15 jan 2014
The Israeli prison service (IPS) isolated administrative detainee Wahid Abu Marya in Ofer jail for going on hunger strike. The Ahar center for prisoner studies and human rights on Wednesday quoted Abu Marya’s family as saying that Wahid, who has been in detention since 30 October 2012 without charge or trial, went on hunger strike last week.
They said that Wahid, 48, launched his hunger strike to protest the continued renewal of his arbitrary detention and to demand his release.
The Ahrar center pointed out that Wahid was previously held in Israeli occupation jails at separate intervals and served 16 years and a half en aggregate in the occupation’s prisons.
They said that Wahid, 48, launched his hunger strike to protest the continued renewal of his arbitrary detention and to demand his release.
The Ahrar center pointed out that Wahid was previously held in Israeli occupation jails at separate intervals and served 16 years and a half en aggregate in the occupation’s prisons.
A number of Palestinian citizens suffered from suffocation on Wednesday during clashes that broke out in the southern region of al-Khalil, between Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and inhabitants. Eyewitnesses told PIC that IOF soldiers fired tear gas canisters and metal bullets at the citizens and schools students, leading to the outbreak of confrontations during which a number of citizens and students suffocated from gas inhalation.
They added that the soldiers provoked the students by assaulting them and detaining them at a military checkpoint nearby, and charged the soldiers with firing tear gas grenades on a daily basis even without clashes.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation authority on Wednesday morning deployed its troops and several military vehicles near the settlement of Beit Haggai, established on Palestinian lands south of the city of al-Khalil, eyewitnesses told PIC.
They said that the military vehicles roamed the bypass road adjacent to the settlement, while the soldiers intensified their presence at a military checkpoint that was set up at the entrance to Harayeq village that leads to al-Khalil city.
The witnesses added that IOF soldiers are used to search and detain the passers-by at the said checkpoint that has been recently reopened after a closure that lasted for years.
The IOF arrested at dawn Wednesday five Palestinian citizens from al-Khalil; including the journalist Osama Shweiki, Yamamah local radio director, after raiding his house, local sources said.
They added that the detainees were transferred to the Israeli interrogation centers under the pretext that they are wanted for the intelligence service.
They added that the soldiers provoked the students by assaulting them and detaining them at a military checkpoint nearby, and charged the soldiers with firing tear gas grenades on a daily basis even without clashes.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation authority on Wednesday morning deployed its troops and several military vehicles near the settlement of Beit Haggai, established on Palestinian lands south of the city of al-Khalil, eyewitnesses told PIC.
They said that the military vehicles roamed the bypass road adjacent to the settlement, while the soldiers intensified their presence at a military checkpoint that was set up at the entrance to Harayeq village that leads to al-Khalil city.
The witnesses added that IOF soldiers are used to search and detain the passers-by at the said checkpoint that has been recently reopened after a closure that lasted for years.
The IOF arrested at dawn Wednesday five Palestinian citizens from al-Khalil; including the journalist Osama Shweiki, Yamamah local radio director, after raiding his house, local sources said.
They added that the detainees were transferred to the Israeli interrogation centers under the pretext that they are wanted for the intelligence service.
Members of an academic delegation were held for 10 hours by Israeli security forces when crossing into Palestine from Jordan, a statement said Tuesday.
A delegation of six academics and a labor activist came to the West Bank to conduct meetings with Palestinian scholars "in order to better understand conditions on the ground and to facilitate future collaborations," one of the members said in a statement.
University of Illinois professor Junaid Rana said that on Sunday, four members of the delegation were held and interrogated by Israeli security forces, Interior Ministry employees, and the military for over 10 hours at the border.
"They were pressed about their scholarly research, academic networks, family backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnic origins," Rana said.
"The Israeli security officer demanded contact and cell phone information and two delegates were coerced into accessing their email accounts using Israeli security computers."
Additionally, the members were asked about previous travel to Arab countries.
"Rana was also asked why he attended a conference on 'Transnational American Studies' at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, and whether he had any political writings related to Israel," the statement said.
It continued by condemning the interrogation: "Such actions are a clear violation of academic freedom, including the freedom to travel for scholarly research, and demonstrate tactics of intimidation and harassment of scholarly inquiry."
Some of the delegates who were held belong to US academic associations -- such as American Studies Association, Association of Asian American Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Studies Association -- that have endorsed an academic and cultural boycott of "Israeli institutions that are complicit in the continued colonization of Palestine."
Three of the delegates were also personal supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, the statement said.
"The delegation recognizes that their experiences on January 12, 2014, pales in comparison with the everyday surveillance and criminalization of Palestinian academics who are consistently denied the freedoms to research, publish, and travel," Rana added.
Palestinians, in addition to other Arabs, Muslims, and pro-Palestinian activists, are often held for hours -- and sometimes denied entry -- at border crossings controlled by Israel.
In December, the American Studies Association announced its decision to boycott of Israeli academic institutions.
A statement from the organization read at the time: "The ASA's endorsement of the academic boycott emerges from the context of US military and other support for Israel; Israel's violation of international law and UN resolutions; the documented impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian scholars and students; the extent to which Israeli institutions of higher education are a party to state policies that violate human rights; and finally, the support of such a resolution by a majority of ASA members."
A delegation of six academics and a labor activist came to the West Bank to conduct meetings with Palestinian scholars "in order to better understand conditions on the ground and to facilitate future collaborations," one of the members said in a statement.
University of Illinois professor Junaid Rana said that on Sunday, four members of the delegation were held and interrogated by Israeli security forces, Interior Ministry employees, and the military for over 10 hours at the border.
"They were pressed about their scholarly research, academic networks, family backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnic origins," Rana said.
"The Israeli security officer demanded contact and cell phone information and two delegates were coerced into accessing their email accounts using Israeli security computers."
Additionally, the members were asked about previous travel to Arab countries.
"Rana was also asked why he attended a conference on 'Transnational American Studies' at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, and whether he had any political writings related to Israel," the statement said.
It continued by condemning the interrogation: "Such actions are a clear violation of academic freedom, including the freedom to travel for scholarly research, and demonstrate tactics of intimidation and harassment of scholarly inquiry."
Some of the delegates who were held belong to US academic associations -- such as American Studies Association, Association of Asian American Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Studies Association -- that have endorsed an academic and cultural boycott of "Israeli institutions that are complicit in the continued colonization of Palestine."
Three of the delegates were also personal supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, the statement said.
"The delegation recognizes that their experiences on January 12, 2014, pales in comparison with the everyday surveillance and criminalization of Palestinian academics who are consistently denied the freedoms to research, publish, and travel," Rana added.
Palestinians, in addition to other Arabs, Muslims, and pro-Palestinian activists, are often held for hours -- and sometimes denied entry -- at border crossings controlled by Israel.
In December, the American Studies Association announced its decision to boycott of Israeli academic institutions.
A statement from the organization read at the time: "The ASA's endorsement of the academic boycott emerges from the context of US military and other support for Israel; Israel's violation of international law and UN resolutions; the documented impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian scholars and students; the extent to which Israeli institutions of higher education are a party to state policies that violate human rights; and finally, the support of such a resolution by a majority of ASA members."
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) agreed on Wednesday to release Jerusalemite MP Mohammed Totah and former Jerusalem minister Khaled Abu Arafa in return for their exile out of occupied Jerusalem. The Israeli higher court last Wednesday gave the Israeli prosecution seven days to respond to its ruling stipulating the release of Totah and Abu Arafa after 24 months of imprisonment.
The Israeli police had detained both for “illegal” entry into Jerusalem after their Jerusalemite IDs, which allow them residence in the holy city, were confiscated from them. They were also charged with affiliation with Hamas movement.
