25 jan 2016
The occupation authorities are detaining Jerusalemite children who were arrested on charges of possession of knives and attempting to kill settlers inside internal rehabilitation institutions following orders from Israeli courts and recommendations from the public prosecution and supervised by the social affairs. Children’s families consider this procedure very dangerous to the future of their children which is also part of the policy of shattering children’s hope of a decent life.
Four Jerusalemite children are currently detained inside those institutions. They are: 13-year old Ahmad Saleh Manasra, 12-year old Ali Ihab Ali Alqam, 12-year old Ahmad Raed Za’tari and 12-year old Shadi Anwar Farrah.
Farrah and Za’tari
The District judge decided to transfer Ahmad Za’tari and Shadi Farrah to internal institutions on the 3rd of January. The court had decided to transfer Farrah to an internal institution in Beit Hanina and Za’tari to Tamra, but Farrah family was surprised the next day when they were informed that Shadi will be transferred to Tamra as well.
Ahmad’s father explained that he is allowed as well as three others to visit Ahmad once a week since transferring him to Tamra. The visit is 40 minutes mostly in the presence of the child’s supervisor; the family is also allowed to call their son twice a week.
Ahmad’s father added that signs of anxiety and psychological weakness were clear on his son during the visit not to mention detaining him with children aged between 14-17 years; Ahmad and Shadi are considered the youngest children detained in the institution which is reflected on their psychology.
Farrah…assault extract confessions
Farrah’s mother explained that he child revealed to the judge during the last court session that he was exposed to electric shocks in addition to being stripped naked and putting cold water on his body during interrogation. She explained that her son is suffering from a bad psychological condition, anxiety and lack of comfort.
She was also surprised by not transferring him to an institution in Beit Hanina which also puts a financial pressure as well as physical pressure during visits. It also imposes pressure on the child as he is detained with older children and those detained on “criminal” charges. She pointed out that she carried a West Bank Id and transferring him to Tamra makes the weekly visit and attending court session more difficult.
She mentioned that she was able to visit her son once for one hour immediately after being transferred to the internal institution and he had severe headache.
She pointed out that her son Shadi was glad to see we’re (mother father and brothers) fine after they threatened to hurt us; they also insulted and verbally assaulted him.
Za’tari and Farrah families also pointed out that the duration of detaining their children inside internal institutions was not identifies and weekly session are held in the Israeli court to discuss that matter; they are in 7th grade.
The two children were arrested on 30/12/2015 from Street number “1” in Jerusalem and an indictment was submitted against them including charges of attempt murder and possession of knives.
Ali Alqam
Ali Alqam who turned 12 inside the internal institution in the city of Akko is scheduled for a court session at the end of next month regarding the duration he would spend inside the institution. He was transferred on 22/11/2015 before completing his treatment at the hospital. He was injured with three bullets in the stomach and pelvis and was in critical condition. He spent two weeks in the hospital where he underwent several surgeries.
The forces had arrested Ali on 10/11/2015 after being shot by the light rails’ guard under the pretext of stabbing a guard along with his cousin Mouawya; the child was critically injured with three bullets.
The child’s father is allowed to visit him once a week while he calls his family twice a week without having specific times for the phone calls.
A session was held at the Israeli Magistrate court upon request by the child’s lawyer to reconsider the judge’s decision and put the child under the supervision of social affairs for three months. The lawyer complained about the location of detaining the child, duration and the method of making the decision (without the knowledge and approval of his parents); he was transferred to the internal institution through manipulation and deception.
In the upcoming session at the end of this month, the social affairs will submit their detailed report regarding the child as requested by the judge in order to set the duration he will spend in the internal institution.
The child is the youngest detainee in the institution and is detained on a “security” background while others are detained on “criminal” backgrounds.
Ahmad Manasra
The child Ahmad Manasra who will turn 14 in the next few days was transferred to an internal institution in Yarka after leaving the hospital. He was critically injured in the settlement of “Pisgat Zi’ev” after being run-over and assaulted by settlers; his cousin passed away under the pretext of carrying out a stabbing attack in the settlement on 12/10/2015.
Ahmad Manasra, the child’s uncle, explained that the institution is more like a prison. The child did not receive the necessary medical treatment after suffering bleeding brain hemorrhage and fractures in the skull; he needed x-rays for the brain as recommended by his doctors three months ago. The child is also in a bad psychological condition due to the assault and beating he was exposed to during detention and interrogation.
Ahmad Manasra added that his nephew is not being treated like the other detainees and is banned from using the computer. Presenting him to a doctor requires an order from a judge and visiting him has to be inside the institution’s premises and cannot leave without a companion.
Four Jerusalemite children are currently detained inside those institutions. They are: 13-year old Ahmad Saleh Manasra, 12-year old Ali Ihab Ali Alqam, 12-year old Ahmad Raed Za’tari and 12-year old Shadi Anwar Farrah.
Farrah and Za’tari
The District judge decided to transfer Ahmad Za’tari and Shadi Farrah to internal institutions on the 3rd of January. The court had decided to transfer Farrah to an internal institution in Beit Hanina and Za’tari to Tamra, but Farrah family was surprised the next day when they were informed that Shadi will be transferred to Tamra as well.
Ahmad’s father explained that he is allowed as well as three others to visit Ahmad once a week since transferring him to Tamra. The visit is 40 minutes mostly in the presence of the child’s supervisor; the family is also allowed to call their son twice a week.
Ahmad’s father added that signs of anxiety and psychological weakness were clear on his son during the visit not to mention detaining him with children aged between 14-17 years; Ahmad and Shadi are considered the youngest children detained in the institution which is reflected on their psychology.
Farrah…assault extract confessions
Farrah’s mother explained that he child revealed to the judge during the last court session that he was exposed to electric shocks in addition to being stripped naked and putting cold water on his body during interrogation. She explained that her son is suffering from a bad psychological condition, anxiety and lack of comfort.
She was also surprised by not transferring him to an institution in Beit Hanina which also puts a financial pressure as well as physical pressure during visits. It also imposes pressure on the child as he is detained with older children and those detained on “criminal” charges. She pointed out that she carried a West Bank Id and transferring him to Tamra makes the weekly visit and attending court session more difficult.
