9 feb 2016
At least 18 Palestinians, including two minors, were on abducted by Israeli troops across the West Bank districts and Jerusalem, on Tuesday, most of them during predawn raids, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS).
In the Hebron district, Israeli forces kidnapped seven Palestinians, including a young girl, who was identified as Deema al-Wawi, 13. Israeli troops claimed that al-Wawi, who hails from the town of Halhoul near Hebron, had a knife on her possession at the time she was detained outside the settlement of Karmie Tzur, an illegal Israeli settlement north of Hebron.
The six others who were detained in Hebron were, according to WAFA, identified as Anas Mujahed, Mahmoud al-Haddad, Hatem Taha, Rashid Sabarneh, 31, Yousef Sabarneh, 21, Rushdi Sabarneh, 20, Nasri Sabarneh.
Meanwhile, in the Ramallah district, central West Bank, Israeli forces kidnapped five local Palestinians during a predawn offensive in the villages of Bil’in and Arora. They were identified as Sharar Mansour, 32, Mohammad Adib Abu Rahmeh, 23, Hamada Arouri, 29, Saleh Arouri, 23, and Abdullah Arouri, 29.
In Jerusalem, Israeli police reportedly took a woman and a teenager into custody. The woman was identified as Marsil Salameh, 40. The teenager, 16 years old, was detained by Israeli police outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, allegedly after a knife was found on her possession.
In the Tulkarem district, Israeli forces kidnapped two Palestinians, identified as Mustafa Awadiya and Shadwan Ashqar.
Israeli army also abducted Ammar Ajouri, a Palestinian from Aida refugee camp, near Bethlehem, after he was summoned by the Israeli intelligence for interrogation.
Israeli troops further broke into the town of Tammoun, in the Tubas district, taking with them a local Palestinian identified as Mohammad Hassna Basharat.
Israeli forces routinely kidnap Palestinians throughout the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, from areas under Palestinian legal jurisdiction, often under the pretext of perceived "security threats". Addameer estimates that around 40 percent of the Palestinian male population in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been abducted at some point.
"Detainees", in such cases, are frequently taken to unknown locations for interrogation, where they are subjected to inhumane treatment and, often, torture.
In the Hebron district, Israeli forces kidnapped seven Palestinians, including a young girl, who was identified as Deema al-Wawi, 13. Israeli troops claimed that al-Wawi, who hails from the town of Halhoul near Hebron, had a knife on her possession at the time she was detained outside the settlement of Karmie Tzur, an illegal Israeli settlement north of Hebron.
The six others who were detained in Hebron were, according to WAFA, identified as Anas Mujahed, Mahmoud al-Haddad, Hatem Taha, Rashid Sabarneh, 31, Yousef Sabarneh, 21, Rushdi Sabarneh, 20, Nasri Sabarneh.
Meanwhile, in the Ramallah district, central West Bank, Israeli forces kidnapped five local Palestinians during a predawn offensive in the villages of Bil’in and Arora. They were identified as Sharar Mansour, 32, Mohammad Adib Abu Rahmeh, 23, Hamada Arouri, 29, Saleh Arouri, 23, and Abdullah Arouri, 29.
In Jerusalem, Israeli police reportedly took a woman and a teenager into custody. The woman was identified as Marsil Salameh, 40. The teenager, 16 years old, was detained by Israeli police outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, allegedly after a knife was found on her possession.
In the Tulkarem district, Israeli forces kidnapped two Palestinians, identified as Mustafa Awadiya and Shadwan Ashqar.
Israeli army also abducted Ammar Ajouri, a Palestinian from Aida refugee camp, near Bethlehem, after he was summoned by the Israeli intelligence for interrogation.
Israeli troops further broke into the town of Tammoun, in the Tubas district, taking with them a local Palestinian identified as Mohammad Hassna Basharat.
Israeli forces routinely kidnap Palestinians throughout the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, from areas under Palestinian legal jurisdiction, often under the pretext of perceived "security threats". Addameer estimates that around 40 percent of the Palestinian male population in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been abducted at some point.
"Detainees", in such cases, are frequently taken to unknown locations for interrogation, where they are subjected to inhumane treatment and, often, torture.
On Wednesday, February 10th, 18:00, supporters will arrive at the hospital in Afula, accompanied by an ambulance and doctors, to transfer Mohammed Al-Qeeq for medical treatment in the Ramallah hospital.
Journalist Mohammed Al-Qeeq is on the 77th day of hunger strike and fighting for his life. He has expressed his wish to move from hospital in Afula where he is currently being held without charge to the Ramallah hospital but the Israeli police refuse to allow it.
Hanan Khatib, one of Al-Qeeq’s lawyers, delivered his message to the press: “Al-Qeeq says he is a journalist and his arrest is illegal. The court has frozen his administrative detention but decided he must stay in the hospital in Afula. Al-Qeeq refuses to stay in Israeli hospitals and will only accept medical treatment in the West Bank.”
Al-Qeeq, a 33-year-old journalist from Ramallah, is accused by the Israeli Shin Bet of being a Hamas activist. He was arrested on November 21st of 2015. According to his friends, Al-Qeeq was interrogated about “media incitement”, tortured and refused to cooperate. After four days he was issued an administrative detention order and announced his hunger strike.
On the 76th day of his hunger strike, Al-Qeeq lost most of his sight and hearing abilities and can barely speak. He is on the verge of death and may suffer a heart attack or organ system failure at any moment.
Last Thursday, the Israeli high court ruled to “freeze” his administrative detention and allowed him to receive visitors, but stopped short of ordering his release and refused to overrule the administrative order despite the fact that in his current medical condition he could not pose danger to anyone. Attorney Jihad Abo Raya explains: “In criminal law either a person is under arrest or he is free to move as he pleases, but for Palestinian detainees the court has created something new, they claim that Mohammed Al-Qeeq is no longer under administrative detention – but they also refuse to allow him to leave Afula hospital.”