The Israeli prosecution on Wednesday informed the higher court of its acceptance of the ruling and thus the release of Totah and Abu Arafa was expected any time Wednesday.
Totah and Abu Arafa were kidnapped on 23rd January 2013 from the Red Cross premises in Jerusalem at the hands of Israeli special forces after seeking refuge in it since mid-2010 in protest at the IOA decision to strip them of their Jerusalemite IDs and revoking their residence.
For his part, Khalil Abu Arafa, the brother of the former Jerusalem minister, said that the IOA did not specify a specific time for the release of his brother along with MP Totah.
He expressed joy at his brother’s release, although he would not be able to enter Jerusalem, adding that efforts would continue for the return of both to their ancestral hometown Jerusalem
Israel to free 2 Jerusalem prisoners on condition of exile
Israeli authorities on Wednesday agreed to free two Palestinian Jerusalemites on the condition that they be deported from Jerusalem, a prisoners' committee spokesman said.
Amjad Abu Asab, a spokesman for a committee that represents Jerusalemite prisoners, told Ma'an that Israel agreed to free a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs.
Abu Asab said that lawmaker Muhammad Tutah and former minister Khalid Abu Arafah have been detained for two years on the charge of entering Jerusalem "illegally," after Israel revoked their Jerusalem IDs.
Both Tutah and Abu Arafah have also been accused of being leaders of the Hamas movement in the Jerusalem area, Abu Asab said.
The Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the 24-month imprisonment was sufficient punishment, and that the two should be released, giving the Israeli military prosecution a week to respond, he said.
The response came Wednesday that the prisoners would be released but would have to leave Jerusalem.
The two were detained by undercover Israeli forces on Jan. 23, 2012, from offices of the International Red Cross Committee in Jerusalem, Abu Asab said.
Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.
Today, the Palestinian population numbers 293,000 in a city which counts roughly 800,000 residents, UN figures show.
In 2012, Israel's Interior Ministry revoked the residency status of 116 Jerusalem Palestinians, bringing the total number over 46 years to more than 14,000 people, according to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
The Israeli police had detained both for “illegal” entry into Jerusalem after their Jerusalemite IDs, which allow them residence in the holy city, were confiscated from them. They were also charged with affiliation with Hamas movement.
The Israeli prosecution on Wednesday informed the higher court of its acceptance of the ruling and thus the release of Totah and Abu Arafa was expected any time Wednesday.
Totah and Abu Arafa were kidnapped on 23rd January 2013 from the Red Cross premises in Jerusalem at the hands of Israeli special forces after seeking refuge in it since mid-2010 in protest at the IOA decision to strip them of their Jerusalemite IDs and revoking their residence.
For his part, Khalil Abu Arafa, the brother of the former Jerusalem minister, said that the IOA did not specify a specific time for the release of his brother along with MP Totah.
He expressed joy at his brother’s release, although he would not be able to enter Jerusalem, adding that efforts would continue for the return of both to their ancestral hometown Jerusalem
Israel to free 2 Jerusalem prisoners on condition of exile
Israeli authorities on Wednesday agreed to free two Palestinian Jerusalemites on the condition that they be deported from Jerusalem, a prisoners' committee spokesman said.
Amjad Abu Asab, a spokesman for a committee that represents Jerusalemite prisoners, told Ma'an that Israel agreed to free a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and a former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs.
Abu Asab said that lawmaker Muhammad Tutah and former minister Khalid Abu Arafah have been detained for two years on the charge of entering Jerusalem "illegally," after Israel revoked their Jerusalem IDs.
Both Tutah and Abu Arafah have also been accused of being leaders of the Hamas movement in the Jerusalem area, Abu Asab said.
The Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the 24-month imprisonment was sufficient punishment, and that the two should be released, giving the Israeli military prosecution a week to respond, he said.
The response came Wednesday that the prisoners would be released but would have to leave Jerusalem.
The two were detained by undercover Israeli forces on Jan. 23, 2012, from offices of the International Red Cross Committee in Jerusalem, Abu Asab said.
Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.
Today, the Palestinian population numbers 293,000 in a city which counts roughly 800,000 residents, UN figures show.
In 2012, Israel's Interior Ministry revoked the residency status of 116 Jerusalem Palestinians, bringing the total number over 46 years to more than 14,000 people, according to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.
The family of patient captive Iyad Harbiyat, from the village of Sakka in al-Khalil city, set up a protest tent in front of their home after Iyad's health condition deteriorated. Iyad Harbiyat was arrested by the Israeli occupation forces in 2002 when he was 19 years old, and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
His brother Jawdat asserted in press statements that Iyad was not suffering from any illness when he was arrested, while now his health condition has continued to deteriorate in light of the deliberate medical neglect in the Israeli jails.
Jawdat appealed to all official and human rights parties to intervene to release his brother, especially as the Israeli forces have transferred him to solitary confinement.
Meanwhile, director of Ahrar Center for the Studies of Prisoners and Human Rights Fouad Khuffash stressed that the Palestinian captive movement in the Israeli jails is stepping up its steps in protest at transferring leaders in the movement to solitary confinement.
Khuffash said in a statement on Tuesday that "the captive movement's next steps aim to protect the achievements of the Karama hunger strike, which lasted 28 days and ended with an agreement under the auspices of Egypt, that stipulated among other things ending the file of solitary confinement."
He stressed that the captive movement will not wait for the Palestinian public, institutions and factions to act, but it will take the initiative to end the problem of solitary confinement.
Khuffash pointed out that the prisoner Ibrahim Hamed has been on hunger strike since last Thursday, and urged the factions, the institutions, and the media to act in order to support the prisoners' protest steps.
His brother Jawdat asserted in press statements that Iyad was not suffering from any illness when he was arrested, while now his health condition has continued to deteriorate in light of the deliberate medical neglect in the Israeli jails.
Jawdat appealed to all official and human rights parties to intervene to release his brother, especially as the Israeli forces have transferred him to solitary confinement.
Meanwhile, director of Ahrar Center for the Studies of Prisoners and Human Rights Fouad Khuffash stressed that the Palestinian captive movement in the Israeli jails is stepping up its steps in protest at transferring leaders in the movement to solitary confinement.
Khuffash said in a statement on Tuesday that "the captive movement's next steps aim to protect the achievements of the Karama hunger strike, which lasted 28 days and ended with an agreement under the auspices of Egypt, that stipulated among other things ending the file of solitary confinement."
He stressed that the captive movement will not wait for the Palestinian public, institutions and factions to act, but it will take the initiative to end the problem of solitary confinement.
Khuffash pointed out that the prisoner Ibrahim Hamed has been on hunger strike since last Thursday, and urged the factions, the institutions, and the media to act in order to support the prisoners' protest steps.
Two international peace activists from International Solidarity Movement (ISM) were arrested in Hebron on Wednesday 8th january, reports ISM.
During the first 25 hours of their arrest they were not given anything to eat and in the immigration office in Tel Aviv they were beaten, and a man from the immigration centre kicked one of the handcuffed peacactivists in his face, according to ISM.
”Their treatment since being arrested should serve as a reminder in terms of how Israeli forces are able to treat their prisoners, whether justified or not” writes ISM in a press release, also saying that the two activists ”as internationals have received far better treatment then Palestinian prisoners”.
International activists physically and verbally abused in detention
On Wednesday 8th January, Vincent Mainville and Fabio Theodule were arrested by Israeli border police in Khalil (Hebron).
The two boys were handcuffed and taken to Jaabara police station where they were forced to kneel on the concrete floor for approximately 30 minutes. Fabio was blindfolded with his own keffiyeh and while kneeling he was pushed against the wall by Israeli border police officers and kicked in his legs.
