21 mar 2014
Attorneys of the Palestinian Ministry of Detainees Affairs expressed grave concerns over the health status of several Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.
The health status of several Palestinian prisoners is extremely worrisome as they suffer from serious spreading diseases, especially malignant tumors, disabilities and palsy (paralyses), coupled with deliberate medical negligence.
WAFA reports that the health status of Yusri ‘Attya, sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment in Eshel, is extremely serious, as he suffers from lymphatic cancer that is spreading to new parts of his body, attorney Rami al-‘Alami said.
The health status of Muʻtasem Raddad, a prisoner sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment in Hadarim, is deteriorating every day as he suffers from intestinal cancer and massive bleeding (hemorrhage), according to attorney Ashraf al-Khatib.
Al-Khatib added that Muʻtasem is supposed to undergo a surgery to excise his intestines and that he suffers from intestinal bleeding, anemia, weight loss, arthritis, and chronic blood pressure.
He considered the Israeli court’s refusal to release Muʻtasem before the end of his sentence as ‘a decision to assassinate him’ since the court is aware of his serious status.
The health status of Salah ad-Din al-Titi, detained in al-Ramleh hospital, is also extremely serious as he suffers from congenital problems and had undergone ten surgeries before his imprisonment. He also suffers from several health problems and pains including in the kidney, bladder and high blood pressure.
As for the health status of Sudqi al-Tamimi, he can’t walk without canes as he suffers from back and leg spasms and asphyxia. The medicines he and the other sick prisoners take are expired, which is causing grave fear and concern among prisoner, according to attorney Muʻtaz Shqirat.
The health status of several Palestinian prisoners is extremely worrisome as they suffer from serious spreading diseases, especially malignant tumors, disabilities and palsy (paralyses), coupled with deliberate medical negligence.
WAFA reports that the health status of Yusri ‘Attya, sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment in Eshel, is extremely serious, as he suffers from lymphatic cancer that is spreading to new parts of his body, attorney Rami al-‘Alami said.
The health status of Muʻtasem Raddad, a prisoner sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment in Hadarim, is deteriorating every day as he suffers from intestinal cancer and massive bleeding (hemorrhage), according to attorney Ashraf al-Khatib.
Al-Khatib added that Muʻtasem is supposed to undergo a surgery to excise his intestines and that he suffers from intestinal bleeding, anemia, weight loss, arthritis, and chronic blood pressure.
He considered the Israeli court’s refusal to release Muʻtasem before the end of his sentence as ‘a decision to assassinate him’ since the court is aware of his serious status.
The health status of Salah ad-Din al-Titi, detained in al-Ramleh hospital, is also extremely serious as he suffers from congenital problems and had undergone ten surgeries before his imprisonment. He also suffers from several health problems and pains including in the kidney, bladder and high blood pressure.
As for the health status of Sudqi al-Tamimi, he can’t walk without canes as he suffers from back and leg spasms and asphyxia. The medicines he and the other sick prisoners take are expired, which is causing grave fear and concern among prisoner, according to attorney Muʻtaz Shqirat.
Photo: Ali Shamlawi, 17, was held in solitary confinement, beaten and intimidated into confessing to throwing stones. He has now been in Israeli military detention for a year facing charges of attempted murder
A Palestinian teenager who confessed to throwing stones after he was tortured in Israeli custody faces attempted murder charges and a severe prison sentence. Ali Shamlawi, 17, is accused of throwing stones at a truck near Ariel, a settlement in the occupied West Bank, causing a traffic accident in which a three-year-old Israeli girl was seriously injured.
He is facing charges of attempted murder. The maximum sentence for attempted murder under Israeli military law is life in prison.
Shamlawi says he confessed to throwing stones under duress and now denies the charges.
In a sworn testimony given to DCI-Palestine, he claims he was held in solitary confinement, beaten and intimidated, and denied access to counsel by Israeli authorities during his arrest and interrogation.
He has now been in detention for a year and neither his lawyer, nor his family know when a verdict will be reached.
After Shamlawi’s latest appearance in court on March 13, 2014, his mother, Nema Shamlawi said: "[Ali’s] childhood is being lost. He doesn't see the sun and the air…doesn't live his childhood as it should be."
Under Israeli military law, Palestinian children can be imprisoned for up to a maximum of one year before legal proceedings must be completed against them. The military court has the right to extend detention by a further 60 days. After that, the military court of appeals can extend custody indefinitely in three-month chunks.
Shamlawi is one of five boys arrested in connection with the same stone-throwing incident. The others are: Mohammed Suliman, Mohammad Kleib, Tamer Souf, and Ammar Souf. They were all aged 16 at the time.
The Israeli army alleges that on the evening of March 14, 2013, the boys were throwing stones at passing vehicles on a main road near Ariel settlement.
The stones caused a passing truck to brake suddenly, and Edva Biton, an Israeli woman from the West Bank settlement, Yakir, crashed the car she was driving into the back of the truck. She and her three daughters were injured in the accident – her three-year-old daughter, Adele, suffered serious head injuries.
The boys are each charged with 20 counts of attempted murder - among other charges. The Israeli military prosecution insists that the boys consciously “intended to kill.” A senior Israeli military officer speaking on the condition of anonymity previously declared that factors specific to the case merited filing attempted murder charges, but prosecutors would not seek life sentences because the case did not warrant it, according to Al-Jazeera English.
Israeli military law, which fails to ensure and denies basic and fundamental rights, is applied exclusively to the Palestinian population, including women and children. Settlers living in the West Bank are subject to the Israeli civil legal system. No Israeli children come into contact with the military court system.
The case received extensive press coverage inside Israel. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu branded stone throwing as an act of terror, saying “stones are lethal weapons.” While Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called for the Israeli army’s rules of engagement to be changed to allow them to open fire on stone-throwers.
"Palestinian kids, whether they throw stones or not, must be judged impartially," said Adnan Rabi, a lawyer with DCI-Palestine. "In this case, punishment and retribution seem to be underlying statements made by some Israeli officials.”
Throwing an object, including a stone, at a moving vehicle with the intent to harm it or the person travelling in it carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment under Israeli Military Order 1651.
While the age of majority for Palestinians was raised from 16 to 18 in 2011, the amendment did not apply to sentencing provisions, leaving children 16 and older subject to the same maximum sentences as adults.
Each year, around 500-700 Palestinian children, some as young as 12, are arrested, detained and prosecuted in the Israeli military detention system, with the majority of Palestinian child detainees held on charges of throwing stones. Israeli children living in the same territory do not come into contact with the military court system.
According to figures from DCI-Palestine, three out of four Palestinian children experience physical violence during their arrest, transfer or interrogation.
Shamlawi testified to DCI-Palestine that he was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse during his arrest and interrogation. He says he was repeatedly beaten by soldiers during his arrest and strip-searched.
