons.
The data further documented the imprisonment of Wael Kassim, 34, sentenced to life 35 times. For his part, Mourad Namir, 29, has been held in solitary confinement for nine months. The list includes 53 ill Jerusalemite detainees.
IOF invaded also Yabad town at dawn time and fired sound bombs to frighten the native citizens. Several barriers were erected by IOF at the town’s main entrance.
IOF raided Sila Harthiya west of Jenin and attacked its Palestinian inhabitants. Several Palestinian houses were ransacked and native citizens were forced out for search.
Yamon town was subject to a similar brutal invasion by IOF, who stationed around the Arkam mosque for long uninterrupted hours.
In a related context, IOF raided Doheisha refguee camp, south of Bethlehem, where several homes were attacked and ransacked.
PIC news reporter documented the raid and search of detainee Karim Jebril Hasanat’s home under pretext of pursuing the wanted captive, who has been detained in Israeli prisons for 10 years, despite his family members’ assertion that he is Israeli custody.
In another event, IOF raided the homes of Palestinian citizens in Doheisha camp and handed ex-detainee Abd Qader Zaghlawi a summons for intelligence interrogation.
Violent confrontations broke out between Palestinian youngsters and IOF soldiers in the alleys of the camp followed by heavy firing of sound bombs at Palestinian youths who responded by throwing stones.
Such attacks and arrest campaigns coincide with the detention campaigns launched against Jerusalemites. The number of detained Jerusalemites has gone up to 294 Palestinians, including 36 sentenced to life, 37 minors under 18, and three female detainees.
According to data published by Prisoners’ Families Committee and Palestinian Prisoner Society, the highest rate of prisoners is recorded in Silwan, south of holy al-Aqsa Mosque, with 80 prisoners, compared to 39 in Issawiya, 20 in Shafaat, and 24 in the Old City.
Data revealed that detainee Samir Abu Naama, 54, has been held in Israeli lockups for 28 years and sentenced to life.
A Jerusalemite minor 14, sentenced to nine months, is also reported to be held in Israeli prisons.
The data further documented the imprisonment of Wael Kassim, 34, sentenced to life 35 times. For his part, Mourad Namir, 29, has been held in solitary confinement for nine months. The list includes 53 ill Jerusalemite detainees.
Israeli forces detained a young Palestinian man from Askar refugee camp near Nablus while he was trying to leave the West Bank to Jordan, Palestinian security sources told Ma'an.
The source said that 20-year-old Ayman Nidal Saad was taken to an interrogation center without any further explanation.
The source said that 20-year-old Ayman Nidal Saad was taken to an interrogation center without any further explanation.
More than a dozen Palestinian worshipers were detained as clashes broke in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning between worshipers and Israeli forces who stormed the courtyards firing stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets.
The raid comes amid frequent clashes in recent days after right-wing Jewish groups urged Jews to flock to the compound -- which they believe is the site of a former Jewish temple -- and conduct Passover rituals inside.
Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque Omar Kiswani told Ma'an that more than 400 police officers stormed the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Moroccan Gate and the Chain Gate escorting Ultra-Orthodox Jews other Jewish visitors into the compound.
Israeli forces, Kiswani said, "besieged" worshipers in the southern mosque "attacking them with clubs and pepper spray," after clashes broke out with Palestinian worshipers in the compound.
Kiswani said that Likud member of Knesset Moshe Feiglin had also entered the compound during the raid, accompanied by special security units. Feiglin has visited the site frequently in recent months, and he has vocally supported the extension of Israeli sovereignty over the compound.
Earlier on Sunday morning, clashes erupted outside the Lions' Gate (Bab al-Asbat) and Gate of Remission (Bab al-Hutta) of the Al-Aqsa compound when Israeli police denied hundreds of worshippers access to the compound.
Witnesses said that Israeli officers denied all Palestinian residents of Jerusalem access to the compound including students who attend schools inside. Men and women were also attacked with clubs and pepper spray, witnesses said.
Israeli forces detained a young man after he was beaten brutally.
Israeli police spokesman said in a statement that police had detained 16 Palestinian "rioters," adding that they were all detained "as they threw stones/blocks at officers at the scene this morning."