After an hour passed, the makeshift blindfold was removed although their hands remained cuffed behind their backs for the next four to five hours.
Fabio and Vincent were questioned by Israeli forces, both refusing to sign documents that were written in Hebrew. They were went taken to Kiryat Arba police station, fingerprinted and then interrogated once again. Several hours passed and it was only at this point that they were allowed to call their legal representative.
They were transferred to a police facility near Ben Gurion airport where they were made to wait outside in a prison courtyard for two hours. Fabio asked for water and was told by a border police officer, “If you want to drink, you can drink my piss”.
Fabio and Vincent repeatedly asked for jackets or a blanket due to the cold weather, they were both ignored.
They were taken inside this facility for 30 minutes before being transferred back to Kiryat Arba police station in Khalil. Their handcuffed were removed at 12:30 at night and they were placed in a cell to sleep.
In the morning, on Thursday 9th January, Vincent and Fabio were awakened and handcuffed at 6:30 in the morning. They received no information about their situation and were not informed they had a court hearing that morning. When they arrived at court in Jerusalem they were allowed to speak to their lawyer for approximately four minutes outside the courthouse, with Israeli border police present.
After they had the short conversation with their lawyer they were taken to the immigration office in Tel Aviv. The two activists tried to refuse to enter this building as they knew their lawyer was attempting to argue against their arrest [which was eventually declared illegal]. It was at this point Israeli forces became extremely aggressive, dragging both Vincent and Fabio by their handcuffs causing their wrists to bleed.
Vincent attempted to resist as they dragged both boys up a set of stairs and it was at this point a man from the immigration center kicked him in his ribs and his face. They were taken into a room and after one hour, were able to contact their lawyer, though they were not allowed privacy for this phone call.
Vincent asked if he could file charges against the man who has beat him, and he was told he was not allowed to do this.
At this point Vincent and Fabio were given food for the first time in 25 hours.
The boys were then taken to Giv’on prison in Ramle, close to Tel Aviv. They were unable to contact their lawyer again and received no information about their case, until they were finally able to be contacted by ISM two days later.
Vincent and Fabio are very likely to be deported within the next few days, their arrest has been ruled illegal by an Israeli court but this has not made any difference to their situation. Their treatment since being arrested should serve as a reminder in terms of how Israeli forces are able to treat their prisoners, whether justified or not. However, Vincent and Fabio as internationals have received far better treatment then Palestinian prisoners. The brutal treatment of Palestinian prisoners echoes throughout Palestine and serves as a daily reminder of the Israeli occupation.
During the first 25 hours of their arrest they were not given anything to eat and in the immigration office in Tel Aviv they were beaten, and a man from the immigration centre kicked one of the handcuffed peacactivists in his face, according to ISM.
”Their treatment since being arrested should serve as a reminder in terms of how Israeli forces are able to treat their prisoners, whether justified or not” writes ISM in a press release, also saying that the two activists ”as internationals have received far better treatment then Palestinian prisoners”.
International activists physically and verbally abused in detention
On Wednesday 8th January, Vincent Mainville and Fabio Theodule were arrested by Israeli border police in Khalil (Hebron).
The two boys were handcuffed and taken to Jaabara police station where they were forced to kneel on the concrete floor for approximately 30 minutes. Fabio was blindfolded with his own keffiyeh and while kneeling he was pushed against the wall by Israeli border police officers and kicked in his legs.
After an hour passed, the makeshift blindfold was removed although their hands remained cuffed behind their backs for the next four to five hours.
Fabio and Vincent were questioned by Israeli forces, both refusing to sign documents that were written in Hebrew. They were went taken to Kiryat Arba police station, fingerprinted and then interrogated once again. Several hours passed and it was only at this point that they were allowed to call their legal representative.
They were transferred to a police facility near Ben Gurion airport where they were made to wait outside in a prison courtyard for two hours. Fabio asked for water and was told by a border police officer, “If you want to drink, you can drink my piss”.
Fabio and Vincent repeatedly asked for jackets or a blanket due to the cold weather, they were both ignored.
They were taken inside this facility for 30 minutes before being transferred back to Kiryat Arba police station in Khalil. Their handcuffed were removed at 12:30 at night and they were placed in a cell to sleep.
In the morning, on Thursday 9th January, Vincent and Fabio were awakened and handcuffed at 6:30 in the morning. They received no information about their situation and were not informed they had a court hearing that morning. When they arrived at court in Jerusalem they were allowed to speak to their lawyer for approximately four minutes outside the courthouse, with Israeli border police present.
After they had the short conversation with their lawyer they were taken to the immigration office in Tel Aviv. The two activists tried to refuse to enter this building as they knew their lawyer was attempting to argue against their arrest [which was eventually declared illegal]. It was at this point Israeli forces became extremely aggressive, dragging both Vincent and Fabio by their handcuffs causing their wrists to bleed.
Vincent attempted to resist as they dragged both boys up a set of stairs and it was at this point a man from the immigration center kicked him in his ribs and his face. They were taken into a room and after one hour, were able to contact their lawyer, though they were not allowed privacy for this phone call.
Vincent asked if he could file charges against the man who has beat him, and he was told he was not allowed to do this.
At this point Vincent and Fabio were given food for the first time in 25 hours.
The boys were then taken to Giv’on prison in Ramle, close to Tel Aviv. They were unable to contact their lawyer again and received no information about their case, until they were finally able to be contacted by ISM two days later.
Vincent and Fabio are very likely to be deported within the next few days, their arrest has been ruled illegal by an Israeli court but this has not made any difference to their situation. Their treatment since being arrested should serve as a reminder in terms of how Israeli forces are able to treat their prisoners, whether justified or not. However, Vincent and Fabio as internationals have received far better treatment then Palestinian prisoners. The brutal treatment of Palestinian prisoners echoes throughout Palestine and serves as a daily reminder of the Israeli occupation.
14 jan 2014
The Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of three young men from Jabal Al-Mukabber and a child from Esawyeh.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of 20-year old Anas Jawad Eweisat, 20-year old Omar Ali Sabri Abdo and 20-year old Basel Ahmad Obeidat until next Tuesday; note that they were arrested on Monday after midnight when the Israeli forces raided their homes.
Mohammad Mahmoud, Al-Dameer organization lawyer, said that the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of the child Ahmad Samir Obeid until Thursday on charges of throwing Molotov cocktails; note that he was arrested on Tuesday morning.
The lawyer also said that the police arrested the child Ahmad Ramadan Obeid on Tuesday after raiding his home in the village of Esawyeh and was interrogated in “room number 4” from the morning until the night time.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of 20-year old Anas Jawad Eweisat, 20-year old Omar Ali Sabri Abdo and 20-year old Basel Ahmad Obeidat until next Tuesday; note that they were arrested on Monday after midnight when the Israeli forces raided their homes.
Mohammad Mahmoud, Al-Dameer organization lawyer, said that the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of the child Ahmad Samir Obeid until Thursday on charges of throwing Molotov cocktails; note that he was arrested on Tuesday morning.
The lawyer also said that the police arrested the child Ahmad Ramadan Obeid on Tuesday after raiding his home in the village of Esawyeh and was interrogated in “room number 4” from the morning until the night time.
A Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail claimed that he was assaulted by a prison doctor while in an infirmary.
Alaa al-Hams, who is at Eshel prison, said that on Dec. 2 he suffered from severe pain in the stomach, was unable to move his limbs, and started foaming from his mouth.
Al-Hams was then transferred to the prison infirmary where the doctor repeatedly beat and threw him on the ground, he said.
He added that the incident happened between 10 and 11 a.m., and was recorded by a camera in the room.
Al-Hams, who started a hunger strike on Jan. 6, said he suspended the strike after they agreed to transfer him to Ashkalon prison in order to receive proper treatment.