She mentioned that she was able to visit her son once for one hour immediately after being transferred to the internal institution and he had severe headache.
She pointed out that her son Shadi was glad to see we’re (mother father and brothers) fine after they threatened to hurt us; they also insulted and verbally assaulted him.
Za’tari and Farrah families also pointed out that the duration of detaining their children inside internal institutions was not identifies and weekly session are held in the Israeli court to discuss that matter; they are in 7th grade.
The two children were arrested on 30/12/2015 from Street number “1” in Jerusalem and an indictment was submitted against them including charges of attempt murder and possession of knives.
Ali Alqam
Ali Alqam who turned 12 inside the internal institution in the city of Akko is scheduled for a court session at the end of next month regarding the duration he would spend inside the institution. He was transferred on 22/11/2015 before completing his treatment at the hospital. He was injured with three bullets in the stomach and pelvis and was in critical condition. He spent two weeks in the hospital where he underwent several surgeries.
The forces had arrested Ali on 10/11/2015 after being shot by the light rails’ guard under the pretext of stabbing a guard along with his cousin Mouawya; the child was critically injured with three bullets.
The child’s father is allowed to visit him once a week while he calls his family twice a week without having specific times for the phone calls.
A session was held at the Israeli Magistrate court upon request by the child’s lawyer to reconsider the judge’s decision and put the child under the supervision of social affairs for three months. The lawyer complained about the location of detaining the child, duration and the method of making the decision (without the knowledge and approval of his parents); he was transferred to the internal institution through manipulation and deception.
In the upcoming session at the end of this month, the social affairs will submit their detailed report regarding the child as requested by the judge in order to set the duration he will spend in the internal institution.
The child is the youngest detainee in the institution and is detained on a “security” background while others are detained on “criminal” backgrounds.
Ahmad Manasra
The child Ahmad Manasra who will turn 14 in the next few days was transferred to an internal institution in Yarka after leaving the hospital. He was critically injured in the settlement of “Pisgat Zi’ev” after being run-over and assaulted by settlers; his cousin passed away under the pretext of carrying out a stabbing attack in the settlement on 12/10/2015.
Ahmad Manasra, the child’s uncle, explained that the institution is more like a prison. The child did not receive the necessary medical treatment after suffering bleeding brain hemorrhage and fractures in the skull; he needed x-rays for the brain as recommended by his doctors three months ago. The child is also in a bad psychological condition due to the assault and beating he was exposed to during detention and interrogation.
Ahmad Manasra added that his nephew is not being treated like the other detainees and is banned from using the computer. Presenting him to a doctor requires an order from a judge and visiting him has to be inside the institution’s premises and cannot leave without a companion.
Israeli Shin Bet announced the arrest of two Palestinian sisters from Tulkarem for alleged possession of explosives intended to be used in anti-occupation resistance attacks.
Israeli Channel Seven revealed that both sisters are 18-year-old twins called Diana and Nadia Khwailed who were arrested late December from Shwaika district in Tulkarem.
The Israeli military court of Salem charged both girls of possession of explosives, bombs and knives as well as flags of Hamas Movement, the channel said.
Israeli Channel Seven revealed that both sisters are 18-year-old twins called Diana and Nadia Khwailed who were arrested late December from Shwaika district in Tulkarem.
The Israeli military court of Salem charged both girls of possession of explosives, bombs and knives as well as flags of Hamas Movement, the channel said.
The Israeli Supreme Court has rejected the appeal submitted by the Palestinian prisoner Thaer Halahla, who is being held in Israeli jails without charge or trial, for his release.
Thaer Halahla’s father said that the Israeli court extended on Sunday the administrative detention of his son for the fourth consecutive time for allegedly practicing “prohibited activities” in the prison.
"I have been prevented from visiting my son in detention for 18 months for security reasons," the father added.
Halahla, 36, has been detained more than seven times and spent a total of nine years in Israeli custody.
Halahla, a father of two children, waged a 77-day hunger strike in 2012 to protest his detention without charge by Israeli jails.
He was released in June 2012, before being re-detained in April 2013 in violation of his release agreement.
Thaer Halahla’s father said that the Israeli court extended on Sunday the administrative detention of his son for the fourth consecutive time for allegedly practicing “prohibited activities” in the prison.
"I have been prevented from visiting my son in detention for 18 months for security reasons," the father added.
Halahla, 36, has been detained more than seven times and spent a total of nine years in Israeli custody.
Halahla, a father of two children, waged a 77-day hunger strike in 2012 to protest his detention without charge by Israeli jails.
He was released in June 2012, before being re-detained in April 2013 in violation of his release agreement.
The Israeli Police released, Sunday, a young Palestinian woman after kidnapping her under the allegation that she “carried a knife.” She was held in a Police Station in the Chain Gate, in occupied Jerusalem.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan (Silwanic) has reported that the soldiers kidnapped Fatima Abu Sneina, while walking near Bab an-Nather, one of the gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque.
Fatima said the soldiers stopped her while she was waiting for her brother, searched her under the rain and the cold, then abducted her and took her to the police station.
The police later released her without even interrogating her, and without any conditions or bail.
She added that she was surprised to learn, after her release, that an Israeli security officer, phoned her father, and told him she was being held under interrogation, "after the soldiers searched her and found a knife in her possession."
Also on Sunday, the District Court in Jerusalem released two detained children from Jerusalem, identified as Majd Sa’id Abu Khdeir, 14, and Ala' Abu Khdeir, 14, after ordering them under house arrest outside of the city, and forcing their families to pay fines.
The two children were taken prisoner a few days earlier, after the army claimed they hurled stones on the Light Rail.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Silwan (Silwanic) has reported that the soldiers kidnapped Fatima Abu Sneina, while walking near Bab an-Nather, one of the gates of the al-Aqsa Mosque.
Fatima said the soldiers stopped her while she was waiting for her brother, searched her under the rain and the cold, then abducted her and took her to the police station.
The police later released her without even interrogating her, and without any conditions or bail.
