18 oct 2013
A state of tension is still prevailing among the Palestinian prisoners in Gilboa prison following the IOF break-in into the prisoners' rooms Monday. A number of detainees including the leader in al-Qassam Brigades Ibrahim Hamed were transferred to Shatta prison.
Following his visit to the prison, the lawyer Jawad Boulos confirmed in a press release that Israeli forces heavily armed broke into the prisoners' rooms in section 1 accompanied by police dogs.
He pointed out that nine prisoners have been transferred from their prisons. Muhammad Sabagh has been moved to Hadarim prison, while Ahmed Awad, Osama Hanani, Youssef Qandil, Samer Ayat, and Alaa Freihat were transferred to Nafha prison, he added.
Yasser Hamdouna was also transferred to Raymond prison and Majdi Abu al-Wafa to Ofer prison, while the leader Ibrahim Hamed has been moved to Shatta prison, he clarified.
The lawyer stated that the IPS has imposed a number of sanctions against the prisoners including closing the section, preventing family visits, depriving them from using their electrical equipment, and preventing them from using the canteen.
As a response to these harsh penalties, the prisoners refused their meals protesting the IPS measures. Boulos pointed out to the ongoing negotiations between the prisoners and the prison administration in order to restore stability to the prison.
Following his visit to the prison, the lawyer Jawad Boulos confirmed in a press release that Israeli forces heavily armed broke into the prisoners' rooms in section 1 accompanied by police dogs.
He pointed out that nine prisoners have been transferred from their prisons. Muhammad Sabagh has been moved to Hadarim prison, while Ahmed Awad, Osama Hanani, Youssef Qandil, Samer Ayat, and Alaa Freihat were transferred to Nafha prison, he added.
Yasser Hamdouna was also transferred to Raymond prison and Majdi Abu al-Wafa to Ofer prison, while the leader Ibrahim Hamed has been moved to Shatta prison, he clarified.
The lawyer stated that the IPS has imposed a number of sanctions against the prisoners including closing the section, preventing family visits, depriving them from using their electrical equipment, and preventing them from using the canteen.
As a response to these harsh penalties, the prisoners refused their meals protesting the IPS measures. Boulos pointed out to the ongoing negotiations between the prisoners and the prison administration in order to restore stability to the prison.
17 oct 2013
The two Palestinian youths Islam Mossa and Mohamed Assi spent Eid al-Adha away from their families and behind the Israeli bars after being arrested by Israeli forces on the day of Arafat, the day before Eid al-Adha. The Israeli forces arrested Islam and Mohammed, from Ramallah, after raiding and violently searching their parents' houses.
It worth mentioning that the two youths' arrest came three days after being released from PA jails where they spent three months behind PA bars as part of the security coordination policy between Israeli and Palestinian authorities in West Bank.
Islam's mother stated that her son was jailed during Eid al-Fitr in PA jails and he is also detained in Eid al-Adha in Israeli prisons.
Islam's arrest deepens his family's suffering especially that his father Salah Mossa, 48, is detained and sentenced to 17 life terms in Israeli jails for being affiliated with a "dangerous group" in Ramallah.
The two young men were first arrested in PA jails for 15 days to be released by a court's order, however they were detained again few moments after their release.
The PA Intelligence has extended their arrest twice despite the court's order to release them. They were then released few days before Eid al-Adha to be re-arrested by Israeli forces.
Islam and Mohamed's issue has negatively affected on the Palestinian judicial system's reputation where it proves that the Palestinian Judiciary is directed by PA security services.
It worth mentioning that the two youths' arrest came three days after being released from PA jails where they spent three months behind PA bars as part of the security coordination policy between Israeli and Palestinian authorities in West Bank.
Islam's mother stated that her son was jailed during Eid al-Fitr in PA jails and he is also detained in Eid al-Adha in Israeli prisons.
Islam's arrest deepens his family's suffering especially that his father Salah Mossa, 48, is detained and sentenced to 17 life terms in Israeli jails for being affiliated with a "dangerous group" in Ramallah.
The two young men were first arrested in PA jails for 15 days to be released by a court's order, however they were detained again few moments after their release.
The PA Intelligence has extended their arrest twice despite the court's order to release them. They were then released few days before Eid al-Adha to be re-arrested by Israeli forces.
Islam and Mohamed's issue has negatively affected on the Palestinian judicial system's reputation where it proves that the Palestinian Judiciary is directed by PA security services.
Prisoners’ families live tough moments during holidays in the absence of their husbands, fathers and their children who are detained in the Israeli occupation prisons, many of them without charge or trial. Mrs. Ahlam Shaarawi, the wife of captive leader Mohammed Jamal Natsheh the MP for Hamas from al-Khalil, expressed her family's sadness and grief in the absence of her husband, during the days of Eid and said: "We have been deprived of enjoying and celebrating the holidays for many years, while my husband is held in custody."
She noted that her husband has been also deprived from attending his sons’ wedding, and stressed that despite his suffering he is steadfast and is determined to continue serving his nation and his people's cause.
Law maker Natshe is currently detained in occupation jails under the so called administrative detention, without charge or trial.
She noted that her husband has been also deprived from attending his sons’ wedding, and stressed that despite his suffering he is steadfast and is determined to continue serving his nation and his people's cause.
Law maker Natshe is currently detained in occupation jails under the so called administrative detention, without charge or trial.
Israeli forces detained three Palestinian brothers late Wednesday at a checkpoint near the settlement of Haggay, south of Hebron, and took them into custody, witnesses told Ma'an.