Shamlawi was interrogated without being informed of his rights and without the presence of a lawyer or a family member. During interrogation, he says that his interrogator pulled his hair, made him watch his friends being interrogated and threatened to torture his mother if he did not confess.
Shamlawi did sign a confession in which he admitted to throwing two stones. He says he confessed under duress - and continues to deny that he did actually throw stones.
An Israeli army spokesperson commented on the case in October 2013: "We would like to emphasize that the defendants received all of their rights according to the law, including the right to avoid self-incrimination and the right to legal counsel over the course of the investigation."
Shamlawi says he also spent five days in solitary confinement.
In 2012, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Richard Falk, condemned Israel’s use of solitary confinement against Palestinian children saying it “flagrantly violates international human rights standards.”
In sworn testimonies to DCI-Palestine, the other four boys also reported physical abuse and stints in solitary confinement. One boy reported sexual threats from a prison guard.
The boys’ allegations constitute a violation of international human rights treaties ratified by Israel, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
A 2013 United Nations report from the Committee on the Rights of the Child found that “Palestinian children arrested by the [Israeli] military and police are systematically subject to degrading treatment, and often to acts of torture.”
All five teens are currently being held in Megiddo Prison in Israel. The transfer of Palestinian children to prisons inside Israel contravenes article 76 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.
It provides that “protected persons accused of offences shall be detained in the occupied country, and if convicted they shall serve their sentences therein.”
DCI-Palestine lawyer Adnan Rabi added: “We are concerned that the children's best interests, which must be the primary consideration by the military prosecutors and judges, will not be factored in at all."
*Jessica Purkiss is a freelance contributor to Defence for Children International Palestine.
A Palestinian teenager who confessed to throwing stones after he was tortured in Israeli custody faces attempted murder charges and a severe prison sentence. Ali Shamlawi, 17, is accused of throwing stones at a truck near Ariel, a settlement in the occupied West Bank, causing a traffic accident in which a three-year-old Israeli girl was seriously injured.
He is facing charges of attempted murder. The maximum sentence for attempted murder under Israeli military law is life in prison.
Shamlawi says he confessed to throwing stones under duress and now denies the charges.
In a sworn testimony given to DCI-Palestine, he claims he was held in solitary confinement, beaten and intimidated, and denied access to counsel by Israeli authorities during his arrest and interrogation.
He has now been in detention for a year and neither his lawyer, nor his family know when a verdict will be reached.
After Shamlawi’s latest appearance in court on March 13, 2014, his mother, Nema Shamlawi said: "[Ali’s] childhood is being lost. He doesn't see the sun and the air…doesn't live his childhood as it should be."
Under Israeli military law, Palestinian children can be imprisoned for up to a maximum of one year before legal proceedings must be completed against them. The military court has the right to extend detention by a further 60 days. After that, the military court of appeals can extend custody indefinitely in three-month chunks.
Shamlawi is one of five boys arrested in connection with the same stone-throwing incident. The others are: Mohammed Suliman, Mohammad Kleib, Tamer Souf, and Ammar Souf. They were all aged 16 at the time.
The Israeli army alleges that on the evening of March 14, 2013, the boys were throwing stones at passing vehicles on a main road near Ariel settlement.
The stones caused a passing truck to brake suddenly, and Edva Biton, an Israeli woman from the West Bank settlement, Yakir, crashed the car she was driving into the back of the truck. She and her three daughters were injured in the accident – her three-year-old daughter, Adele, suffered serious head injuries.
The boys are each charged with 20 counts of attempted murder - among other charges. The Israeli military prosecution insists that the boys consciously “intended to kill.” A senior Israeli military officer speaking on the condition of anonymity previously declared that factors specific to the case merited filing attempted murder charges, but prosecutors would not seek life sentences because the case did not warrant it, according to Al-Jazeera English.
Israeli military law, which fails to ensure and denies basic and fundamental rights, is applied exclusively to the Palestinian population, including women and children. Settlers living in the West Bank are subject to the Israeli civil legal system. No Israeli children come into contact with the military court system.
The case received extensive press coverage inside Israel. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu branded stone throwing as an act of terror, saying “stones are lethal weapons.” While Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called for the Israeli army’s rules of engagement to be changed to allow them to open fire on stone-throwers.
"Palestinian kids, whether they throw stones or not, must be judged impartially," said Adnan Rabi, a lawyer with DCI-Palestine. "In this case, punishment and retribution seem to be underlying statements made by some Israeli officials.”
Throwing an object, including a stone, at a moving vehicle with the intent to harm it or the person travelling in it carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment under Israeli Military Order 1651.
While the age of majority for Palestinians was raised from 16 to 18 in 2011, the amendment did not apply to sentencing provisions, leaving children 16 and older subject to the same maximum sentences as adults.
Each year, around 500-700 Palestinian children, some as young as 12, are arrested, detained and prosecuted in the Israeli military detention system, with the majority of Palestinian child detainees held on charges of throwing stones. Israeli children living in the same territory do not come into contact with the military court system.
According to figures from DCI-Palestine, three out of four Palestinian children experience physical violence during their arrest, transfer or interrogation.
Shamlawi testified to DCI-Palestine that he was subjected to both physical and psychological abuse during his arrest and interrogation. He says he was repeatedly beaten by soldiers during his arrest and strip-searched.
Shamlawi was interrogated without being informed of his rights and without the presence of a lawyer or a family member. During interrogation, he says that his interrogator pulled his hair, made him watch his friends being interrogated and threatened to torture his mother if he did not confess.
Shamlawi did sign a confession in which he admitted to throwing two stones. He says he confessed under duress - and continues to deny that he did actually throw stones.
An Israeli army spokesperson commented on the case in October 2013: "We would like to emphasize that the defendants received all of their rights according to the law, including the right to avoid self-incrimination and the right to legal counsel over the course of the investigation."
Shamlawi says he also spent five days in solitary confinement.
In 2012, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Richard Falk, condemned Israel’s use of solitary confinement against Palestinian children saying it “flagrantly violates international human rights standards.”
In sworn testimonies to DCI-Palestine, the other four boys also reported physical abuse and stints in solitary confinement. One boy reported sexual threats from a prison guard.
The boys’ allegations constitute a violation of international human rights treaties ratified by Israel, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
A 2013 United Nations report from the Committee on the Rights of the Child found that “Palestinian children arrested by the [Israeli] military and police are systematically subject to degrading treatment, and often to acts of torture.”
All five teens are currently being held in Megiddo Prison in Israel. The transfer of Palestinian children to prisons inside Israel contravenes article 76 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.
It provides that “protected persons accused of offences shall be detained in the occupied country, and if convicted they shall serve their sentences therein.”