She added that she was surprised to learn, after her release, that an Israeli security officer, phoned her father, and told him she was being held under interrogation, "after the soldiers searched her and found a knife in her possession."
Also on Sunday, the District Court in Jerusalem released two detained children from Jerusalem, identified as Majd Sa’id Abu Khdeir, 14, and Ala' Abu Khdeir, 14, after ordering them under house arrest outside of the city, and forcing their families to pay fines.
The two children were taken prisoner a few days earlier, after the army claimed they hurled stones on the Light Rail.
Israeli soldiers invaded, Monday, several districts in the occupied West Bank, searched many homes and kidnapped at least ten Palestinians.
The Jenin office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said the soldiers have kidnapped four Palestinians identified as Rami Fadi Sa'adi, Karam Fayez Abu Aita, Emad Omar Abu al-Haija and Majd Adnan Naghnagha.
The soldiers also invaded the northern West Bank district of Nablus, and kidnapped Riyadh Fares Abu al-Hasan, and Ala’ Oweiss, while Fadi Nidal Abu Saud was taken prisoner in the al-Karama border terminal on his way back home from Jordan.
In Bethlehem, the army kidnapped a former political prisoner, identified as Ibrahim al-'Arouj, from his home. He is a brother of three political prisoners.
In occupied Jerusalem, the soldiers searched many homes in the al-'Eesawiyya town, and kidnapped Hamada Mohammad Hreiz and Mahmoud 'Awni 'Ateyya.
In related news, the soldiers assaulted four Palestinians after they were released from detention, near the Salem military base, west of Jenin.
The Palestinian Detainees Committee said the soldiers assaulted Ahmad Mo'men Abu Zeid, 23, and Mohammad Odah, 18, directly after releasing them from the detention in the military base.
On Sunday evening, the soldiers assaulted two detainees, from Hebron, directly after releasing them from the same military base.
The Jenin office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said the soldiers have kidnapped four Palestinians identified as Rami Fadi Sa'adi, Karam Fayez Abu Aita, Emad Omar Abu al-Haija and Majd Adnan Naghnagha.
The soldiers also invaded the northern West Bank district of Nablus, and kidnapped Riyadh Fares Abu al-Hasan, and Ala’ Oweiss, while Fadi Nidal Abu Saud was taken prisoner in the al-Karama border terminal on his way back home from Jordan.
In Bethlehem, the army kidnapped a former political prisoner, identified as Ibrahim al-'Arouj, from his home. He is a brother of three political prisoners.
In occupied Jerusalem, the soldiers searched many homes in the al-'Eesawiyya town, and kidnapped Hamada Mohammad Hreiz and Mahmoud 'Awni 'Ateyya.
In related news, the soldiers assaulted four Palestinians after they were released from detention, near the Salem military base, west of Jenin.
The Palestinian Detainees Committee said the soldiers assaulted Ahmad Mo'men Abu Zeid, 23, and Mohammad Odah, 18, directly after releasing them from the detention in the military base.
On Sunday evening, the soldiers assaulted two detainees, from Hebron, directly after releasing them from the same military base.
The Ofer Israeli military court ordered on Sunday that the wounded detained Palestinian child Ahmad Omar al-Atrash, 13, should remain under interrogation until Thursday. The Palestinian Detainees’ Committee noted that Israel is holding captive at least 450 children, including some who were injured prior to their abduction.
The Israeli court refused to allow the parents of the child to hug him, or even to talk with him. The boy’s lawyer challenged that refusal, and the child’s parents were later allowed to be with him for a few minutes.
Al-Atrash, from the Deheishe refugee camp in Bethlehem, was shot and injured by Israeli undercover soldiers near the northern entrance of Bethlehem city, before they grabbed him, and took him to an unknown destination.
His family was not informed about his abduction, and had to make calls to various groups, including the Red Cross, trying to determine his whereabouts.
The Detainees’ Committee said Palestinian children remain a target for the Israeli military, pointing out that there are 450 children who are imprisoned, including dozens who were shot and injured prior to their abduction.
The children, like adult detainees, face very difficult living conditions, in addition to torture and humiliation by the soldiers and interrogators – without the presence of parents or attorneys, and in violation of international law.
The head of the Detainees’ Committee, Issa Qaraqe, said that Israel appears to consider itself in a “war with children,” and should be listed on a “list of shame” for its ongoing escalating violations against children.
Qaraqe said the Israeli army abducted more than 2250 children in the year 2015, and that most of those children were subjected to torture, abuse and harsh living conditions.
“Israel is the only country in the world that legislates not only the incarceration of children, but also the use of military courts to convict children,” he said, “It also passed laws allowing judges to issue verdicts to imprison those children for many years, up to 25.”
He also stated that the United Nations needs to act fast, and provide the needed protection to the Palestinian children, especially amidst escalating Israeli violations, including physical and psychological torture.
The Israeli court refused to allow the parents of the child to hug him, or even to talk with him. The boy’s lawyer challenged that refusal, and the child’s parents were later allowed to be with him for a few minutes.
Al-Atrash, from the Deheishe refugee camp in Bethlehem, was shot and injured by Israeli undercover soldiers near the northern entrance of Bethlehem city, before they grabbed him, and took him to an unknown destination.
His family was not informed about his abduction, and had to make calls to various groups, including the Red Cross, trying to determine his whereabouts.
The Detainees’ Committee said Palestinian children remain a target for the Israeli military, pointing out that there are 450 children who are imprisoned, including dozens who were shot and injured prior to their abduction.
The children, like adult detainees, face very difficult living conditions, in addition to torture and humiliation by the soldiers and interrogators – without the presence of parents or attorneys, and in violation of international law.
The head of the Detainees’ Committee, Issa Qaraqe, said that Israel appears to consider itself in a “war with children,” and should be listed on a “list of shame” for its ongoing escalating violations against children.
Qaraqe said the Israeli army abducted more than 2250 children in the year 2015, and that most of those children were subjected to torture, abuse and harsh living conditions.