The three boys - Muttaz, 17, Muhannad, 15, and Zein al-Din al-Abedin, 12 - are the sons of Azmi al-Shyoukhi, secretary-general of the popular committee against the wall and settlements, witnesses said.
Israeli forces reportedly claimed that the boys were in possession of knives, locals added.
A spokeswoman for the Israeli army did not respond to calls seeking comment.
A report published by UNICEF in March said Israel was the only country in the world where children were systematically tried in military courts and gave evidence of practices it said were "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment."
Over the past decade, Israeli forces have arrested, interrogated and prosecuted around 7,000 children between 12 and 17, mostly boys, UNICEF found, noting the rate was equivalent to "an average of two children each day."
The three boys - Muttaz, 17, Muhannad, 15, and Zein al-Din al-Abedin, 12 - are the sons of Azmi al-Shyoukhi, secretary-general of the popular committee against the wall and settlements, witnesses said.
Israeli forces reportedly claimed that the boys were in possession of knives, locals added.
A spokeswoman for the Israeli army did not respond to calls seeking comment.
A report published by UNICEF in March said Israel was the only country in the world where children were systematically tried in military courts and gave evidence of practices it said were "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment."
Over the past decade, Israeli forces have arrested, interrogated and prosecuted around 7,000 children between 12 and 17, mostly boys, UNICEF found, noting the rate was equivalent to "an average of two children each day."
16 oct 2013
The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) released the Palestinian prisoner Hassan al-Tourabi, from Nablus, due to serious deterioration in his health condition. The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said on Wednesday that the IOA decided to release the cancer patient Hassan Tourabi, 22, after his sudden health deterioration.
Tourabi has undergone yesterday a surgery in Afoula hospital where he is still under intensive care and cannot be transferred to any place due to his serious health situation, the PPS added.
The human rights center said that it made efforts in coordination with the Red Cross to allow family visits to the patient prisoner.
Tourabi has undergone yesterday a surgery in Afoula hospital where he is still under intensive care and cannot be transferred to any place due to his serious health situation, the PPS added.
The human rights center said that it made efforts in coordination with the Red Cross to allow family visits to the patient prisoner.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers broke into the Negev detention camp, allegedly to install new iron gates, leading to clashes with Palestinian detainees who protested the move.
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, told the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) that a large number of soldiers broke into the detention camp, on the second day of the Al-Adha Feast, an issue that provoked the detainees.
Qaraqe’ added that fire broke out in sections 15 and 16 of the camp, and that the detainees burnt a shed while protesting the attack.
The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said that two detainees were mildly hurt due to smoke inhalation, and received the needed medical attention.
The PPS added that the prison administration wanted to install doors on sheds where dozens of detainees are held, and added that those sheds, even without doors, are unfit for human use, due to heat and humidity.
The Prison Administration eventually ceded to the demands of the detainees.
The detainees held the prison Warden, known as Elan, responsible for the escalation, and demanded an end to the repeated violations against them.
In related news, soldiers broke into and searched sections in Galboa’ Israeli prison, attacked several detainees, and placed several others in solitary confinement.
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, told the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) that a large number of soldiers broke into the detention camp, on the second day of the Al-Adha Feast, an issue that provoked the detainees.
Qaraqe’ added that fire broke out in sections 15 and 16 of the camp, and that the detainees burnt a shed while protesting the attack.
The Palestinian Prisoner Society (PPS) said that two detainees were mildly hurt due to smoke inhalation, and received the needed medical attention.
The PPS added that the prison administration wanted to install doors on sheds where dozens of detainees are held, and added that those sheds, even without doors, are unfit for human use, due to heat and humidity.
The Prison Administration eventually ceded to the demands of the detainees.
The detainees held the prison Warden, known as Elan, responsible for the escalation, and demanded an end to the repeated violations against them.
In related news, soldiers broke into and searched sections in Galboa’ Israeli prison, attacked several detainees, and placed several others in solitary confinement.
Israeli sources have reported on Tuesday evening, October 15, that Israeli soldiers located a breach in the fence of Shomron settlement, west of the northern West Bank city of Nablus
The sources said that the army ordered the settlers to remain home, until the military concludes a search campaign in the settlement and around it to examine the nature of the breach, and whether Palestinians managed to infiltrate into the settlement.
In related news, soldiers kidnapped a Palestinian youth allegedly as he was trying to cross the border area with Jordan, in the Dead Sea area.
Initial investigations revealed that the Palestinian is not affiliated with any resistance group; he was moved to a Police station for interrogation.
The sources said that the army ordered the settlers to remain home, until the military concludes a search campaign in the settlement and around it to examine the nature of the breach, and whether Palestinians managed to infiltrate into the settlement.
In related news, soldiers kidnapped a Palestinian youth allegedly as he was trying to cross the border area with Jordan, in the Dead Sea area.
Initial investigations revealed that the Palestinian is not affiliated with any resistance group; he was moved to a Police station for interrogation.
15 oct 2013
Israel's army has agreed to test alternative treatment for Palestinian children it arrests in the West Bank following international pressure to introduce reforms, the UN Children's Fund said on Monday.
UNICEF, which in a March 2013 report described mistreatment of children in Israeli prisons as "widespread," said in a statement that Israel was taking steps towards addressing that report's recommendations.
The measures being tested include Israeli forces issuing summons for children instead of arresting them at night at their homes.