For more information contact Attorney Jihad Abo Raya: 0522814579
Palestinians in Europe Conference calls for international support for al-Qeiq
Palestinians in Europe Conference called for a mass Arab and international support for the journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 76 days in protest at his illegal detention in Israeli jails without charge or trial. Chairman of the conference Mazen Kahil called on the European Union and the free world to stand by the Palestinian people who are subjected to heinous crimes and violations.
"We also call on the European Parliament and supporters of freedom of expression to stand behind al-Qeiq as he enters a very critical stage of hunger strike". He pointed to Israel’s deliberate targeting of journalists in occupied territories in order to prevent any attempt to expose its ugly image.
Head of the Palestinian Assembly in Germany Dr. Suhail Abu Shamala, for his part, stressed to urgent need to provide international protection for Palestinian children as they are daily targeted during Israeli arrest campaigns. Abu Shamala held the international community fully responsible for al-Qeiq’s safety, noting that many solidarity events will be organized in support of the hunger-striker.
On the other hand, Israeli police detained Tuesday evening two human rights defenders within the Green Line for supporting al-Qeiq.
Head of Youssef al-Sidiq institution Firas al-Omari and the lawyer Ahmed Khalifa were brutally arrested during their participation in a solidarity event outside Afula Hospital, the Palestinian Committee for Prisoners and ex-Prisoners affirmed. The wife of the Palestinian detainee Muhammad al-Qeiq said her husband’s health status has sharply exacerbated after his hunger strike had entered its 77th day.
On 21 November 2015, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed al-Qeiq, 33, reporter of al-Majd Saudi Channel, from his house. He experienced tough interrogation, during which he was exposed to torture, including shackling (Shabeh), before being placed under administrative detention. Therefore, al-Qeiq started a hunger strike. Al-Qeiq has been on an open hunger strike since 25 November 2015 in protest against placing him under 6-month administrative detention.
After his health status deteriorated, al-Qeiq was taken to Afula Hospital and is still there. Human rights sources reported that he suffers from permanent headache and pains in the stomach and joints, vomits blood and lost 13 kilograms. On 12 January 2016, Israeli authorities force-fed al-Qeiq after he was handcuffed and then forcibly administrated intravenous fluids in a grave violation of al-Qeiq’s crippled will, which amounts to an international crime that requires holding those who ordered and applied it to account.
Journalist Mohammed Al-Qeeq is on the 77th day of hunger strike and fighting for his life. He has expressed his wish to move from hospital in Afula where he is currently being held without charge to the Ramallah hospital but the Israeli police refuse to allow it.
Hanan Khatib, one of Al-Qeeq’s lawyers, delivered his message to the press: “Al-Qeeq says he is a journalist and his arrest is illegal. The court has frozen his administrative detention but decided he must stay in the hospital in Afula. Al-Qeeq refuses to stay in Israeli hospitals and will only accept medical treatment in the West Bank.”
Al-Qeeq, a 33-year-old journalist from Ramallah, is accused by the Israeli Shin Bet of being a Hamas activist. He was arrested on November 21st of 2015. According to his friends, Al-Qeeq was interrogated about “media incitement”, tortured and refused to cooperate. After four days he was issued an administrative detention order and announced his hunger strike.
On the 76th day of his hunger strike, Al-Qeeq lost most of his sight and hearing abilities and can barely speak. He is on the verge of death and may suffer a heart attack or organ system failure at any moment.
Last Thursday, the Israeli high court ruled to “freeze” his administrative detention and allowed him to receive visitors, but stopped short of ordering his release and refused to overrule the administrative order despite the fact that in his current medical condition he could not pose danger to anyone. Attorney Jihad Abo Raya explains: “In criminal law either a person is under arrest or he is free to move as he pleases, but for Palestinian detainees the court has created something new, they claim that Mohammed Al-Qeeq is no longer under administrative detention – but they also refuse to allow him to leave Afula hospital.”
For more information contact Attorney Jihad Abo Raya: 0522814579
Palestinians in Europe Conference calls for international support for al-Qeiq
Palestinians in Europe Conference called for a mass Arab and international support for the journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 76 days in protest at his illegal detention in Israeli jails without charge or trial. Chairman of the conference Mazen Kahil called on the European Union and the free world to stand by the Palestinian people who are subjected to heinous crimes and violations.
"We also call on the European Parliament and supporters of freedom of expression to stand behind al-Qeiq as he enters a very critical stage of hunger strike". He pointed to Israel’s deliberate targeting of journalists in occupied territories in order to prevent any attempt to expose its ugly image.
Head of the Palestinian Assembly in Germany Dr. Suhail Abu Shamala, for his part, stressed to urgent need to provide international protection for Palestinian children as they are daily targeted during Israeli arrest campaigns. Abu Shamala held the international community fully responsible for al-Qeiq’s safety, noting that many solidarity events will be organized in support of the hunger-striker.
On the other hand, Israeli police detained Tuesday evening two human rights defenders within the Green Line for supporting al-Qeiq.
Head of Youssef al-Sidiq institution Firas al-Omari and the lawyer Ahmed Khalifa were brutally arrested during their participation in a solidarity event outside Afula Hospital, the Palestinian Committee for Prisoners and ex-Prisoners affirmed. The wife of the Palestinian detainee Muhammad al-Qeiq said her husband’s health status has sharply exacerbated after his hunger strike had entered its 77th day.
On 21 November 2015, Israeli forces arrested Mohammed al-Qeiq, 33, reporter of al-Majd Saudi Channel, from his house. He experienced tough interrogation, during which he was exposed to torture, including shackling (Shabeh), before being placed under administrative detention. Therefore, al-Qeiq started a hunger strike. Al-Qeiq has been on an open hunger strike since 25 November 2015 in protest against placing him under 6-month administrative detention.