“Israel is the only country in the world that legislates not only the incarceration of children, but also the use of military courts to convict children,” he said, “It also passed laws allowing judges to issue verdicts to imprison those children for many years, up to 25.”
He also stated that the United Nations needs to act fast, and provide the needed protection to the Palestinian children, especially amidst escalating Israeli violations, including physical and psychological torture.
The journalist Fayha Shalash, the hunger striker Mohamed al-Qeiq’s wife, appealed to the Turkish President and Prime Minister to save her husband’s life as he enters his third month of hunger strike.
During a press conference held on Sunday in al-Khalil, Fayha called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to intervene for saving her husband’s life before it is too late.
She pointed out that her husband has been subjected, since his arrest without charge or trial, to severe torture and ill-treatment in Israeli jails.
His health condition has entered a very critical stage after he stopped taking vitamins and only drinks water, she underlined.
The 33-year-old Palestinian journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq is being shackled to his bed 24 hours a day in Afula hospital. Next to him stands two prison guards.
Although it is unclear what he is being accused of, al-Qeiq was put under administrative detention and violently interrogated for weeks without being allowed to see a lawyer.
After realizing that his arrest was political, al-Qeiq declared a hunger strike. Sixty days have passed since he began refusing food, and according to those around him, his life is in danger.
Palestinian journalist likely to die as hunger strike enters 62nd day
Alarm bells have been raised over the critical health status of Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq after his hunger strike in Israeli jails has entered its 62nd day.
Director of the Afula hospital said following a visit paid to the hunger-striker by his lawyer: “The detainee’s health status is very critical and he might pass away at any possible moment.”
Al-Qeiq’s wife, Fayhaa Shalash, said that her husband refuses to take vitamins and that he has only been drinking
water.
Al-Qeiq’s family launched a cry for help, calling on the Palestinian masses in 1948 Occupied Palestine to speak up for al-Qeiq before it is too late.
The detainee’s family further appealed to Arab MKs and activists, along with al-Qeiq’s fellow journalists and professionals, to urgently step in and rally outside the Afula hospital in support for the detainee.
The family added that the detainee has only been drinking water and has gone through frequent blackouts.
Journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq has been on hunger strike since November 25, 2015 in protest at being sentenced administratively, with neither charge nor trial, for six months.
He was kidnapped from his family home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and had been subjected to exhausting investigation and torture rounds, which made him declare an open-ended hunger strike a few days later.
The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has warned following several visits to al-Qeiq that the latter is going through a sharp health downturn and that he has been refusing to take vitamins and to undergo medical check-ups.
Al-Qeiq was fed by force after he fainted and was transferred to the intensive care unit.
Lawyer Jawad Boulos, who visited him on January 21, 2016, said the prisoner has entered a very critical stage and has gone through a remarkable weight loss and numbness in his hand.
Prisoner al-Qeiq has lately asked to attend a hearing for an appeal filed on his behalf by the PPS on January 27, 2016 in protest at the administrative detention.
Prisoner al-Qeiq vowed that he would keep up the hunger strike until he either restores his freedom or dies.
During a press conference held on Sunday in al-Khalil, Fayha called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to intervene for saving her husband’s life before it is too late.
She pointed out that her husband has been subjected, since his arrest without charge or trial, to severe torture and ill-treatment in Israeli jails.
His health condition has entered a very critical stage after he stopped taking vitamins and only drinks water, she underlined.
The 33-year-old Palestinian journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq is being shackled to his bed 24 hours a day in Afula hospital. Next to him stands two prison guards.
Although it is unclear what he is being accused of, al-Qeiq was put under administrative detention and violently interrogated for weeks without being allowed to see a lawyer.
After realizing that his arrest was political, al-Qeiq declared a hunger strike. Sixty days have passed since he began refusing food, and according to those around him, his life is in danger.
Palestinian journalist likely to die as hunger strike enters 62nd day
Alarm bells have been raised over the critical health status of Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq after his hunger strike in Israeli jails has entered its 62nd day.
Director of the Afula hospital said following a visit paid to the hunger-striker by his lawyer: “The detainee’s health status is very critical and he might pass away at any possible moment.”
Al-Qeiq’s wife, Fayhaa Shalash, said that her husband refuses to take vitamins and that he has only been drinking
water.
Al-Qeiq’s family launched a cry for help, calling on the Palestinian masses in 1948 Occupied Palestine to speak up for al-Qeiq before it is too late.
The detainee’s family further appealed to Arab MKs and activists, along with al-Qeiq’s fellow journalists and professionals, to urgently step in and rally outside the Afula hospital in support for the detainee.
The family added that the detainee has only been drinking water and has gone through frequent blackouts.
Journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq has been on hunger strike since November 25, 2015 in protest at being sentenced administratively, with neither charge nor trial, for six months.
He was kidnapped from his family home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and had been subjected to exhausting investigation and torture rounds, which made him declare an open-ended hunger strike a few days later.
The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) has warned following several visits to al-Qeiq that the latter is going through a sharp health downturn and that he has been refusing to take vitamins and to undergo medical check-ups.
Al-Qeiq was fed by force after he fainted and was transferred to the intensive care unit.
Lawyer Jawad Boulos, who visited him on January 21, 2016, said the prisoner has entered a very critical stage and has gone through a remarkable weight loss and numbness in his hand.
Prisoner al-Qeiq has lately asked to attend a hearing for an appeal filed on his behalf by the PPS on January 27, 2016 in protest at the administrative detention.
Prisoner al-Qeiq vowed that he would keep up the hunger strike until he either restores his freedom or dies.
Palestinian Center for Prisoner Studies revealed that the number of MPs in Israeli jails rose to six after the arrest of MP Hatem Qafisheh, 55, from his home in al-Khalil at dawn Sunday.
In a statement on Sunday, the spokesman of the center Riyad al-Ashqar said that Israeli occupation forces stormed the house of MP Qafisheh and searched it thoroughly before arresting him. He was taken to an unknown destination, Ashqar added.
Ashqar pointed out that the arrest of the MP Qafisheh was done just one hour after torching his car by anonymous persons in front of his home.