A prisoners’ society lawyer who visited al-Hams said he was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2012, and received intensive treatment for six months, which resulted in several complications including swelling in the lymph nodes as well as stomach and nerve problems.
Al-Hams says he is facing a slow death, in constant pain, and his health is deteriorating.
Al-Hams, 40, has served five years of his 29-year sentence.
Alaa al-Hams, who is at Eshel prison, said that on Dec. 2 he suffered from severe pain in the stomach, was unable to move his limbs, and started foaming from his mouth.
Al-Hams was then transferred to the prison infirmary where the doctor repeatedly beat and threw him on the ground, he said.
He added that the incident happened between 10 and 11 a.m., and was recorded by a camera in the room.
Al-Hams, who started a hunger strike on Jan. 6, said he suspended the strike after they agreed to transfer him to Ashkalon prison in order to receive proper treatment.
A prisoners’ society lawyer who visited al-Hams said he was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2012, and received intensive treatment for six months, which resulted in several complications including swelling in the lymph nodes as well as stomach and nerve problems.
Al-Hams says he is facing a slow death, in constant pain, and his health is deteriorating.
Al-Hams, 40, has served five years of his 29-year sentence.
Tomer Hazan
Indictment filed against Tzahi Antebi for harboring IDF soldier's murderer, who resided in Israel illegally. Restaurant owner insists employee had residence permits
Two months after Nidal Amar was indicted for the murder of IDF soldier Tomer Hazan, the owner of the restaurant in which both the killer and the victim were employed was indicted for employing an illegal, Ynet learned Tuesday.
According to the indictment, filed with the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court, Tzahi Antebi, the owner of the restaurant in which Hazan and Amar were working, was harboring Amar – who was residing in Israel illegally – in an apartment above the restaurant.
After the murder, Antebi said he did not know of Amar's illegal status. "We don't know what to do with ourselves; I want to stress the fact that I do not employ illegals – he had a permit," Antebi told Ynet in September, a day after the murder.
Idan Abuhav, an attorney with The Legal Forum for the Land of Israel who urged the murderer's employer be tried, said: "Anyone who employs an illegal resident must know there's a chance he or she are helping a potential murderer and putting the lives of Israeli citizens on the line."
Amar, 42, was indicted in November for the murder of Tomer Hazan in the village of Beit Amin. According to the prosecution, Amar planned to use Hazan's body to negotiate a deal to release Amar's brother, Nur al-Din Amar, who had asked his brother Salem, during a 2012 visit, to negotiate his release using the body of a dead soldier.
Indictment filed against Tzahi Antebi for harboring IDF soldier's murderer, who resided in Israel illegally. Restaurant owner insists employee had residence permits
Two months after Nidal Amar was indicted for the murder of IDF soldier Tomer Hazan, the owner of the restaurant in which both the killer and the victim were employed was indicted for employing an illegal, Ynet learned Tuesday.
According to the indictment, filed with the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court, Tzahi Antebi, the owner of the restaurant in which Hazan and Amar were working, was harboring Amar – who was residing in Israel illegally – in an apartment above the restaurant.
After the murder, Antebi said he did not know of Amar's illegal status. "We don't know what to do with ourselves; I want to stress the fact that I do not employ illegals – he had a permit," Antebi told Ynet in September, a day after the murder.
Idan Abuhav, an attorney with The Legal Forum for the Land of Israel who urged the murderer's employer be tried, said: "Anyone who employs an illegal resident must know there's a chance he or she are helping a potential murderer and putting the lives of Israeli citizens on the line."
Amar, 42, was indicted in November for the murder of Tomer Hazan in the village of Beit Amin. According to the prosecution, Amar planned to use Hazan's body to negotiate a deal to release Amar's brother, Nur al-Din Amar, who had asked his brother Salem, during a 2012 visit, to negotiate his release using the body of a dead soldier.
Defence for Children International-Palestine (DCIP) said “the occupation authorities are still procrastinating to investigate the circumstances of child abuses by Israeli soldiers,” DCIP said it filed a complaint at the Israeli military police about an Israeli attack on Hindi Sultan, 17, Hares village in Salfit city during his arrest on September 19, 2013 where one of the soldiers extinguish a cigarette on the hand of a child and beat him.
“Israeli military police responded to the complaint made on November 27 on January 7 by asking that the child appear before the prosecutor for a hearing,”
The organization said it demanded for a lawyer or a member of the child’s family to be with him during the hearing, but the Israeli military prosecution refused, asking that only the child presents himself in the court.
The DCIP lawyer Iyad Misk said that the occupation authorities is trying to procrastinate and find reasons to close the file and suspend the investigation into the incident, stressing that by law the child has every right to come with a lawyer or a member of his family when giving his testimony.
The DCIP said the Israeli legal authorities’ failure to open an investigation into alleged Israeli ill-treatment and torture confirms reports of Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations which indicate that Israel rarely holds accountable those committing violations Palestinian children’ human rights.
It also testifies that this immunity granted to the Israeli soldiers is a clear message that the state is not interested in stopping the perpetrators of Palestinian child abuses, which contributed to the consistent violations of their human rights.
The DCIP pointed out that the reports of the Israeli organization Volunteers for Human Rights (Yesh Din), which monitors the criminal accountability against the Israeli soldiers with regard to human rights violations against Palestinians, suggest that when criminal investigations against suspects of criminal offenses against Palestinians are opened, they are almost end up with failure to find any results.
The DCIP said it filed 15 complaints on behalf of 10 children tortured and ill-treated during 2013, five of which were against the Israeli intelligence service, five against Israeli investigators and Israeli police, and five against the occupation army.
“Israeli military police responded to the complaint made on November 27 on January 7 by asking that the child appear before the prosecutor for a hearing,”
The organization said it demanded for a lawyer or a member of the child’s family to be with him during the hearing, but the Israeli military prosecution refused, asking that only the child presents himself in the court.
The DCIP lawyer Iyad Misk said that the occupation authorities is trying to procrastinate and find reasons to close the file and suspend the investigation into the incident, stressing that by law the child has every right to come with a lawyer or a member of his family when giving his testimony.
The DCIP said the Israeli legal authorities’ failure to open an investigation into alleged Israeli ill-treatment and torture confirms reports of Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations which indicate that Israel rarely holds accountable those committing violations Palestinian children’ human rights.
It also testifies that this immunity granted to the Israeli soldiers is a clear message that the state is not interested in stopping the perpetrators of Palestinian child abuses, which contributed to the consistent violations of their human rights.
The DCIP pointed out that the reports of the Israeli organization Volunteers for Human Rights (Yesh Din), which monitors the criminal accountability against the Israeli soldiers with regard to human rights violations against Palestinians, suggest that when criminal investigations against suspects of criminal offenses against Palestinians are opened, they are almost end up with failure to find any results.
The DCIP said it filed 15 complaints on behalf of 10 children tortured and ill-treated during 2013, five of which were against the Israeli intelligence service, five against Israeli investigators and Israeli police, and five against the occupation army.
Captive Ibrahim Hamed, a West Bank Qassam Brigades commander, went on hunger strike from the first day he was transferred to solitary confinement. The Palestinian prisoner society quoted prisoners in Eshel jail as saying that Hamed, who is serving 54 life sentences, went on strike as soon as the Israeli prison service moved him to Ohli Kedar isolation last Thursday.
The PPS said in a statement on Tuesday that Palestinian prisoners, who were planning to escalate their protest steps on 18 January against IPS medical neglect, decided to start earlier.
It said that the prisoners decided to go on strike as of tomorrow Wednesday in the event Hamed was not out of isolation by Tuesday night.
