6 july 2013
To restart peace negotiations, Israel will release 103 Palestinian security prisoners, halt settlement construction outside major settlement blocs; $4B to be transferred to Palestinian economy; Palestinians not satisfied
US Secretary of State John Kerry's plan to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians calls for the release of some 103 Palestinian prisoners serving time in Israeli prisons from a time prior to the signing Oslo accords, London-based Al Hayat reported, citing Western diplomatic sources. According to the report, Kerry's plan for renewed negotiations also includes a freeze in construction in settlements outside the main settlement blocs and a three-pronged economic renewal project for the Palestinian economy.
According to Kerry's plan, direct negotiations between the two sides will be confined to a six to nine month period; during which Israelis and the Palestinians will be expected to discuss the core issues of the conflict.
"The plan will also include investments in the Palestinian economy, estimated at around $4 billion as well as Israeli authorization of Palestinian projects in Area C," the paper reported. Sources close to the issue were quoted as saying the plan also includes a public statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he will publicly commit to negotiations, specifically according to the outline presented by US President Barack Obama during his speech in Israel: two-states, living side by side in peace and prosperity on the basis of 1967 borders and land-swaps where such borders are unfeasible, in addition to Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
Palestinian commentators believe that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will sit down and negotiate if Israel releases the 103 prisoners, because their release will be perceived as a massive achievement for Palestinians. Kerry is expected to return to the area soon for an additional round of shuttle diplomacy between the two sides, but parts of his staff have remained in the area to continue the process. According to a Palestinian source, the difference of opinions between the two sides remain large, as the Palestinians demand the release of all 103 together and a complete halt in settlement constriction.
"We have bad had a experience with Netanyahu. He will release the first group and then drag his feet in negotiations. Hence we want them all released together," a Palestinian source said. Regarding the demand for a complete and public freeze in settlement constriction, and not a semi-official halt outside the major settlement blocs the source said: "Israeli considers a large majority of settlements as part of the major blocs. Hence we want a complete freeze, at least during negotiations."
US Secretary of State John Kerry's plan to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians calls for the release of some 103 Palestinian prisoners serving time in Israeli prisons from a time prior to the signing Oslo accords, London-based Al Hayat reported, citing Western diplomatic sources. According to the report, Kerry's plan for renewed negotiations also includes a freeze in construction in settlements outside the main settlement blocs and a three-pronged economic renewal project for the Palestinian economy.
According to Kerry's plan, direct negotiations between the two sides will be confined to a six to nine month period; during which Israelis and the Palestinians will be expected to discuss the core issues of the conflict.
"The plan will also include investments in the Palestinian economy, estimated at around $4 billion as well as Israeli authorization of Palestinian projects in Area C," the paper reported. Sources close to the issue were quoted as saying the plan also includes a public statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he will publicly commit to negotiations, specifically according to the outline presented by US President Barack Obama during his speech in Israel: two-states, living side by side in peace and prosperity on the basis of 1967 borders and land-swaps where such borders are unfeasible, in addition to Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
Palestinian commentators believe that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will sit down and negotiate if Israel releases the 103 prisoners, because their release will be perceived as a massive achievement for Palestinians. Kerry is expected to return to the area soon for an additional round of shuttle diplomacy between the two sides, but parts of his staff have remained in the area to continue the process. According to a Palestinian source, the difference of opinions between the two sides remain large, as the Palestinians demand the release of all 103 together and a complete halt in settlement constriction.
"We have bad had a experience with Netanyahu. He will release the first group and then drag his feet in negotiations. Hence we want them all released together," a Palestinian source said. Regarding the demand for a complete and public freeze in settlement constriction, and not a semi-official halt outside the major settlement blocs the source said: "Israeli considers a large majority of settlements as part of the major blocs. Hence we want a complete freeze, at least during negotiations."
A Palestinian prisoner who was deported to Gaza for 10 years said Saturday that being deported was better than remaining in Israeli jail.
Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, told Ma’an that he only had two options: "deportation is rejected in principal, but when it is compared to the other choices it is the safest choice, especially that it is to an area in Palestine."
Abu Fanoun was deported to Gaza on the condition that he not contact “terrorist” groups, and not leave Gaza for 10 years. If any of these conditions are violated he can be returned to prison, and 10 years will be added to his original sentence, Abu Fanoun said.
He was hopeful that he could start a new life in Gaza, enroll in university, and marry.
Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, told Ma’an that he only had two options: "deportation is rejected in principal, but when it is compared to the other choices it is the safest choice, especially that it is to an area in Palestine."
Abu Fanoun was deported to Gaza on the condition that he not contact “terrorist” groups, and not leave Gaza for 10 years. If any of these conditions are violated he can be returned to prison, and 10 years will be added to his original sentence, Abu Fanoun said.
He was hopeful that he could start a new life in Gaza, enroll in university, and marry.
Five Palestinian citizens sustained wounds while three were arrested on Saturday as the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) suppressed a sit-in staged in protest at the confiscation of lands in Yatta, south of al-Khalil. Eyewitnesses told PIC that the IOF quelled a sit-in organized by Palestinian families in Yatta in protest against the confiscation of lands for settlement projects, and that five people were injured while three others were arrested.
Meanwhile, the Israeli troops closed the road leading to the villages of Majd and Beit Awa, west of the town of Dura, for several hours under the pretext of providing security for the settlers from Najihut settlement built on Palestinian lands in the town.
Thousands of citizens have been obliged to take longer roads, in light of this weekly procedure.
The road serves more than 40 Palestinian villages and hamlets in the west of al-Khalil.
Meanwhile, the Israeli troops closed the road leading to the villages of Majd and Beit Awa, west of the town of Dura, for several hours under the pretext of providing security for the settlers from Najihut settlement built on Palestinian lands in the town.
Thousands of citizens have been obliged to take longer roads, in light of this weekly procedure.
The road serves more than 40 Palestinian villages and hamlets in the west of al-Khalil.
The Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) blocked the travel of 29 Palestinian citizens via the Karame crossing leading to Jordan last week at trivial security pretexts. PA Jericho police sources told the PIC reporter on Saturday that most of those citizens were young men, adding that they are usually detained for long hours by the Israeli intelligence before they are told they are not allowed to travel.
Meanwhile, four other citizens were arrested while trying to cross the Karame bridge crossing en route to Jordan in the same period.
Meanwhile, four other citizens were arrested while trying to cross the Karame bridge crossing en route to Jordan in the same period.
Jewish settlers, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, attacked Palestinians, from the hamlet of Umm al-Khair, who tried to enter their lands, near the town of Yatta in al-Khalil. Ratib al-Jabour, the coordinator of the popular and national committees against the wall and settlements in Yatta, told Quds Press that the attack took place when the members of Hadhalin family tried, with the support of foreign solidarity activists, to reach their land seized by settlers about two weeks ago.
Jabour said that the Israelis from the settlement of Carmiel, guarded by the occupation soldiers, attacked and suppressed the Palestinian citizens, causing some women and children to faint.
Three civilians, including two women, were also injured in the attack, while another citizen and two foreign solidarity activists were arrested by the occupation soldiers.
The settlers seized a piece of land with an area of 50 dunums and prevented its owners to enter it and prepared the place to perform Talmudic rituals on it.
Safa News Agency quoted Umm al-Khair resident Ibrahim Hadhalin as saying that clashes erupted between the citizens and Israeli settlers and soldiers when a number of shepherds tried to cross the seized land to reach their pastures.
The occupation authorities seek to displace dozens of Bedouin families inhabiting lands adjacent to Carmiel settlement and continue the construction of settlement units on the southern and western sides of the settlement.
Meanwhile, dozens of other extremist Jewish settlers attacked on Saturday afternoon shepherds and their families, south of Nablus, and damaged their properties.