Qafisheh is an ex-detainee at Israeli jails where he spent a total of 12 years of imprisonment including two years under administrative detention with no trial or charge. It was renewed for five consecutive times regardless of his illness with high blood pressure and diabetes, Ashqar said.
He explained that the Israeli authorities are detaining five other MPs: Marwan al-Barghouti who is sentenced to five life imprisonments, Ahmad Saadat who is sentenced to 30 years, Mohammad al-Natsheh who has been detained under administrative detention for three years, Khaleda Jarrar who is sentenced to 15 months, and Hassan Yousuf who is detained under administrative detention.
Ashqar called for international intervention for the release of the MPs from Israeli jails and for halting the Israeli policy of arresting Palestinian lawmakers.
In a statement on Sunday, the spokesman of the center Riyad al-Ashqar said that Israeli occupation forces stormed the house of MP Qafisheh and searched it thoroughly before arresting him. He was taken to an unknown destination, Ashqar added.
Ashqar pointed out that the arrest of the MP Qafisheh was done just one hour after torching his car by anonymous persons in front of his home.
Qafisheh is an ex-detainee at Israeli jails where he spent a total of 12 years of imprisonment including two years under administrative detention with no trial or charge. It was renewed for five consecutive times regardless of his illness with high blood pressure and diabetes, Ashqar said.
He explained that the Israeli authorities are detaining five other MPs: Marwan al-Barghouti who is sentenced to five life imprisonments, Ahmad Saadat who is sentenced to 30 years, Mohammad al-Natsheh who has been detained under administrative detention for three years, Khaleda Jarrar who is sentenced to 15 months, and Hassan Yousuf who is detained under administrative detention.
Ashqar called for international intervention for the release of the MPs from Israeli jails and for halting the Israeli policy of arresting Palestinian lawmakers.
Several Palestinians were kidnapped and others were aggressively attacked by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) in overnight sweeps across the occupied West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem.
The Israeli 0404 news site said the occupation army claimed responsibility for the abduction of eight allegedly wanted Palestinians in the West Bank.
Two among the captives were kidnapped on account of their involvement in anti-occupation activities.
According to the same source, the IOF kidnapped three Palestinians from the Jenin refugee camp, three from Nablus and the Balata refugee camp, and two others from Qalqilya city.
One more Palestinian was kidnapped by the IOF from Bethlehem.
Clashes burst out between the occupation troops and Palestinian protesters shortly after the IOF rolled into the Jenin refugee camp and carried out the abductions.
The IOF further raked through the city’s residential alleys at 4 a.m. and wreaked havoc on civilian homes, before they aggressively attacked the native inhabitants.
The IOF attacked the Palestinian protesters with heavy spates of bullet fire and teargas canisters.
A series of checkpoints was also pitched by the IOF across western Jenin.
Similar assaults on Palestinian civilian homes cropped up in eastern Nablus, moments before the IOF kidnapped the three Palestinians.
Earlier, on Sunday evening, the IOF kidnapped the Palestinian youngster Fadi Nidal Abu al-Saoud at the Karama border-crossing.
The campaign culminated in the abduction of two Palestinians, identified as Mahmoud Atiyeh and Hamada Hreiz, from the Occupied Jerusalem town of al-Issawiya.
Over recent months, the Israeli occupation army stepped up arbitrary abductions of Palestinian protesters in an attempt to quell anti-occupation activism across the occupied Palestinian territories.
Soldiers Kidnap Four Palestinians In Jenin, Two In Nablus
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, earlier on Monday, four Palestinians in the Jenin refugee camp, and in Nablus city, in the northern part of the West Bank.
Several Israeli military vehicles invaded the Jenin refugee camp, in Jenin city, stormed and searched many homes, interrogated many residents, and kidnapped four.
The kidnapped Palestinians have been identified as Emad Omar Abu al-Haija, 21, Karam Mohammad Abu Aita, 19, Majd Adnan Naghnagha, 19, and Rami Salem Sa’adi, 20.
The invasion led to clashes between the soldiers and local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles on them, while the army fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and concussion grenades.
In addition, the soldiers invaded Balata refugee camp, in northern West Bank city of Nablus, searched many homes and kidnapped a Palestinian identified as ‘Ala Hafeth ‘Oweiss.
Another Palestinian, identified as Fadi Nidal Abu Saud, from Nablus, was kidnapped on the al-Karama Border Terminal, while heading back home from Jordan.
The Israeli 0404 news site said the occupation army claimed responsibility for the abduction of eight allegedly wanted Palestinians in the West Bank.
Two among the captives were kidnapped on account of their involvement in anti-occupation activities.
According to the same source, the IOF kidnapped three Palestinians from the Jenin refugee camp, three from Nablus and the Balata refugee camp, and two others from Qalqilya city.
One more Palestinian was kidnapped by the IOF from Bethlehem.
Clashes burst out between the occupation troops and Palestinian protesters shortly after the IOF rolled into the Jenin refugee camp and carried out the abductions.
The IOF further raked through the city’s residential alleys at 4 a.m. and wreaked havoc on civilian homes, before they aggressively attacked the native inhabitants.
The IOF attacked the Palestinian protesters with heavy spates of bullet fire and teargas canisters.
A series of checkpoints was also pitched by the IOF across western Jenin.
Similar assaults on Palestinian civilian homes cropped up in eastern Nablus, moments before the IOF kidnapped the three Palestinians.
Earlier, on Sunday evening, the IOF kidnapped the Palestinian youngster Fadi Nidal Abu al-Saoud at the Karama border-crossing.
The campaign culminated in the abduction of two Palestinians, identified as Mahmoud Atiyeh and Hamada Hreiz, from the Occupied Jerusalem town of al-Issawiya.
Over recent months, the Israeli occupation army stepped up arbitrary abductions of Palestinian protesters in an attempt to quell anti-occupation activism across the occupied Palestinian territories.
Soldiers Kidnap Four Palestinians In Jenin, Two In Nablus
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, earlier on Monday, four Palestinians in the Jenin refugee camp, and in Nablus city, in the northern part of the West Bank.
Several Israeli military vehicles invaded the Jenin refugee camp, in Jenin city, stormed and searched many homes, interrogated many residents, and kidnapped four.