DCI-Palestine lawyer Adnan Rabi added: “We are concerned that the children's best interests, which must be the primary consideration by the military prosecutors and judges, will not be factored in at all."
*Jessica Purkiss is a freelance contributor to Defence for Children International Palestine.
The mother of captive Mutassim Raddad said that the health condition of her son, who was sentenced to 20 years, is getting worse as he suffers from bowel cancer and severe bleeding in light of medical neglect in the Israeli jails. She told the PIC on Friday that the lawyer Ashraf al-Khatib, who visited her son in Hadarim prison on Thursday, said that Mutassim was scheduled to undergo an urgent surgery for bowel resection; however, the prison administration has not set a date for the surgery till this moment.
The lawyer stated that the prisoner patient is still suffering from intestinal bleeding, anemia and weight loss, in addition to pain in the joints, heart problems and eye infections.
Raddad's mother considered that the court's refusal to release her sick son represents a decision for his execution; as the court knows very well the seriousness of his illness.
She stressed that her son is being subjected to a policy of medical negligence and appealed to the international and human rights organizations to intervene to release him.
The lawyer stated that the prisoner patient is still suffering from intestinal bleeding, anemia and weight loss, in addition to pain in the joints, heart problems and eye infections.
Raddad's mother considered that the court's refusal to release her sick son represents a decision for his execution; as the court knows very well the seriousness of his illness.
She stressed that her son is being subjected to a policy of medical negligence and appealed to the international and human rights organizations to intervene to release him.
Mohammad Abu Hummos
The Israeli police released 4 Jerusalemites with financial bails.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Israeli police at Al-Maskobyeh released Mohammad Abu Hummos, member of the follow-up committee in Esawyeh and activist Taj Mheisen after signing a 5000-NIS bail; note that they were arrested while participating in the Palestinian Marathon in Jerusalem.
Salah Eddin Street police also released Jihad Aweida, Secretary General of the National Committee against Normalization, and freed prisoner Kayed Rajabi after they both signed a 3000-NIS financial bail and on condition of isolation from Al-Aqsa Mosque for 15 days; note that they were arrested after they raised the Palestinian flags in “Street Number one” to protest against the Israeli Marathon.
The Israeli police released 4 Jerusalemites with financial bails.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the Israeli police at Al-Maskobyeh released Mohammad Abu Hummos, member of the follow-up committee in Esawyeh and activist Taj Mheisen after signing a 5000-NIS bail; note that they were arrested while participating in the Palestinian Marathon in Jerusalem.
Salah Eddin Street police also released Jihad Aweida, Secretary General of the National Committee against Normalization, and freed prisoner Kayed Rajabi after they both signed a 3000-NIS financial bail and on condition of isolation from Al-Aqsa Mosque for 15 days; note that they were arrested after they raised the Palestinian flags in “Street Number one” to protest against the Israeli Marathon.
The Israeli forces arrested 4 Jerusalemite activists on Friday morning coinciding with the start of the “Judaization Marathon” in the streets of the city of West and East Jerusalem.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the occupation forces arrested Mohammad Abu Hummos, Taj Mheisen, Kayed Rajabi and Jihad Aweida.
Abu Hummos and Mheisen were arrested after the Israeli forces suppressed a Palestinian Marathon that launched from the village of Esawyeh using a private bus towards Street number one. When the children and activists started the marathon, the forces obstructed their movement and prevented them from moving forward in order the secure the Judaization Marathon.
It is noteworthy that Jerusalemite activists organized the Palestinian Marathon as a response to the Israeli Marathon and the participants wore shirts that said “Third Jerusalem Marathon for the Arab identity of Jerusalem…stop and think twice before you participate in a political marathon not a sports one”.
The forces then arrested Rajabi and Aweida when they raised the Palestinian flags in front of the Israeli Marathon.
The forces provided complete protection and all necessary procedures for the Israeli Marathon which is organized by the occupation municipality in Jerusalem.
Wadi Hilweh Information Center was informed that the occupation forces arrested Mohammad Abu Hummos, Taj Mheisen, Kayed Rajabi and Jihad Aweida.
Abu Hummos and Mheisen were arrested after the Israeli forces suppressed a Palestinian Marathon that launched from the village of Esawyeh using a private bus towards Street number one. When the children and activists started the marathon, the forces obstructed their movement and prevented them from moving forward in order the secure the Judaization Marathon.
It is noteworthy that Jerusalemite activists organized the Palestinian Marathon as a response to the Israeli Marathon and the participants wore shirts that said “Third Jerusalem Marathon for the Arab identity of Jerusalem…stop and think twice before you participate in a political marathon not a sports one”.
The forces then arrested Rajabi and Aweida when they raised the Palestinian flags in front of the Israeli Marathon.
The forces provided complete protection and all necessary procedures for the Israeli Marathon which is organized by the occupation municipality in Jerusalem.
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Israeli forces stormed a headquarters of the Palestinian civil defense forces in Salfit in a dawn raid on Friday and detained three members.
A public relations official for the civil defense forces told Ma'an that an estimated 40 Israeli soldiers stormed the office and detained three military personnel working there on Friday. He identified the detained as the assitant Rida Tisheer Madi, Corporal Nabil Mahmoud Beni Nemra, and the soldier Ahmad Abdallah Beni Nemra from Salfit. The official said in a statement that Israeli forces broke and destroyed wireless devices and land lines, and also smashed and vandalized equipment in the office. |
He added that the raid had lasted an hour.
An Israeli military spokesperson said that "three Palestinians were detained," adding that Israeli forces "uncovered a pistol in the house of one of the suspects."
An Israeli military spokesperson said that "three Palestinians were detained," adding that Israeli forces "uncovered a pistol in the house of one of the suspects."
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas demanded in talks with US President Barack Obama that Israel free key Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghuti, a Palestinian official said Thursday.
Earlier this month, Abbas said Palestinians will not agree to extend peace talks with Israel beyond their April 29 deadline without Israel releasing more prisoners beyond the fourth and final tranche planned for later this month.
During his meeting with Obama in Washington on Monday, "President Abbas demanded the release of more prisoners and Palestinian leaders in Israeli jails, like Saadat and Barghuti and Shubaki," manager of the Palestinian prisoner club Abdulal al-Anani told the official Voice of Palestine radio.
He was referring to Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader Ahmad Saadat, former Palestinian Liberation Organization finance official Fuad Shubaki and Marwan Barghuti, one of the main architects of the 2000 intifada.
Also on Thursday, an EU parliamentary delegation urged Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners, saying it was crucial to move a fragile Middle East peace process forward.
"We believe that the release of prisoners... is central to the peace process," said Emer Costello, who headed the EU delegation on a three-day fact-finding mission on Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The visit of four EU MPs came as Israel was mulling whether or not to release a final batch of long-term Palestinian prisoners under its commitments to US-brokered peace talks.