Ghassan Daghlas, Palestinian official who monitors settlement activities in the north of the West Bank, said the settlers attacked the houses of the shepherds in Huwwara in the south of Nablus.
He added that the attackers damaged a tractor and smashed the windshield of a private car. They also tried to steal sheep from the Bedouins and destroyed plants and trees in the area.
Jabour said that the Israelis from the settlement of Carmiel, guarded by the occupation soldiers, attacked and suppressed the Palestinian citizens, causing some women and children to faint.
Three civilians, including two women, were also injured in the attack, while another citizen and two foreign solidarity activists were arrested by the occupation soldiers.
The settlers seized a piece of land with an area of 50 dunums and prevented its owners to enter it and prepared the place to perform Talmudic rituals on it.
Safa News Agency quoted Umm al-Khair resident Ibrahim Hadhalin as saying that clashes erupted between the citizens and Israeli settlers and soldiers when a number of shepherds tried to cross the seized land to reach their pastures.
The occupation authorities seek to displace dozens of Bedouin families inhabiting lands adjacent to Carmiel settlement and continue the construction of settlement units on the southern and western sides of the settlement.
Meanwhile, dozens of other extremist Jewish settlers attacked on Saturday afternoon shepherds and their families, south of Nablus, and damaged their properties.
Ghassan Daghlas, Palestinian official who monitors settlement activities in the north of the West Bank, said the settlers attacked the houses of the shepherds in Huwwara in the south of Nablus.
He added that the attackers damaged a tractor and smashed the windshield of a private car. They also tried to steal sheep from the Bedouins and destroyed plants and trees in the area.
The Israeli Supreme Court agreed recently to reduce the prison sentence of Ghazi Kan’an 38 from Silwan to 11 years instead of 13.
Ghazi’s brother, Ismaeel, explained that they submitted an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court against the District Court’s decision to prison him for 13 years and a bail of 7500 NIS and the Supreme Court agreed to reduce the prison sentence to 11 years of actual imprisonment.
Ghazi was arrested on the 4th of April 2010, after the Israeli forces raided his home in the neighbourhood of Ras Al-Amoud. He was accused of opening fire on an Israeli police force in the neighbourhood and slightly injuring one of them.
Ghazi is currently prisoned in “Jalbou’” prison; he has 4 children where the oldest is 15 and the youngest is 5 years old.
Ghazi’s brother, Ismaeel, explained that they submitted an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court against the District Court’s decision to prison him for 13 years and a bail of 7500 NIS and the Supreme Court agreed to reduce the prison sentence to 11 years of actual imprisonment.
Ghazi was arrested on the 4th of April 2010, after the Israeli forces raided his home in the neighbourhood of Ras Al-Amoud. He was accused of opening fire on an Israeli police force in the neighbourhood and slightly injuring one of them.
Ghazi is currently prisoned in “Jalbou’” prison; he has 4 children where the oldest is 15 and the youngest is 5 years old.
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed Nablus and Balata refugee camp at dawn Saturday, conducting search and raid operations. IOF soldiers stormed the city and raided several houses in Ras al-Ain and Kachikh neighborhoods at 2 am, local sources said.
Violent clashes erupted in the neighborhoods where the occupation forces fired heavy amounts of tear gas and sound grenades, the sources added.
The occupation forces also stormed Balata refugee camp, where raid and search operations were conducted amid extensive use of teargas and sound bombs.
Israeli soldiers arrested a Palestinian minor and summoned several others in the camp.
Meanwhile, occupation forces arrested at dawn today a Palestinian young man from Jenin at a military checkpoint.
Israeli forces set up a checkpoint to the east of Jenin where they stopped and searched several cars and arrested a Palestinian young man.
The occupation forces set up another checkpoint at the entrance to Deir Abu Adaef village, east of Jenin, searching the passing vehicles. No arrests were reported.
Violent clashes erupted in the neighborhoods where the occupation forces fired heavy amounts of tear gas and sound grenades, the sources added.
The occupation forces also stormed Balata refugee camp, where raid and search operations were conducted amid extensive use of teargas and sound bombs.
Israeli soldiers arrested a Palestinian minor and summoned several others in the camp.
Meanwhile, occupation forces arrested at dawn today a Palestinian young man from Jenin at a military checkpoint.
Israeli forces set up a checkpoint to the east of Jenin where they stopped and searched several cars and arrested a Palestinian young man.
The occupation forces set up another checkpoint at the entrance to Deir Abu Adaef village, east of Jenin, searching the passing vehicles. No arrests were reported.
5 july 2013
The Israeli police released on Friday Ahmad Siam 28, after detaining and investigating him for several hours in Salah Eddin Street police station.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Israeli police arrested Ahmad early Friday morning after raiding his home in the neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh, and then took him to Salah Eddin Street police station where he was investigated regarding a claim submitted against him by a settler; he was released five hours later with no conditions.
The police also released on Friday Fouad Siam after detaining him for few hours in Salah Eddin police station.
Fouad explained that the police raided his land in Wadi Hilweh while he was doing some works in his land, and asked for his ID and then seized it and asked him to come to the police station. He pointed out that the police warned him from doing any works in his land, note that the municipality tried to seize his land in the past few years in order to make a car parking lot.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center warned that the Nature and Parks Authority along with Israeli forces keep on harassing the residents of Silwan who clean or organize or carry out any kind of works in their lands; they are getting arrested in addition to opening fire on them as to what has happened in the neighbourhood of Wadi Al-Rababeh.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Israeli police arrested Ahmad early Friday morning after raiding his home in the neighbourhood of Wadi Hilweh, and then took him to Salah Eddin Street police station where he was investigated regarding a claim submitted against him by a settler; he was released five hours later with no conditions.
The police also released on Friday Fouad Siam after detaining him for few hours in Salah Eddin police station.
Fouad explained that the police raided his land in Wadi Hilweh while he was doing some works in his land, and asked for his ID and then seized it and asked him to come to the police station. He pointed out that the police warned him from doing any works in his land, note that the municipality tried to seize his land in the past few years in order to make a car parking lot.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center warned that the Nature and Parks Authority along with Israeli forces keep on harassing the residents of Silwan who clean or organize or carry out any kind of works in their lands; they are getting arrested in addition to opening fire on them as to what has happened in the neighbourhood of Wadi Al-Rababeh.
Israeli Occupation Forces stormed at dawn today Araba village, southwest of Jenin, for 2 hours and arrested a Palestinian after raiding and searching his house. Local sources said that Israeli forces raided the village and arrested Ahmed Adnan Merdawi, 23, brother of the sick prisoner Mohammed Merdawi, after raiding his family home.
The sources reported that violent clashes erupted between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the village.
In a related context, Jewish settlers bulldozed, on Friday morning, Palestinian lands in Yatta town al-Khalil southern West Bank.
Rateb al Jabour, the coordinator of the "Popular Committee Against the settlement" in the town of Yatta, confirmed that settlers from Susiya settlement built on Palestinian lands have bulldozed this morning land owned by Halees family in Yatta.
Around 200 settlers stormed Carmel town chanting Talmudic hymns under the protection of 50 Israeli soldiers who restricted Palestinian citizens' movement, Jabour added.
The coordinator of the "Popular Committee Against the settlement" stated that the Israeli settlers' attacks against Palestinians aim to displace them and confiscate their lands.
The sources reported that violent clashes erupted between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the village.
In a related context, Jewish settlers bulldozed, on Friday morning, Palestinian lands in Yatta town al-Khalil southern West Bank.
Rateb al Jabour, the coordinator of the "Popular Committee Against the settlement" in the town of Yatta, confirmed that settlers from Susiya settlement built on Palestinian lands have bulldozed this morning land owned by Halees family in Yatta.