And a military order in April reduced from four days to 24 hours the amount of time a 12-13-year-old can be detained until being brought before a military judge.
But UNICEF stressed in a progress report published Monday that "violations are ongoing," citing 19 sample cases of alleged abuse of teenage boys in the West Bank in the second quarter of 2013.
In all cases, the boys suffered physical violence, including beating, kicking and slapping, while in 17 cases they were verbally abused.
UNICEF's March report, entitled "Children in Israeli Military Detention," said Israel was the only country in the world where children were systematically tried in military courts and gave evidence of practices it said were "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment."
"Ill-treatment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military detention system appears to be widespread, systematic and institutionalized," it concluded, outlining 38 recommendations.
Over the past decade, Israeli forces have arrested, interrogated and prosecuted around 7,000 children between 12 and 17, mostly boys, UNICEF found, noting the rate was equivalent to "an average of two children each day."
"The monthly average for 2013 shows that 219 children per month were in Israeli military custody, compared to 196 per month in 2012, marking a 12 percent increase," UNICEF said on Monday.
UNICEF, which in a March 2013 report described mistreatment of children in Israeli prisons as "widespread," said in a statement that Israel was taking steps towards addressing that report's recommendations.
The measures being tested include Israeli forces issuing summons for children instead of arresting them at night at their homes.
And a military order in April reduced from four days to 24 hours the amount of time a 12-13-year-old can be detained until being brought before a military judge.
But UNICEF stressed in a progress report published Monday that "violations are ongoing," citing 19 sample cases of alleged abuse of teenage boys in the West Bank in the second quarter of 2013.
In all cases, the boys suffered physical violence, including beating, kicking and slapping, while in 17 cases they were verbally abused.
UNICEF's March report, entitled "Children in Israeli Military Detention," said Israel was the only country in the world where children were systematically tried in military courts and gave evidence of practices it said were "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment."
"Ill-treatment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military detention system appears to be widespread, systematic and institutionalized," it concluded, outlining 38 recommendations.
Over the past decade, Israeli forces have arrested, interrogated and prosecuted around 7,000 children between 12 and 17, mostly boys, UNICEF found, noting the rate was equivalent to "an average of two children each day."
"The monthly average for 2013 shows that 219 children per month were in Israeli military custody, compared to 196 per month in 2012, marking a 12 percent increase," UNICEF said on Monday.
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UNICEF states that the Israeli authorities continue to violate the rights of Palestinian children detained in the Israeli detention centers, and to breach the international conventions and norms in this regard. The UN agency says in a statement the Israeli violations in treating the Palestinian child prisoners continue, seven months after it released a briefing paper titled “Children in Israeli military detention” which outlined practical measures to improve the treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military custody.
The paper was released on 6 March 2013 and stated that there appeared to be a pattern of ill-treatment during the arrest, transfer and interrogation of child detainees in the West Bank. |
The UNICEF stated that the Israeli military applied only 3 recommendations out of 38 contained in the briefing paper.
Among the procedures the occupation has been trying to adopt is to issue summons of children in lieu of night arrest at home.
In April 2013, Israeli Military Order 1711 came into effect, reducing the time a Palestinian child can be detained prior to appearing before a military court judge for the first time. The new order reduces the time from four days to 24 hours for children aged 12-13, and from four to two days for children aged 14-15. While there is no change for children aged 16-17.
UNICEF in its statement reported that 19 Palestinian children suffered from Israeli violation in jails during the second quarter of this year.
It asserted it will continue to engage with Israel’s Military Advocate General and advocate for the implementation of all 38 recommendations of the briefing paper, to improve protection for children in conformity with international standards.
Israeli military forces arrested and prosecuted during the past decade about 7 thousands Palestinian children between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
UNICEF Publishes Report On Detained Palestinian Children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that Israeli violations against detained Palestinian children are still ongoing, despite an alleged Israeli decision to improve their conditions, and the methods of interrogation.
It said that Tel Aviv took steps to address some of the issues of concern outlined in a report that was released back in March of this year.
The March report indicated that detained Palestinian children face systematic mistreatment.
The UNICEF said that despite its earlier report violations against detained children are still ongoing, despite the 38 recommendations that outlined these violations and the manner to address them.
The report hoped that Israel would improve the ill treatment of children, and start treating the children within international standards.
It said that Tel Aviv is “testing some of the reformed measures” used to deal with detained children.
This includes trying to summon children for integration instead of raiding their homes late at night, especially since night invasions include violence and loud noises that can traumatize the children, and their families.
The UNICEF said that heavily armed soldiers would violently break into homes, before they force the children out of their beds, and take them to interrogation facilities, cuffed, blindfolded, and in a state of extreme fear.
It said that Israeli interrogators would question the children about allegations of throwing stones at soldiers and settlers, and that the interrogators would threaten the children with physical violence, death, in addition to sexual assault threats not only against the children, but also against a family member.
The second issue that Israel appears to have complied with, according to the report, is reducing the time detained children are imprisoned before they are sent to a military court for the first time.
Israel now allegedly detains children, aged 12-13, for 24 hours instead of four days, while children 14-15 years of age are now detained for two days before being sent to court comparing to four days as per previous measures. Yet, Israel did not change detention measures for children aged 16 -17.
The UNICEF said that Israel conducted 19 violations against detained Palestinian children in the second quarter of 2013. It added that in all documented cases, detained children were subject to physical violence, including beating, kicking and slapping.
Seventeen more violations were recorded in the same period, those violations did not include any reported physical violence, but the children were verbally abused.
