3 aug 2015
Israeli authorities issued administrative detention orders against 32 Palestinians, Monday reported the Palestinian Prisoner’s Club (PPC). PPC said while three prisoners received administrative detention orders for the first time, the remaining 29 prisoners received renewed administrative orders.
Administrative detention is a procedure that allows the Israeli military to hold prisoners indefinitely on secret information without charging them or allowing them to stand trial.
Israel routinely uses administrative detention against Palestinians. Statistics show that over the years, thousands of Palestinians have been held in Israeli custody as administrative detainees for extended periods of time.
The Israel human rights group B’Tselem says that, “International law stipulates that [administrative detention] may be exercised only in very exceptional cases – and then only as a last possible resort, when there are no other means available to prevent the danger.”
“Israel's use of administrative detention blatantly violates the restrictions of international law. Israel carries it out in a highly classified manner that denies detainees the possibility of mounting a proper defense.”
Palestinian detainees have continuously resorted to open-ended hunger strikes as a way to protest their illegal administrative detention and to demand an end to this policy which violates international law.
Currently, there are two Palestinian prisoners on an open-ended hunger strike against Israel’s practice of administrative detention. They are identified as Mohammad Allan, an attorney from Nablus, and Abdul-Majid Kderat from Tubas in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, prisoner Khere Daraghmeh, is hunger striking against medical negligence by the Israel Prison Service.
In April 2015, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) expressed concern by the continued and increasing use of administrative detention by Israeli authorities against Palestinians.
There are around 500 detainees serving administrative detention in several Israeli jails. 18 of the Palestinian Legislative Council members are currently held in Israeli detention without charge or trial, including the most recent arrest of Khalida Jarrar.
“The Israeli practice of administrative detention has been condemned on numerous occasions by the UN Human Rights Office and the Human Rights Committee that oversees implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Israel has ratified, said the UN News Center.
“OHCHR reiterates it call on Israel to end its practice of administrative detention and to either release without delay or to promptly charge all administrative detainees and prosecute them with all the judicial guarantees required by international human rights law,” OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said.
To be noted, in July 30, The Israeli parliament, Knesset, cast its approval on its second and third reading of a legislation allowing the force-feeding of hunger striking Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.
“Force-feeding constitutes a serious violation of human rights and the right of a person to do as they wish with their body,” said the group. “International human rights groups and health organizations took a position based on ethics, morality, and science. This law asks doctors to violate a centuries-old oath,” said a statement issued by Joint List oppositionist Arab group in the Knesset.
Following are the names of the 33 detainees who received administrative detention orders:
Administrative detention is a procedure that allows the Israeli military to hold prisoners indefinitely on secret information without charging them or allowing them to stand trial.
Israel routinely uses administrative detention against Palestinians. Statistics show that over the years, thousands of Palestinians have been held in Israeli custody as administrative detainees for extended periods of time.
The Israel human rights group B’Tselem says that, “International law stipulates that [administrative detention] may be exercised only in very exceptional cases – and then only as a last possible resort, when there are no other means available to prevent the danger.”
“Israel's use of administrative detention blatantly violates the restrictions of international law. Israel carries it out in a highly classified manner that denies detainees the possibility of mounting a proper defense.”
Palestinian detainees have continuously resorted to open-ended hunger strikes as a way to protest their illegal administrative detention and to demand an end to this policy which violates international law.
Currently, there are two Palestinian prisoners on an open-ended hunger strike against Israel’s practice of administrative detention. They are identified as Mohammad Allan, an attorney from Nablus, and Abdul-Majid Kderat from Tubas in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, prisoner Khere Daraghmeh, is hunger striking against medical negligence by the Israel Prison Service.
In April 2015, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) expressed concern by the continued and increasing use of administrative detention by Israeli authorities against Palestinians.
There are around 500 detainees serving administrative detention in several Israeli jails. 18 of the Palestinian Legislative Council members are currently held in Israeli detention without charge or trial, including the most recent arrest of Khalida Jarrar.
“The Israeli practice of administrative detention has been condemned on numerous occasions by the UN Human Rights Office and the Human Rights Committee that oversees implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Israel has ratified, said the UN News Center.