Israel agreed to release a total of 104 prisoners when talks kick-started by US Secretary of State John Kerry began in July.
It has freed 78 so far, but Israeli ministers have warned that should the Palestinians not agree to extend talks beyond their April 29 deadline, they will not release the remaining inmates as scheduled on March 29.
"We would certainly hope that those prisoner releases would continue and would take place. It is important as well that there are people in custody who are actually pre-Oslo," Costello said, referring to inmates who were supposed to be released under the 1993 Oslo peace accords.
Costello said Israel had barred the delegation from visiting the prisons, confining the trip to meetings with Israeli MPs and local rights groups.
Israel holds more than 5,000 Palestinians in its prisons, most of them on security grounds. Around 150 of these are held under administrative detention, without charge or trial, and another 150 are minors.
The release of 78 long-term Palestinian prisoners since July has been welcomed by Abbas and by the public, especially jubilant families of the inmates, who saw their internment as political.
But it has angered bereaved Israeli families, whose relatives were killed at the hands of some of those released.
Peace talks relaunched last July have made next to no progress, marred by bitter disputes over core issues, and Washington is fighting an uphill battle to get agreement on a framework proposal that would extend the process to the year's end.
Earlier this month, Abbas said Palestinians will not agree to extend peace talks with Israel beyond their April 29 deadline without Israel releasing more prisoners beyond the fourth and final tranche planned for later this month.
During his meeting with Obama in Washington on Monday, "President Abbas demanded the release of more prisoners and Palestinian leaders in Israeli jails, like Saadat and Barghuti and Shubaki," manager of the Palestinian prisoner club Abdulal al-Anani told the official Voice of Palestine radio.
He was referring to Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader Ahmad Saadat, former Palestinian Liberation Organization finance official Fuad Shubaki and Marwan Barghuti, one of the main architects of the 2000 intifada.
Also on Thursday, an EU parliamentary delegation urged Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners, saying it was crucial to move a fragile Middle East peace process forward.
"We believe that the release of prisoners... is central to the peace process," said Emer Costello, who headed the EU delegation on a three-day fact-finding mission on Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The visit of four EU MPs came as Israel was mulling whether or not to release a final batch of long-term Palestinian prisoners under its commitments to US-brokered peace talks.
Israel agreed to release a total of 104 prisoners when talks kick-started by US Secretary of State John Kerry began in July.
It has freed 78 so far, but Israeli ministers have warned that should the Palestinians not agree to extend talks beyond their April 29 deadline, they will not release the remaining inmates as scheduled on March 29.
"We would certainly hope that those prisoner releases would continue and would take place. It is important as well that there are people in custody who are actually pre-Oslo," Costello said, referring to inmates who were supposed to be released under the 1993 Oslo peace accords.
Costello said Israel had barred the delegation from visiting the prisons, confining the trip to meetings with Israeli MPs and local rights groups.
Israel holds more than 5,000 Palestinians in its prisons, most of them on security grounds. Around 150 of these are held under administrative detention, without charge or trial, and another 150 are minors.
The release of 78 long-term Palestinian prisoners since July has been welcomed by Abbas and by the public, especially jubilant families of the inmates, who saw their internment as political.
But it has angered bereaved Israeli families, whose relatives were killed at the hands of some of those released.
Peace talks relaunched last July have made next to no progress, marred by bitter disputes over core issues, and Washington is fighting an uphill battle to get agreement on a framework proposal that would extend the process to the year's end.
Palestinian delegation of non-governmental Palestinian and European organisations is currently in Geneva to participate in the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fifth session held on 28 March 2014, UFree said in a press release Friday.
The delegation is planned to participate in number of workshops in order to shed light on the Israeli violations committed against the Palestinian people as a whole and Palestinian political prisoners and detainee in particular.
UFree operations coordinator Khaled Waleed stressed on the importance of such visits to shed light on the plight of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees inside Israeli jails.
Several meetings are scheduled to be held between the delegation members and European NGOs and pro-Palestine activists, in addition to attending a number of events in support of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees.
Furthermore, seminar is going to be held on the plight of Palestinian detainees and Jerusalem issues on Saturday 22nd March 2014 at the Islamic Center in Geneva.
In his turn, spokesperson for Youssef al-Sideeq Institution Mahmoud Lwese considered the delegation's visit an important opportunity to activate Palestinian detainees' issue in international forums.
Lwese stressed on the importance of Youssef al-Siddiq's participation in the session especially that it would include the issue of Palestinian detainees from Palestinian territories of 1948 who are deprived from their basic rights in Israeli jails as part of Israeli racist policy, in addition to facing harsh sentences without any legal basis.
The delegation is planned to participate in number of workshops in order to shed light on the Israeli violations committed against the Palestinian people as a whole and Palestinian political prisoners and detainee in particular.
UFree operations coordinator Khaled Waleed stressed on the importance of such visits to shed light on the plight of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees inside Israeli jails.
Several meetings are scheduled to be held between the delegation members and European NGOs and pro-Palestine activists, in addition to attending a number of events in support of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees.
Furthermore, seminar is going to be held on the plight of Palestinian detainees and Jerusalem issues on Saturday 22nd March 2014 at the Islamic Center in Geneva.
In his turn, spokesperson for Youssef al-Sideeq Institution Mahmoud Lwese considered the delegation's visit an important opportunity to activate Palestinian detainees' issue in international forums.
Lwese stressed on the importance of Youssef al-Siddiq's participation in the session especially that it would include the issue of Palestinian detainees from Palestinian territories of 1948 who are deprived from their basic rights in Israeli jails as part of Israeli racist policy, in addition to facing harsh sentences without any legal basis.
PLO Executive Committee member, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, met with a European Parliament ad-hoc delegation on Palestinian prisoners in Ramallah at the PLO Headquarters, and welcomed them to Palestine.
Dr. Ashrawi said, "We thank the European Parliament for sending this fact-finding mission to investigate the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, particularly the recent deaths of Palestinians in detention. It is our hope that this mission will help uphold prisoners' rights in ways that are in line with international humanitarian law, and that prevent the further injustice and torture of Palestinian prisoners."
Both parties discussed Israeli measures pertaining to the Palestinian prisoners' situation, the abduction and arrest of Palestinian parliamentarians, the urgent need for the application of international and humanitarian law in the imprisonment of Palestinians and for Israel to held accountable.
In the meeting, Dr, Ashrawi welcomed the European Parliament resolution of March 14, 2013 that called "for the immediate release of all imprisoned members of the PLC, including Marwan Barghouti."
Dr. Ashrawi stressed, "With the arbitrary arrests of Palestinians and the torture of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, Israel is in direct violation of international law and the basic norms of human rights. There is a global rule of law, and Israel must be subject to it."