The UNICEF stated that it is working closely with the Israeli Prosecutor General to ensure the implementation of the 38 recommendation, mentioned in the March report, in order to improve the protection of children in accordance with international standards.
It said that some of these recommendations included preventing the soldiers form blindfolding detained children, strip search, torture, and solitary confinement.
The UNICEF further stated that children should never be taking prisoner at night, unless under very urgent conditions, and stressed that a lawyer or a family member must be present during interrogation, and that the interrogation must be videotaped.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, interrogated and prosecuted more than 7000 Palestinian children over the last ten years.
The UNICEF reported that Israel kidnaps nearly 700 Palestinian children, aged 12 – 17, mostly males, each year.
Among the procedures the occupation has been trying to adopt is to issue summons of children in lieu of night arrest at home.
In April 2013, Israeli Military Order 1711 came into effect, reducing the time a Palestinian child can be detained prior to appearing before a military court judge for the first time. The new order reduces the time from four days to 24 hours for children aged 12-13, and from four to two days for children aged 14-15. While there is no change for children aged 16-17.
UNICEF in its statement reported that 19 Palestinian children suffered from Israeli violation in jails during the second quarter of this year.
It asserted it will continue to engage with Israel’s Military Advocate General and advocate for the implementation of all 38 recommendations of the briefing paper, to improve protection for children in conformity with international standards.
Israeli military forces arrested and prosecuted during the past decade about 7 thousands Palestinian children between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
UNICEF Publishes Report On Detained Palestinian Children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that Israeli violations against detained Palestinian children are still ongoing, despite an alleged Israeli decision to improve their conditions, and the methods of interrogation.
It said that Tel Aviv took steps to address some of the issues of concern outlined in a report that was released back in March of this year.
The March report indicated that detained Palestinian children face systematic mistreatment.
The UNICEF said that despite its earlier report violations against detained children are still ongoing, despite the 38 recommendations that outlined these violations and the manner to address them.
The report hoped that Israel would improve the ill treatment of children, and start treating the children within international standards.
It said that Tel Aviv is “testing some of the reformed measures” used to deal with detained children.
This includes trying to summon children for integration instead of raiding their homes late at night, especially since night invasions include violence and loud noises that can traumatize the children, and their families.
The UNICEF said that heavily armed soldiers would violently break into homes, before they force the children out of their beds, and take them to interrogation facilities, cuffed, blindfolded, and in a state of extreme fear.
It said that Israeli interrogators would question the children about allegations of throwing stones at soldiers and settlers, and that the interrogators would threaten the children with physical violence, death, in addition to sexual assault threats not only against the children, but also against a family member.
The second issue that Israel appears to have complied with, according to the report, is reducing the time detained children are imprisoned before they are sent to a military court for the first time.
Israel now allegedly detains children, aged 12-13, for 24 hours instead of four days, while children 14-15 years of age are now detained for two days before being sent to court comparing to four days as per previous measures. Yet, Israel did not change detention measures for children aged 16 -17.
The UNICEF said that Israel conducted 19 violations against detained Palestinian children in the second quarter of 2013. It added that in all documented cases, detained children were subject to physical violence, including beating, kicking and slapping.
Seventeen more violations were recorded in the same period, those violations did not include any reported physical violence, but the children were verbally abused.
The UNICEF stated that it is working closely with the Israeli Prosecutor General to ensure the implementation of the 38 recommendation, mentioned in the March report, in order to improve the protection of children in accordance with international standards.
It said that some of these recommendations included preventing the soldiers form blindfolding detained children, strip search, torture, and solitary confinement.
The UNICEF further stated that children should never be taking prisoner at night, unless under very urgent conditions, and stressed that a lawyer or a family member must be present during interrogation, and that the interrogation must be videotaped.
Israeli soldiers kidnapped, interrogated and prosecuted more than 7000 Palestinian children over the last ten years.
The UNICEF reported that Israel kidnaps nearly 700 Palestinian children, aged 12 – 17, mostly males, each year.
Israeli forces on Monday detained four Palestinians in Beit Ummar village north of Hebron and took them to an unknown location, an official said.
Mohammad Ayyad Awad, spokesman of the popular committee against the wall and settlements, told Ma'an that an Israeli patrol intercepted a taxi near the entrance of Beit Ummar village.
They forced the four young Palestinians who were in the car to get out. Soldiers assaulted them and took them handcuffed to an unknown location. They were not immediately identified.
Mohammad Ayyad Awad, spokesman of the popular committee against the wall and settlements, told Ma'an that an Israeli patrol intercepted a taxi near the entrance of Beit Ummar village.
They forced the four young Palestinians who were in the car to get out. Soldiers assaulted them and took them handcuffed to an unknown location. They were not immediately identified.
14 oct 2013
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas headed for Europe on Monday on a mission to increase international pressure on Israel to halt settlement construction.
According to Maariv newspaper, Abbas' trip will take him to Germany, Italy and Belgium, where he will meet with heads of state and push for them to increase pressure on Israel to freeze settlement construction in the West Bank.
Sources in the PA told Maariv that Abbas set up the European trip in response to the Israeli calls to cut off the US-brokered peace talks and rethink the prisoner releases.
The newspaper added that Abu Mazen "Abbas" and the Palestinian leadership hear the opinions in Israel that are talking about the possibility of freezing the talks because of recent events, and they are already preparing an alternative plan — appealing to the United Nations institutes with the goal of winning international recognition for Palestinian state."