“OHCHR reiterates it call on Israel to end its practice of administrative detention and to either release without delay or to promptly charge all administrative detainees and prosecute them with all the judicial guarantees required by international human rights law,” OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said.
To be noted, in July 30, The Israeli parliament, Knesset, cast its approval on its second and third reading of a legislation allowing the force-feeding of hunger striking Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails.
“Force-feeding constitutes a serious violation of human rights and the right of a person to do as they wish with their body,” said the group. “International human rights groups and health organizations took a position based on ethics, morality, and science. This law asks doctors to violate a centuries-old oath,” said a statement issued by Joint List oppositionist Arab group in the Knesset.
Following are the names of the 33 detainees who received administrative detention orders:
|
Qusai Abu Allan, Hebron Three months
Ra’ed Sharabati, Hebron Three months Munther Abu Atwan, Hebron Four months Imad Ismail, Hebron Four months Shaher Abu Ghalyon, Hebron Four months Ra’ed Jabari, Hebron Four months Ghassan Ibrahim Ahmad, Bethlehem Four months Mohammad Hrebat, Hebron Four months Ahmad Hremi, Bethlehem Four months Fares Masalmeh, Hebron Four months Mohammad Fayeq Ata, Ramallah Four months Zaid Abu Fannar, Hebron Four months Hejazi Qawasmeh, Hebron Four months Izz Ed-Din Sirfi, Nablus Four months Osama Shahin, Hebron Four months Ibrahim Abu Srour, Bethlehem Four months |
Nader Taqatqa, Bethlehem Four months
Yasir Banat, Hebron Four months Mohammed Hrezat, Hebron Six months Mohammed Mimeh, Jericho Six months Rami Abu Sharkh, Ramallah Six months Tha’er Samada’a, Ramallah Six months Rami al-Iwawi, Hebron Six months Sa’adi al-Atrash, Hebron Six months Alaeddine Jalboush, Jenin Six months Adnan Azayzeh, Jenin Six months Hirbi Ajloni, Hebron Four months Mohammed Asi, Ramallah Four months Shadi Abu Ikr, Bethlehem Four months Moneer Manasra, Hebron Four months Abd al-Qader Sharawneh, Hebron Four months Rasim Til, Hebron Four months |
Two Palestinian detainees from Tubas province announced their decision to go on an open-ended hunger strike in the Israeli occupation jail of Megiddo, a human rights group reported Monday.
The Palestinian Prisoner Society said in a statement the detainee Khayri Daraghma has been on hunger strike since July 27 in protest at the deliberate medical neglect pursued by the Israeli prison authorities, who have been dragging their feet as regards the detainee’s need to undergo an urgent abdominal surgery.
The group’s lawyer quoted prisoner Daraghma, held in custody for the 20th month, as stating that the Israeli prison administration pledged to have him undergo the operation sometime after two years.
Prisoner Abdul Majeed Khdheirat, released in Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal, has also been on an open-ended hunger strike for the third day in protest at being held administratively, with neither charge nor trial, at the Israeli lock-ups.
The Palestinian Prisoner Society said in a statement the detainee Khayri Daraghma has been on hunger strike since July 27 in protest at the deliberate medical neglect pursued by the Israeli prison authorities, who have been dragging their feet as regards the detainee’s need to undergo an urgent abdominal surgery.
The group’s lawyer quoted prisoner Daraghma, held in custody for the 20th month, as stating that the Israeli prison administration pledged to have him undergo the operation sometime after two years.
Prisoner Abdul Majeed Khdheirat, released in Wafa al-Ahrar prisoner swap deal, has also been on an open-ended hunger strike for the third day in protest at being held administratively, with neither charge nor trial, at the Israeli lock-ups.
At least five Palestinian citizens were kidnapped by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in a mass-abduction campaign launched across cities of the West Bank at dawn Monday.
According to Israeli media sources, the campaign targeted a number of allegedly wanted Palestinians.
The Israeli occupation soldiers transferred the five arrestees to Israeli detention centers pending further investigation.