Around 200 settlers stormed Carmel town chanting Talmudic hymns under the protection of 50 Israeli soldiers who restricted Palestinian citizens' movement, Jabour added.
The coordinator of the "Popular Committee Against the settlement" stated that the Israeli settlers' attacks against Palestinians aim to displace them and confiscate their lands.
Palestinian Data showed that the Israeli occupation arrested six students and stormed two schools in June. The Ministry of Education said in a statement on Thursday that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested six students from two schools in the northern West Bank.
The report also revealed that the IOF stormed the Haj Mazuz al-Masri secondary school for girls in the city of Nablus, and were deployed on the roof of the school in order to provide protection for the settlers who arrived to visit Yusuf’s tomb.
Israeli troops, jointly with the Civil Administration teams, stormed the eastern yard of the secondary school of Azzun in Beit Amin in Qalqilya district, and confiscated part of the school's area to use it for building the apartheid wall.
Meanwhile, an Israeli military jeep entered Sawiya Boys playground, south of Nablus.
The report also revealed that the IOF stormed the Haj Mazuz al-Masri secondary school for girls in the city of Nablus, and were deployed on the roof of the school in order to provide protection for the settlers who arrived to visit Yusuf’s tomb.
Israeli troops, jointly with the Civil Administration teams, stormed the eastern yard of the secondary school of Azzun in Beit Amin in Qalqilya district, and confiscated part of the school's area to use it for building the apartheid wall.
Meanwhile, an Israeli military jeep entered Sawiya Boys playground, south of Nablus.
Israeli forces arrested on the Karama bridge lecturer at Al-Najah University Dr. Fadi Asida, aged 33 from the town of Tel in Nablus, as he returned from Malaysia after obtaining a PhD in Arabic language. Fouad Khuffash, director of Ahrar Center for Prisoners' Studies and Human Rights, said that Dr. Fadi, who left the country in July 2009 has recently obtained the doctorate degree in Arabic language from the University of Malaysia, and that as he decided to return to serve his country he was arrested by the occupation and moved to Petah Tikva interrogation center.
Khuffash stated that Israel has been imposing an intellectual siege on the Palestinians through the ongoing arrests of academics and lecturers. The occupation holds in its jails six Palestinian academics.
Ahrar Condemns Arrest of Palestinian Lecturer at Al-Karamah Bridge
Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights condemned the Israeli authority's arrest of 33-year-old lecturer at Al-Najah national university Fadi Aseedeh.
Head of Ahrar Center, Fuad Al-Khuffash, said that Aseedeh was arrested at Al-Karama Bridge as he was coming back from Malaysia, after having the doctorate degree in Arabic there. He was transferred to Bteh Tekva investigation center.
Aseedeh is from Tel village in Nablus city, he travelled with his wife and three children on July, 2009.
Al-Khuffash said that there are six Palestinian academics in Israeli jails and Fadi Aseedeh is the brother or prisoner Mohammad Aseedeh.
Khuffash stated that Israel has been imposing an intellectual siege on the Palestinians through the ongoing arrests of academics and lecturers. The occupation holds in its jails six Palestinian academics.
Ahrar Condemns Arrest of Palestinian Lecturer at Al-Karamah Bridge
Ahrar Center for Prisoners Studies and Human Rights condemned the Israeli authority's arrest of 33-year-old lecturer at Al-Najah national university Fadi Aseedeh.
Head of Ahrar Center, Fuad Al-Khuffash, said that Aseedeh was arrested at Al-Karama Bridge as he was coming back from Malaysia, after having the doctorate degree in Arabic there. He was transferred to Bteh Tekva investigation center.
Aseedeh is from Tel village in Nablus city, he travelled with his wife and three children on July, 2009.
Al-Khuffash said that there are six Palestinian academics in Israeli jails and Fadi Aseedeh is the brother or prisoner Mohammad Aseedeh.
Israeli forces detained seven Palestinians in raids across the West Bank before dawn Friday, the army said.
Forces detained Palestinians in Aba, Burqa, Jalazoun, Beit Awwa, Bethlehem and al-Shawawra, a military spokesman told Ma'an.
He said they were taken for security questioning.
In al-Shawawra, soldiers detained Mohammad al-Matlub after ransacking his home, his brother Naem Matlub told Ma'an.
Forces detained Palestinians in Aba, Burqa, Jalazoun, Beit Awwa, Bethlehem and al-Shawawra, a military spokesman told Ma'an.
He said they were taken for security questioning.
In al-Shawawra, soldiers detained Mohammad al-Matlub after ransacking his home, his brother Naem Matlub told Ma'an.
Israeli Occupation Forces arrested at dawn, a Palestinian from Araba village, southwest of Jenin.
Local sources said that Israeli forces raided the village and arrested Ahmed Adnan Merdawi, 23, brother of sick prisoner Mohammed Merdawi, after raiding his family house.
The sources reported that confrontations launched between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the village.
Local sources said that Israeli forces raided the village and arrested Ahmed Adnan Merdawi, 23, brother of sick prisoner Mohammed Merdawi, after raiding his family house.
The sources reported that confrontations launched between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians in the village.
Amnesty International has accused the Israeli authorities of bullying and judicial harassment of Nariman Tamimi, a Palestinian rights activist who was placed under partial house arrest on Thursday to prevent her taking part in peaceful protests while she awaits trial next week.
"This is an unrelenting campaign of harassment, the latest in a litany of human rights violations against Nariman Tamimi, her family, and her fellow villagers. These arbitrary restrictions should be lifted immediately and the charges should be dropped," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme Director.
Tamimi was arrested along with another activist Rana Hamadi on Friday 28 June, when villagers of Nabi Saleh walk towards a nearby spring in protest against the loss of their land. In 2009 Israeli settlers occupied the Al-Qaws spring near Nabi Saleh village where Tamimi lives. The illegal settlement now enjoys the protection of the military.
During the protest a soldier approached them waving a piece of paper and saying they could be arrested if they did not leave. When they tried to leave the area, more soldiers approached and arrested them. Both women were charged with being in a "closed military zone".
Following their release on bail on Monday, the court has now put them under partial house arrest. They are not allowed to leave their family homes between 9am to 5pm on Fridays when the weekly protest takes place.
"They have been denied the basic human right to peacefully protest over land illegally seized by Israeli settlers, and the Israeli judiciary has used spurious legal tools to punish them for exercising their basic human right to peaceful protest," said Philip Luther.
Speaking to Amnesty International following her arrest, Nariman Tamimi described how the two women were kept in conditions that included being held in leg-cuffs, detained overnight in a car, and held in a van carrying male Israeli prisoners who she said shouted verbal abuse at them and intimidated them physically.
Tamimi has already suffered previous arrests and raids on her home. Her husband Bassem has been jailed least twice and held as a prisoner of conscience.
Her brother Rushdi Tamimi was shot in the back with live ammunition by Israeli soldiers during a demonstration last year. He died two days later in hospital. Video evidence shows that Israeli soldiers delayed his family's attempts to take him to hospital.
"This shows the sustained brutality of the military and the Israeli authorities' determination to target and harass those prepared to stand up for their rights. They use every tool in the box to intimidate activists and their families into silence," said Philip Luther.
"This is an unrelenting campaign of harassment, the latest in a litany of human rights violations against Nariman Tamimi, her family, and her fellow villagers. These arbitrary restrictions should be lifted immediately and the charges should be dropped," said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme Director.
Tamimi was arrested along with another activist Rana Hamadi on Friday 28 June, when villagers of Nabi Saleh walk towards a nearby spring in protest against the loss of their land. In 2009 Israeli settlers occupied the Al-Qaws spring near Nabi Saleh village where Tamimi lives. The illegal settlement now enjoys the protection of the military.