The kidnapped Palestinians have been identified as Emad Omar Abu al-Haija, 21, Karam Mohammad Abu Aita, 19, Majd Adnan Naghnagha, 19, and Rami Salem Sa’adi, 20.
The invasion led to clashes between the soldiers and local youths, who hurled stones and empty bottles on them, while the army fired live rounds, rubber-coated steel bullets and concussion grenades.
In addition, the soldiers invaded Balata refugee camp, in northern West Bank city of Nablus, searched many homes and kidnapped a Palestinian identified as ‘Ala Hafeth ‘Oweiss.
Another Palestinian, identified as Fadi Nidal Abu Saud, from Nablus, was kidnapped on the al-Karama Border Terminal, while heading back home from Jordan.
24 jan 2016
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) claimed Sunday the arrest of three Palestinians, including a member of the Palestinian Authority intelligence service, whom they suspect were involved in the shooting of an Israeli soldier near Tulkarem last week.
“During the investigation, the detainees confessed to plotting and carrying out the shooting, and surrendered the weapons used for the attack,” the Israeli Channel 10 claimed.
The Israeli Intelligence Service (Shin Bet) identified the detainees as Ammar Anbass, a 27-year-old who had previously served time in an Israeli prison, and Samer el-Haq, 30.
Alaa Barqawi, a member of the Palestinian intelligence service, assisted Anbass and el-Haq after the act, hiding the gun they used, the Shin Bet alleged.
Earlier last week, an Israeli soldier was shot and lightly wounded when his unit came under fire during an early-morning raid near the West Bank city of Tulkarem.
“During the investigation, the detainees confessed to plotting and carrying out the shooting, and surrendered the weapons used for the attack,” the Israeli Channel 10 claimed.
The Israeli Intelligence Service (Shin Bet) identified the detainees as Ammar Anbass, a 27-year-old who had previously served time in an Israeli prison, and Samer el-Haq, 30.
Alaa Barqawi, a member of the Palestinian intelligence service, assisted Anbass and el-Haq after the act, hiding the gun they used, the Shin Bet alleged.
Earlier last week, an Israeli soldier was shot and lightly wounded when his unit came under fire during an early-morning raid near the West Bank city of Tulkarem.
Three Palestinian youths, from Arara town north of 1948 occupied Palestine, are set to be indicted for helping Tel Aviv shooting suspect Nashat Milhem.
According to Israeli media sources, Israeli prosecutors issued a statement declaring they will indict the three, who are accused of being accomplices, within five days.
The detainees’ names are under a gag order, the sources added.
The prosecutors statement alleges that one suspect hid Nashat, while another brought him food.
Father of one of the three suspected detainees denied Israeli claims, stressing that his son has no relation whatsoever with Nashat.
Israeli police had earlier arrested a number of Palestinians in Arara town including Nashat’s father for allegedly helping him. Some of them were then released after being subjected to tough investigation.
On January 1, 2016, Nashat Milhem, a Palestinian young man living within the Green Line, carried out a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, killing three Israelis and injuring six others.
According to Israeli media sources, Israeli prosecutors issued a statement declaring they will indict the three, who are accused of being accomplices, within five days.
The detainees’ names are under a gag order, the sources added.
The prosecutors statement alleges that one suspect hid Nashat, while another brought him food.
Father of one of the three suspected detainees denied Israeli claims, stressing that his son has no relation whatsoever with Nashat.
Israeli police had earlier arrested a number of Palestinians in Arara town including Nashat’s father for allegedly helping him. Some of them were then released after being subjected to tough investigation.
On January 1, 2016, Nashat Milhem, a Palestinian young man living within the Green Line, carried out a shooting attack in Tel Aviv, killing three Israelis and injuring six others.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Sunday dawn kidnapped from Hebron and its district villages six Palestinians, including MP Hatem Qufeisheh and ex-minister of Local Governance, Issa al-Jaabari.
IOF have kidnapped six Palestinians who were “wanted” for Israeli Occupation Authorities, from their homes.
One of them was kidnapped from his home in Halhul village north of Hebron, another from Deir Samet south of Hebron, and four others from Hebron city.
The Palestinian Information Center, PIC reported from MP Qufeisheh’s brother, Subhi, that Israeli soldiers wreaked havoc on his brother’s home and kidnapped him shortly after undercover Israelis broke into the house and torched the MP’s car.
PIC said that Qufeisheh was released 10 months ago from the occupation jails after he had served two years in administrative detention, with neither charge nor trial. He had reportedly been held administratively for a total of 141 months in nine separate occasions.
Furthermore, ex-minister Al-Jabari was kidnapped from his home in central Hebron.
IOF kidnaps four Palestinians in al-Khalil
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Sunday kidnapped four Palestinian young men from their homes in al-Khalil city.
The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reporter in the city said the IOF kidnapped ex-detainee Ibrahim Hassan after ransacking his home in al-Sheikh neighborhood in al-Khalil.
He added that another young man called Wisam al-Qawasmeh was also taken prisoner during the same campaign in the city.
The Israeli occupation army, in turn, said its forces arrested four Hamas activists from different neighborhoods of al-Khalil.
The IOF also handed several young men, including ex-detainees, summonses for interrogation from the Shin Bet during raids on homes in al-Khalil.
A group of Israeli soldiers also stormed Taffuh town, west of al-Khalil, and searched several homes, without making arrests.
A similar campaign took place in Halhul town, north of al-Khalil.
IOF have kidnapped six Palestinians who were “wanted” for Israeli Occupation Authorities, from their homes.
One of them was kidnapped from his home in Halhul village north of Hebron, another from Deir Samet south of Hebron, and four others from Hebron city.
The Palestinian Information Center, PIC reported from MP Qufeisheh’s brother, Subhi, that Israeli soldiers wreaked havoc on his brother’s home and kidnapped him shortly after undercover Israelis broke into the house and torched the MP’s car.
PIC said that Qufeisheh was released 10 months ago from the occupation jails after he had served two years in administrative detention, with neither charge nor trial. He had reportedly been held administratively for a total of 141 months in nine separate occasions.