Palestinian sources said, meanwhile, the Israeli occupation patrols rolled into al-Khalil city at the crack of dawn and kidnapped two Palestinian youngsters.
Sources based in Nablus said break-ins into civilian homes by the IOF culminated in the abduction of two Palestinian youths from the villages of Madma and Ourata.
According to Israeli media sources, the campaign targeted a number of allegedly wanted Palestinians.
The Israeli occupation soldiers transferred the five arrestees to Israeli detention centers pending further investigation.
Palestinian sources said, meanwhile, the Israeli occupation patrols rolled into al-Khalil city at the crack of dawn and kidnapped two Palestinian youngsters.
Sources based in Nablus said break-ins into civilian homes by the IOF culminated in the abduction of two Palestinian youths from the villages of Madma and Ourata.
Israeli soldiers invaded, earlier Monday, Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West Bank district of Hebron, and kidnapped two Palestinian teenagers. One Palestinian injured near Nablus.
Mohammad Awad, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar, has reported that several army vehicles invaded the town, before the soldiers searched homes, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
Awad added that the kidnapped have been identified as Hamza Mohammad Ekhlayyel, 18, and Nour Riyad ‘Arar, 19; both were moved to the Etzion military and security base for interrogation.
It is worth mentioning that the soldiers have kidnapped five Palestinians, including three former political prisoners in Beit Ummar, in less than 48 hours.
In addition, soldiers invaded ath-Thaheriyya and Yatta towns, in addition to several neighborhoods in Hebron city, and installed roadblocks on Hebron’s northern roads, in addition to the main roads leading to Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, east of the city.
The army stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian cars, and questioned scores of residents while inspecting their ID cards.
In related news, soldiers shot and injured a young Palestinian man at the Za’tara roadblock, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus. The man was shot in the leg before the soldiers closed the roadblock.
The army closed the roadblock after the shooting, and prevented Palestinian medics from reaching the wounded man.
Mohammad Awad, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar, has reported that several army vehicles invaded the town, before the soldiers searched homes, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
Awad added that the kidnapped have been identified as Hamza Mohammad Ekhlayyel, 18, and Nour Riyad ‘Arar, 19; both were moved to the Etzion military and security base for interrogation.
It is worth mentioning that the soldiers have kidnapped five Palestinians, including three former political prisoners in Beit Ummar, in less than 48 hours.
In addition, soldiers invaded ath-Thaheriyya and Yatta towns, in addition to several neighborhoods in Hebron city, and installed roadblocks on Hebron’s northern roads, in addition to the main roads leading to Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, east of the city.
The army stopped and searched dozens of Palestinian cars, and questioned scores of residents while inspecting their ID cards.
In related news, soldiers shot and injured a young Palestinian man at the Za’tara roadblock, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus. The man was shot in the leg before the soldiers closed the roadblock.
The army closed the roadblock after the shooting, and prevented Palestinian medics from reaching the wounded man.
27 Palestinians were arrested over the past month in al-Aqsa Mosque, while 27 others were prevented access into it for different periods of time, a rights group revealed Sunday.
All of the reported detainees, including women and minors, were later released and prevented access into the Mosque, the report said.
16 of the reported detainees were arrested during the so-called "Destruction of the Temple" anniversary.
Over the past month, 930 Jewish settlers and 30 Israeli intelligence officials broke into al-Aqsa Mosque in groups amid heavy protection of police forces.
The report added that Israeli police forces carried out 62 attacks against Palestinian worshipers while protesting against settlers’ break-ins into the holy shrine.
A number of Endowment Authority employees were also subjected to similar attacks including a woman in her fifties.
All of the reported detainees, including women and minors, were later released and prevented access into the Mosque, the report said.
16 of the reported detainees were arrested during the so-called "Destruction of the Temple" anniversary.
Over the past month, 930 Jewish settlers and 30 Israeli intelligence officials broke into al-Aqsa Mosque in groups amid heavy protection of police forces.
The report added that Israeli police forces carried out 62 attacks against Palestinian worshipers while protesting against settlers’ break-ins into the holy shrine.