During the protest a soldier approached them waving a piece of paper and saying they could be arrested if they did not leave. When they tried to leave the area, more soldiers approached and arrested them. Both women were charged with being in a "closed military zone".
Following their release on bail on Monday, the court has now put them under partial house arrest. They are not allowed to leave their family homes between 9am to 5pm on Fridays when the weekly protest takes place.
"They have been denied the basic human right to peacefully protest over land illegally seized by Israeli settlers, and the Israeli judiciary has used spurious legal tools to punish them for exercising their basic human right to peaceful protest," said Philip Luther.
Speaking to Amnesty International following her arrest, Nariman Tamimi described how the two women were kept in conditions that included being held in leg-cuffs, detained overnight in a car, and held in a van carrying male Israeli prisoners who she said shouted verbal abuse at them and intimidated them physically.
Tamimi has already suffered previous arrests and raids on her home. Her husband Bassem has been jailed least twice and held as a prisoner of conscience.
Her brother Rushdi Tamimi was shot in the back with live ammunition by Israeli soldiers during a demonstration last year. He died two days later in hospital. Video evidence shows that Israeli soldiers delayed his family's attempts to take him to hospital.
"This shows the sustained brutality of the military and the Israeli authorities' determination to target and harass those prepared to stand up for their rights. They use every tool in the box to intimidate activists and their families into silence," said Philip Luther.
Israel is considered by both International Human Rights organisations and media polls as one of the worst countries regarding human rights abuses, due to its dreadful record of human rights violations. Amnesty International and Middle East Monitor issued various reports in which they expressed concerns about the Israel's practices.
A BBC World Service poll in 2007 revealed that Israel is perceived by the majority of people as top country for having a negative influence in the world and a more recent public poll carried out in Norway and Germany circumscribed Israel as "a hostile entity". This negative image of Israel is caused by its frequent violations of international law since its forced establishment in 1948.
Read full report, click here [PDF]
A BBC World Service poll in 2007 revealed that Israel is perceived by the majority of people as top country for having a negative influence in the world and a more recent public poll carried out in Norway and Germany circumscribed Israel as "a hostile entity". This negative image of Israel is caused by its frequent violations of international law since its forced establishment in 1948.
Read full report, click here [PDF]
The Palestinian Prisoner's Society (PPS) in the city of Jenin warned on Thursday of the escalation of provocative night searches in the Israeli prisons' sections, under flimsy security pretexts. Ragheb Abu Diak, Secretary of the PPS, said in a press statement that the captives inside the occupation jails severely suffer from the night searches and the raids on their rooms and sections in the prisons by some forces and units specialized in suppressing the prisoners.
He added that each time the forces use violence against the detainees during the searches that always result in damaging the prisoners' personal belongings under the pretext of searching for hidden mobile phones.
Abu Diak stressed that such measures are intended to create a state of instability and tension amongst the prisoners in the occupation jails.
He added that each time the forces use violence against the detainees during the searches that always result in damaging the prisoners' personal belongings under the pretext of searching for hidden mobile phones.
Abu Diak stressed that such measures are intended to create a state of instability and tension amongst the prisoners in the occupation jails.
4 july 2013
Israeli forces on Thursday afternoon suppressed a peaceful march in al-Khader village, in Bethlehem, organized in protest at the participation of Israeli Transport Minister Israel Katz at the opening of a settlement road built on the town's lands. The marchers chanted slogans against the settlement activity and the occupation, and raised the Palestinian flags.
The Israeli soldiers prevented the march from approaching the erected tent, in which the Israeli minister held a press conference. They suppressed the protesters, and arrested an anti-settlement activist.
An Israeli company held an event to announce the opening of roads constructed for settlers in the lands of the Nashash near the town of al-Khader south of Bethlehem, in the presence of the Minister of Transport.
Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the settlement in al-Khader village, said this step carry significant political messages about the Israeli government's intention to continue settlement activity.
He revealed that the Popular Committee against the settlement will stage an event in front of the tent to protest at the occupation settlement schemes in the West Bank.
The Israeli soldiers prevented the march from approaching the erected tent, in which the Israeli minister held a press conference. They suppressed the protesters, and arrested an anti-settlement activist.
An Israeli company held an event to announce the opening of roads constructed for settlers in the lands of the Nashash near the town of al-Khader south of Bethlehem, in the presence of the Minister of Transport.
Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the settlement in al-Khader village, said this step carry significant political messages about the Israeli government's intention to continue settlement activity.
He revealed that the Popular Committee against the settlement will stage an event in front of the tent to protest at the occupation settlement schemes in the West Bank.
The Israeli army said Thursday it had detained 24 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank in overnight raids.
An army representative said three Palestinians were arrested in Yabad.
Locals said an army force raided the village and detained Mohammad Abu Baker, Ezz al-Din Hirzallah, and Majde Ghazi Hirzallah. Israeli forces closed the entrance of the village, and raided several houses there.
According to the army, the others were seized in the West Bank villages of Awarta, Talfit, Tell, where it says two Palestinians were seized along with a rifle.
Eight Palestinians were taken from Budros, three from Jalazoun and two from Heirmellah.
Israeli forces also detained four Palestinians in separate raids on al-Khader, Khirbet Abu Najim, Attabaka and Beit Awwa.
An army representative said three Palestinians were arrested in Yabad.
Locals said an army force raided the village and detained Mohammad Abu Baker, Ezz al-Din Hirzallah, and Majde Ghazi Hirzallah. Israeli forces closed the entrance of the village, and raided several houses there.
According to the army, the others were seized in the West Bank villages of Awarta, Talfit, Tell, where it says two Palestinians were seized along with a rifle.
Eight Palestinians were taken from Budros, three from Jalazoun and two from Heirmellah.
Israeli forces also detained four Palestinians in separate raids on al-Khader, Khirbet Abu Najim, Attabaka and Beit Awwa.
Reporters Without Borders called Wednesday for the "immediate and unconditional" release of Mohamed al-Azza, a Palestinian photographer held without charge for three days.
Soldiers detained Azza, 23, in a raid on Bethlehem's Aida refugee camp on June 30.
In April, Israeli forces shot al-Azza in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet as he covered clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths.
Family members and his lawyer told Reporters Without Borders said he was hit several times and sustained injuries at the time of his arrest, the media watchdog said in a statement.
The army is believed to have been looking for him since the incident, the group said.
Soldiers detained Azza, 23, in a raid on Bethlehem's Aida refugee camp on June 30.
In April, Israeli forces shot al-Azza in the face with a rubber-coated steel bullet as he covered clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths.
Family members and his lawyer told Reporters Without Borders said he was hit several times and sustained injuries at the time of his arrest, the media watchdog said in a statement.
The army is believed to have been looking for him since the incident, the group said.
A Palestinian prisoner from the Bethlehem area arrived Thursday in Gaza City via the Erez crossing, after agreeing to a deportation deal with Israel.
Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, was freed in a deal to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israel detained him again afterwards. He could have faced 20 years of his original sentence in an Israeli jail, lawyers say.
The Israeli military prosecution announced on June 20 plans to deport Abu Fanoun to the Gaza Strip, responding to his wishes.
Lawyer Ahlam Hadad told Ma’an that the Israeli prosecution at Ofer told her they had agreed to Iyad’s request to be deported to Gaza for 10 years.
Iyad Abu Fanoun, 30, from Battir village near Bethlehem, was freed in a deal to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, but Israel detained him again afterwards. He could have faced 20 years of his original sentence in an Israeli jail, lawyers say.
The Israeli military prosecution announced on June 20 plans to deport Abu Fanoun to the Gaza Strip, responding to his wishes.