After his health status deteriorated, al-Qeiq was taken to Afula Hospital and is still there. Human rights sources reported that he suffers from permanent headache and pains in the stomach and joints, vomits blood and lost 13 kilograms. On 12 January 2016, Israeli authorities force-fed al-Qeiq after he was handcuffed and then forcibly administrated intravenous fluids in a grave violation of al-Qeiq’s crippled will, which amounts to an international crime that requires holding those who ordered and applied it to account.
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Tuesday at dawn, several areas in the occupied West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and kidnapped seven Palestinians.
The soldiers invaded the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and nearby Beit Ummar town, broke into and searched dozens of homes, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
Media sources in Hebron said dozens of soldiers invaded various neighborhoods in the city, and kidnapped Anas Nimir Mujahid and Mahmoud Azzam al-Haddad.
The soldiers installed roadblocks in the city, interrogated many Palestinians, and searched many cars.
The soldiers also fired gas bombs and concussion grenades during clashes with several school students in the city, causing scores to suffer the effects of tear gas inhalation, especially near the Ibrahimi Mosque, in Hebron.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, Mohammad Ayyad Awad, said the soldiers invaded Mothallath al-‘Ein area before breaking into the home of resident Nasri Sabarna, and searching it.
The soldiers used excessive force while searching the property, leading to an argument that developed into a scuffle, and the soldiers kidnapped three of Sabarna’s sons, identified as Rashid, 31, Yousef, 29, and Roshdi, 21, before taking them to the Etzion military and security base, north of Hebron.
The army also installed roadblocks on the main entrances of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, in addition to the al-Fawwar Junction and Hebron’s northern entrance, before stopping and searching dozens of cars, while investigating the ID cards of the passengers and interrogating them.
Furthermore, the soldiers kidnapped a school student while walking near Karmie Tzur illegal colony, built on Palestinian lands, allegedly after they searched her and “located a knife in her bag.” The army said the child, 13, was moved to an interrogation facility.
In related news, the soldiers invaded Qabatia town, south of Jenin, broke into the home of Hasan Ashour, and searched it while interrogating him and his family.
The invasion led to clashes between the soldiers and local youths; the army fired gas bombs and several live rounds; no injuries were reported.
In Jerusalem, the soldiers kidnapped a teenage Palestinian girl, 16 years of age, in Bab al-‘Amoud area, allegedly after she "attempted to stab a soldier."
In Ramallah, the soldiers installed a military roadblock near a local school, close to settlement road #443, west of Ramallah.
School principal Samer Bader said the soldiers invaded the school twice on Monday, allegedly after some students "hurled stones on settlers' cars, and military vehicles."
The Israeli allegation was proven false after a review of the school’s surveillance tapes.
The soldiers invaded the southern West Bank city of Hebron, and nearby Beit Ummar town, broke into and searched dozens of homes, and kidnapped two Palestinians.
Media sources in Hebron said dozens of soldiers invaded various neighborhoods in the city, and kidnapped Anas Nimir Mujahid and Mahmoud Azzam al-Haddad.
The soldiers installed roadblocks in the city, interrogated many Palestinians, and searched many cars.
The soldiers also fired gas bombs and concussion grenades during clashes with several school students in the city, causing scores to suffer the effects of tear gas inhalation, especially near the Ibrahimi Mosque, in Hebron.
Coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements in Beit Ummar town, north of Hebron, Mohammad Ayyad Awad, said the soldiers invaded Mothallath al-‘Ein area before breaking into the home of resident Nasri Sabarna, and searching it.
The soldiers used excessive force while searching the property, leading to an argument that developed into a scuffle, and the soldiers kidnapped three of Sabarna’s sons, identified as Rashid, 31, Yousef, 29, and Roshdi, 21, before taking them to the Etzion military and security base, north of Hebron.
The army also installed roadblocks on the main entrances of Sa’ir and Halhoul towns, in addition to the al-Fawwar Junction and Hebron’s northern entrance, before stopping and searching dozens of cars, while investigating the ID cards of the passengers and interrogating them.
Furthermore, the soldiers kidnapped a school student while walking near Karmie Tzur illegal colony, built on Palestinian lands, allegedly after they searched her and “located a knife in her bag.” The army said the child, 13, was moved to an interrogation facility.
In related news, the soldiers invaded Qabatia town, south of Jenin, broke into the home of Hasan Ashour, and searched it while interrogating him and his family.
The invasion led to clashes between the soldiers and local youths; the army fired gas bombs and several live rounds; no injuries were reported.
In Jerusalem, the soldiers kidnapped a teenage Palestinian girl, 16 years of age, in Bab al-‘Amoud area, allegedly after she "attempted to stab a soldier."
In Ramallah, the soldiers installed a military roadblock near a local school, close to settlement road #443, west of Ramallah.
School principal Samer Bader said the soldiers invaded the school twice on Monday, allegedly after some students "hurled stones on settlers' cars, and military vehicles."
The Israeli allegation was proven false after a review of the school’s surveillance tapes.
The Joint (Arab) List faction reacted furiously Monday to a decision by the Knesset’s Ethics Committee to suspend three of its lawmakers for meeting with the relatives of slain Palestinian anti-occupation activists.
MKs Hanin Zoabi and Basel Ghattas were suspended for four months, while Jamal Zahalka received a two-month ban. The ban was passed after 90 MKs voted yes.
The Joint List said in a statement that it rejects the Ethics Committee’s decision and condemns the campaign of incitement orchestrated by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The MKs met last Tuesday with Palestinians seeking the return of bodies of their relatives, which were still being held by Israeli occupation authorities. “There is no other entity in the world but Israel which has prisons for dead bodies.
We continue to demand the immediate release of the bodies,” the party statement said. “There is no national dignity for an entity that withholds dead bodies for four months in order to torture their families psychologically,” it further read.
During the Knesset meeting MK Zahalka addressed Netanyahu saying: “You are a fascist.” Observers said the committee’s decision had been predetermined and was the fruit of Netanyahu’s incitement.