The newspaper also added that Abbas was going to Europe to ask for financial aid amid a fiscal crisis in the PA.
Abbas will also stresses during his trip that he is determined to continue talks with Israel; although he will tell the European leaders there has been no significant progress so far.
According to Maariv newspaper, Abbas' trip will take him to Germany, Italy and Belgium, where he will meet with heads of state and push for them to increase pressure on Israel to freeze settlement construction in the West Bank.
Sources in the PA told Maariv that Abbas set up the European trip in response to the Israeli calls to cut off the US-brokered peace talks and rethink the prisoner releases.
The newspaper added that Abu Mazen "Abbas" and the Palestinian leadership hear the opinions in Israel that are talking about the possibility of freezing the talks because of recent events, and they are already preparing an alternative plan — appealing to the United Nations institutes with the goal of winning international recognition for Palestinian state."
The newspaper also added that Abbas was going to Europe to ask for financial aid amid a fiscal crisis in the PA.
Abbas will also stresses during his trip that he is determined to continue talks with Israel; although he will tell the European leaders there has been no significant progress so far.
Baby Muhanad, one of three boys born in the West Bank thanks to sperm smuggled out of jail and through Israeli checkpoints
Hana al-Za'anin and her husband, Tamer, have not set eyes on each other, let alone had physical contact, for almost seven years. But the young Palestinian couple are delighted to be expecting their first child in January. The baby – a boy already named Hassan – is not a modern-day miracle but the result of medical science combined with old-fashioned subterfuge. He was conceived after Tamer's sperm was smuggled out of an Israeli prison, across a stringent military checkpoint into Gaza, and impregnated into an egg harvested from Hana at a fertility clinic in Gaza City. The resulting embryo was transplanted into her uterus.
Hassan will be the first "prison baby" born in Gaza, but he will join at least three infants delivered in the West Bank as a result of a rapidly growing sperm-smuggling phenomenon, driven by women desperate for babies, and doctors willing to advise on transportation and to provide IVF treatment at a reduced or waived cost. Dozens of prisoners' wives, including several in Gaza, are reported to be pregnant.
According to Abdul-Karim al-Hindawi, the Russian-trained fertility doctor who assisted Za'anin's pregnancy, the procedure is straightforward. "She is like any other woman who wants to be pregnant. The only difficulty was getting the sperm. It took about six hours to reach us, and it's unusual for sperm to be outside the body for that long," he said at his private clinic in Gaza City.
"We gave the family some advice on how to pack it. The best way is wrapped in plastic or in a small vial, and carried between the breasts, where it's warm and dark. Then we freeze it as soon as it arrives," he said.
Za'anin and her parents-in-law were coy on the details of how the sperm was passed from her husband across the notoriously tight security of Israeli jails. Another family may have been involved, and the wrapped sperm disguised as an everyday object permitted in the visitors' room.
The 26-year-old mother-to-be had been inspired to seek help from the al-Basma fertility centre after hearing of a prison baby born in the West Bank.
Za'anin, who had been denied permission by Israel to visit her husband in prison since his conviction for membership of the militant organisation Islamic Jihad just a few months after their marriage, consulted him by phone. "He was surprised that I asked. He had also heard about this, and had wanted to ask me, but thought people might wonder about me being pregnant with my husband in jail. So when I asked, he agreed right away," she said at the family's home in Beit Hanoun.
"I was very confident that everything would be OK, I don't know why," said Za'anin. "I called Tamer to say I was pregnant, and I could hear cheering. We are very happy. I need to be a mother. Every woman needs to be married and have children. In our society, this is the role of women."
Within months of the couple's wedding in 2006, the groom – now 28 – was in jail, joining two of Za'anin's brothers. Another of her brothers was killed in 2004. Her husband's family expect him to serve his full 12-year sentence.
Za'anin has been given permission to visit her husband only once, after she became pregnant. She declined, fearing that prison x-ray machines and scanners could harm her foetus.
Over recent decades, hundreds of thousands of families in Gaza and the West Bank have experienced the imprisonment of a relative, ensuring this is a visceral issue for the population. According to Addameer, a Palestinian prisoners' rights organisation, last month there were 5,007 Palestinians in Israeli jails and detention centres, including 12 women and 180 minors.
Palestinian leaders insisted on the release of long-serving prisoners as a condition of returning to peace talks this year. The first group of prisoners were released in August; the next tranche of 25 – out of a total of 104 – will be freed at the end of this month.
In the West Bank city of Nablus, fertility expert Salem Abu Khaizaran has helped prisoners' wives to become pregnant using sperm smuggled from prison. Three babies, all boys, have been born at the Razan Medical Centre.
A spokeswoman for Israel's prisons service said there was no evidence that sperm had been smuggled out of jails. "We doubt this can be done because of the security and rules for visitors for Palestinian prisoners. We doubt anyone got pregnant this way," she said.
Back in Gaza, Hindawi said all Palestinians felt solidarity with the prisoners and their families. "I was happy to do something to help," he said. Having carried out the IVF treatment at a discounted price, he hopes to deliver Za'anin's baby himself.
For Za'anin, 12 years was simply too long to wait for a child. But she does not plan to repeat the smuggling experience. "After Hassan is born, I can wait for five years to go through pregnancy again," she said.
She hopes to be able to take her son to meet his father, although it depends on the Israeli authorities granting permission. And – eventually – Hassan will hear the story of his conception. "Of course I will tell him, I am proud of this. And I want him to know."