He also said that two police officers lightly injured in the clashes, which broke out after the Palestinians threw stones as "tourists visited."
About 100 Muslim worshipers have decided to stay inside the compound day and night throughout Passover after right-wing Jewish organizations called for Jewish worshipers to enter the area en masse for religious festivities.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The raid comes amid frequent clashes in recent days after right-wing Jewish groups urged Jews to flock to the compound -- which they believe is the site of a former Jewish temple -- and conduct Passover rituals inside.
Director of Al-Aqsa Mosque Omar Kiswani told Ma'an that more than 400 police officers stormed the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Moroccan Gate and the Chain Gate escorting Ultra-Orthodox Jews other Jewish visitors into the compound.
Israeli forces, Kiswani said, "besieged" worshipers in the southern mosque "attacking them with clubs and pepper spray," after clashes broke out with Palestinian worshipers in the compound.
Kiswani said that Likud member of Knesset Moshe Feiglin had also entered the compound during the raid, accompanied by special security units. Feiglin has visited the site frequently in recent months, and he has vocally supported the extension of Israeli sovereignty over the compound.
Earlier on Sunday morning, clashes erupted outside the Lions' Gate (Bab al-Asbat) and Gate of Remission (Bab al-Hutta) of the Al-Aqsa compound when Israeli police denied hundreds of worshippers access to the compound.
Witnesses said that Israeli officers denied all Palestinian residents of Jerusalem access to the compound including students who attend schools inside. Men and women were also attacked with clubs and pepper spray, witnesses said.
Israeli forces detained a young man after he was beaten brutally.
Israeli police spokesman said in a statement that police had detained 16 Palestinian "rioters," adding that they were all detained "as they threw stones/blocks at officers at the scene this morning."
He also said that two police officers lightly injured in the clashes, which broke out after the Palestinians threw stones as "tourists visited."
About 100 Muslim worshipers have decided to stay inside the compound day and night throughout Passover after right-wing Jewish organizations called for Jewish worshipers to enter the area en masse for religious festivities.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
19 apr 2014
The Israeli police arrested two Jerusalemite children on Saturday night from the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the police arrested 12-year old Bassam Tarek Abu Sbeih and 11-year old Amir Shihadeh Al-Malki and took them to Al-Silsileh Gate police center.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the police arrested 12-year old Bassam Tarek Abu Sbeih and 11-year old Amir Shihadeh Al-Malki and took them to Al-Silsileh Gate police center.
The Israeli police arrested two children on Friday night from the Old City of Jerusalem.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center wan informed that the Israeli forces arrested 9-year old Majd Ahmad Alino and 13-year old Malek Assaileh while they were inside the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque (near Al-Hadeed Gate); note that they were assaulted and severely beaten.
Majd’s father said that the forces arrested his son on charges of throwing stones at settlers while they were practicing their religious rituals in “Hosh Shhabi”.
He explained that his son was assaulted while being arrested and was transferred to “Elyaho” police station in the Old City; he was then released after signing a financial bail.
The police also released Malek Assaileh around 11:30 p.m. on condition of isolation from Al-Aqsa Mosque for two weeks.
Assaileh explained that the Israeli forces arrested him and then assaulted and severely beat him on his back in addition to hitting him on his hand and then took him to “Elyaho” police station and then to Al-Qishleh police center.
Assaileh added that the interrogation was carried out without the presence of his parents; they also photographed him and performed a DNA test on him.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center wan informed that the Israeli forces arrested 9-year old Majd Ahmad Alino and 13-year old Malek Assaileh while they were inside the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque (near Al-Hadeed Gate); note that they were assaulted and severely beaten.
Majd’s father said that the forces arrested his son on charges of throwing stones at settlers while they were practicing their religious rituals in “Hosh Shhabi”.
He explained that his son was assaulted while being arrested and was transferred to “Elyaho” police station in the Old City; he was then released after signing a financial bail.
The police also released Malek Assaileh around 11:30 p.m. on condition of isolation from Al-Aqsa Mosque for two weeks.
Assaileh explained that the Israeli forces arrested him and then assaulted and severely beat him on his back in addition to hitting him on his hand and then took him to “Elyaho” police station and then to Al-Qishleh police center.