MKs Hanin Zoabi and Basel Ghattas were suspended for four months, while Jamal Zahalka received a two-month ban. The ban was passed after 90 MKs voted yes.
The Joint List said in a statement that it rejects the Ethics Committee’s decision and condemns the campaign of incitement orchestrated by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The MKs met last Tuesday with Palestinians seeking the return of bodies of their relatives, which were still being held by Israeli occupation authorities. “There is no other entity in the world but Israel which has prisons for dead bodies.
We continue to demand the immediate release of the bodies,” the party statement said. “There is no national dignity for an entity that withholds dead bodies for four months in order to torture their families psychologically,” it further read.
During the Knesset meeting MK Zahalka addressed Netanyahu saying: “You are a fascist.” Observers said the committee’s decision had been predetermined and was the fruit of Netanyahu’s incitement.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed at dawn Tuesday different parts of occupied West Bank and arrested at least five Palestinians from their homes.
Local sources affirmed to the PIC reporter that five youths were detained after IOF soldiers violently broke into their homes. Three brothers were among the detainees, the sources added.
Four arrests were carried out in al-Khalil, while one was reported in Tubas. IOF soldiers regularly carry out mass arrest campaigns during times of escalation or in response to political developments in the occupied territory in a manner that renders the arrests arbitrary.
Today, over 6,500 Palestinians remain imprisoned by Israeli occupation authorities including at least 450 children, 587 held under arbitrary administrative detention without charge or trial, and five members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
Local sources affirmed to the PIC reporter that five youths were detained after IOF soldiers violently broke into their homes. Three brothers were among the detainees, the sources added.
Four arrests were carried out in al-Khalil, while one was reported in Tubas. IOF soldiers regularly carry out mass arrest campaigns during times of escalation or in response to political developments in the occupied territory in a manner that renders the arrests arbitrary.
Today, over 6,500 Palestinians remain imprisoned by Israeli occupation authorities including at least 450 children, 587 held under arbitrary administrative detention without charge or trial, and five members of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
A Palestinian doctor has warned of the sharp exacerbation in the health status of journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq, after 76 days of ongoing hunger strike.
Doctor Afu Ighabriyeh, who visited al-Qeiq in the Afula Hospital, expressed his fear that al-Qeiq has reached a point of no return, at which no therapy is possible.
He further warned that al-Qeiq is likely to fall into a coma at any possible moment due to his critical condition. He said al-Qeiq has gone through increasing blackouts and is enduring excruciating pains in his left body.
According to Ighbariyeh, the detainee is completely aware of his critical health turn but insists on keeping up the hunger strike until he restores his freedom. The doctor called on all human rights institutions to immediately step in and work on restoring al-Qeiq’s freedom before it is too late.
He added that the hunger-striker needs a period of at least three weeks to recover. Ighbariyeh, a former MK, held the Israeli occupation authorities responsible for any turn for the worse al-Qeiq’s life might take, saying the fact that they withdrew supervision guards and gave the detainee a permission to be treated in another hospital are signs of Israeli attempts to whitewash itself from any further exacerbation in al-Qeiq’s condition.
Al-Qeiq was arrested from his home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and was sentenced administratively to six months, with neither charge nor trial, which made him declare his hunger strike in Israeli jails on November 25.
Activists urge U.N Chief to speak up for hunger-striker al-Qeiq
Palestinian activists on Tuesday morning rallied outside the U.N. headquarters in the central occupied West Bank of Ramallah in solidarity with Palestinian hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq.
Several activists rallied outside the U.N. headquarters and prevented the personnel from getting into the building in protest at the silence maintained by the U.N. and the international community as regards al-Qeiq, who has been starving for 77 days running. A statement distributed by the activists held the U.N. responsible for any turn for the worse al-Qeiq’s health might take.
The activists urged the U.N. Chief Ban Ki-Moon to publicly condemn Israel’s administrative detention of al-Qeiq and speak up for the detainee’s right to live freely. The rally makes part of a series of protest moves launched by Palestinian activists to urge the U.N. to assume its responsibilities as regards Israel’s incessant infringement of human rights treaties in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Doctor Afu Ighabriyeh, who visited al-Qeiq in the Afula Hospital, expressed his fear that al-Qeiq has reached a point of no return, at which no therapy is possible.
He further warned that al-Qeiq is likely to fall into a coma at any possible moment due to his critical condition. He said al-Qeiq has gone through increasing blackouts and is enduring excruciating pains in his left body.
According to Ighbariyeh, the detainee is completely aware of his critical health turn but insists on keeping up the hunger strike until he restores his freedom. The doctor called on all human rights institutions to immediately step in and work on restoring al-Qeiq’s freedom before it is too late.
He added that the hunger-striker needs a period of at least three weeks to recover. Ighbariyeh, a former MK, held the Israeli occupation authorities responsible for any turn for the worse al-Qeiq’s life might take, saying the fact that they withdrew supervision guards and gave the detainee a permission to be treated in another hospital are signs of Israeli attempts to whitewash itself from any further exacerbation in al-Qeiq’s condition.
Al-Qeiq was arrested from his home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and was sentenced administratively to six months, with neither charge nor trial, which made him declare his hunger strike in Israeli jails on November 25.
Activists urge U.N Chief to speak up for hunger-striker al-Qeiq
Palestinian activists on Tuesday morning rallied outside the U.N. headquarters in the central occupied West Bank of Ramallah in solidarity with Palestinian hunger-striker Muhammad al-Qeiq.
Several activists rallied outside the U.N. headquarters and prevented the personnel from getting into the building in protest at the silence maintained by the U.N. and the international community as regards al-Qeiq, who has been starving for 77 days running. A statement distributed by the activists held the U.N. responsible for any turn for the worse al-Qeiq’s health might take.