The society said that the prisoners would go on strike in groups starting with 20 prisoners in each of Nafha and Ramon and 10 in each of Eshel and Negev in addition to separate numbers in the northern prisons.
It said that the prisoners had prepared a list of demands including ending isolation and paying more attention to the patient prisoners, adding that they would start their escalatory program within a week if no progress was made in meeting those demands.
The PPS said in a statement on Tuesday that Palestinian prisoners, who were planning to escalate their protest steps on 18 January against IPS medical neglect, decided to start earlier.
It said that the prisoners decided to go on strike as of tomorrow Wednesday in the event Hamed was not out of isolation by Tuesday night.
The society said that the prisoners would go on strike in groups starting with 20 prisoners in each of Nafha and Ramon and 10 in each of Eshel and Negev in addition to separate numbers in the northern prisons.
It said that the prisoners had prepared a list of demands including ending isolation and paying more attention to the patient prisoners, adding that they would start their escalatory program within a week if no progress was made in meeting those demands.
The Israeli forces arrested three young men from the neighbourhood of Jabal Al-Mukabber southeast of the city of Jerusalem on Monday after midnight.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that a large Israeli force including police and Special Forces raided the houses of 20-year old Anas Jawad Eweisat, 20-year old Omar Ali Sabri Abdo and 20-year old Basel Ahmad Obeidat and arrested them after searching the houses.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that a large Israeli force including police and Special Forces raided the houses of 20-year old Anas Jawad Eweisat, 20-year old Omar Ali Sabri Abdo and 20-year old Basel Ahmad Obeidat and arrested them after searching the houses.
A group of right-wing Israelis led by US-born Jewish extremist Yehuda Glick toured the al-Aqsa compound on Tuesday, witnesses said.
The group consisted of around 25 people.
Meanwhile, Palestinian tour guide Ehab al-Jallad was detained by Israeli police while touring the compound with a group of students.
The reason behind his arrest is unclear.
Four Palestinian women were also denied entry to the mosque compound by Israeli forces, with no reason given.
An Israeli police spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
According to mainstream Jewish religious leaders, Jews are forbidden from entering for fear they would profane the "Holy of Holies," or the inner sanctum of the Second Temple.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The group consisted of around 25 people.
Meanwhile, Palestinian tour guide Ehab al-Jallad was detained by Israeli police while touring the compound with a group of students.
The reason behind his arrest is unclear.
Four Palestinian women were also denied entry to the mosque compound by Israeli forces, with no reason given.
An Israeli police spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
According to mainstream Jewish religious leaders, Jews are forbidden from entering for fear they would profane the "Holy of Holies," or the inner sanctum of the Second Temple.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
An Israeli military court has issued Sunday tough sentences against two brothers from Halhoul, north of al-Khalil, for allegedly stone-throwing. Ofer military court sentenced the two brothers Iyad and Hassan Bajes Albou for 12 and 20 years on charges of throwing stones at a settler's car.
Iyad Albou, a father of 4 children, was detained on October 2011, while Hassan, 32, was arrested a few days after his brother's arrest.
Their family said that they did not expect the court's harsh sentence, calling on international human rights organizations to appeal against the oppressive judgment of the court.
Media spokesman for Palestinian Prisoners Center, the researcher Riad al Ashqar condemned the court verdict and consider it as an retaliatory and deterrent action.
Iyad Albou, a father of 4 children, was detained on October 2011, while Hassan, 32, was arrested a few days after his brother's arrest.
Their family said that they did not expect the court's harsh sentence, calling on international human rights organizations to appeal against the oppressive judgment of the court.
Media spokesman for Palestinian Prisoners Center, the researcher Riad al Ashqar condemned the court verdict and consider it as an retaliatory and deterrent action.
Israeli occupation forces arrested on Tuesday 11 Palestinians, including minors, from the village of Azoun in Qalqilyah Governorate, and took them to an unknown location.
Mayor of Azoun, Nimer Adwan, said that most of the detainees are minors, adding that they were arrested after searching their houses.
IOF forces always carry out search and arrest campaigns targeting the children of the village, under false pretenses that the youngsters throw stones on settlers passing by the road that is adjacent to the village.
In the same context, IOF forces arrested a Palestinian from the old city of Nablus.
Local sources said that several military jeeps raided the village at dawn, and arrested Mohammed Waleed Issa, 27, after searching his house.
In Hebron, IOF forces arrested a Palestinian from al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
Security sources said that Israeli soldiers raided the camp and arrested Mu'ayad Abudl Jabbar Ahmaro, 26, after searching his house. The forces also searched the house of Abdul Fattah al-Qawasmeh from Hebron.
In Bethlehem, Israeli forces arrested four young Palestinians from the city of Bethlehem and al-Obeidiyeh village, east of the city.
Security source said that Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians identified as: Issam Atta al-Shaer and Eid Kamel Kamel after raiding and searching their houses.
In the village of al-Obeidiyeh east of Bethlehem, the Israeli forces raided the house of Mahmoud Abdullah al-Assa, searched it, and rummaged with the contents. The forces also confiscated two laptops and mobiles before arresting his two sons Ayman,32, and Omar, 18.
Mayor of Azoun, Nimer Adwan, said that most of the detainees are minors, adding that they were arrested after searching their houses.
IOF forces always carry out search and arrest campaigns targeting the children of the village, under false pretenses that the youngsters throw stones on settlers passing by the road that is adjacent to the village.
In the same context, IOF forces arrested a Palestinian from the old city of Nablus.
Local sources said that several military jeeps raided the village at dawn, and arrested Mohammed Waleed Issa, 27, after searching his house.
In Hebron, IOF forces arrested a Palestinian from al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.
Security sources said that Israeli soldiers raided the camp and arrested Mu'ayad Abudl Jabbar Ahmaro, 26, after searching his house. The forces also searched the house of Abdul Fattah al-Qawasmeh from Hebron.
In Bethlehem, Israeli forces arrested four young Palestinians from the city of Bethlehem and al-Obeidiyeh village, east of the city.
Security source said that Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians identified as: Issam Atta al-Shaer and Eid Kamel Kamel after raiding and searching their houses.
In the village of al-Obeidiyeh east of Bethlehem, the Israeli forces raided the house of Mahmoud Abdullah al-Assa, searched it, and rummaged with the contents. The forces also confiscated two laptops and mobiles before arresting his two sons Ayman,32, and Omar, 18.
13 jan 2014
The District court in Jerusalem sentenced on Monday morning the 20-year old Jerusalemite prisoner Iyad Omar Shalabi to actual imprisonment for one year and a suspended probation for 8 months with a bail of 5000 NIS.
The judge also extended the arrest of Mohammad Mahmoud Aton, Suhaib Afaneh and Lou’ai Hamada until 23/01/2014 which is when the “conduct officer” will release his report and discuss the possibility of releasing them with a bail and house arrest.
In a related matter, the judge decided to release the children Ahmad and Mohammad A’bed with a bail and house arrest but the general prosecution requested to freeze the decision until they appeal it in the Supreme Court. The four children are accused of throwing stones at and Israeli car in the neighbourhood of Jabal Al-Mukabber.
Conditional releases
The police released 14-year old Radi Saeed Al-Doo on Monday on condition of house arrest for a month; note that the Israeli forces arrested him on Monday morning and took him to Al-Qishleh police station on charges of throwing stones in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and then released him after few hours of interrogation with the above mentioned conditions.
Al-Dameer organization lawyer, Mohammad Mahmoud, said that the Magistrate court judge decided to release 4 minors from Shu’fat refugee camp with a financial bail of 500 NIS and house arrest for 5 days for each one of them; note that they were arrested on Sunday and they are: 16-year old Yousef Adel Abu Zaneed, 14-year old Mohammad Ismaeel Khatib, 15-year old Odai Mohammad Saed and 15-year old Izz Eddin Khaled Faqeeh.