Assaileh added that the interrogation was carried out without the presence of his parents; they also photographed him and performed a DNA test on him.
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Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Musta’ribeen (undercover unit) assaulted three children from the neighbourhood of Ras Al-Amoud on Friday.
They are: 16-year old Naeem Zaghal, 17-year old Hamzeh Al-Ghoul and 16-year old Ahmad Al-Ghoul. Witnesses said that the Musta’ribeen assaulted the children and severely beat them during and after the arrest which led to several wounds and bruises all over their bodies. |
Head of Hamas's political bureau, Khaled Mishaal, said that his movement will do the impossible for the liberation of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, considering their release as a national responsibility. He also renewed his movement's keenness to implement national reconciliation based on resistance option and Palestinian constants and historical lands.
Palestinian former prisoners, who were released in Wafa al-Ahrar swap deal and deported to Qatar, have organized a rally marking Palestinian Prisoners Day in Doha that was attended by the Palestinian community in Qatar and members of Hamas movement.
In his address at the rally, Mishaal called for putting an end to the Palestinian internal division, to unite Palestinian political leadership, and to strengthen the Palestinian internal front in face of the “Israeli enemy”.
“As we have expelled the occupation forces and settlers from Gaza, we will expel them from West Bank and Jerusalem and all the occupied Palestinian territories”, he said.
Palestinian prisoners' issue is not less important than Jerusalem, right of return, and resistance option, he added, stressing his movement’s adherence to national constants and armed resistance.
He said that the ongoing negotiation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities has become a laughingstock.
“If there is an uneven balance of power that does not permit armed resistance, it should also not permit negotiations”, he maintained.
Palestinian prisoners and martyrs have sacrificed for the sake of Palestinian people to live in freedom without occupation or suppressing authority or diaspora, Mishaal said.
He stressed that Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have sacrificed for the liberation of Palestine, for the restoration of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, for the independence of Palestine, and for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
Palestinian former prisoners, who were released in Wafa al-Ahrar swap deal and deported to Qatar, have organized a rally marking Palestinian Prisoners Day in Doha that was attended by the Palestinian community in Qatar and members of Hamas movement.
In his address at the rally, Mishaal called for putting an end to the Palestinian internal division, to unite Palestinian political leadership, and to strengthen the Palestinian internal front in face of the “Israeli enemy”.
“As we have expelled the occupation forces and settlers from Gaza, we will expel them from West Bank and Jerusalem and all the occupied Palestinian territories”, he said.
Palestinian prisoners' issue is not less important than Jerusalem, right of return, and resistance option, he added, stressing his movement’s adherence to national constants and armed resistance.
He said that the ongoing negotiation between Palestinian and Israeli authorities has become a laughingstock.
“If there is an uneven balance of power that does not permit armed resistance, it should also not permit negotiations”, he maintained.
Palestinian prisoners and martyrs have sacrificed for the sake of Palestinian people to live in freedom without occupation or suppressing authority or diaspora, Mishaal said.
He stressed that Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have sacrificed for the liberation of Palestine, for the restoration of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, for the independence of Palestine, and for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
Israeli policemen arrested seven Jerusalemite citizens at dawn Saturday, the Wadi Hilwe information center said in a statement.
The center identified the seven detainees, adding that they would appear before the Magistrate Court on Saturday night.
Israeli forces detain 7 Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City
Israeli forces detained seven Palestinians from the Old City of Jerusalem early Saturday, a lawyer and a local official said.
Lawyer Muhammad Mahmoud of the prisoners' support organization Addameer said that Israeli police raided the houses of five Palestinian young men before taking them into custody.
The youths were identified as Akram al-Shurafa, Faris Abu Ghannam, Amir Bazlamit, Muhammad al-Jubah, and Ahmad Salah.
Meanwhile, Israeli police detained Ehab Zughayyar and Nafith al-Jubah during a raid in the Old City of Jerusalem, a local committee for prisoners' families said.
An Israeli police spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and formally annexed the area in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.
The center identified the seven detainees, adding that they would appear before the Magistrate Court on Saturday night.
Israeli forces detain 7 Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City
Israeli forces detained seven Palestinians from the Old City of Jerusalem early Saturday, a lawyer and a local official said.