The activists urged the U.N. Chief Ban Ki-Moon to publicly condemn Israel’s administrative detention of al-Qeiq and speak up for the detainee’s right to live freely. The rally makes part of a series of protest moves launched by Palestinian activists to urge the U.N. to assume its responsibilities as regards Israel’s incessant infringement of human rights treaties in the occupied Palestinian territories.
At least 450 Palestinian children are locked up in Israeli jails, the Prisoners’ and Ex-prisoners’ Committee reported Monday. According to the committee, 95% of Palestinian children incarcerated in Israeli prisons have been subjected to harsh psycho-physical torture during the detention and investigation procedures.
Nine among the child captives have been held in administration detention, the report added. 2,500 Palestinian children were arrested by the Israeli occupation army since 2015, most among whom have been subjected to arbitrary sentences and heavy fines, amounting to $23,000, as was the case with the Ofer detainees in January.
A law recently passed by the occupation authorities legitimized the abduction of Palestinian children aged below 14. Meanwhile, some 1,200 Palestinian prisoners held in the Ofer jail launched a cry for help over the dire detention circumstances they have been made to endure, including overcrowding and the lack of warm winter clothes and blankets.
The Palestine Prisoners Center for Studies said 1,200 Palestinians are currently held in the Ofer jail, compared to 700 before the start of the anti-occupation Intifada, on October 1.
Over 300 Palestinian children are also held in three separate sections in the Ofer lock-up. Media spokesperson for the center, Reyad al-Ashqar said dozens of detainees keep wearing the same clothes for over two weeks as the Israeli prison authorities allow the entry of clothes only once in three months. He called on all human rights institutions to urgently intervene and provide the Ofer detainees with their basic humanitarian needs, including warm winter clothes, healthy food, and urgent medical check-ups.
Nine among the child captives have been held in administration detention, the report added. 2,500 Palestinian children were arrested by the Israeli occupation army since 2015, most among whom have been subjected to arbitrary sentences and heavy fines, amounting to $23,000, as was the case with the Ofer detainees in January.
A law recently passed by the occupation authorities legitimized the abduction of Palestinian children aged below 14. Meanwhile, some 1,200 Palestinian prisoners held in the Ofer jail launched a cry for help over the dire detention circumstances they have been made to endure, including overcrowding and the lack of warm winter clothes and blankets.
The Palestine Prisoners Center for Studies said 1,200 Palestinians are currently held in the Ofer jail, compared to 700 before the start of the anti-occupation Intifada, on October 1.
Over 300 Palestinian children are also held in three separate sections in the Ofer lock-up. Media spokesperson for the center, Reyad al-Ashqar said dozens of detainees keep wearing the same clothes for over two weeks as the Israeli prison authorities allow the entry of clothes only once in three months. He called on all human rights institutions to urgently intervene and provide the Ofer detainees with their basic humanitarian needs, including warm winter clothes, healthy food, and urgent medical check-ups.
8 feb 2016
Israeli forces detained at least 22 Palestinians in overnight raids in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem on Monday, Israeli and Palestinian sources told Ma’an.
Local sources told Ma'an that at least four Palestinian minors from East Jerusalem were detained by Israeli security forces. They were identified as Mahdi Abu Assab,13, Abdullah Jolani,15, Muhammad Salaymah,15, and Omar Muna,17.
An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma’an that they had detained 18 people overnight, including three people in Tulkarem, and three in Huwwara south of Nablus.
Local sources identified on of the Tulkarem detainees as Wael Khalil Hali, and two of those detainees from Huwwara as Izz al-Din Shehadeh and Muhammad Odeh.
The Israeli army also said it had detained two Palestinians in Qabatiya south of Jenin -- identified by Ma’an as Muhammad Kamil and Muhammad Abu al-Rub -- and one near al-Jalama north of Jenin.
Qabatiya has been the site of serious tensions in the past week after Israeli security forces implemented a three-day blockade of the village.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah had denounced the siege as “collective punishment” after three youths from Qabatiya killed an Israeli border police officer in Jerusalem. The blockade has since been lifted, but Israeli authorities have since revoked the work permits of a number of Qabatiya residents
The Israeli army spokesperson also said six people had been detained in the Bethlehem area, notably citing two detentions in the Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem -- identified by Ma’an as Jamil Malash and Muhammad al-Dibs -- and one south of Bethlehem.
Another three people were detained in the village of al-Khader west of Bethlehem, identified as Mujahid Dadu and Rami Abu Hammad.
One person was detained in the village of Surif north of Hebron, and another, Hatem Ahmad Sweti, in Beit Awwa west of Hebron.
Meanwhile, the Israeli spokesperson said two “Hamas operatives” were detained from the Qalandiya refugee camp and south of Qalqiliya.
Sources identified the two men as Atef Mteer from Qalandiya and Zuhdi Abdullah from the village of Deir Ballut.
According to Palestinian prisoners’ rights organization Addameer, 6,800 Palestinians were detained by Israel as of December, at least 660 of them in administrative detention.
Israeli forces routinely detain Palestinians throughout the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, often on the pretext of perceived security threats. Addameer estimates that around 40 percent of the Palestinian male population in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been detained at some point.
Local sources told Ma'an that at least four Palestinian minors from East Jerusalem were detained by Israeli security forces. They were identified as Mahdi Abu Assab,13, Abdullah Jolani,15, Muhammad Salaymah,15, and Omar Muna,17.
An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma’an that they had detained 18 people overnight, including three people in Tulkarem, and three in Huwwara south of Nablus.
Local sources identified on of the Tulkarem detainees as Wael Khalil Hali, and two of those detainees from Huwwara as Izz al-Din Shehadeh and Muhammad Odeh.
The Israeli army also said it had detained two Palestinians in Qabatiya south of Jenin -- identified by Ma’an as Muhammad Kamil and Muhammad Abu al-Rub -- and one near al-Jalama north of Jenin.