In a related matter, the Magistrate court also released Hiba Tawil who was arrested on Sunday while trying to go inside Al-Aqsa and the judge decided to release her without any conditions; note that the police tried to isolate her from Al-Aqsa for a month but she refused to sign any documents.
Releasing Jerusalemite prisoner Bilal Abed Rabbo
The administration of “Eisheb” prison released 36-year old Bilal Abed Rabbo on Monday after he completed his 7-month sentence.
Releasing Jerusalemite prisoner Joudeh Joudeh
The occupation authorities also released 24-year Joudeh Joudeh on Monday night after detaining him for a few days in Al-Maskobyeh, and imposed house arrest on him for one week and a 5000-NIS bail.
The judge also extended the arrest of Mohammad Mahmoud Aton, Suhaib Afaneh and Lou’ai Hamada until 23/01/2014 which is when the “conduct officer” will release his report and discuss the possibility of releasing them with a bail and house arrest.
In a related matter, the judge decided to release the children Ahmad and Mohammad A’bed with a bail and house arrest but the general prosecution requested to freeze the decision until they appeal it in the Supreme Court. The four children are accused of throwing stones at and Israeli car in the neighbourhood of Jabal Al-Mukabber.
Conditional releases
The police released 14-year old Radi Saeed Al-Doo on Monday on condition of house arrest for a month; note that the Israeli forces arrested him on Monday morning and took him to Al-Qishleh police station on charges of throwing stones in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and then released him after few hours of interrogation with the above mentioned conditions.
Al-Dameer organization lawyer, Mohammad Mahmoud, said that the Magistrate court judge decided to release 4 minors from Shu’fat refugee camp with a financial bail of 500 NIS and house arrest for 5 days for each one of them; note that they were arrested on Sunday and they are: 16-year old Yousef Adel Abu Zaneed, 14-year old Mohammad Ismaeel Khatib, 15-year old Odai Mohammad Saed and 15-year old Izz Eddin Khaled Faqeeh.
In a related matter, the Magistrate court also released Hiba Tawil who was arrested on Sunday while trying to go inside Al-Aqsa and the judge decided to release her without any conditions; note that the police tried to isolate her from Al-Aqsa for a month but she refused to sign any documents.
Releasing Jerusalemite prisoner Bilal Abed Rabbo
The administration of “Eisheb” prison released 36-year old Bilal Abed Rabbo on Monday after he completed his 7-month sentence.
Releasing Jerusalemite prisoner Joudeh Joudeh
The occupation authorities also released 24-year Joudeh Joudeh on Monday night after detaining him for a few days in Al-Maskobyeh, and imposed house arrest on him for one week and a 5000-NIS bail.
Radi Saeed Al-Doo 14
Israeli police nabbed two Palestinian children in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem on Monday morning after searching their family homes. Local sources said that the policemen detained 12-year-old Ayman Abu Hushaima and 14-year-old Radi Al-Dadu after ransacking their families’ homes.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces arrested two Palestinians in Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil, and closed the main entrance to the village at the pretext stones and firebombs were thrown at them near it.
The Israeli forces arrest a child form the Old City of Jerusalem
The Israeli forces arrested 14-year old Radi Saeed Al-Doo on Monday morning after raiding his home in Al-Wad Street in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The child’s family confirmed that the occupation forces raided their home and arrested Radi and took him to Al-Qishleh police station; they also confiscated some of the child’s clothes.
The forces also arrested 12-year old Ayman Hashimeh after raiding his home in Oqbat Al-Saraya in the Old City.
Israeli police nabbed two Palestinian children in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem on Monday morning after searching their family homes. Local sources said that the policemen detained 12-year-old Ayman Abu Hushaima and 14-year-old Radi Al-Dadu after ransacking their families’ homes.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces arrested two Palestinians in Beit Ummar village, north of Al-Khalil, and closed the main entrance to the village at the pretext stones and firebombs were thrown at them near it.
The Israeli forces arrest a child form the Old City of Jerusalem
The Israeli forces arrested 14-year old Radi Saeed Al-Doo on Monday morning after raiding his home in Al-Wad Street in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The child’s family confirmed that the occupation forces raided their home and arrested Radi and took him to Al-Qishleh police station; they also confiscated some of the child’s clothes.
The forces also arrested 12-year old Ayman Hashimeh after raiding his home in Oqbat Al-Saraya in the Old City.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained three Palestinians in Al-Khalil at dawn Monday including a child and ransacked the house of a Palestinian policeman. Quds Press quoted security sources as saying that IOF soldiers stormed Al-Khalil city at dawn today and arrested Mahmoud Abu Daoud, who is a liberated prisoner and the brother of an ex-prisoner who was deported to Gaza Strip.
Locals also reported an IOF raid on Sa’eer village, near Al-Khalil, during which the soldiers arrested Ahmed Al-Farroukh and ransacked the home of his brother Aws.
IOF soldiers raided Halhoul town also in Al-Khalil province and searched and ransacked the home of Nabil Zamaara, a Palestinian policeman.
Sources said that the soldiers had earlier Monday detained the 15-year-old child Hamza Yousef Zamaara only three days after arresting his elder brother Ibrahim.
IOF also roamed the streets of Beit Uwa village and Ras Al-Joura suburb in Al-Khalil city and closed the entrance to Arub refugee camp after clashes on Sunday between its inhabitants and invading IOF troops.
Locals also reported an IOF raid on Sa’eer village, near Al-Khalil, during which the soldiers arrested Ahmed Al-Farroukh and ransacked the home of his brother Aws.
IOF soldiers raided Halhoul town also in Al-Khalil province and searched and ransacked the home of Nabil Zamaara, a Palestinian policeman.
Sources said that the soldiers had earlier Monday detained the 15-year-old child Hamza Yousef Zamaara only three days after arresting his elder brother Ibrahim.
IOF also roamed the streets of Beit Uwa village and Ras Al-Joura suburb in Al-Khalil city and closed the entrance to Arub refugee camp after clashes on Sunday between its inhabitants and invading IOF troops.
An Israeli military court has issued Sunday tough sentences against two brothers from Halhoul, north of al-Khalil, for allegedly stone-throwing. Ofer military court sentenced the two brothers Iyad and Hassan Bajes Albou for 12 and 20 years respectively on charges of throwing stones at a settler's car.
The two brothers' family said that they did not expect the court's harsh sentence, calling on international human rights organizations to appeal against the court's verdict.
Iyad Albou, a father of 4 children, was detained on October 2011, while Hassan, 32, was arrested a few days after his brother's arrest.
Meanwhile, Ofer military court sentenced the prisoner Samer Mattar to 13 years imprisonment and imposed on him a fine of 10 thousand shekels for stabbing a Jewish rabbi during the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Palestine Center for Prisoners' Studies said that Mattar, from Idna town in al-Khalil, is charged with stabbing a rabbi, and placing an explosive device at the central bus station, in Beit Shemesh, during the latest Israeli aggression on Gaza last year.
The court stressed on paying the fine before the 4th of February, 2014, otherwise the sentence would be doubled to reach 26 years imprisonment, the center added.
Mattar, a father of two children, is a former prisoner who spent two years in Israeli jails; he was arrested in February 2013 after stabbing a rabbi in al-Khalil.
The two brothers' family said that they did not expect the court's harsh sentence, calling on international human rights organizations to appeal against the court's verdict.
Iyad Albou, a father of 4 children, was detained on October 2011, while Hassan, 32, was arrested a few days after his brother's arrest.