Lawyer Ahlam Hadad told Ma’an that the Israeli prosecution at Ofer told her they had agreed to Iyad’s request to be deported to Gaza for 10 years.
The Israeli authorities have released the female prisoner Hadil Abu Turki, 18, from al-Khalil after spending a whole year in Hasharon prison. Hadil Abu Turki was the youngest female prisoner behind Israeli bars. She was arrested at an Israeli checkpoint near the Ibrahimi mosque under the pretext that she attempted to stab an Israeli soldier, Ahrar Center for the Prisoners Studies said.
Abu Triki is a liberated prisoner where she was arrested for 30 days in 2009. She suffers a bad psychological state due to her repeated arrests, the center added.
4 female prisoners are still held in Hasharon prison in very difficult detention conditions.
Abu Triki is a liberated prisoner where she was arrested for 30 days in 2009. She suffers a bad psychological state due to her repeated arrests, the center added.
4 female prisoners are still held in Hasharon prison in very difficult detention conditions.
Israeli forces raided on Thursday the Budrus village in the central West Bank district of Ramallah and al-Bireh, detaining eight Palestinians.
Those detained were identified as Abdullah Shukri Awad, Ahmad Shukri Awad, Saadat Shaban Awad, Kamal Hassan Ali, Nasser Marar, Asrar Yousef Ibrahim, Mohammad Naem Marar, and Mohammad Abed al-Karim.
The army also issued warrants for six Palestinians, ordering them to turn themselves in to Israeli authorities after they were not found after raiding their homes.
The Israeli army confirmed the detentions, adding that 24 Palestinians were detained across the West Bank on Thursday.
Those detained were identified as Abdullah Shukri Awad, Ahmad Shukri Awad, Saadat Shaban Awad, Kamal Hassan Ali, Nasser Marar, Asrar Yousef Ibrahim, Mohammad Naem Marar, and Mohammad Abed al-Karim.
The army also issued warrants for six Palestinians, ordering them to turn themselves in to Israeli authorities after they were not found after raiding their homes.
The Israeli army confirmed the detentions, adding that 24 Palestinians were detained across the West Bank on Thursday.
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Pictures taken by a resident who had their home raided in a military operation in two villages in the Nablus district Thursday morning.
Israeli forces detained two Palestinians from two villages in the northern West Bank district of Nablus on Thursday, during a military operation that Fatah says was aimed at it's affiliates. Several homes were raided in the Talfit and Awarta villages in the presence of a large military force, a Fatah spokesman in Talfit told Ma'an. Fatah members Abdullah Hajj Mohammad, 28, and Murad Khalid al-Qadi, 22, were detained in the operation in Talfit and Awarta respectively. |
The spokesman said the army was searching for weapons and said Israeli forces had "threatened to burn down the village" if the arms were not handed over.
The homes of the following Fatah affiliates were raided, he said: Odeh Faraj, Yasser Musallam, Khader Hajj Mohammad, Mohammad Hajj Mohammad, Mokhlis Musallam, Wade Musallam, Yahya Shahin, Sameer Musallam, and Iyad Faraj.
The Israeli army has recently increased military operations in the northern West Bank, detaining several Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Brigade members in breach of an agreement signed with the PA in 2007, exempting fighters from arrest in return for renouncing violence and the giving up of arms.
Fatah officials say the raids have been carried out purportedly to search for weapons that were not handed over in the deal but deny that any arms have been kept.
An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed the detentions.
The homes of the following Fatah affiliates were raided, he said: Odeh Faraj, Yasser Musallam, Khader Hajj Mohammad, Mohammad Hajj Mohammad, Mokhlis Musallam, Wade Musallam, Yahya Shahin, Sameer Musallam, and Iyad Faraj.
The Israeli army has recently increased military operations in the northern West Bank, detaining several Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Brigade members in breach of an agreement signed with the PA in 2007, exempting fighters from arrest in return for renouncing violence and the giving up of arms.
Fatah officials say the raids have been carried out purportedly to search for weapons that were not handed over in the deal but deny that any arms have been kept.
An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed the detentions.
The District and Magistrate courts extended on Thursday the arrest of six Jerusalemites from Al-Sowaneh, Silwan and Sur Baher for few more days.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Magistrate court extended the arrest of Eyad Mohammad Atwan and Bilal Abed Rabbo until next Sunday, knowing that they were arrested early this morning after raiding their home in Sur Baher.
The District court also extended the arrest of Eyad Omar Shalabi, Amir Qadamani and Ahmad Alami until next Sunday, where the prosecution submitted an indictment against them that included an assault on an Israeli settler and injuring him, knowing that they were arrested just recently after raiding their home in the neighbourhood of Al-Sowaneh.
Eyad Al-A’war from Silwan was presented to court and will be detained until next Tuesday.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Magistrate court extended the arrest of Eyad Mohammad Atwan and Bilal Abed Rabbo until next Sunday, knowing that they were arrested early this morning after raiding their home in Sur Baher.
The District court also extended the arrest of Eyad Omar Shalabi, Amir Qadamani and Ahmad Alami until next Sunday, where the prosecution submitted an indictment against them that included an assault on an Israeli settler and injuring him, knowing that they were arrested just recently after raiding their home in the neighbourhood of Al-Sowaneh.
Eyad Al-A’war from Silwan was presented to court and will be detained until next Tuesday.
The Israeli Magistrate's Court sentenced on Wednesday 5 Jerusalemite youths from the town of Silwan to jail. The lawyer at al-Dhamir Foundation, Mohamed Mahmoud, stated that the occupation court sentenced Majd Oweis to 10 months, his brother Mohamed to 8 months, Thaer Abbasi to 7 months, and Majd al-Qaq to 8 months.
The four young men were arrested during raids on their houses in the neighborhoods of the town of Silwan.
The court has also sentenced another young man to 4 months actual imprisonment, the lawyer added.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Supreme Court decided to add 10 months to the prison sentence issued against the Palestinian boy Abbas Abbasi, aged 17.
Lawyer Mahmoud noted that the boy was arrested for throwing stones and Molotov cocktails in Ras al-Amud. The Jerusalem District Court last April had sentenced him to 13 months imprisonment, but the public prosecutor submitted an appeal to the court which decided to add 10 months to the boy's sentence.
The four young men were arrested during raids on their houses in the neighborhoods of the town of Silwan.
The court has also sentenced another young man to 4 months actual imprisonment, the lawyer added.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Supreme Court decided to add 10 months to the prison sentence issued against the Palestinian boy Abbas Abbasi, aged 17.
Lawyer Mahmoud noted that the boy was arrested for throwing stones and Molotov cocktails in Ras al-Amud. The Jerusalem District Court last April had sentenced him to 13 months imprisonment, but the public prosecutor submitted an appeal to the court which decided to add 10 months to the boy's sentence.
The Israeli government's legal advisor has given the Israeli police the green light to interrogate Arab MKs Hanin Zoabi and Basil Ghattas under the pretext of incitement against Rev. Jubrail Nadaf who encouraged Christian teens to enlist in the Israeli army. Speaking at a Knesset committee meeting, a police representative revealed that Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has given police the green light to question the MKs on suspicion of inciting against Reverend Jubrail Nadaf, Hebrew sources revealed on Wednesday.
MK Regev expressed her support of Nadaf and noted that he's been given a police escort.
For his part, Bishop Atallah Hanna Archbishop of Sebastia of the Greek Orthodox Church renewed his rejection of any attempts to recruit Christian teens into the Israeli army.
MK Regev expressed her support of Nadaf and noted that he's been given a police escort.
For his part, Bishop Atallah Hanna Archbishop of Sebastia of the Greek Orthodox Church renewed his rejection of any attempts to recruit Christian teens into the Israeli army.