Qabatiya has been the site of serious tensions in the past week after Israeli security forces implemented a three-day blockade of the village.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah had denounced the siege as “collective punishment” after three youths from Qabatiya killed an Israeli border police officer in Jerusalem. The blockade has since been lifted, but Israeli authorities have since revoked the work permits of a number of Qabatiya residents
The Israeli army spokesperson also said six people had been detained in the Bethlehem area, notably citing two detentions in the Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem -- identified by Ma’an as Jamil Malash and Muhammad al-Dibs -- and one south of Bethlehem.
Another three people were detained in the village of al-Khader west of Bethlehem, identified as Mujahid Dadu and Rami Abu Hammad.
One person was detained in the village of Surif north of Hebron, and another, Hatem Ahmad Sweti, in Beit Awwa west of Hebron.
Meanwhile, the Israeli spokesperson said two “Hamas operatives” were detained from the Qalandiya refugee camp and south of Qalqiliya.
Sources identified the two men as Atef Mteer from Qalandiya and Zuhdi Abdullah from the village of Deir Ballut.
According to Palestinian prisoners’ rights organization Addameer, 6,800 Palestinians were detained by Israel as of December, at least 660 of them in administrative detention.
Israeli forces routinely detain Palestinians throughout the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, often on the pretext of perceived security threats. Addameer estimates that around 40 percent of the Palestinian male population in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has been detained at some point.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested Monday evening a Palestinian woman for allegedly finding a knife in her possession near the Damascus Gate in occupied Jerusalem.
Israeli media sources claimed that the woman was taken to a nearby investigation center for allegedly carrying a knife in her possession. The detained woman has not yet been identified.
Israeli forces have carried out over the past three months a series of unlawful killings and arrests of Palestinians using intentional lethal force without justification.
The Amnesty International has documented in depth at least four incidents in which Palestinians were deliberately shot dead by Israeli forces when they posed no imminent threat to life, in what appear to have been extrajudicial executions.
Meanwhile, Israeli police arrested two Palestinian children for allegedly stoning the Israeli light train while passing near their town of Shufat to the north of occupied Jerusalem. The light train stopped partially working due the alleged stone attack, the sources added.
Two minors aged 16 were arrested following the attack. Human rights group estimates that over the last four years Israeli forces have detained 3,755 Palestinian children.
Israeli media sources claimed that the woman was taken to a nearby investigation center for allegedly carrying a knife in her possession. The detained woman has not yet been identified.
Israeli forces have carried out over the past three months a series of unlawful killings and arrests of Palestinians using intentional lethal force without justification.
The Amnesty International has documented in depth at least four incidents in which Palestinians were deliberately shot dead by Israeli forces when they posed no imminent threat to life, in what appear to have been extrajudicial executions.
Meanwhile, Israeli police arrested two Palestinian children for allegedly stoning the Israeli light train while passing near their town of Shufat to the north of occupied Jerusalem. The light train stopped partially working due the alleged stone attack, the sources added.
Two minors aged 16 were arrested following the attack. Human rights group estimates that over the last four years Israeli forces have detained 3,755 Palestinian children.
The wife of the Palestinian detainee Muhammad al-Qeiq said her husband’s health status has sharply exacerbated after his hunger strike had entered its 76th day.
Speaking to the PIC, al-Qeiq’s wife, Fayhaa Shalash, said, following a visit she paid to her husband at the Afula hospital, that medics warned of the sharp deterioration rocking al-Qeiq’s health status. She called for mobilizing solidarity with her husband and working on his release before he dies at hospital.
The Prisoners and Ex-prisoners Committee, the Palestinian Prisoners Society, and the Journalists Syndicate in the West Bank announced, meanwhile, the launch of a series of events and rallies in solidarity with al-Qeiq. A march is set to kick off afternoon from Ramallah province in support for al-Qeiq.
Al-Qeiq was arrested from his own home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and has been subjected to harsh torture during the investigation procedure then held in administrative detention without trial or charge, which made him declare an open-ended hunger strike.
Speaking to the PIC, al-Qeiq’s wife, Fayhaa Shalash, said, following a visit she paid to her husband at the Afula hospital, that medics warned of the sharp deterioration rocking al-Qeiq’s health status. She called for mobilizing solidarity with her husband and working on his release before he dies at hospital.
The Prisoners and Ex-prisoners Committee, the Palestinian Prisoners Society, and the Journalists Syndicate in the West Bank announced, meanwhile, the launch of a series of events and rallies in solidarity with al-Qeiq. A march is set to kick off afternoon from Ramallah province in support for al-Qeiq.
Al-Qeiq was arrested from his own home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and has been subjected to harsh torture during the investigation procedure then held in administrative detention without trial or charge, which made him declare an open-ended hunger strike.
The Palestinian commission for detainees and ex-detainees has said that the number of administrative detainees in Israeli jails has surpassed 700 prisoners.
The commission stated on Sunday that the Israeli occupation escalated the policy of administrative detention against the Palestinians since the start of al-Quds intifada (uprising) last October.
It noted that the Israeli occupation had issued 450 new administrative prison orders against Palestinians, including nine minors and two women, in the last four months. "The administrative detention has become a systematic Israeli policy and a means to jail the largest possible number of Palestinians, in violation of the international law and the Geneva conventions," the commission underlined.
It explained that Israel turned the administrative detention into a routine, while the international law restricts the use of such imprisonment and classifies it as an emergency, rare and exceptional measure. It also pointed out that Israel has extended the detention of 75 percent of those administrative prisoners more than once.
The commission stated on Sunday that the Israeli occupation escalated the policy of administrative detention against the Palestinians since the start of al-Quds intifada (uprising) last October.
It noted that the Israeli occupation had issued 450 new administrative prison orders against Palestinians, including nine minors and two women, in the last four months. "The administrative detention has become a systematic Israeli policy and a means to jail the largest possible number of Palestinians, in violation of the international law and the Geneva conventions," the commission underlined.