A number of Endowment Authority employees were also subjected to similar attacks including a woman in her fifties.
2 aug 2015
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) overnight Saturday and on Sunday morning kidnapped 10 Palestinians from the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem.
Local sources said the IOF nabbed three Palestinian youngsters from the southern West Bank city of al-Khalil after they broke into their family homes and wreaked havoc on them.
The IOF also pitched military checkpoints near the Fawar refugee camp, in southern al-Khalil, and scoured local shops.
The IOF further apprehended three Palestinian citizens following abrupt raids on the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Eye-witnesses said IOF troops rolled into the city to provide a security shield for Israeli settlers during the clashes that burst out in al-Mugheir village near Ramallah.
The IOF further arrested the 25-year-old ex-prisoner Nader Mubarek after they broke into his family home in Ramallah’s eastern town of Silwad.
The detainee was dragged, blindfolded and handcuffed, to an unidentified destination shortly afterwards.
Earlier, overnight Saturday, the Israeli occupation police kidnapped three Palestinian youths from Occupied Jerusalem on allegations of hurling stones and Molotov cocktails on Israeli officers deployed in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Israeli officers transferred the three detainees to the Qishleh investigation center pending further interrogation.
Local sources said the IOF nabbed three Palestinian youngsters from the southern West Bank city of al-Khalil after they broke into their family homes and wreaked havoc on them.
The IOF also pitched military checkpoints near the Fawar refugee camp, in southern al-Khalil, and scoured local shops.
The IOF further apprehended three Palestinian citizens following abrupt raids on the central West Bank city of Ramallah.
Eye-witnesses said IOF troops rolled into the city to provide a security shield for Israeli settlers during the clashes that burst out in al-Mugheir village near Ramallah.
The IOF further arrested the 25-year-old ex-prisoner Nader Mubarek after they broke into his family home in Ramallah’s eastern town of Silwad.
The detainee was dragged, blindfolded and handcuffed, to an unidentified destination shortly afterwards.
Earlier, overnight Saturday, the Israeli occupation police kidnapped three Palestinian youths from Occupied Jerusalem on allegations of hurling stones and Molotov cocktails on Israeli officers deployed in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The Israeli officers transferred the three detainees to the Qishleh investigation center pending further interrogation.
Israeli forces stormed Sunday morning the Old City of Jerusalem and rounded up the preacher Khaled al-Meghrebi and five youths. A sixth minor was arrested in Silwan town as well.
The wife of Meghrebi told Q-Press that large numbers of Israeli policemen and intelligence forces stormed their house claiming that they had a search order.
She revealed that the forces searched the house thoroughly and confiscated all computer and phone devices including those used by children as well as the internet modem.
She said the forces arrested him for his preaching activities in the Aqsa Mosque and that the Israeli media waged an incitement campaign against him claiming that he urges for killing Jews in his sermons.
In a similar context, the Palestinian Prisoner Society revealed that Israeli forces arrested five young men in the Old City of Jerusalem in addition to a 12-year-old boy from Silwan nearby town on stone throwing charges.
On the other hand, the forces released a Jerusalemite minor under deportation order away from the Aqsa Mosque for two weeks.
Clashes were reported in the Aqsa Mosque on Sunday morning in coincidence with the incursion into the Aqsa Mosque by groups of settlers headed by the Israeli interior security official.
Israeli policemen prevented Muslim worshipers from entering the holy site for morning hours but had to allow them at 10 a.m. to appease their outrage and anger.
The wife of Meghrebi told Q-Press that large numbers of Israeli policemen and intelligence forces stormed their house claiming that they had a search order.
She revealed that the forces searched the house thoroughly and confiscated all computer and phone devices including those used by children as well as the internet modem.
She said the forces arrested him for his preaching activities in the Aqsa Mosque and that the Israeli media waged an incitement campaign against him claiming that he urges for killing Jews in his sermons.
In a similar context, the Palestinian Prisoner Society revealed that Israeli forces arrested five young men in the Old City of Jerusalem in addition to a 12-year-old boy from Silwan nearby town on stone throwing charges.