Meanwhile, Ofer military court sentenced the prisoner Samer Mattar to 13 years imprisonment and imposed on him a fine of 10 thousand shekels for stabbing a Jewish rabbi during the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Palestine Center for Prisoners' Studies said that Mattar, from Idna town in al-Khalil, is charged with stabbing a rabbi, and placing an explosive device at the central bus station, in Beit Shemesh, during the latest Israeli aggression on Gaza last year.
The court stressed on paying the fine before the 4th of February, 2014, otherwise the sentence would be doubled to reach 26 years imprisonment, the center added.
Mattar, a father of two children, is a former prisoner who spent two years in Israeli jails; he was arrested in February 2013 after stabbing a rabbi in al-Khalil.
Israeli forces detained five Palestinians in overnight arrest raids, locals and Israel's army said.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli military vehicles raided Hebron and detained Mahmoud Abu Daoud. In Dura, Israeli soldiers detained Muhammad Raef Masalma and Hammam Abu Thurei.
Ahnaf Yusuf al-Froukh, 26, from Sair was detained near the Gush Etzion settlement bloc while Ahmad Yasser Awad from Yatta was detained inside Israel.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said that Israeli forces detained four Palestinians overnight, two north of Ramallah, one in Doha, and one in Bethlehem.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli military vehicles raided Hebron and detained Mahmoud Abu Daoud. In Dura, Israeli soldiers detained Muhammad Raef Masalma and Hammam Abu Thurei.
Ahnaf Yusuf al-Froukh, 26, from Sair was detained near the Gush Etzion settlement bloc while Ahmad Yasser Awad from Yatta was detained inside Israel.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said that Israeli forces detained four Palestinians overnight, two north of Ramallah, one in Doha, and one in Bethlehem.
A group of Palestinian and international activists closed Monday the main gate of El'azar, a Gush Etzion settlement, which was established on the lands of the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Coordinator of Popular Committee to Resist Wall and Settlement in Bethlehem, Mohammed Brejiyeh, said that around 35 Palestinian and international activists closed the main gate of the settlement and hindered the movement of settlers.
He added that the Israeli army rushed into the place, assaulted the activists and arrested some of them.
Breijiyeh said that these activities come as a confirmation on the rejection of any settler presence in the Palestinian territories, adding that such activities will continue against the policy of the Israeli occupation; including the confiscation of Palestinian lands for the favor of building settlements.
Coordinator of Popular Committee to Resist Wall and Settlement in Bethlehem, Mohammed Brejiyeh, said that around 35 Palestinian and international activists closed the main gate of the settlement and hindered the movement of settlers.
He added that the Israeli army rushed into the place, assaulted the activists and arrested some of them.
Breijiyeh said that these activities come as a confirmation on the rejection of any settler presence in the Palestinian territories, adding that such activities will continue against the policy of the Israeli occupation; including the confiscation of Palestinian lands for the favor of building settlements.
Palestinian prisoners have threatened to launch protest steps in the event the Israeli prison service (IPS) did not return captive Ibrahim Hamed from solitary confinement. Fuad Al-Khafsh, the director of Ahrar center for prisoner studies and human rights, said in a statement on Sunday that the prisoners said that they gave the IPS till Tuesday night to return Hamed or else start major protest steps.
He pointed out that tension was running high among the internees after the IPS decision last Thursday to isolate Hamed.
He pointed out that tension was running high among the internees after the IPS decision last Thursday to isolate Hamed.
Khafsh, meanwhile, denied news reports that Sheikh Jamal Abul Haija was also taken to solitary confinement cells, and asked the media to be sure of news reports before publishing them.
The Ahrar director asked the media and human rights groups to shed light on the IPS violations against Palestinian prisoners that ran contrary to all international laws.
The Ahrar director asked the media and human rights groups to shed light on the IPS violations against Palestinian prisoners that ran contrary to all international laws.
12 jan 2014
The Israeli police extended the arrest of a woman and the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of 4 children from Shu’fat refugee camp and sentenced one young man.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Israeli police extended the arrest of Hiba Tawil in order to present her to the Magistrate court; note that she was arrested on Sunday morning while attempting to go inside Al-Aqsa Mosque through Al-Silsileh Gate, and after detaining and questioning her the police tried to force her to sign papers to isolate her from Al-Aqsa for 30 days but she refused and the duration was reduced to one week but Hiba still refused since there is no reason for arresting her and preventing her from entering Al-Aqsa. The police then extended her arrest to present her to court on Monday.
Mohammad Mahmoud, Al-Dameer organization lawyer, said that the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of 4 minors from Shu’fat refugee camp until Monday. The police charged them with throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the military camp established at the entrance of the camp on 27/11/2013; note that they were arrested after raiding their homes on Sunday early morning hours.
They are: 16-year old Yousef Adel Abu Zaneed, 14-year old Mohammad Ismaeel Khatib, 15-year old Odai Mohammad Saed and 15-year old Izz Eddin Khaled Faqeeh. The general prosecution requested to extend their arrest for 7 days for investigation but their lawyer requested to release them due to the lack of evidence or confessions and the judge said: “the police should make sure that the children committed the charges through the surveillance cameras installed at the checkpoint before arresting them.”
The lawyer added that the Magistrate court sentenced on Sunday Shadi Labban for actual imprisonment of 3 months and a day on charges of throwing stones; note that the prosecution tried to increase the charges of throwing stones but the judge refused.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Israeli police extended the arrest of Hiba Tawil in order to present her to the Magistrate court; note that she was arrested on Sunday morning while attempting to go inside Al-Aqsa Mosque through Al-Silsileh Gate, and after detaining and questioning her the police tried to force her to sign papers to isolate her from Al-Aqsa for 30 days but she refused and the duration was reduced to one week but Hiba still refused since there is no reason for arresting her and preventing her from entering Al-Aqsa. The police then extended her arrest to present her to court on Monday.
Mohammad Mahmoud, Al-Dameer organization lawyer, said that the Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of 4 minors from Shu’fat refugee camp until Monday. The police charged them with throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the military camp established at the entrance of the camp on 27/11/2013; note that they were arrested after raiding their homes on Sunday early morning hours.
They are: 16-year old Yousef Adel Abu Zaneed, 14-year old Mohammad Ismaeel Khatib, 15-year old Odai Mohammad Saed and 15-year old Izz Eddin Khaled Faqeeh. The general prosecution requested to extend their arrest for 7 days for investigation but their lawyer requested to release them due to the lack of evidence or confessions and the judge said: “the police should make sure that the children committed the charges through the surveillance cameras installed at the checkpoint before arresting them.”
The lawyer added that the Magistrate court sentenced on Sunday Shadi Labban for actual imprisonment of 3 months and a day on charges of throwing stones; note that the prosecution tried to increase the charges of throwing stones but the judge refused.
Israeli police arrested Sunday seven people, including five minors, from Shufat refugee camp in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, said sources. Mohammad Mahmoud, an attorney with Addameer, a prisoners’ support group, said police raided Shufat camp and arrested four minors ranging in age between 14 and 16 years old. The minor were taken to the Russian compound police station for interrogation.
Meanwhile, in Bethlehem to the south of Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a 17-year minor from the city and two other people aged 21 and 20 from Aida refugee camp and Doha.
Israeli police protect Jewish defilers at Aqsa, kidnap four kids from homes
The Israeli occupation police provided on Sunday protection for a group of extremist Jewish settlers as they were desecrating the Aqsa Mosque and kidnapped four Palestinian minors from their homes in Shua'fat refugee camp in occupied Jerusalem. Local sources said that a group of Jewish settlers led by extremist rabbi Yehuda Glick defiled the courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque under tight police protection.
They added that Israeli policemen, who were deployed at the main gates of the Aqsa Mosque, imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinians during the presence of the Jewish settlers in its main courtyard.