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The health condition of the patient prisoner Motassem Radad has noticeably deteriorated after being transferred from Meir hospital to Ramle prison hospital to conduct medical tests, the Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said. PPS lawyer Jawad Boulus stated that the prisoner's health situation has witnessed a serious deterioration after being injected with Cortisone that caused difficulty in moving his leg and hand.
The doctors stressed the need to conduct urgent medical tests to check on Radad's health situation after the serious complications that have emerged lately, Boulus said. Radad suffers inflammatory bowel disease and acute abdominal pain which caused him to bleed profusely, in addition to vision and heart problems, the lawyer added. |
Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners in Etzion detention center confirmed that they were subjected to severe beating amid an acute shortage in basic necessities.
The PPS confirmed that the prisoners in Etzion prison suffer miserable ad difficult detention condition.
The prisoners confirmed that they were subjected to severe beating during their arrests in addition to attacking their family.
Prisoner's medical condition deteriorates
A Palestinian prisoner's health is seriously deteriorating and Israel has transferred from hospital to a prison clinic, a lawyer said Wednesday.
Motasem Radad was moved from Meir Hospital to Ramle prison clinic, Palestinian Prisoner Society lawyer Jawad Boulos said.
Radad suffers several symptoms including hypertension and a weak immune system.
He has several infections which doctors have been unable to treat and has recently developed blurred vision and a weak heart.
Boulos blamed Radad's deteriorating condition on the medication he was given, including daily cortisone shots that the lawyer said had weakened his bones and impeded his movement.
A doctor who examined Radad on Wednesday recommended further medical tests, Boulos said.
Rabad requested an early release on health grounds in June.
In a letter he sent to a human rights organization in Jerusalem he said that he had the symptoms for five years but doctors still cannot determine the cause of these symptoms.
Radad has served seven years of his 20-year sentence.
The PPS confirmed that the prisoners in Etzion prison suffer miserable ad difficult detention condition.
The prisoners confirmed that they were subjected to severe beating during their arrests in addition to attacking their family.
Prisoner's medical condition deteriorates
A Palestinian prisoner's health is seriously deteriorating and Israel has transferred from hospital to a prison clinic, a lawyer said Wednesday.
Motasem Radad was moved from Meir Hospital to Ramle prison clinic, Palestinian Prisoner Society lawyer Jawad Boulos said.
Radad suffers several symptoms including hypertension and a weak immune system.
He has several infections which doctors have been unable to treat and has recently developed blurred vision and a weak heart.
Boulos blamed Radad's deteriorating condition on the medication he was given, including daily cortisone shots that the lawyer said had weakened his bones and impeded his movement.
A doctor who examined Radad on Wednesday recommended further medical tests, Boulos said.
Rabad requested an early release on health grounds in June.
In a letter he sent to a human rights organization in Jerusalem he said that he had the symptoms for five years but doctors still cannot determine the cause of these symptoms.
Radad has served seven years of his 20-year sentence.
Ghadir Anwar Al-Aqra'a, a 34 year old mother of four children, Nidaa' (12), Nisma (15), Ra'ed (10) and Nara (8), lives with her children in the Al Sheikh Redwan neighbourhood of Gaza City. Her husband, Nahed Al-Aqra'a (42), was arrested on 20 July 2007 by the Israeli military, is incarcerated in Ramle Prison Hospital in central Israel, and since that date has been denied any prison visits by his wife or children.
Since being arrested in 2007 none of Nahed's family members from Gaza have been allowed to visit him. Ghadir explains the situation, "The only person who has been allowed to visit Nahed since 2007 has been his mother. She is forced to see him through a glass window and can only speak to him via an internal phone. She cannot touch or hug her son." The last time that Nahed saw his children was in March 2007. Neither Ghadir nor any of her four children have been allowed to see Nahed since his arrest.
The issue has been made all the worse by the fact that Nahed has faced extremely serious medical problems, issues which have been severely exacerbated since his imprisonment in 2007. Ghadir's husband sustained multiple gunshot injuries to his legs during internal Palestinian clashes relating to the Hamas take-over of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Since being arrested in 2007 none of Nahed's family members from Gaza have been allowed to visit him. Ghadir explains the situation, "The only person who has been allowed to visit Nahed since 2007 has been his mother. She is forced to see him through a glass window and can only speak to him via an internal phone. She cannot touch or hug her son." The last time that Nahed saw his children was in March 2007. Neither Ghadir nor any of her four children have been allowed to see Nahed since his arrest.
The issue has been made all the worse by the fact that Nahed has faced extremely serious medical problems, issues which have been severely exacerbated since his imprisonment in 2007. Ghadir's husband sustained multiple gunshot injuries to his legs during internal Palestinian clashes relating to the Hamas take-over of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
In order to obtain medical treatment, Nahed travelled through the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt to gain access to Jordan. During this medical trip and as a result of the injuries he sustained, Jordanian doctors were forced to amputate his left leg. On his return trip to Gaza from Jordan, Rafah Crossing was closed. As a result, Nahed was forced to cross by the Israeli controlled, Al Karama Crossing between Jordan and the West Bank. It was here that Israeli forces arrested him. He was interrogated, arrested and subsequently received three life sentences for his role Palestinian military offensives before 2005.
Nahed's mother has told Ghadir of the terrible pain Nahed endures daily due to the deterioration of his health, "He suffers terribly from the pain of his injuries and serious medical complications due to neglect by the Israeli authorities." Nahed was arrested mere days after his leg was amputated in Jordan. He has since been denied all appropriate medical care for his injuries as well as being kept in conditions completely inappropriate for adequate recovery.
Ghadir continues, "In prison they just give him painkillers. They do not provide him with proper medical care. The painkillers gave him temporary relief however they did not solve his medical problems. As a result of the conditions he lives in, he has suffered repeated infections in his legs. The pain is now more than he can stand and painkillers have ceased to work."
In April 2013 Nahed had to undergo a second surgery in the prison hospital to amputate his right leg. Ghadir states that, "If Israeli authorities had paid proper attention to his medical situation he would never have reached this point. In the hospital in Jordan, doctors stated that he all he needed to save his right leg was a nerve transplant. This was not provided to him. When he was jailed in Israel he was just given painkillers."
Even suffering these extremely serious medical issues and the loss of both his legs, Nahed has never received any sympathy from Israeli officials. Ghadir discusses the issues relating to her husband's imprisonment, "His mother is the only person allowed to visit him as she is from the West Bank. Families from the West Bank are allowed to visit their sons, families from Gaza are not. Ramle Military Hospital (where Nahed is incarcerated) denies visitation rights to all family members from Gaza. Whether a prisoner is allowed visitors depends solely on the whim of Israeli officials. I have no idea about the conditions that Nahed is currently living in. I have been denied all rights to visit him since his arrest in 2007."
When I ask her why she does not move to be with her husband's family in the West Bank and thus have the ability to visit him, Ghadir explains, "I have a Gaza identity card and therefore I am banned from travelling to the West Bank. There is no way for me or my children to move there."
Ghadir was not allowed to speak to Nahed from July 2007 until January 2013. Six months ago, Nahed was allowed his first 10 minute phonecall to his wife and family in Gaza since he was arrested. This was the first time they had spoken since 2007. Two months ago, Ghadir and her children received a second 10 minute phonecall from Nahed.
Ghadir explains that since his imprisonment she has attempted on multiple occasions to mail Nahed, "I have sent him multiple letters with photos of our children attached. I do not know whether he has ever received any of the letters. Nahed's mother has informed me that he has received some photos; otherwise he would not know what his children look like. Nahed has never been allowed to write a reply to any of my written correspondence."