"We call on members of the international community that are signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention to act on the basis of truth and justice and hold Israel accountable for its grave breaches of international law and conventions. It is high time for all states to put an end to Israel's systematic devaluation of the basic rights and lives of the Palestinian people. For there to be peace, there must be a recognition of parity of rights," Ashwari concluded.
Dr. Ashrawi said, "We thank the European Parliament for sending this fact-finding mission to investigate the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, particularly the recent deaths of Palestinians in detention. It is our hope that this mission will help uphold prisoners' rights in ways that are in line with international humanitarian law, and that prevent the further injustice and torture of Palestinian prisoners."
Both parties discussed Israeli measures pertaining to the Palestinian prisoners' situation, the abduction and arrest of Palestinian parliamentarians, the urgent need for the application of international and humanitarian law in the imprisonment of Palestinians and for Israel to held accountable.
In the meeting, Dr, Ashrawi welcomed the European Parliament resolution of March 14, 2013 that called "for the immediate release of all imprisoned members of the PLC, including Marwan Barghouti."
Dr. Ashrawi stressed, "With the arbitrary arrests of Palestinians and the torture of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, Israel is in direct violation of international law and the basic norms of human rights. There is a global rule of law, and Israel must be subject to it."
"We call on members of the international community that are signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention to act on the basis of truth and justice and hold Israel accountable for its grave breaches of international law and conventions. It is high time for all states to put an end to Israel's systematic devaluation of the basic rights and lives of the Palestinian people. For there to be peace, there must be a recognition of parity of rights," Ashwari concluded.
Hundreds of Palestinians gathered at the Manger Square in Bethlehem city, in occupied Palestine, and held a massive procession in support of Palestinian political prisoners held by Israel under very difficult conditions.
The Palestinians carried Palestinian flags and signs calling for more solidarity with all political prisoners, and calling for more popular activities to highlight the suffering and abuse the detainees face in Israeli prisons, detention camps and interrogation facilities.
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, said this procession is a message to the international community, affirming the legitimate rights of the detainees, and informing the world that releasing all detainees is an essential part of the Palestinian struggle for liberation and independence.
He held Israel responsible for the lives of all detainees, especially since dozens of them are currently hunger striking, and many others are facing very serious health condition but denied the right to proper medical attention and treatment.
Qaraqe’ added that this coming April is the month of solidarity with the detainees, locally and internationally, as dozens of activities will be held to deliver the message of the detainees, to raise awareness to their suffering, and the real dangers they face.
“The detainees are denied their basic rights, are abused and humiliated”, he said, “The International Community must act and stop Israel’s crimes and abuse”.
There are more than 205 Palestinian detainees who have died in Israeli prisons since 1967, including 74 who were deliberately killed, seven of whom were shot and killed in prison, 71 who died due to extreme torture, and 53 who died due to the lack or absence of medical attention.
The Palestinians carried Palestinian flags and signs calling for more solidarity with all political prisoners, and calling for more popular activities to highlight the suffering and abuse the detainees face in Israeli prisons, detention camps and interrogation facilities.
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, said this procession is a message to the international community, affirming the legitimate rights of the detainees, and informing the world that releasing all detainees is an essential part of the Palestinian struggle for liberation and independence.
He held Israel responsible for the lives of all detainees, especially since dozens of them are currently hunger striking, and many others are facing very serious health condition but denied the right to proper medical attention and treatment.
Qaraqe’ added that this coming April is the month of solidarity with the detainees, locally and internationally, as dozens of activities will be held to deliver the message of the detainees, to raise awareness to their suffering, and the real dangers they face.
“The detainees are denied their basic rights, are abused and humiliated”, he said, “The International Community must act and stop Israel’s crimes and abuse”.
There are more than 205 Palestinian detainees who have died in Israeli prisons since 1967, including 74 who were deliberately killed, seven of whom were shot and killed in prison, 71 who died due to extreme torture, and 53 who died due to the lack or absence of medical attention.
20 mar 2014
The Israeli Magistrate court judge extended the arrest of three lawyers and four young Jerusalemite men until next Wednesday to continue interrogating them.
They detainees are: lawyer Shireen Essawi, lawyer Amjad Safadi, lawyer Mahmoud Abu Sneineh, Shadi and Midhat Essawi, Adli Najib and Ala’ Zghayyar.
They detainees are: lawyer Shireen Essawi, lawyer Amjad Safadi, lawyer Mahmoud Abu Sneineh, Shadi and Midhat Essawi, Adli Najib and Ala’ Zghayyar.
As Palestinians prepare to mark Mother’s Day on March 21, five Palestinian mothers will be deprived of celebrating the occasion with their sons and daughters because they are jailed by Israel.
The Palestinian prisoner's society released a statement Thursday on the occasion of Mother’s Day to express solidarity with the jailed Palestinian women.
Intisar al-Sayyad from Jerusalem, mother of two daughters and two sons, has been detained since Nov. 22, 2012. She is serving two-and-a-half years in Israel's Sharon prison.
Her husband Muhammad al-Sayyad was quoted in the statement as saying that raising children in the absence of their mother is very "difficult task."
"We feel the absence of our mother every day and not only on Mother’s Day. I have to play her role sometimes helping my brothers and sisters with their studies," says Intisar's daughter Malak, 16.
Similarly, Layla Hamarsha, 24 said that due to the absence of both parents, she has been playing the mother's role at home.
"As the eldest daughter, and since both my mother and my father have been jailed, I have been responsible for five brothers and sisters."
The youngest brother, she said, is 14 years old and needs both medical and psychological care because he suffers bone disorders.
Layla’s mother Reem Hamarsha was detained on Feb. 16 at the Allenby Bridge crossing upon her return from Jordan to the West Bank. Since then she has been jailed without trial. The husband Adnan Hamarsha was detained only one day later and he too hasn’t been tried yet.
Nawal al-Saadi, mother of five daughters and six sons, was detained on Nov. 5, 2012 and has been sentenced to 20 months and a fine of 1,000 shekels. Two of her sons were killed by Israeli forces.
Ahlam Issa from Qalqiliya in the northern West Bank was detained on Feb. 16, 2014 and since then she has been detained without trial. Her husband Saed Sawaid is serving 27-year sentence since 2003. The two left behind a 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter.
The oldest Palestinian mother in Israeli custody is Rasmiyya Balawna, 53, from Tulkarem.
She left behind three daughters and a son who served nine years in Israeli jails. He was released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap deal, but was deported to the Gaza Strip.
There are about 20 Palestinian women in Israeli custody.
The Palestinian prisoner's society released a statement Thursday on the occasion of Mother’s Day to express solidarity with the jailed Palestinian women.