The Israeli police also kidnapped on the same day four Palestinian children after violent raids on their homes in Shua'fat refugee camp in Jerusalem.
The four children were identified as Yousuf Abu Zeneid, 16, Izzuddin Al-Faqih, 15, Odi Saad, 15, and Mohamed Al-Khatib, 14.
All of them were taken to Al-Maskubiya police station in west Jerusalem for interrogation.
Meanwhile, in Bethlehem to the south of Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a 17-year minor from the city and two other people aged 21 and 20 from Aida refugee camp and Doha.
Israeli police protect Jewish defilers at Aqsa, kidnap four kids from homes
The Israeli occupation police provided on Sunday protection for a group of extremist Jewish settlers as they were desecrating the Aqsa Mosque and kidnapped four Palestinian minors from their homes in Shua'fat refugee camp in occupied Jerusalem. Local sources said that a group of Jewish settlers led by extremist rabbi Yehuda Glick defiled the courtyard of the Aqsa Mosque under tight police protection.
They added that Israeli policemen, who were deployed at the main gates of the Aqsa Mosque, imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinians during the presence of the Jewish settlers in its main courtyard.
The Israeli police also kidnapped on the same day four Palestinian children after violent raids on their homes in Shua'fat refugee camp in Jerusalem.
The four children were identified as Yousuf Abu Zeneid, 16, Izzuddin Al-Faqih, 15, Odi Saad, 15, and Mohamed Al-Khatib, 14.
All of them were taken to Al-Maskubiya police station in west Jerusalem for interrogation.
Israeli forces stormed the city of Bethlehem and a nearby refugee camp early on Sunday morning and detained three young Palestinian men.
Locals told Ma'an that Israeli military vehicles raided Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem and detained 21-year-old Ahmad Atallah Mashayikh.
Another dawn raid by Israeli troops targeted al-Saff neighborhood of Bethlehem, where 17-year-old Walid al-Hreimi and 20-year-old Jivara al-Jantuli were detained.
An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed that one person was detained in Doha, just west of Bethlehem, and another person in Bethlehem itself, but did not have any information regarding the detention in Aida camp.
She added that the two Palestinians were detained for "involvement in illegal activity."
Bethlehem is located in Area A, the less than 20% of the West Bank that is under Palestinian civil and military control according to the Oslo Accords.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Locals told Ma'an that Israeli military vehicles raided Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem and detained 21-year-old Ahmad Atallah Mashayikh.
Another dawn raid by Israeli troops targeted al-Saff neighborhood of Bethlehem, where 17-year-old Walid al-Hreimi and 20-year-old Jivara al-Jantuli were detained.
An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed that one person was detained in Doha, just west of Bethlehem, and another person in Bethlehem itself, but did not have any information regarding the detention in Aida camp.
She added that the two Palestinians were detained for "involvement in illegal activity."
Bethlehem is located in Area A, the less than 20% of the West Bank that is under Palestinian civil and military control according to the Oslo Accords.
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The family of patient prisoner Asaad Maraqa appealed through Ahrar Center for the Studies of Prisoners and Human Rights to all medical institutions and Doctors without Borders to immediately intervene to release him. Asaad Maraqa, aged 47 from al-Khalil, is held in Eshel prison. He has been detained since May 11, 2013.
His wife expressed deep concern about her husband's health condition which has seriously deteriorated, due to the continued policy of medical neglect in the Israeli jails.
For his part, Director of Ahrar Center Fouad Khuffash said that prisoner Maraqa is suffering from liver problems and problems in the right eye, and has not been given any treatment.
His wife expressed deep concern about her husband's health condition which has seriously deteriorated, due to the continued policy of medical neglect in the Israeli jails.
For his part, Director of Ahrar Center Fouad Khuffash said that prisoner Maraqa is suffering from liver problems and problems in the right eye, and has not been given any treatment.
Israeli police officers detained a young Palestinian woman Sunday morning as she tried to enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound through the Chain Gate.
Witnesses told a Ma'an reporter that Hiba al-Taweel, a student who takes courses on Islamic teaching in the compound, was detained.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld was not familiar with the incident.
Separately, more than 30 Jewish Israelis led by right wing extremist Yehuda Glick toured the al-Aqsa compound on Sunday.
Yehuda Glick is an American-born Israeli and the chairman of the Temple Mount Heritage Fund, an extremist Jewish organization focused on "strengthening the relationship between Israel and the Temple Mount." He has been previously banned by Israeli authorities from entering the compound due to provocations while on the site.
Critics charge that the Fund actually leads tours to the site with the intention of leading Jewish prayer there -- currently banned under Israeli agreements -- and encouraging Jews to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque and build a Jewish temple there.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
According to mainstream Jewish religious leaders, Jews are forbidden from entering for fear they would profane the "Holy of Holies," or the inner sanctum of the Second Temple.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Witnesses told a Ma'an reporter that Hiba al-Taweel, a student who takes courses on Islamic teaching in the compound, was detained.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld was not familiar with the incident.
Separately, more than 30 Jewish Israelis led by right wing extremist Yehuda Glick toured the al-Aqsa compound on Sunday.
Yehuda Glick is an American-born Israeli and the chairman of the Temple Mount Heritage Fund, an extremist Jewish organization focused on "strengthening the relationship between Israel and the Temple Mount." He has been previously banned by Israeli authorities from entering the compound due to provocations while on the site.
Critics charge that the Fund actually leads tours to the site with the intention of leading Jewish prayer there -- currently banned under Israeli agreements -- and encouraging Jews to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque and build a Jewish temple there.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Al-Aqsa compound, Israel maintains a compromise with the Islamic trust that controls it to not allow non-Muslim prayers in the area. Israeli forces regularly escort Jewish visitors to the site, leading to tension with Palestinian worshipers.
The compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam.
It is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the First and Second Temples once stood. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
According to mainstream Jewish religious leaders, Jews are forbidden from entering for fear they would profane the "Holy of Holies," or the inner sanctum of the Second Temple.
Al-Aqsa is located in East Jerusalem, a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
The Israeli prison service (IPS) returned Sheikh Jamal Abul Haija, the detained Hamas leader, to solitary confinement at the pretext of launching activities in jail. Prisoners pointed out that returning Sheikh Jamal to isolation coincided with a similar decision against Ibrahim Hamed, a leader with the Qassam Brigades the armed wing of Hamas.
They said that the Israeli intelligence had ordered returning both leaders to isolation at the pretext they were launching activities within the jails that were hurting “Israel’s security”!
Sheikh Jamal was out of isolation only one and a half years ago after the prisoners’ mass strike that ended with an agreement with the IPS stipulating among other things ending the isolation of 18 prisoners.
Sheikh Jamal, who was held after his arrest for nine years in isolation, is serving nine life sentences for his role in defending the Jenin refugee camp against the Israeli invasion of 2002 in which his hand was severely hit in an explosion and amputated.
Israeli occupation forces and Palestinian Authority security apparatuses frequently raid his family house in Jenin refugee camp even while he is in captivity.
They said that the Israeli intelligence had ordered returning both leaders to isolation at the pretext they were launching activities within the jails that were hurting “Israel’s security”!
Sheikh Jamal was out of isolation only one and a half years ago after the prisoners’ mass strike that ended with an agreement with the IPS stipulating among other things ending the isolation of 18 prisoners.
Sheikh Jamal, who was held after his arrest for nine years in isolation, is serving nine life sentences for his role in defending the Jenin refugee camp against the Israeli invasion of 2002 in which his hand was severely hit in an explosion and amputated.
Israeli occupation forces and Palestinian Authority security apparatuses frequently raid his family house in Jenin refugee camp even while he is in captivity.