On the other hand, the forces released a Jerusalemite minor under deportation order away from the Aqsa Mosque for two weeks.
Clashes were reported in the Aqsa Mosque on Sunday morning in coincidence with the incursion into the Aqsa Mosque by groups of settlers headed by the Israeli interior security official.
Israeli policemen prevented Muslim worshipers from entering the holy site for morning hours but had to allow them at 10 a.m. to appease their outrage and anger.
The occupation forces arrested on Sunday afternoon two children from Silwan.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center’s lawyer explained that the occupation forces arrested the 12-year old Mohammad Sami Mousa Awwad while he was playing on his bicycle in the neighborhood of Al-Ein in Silwan.
The lawyer, who was able to visit the child Awwad in the detention center, explained that three of the Israeli forces personnel arrested the child under the pretext of throwing stones in the “Middle Neighborhood” in Silwan; note that the forces arrested him while driving his bicycle!!! The forces took him to the police vehicle after slapping him on the face and then transferred him to Salah Eddin Street police station.
The child’s father explained to Wadi Hilweh Information Center that his child is accused of throwing stones and was interrogated in the presence of his father.
On the other hand, the occupation forces also arrested on Sunday afternoon the 16-year old Mohammad Haymooni from Silwan.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center’s lawyer explained that the occupation forces arrested the 12-year old Mohammad Sami Mousa Awwad while he was playing on his bicycle in the neighborhood of Al-Ein in Silwan.
The lawyer, who was able to visit the child Awwad in the detention center, explained that three of the Israeli forces personnel arrested the child under the pretext of throwing stones in the “Middle Neighborhood” in Silwan; note that the forces arrested him while driving his bicycle!!! The forces took him to the police vehicle after slapping him on the face and then transferred him to Salah Eddin Street police station.
The child’s father explained to Wadi Hilweh Information Center that his child is accused of throwing stones and was interrogated in the presence of his father.
On the other hand, the occupation forces also arrested on Sunday afternoon the 16-year old Mohammad Haymooni from Silwan.
Palestinian medical sources have reported, on Saturday evening, that several residents received treatment for the effects of tear gas inhalation, after Israeli soldiers fired gas bombs at homes in Beit Ummar town, north of the southern West Bank city of Hebron. Army also kidnapped a Palestinian, and wounded another.
Media spokesperson of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar, Mohammad ‘Ayyad ‘Awad, has reported that several Israeli military vehicles invaded the ath-Thaher area, in the town, and clashed with local youths.
The army fired rubber-coated metal bullets, and several gas bombs, causing many residents to suffer the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Soldiers also detained a few residents, and used them as human shields while advancing into the town’s neighborhoods.
In addition, several soldiers attacked and violently beat a young Palestinian man, identified as Anas at-Tubasi, near the Etzion Junction, causing a head injury.
Local medics moved the wounded Palestinian to the Hebron Governmental Hospital.
‘Awad also stated that the army kidnapped ‘Ayesh Sabri ‘Awad, 20 years of age, after stopping him on a sudden roadblock, at the main entrance of Beit Ummar.
Media spokesperson of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar, Mohammad ‘Ayyad ‘Awad, has reported that several Israeli military vehicles invaded the ath-Thaher area, in the town, and clashed with local youths.
The army fired rubber-coated metal bullets, and several gas bombs, causing many residents to suffer the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Soldiers also detained a few residents, and used them as human shields while advancing into the town’s neighborhoods.
In addition, several soldiers attacked and violently beat a young Palestinian man, identified as Anas at-Tubasi, near the Etzion Junction, causing a head injury.
Local medics moved the wounded Palestinian to the Hebron Governmental Hospital.
‘Awad also stated that the army kidnapped ‘Ayesh Sabri ‘Awad, 20 years of age, after stopping him on a sudden roadblock, at the main entrance of Beit Ummar.
The Israeli occupation police on Saturday evening captured three Palestinian young men following violent events in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem.
A spokeswoman for the police said that Palestinian young men from Jerusalem attacked border policemen with stones, empty bottles and firecrackers in Bab Hetta neighborhood in the Old City.
She added that the police forces chased and arrested three young men suspected of participating in the attacks.