Intisar al-Sayyad from Jerusalem, mother of two daughters and two sons, has been detained since Nov. 22, 2012. She is serving two-and-a-half years in Israel's Sharon prison.
Her husband Muhammad al-Sayyad was quoted in the statement as saying that raising children in the absence of their mother is very "difficult task."
"We feel the absence of our mother every day and not only on Mother’s Day. I have to play her role sometimes helping my brothers and sisters with their studies," says Intisar's daughter Malak, 16.
Similarly, Layla Hamarsha, 24 said that due to the absence of both parents, she has been playing the mother's role at home.
"As the eldest daughter, and since both my mother and my father have been jailed, I have been responsible for five brothers and sisters."
The youngest brother, she said, is 14 years old and needs both medical and psychological care because he suffers bone disorders.
Layla’s mother Reem Hamarsha was detained on Feb. 16 at the Allenby Bridge crossing upon her return from Jordan to the West Bank. Since then she has been jailed without trial. The husband Adnan Hamarsha was detained only one day later and he too hasn’t been tried yet.
Nawal al-Saadi, mother of five daughters and six sons, was detained on Nov. 5, 2012 and has been sentenced to 20 months and a fine of 1,000 shekels. Two of her sons were killed by Israeli forces.
Ahlam Issa from Qalqiliya in the northern West Bank was detained on Feb. 16, 2014 and since then she has been detained without trial. Her husband Saed Sawaid is serving 27-year sentence since 2003. The two left behind a 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter.
The oldest Palestinian mother in Israeli custody is Rasmiyya Balawna, 53, from Tulkarem.
She left behind three daughters and a son who served nine years in Israeli jails. He was released as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap deal, but was deported to the Gaza Strip.
There are about 20 Palestinian women in Israeli custody.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested 26 Palestinians at dawn Thursday in different cities and villages in the West Bank. Palestinian local sources in the city of Jenin, in the north of the West Bank, said that a large military force launched on Wednesday night a raid campaign in the village of Zabuba, west of Jenin, and detained 12 citizens for several hours.
Palestinian security sources said that the IOF soldiers raided a cafe and a barber shop owned by Mehran Abu Bakr and arrested him together with another young man.
The forces have also confiscated the identity card and a cell phone of a Palestinian policeman.
The sources added that violent clashes erupted in Zabuba, during which the Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas bombs, causing many citizens to suffocate.
The IOF also attacked a number of citizens, and erected checkpoints on the entrances to the villages of Rumana and Zabuba, where the soldiers stopped and searched the vehicles and interrogated the citizens after checking their identities.
In Qalqilya, Israeli military forces raided at dawn Thursday Azzun village and broke into the houses before arresting four young men.
Villagers were forced to wait outside in the street for several hours at gunpoint, while the IOF soldiers searched the houses.
In Nablus, the occupation forces arrested a 17-year-old boy after searching and ransacking his family home in the village of Osarin.
Another young man was detained at the Hawara checkpoint south of the city of Nablus and taken to a nearby military base, eyewitnesses said.
The IOF also arrested three Palestinians in Salfit, one in Birzeit, three in al-Jalazoun refugee camp and one in al-Khalil.
The occupation claimed that all the detainees were wanted for its security apparatuses and stated that they were held in interrogation centers.
Palestinian security sources said that the IOF soldiers raided a cafe and a barber shop owned by Mehran Abu Bakr and arrested him together with another young man.
The forces have also confiscated the identity card and a cell phone of a Palestinian policeman.
The sources added that violent clashes erupted in Zabuba, during which the Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas bombs, causing many citizens to suffocate.
The IOF also attacked a number of citizens, and erected checkpoints on the entrances to the villages of Rumana and Zabuba, where the soldiers stopped and searched the vehicles and interrogated the citizens after checking their identities.
In Qalqilya, Israeli military forces raided at dawn Thursday Azzun village and broke into the houses before arresting four young men.
Villagers were forced to wait outside in the street for several hours at gunpoint, while the IOF soldiers searched the houses.
In Nablus, the occupation forces arrested a 17-year-old boy after searching and ransacking his family home in the village of Osarin.
Another young man was detained at the Hawara checkpoint south of the city of Nablus and taken to a nearby military base, eyewitnesses said.
The IOF also arrested three Palestinians in Salfit, one in Birzeit, three in al-Jalazoun refugee camp and one in al-Khalil.
The occupation claimed that all the detainees were wanted for its security apparatuses and stated that they were held in interrogation centers.
Mohammed Bader
The Israeli- occupation district court of Jerusalem sentenced to prison two Jerusalemites from Silwan and al-Issawiyyah towns.
Mahmmed Mahmoud, lawyer of Addameer human rights foundation said that the court sentenced the ex- prisoner Mohammed Bader ,26, to 30 months and a 10 months suspended sentence for two years, accusing him of making explosive substances and throwing them at the Israeli occupation forces in Silwan.
The court also sentenced Basel abu Esnaineh for 12 months and a 10 months suspended sentence for three years.
The Israeli- occupation district court of Jerusalem sentenced to prison two Jerusalemites from Silwan and al-Issawiyyah towns.
Mahmmed Mahmoud, lawyer of Addameer human rights foundation said that the court sentenced the ex- prisoner Mohammed Bader ,26, to 30 months and a 10 months suspended sentence for two years, accusing him of making explosive substances and throwing them at the Israeli occupation forces in Silwan.
The court also sentenced Basel abu Esnaineh for 12 months and a 10 months suspended sentence for three years.
Majdi Hammad
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya reiterated that the Palestinian resistance would never forsake the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and would keep working on liberating them by all means. Premier Haneyya made his remarks during the funeral service of ex-detainee Majdi Hammad, who died of a terminal illness on Wednesday.
"Today with patience and contentedness, we bid farewell to the hero Majdi Hammad, who patiently and firmly spent 20 years in the occupation prisons and gave his life cheaply for Palestine, Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque," premier Haneyya stated.
He stressed that the resistance is the dignity of the Arab and Muslim nations and would never give up its struggle path.
Hammad was a senior official of Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas and one of the prisoners who were freed in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Palestinian premier Ismail Haneyya reiterated that the Palestinian resistance would never forsake the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and would keep working on liberating them by all means. Premier Haneyya made his remarks during the funeral service of ex-detainee Majdi Hammad, who died of a terminal illness on Wednesday.
"Today with patience and contentedness, we bid farewell to the hero Majdi Hammad, who patiently and firmly spent 20 years in the occupation prisons and gave his life cheaply for Palestine, Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque," premier Haneyya stated.
He stressed that the resistance is the dignity of the Arab and Muslim nations and would never give up its struggle path.