It explained that Israel turned the administrative detention into a routine, while the international law restricts the use of such imprisonment and classifies it as an emergency, rare and exceptional measure. It also pointed out that Israel has extended the detention of 75 percent of those administrative prisoners more than once.
Lawyer Jacqueline Fararjeh, from the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), has raised alarm bells over the dire detention circumstances endured by Palestinian detainees in the Israeli Etzion lock-up.
Lawyer Fararjeh said following a visit to the Etzion jail on Sunday that prisoners continue to be deprived of basic needs, including hot water and adequate food.
She added that the detainees are crammed in foul-smelling rooms and are deprived of cleaning supplies, which further exacerbates their suffering in the very cold winter atmosphere.
The lawyer said that at times of trial, the prisoners are being kept in caravans for a long time without allowing them access to food or water.
Lawyer Fararjeh said following a visit to the Etzion jail on Sunday that prisoners continue to be deprived of basic needs, including hot water and adequate food.
She added that the detainees are crammed in foul-smelling rooms and are deprived of cleaning supplies, which further exacerbates their suffering in the very cold winter atmosphere.
The lawyer said that at times of trial, the prisoners are being kept in caravans for a long time without allowing them access to food or water.
Under-secretary of the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners Affairs Baha al-Madhoun said on Sunday that the offer presented to captive Mohammad al-Qeiq by Israeli general prosecution stipulating for releasing him on the first of May, 2016 has come up with nothing new.
“May, 01 is the original release date determined before Qeiq started the hunger strike,” he elaborated. In a press statement on Sunday, Madhoun called on the Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails to take more supportive moves for backing up captive Qeiq.
He also asked Palestinian factions to escalate resistance operations against Israeli occupation. The statement condemned the international silence as regards the issue of the Palestinian detainee Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 75 days in protest against his illegal administrative detention with no charges or trials.
Palestinian activists close ICRC office in Ramallah
Palestinian activists closed on Monday morning the premises of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Ramallah, calling for an immediate action to save Mohamed al-Qeiq’s life as he enters his 76th day of hunger strike.
Dozens of activists have gathered since the morning hours outside the ICRC headquarters in Ramallah and closed its gate in protest against “its role in al-Qeiq’s killing.”
The angry protesters issued a statement denouncing the international human rights institutions’ continued silence over al-Qeiq’s case. The international community’s continued silence provides a green light for Israeli crimes, the statement read.
The statement called on ICRC to bear its responsibilities and to brief the international community and diplomatic missions in occupied Palestine about the critical stage reached by the hunger striker al-Qeiq.
The activists also called on ICRC to stop its repeated threats to close its offices due to the ongoing protests. Numerous protests and sit-ins have been organized across occupied Palestine in solidarity with Mohamed al-Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 76 days in protest against his administrative detention in Israeli jail without charge or trial.
“May, 01 is the original release date determined before Qeiq started the hunger strike,” he elaborated. In a press statement on Sunday, Madhoun called on the Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails to take more supportive moves for backing up captive Qeiq.
He also asked Palestinian factions to escalate resistance operations against Israeli occupation. The statement condemned the international silence as regards the issue of the Palestinian detainee Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 75 days in protest against his illegal administrative detention with no charges or trials.
Palestinian activists close ICRC office in Ramallah
Palestinian activists closed on Monday morning the premises of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Ramallah, calling for an immediate action to save Mohamed al-Qeiq’s life as he enters his 76th day of hunger strike.
Dozens of activists have gathered since the morning hours outside the ICRC headquarters in Ramallah and closed its gate in protest against “its role in al-Qeiq’s killing.”
The angry protesters issued a statement denouncing the international human rights institutions’ continued silence over al-Qeiq’s case. The international community’s continued silence provides a green light for Israeli crimes, the statement read.
The statement called on ICRC to bear its responsibilities and to brief the international community and diplomatic missions in occupied Palestine about the critical stage reached by the hunger striker al-Qeiq.
The activists also called on ICRC to stop its repeated threats to close its offices due to the ongoing protests. Numerous protests and sit-ins have been organized across occupied Palestine in solidarity with Mohamed al-Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 76 days in protest against his administrative detention in Israeli jail without charge or trial.
Palestinian Prisoners Society revealed on Sunday that there are 18 Palestinian journalists held in Israeli jails including Mohammad al-Qeiq who has been on hunger strike for 75 days.
The society’s report stated that the oldest captive among the 18 journalists detained is captive Mahmoud Issa from Anata town near Occupied Jerusalem.
He also serves a sentence of three-life imprisonments the highest sentence among his colleagues and spent 13 years in solitary confinement.
Five prisoners out of the 18 journalists are university students studying journalism. Four others are held under the illegal administrative detention with no charges or trials.
The society’s report stated that the oldest captive among the 18 journalists detained is captive Mahmoud Issa from Anata town near Occupied Jerusalem.
He also serves a sentence of three-life imprisonments the highest sentence among his colleagues and spent 13 years in solitary confinement.
Five prisoners out of the 18 journalists are university students studying journalism. Four others are held under the illegal administrative detention with no charges or trials.
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Monday at dawn, several areas in the occupied West Bank, broke into and searched many homes, and kidnapped at least nine Palestinians.
The soldiers invaded Qabatia town, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and kidnapped Mohammad Rashed Kamil and Mohammad Ziad Abu ar-Rob, after searching their homes and interrogating them, along with their families.
The soldiers also invaded Tulkarem refugee camp, in the northern West Bank district of Tulkarem, and kidnapped a former political prisoner, identified as Wael Khalil Abdul-Latif Habali, 25.
In addition, the soldiers kidnapped Bilal Mansour Tarayra, from Bani Neim town, east of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, while he was working in Jerusalem.