Lawyer Muhammad Mahmoud of the prisoners' support organization Addameer said that Israeli police raided the houses of five Palestinian young men before taking them into custody.
The youths were identified as Akram al-Shurafa, Faris Abu Ghannam, Amir Bazlamit, Muhammad al-Jubah, and Ahmad Salah.
Meanwhile, Israeli police detained Ehab Zughayyar and Nafith al-Jubah during a raid in the Old City of Jerusalem, a local committee for prisoners' families said.
An Israeli police spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and formally annexed the area in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have brutally attacked and beaten a Palestinian child in al-Khalil southern occupied West Bank. According to Wafa News Agency, local sources confirmed that the 12-year-old child Amir Jaber was severely beaten before being detained by Israeli forces on Friday evening.
The child was transferred to Beit Hadassah settlement built on Palestinian lands. He was then released after more than an hour.
The child was transferred to Beit Hadassah settlement built on Palestinian lands. He was then released after more than an hour.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Friday afternoon intensively fired tear gas grenades and live bullets at dozens of Gazan citizens participating in a peaceful march in solidarity with the Aqsa Mosque to the east of the Gaza Strip. This happened after hundreds of young men marched following the Friday prayers to the east of the eastern cemetery and rallied near the perimeter of Nahal Oz military post behind the security fence in Shuja'eiya district.
The protestors carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans in solidarity with the Aqsa Mosque.
A spokesman for the health ministry told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that no casualties had occurred among the protestors during the time of reporting the news, but ambulances were sent to the area.
For its part, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said that Israeli soldiers arrested on Friday afternoon a Palestinian young man near the border fence to the north of Gaza.
Walla news website, however, said that Israeli troops were dispatched to an area near Nativ Haasara settlement after receiving information about the infiltration of a Palestinian young man from Gaza. The young man, then, was taken into custody and interrogated by the Shin Bet in a detention center, according to Walla.
In a separate incident, a spokesman for the health ministry in Gaza said that a 24-year-old young man was badly injured in his left feet when Israeli soldiers stationed to the east of Jabaliya district opened fire at him.
He added that another Gazan also suffered injuries when a homemade rocket accidently exploded near Musab Bin Omair Mosque in Al-Zaitoun neighborhood, east of Gaza city.
The protestors carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans in solidarity with the Aqsa Mosque.
A spokesman for the health ministry told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that no casualties had occurred among the protestors during the time of reporting the news, but ambulances were sent to the area.
For its part, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said that Israeli soldiers arrested on Friday afternoon a Palestinian young man near the border fence to the north of Gaza.
Walla news website, however, said that Israeli troops were dispatched to an area near Nativ Haasara settlement after receiving information about the infiltration of a Palestinian young man from Gaza. The young man, then, was taken into custody and interrogated by the Shin Bet in a detention center, according to Walla.
In a separate incident, a spokesman for the health ministry in Gaza said that a 24-year-old young man was badly injured in his left feet when Israeli soldiers stationed to the east of Jabaliya district opened fire at him.
He added that another Gazan also suffered injuries when a homemade rocket accidently exploded near Musab Bin Omair Mosque in Al-Zaitoun neighborhood, east of Gaza city.
Dozens of Palestinian activists were injured in Qaryut village, south of Nablus city, after Israeli occupation forces (IOF) heavily fired teargas canisters at them. Bashar Al-Qaryuti, an activist in the village, told the PIC reporter that IOF soldiers encircled the activists while performing the Friday prayers on their confiscated land, off Shilo settlement.
He said that dozens were injured in the IOF teargas attack and physical assaults and were all treated on the field.
The Israeli occupation authorities had announced a week ago the confiscation of one thousand dunums of Qaryut land.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers raided Azun village, east of Qalqilia, at dawn Saturday and served summonses to a number of young men for intelligence interrogation.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that three IOF patrols were deployed in the town’s center while others served the summonses in the eastern suburbs and the cemetery area.
He said that dozens were injured in the IOF teargas attack and physical assaults and were all treated on the field.
The Israeli occupation authorities had announced a week ago the confiscation of one thousand dunums of Qaryut land.
Meanwhile, IOF soldiers raided Azun village, east of Qalqilia, at dawn Saturday and served summonses to a number of young men for intelligence interrogation.