Hammad was a senior official of Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas and one of the prisoners who were freed in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Israeli Salem military court has passed harsh sentences against the two Palestinian children Yazid and Ibrahim Abu al-Rub, from Jalboun town in Jenin, who were arrested on the 24th of April, 2013. Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) lawyer Raghib Abu Diak said that Ibrahim Abu al-Rub was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months imprisonment in addition to a fine of six thousand shekels, while Yazid Abu al-Rub was sentenced to three years imprisonment, in addition to a twelve-month suspended sentence for each one of them.
Ibrahim’s father Omar Abu al-Rub condemned the Israeli harsh sentences imposed on his son especially that he suffers from nerve damage.
For his part, Yazid's father Tawfiq Abu al-Rub held the occupation full responsibility for his son's health condition especially that he suffers injuries after being shot during his arrest.
The two children's families called on the Red Cross and international human rights institutions to pressure the Israeli government to release them, especially that they were deprived of education since their arrest last year.
Ibrahim’s father Omar Abu al-Rub condemned the Israeli harsh sentences imposed on his son especially that he suffers from nerve damage.
For his part, Yazid's father Tawfiq Abu al-Rub held the occupation full responsibility for his son's health condition especially that he suffers injuries after being shot during his arrest.
The two children's families called on the Red Cross and international human rights institutions to pressure the Israeli government to release them, especially that they were deprived of education since their arrest last year.
Israeli forces arrested nine Palestinians in overnight arrest raids across the West Bank, Israel's army and locals said.
Israeli military forces raided the northern village of Azzun and detained four men, witnesses said.
Villagers were forced to wait outside in the street for several hours at gunpoint before Thaer Zamari, 23, Mahmoud Ghalib Badwan, 22, Jaafar Sami Udwan, 24 and Muhammad Imad Radwan, 23, were blindfolded and taken away in military vehicles.
In Nablus, Israeli forces arrested 17-year-old Samir Hamdi Muflih after ransacking his family home. Bakr al-Tawil, 24, was detained at the Huwwara checkpoint and taken to a nearby military base, witnesses said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said nine Palestinians were detained, three in al-Jalazun refugee camp, three in Salfit, one in Nablus, one in Birzeit and one in Hebron.
Israeli military forces raided the northern village of Azzun and detained four men, witnesses said.
Villagers were forced to wait outside in the street for several hours at gunpoint before Thaer Zamari, 23, Mahmoud Ghalib Badwan, 22, Jaafar Sami Udwan, 24 and Muhammad Imad Radwan, 23, were blindfolded and taken away in military vehicles.
In Nablus, Israeli forces arrested 17-year-old Samir Hamdi Muflih after ransacking his family home. Bakr al-Tawil, 24, was detained at the Huwwara checkpoint and taken to a nearby military base, witnesses said.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said nine Palestinians were detained, three in al-Jalazun refugee camp, three in Salfit, one in Nablus, one in Birzeit and one in Hebron.
Israeli authorities on Thursday released a Palestinian woman who was taken into custody a few days earlier.
A statement by the Palestinian prisoner's society quoted the group's lawyer as saying Israeli forces released Nawal Ubayyat from Bethlehem.
He highlighted that she is a cancer patient.
Ubayyat was detained on March 11 while she was visiting her son Salem in Israeli custody. She was released after two people volunteered to pay a fine on her behalf at the central court in Beersheba.
A statement by the Palestinian prisoner's society quoted the group's lawyer as saying Israeli forces released Nawal Ubayyat from Bethlehem.
He highlighted that she is a cancer patient.
Ubayyat was detained on March 11 while she was visiting her son Salem in Israeli custody. She was released after two people volunteered to pay a fine on her behalf at the central court in Beersheba.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) nabbed three young men in Azzun village, east of Qalqilia, at dawn Thursday. Local sources said that IOF soldiers in 15 army vehicles stormed the village and ransacked homes of the three youths before taking them away.
They pointed out that one of the detainees, Mohammed Ridwan, was a heart patient and was carried on the shoulders with both his hands shackled.
Azzun is the target of daily IOF raids and arrests due to the IOF charge that its young men throw stones at settlers’ cars while passing on the main road near the village.
Meanwhile, large numbers of IOF soldiers raided Yabad village, south of Jenin, at dawn Thursday and searched many homes.
Local sources said that the soldiers wreaked havoc in the searched homes, assaulted citizens, and interrogated a number of them, but no arrests were made.
They pointed out that one of the detainees, Mohammed Ridwan, was a heart patient and was carried on the shoulders with both his hands shackled.
Azzun is the target of daily IOF raids and arrests due to the IOF charge that its young men throw stones at settlers’ cars while passing on the main road near the village.
Meanwhile, large numbers of IOF soldiers raided Yabad village, south of Jenin, at dawn Thursday and searched many homes.
Local sources said that the soldiers wreaked havoc in the searched homes, assaulted citizens, and interrogated a number of them, but no arrests were made.
Clashes erupted between the Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces during clashes that erupted in al-Aqsa mosque's compound.
Media sources said that several worshipers were injured and the Palestinians called on Israeli troops stationed at the main entrances of the mosque to allow the ambulance crews to enter the mosque to provide the wounded Palestinians with treatment.
The worshipers protested the raid of Moshe feiglin, a member of the Knesset, and the Israeli police arrested two young Palestinians who were among the protesters.
Injuries and arrests during settlers' break-in into al-Aqsa
Israeli police stormed on Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque and attacked Palestinian worshipers. Three youths were arrested under the pretext of throwing stones at Israeli police forces. Five Jerusalemite worshipers were injured after being attacked by Israeli police for confronting settlers' break-in into the mosque’s courtyards.
Dozens of settlers, led by Deputy Speaker of the Knesset MK Moshe Feiglin, stormed Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque to perform Talmudic prayers. However, Palestinian worshipers prevented their access to the mosque.
Israeli police brutally intervened and fired tear gas bombs and attacked the worshipers. Many breathing problems were reported among Palestinians after inhaling tear gas.
The sources said that two students of religious schools in al-Aqsa Mosque were arrested and transferred to investigation centers.
A state of tension has prevailed in al-Aqsa Mosque amid an intensive presence of Israeli forces.
Israeli forces and settlers have recently escalated their break-ins and violations in al-Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to impose a fait accompli, and divide the mosque temporally and spatially between Muslims and Jews.
Media sources said that several worshipers were injured and the Palestinians called on Israeli troops stationed at the main entrances of the mosque to allow the ambulance crews to enter the mosque to provide the wounded Palestinians with treatment.
The worshipers protested the raid of Moshe feiglin, a member of the Knesset, and the Israeli police arrested two young Palestinians who were among the protesters.
Injuries and arrests during settlers' break-in into al-Aqsa
Israeli police stormed on Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque and attacked Palestinian worshipers. Three youths were arrested under the pretext of throwing stones at Israeli police forces. Five Jerusalemite worshipers were injured after being attacked by Israeli police for confronting settlers' break-in into the mosque’s courtyards.