Different areas of east Jerusalem saw earlier on the same day clashes between policemen and angry young men protesting the death of a toddler and the injury of his family during a recent arson attack on a house by settlers in Nablus.
A spokeswoman for the police said that Palestinian young men from Jerusalem attacked border policemen with stones, empty bottles and firecrackers in Bab Hetta neighborhood in the Old City.
She added that the police forces chased and arrested three young men suspected of participating in the attacks.
Different areas of east Jerusalem saw earlier on the same day clashes between policemen and angry young men protesting the death of a toddler and the injury of his family during a recent arson attack on a house by settlers in Nablus.
The health condition of Palestinian prisoner Ala’ al-Hums, currently serving a 29-year sentence in Israeli jails, is beginning to deteriorate, a prisoner's rights group said Saturday.
The Palestinian Prison Society said al-Hums he has several health issues and suffers from tuberculosis. The group said in a statement said that the detainee is currently in serious condition and that his disease is potentially contagious to other prisoners, adding that he has lost 70 percent of his sight in his left eye after medical neglect.
Al-Hums is married with four children. No further information was given on the prisoner.
According to the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), poor conditions in Israeli prisons have lead to the deterioration of health for a large number of Palestinian prisoners.
"Prison clinics have become renowned for offering only aspirin for all health treatments and physicians within the clinics are all soldiers," CEPR said in a report.
Last week the Israeli Prison Service came under fire after the Israeli Knesset passed a law allowing force feeding of prisoners. Left-wing Hadash party member Dov Khenin said the law was "cruel, dangerous and unnecessary,”a Knesset press release said.
"No hunger-striking prisoner has ever died in the State of Israel, but 50 prisoners who were force-fed did die. This law kills, and it permits things that are prohibited according to international norms.”
Nearly 6,000 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in Israeli jails, with prisoners' rights group Addameer estimating that 40 percent of the Palestinian male population has been detained at some point.
The Palestinian Prison Society said al-Hums he has several health issues and suffers from tuberculosis. The group said in a statement said that the detainee is currently in serious condition and that his disease is potentially contagious to other prisoners, adding that he has lost 70 percent of his sight in his left eye after medical neglect.
Al-Hums is married with four children. No further information was given on the prisoner.
According to the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), poor conditions in Israeli prisons have lead to the deterioration of health for a large number of Palestinian prisoners.
"Prison clinics have become renowned for offering only aspirin for all health treatments and physicians within the clinics are all soldiers," CEPR said in a report.
Last week the Israeli Prison Service came under fire after the Israeli Knesset passed a law allowing force feeding of prisoners. Left-wing Hadash party member Dov Khenin said the law was "cruel, dangerous and unnecessary,”a Knesset press release said.
"No hunger-striking prisoner has ever died in the State of Israel, but 50 prisoners who were force-fed did die. This law kills, and it permits things that are prohibited according to international norms.”
Nearly 6,000 Palestinian prisoners are currently held in Israeli jails, with prisoners' rights group Addameer estimating that 40 percent of the Palestinian male population has been detained at some point.
1 aug 2015
The Palestinian detainees and ex-detainees affairs committee Saturday said that there is an increase in the number of Palestinian prisoners, held across Israeli jails, who suffer from mental and neurological problems.
The committee’s lawyer, Shireen Iraqi, said in a press statement, that the number of Palestinian prisoners who suffer from mental disorders has escalated during the past few years, reaching around 25 cases.
She said that instead of providing those prisoners with the necessary medical help, the prisons’ administration incarcerates them for long periods of time, which she stressed, further aggravates their mental and health conditions.
The lawyer cited the case of prisoner Mansour Shahatit, who has been suffering from a long-time mental and neurological disorder. Shahatit is a resident of Hebron and is sentenced to 17 years in jail.
She said that the physiological state of Shahatit makes him ineligible to stay in jail in light of the lack of proper mental health treatment.
The lawyer urged for the need to allow mental health doctors to examine Shahatit.
She stressed that the prisons’ administration resorts to providing prisoners suffering from mental problems with over the counter pain killers and sleeping pills; where prisoners are left sedated around the clock.