Furthermore, ex-minister Al-Jabari was kidnapped from his home in central Hebron.
IOF kidnaps four Palestinians in al-Khalil
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Sunday kidnapped four Palestinian young men from their homes in al-Khalil city.
The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reporter in the city said the IOF kidnapped ex-detainee Ibrahim Hassan after ransacking his home in al-Sheikh neighborhood in al-Khalil.
He added that another young man called Wisam al-Qawasmeh was also taken prisoner during the same campaign in the city.
The Israeli occupation army, in turn, said its forces arrested four Hamas activists from different neighborhoods of al-Khalil.
The IOF also handed several young men, including ex-detainees, summonses for interrogation from the Shin Bet during raids on homes in al-Khalil.
A group of Israeli soldiers also stormed Taffuh town, west of al-Khalil, and searched several homes, without making arrests.
A similar campaign took place in Halhul town, north of al-Khalil.
The family of Palestinian prisoner Kayed Abul-Rish, from Nablus city, appealed to human rights groups to intervene to reveal the whereabouts of its son, who has been on hunger strike for 10 days in Israeli detention.
The family of Abul-Rish stated that its son started on January 14 an open-ended hunger strike in protest at the extension of his administrative detention for six more months.
Ibrahim Abul-Rish, the brother of the prisoner, told Quds Press that the Israeli prison authority had released his brother at Salem crossing on January 13 after one year in administrative detention in Megiddo jail before an Israeli military force arrested him once again at the same crossing.
He added that his brother had told the family about his release over the phone at the crossing before it lost contact with him.
Later, the family came to know about his detention administratively once again for six additional months.
Prisoner Abul-Rish had already gone on hunger strike for 34 days to demand an end to his administrative detention before he had suspended it after an Israeli pledge to release him. However, the Israelis rejailed him again immediately after his release at the time.
The family has affirmed that it does not know the detention place of its son and called on human rights groups to help it find the prison he is in.
The family of Abul-Rish stated that its son started on January 14 an open-ended hunger strike in protest at the extension of his administrative detention for six more months.
Ibrahim Abul-Rish, the brother of the prisoner, told Quds Press that the Israeli prison authority had released his brother at Salem crossing on January 13 after one year in administrative detention in Megiddo jail before an Israeli military force arrested him once again at the same crossing.
He added that his brother had told the family about his release over the phone at the crossing before it lost contact with him.
Later, the family came to know about his detention administratively once again for six additional months.
Prisoner Abul-Rish had already gone on hunger strike for 34 days to demand an end to his administrative detention before he had suspended it after an Israeli pledge to release him. However, the Israelis rejailed him again immediately after his release at the time.
The family has affirmed that it does not know the detention place of its son and called on human rights groups to help it find the prison he is in.
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Sunday kidnapped the Palestinian MP Hatem Qufeisheh and the former Palestinian minister Issa al-Jaabari, from their family homes in the southern occupied West Bank city of al-Khalil.
An Israeli army patrol rolled into al-Khalil city and kidnapped MP Qufeisheh along with the former Minister of Local Governance, Issa al-Jaabari.
Qufeisheh’s brother, Subhi, said Israeli army soldiers wreaked havoc on his brother’s home and kidnapped him shortly after undercover Israelis broke into the house and torched the MP’s car.
MP Qufeisheh was released 10 months ago from the occupation jails after he had served two years in administrative detention, with neither charge nor trial. He had reportedly been held administratively for a total of 141 months in nine separate occasions.
The IOF further kidnapped al-Jaabari after they stormed his family home in central al-Khalil.
Both Qufeisheh and al-Jaabari were kidnapped just a few hours after supporters of Majed Faraj, the head of the Palestinian Authority General Intelligence Service in Bethlehem, threatened to assassinate Hamas activists in the West Bank.
A few days earlier, Faraj admitted the PA security apparatuses foiled 200 anti-occupation attacks and arrested over 100 Palestinian activists since the start of the Jerusalem Uprising in early October.
Three prominent national resistance factions—Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—slammed, in a joint statement Thursday, Faraj’s statements, dubbing them proofs of an intolerable disregard for Palestinians’ national liberation struggle.
An Israeli army patrol rolled into al-Khalil city and kidnapped MP Qufeisheh along with the former Minister of Local Governance, Issa al-Jaabari.
Qufeisheh’s brother, Subhi, said Israeli army soldiers wreaked havoc on his brother’s home and kidnapped him shortly after undercover Israelis broke into the house and torched the MP’s car.
MP Qufeisheh was released 10 months ago from the occupation jails after he had served two years in administrative detention, with neither charge nor trial. He had reportedly been held administratively for a total of 141 months in nine separate occasions.
The IOF further kidnapped al-Jaabari after they stormed his family home in central al-Khalil.
Both Qufeisheh and al-Jaabari were kidnapped just a few hours after supporters of Majed Faraj, the head of the Palestinian Authority General Intelligence Service in Bethlehem, threatened to assassinate Hamas activists in the West Bank.
A few days earlier, Faraj admitted the PA security apparatuses foiled 200 anti-occupation attacks and arrested over 100 Palestinian activists since the start of the Jerusalem Uprising in early October.
Three prominent national resistance factions—Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—slammed, in a joint statement Thursday, Faraj’s statements, dubbing them proofs of an intolerable disregard for Palestinians’ national liberation struggle.
Human rights groups and activists have raised alarm bells over the sharp exacerbation rocking the body of the detained Palestinian journalist Muhammad al-Qeiq, after his hunger strike in Israeli jails has entered its 60th day.
A lawyer from the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said, following a visit he paid to the hunger-striker at the Afula hospital, that his health has entered a critical stage.
PPS spokeswoman, Amani Sarahna, told the Agence France Presse (AFP): “Al-Qeiq’s health condition is extremely critical. He has been diagnosed with excruciating pains, greening limbs and severe eye pains.”
She added that the detainee has only been drinking water and has gone through frequent blackouts.
Journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq has been on hunger strike since November 25, 2015 in protest at being sentenced administratively, with neither charge nor trial, for six months.