Israeli authorities' official stance to deny visitation rights to the Gazan families of Palestinian prisoners is for "security reasons". Ghadir states that "I have never been provided with a reason for not being able to visit my husband however I am not the only one who has been denied the right to visit my loved one. Many families are denied their rights."
Ghadir explains to us that in some cases prisoners have been transferred to a different, less strict prison for one day so that family members from Gaza can meet them. Nahed's lawyer had called her a few days ago to inform her that this may be a possibility for Hahed, "They might transfer Nahed to Aishal prison for a day so as to accommodate a visit between me and my husband. There might be the opportunity to visit him. This is my greatest hope."
However, even if Ghadir is eventually allowed to visit her husband she would be restricted by severe visitation rules. Only a wife and children may visit their husband/ father. Also, children over 8 years of age are denied the right to see their parent under any circumstances. "Of my four children, only one daughter currently aged 8 years old has the right to visit Nahed. Once Nara turns 9 none of my children will be allowed to see him."
When I ask Ghadir what her difficulties she faces as a result of not being able to communicate with her husband, tears well in her eyes and she reveals that she as an adult, can bear the difficulties in being denied communication with her husband, "My children however are not able to cope. The children need to see their father. They cannot remember what he looks like. My youngest daughter was only one year old the last time she saw her dad. She has no recollection of him and only associates him with his photos we have hung around our house. My children don't know what it's like to have a father. The hardest thing however is having a father who's alive but who they are unable to speak, touch or see. My youngest daughter often cries at nighttime due to suffering the sadness of being unable to see her father." Nidaa', Ghadir's daughter, explains what it is like without being able to speak to her father, "It is terrible that I cannot visit my father. I see his picture everyday and know that he is still alive however I cannot speak to or see him."
Assessing her hopes for the future, Ghadir states that "My hope is that at my children will one day be allowed to visit their father. This is my only request. While I sincerely hope that one day he leaves jail, the chance to visit him is the only thing I seek. My only hope is in God. I do what I can and leave all other things to Him."
Israel's restriction of visitation rights to Nahed's family is in direct violation of Article 37 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, "prisoners shall be allowed under necessary supervision to communicate with their family and reputable friends at regular intervals, both by correspondence and by receiving visits." This is supported by Principle 19 of the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, which states that "[a] detained or imprisoned person shall have the right to be visited by and to correspond with, in particular, members of his family and shall be given adequate opportunity to communicate with the outside world." Moreover, under Article 9 (3) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, States Parties shall respect the rights of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests.
Nahed's mother has told Ghadir of the terrible pain Nahed endures daily due to the deterioration of his health, "He suffers terribly from the pain of his injuries and serious medical complications due to neglect by the Israeli authorities." Nahed was arrested mere days after his leg was amputated in Jordan. He has since been denied all appropriate medical care for his injuries as well as being kept in conditions completely inappropriate for adequate recovery.
Ghadir continues, "In prison they just give him painkillers. They do not provide him with proper medical care. The painkillers gave him temporary relief however they did not solve his medical problems. As a result of the conditions he lives in, he has suffered repeated infections in his legs. The pain is now more than he can stand and painkillers have ceased to work."
In April 2013 Nahed had to undergo a second surgery in the prison hospital to amputate his right leg. Ghadir states that, "If Israeli authorities had paid proper attention to his medical situation he would never have reached this point. In the hospital in Jordan, doctors stated that he all he needed to save his right leg was a nerve transplant. This was not provided to him. When he was jailed in Israel he was just given painkillers."
Even suffering these extremely serious medical issues and the loss of both his legs, Nahed has never received any sympathy from Israeli officials. Ghadir discusses the issues relating to her husband's imprisonment, "His mother is the only person allowed to visit him as she is from the West Bank. Families from the West Bank are allowed to visit their sons, families from Gaza are not. Ramle Military Hospital (where Nahed is incarcerated) denies visitation rights to all family members from Gaza. Whether a prisoner is allowed visitors depends solely on the whim of Israeli officials. I have no idea about the conditions that Nahed is currently living in. I have been denied all rights to visit him since his arrest in 2007."
When I ask her why she does not move to be with her husband's family in the West Bank and thus have the ability to visit him, Ghadir explains, "I have a Gaza identity card and therefore I am banned from travelling to the West Bank. There is no way for me or my children to move there."
Ghadir was not allowed to speak to Nahed from July 2007 until January 2013. Six months ago, Nahed was allowed his first 10 minute phonecall to his wife and family in Gaza since he was arrested. This was the first time they had spoken since 2007. Two months ago, Ghadir and her children received a second 10 minute phonecall from Nahed.
Ghadir explains that since his imprisonment she has attempted on multiple occasions to mail Nahed, "I have sent him multiple letters with photos of our children attached. I do not know whether he has ever received any of the letters. Nahed's mother has informed me that he has received some photos; otherwise he would not know what his children look like. Nahed has never been allowed to write a reply to any of my written correspondence."
Israeli authorities' official stance to deny visitation rights to the Gazan families of Palestinian prisoners is for "security reasons". Ghadir states that "I have never been provided with a reason for not being able to visit my husband however I am not the only one who has been denied the right to visit my loved one. Many families are denied their rights."
Ghadir explains to us that in some cases prisoners have been transferred to a different, less strict prison for one day so that family members from Gaza can meet them. Nahed's lawyer had called her a few days ago to inform her that this may be a possibility for Hahed, "They might transfer Nahed to Aishal prison for a day so as to accommodate a visit between me and my husband. There might be the opportunity to visit him. This is my greatest hope."
However, even if Ghadir is eventually allowed to visit her husband she would be restricted by severe visitation rules. Only a wife and children may visit their husband/ father. Also, children over 8 years of age are denied the right to see their parent under any circumstances. "Of my four children, only one daughter currently aged 8 years old has the right to visit Nahed. Once Nara turns 9 none of my children will be allowed to see him."
When I ask Ghadir what her difficulties she faces as a result of not being able to communicate with her husband, tears well in her eyes and she reveals that she as an adult, can bear the difficulties in being denied communication with her husband, "My children however are not able to cope. The children need to see their father. They cannot remember what he looks like. My youngest daughter was only one year old the last time she saw her dad. She has no recollection of him and only associates him with his photos we have hung around our house. My children don't know what it's like to have a father. The hardest thing however is having a father who's alive but who they are unable to speak, touch or see. My youngest daughter often cries at nighttime due to suffering the sadness of being unable to see her father." Nidaa', Ghadir's daughter, explains what it is like without being able to speak to her father, "It is terrible that I cannot visit my father. I see his picture everyday and know that he is still alive however I cannot speak to or see him."
Assessing her hopes for the future, Ghadir states that "My hope is that at my children will one day be allowed to visit their father. This is my only request. While I sincerely hope that one day he leaves jail, the chance to visit him is the only thing I seek. My only hope is in God. I do what I can and leave all other things to Him."
Israel's restriction of visitation rights to Nahed's family is in direct violation of Article 37 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, "prisoners shall be allowed under necessary supervision to communicate with their family and reputable friends at regular intervals, both by correspondence and by receiving visits." This is supported by Principle 19 of the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, which states that "[a] detained or imprisoned person shall have the right to be visited by and to correspond with, in particular, members of his family and shall be given adequate opportunity to communicate with the outside world." Moreover, under Article 9 (3) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, States Parties shall respect the rights of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child's best interests.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded various districts in the occupied West Bank, and kidnapped 19 Palestinians, clashes have been reported.
Soldiers kidnapped Hasan Breijiyya, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall In Bethlehem. as they attacked a nonviolent protest against a visit of the Israeli Transportation Minister to the southern entrance of the town as part of plans for a settler road.
Local sources in the Al-Jalazoun refugee camp, east of the central West Bank city of Ramallah, have reported that the army invaded the camp, broke into and searched several homes, causing damage, and kidnapped three residents.