Eyewitnesses told the PIC reporter that three IOF patrols were deployed in the town’s center while others served the summonses in the eastern suburbs and the cemetery area.
18 apr 2014
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Hundreds of Palestinians performed the Friday prayer in the streets of Jerusalem after the occupation prevented those under the age of 50 from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The worshippers were surprised when the forces prevented Jerusalemites under the age of 50 from performing the Morning and Noon Prayers. The forces established iron barriers at Al-Aqsa Gates and the gates of the Old City and detained the IDs of several people; they also searched those who were allowed to enter Al-Aqsa which looked fairly empty. The roads of the city were also blocked with police cars and water cannon vehicles and then young men were forced to pray in the places where they could reach such as Wad Al-Joz, Ras |
Al-Amoud, Herod’s and Damascus Gates and Salah Eddin Street; prayers were also held at Al-Aqsa Gates.
Clashes at Al-Aqsa Gates
Clashes using hands broke out between the worshippers and the Israeli forces that were stationed at Al-Aqsa Gates after they assaulted two young men who attempted to enter Al-Aqsa through Al-Majles Gate. They also sprayed old men with pepper gas near Al-Silsileh Gate which led to the suffocation of 9 men who were treated in Al-Aqsa clinics.
The Musta’ribeen (undercover unit) arrested three Jerusalemites after raiding the neighbourhood of Abu Sway in Ras Al-Amoud, among them were 16-year old Naeem Zaghal and 17-year old Hamzeh Al-Ghoul.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center pointed out that the Israeli forces tightened the siege on Al-Aqsa since last Sunday (the Hebrew Passover Holiday) and had broken into it twice on Sunday and Wednesday where dozens were injured with rubber bullets and suffocated from pepper gas. The forces also prevented Muslims from performing the Morning Prayer in the last few days in order to allow the setters to break-in and carry out their tours inside Al-Aqsa courtyards but the Marabouts confronted them and thwarted the intents of the Jewish groups.
The paramedics crews said that they were prevented from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday and the Israeli occupation forces deliberately obstructed their work near Al-Aqsa Gates and in the area where group prayers were performed.
Clashes at Al-Aqsa Gates
Clashes using hands broke out between the worshippers and the Israeli forces that were stationed at Al-Aqsa Gates after they assaulted two young men who attempted to enter Al-Aqsa through Al-Majles Gate. They also sprayed old men with pepper gas near Al-Silsileh Gate which led to the suffocation of 9 men who were treated in Al-Aqsa clinics.
The Musta’ribeen (undercover unit) arrested three Jerusalemites after raiding the neighbourhood of Abu Sway in Ras Al-Amoud, among them were 16-year old Naeem Zaghal and 17-year old Hamzeh Al-Ghoul.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center pointed out that the Israeli forces tightened the siege on Al-Aqsa since last Sunday (the Hebrew Passover Holiday) and had broken into it twice on Sunday and Wednesday where dozens were injured with rubber bullets and suffocated from pepper gas. The forces also prevented Muslims from performing the Morning Prayer in the last few days in order to allow the setters to break-in and carry out their tours inside Al-Aqsa courtyards but the Marabouts confronted them and thwarted the intents of the Jewish groups.
The paramedics crews said that they were prevented from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday and the Israeli occupation forces deliberately obstructed their work near Al-Aqsa Gates and in the area where group prayers were performed.
More Israeli soldiers were deployed on Thursday evening at al-Hamra checkpoint east of Nablus city, amid tight security measures and movement restrictions.
SAFA news agency quoted a youth activist as saying that the checkpoint was closed by a group of Israeli soldiers, which blocked the movement of several vehicles.
Dozens of Palestinian vehicles were either confiscated or searched. Several Palestinian citizens were also detained for ID check and physical search.
The Israeli measures were so provocative and arbitrary and prevented many citizens from going homes as early as usual.
SAFA news agency quoted a youth activist as saying that the checkpoint was closed by a group of Israeli soldiers, which blocked the movement of several vehicles.
Dozens of Palestinian vehicles were either confiscated or searched. Several Palestinian citizens were also detained for ID check and physical search.