Also, the army invaded several homes in the al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron, Beit Awwa, Dir Samit and Sa’ir towns, in addition to installing roadblocks on main roads leading to Halhoul and Sa’ir towns, Hebron’s northern entrances, before stopping and searching dozens of cars and interrogating the passengers.
In Bethlehem, the soldiers invaded al-Khader town, south of the city, searched homes and kidnapped Shehada Mohammad Salah, 19, Mohammad Rezeq Salah, 20, and Mojahed Yassin Da’doa’, only 15 years of age.
Two Palestinians, identified as Jamil Riyad Mallash, 20, and Mohammad Fayez Talal, 15, after the soldiers invaded and searched their homes in ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
In related news, the soldiers closed Huwwara and Za’tara roadblocks, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, forcing the residents to take unpaved alternate roads.
IOF carries out raid, arrest campaign across West Bank
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) carried out at dawn Monday a large-scale raid and arrest campaign across West Bank and occupied Jerusalem. 18 Palestinians were rounded up during the campaign.
In Nabus, the IOF soldiers arrested two young men in Hawara town after violently breaking into the town. The two detainees were then taken to an unknown detention center, the PIC reporter said. Similar other raids were carried out in different areas of the city amid heavy firing of tear gas bombs, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes. No injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Along the same line, Israeli forces violently stormed and searched the Palestinian MP Nasser Abdel Jawad’s house after blowing up its gate. His son was interrogated during the raid, the PIC reporter pointed out. In Jenin, the IOF detained at dawn today two citizens after breaking into Qabatia town to the south of the city.
The PIC reporter quoted local sources as saying that IOF soldiers in nearly ten military vehicles stormed the town and deployed throughout its neighborhoods before arresting two young men and brutally attacking their families. Several make-shift checkpoints were also erected throughout Ananin town to the east of Jenin.
A member of Hamas Movement was also arrested in Jalama town, while three others were detained in Tulkarem. Two more arrests were carried out in Qalqilia and Qalandia refugee camp to the north of occupied Jerusalem, whereas five youths were kidnapped in Aida camp and Khuder town in Bethlehem. Two young men were also arrested in Surif and Beit Awa town near al-Khalil.
The soldiers invaded Qabatia town, south of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and kidnapped Mohammad Rashed Kamil and Mohammad Ziad Abu ar-Rob, after searching their homes and interrogating them, along with their families.
The soldiers also invaded Tulkarem refugee camp, in the northern West Bank district of Tulkarem, and kidnapped a former political prisoner, identified as Wael Khalil Abdul-Latif Habali, 25.
In addition, the soldiers kidnapped Bilal Mansour Tarayra, from Bani Neim town, east of the southern West Bank city of Hebron, while he was working in Jerusalem.
Also, the army invaded several homes in the al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron, Beit Awwa, Dir Samit and Sa’ir towns, in addition to installing roadblocks on main roads leading to Halhoul and Sa’ir towns, Hebron’s northern entrances, before stopping and searching dozens of cars and interrogating the passengers.
In Bethlehem, the soldiers invaded al-Khader town, south of the city, searched homes and kidnapped Shehada Mohammad Salah, 19, Mohammad Rezeq Salah, 20, and Mojahed Yassin Da’doa’, only 15 years of age.
Two Palestinians, identified as Jamil Riyad Mallash, 20, and Mohammad Fayez Talal, 15, after the soldiers invaded and searched their homes in ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
In related news, the soldiers closed Huwwara and Za’tara roadblocks, south of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, forcing the residents to take unpaved alternate roads.
IOF carries out raid, arrest campaign across West Bank
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) carried out at dawn Monday a large-scale raid and arrest campaign across West Bank and occupied Jerusalem. 18 Palestinians were rounded up during the campaign.
In Nabus, the IOF soldiers arrested two young men in Hawara town after violently breaking into the town. The two detainees were then taken to an unknown detention center, the PIC reporter said. Similar other raids were carried out in different areas of the city amid heavy firing of tear gas bombs, which led to the outbreak of violent clashes. No injuries were reported during the confrontation.
Along the same line, Israeli forces violently stormed and searched the Palestinian MP Nasser Abdel Jawad’s house after blowing up its gate. His son was interrogated during the raid, the PIC reporter pointed out. In Jenin, the IOF detained at dawn today two citizens after breaking into Qabatia town to the south of the city.
The PIC reporter quoted local sources as saying that IOF soldiers in nearly ten military vehicles stormed the town and deployed throughout its neighborhoods before arresting two young men and brutally attacking their families. Several make-shift checkpoints were also erected throughout Ananin town to the east of Jenin.
A member of Hamas Movement was also arrested in Jalama town, while three others were detained in Tulkarem. Two more arrests were carried out in Qalqilia and Qalandia refugee camp to the north of occupied Jerusalem, whereas five youths were kidnapped in Aida camp and Khuder town in Bethlehem. Two young men were also arrested in Surif and Beit Awa town near al-Khalil.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, on Sunday evening, two Palestinians in the West Bank districts of Bethlehem and Jenin.
In Bethlehem, the soldiers kidnapped Rami Ibrahim Abu Hammad, 23, as he was walking near the Gosh Etzion junction.
The soldiers took him to his home in Wadi an-Nees village, south of Bethlehem, and and searched his property.
In Jenin, in the northern part of the West Bank, the soldiers kidnapped a young man after summoning him for interrogation in the Salem military base.
The kidnapped Palestinian has been identified as Sa’id Hashem Nathour, 22, from the Jenin refugee camp.
In Bethlehem, the soldiers kidnapped Rami Ibrahim Abu Hammad, 23, as he was walking near the Gosh Etzion junction.
The soldiers took him to his home in Wadi an-Nees village, south of Bethlehem, and and searched his property.
In Jenin, in the northern part of the West Bank, the soldiers kidnapped a young man after summoning him for interrogation in the Salem military base.
The kidnapped Palestinian has been identified as Sa’id Hashem Nathour, 22, from the Jenin refugee camp.