Hana al-Za'anin and her husband, Tamer, have not set eyes on each other, let alone had physical contact, for almost seven years. But the young Palestinian couple are delighted to be expecting their first child in January. The baby – a boy already named Hassan – is not a modern-day miracle but the result of medical science combined with old-fashioned subterfuge. He was conceived after Tamer's sperm was smuggled out of an Israeli prison, across a stringent military checkpoint into Gaza, and impregnated into an egg harvested from Hana at a fertility clinic in Gaza City. The resulting embryo was transplanted into her uterus.
Hassan will be the first "prison baby" born in Gaza, but he will join at least three infants delivered in the West Bank as a result of a rapidly growing sperm-smuggling phenomenon, driven by women desperate for babies, and doctors willing to advise on transportation and to provide IVF treatment at a reduced or waived cost. Dozens of prisoners' wives, including several in Gaza, are reported to be pregnant.
According to Abdul-Karim al-Hindawi, the Russian-trained fertility doctor who assisted Za'anin's pregnancy, the procedure is straightforward. "She is like any other woman who wants to be pregnant. The only difficulty was getting the sperm. It took about six hours to reach us, and it's unusual for sperm to be outside the body for that long," he said at his private clinic in Gaza City.
"We gave the family some advice on how to pack it. The best way is wrapped in plastic or in a small vial, and carried between the breasts, where it's warm and dark. Then we freeze it as soon as it arrives," he said.
Za'anin and her parents-in-law were coy on the details of how the sperm was passed from her husband across the notoriously tight security of Israeli jails. Another family may have been involved, and the wrapped sperm disguised as an everyday object permitted in the visitors' room.
The 26-year-old mother-to-be had been inspired to seek help from the al-Basma fertility centre after hearing of a prison baby born in the West Bank.
Za'anin, who had been denied permission by Israel to visit her husband in prison since his conviction for membership of the militant organisation Islamic Jihad just a few months after their marriage, consulted him by phone. "He was surprised that I asked. He had also heard about this, and had wanted to ask me, but thought people might wonder about me being pregnant with my husband in jail. So when I asked, he agreed right away," she said at the family's home in Beit Hanoun.
"I was very confident that everything would be OK, I don't know why," said Za'anin. "I called Tamer to say I was pregnant, and I could hear cheering. We are very happy. I need to be a mother. Every woman needs to be married and have children. In our society, this is the role of women."
Within months of the couple's wedding in 2006, the groom – now 28 – was in jail, joining two of Za'anin's brothers. Another of her brothers was killed in 2004. Her husband's family expect him to serve his full 12-year sentence.
Za'anin has been given permission to visit her husband only once, after she became pregnant. She declined, fearing that prison x-ray machines and scanners could harm her foetus.
Over recent decades, hundreds of thousands of families in Gaza and the West Bank have experienced the imprisonment of a relative, ensuring this is a visceral issue for the population. According to Addameer, a Palestinian prisoners' rights organisation, last month there were 5,007 Palestinians in Israeli jails and detention centres, including 12 women and 180 minors.
Palestinian leaders insisted on the release of long-serving prisoners as a condition of returning to peace talks this year. The first group of prisoners were released in August; the next tranche of 25 – out of a total of 104 – will be freed at the end of this month.
In the West Bank city of Nablus, fertility expert Salem Abu Khaizaran has helped prisoners' wives to become pregnant using sperm smuggled from prison. Three babies, all boys, have been born at the Razan Medical Centre.
A spokeswoman for Israel's prisons service said there was no evidence that sperm had been smuggled out of jails. "We doubt this can be done because of the security and rules for visitors for Palestinian prisoners. We doubt anyone got pregnant this way," she said.
Back in Gaza, Hindawi said all Palestinians felt solidarity with the prisoners and their families. "I was happy to do something to help," he said. Having carried out the IVF treatment at a discounted price, he hopes to deliver Za'anin's baby himself.
For Za'anin, 12 years was simply too long to wait for a child. But she does not plan to repeat the smuggling experience. "After Hassan is born, I can wait for five years to go through pregnancy again," she said.
She hopes to be able to take her son to meet his father, although it depends on the Israeli authorities granting permission. And – eventually – Hassan will hear the story of his conception. "Of course I will tell him, I am proud of this. And I want him to know."
The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) at dawn Monday arrested more than 16 citizens in different parts in the West Bank. An Israeli infantry unit and a number of military patrols raided neighborhoods in the Aroub refugee camp north of al-Khalil and arrested a 19-year-old youth.
In the town of Yatta south of al-Khalil, the Israeli soldiers arrested an elderly man, after raiding his home and vandalizing its contents.
The IOF arrested three Palestinians in the villages of Shwika and Anabta in Tulkarem, and detained two others after raiding their homes in the town of Beta near Nablus.
Seven other Palestinians were arrested in villages in Ramallah during raids by the IOF.
IOF Forces Arrest 15 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli Army Forces arrested Monday, 15 Palestinians from West Bank different cities.
Israeli Army spokesperson said that 15 Palestinians were arrested at dawn on claims they are "wanted" by Israeli authorities. No details on detainees and places of detention were revealed.
The spokesperson added that the detainees were transferred to several interrogation centers for questioning.
In the town of Yatta south of al-Khalil, the Israeli soldiers arrested an elderly man, after raiding his home and vandalizing its contents.
The IOF arrested three Palestinians in the villages of Shwika and Anabta in Tulkarem, and detained two others after raiding their homes in the town of Beta near Nablus.