The three have been identified as Noureddeen Oleyyan, 25, Ma’rouf Bajes Nakhla, 23, and Tahreer Al-Araysha, 20.
Soldiers also invaded Bodrus village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and kidnapped eight Palestinians identified as Abdullah Shokry Awad, Ahmad Shokry Awad, Sa’adat Shabaan Awad, Kamal Hasan Ali, Nasser Marar, Asrar Yousef Ibrahim, Mohammad Naim Marar, and Mohammad Abdul-Karim.
Furthermore, several Israeli military jeeps invaded the village of Ya’bod, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and kidnapped Majdi Ghazi Harzallah, 23, Ezzeddeen Farouq Harzallah, 20, and Mohammad Tawfiq Abu Baker.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded the Al-Khader town, near Bethlehem, and kidnapped one resident identified as Yousef Aref Salah, 24. Soldiers also invaded the home of Kamel Harzallah and violently searched it.
Clashes have been reported between local youths and Israeli soldiers after the army violently searched the homes of the kidnapped Palestinians.
Soldiers fired gas bombs and concussion grenades; several residents have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
In Nablus, in the northern part of the West Bank, the army kidnapped one Palestinian identified as Wael Ahmad At-Tabouq, 20, after violently breaking into a home and searching it causing property damage. The soldiers claimed to be looking for weapons; no weapons were found.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded Tal village, west of Nablus, and kidnapped one resident identified as Sameh Zeidan.
In related news, soldiers invaded Al-Yamoun town, west of Jenin and broke into the home of former political prisoner, Imad Najeeb Sammoudy, searched the property and interrogated him.
Soldiers kidnapped Hasan Breijiyya, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall In Bethlehem. as they attacked a nonviolent protest against a visit of the Israeli Transportation Minister to the southern entrance of the town as part of plans for a settler road.
Local sources in the Al-Jalazoun refugee camp, east of the central West Bank city of Ramallah, have reported that the army invaded the camp, broke into and searched several homes, causing damage, and kidnapped three residents.
The three have been identified as Noureddeen Oleyyan, 25, Ma’rouf Bajes Nakhla, 23, and Tahreer Al-Araysha, 20.
Soldiers also invaded Bodrus village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, and kidnapped eight Palestinians identified as Abdullah Shokry Awad, Ahmad Shokry Awad, Sa’adat Shabaan Awad, Kamal Hasan Ali, Nasser Marar, Asrar Yousef Ibrahim, Mohammad Naim Marar, and Mohammad Abdul-Karim.
Furthermore, several Israeli military jeeps invaded the village of Ya’bod, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and kidnapped Majdi Ghazi Harzallah, 23, Ezzeddeen Farouq Harzallah, 20, and Mohammad Tawfiq Abu Baker.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded the Al-Khader town, near Bethlehem, and kidnapped one resident identified as Yousef Aref Salah, 24. Soldiers also invaded the home of Kamel Harzallah and violently searched it.
Clashes have been reported between local youths and Israeli soldiers after the army violently searched the homes of the kidnapped Palestinians.
Soldiers fired gas bombs and concussion grenades; several residents have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation.
In Nablus, in the northern part of the West Bank, the army kidnapped one Palestinian identified as Wael Ahmad At-Tabouq, 20, after violently breaking into a home and searching it causing property damage. The soldiers claimed to be looking for weapons; no weapons were found.
Dozens of soldiers also invaded Tal village, west of Nablus, and kidnapped one resident identified as Sameh Zeidan.
In related news, soldiers invaded Al-Yamoun town, west of Jenin and broke into the home of former political prisoner, Imad Najeeb Sammoudy, searched the property and interrogated him.
The Palestinian Detainees Center for Studies issued its monthly report documenting Israeli violations in June, revealing that the army carried out more than 247 invasions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, and kidnapped more than 340 Palestinians.
The center said that some of the kidnapped residents have been released after being interrogated for several days, or hours, but the majority remained imprisoned.
Most of the arrests have been carried out in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, as the army kidnapped 95 Palestinians.
The center further stated that 45 children, and one woman, were among the kidnapped in June, and added that the soldiers kidnapped eight Palestinians in Gaza, including two fishermen. The army also confiscated the fishing boats of the two fishermen.
It said that the soldiers kidnapped Palestinian legislator, Abdul-Jabbar Foqaha, 47, and issued a military order illegally imprisoning his under Administrative Detention, without charges or trial, for six months.
Head of the Detainees Studies Center, researcher Riyadh Al-Ashqar, stated that the army has kidnapped 45 children, and that the youngest child is Ismael Thiab Ar-Rajaby, 10, who was kidnapped near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
Another child, identified as Husam Omar Khalifa, 12, from Bethlehem, was kidnapped at a roadblock, and was violently beaten by the soldiers; he was injured and moved to the Hadassah Israeli medical center in Jerusalem.
Furthermore, resident Ali Fares Ad-Douda, 65, was kidnapped after the soldiers broke into his home, north of Hebron, and Mohammad Fathy Al-Ja’bary, 55, was kidnapped in the center of Hebron.
The Center further reported that two heart patients identified as Wael Sharawna and Monjed Sweity, have also been kidnapped and denied medical attention.
A sixteen–year-old, identified as Saja Sweity, was kidnapped in occupied East Jerusalem, for carrying a Palestinian flag. She was interrogated, and violently beaten, before she was released.
In related news, the Ofer Israeli military court decided to illegally deport detainee Eyad Abu Fannoun, 23, from Batteer town, west of Bethlehem, to the Gaza Strip for ten years.
He is still imprisoned by Israel; Abu Fannoun was kidnapped on April 24 2012, and remained imprisoned under Administrative Detention, without charges, since then. Israel did not set a date for exiling him out of the West Bank.
The center said that some of the kidnapped residents have been released after being interrogated for several days, or hours, but the majority remained imprisoned.
Most of the arrests have been carried out in the southern West Bank city of Hebron, as the army kidnapped 95 Palestinians.
The center further stated that 45 children, and one woman, were among the kidnapped in June, and added that the soldiers kidnapped eight Palestinians in Gaza, including two fishermen. The army also confiscated the fishing boats of the two fishermen.
It said that the soldiers kidnapped Palestinian legislator, Abdul-Jabbar Foqaha, 47, and issued a military order illegally imprisoning his under Administrative Detention, without charges or trial, for six months.
Head of the Detainees Studies Center, researcher Riyadh Al-Ashqar, stated that the army has kidnapped 45 children, and that the youngest child is Ismael Thiab Ar-Rajaby, 10, who was kidnapped near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
Another child, identified as Husam Omar Khalifa, 12, from Bethlehem, was kidnapped at a roadblock, and was violently beaten by the soldiers; he was injured and moved to the Hadassah Israeli medical center in Jerusalem.
Furthermore, resident Ali Fares Ad-Douda, 65, was kidnapped after the soldiers broke into his home, north of Hebron, and Mohammad Fathy Al-Ja’bary, 55, was kidnapped in the center of Hebron.
The Center further reported that two heart patients identified as Wael Sharawna and Monjed Sweity, have also been kidnapped and denied medical attention.
A sixteen–year-old, identified as Saja Sweity, was kidnapped in occupied East Jerusalem, for carrying a Palestinian flag. She was interrogated, and violently beaten, before she was released.
In related news, the Ofer Israeli military court decided to illegally deport detainee Eyad Abu Fannoun, 23, from Batteer town, west of Bethlehem, to the Gaza Strip for ten years.
He is still imprisoned by Israel; Abu Fannoun was kidnapped on April 24 2012, and remained imprisoned under Administrative Detention, without charges, since then. Israel did not set a date for exiling him out of the West Bank.