Medical negligence has widely been reported as a systematic policy by the Israeli Prison Authority.
Palestinian prisoners are held in overcrowded cells that lack basic health standards, including the infestation of insects and rats, extreme cold and lack of heating methods, and wastewater leakage into their cells, which further aggravates their already poor conditions.
According to Addameer human rights association, “Israeli authorities responsible for prisoners regularly neglect their duties to provide medical support for Palestinian prisoners in their care, as required by the Geneva Conventions.”
“Medical problems are widespread, and range in severity from chest infections and diarrhea to heart problems and kidney failure. Treatment is often inadequate and is delivered after substantial delays. Often medication is limited to over-the-counter pain killers.”
The committee’s lawyer, Shireen Iraqi, said in a press statement, that the number of Palestinian prisoners who suffer from mental disorders has escalated during the past few years, reaching around 25 cases.
She said that instead of providing those prisoners with the necessary medical help, the prisons’ administration incarcerates them for long periods of time, which she stressed, further aggravates their mental and health conditions.
The lawyer cited the case of prisoner Mansour Shahatit, who has been suffering from a long-time mental and neurological disorder. Shahatit is a resident of Hebron and is sentenced to 17 years in jail.
She said that the physiological state of Shahatit makes him ineligible to stay in jail in light of the lack of proper mental health treatment.
The lawyer urged for the need to allow mental health doctors to examine Shahatit.
She stressed that the prisons’ administration resorts to providing prisoners suffering from mental problems with over the counter pain killers and sleeping pills; where prisoners are left sedated around the clock.
Medical negligence has widely been reported as a systematic policy by the Israeli Prison Authority.
Palestinian prisoners are held in overcrowded cells that lack basic health standards, including the infestation of insects and rats, extreme cold and lack of heating methods, and wastewater leakage into their cells, which further aggravates their already poor conditions.
According to Addameer human rights association, “Israeli authorities responsible for prisoners regularly neglect their duties to provide medical support for Palestinian prisoners in their care, as required by the Geneva Conventions.”
“Medical problems are widespread, and range in severity from chest infections and diarrhea to heart problems and kidney failure. Treatment is often inadequate and is delivered after substantial delays. Often medication is limited to over-the-counter pain killers.”
Israel Legalizes Torture against Palestinian Prisoners;
On Thursday, 30 July 2015, the Israeli Knesset passed in the second and third readings an amendment to the so-called "Law to Prevent Harm of Hunger Strike" allowing force-feeding of prisoners.
This step came in challenge of all international warnings to Israel to prevent passing the law which legalizes torture.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) calls upon the international community to go beyond condemnation and denunciation and immediately act to stop the application of this law.
The Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Gilad Erdan, from the Likud Party, presented the bill that allows force-feeding of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strikes to the Israeli Knesset.
The amendment, rejected by the Israeli Medical Association, was supported by 46 members of the Israeli Knesset and rejected by 40 others.
Commenting on the approval of the amendment, Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, stated: "Hunger strike is the last resort for a Palestinian prisoner. When all other means fail, a prisoner resorts to struggle using of his body cells and empty stomach in protest against inhuman detention conditions and to claim his legitimate rights as enshrined in international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This has become impossible after this latest amendment".
Sourani added: "Approval of this amendment reflects the state of moral retrogression of Israel, which perpetrates violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law in cold blood with consent of state official bodies and the Knesset".
The UN Special Rapporteurs on torture and health urged the Israeli government not to endorse this amendment.
The Un Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment said: "It is not acceptable to force-feed or use threats of force-feeding or other physical or psychological coercion against individuals who have opted for the extreme recourse of a hunger strike to protest against their detention without charge and conditions of detention and treatment… Feeding induced by threats, coercion, force or use of physical restraints are tantamount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment".
The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health rejected any law involving force-feeding considering that "prisoners’ rights to control their health, body, and be free from interference such as non-consensual medical treatment are fundamental elements of the right to health that must be respected and protected".