Seven other Palestinians were arrested in villages in Ramallah during raids by the IOF.
IOF Forces Arrest 15 Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli Army Forces arrested Monday, 15 Palestinians from West Bank different cities.
Israeli Army spokesperson said that 15 Palestinians were arrested at dawn on claims they are "wanted" by Israeli authorities. No details on detainees and places of detention were revealed.
The spokesperson added that the detainees were transferred to several interrogation centers for questioning.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) detained the father of a Palestinian prisoner after storming his home in Yatta town in Al-Khalil at dawn Monday. The PIC reporter in the town said that IOF soldiers broke into the home of the prisoner Salem Hreizat, 29, in Musala area, south of Yatta, and searched it.
He added that the soldiers, who were accompanied by intelligence elements, took away Salem’s father Ibrahim after the search, adding that Salem, a Hamas member, is serving a 16-year sentence in Israeli jails.
He added that the soldiers, who were accompanied by intelligence elements, took away Salem’s father Ibrahim after the search, adding that Salem, a Hamas member, is serving a 16-year sentence in Israeli jails.
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested three Palestinian children in one of the suburbs of the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday. Jerusalemite sources said that IOF soldiers arrested three children from Saadiya suburb after charging them with throwing stones at a settler while passing through the suburb.
They said that the three children, including 11-year-old Ahmed Dahbour, were taken to Qashla police station in downtown Jerusalem.
They said that the three children, including 11-year-old Ahmed Dahbour, were taken to Qashla police station in downtown Jerusalem.
Uda Farid Taleb, Bashir Ahmed Uda Kharoub
In another incident, the Israeli Shin Bet revealed on Sunday that three Palestinians were detained in connection with the killing of an Israeli (res.) army colonel in the Jordan Valley on Friday.
Hebrew press said that the three were from Deir Samet village in Al-Khalil province, adding that they confessed to the killing of Sariya Ofer.
“According to the Shin Bet, the motive is yet to be established, but it is likely that it was criminally motivated”, the press report said.
In another incident, the Israeli Shin Bet revealed on Sunday that three Palestinians were detained in connection with the killing of an Israeli (res.) army colonel in the Jordan Valley on Friday.
Hebrew press said that the three were from Deir Samet village in Al-Khalil province, adding that they confessed to the killing of Sariya Ofer.
“According to the Shin Bet, the motive is yet to be established, but it is likely that it was criminally motivated”, the press report said.
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The Palestinian Ministry Of Detainees issued a press release revealing that Israel is currently holding captive 5200 Palestinians in 17 prisons, detention camps, and interrogation facilities.
It said that this year witnessed a sharp escalation in arrests as the soldiers kidnapped 2450 Palestinians, including 476 children and 49 women since the beginning of the year. It said that the army kidnapped at least 600 Palestinian security and police officers, and that the number of Hamas affiliated detainees is 1100, and 365 detainees who are members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), while the rest are members of different factions. |
The Ministry stated that Israel is currently holding captive 13 democratically elected legislators, and that the Israeli military kidnapped a total of 60 legislators and ministers (%46 of the members of the Palestinian Legislative Council). Among the detained legislators are Marwan Barghouthi, Ahmad Saadat and Hassan Yousef.
Furthermore, the illegitimate Israeli policy of Administrative Detention without charges remains a systematic Israeli strategy despite repeated and extended hunger strikes by Administrative Detainees held under those arbitrary orders under “secret files” that neither the detainees nor their lawyers have no access to.
There are currently 150 Palestinians held under arbitrary Administrative Detention orders, while 23.000 Palestinians have been held under these orders since the year 2000.
Currently, detainee Akram Al-Faseesy, from Ithna town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, is ongoing with his hunger strike that started on September 29 2013.
Palestinian detainees held under Administrative Detention orders started on October 10 a series of protests against their illegal detention, this includes returning meals, boycotting Israeli military courts, and a number of open-ended hungers strikes.
As for children and women currently held by Israel, the Ministry said that there are 250 children and 13 women who are still imprisoned, and that Israel soldiers kidnapped approximately 9500 children since the year 2000.
There are 520 Palestinian detainees who are serving a minimum of one life term; this includes detainee Abdullah Barghouthi who was sentenced to 67 life-terms and additional 250 years. He was taken prisoner on March 5 2003.
The number of detainees who have been imprisoned since before the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994 is 78 detainees, 68 of them have been imprisoned since more than 20 years, and 24 have been imprisoned since more than 25 years.
In its report, the Ministry said that Israel is ongoing with its illegitimate policy of depriving the ailing detainees from the urgently needed and specialized medical care, especially since there are currently 1400 sick detainees, including 25 suffering with different types of cancer.
Dozens of detainees have been shot and injured, suffering from various conditions including paralysis, and detainees who suffer from heart, kidneys and liver conditions, while others suffer from diabetes, eye diseases and conditions, Tuberculosis, in addition to other conditions.
The Ministry further stated that there are a number of detainees who are dying and are not receiving the needed extensive and specialized medical attention.
The oldest detainee held by Israel is Fuad Shobaky, 83 years of age, followed by Omar Akkawy, 64. The number of detainees who died in prison, either due to torture, or due to being shot by the soldiers during and after their arrest currently stands at 204.
The latest casualties among the detainees are Maisara Abu Hamdiyya, 63, who died on April 2nd 2013, and Arafat Jaradat, 20, who died on February 22 2013.