Dozens of settlers, led by Deputy Speaker of the Knesset MK Moshe Feiglin, stormed Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque to perform Talmudic prayers. However, Palestinian worshipers prevented their access to the mosque.
Israeli police brutally intervened and fired tear gas bombs and attacked the worshipers. Many breathing problems were reported among Palestinians after inhaling tear gas.
The sources said that two students of religious schools in al-Aqsa Mosque were arrested and transferred to investigation centers.
A state of tension has prevailed in al-Aqsa Mosque amid an intensive presence of Israeli forces.
Israeli forces and settlers have recently escalated their break-ins and violations in al-Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to impose a fait accompli, and divide the mosque temporally and spatially between Muslims and Jews.
Danny Danon
A day after the Israeli government announced a delay in the promised release of 30 long-term Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon threatened, on Wednesday, to resign from his position if the release is carried out – a move which his critics claim is a political maneuver and not an actual threat.
The group of thirty, all of whom have been imprisoned for over twenty years, are the third group of 104 prisoners promised their freedom under a deal negotiated between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank.
The other two groups have already been released. However, although the third group is scheduled to be released on March 28th, an Israeli government official claimed on Tuesday that the release of prisoners may be delayed, due to a lack of progress in the so-called 'peace negotiations' led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
Tuesday's statement by Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett was announced on Israeli Army radio. Palestinian negotiator Issa Qaraqe said that any such delay would be considered 'political blackmail' by the Israeli government against the Palestinians.
On Wednesday, a day after Bennett's claim of a potential delay, Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon made his threat, claiming that he would resign if the final group of prisoners was released. Danon stated, “I will not be part of this executive branch if it will condone and take further steps toward releasing prisoners … the day that the next Palestinian murderer takes his first steps out of jail, I will send a resignation letter, effectively stepping down from my position as deputy defense minister of Israel.”
The statements by both ministers come in the midst of a political fissure in the coalition of parties which make up Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government. Naftali Bennett is the leader of the religious right party 'Jewish Home', which boycotted a session of the Israeli legislature on Wednesday, in protest of a bill pushed by Netanyahu regarding conversions to Judaism.
Danon is a member of the right-wing faction of the Likud party, which will be holding its annual party summit three days after the planned prisoner release. At the summit, Danon will be debating Netanyahu and likely proposing a plan to split the Likud party.
A day after the Israeli government announced a delay in the promised release of 30 long-term Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon threatened, on Wednesday, to resign from his position if the release is carried out – a move which his critics claim is a political maneuver and not an actual threat.
The group of thirty, all of whom have been imprisoned for over twenty years, are the third group of 104 prisoners promised their freedom under a deal negotiated between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank.
The other two groups have already been released. However, although the third group is scheduled to be released on March 28th, an Israeli government official claimed on Tuesday that the release of prisoners may be delayed, due to a lack of progress in the so-called 'peace negotiations' led by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
Tuesday's statement by Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett was announced on Israeli Army radio. Palestinian negotiator Issa Qaraqe said that any such delay would be considered 'political blackmail' by the Israeli government against the Palestinians.
On Wednesday, a day after Bennett's claim of a potential delay, Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon made his threat, claiming that he would resign if the final group of prisoners was released. Danon stated, “I will not be part of this executive branch if it will condone and take further steps toward releasing prisoners … the day that the next Palestinian murderer takes his first steps out of jail, I will send a resignation letter, effectively stepping down from my position as deputy defense minister of Israel.”
The statements by both ministers come in the midst of a political fissure in the coalition of parties which make up Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government. Naftali Bennett is the leader of the religious right party 'Jewish Home', which boycotted a session of the Israeli legislature on Wednesday, in protest of a bill pushed by Netanyahu regarding conversions to Judaism.
Danon is a member of the right-wing faction of the Likud party, which will be holding its annual party summit three days after the planned prisoner release. At the summit, Danon will be debating Netanyahu and likely proposing a plan to split the Likud party.
Israeli soldiers invaded the village of Zabbouba, west of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and clashed with dozens of residents before kidnapping twelve, and wounding dozens.
Medical sources have reported that most wounded residents suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation, and received treatment by local medics.
Several Palestinians were also injured after being attacked and beaten by the invading soldiers.
Eyewitnesses said that several armored Israeli military jeeps invaded the village during evening hours, harassing dozens of residents, which led to clashes with local youth who threw stones and empty bottles at them.
The kidnapped Palestinians have been identified as Ahmad Maher Jaradat, 20, Ali Abdul-Karim Jaradat, 25, Eyad Ahmad Jaradat, 25, Mohammad Yasser Abahra, 22, Rami Assem Sha’ban, 20, (police officer) Rabea’ Bassam Maqalda, 22, Mahmoud Samir Jaradat, 22, Mohammad Taiseer al-‘Anr, Hisham Hilal Abu Libda, Sa’id Saber Jaradat, Nassim Maher Jaradat, and Mohammad Suleiman ‘Amarna.
Soldiers also invaded a barber shop in the village, detained the owner, Mahran Jamal Abu Baker, kidnapped Mothanna Assem Sha’ban, and confiscated the ID card of a police officer identified as Tareq Qan’ir.
In related news, soldiers installed a roadblock at the junction leading to the villages of Rommana and Zabbouba, stopped and searched dozens of Palestinians and interrogated several residents while inspecting their ID cards.
Medical sources have reported that most wounded residents suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation, and received treatment by local medics.
Several Palestinians were also injured after being attacked and beaten by the invading soldiers.
Eyewitnesses said that several armored Israeli military jeeps invaded the village during evening hours, harassing dozens of residents, which led to clashes with local youth who threw stones and empty bottles at them.
The kidnapped Palestinians have been identified as Ahmad Maher Jaradat, 20, Ali Abdul-Karim Jaradat, 25, Eyad Ahmad Jaradat, 25, Mohammad Yasser Abahra, 22, Rami Assem Sha’ban, 20, (police officer) Rabea’ Bassam Maqalda, 22, Mahmoud Samir Jaradat, 22, Mohammad Taiseer al-‘Anr, Hisham Hilal Abu Libda, Sa’id Saber Jaradat, Nassim Maher Jaradat, and Mohammad Suleiman ‘Amarna.
Soldiers also invaded a barber shop in the village, detained the owner, Mahran Jamal Abu Baker, kidnapped Mothanna Assem Sha’ban, and confiscated the ID card of a police officer identified as Tareq Qan’ir.
In related news, soldiers installed a roadblock at the junction leading to the villages of Rommana and Zabbouba, stopped and searched dozens of Palestinians and interrogated several residents while inspecting their ID cards.