PCHR stresses that endorsement of this amendment reflects Israel's insistence to challenge international law and will. Therefore:
1. PCHR emphasizes that this amendment is aimed to curb Palestinian prisoners' attempts and deprive them of the only available means to expose Israeli violations and the policy of administrative detention against Palestinian prisoners.
2. PCHR stresses that Israel has serious precedents in the field of force-feeding as a number of Palestinian prisoners died in the past during this process.
3. PCHR points out that the international silence towards Israeli violations of international law has encouraged Israel to disregard international law and community.
4. PCHR holds Israel and the whole international community, especially State Parties to the Convention against Torture, fully responsible for the risks and extreme suffering which Palestinian prisoners will face following the endorsement of this inhuman amendment.
Ringing the alarm bell against Israel's challenge to international law and will by endorsing this amendment, PCHR believes that approval of this violation will give a green line for more serious violations against Palestinian civilians. Therefore:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressurize Israel to annul this amendment and comply with international law, especially the Convention against Torture and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
2. PCHR calls upon all international human rights organizations to act to stop the application of this amendment.
3. PCHR calls upon the Israeli Medical Association to continue its efforts to annul this amendment, which is flagrantly contrary to basic professional standards of the medical profession that exists to serve humanity.
On Thursday, 30 July 2015, the Israeli Knesset passed in the second and third readings an amendment to the so-called "Law to Prevent Harm of Hunger Strike" allowing force-feeding of prisoners.
This step came in challenge of all international warnings to Israel to prevent passing the law which legalizes torture.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) calls upon the international community to go beyond condemnation and denunciation and immediately act to stop the application of this law.
The Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Gilad Erdan, from the Likud Party, presented the bill that allows force-feeding of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strikes to the Israeli Knesset.
The amendment, rejected by the Israeli Medical Association, was supported by 46 members of the Israeli Knesset and rejected by 40 others.
Commenting on the approval of the amendment, Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR, stated: "Hunger strike is the last resort for a Palestinian prisoner. When all other means fail, a prisoner resorts to struggle using of his body cells and empty stomach in protest against inhuman detention conditions and to claim his legitimate rights as enshrined in international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This has become impossible after this latest amendment".
Sourani added: "Approval of this amendment reflects the state of moral retrogression of Israel, which perpetrates violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law in cold blood with consent of state official bodies and the Knesset".
The UN Special Rapporteurs on torture and health urged the Israeli government not to endorse this amendment.
The Un Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment said: "It is not acceptable to force-feed or use threats of force-feeding or other physical or psychological coercion against individuals who have opted for the extreme recourse of a hunger strike to protest against their detention without charge and conditions of detention and treatment… Feeding induced by threats, coercion, force or use of physical restraints are tantamount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment".
The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health rejected any law involving force-feeding considering that "prisoners’ rights to control their health, body, and be free from interference such as non-consensual medical treatment are fundamental elements of the right to health that must be respected and protected".
PCHR stresses that endorsement of this amendment reflects Israel's insistence to challenge international law and will. Therefore:
1. PCHR emphasizes that this amendment is aimed to curb Palestinian prisoners' attempts and deprive them of the only available means to expose Israeli violations and the policy of administrative detention against Palestinian prisoners.
2. PCHR stresses that Israel has serious precedents in the field of force-feeding as a number of Palestinian prisoners died in the past during this process.
3. PCHR points out that the international silence towards Israeli violations of international law has encouraged Israel to disregard international law and community.
4. PCHR holds Israel and the whole international community, especially State Parties to the Convention against Torture, fully responsible for the risks and extreme suffering which Palestinian prisoners will face following the endorsement of this inhuman amendment.
Ringing the alarm bell against Israel's challenge to international law and will by endorsing this amendment, PCHR believes that approval of this violation will give a green line for more serious violations against Palestinian civilians. Therefore:
1. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressurize Israel to annul this amendment and comply with international law, especially the Convention against Torture and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
2. PCHR calls upon all international human rights organizations to act to stop the application of this amendment.
3. PCHR calls upon the Israeli Medical Association to continue its efforts to annul this amendment, which is flagrantly contrary to basic professional standards of the medical profession that exists to serve humanity.
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