He was kidnapped from his family home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and had been subjected to exhausting investigation and torture rounds, which made him declare an open-ended hunger strike a few days later.
The Ad-Dameer institution spoke out against the harsh torture to which al-Qeiq was subjected to in Israeli occupation jails.
According to the PPS, three other detainees have been starving in Israeli jails, including a Jordanian citizen.
Al-Qeiq renews his determination to continue hunger strike
The imprisoned journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who entered his third month of indefinite hunger strike, renewed his determination to continue his protest strike until release or martyrdom.
"I’m not a hostage, either freedom or martyrdom", al-Qeiq told his lawyer during his visit to Afula hospital on Sunday.
The lawyer Jawad Boulus said that al-Qeiq’s life is in real danger as he may fall into coma at any time.
Al-Qeiq's health condition is quite critical and entered a very serious stage after he stopped taking vitamins, Boulos underlined.
Al-Qeiq is unable to speak, and is suffering from severe weakness, muscle pains, and constant dizziness, according to his lawyer.
He pointed out that Israeli authorities did not show any willingness to reach an agreement regarding al-Qeiq’s demands. There is a total Israeli disregard to al-Qeiq’s hunger strike, the lawyer stressed.
The 33-year-old Palestinian journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq is being shackled to his bed 24 hours a day in Afula hospital. Next to him stands two prison guards.
Although it is unclear what he is being accused of, al-Qeiq was put under administrative detention and violently interrogated for weeks without being allowed to see a lawyer.
After realizing that his arrest was political, al-Qeiq declared a hunger strike. Sixty days have passed since he began refusing food, and according to those around him, his life is in danger.
A lawyer from the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said, following a visit he paid to the hunger-striker at the Afula hospital, that his health has entered a critical stage.
PPS spokeswoman, Amani Sarahna, told the Agence France Presse (AFP): “Al-Qeiq’s health condition is extremely critical. He has been diagnosed with excruciating pains, greening limbs and severe eye pains.”
She added that the detainee has only been drinking water and has gone through frequent blackouts.
Journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq has been on hunger strike since November 25, 2015 in protest at being sentenced administratively, with neither charge nor trial, for six months.
He was kidnapped from his family home in Ramallah on November 21, 2015 and had been subjected to exhausting investigation and torture rounds, which made him declare an open-ended hunger strike a few days later.
The Ad-Dameer institution spoke out against the harsh torture to which al-Qeiq was subjected to in Israeli occupation jails.
According to the PPS, three other detainees have been starving in Israeli jails, including a Jordanian citizen.
Al-Qeiq renews his determination to continue hunger strike
The imprisoned journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq, who entered his third month of indefinite hunger strike, renewed his determination to continue his protest strike until release or martyrdom.
"I’m not a hostage, either freedom or martyrdom", al-Qeiq told his lawyer during his visit to Afula hospital on Sunday.
The lawyer Jawad Boulus said that al-Qeiq’s life is in real danger as he may fall into coma at any time.
Al-Qeiq's health condition is quite critical and entered a very serious stage after he stopped taking vitamins, Boulos underlined.
Al-Qeiq is unable to speak, and is suffering from severe weakness, muscle pains, and constant dizziness, according to his lawyer.
He pointed out that Israeli authorities did not show any willingness to reach an agreement regarding al-Qeiq’s demands. There is a total Israeli disregard to al-Qeiq’s hunger strike, the lawyer stressed.
The 33-year-old Palestinian journalist Mohamed al-Qeiq is being shackled to his bed 24 hours a day in Afula hospital. Next to him stands two prison guards.
Although it is unclear what he is being accused of, al-Qeiq was put under administrative detention and violently interrogated for weeks without being allowed to see a lawyer.
After realizing that his arrest was political, al-Qeiq declared a hunger strike. Sixty days have passed since he began refusing food, and according to those around him, his life is in danger.
The family of the Palestinian hunger striking captive Mohammad al-Qeiq demanded the Palestinian, Arab and international institutions to work on the release of their son alive as he entered the sixtieth day of hunger strike.
In a press conference in Ramallah on Saturday, the wife of detainee Qeiq, journalist Faiha Shalash, called on the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah along with human rights organizations to intervene and act immediately to pressure the Israeli authorities in order to release her husband who is in a very critical health condition.
She also called on the Palestinian factions and syndicates especially the syndicates of journalists and lawyers and the committee of detainees as well as the Palestinian Prisoners Society to exert more efforts for that end.
Shalash demanded the formation of a neutral, not an Israeli, medical committee to conduct the required medical examinations for captive Qeiq and to follow up on his condition as well as to inform his family with his news.
In the same context, campaigns in solidarity with Qeiq were launched on Saturday under the theme “Free or Martyr”. Solidarity sit-ins were organized as well in Tulkarem and Ramallah cities demanding the Palestinian Authority to pressure Israel for his release.
Captive Qeiq, 33, was arrested on November 21, 2015 and started an open hunger strike on November 25 in protest against his administrative detention with no charge or trial. He refuses to take supplements or undergo medical examinations.
In a press conference in Ramallah on Saturday, the wife of detainee Qeiq, journalist Faiha Shalash, called on the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah along with human rights organizations to intervene and act immediately to pressure the Israeli authorities in order to release her husband who is in a very critical health condition.
She also called on the Palestinian factions and syndicates especially the syndicates of journalists and lawyers and the committee of detainees as well as the Palestinian Prisoners Society to exert more efforts for that end.
Shalash demanded the formation of a neutral, not an Israeli, medical committee to conduct the required medical examinations for captive Qeiq and to follow up on his condition as well as to inform his family with his news.
In the same context, campaigns in solidarity with Qeiq were launched on Saturday under the theme “Free or Martyr”. Solidarity sit-ins were organized as well in Tulkarem and Ramallah cities demanding the Palestinian Authority to pressure Israel for his release.
Captive Qeiq, 33, was arrested on November 21, 2015 and started an open hunger strike on November 25 in protest against his administrative detention with no charge or trial. He refuses to take supplements or undergo medical examinations.