The Israeli measures were so provocative and arbitrary and prevented many citizens from going homes as early as usual.
The Palestinian Resistance will do whatever it takes to extract the freedom of Palestinian detainees in upcoming deals, according to a statement by Fathi Hammad, the Palestinian minister of the interior and national security. During a speech delivered on Thursday, on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of “Freedom for Prisoners” batch, Hammad declared that Gazans will never admit defeat and that Palestinians are ready to sacrifice themselves and their sons to set their brave captives free.
The graduation ceremony was held for 146 officers from the interior ministry who joined a 21-month-long security course.
Hamad applauded the efforts made by the training administration of the interior ministry to train national security forces and produce creative and skilled cadres capable of confronting the conspiracies being weaved against the Gaza Strip.
Hamad praised his ministry's achievements and its ceaseless work to be up to the current challenges.
The graduation ceremony was held for 146 officers from the interior ministry who joined a 21-month-long security course.
Hamad applauded the efforts made by the training administration of the interior ministry to train national security forces and produce creative and skilled cadres capable of confronting the conspiracies being weaved against the Gaza Strip.
Hamad praised his ministry's achievements and its ceaseless work to be up to the current challenges.
Bashir D, 17, who was summoned for questioning by phone says he was beaten by an Israeli interrogation officer.
Recent attempts by Israeli military and intelligence officers to “summon” Palestinian children for questioning fail to address ill-treatment once they are in Israeli military custody. The Israeli army declared in February that a new pilot program relying on written summonses would be implemented as an alternative to night arrests.
In the same month, DCI-Palestine documented six cases involving children summoned for questioning who reported ill-treatment and torture once in Israeli military detention.
The children, all from Beita, a village near the West Bank city of Nablus were summoned - either by telephone call from Israeli intelligence officers or by written summons delivered by Israeli forces during a night raid - to report for questioning the next morning.
In all cases, the children reported to an interrogation facility in the occupied West Bank as requested, and then were promptly taken into custody, denied access to a lawyer, and interrogated without the presence of a family member.
For more on the summons pilot program read op-ed by DCI-Palestine's International Advocacy Officer Brad Parker in Al-Jazeera English: Israeli military courts: Masquerading as justice?
In sworn affidavits collected by DCI-Palestine, all six children reported experiencing some form of ill-treatment while at least one of them, Bashir D, 17, was beaten during interrogation.
Bashir told DCI-Palestine: “(The Israeli interrogation officer) … kicked me twice on my legs, punched me twice on the stomach and three times on the head, while shouting, 'You better confess because I won't stop beating you unless you confess.’”
In two cases, a written summons drafted in Hebrew was delivered by Israeli forces during a night raid, while all the other children received calls to their or their parent’s mobile phones demanding they appear at the Huwara Interrogation and Detention Center near Nablus.
Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program Director at DCI-Palestine, said, “Despite repeated calls to end the ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention, Israel has persistently failed [PDF] to implement practical changes to stop violence against child detainees.”
The Israeli army's announcement of the new summons pilot program follows repeated calls from the UN and other human rights organizations to stop arresting Palestinian children from their homes during night raids.
It is not clear whether the cases documented by DCI-Palestine are part of the announced pilot program, or whether the program is currently being implemented.
In 2013, 56 percent of Palestinian children arrested in the West Bank were arrested from their homes in the middle of the night, according to evidence collected by DCI-Palestine.
During raids children are routinely taken from their homes by heavily armed Israeli soldiers and subjected to ill-treatment during transfer and interrogation. Once arrested, parents rarely know where their child has been taken and pretrial detention is the norm in the Israeli military courts.
International juvenile justice standards, which Israel has obliged itself to implement by signing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, demand that children should only be deprived of their liberty as a measure of last resort.
At a minimum, the summons pilot program must include written summonses drafted in Arabic with notice of the reasons for arrest or questioning and a list of charges against the child. Reasonable time to consult with legal counsel must also be provided.
While the pilot program may reduce instances of ill-treatment during arrest, Palestinian children remain vulnerable to violence and intimidation once in custody.
All six children who spoke to DCI-Palestine in February testified to being strip-searched, handcuffed and blindfolded, and interrogated without access to legal advice or the presence of a family member.
Last year, three in four Palestinian children detained by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank endured physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation, according to documentation collected by DCI-Palestine.
Recent attempts by Israeli military and intelligence officers to “summon” Palestinian children for questioning fail to address ill-treatment once they are in Israeli military custody. The Israeli army declared in February that a new pilot program relying on written summonses would be implemented as an alternative to night arrests.
In the same month, DCI-Palestine documented six cases involving children summoned for questioning who reported ill-treatment and torture once in Israeli military detention.
The children, all from Beita, a village near the West Bank city of Nablus were summoned - either by telephone call from Israeli intelligence officers or by written summons delivered by Israeli forces during a night raid - to report for questioning the next morning.
In all cases, the children reported to an interrogation facility in the occupied West Bank as requested, and then were promptly taken into custody, denied access to a lawyer, and interrogated without the presence of a family member.
For more on the summons pilot program read op-ed by DCI-Palestine's International Advocacy Officer Brad Parker in Al-Jazeera English: Israeli military courts: Masquerading as justice?
In sworn affidavits collected by DCI-Palestine, all six children reported experiencing some form of ill-treatment while at least one of them, Bashir D, 17, was beaten during interrogation.
Bashir told DCI-Palestine: “(The Israeli interrogation officer) … kicked me twice on my legs, punched me twice on the stomach and three times on the head, while shouting, 'You better confess because I won't stop beating you unless you confess.’”
In two cases, a written summons drafted in Hebrew was delivered by Israeli forces during a night raid, while all the other children received calls to their or their parent’s mobile phones demanding they appear at the Huwara Interrogation and Detention Center near Nablus.
Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program Director at DCI-Palestine, said, “Despite repeated calls to end the ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention, Israel has persistently failed [PDF] to implement practical changes to stop violence against child detainees.”
The Israeli army's announcement of the new summons pilot program follows repeated calls from the UN and other human rights organizations to stop arresting Palestinian children from their homes during night raids.
It is not clear whether the cases documented by DCI-Palestine are part of the announced pilot program, or whether the program is currently being implemented.
In 2013, 56 percent of Palestinian children arrested in the West Bank were arrested from their homes in the middle of the night, according to evidence collected by DCI-Palestine.
During raids children are routinely taken from their homes by heavily armed Israeli soldiers and subjected to ill-treatment during transfer and interrogation. Once arrested, parents rarely know where their child has been taken and pretrial detention is the norm in the Israeli military courts.
International juvenile justice standards, which Israel has obliged itself to implement by signing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, demand that children should only be deprived of their liberty as a measure of last resort.
At a minimum, the summons pilot program must include written summonses drafted in Arabic with notice of the reasons for arrest or questioning and a list of charges against the child. Reasonable time to consult with legal counsel must also be provided.
While the pilot program may reduce instances of ill-treatment during arrest, Palestinian children remain vulnerable to violence and intimidation once in custody.
All six children who spoke to DCI-Palestine in February testified to being strip-searched, handcuffed and blindfolded, and interrogated without access to legal advice or the presence of a family member.
Last year, three in four Palestinian children detained by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank endured physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation, according to documentation collected by DCI-Palestine.
IOF Forces on Friday arrested three Palestinians and detained 10 others during a raid campaign carried out in the Beit Awa village, west of Hebron.
Local sources said that Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Nayef Masalmeh, 28, Odai Juma Masalmeh, 20, and Ahmed Mohammed Masalmeh, 16.
The sources added that the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters toward the houses of the detainees before stroming them.
Israeli troops also searched several houses in the village, including the houses of Mohammed Hussain Masalmeh and Ahmed Jadou Masalmeh.
10 Palestinians were detained and interrogated by an official from the Israeli Intelligence Agency before they were released.
Local sources said that Israeli forces arrested Mohammed Nayef Masalmeh, 28, Odai Juma Masalmeh, 20, and Ahmed Mohammed Masalmeh, 16.
The sources added that the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters toward the houses of the detainees before stroming them.
Israeli troops also searched several houses in the village, including the houses of Mohammed Hussain Masalmeh and Ahmed Jadou Masalmeh.
10 Palestinians were detained and interrogated by an official from the Israeli Intelligence Agency before they were released.