Abu Hamdiyya suffered a fourth stage Carcinoma in his lung lymphatic, liver and spine, throat cancer extending to his vocal cords, and brain tumor.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Israeli Prison Administration did not grant Abu Hamdiyya the needed specialized and urgent medical treatment, until it was too late.
Detainee Arafat Jaradat, died at the Mejeddo Israeli prison, seven days after his arrest, he was a healthy young man from Sa’ir town in Hebron, and was tortured to death by Israeli interrogators.
The Ministry said that the detainees are suffering from abuse and various violations and attacks carried out against them, especially since Israel violated an agreement reached with the detainees in May of last year following an extended hunger strike.
Seventeen of the detainees who were released under the Shalit prisoner swap agreement have been rearrested and imprisoned; three of the released detainees are still not allowed back home, while dozens of detainees are still held in solitary confinement in violation of the swap agreement.
Other violations include denying the detainees the right to education, provocative searches, including strip search of the detainees and their visiting families, collective punishment, medical negligence, and denying the ailing detainees the right to healthy meals that include dietary restrictions.
Furthermore, the illegitimate Israeli policy of Administrative Detention without charges remains a systematic Israeli strategy despite repeated and extended hunger strikes by Administrative Detainees held under those arbitrary orders under “secret files” that neither the detainees nor their lawyers have no access to.
There are currently 150 Palestinians held under arbitrary Administrative Detention orders, while 23.000 Palestinians have been held under these orders since the year 2000.
Currently, detainee Akram Al-Faseesy, from Ithna town, near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, is ongoing with his hunger strike that started on September 29 2013.
Palestinian detainees held under Administrative Detention orders started on October 10 a series of protests against their illegal detention, this includes returning meals, boycotting Israeli military courts, and a number of open-ended hungers strikes.
As for children and women currently held by Israel, the Ministry said that there are 250 children and 13 women who are still imprisoned, and that Israel soldiers kidnapped approximately 9500 children since the year 2000.
There are 520 Palestinian detainees who are serving a minimum of one life term; this includes detainee Abdullah Barghouthi who was sentenced to 67 life-terms and additional 250 years. He was taken prisoner on March 5 2003.
The number of detainees who have been imprisoned since before the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994 is 78 detainees, 68 of them have been imprisoned since more than 20 years, and 24 have been imprisoned since more than 25 years.
In its report, the Ministry said that Israel is ongoing with its illegitimate policy of depriving the ailing detainees from the urgently needed and specialized medical care, especially since there are currently 1400 sick detainees, including 25 suffering with different types of cancer.
Dozens of detainees have been shot and injured, suffering from various conditions including paralysis, and detainees who suffer from heart, kidneys and liver conditions, while others suffer from diabetes, eye diseases and conditions, Tuberculosis, in addition to other conditions.
The Ministry further stated that there are a number of detainees who are dying and are not receiving the needed extensive and specialized medical attention.
The oldest detainee held by Israel is Fuad Shobaky, 83 years of age, followed by Omar Akkawy, 64. The number of detainees who died in prison, either due to torture, or due to being shot by the soldiers during and after their arrest currently stands at 204.
The latest casualties among the detainees are Maisara Abu Hamdiyya, 63, who died on April 2nd 2013, and Arafat Jaradat, 20, who died on February 22 2013.
Abu Hamdiyya suffered a fourth stage Carcinoma in his lung lymphatic, liver and spine, throat cancer extending to his vocal cords, and brain tumor.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Israeli Prison Administration did not grant Abu Hamdiyya the needed specialized and urgent medical treatment, until it was too late.
Detainee Arafat Jaradat, died at the Mejeddo Israeli prison, seven days after his arrest, he was a healthy young man from Sa’ir town in Hebron, and was tortured to death by Israeli interrogators.
The Ministry said that the detainees are suffering from abuse and various violations and attacks carried out against them, especially since Israel violated an agreement reached with the detainees in May of last year following an extended hunger strike.
Seventeen of the detainees who were released under the Shalit prisoner swap agreement have been rearrested and imprisoned; three of the released detainees are still not allowed back home, while dozens of detainees are still held in solitary confinement in violation of the swap agreement.
Other violations include denying the detainees the right to education, provocative searches, including strip search of the detainees and their visiting families, collective punishment, medical negligence, and denying the ailing detainees the right to healthy meals that include dietary restrictions.
13 oct 2013
Israeli Special Units kidnapped on Saturday more than 15 Palestinian citizens from the town of Deir Samit, west of al-Khalil during a raid into the region. Eyewitnesses told PIC that the elements of the undercover units stormed the town, and started kidnapping the citizens, and then left the place very quickly, while the occupation forces and patrols stormed the town to cover the withdrawal of the undercover soldiers.
The witnesses added that the special units transferred all the detainees to unknown destinations.
Meanwhile, the Hebrew radio claimed that an Israeli military force prevented two Palestinian resistance fighters from carrying out a commando operation targeting a military base near the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank.
The radio said on Sunday morning that a military force arrested near a military base in Nablus on Saturday night two Palestinians, who were possessing Molotov cocktails and knives, and were planning to carry out a commando operation against the military post.
It added the two men were arrested and transferred to the headquarters of the Shin Bet for questioning.
The witnesses added that the special units transferred all the detainees to unknown destinations.
Meanwhile, the Hebrew radio claimed that an Israeli military force prevented two Palestinian resistance fighters from carrying out a commando operation targeting a military base near the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank.
The radio said on Sunday morning that a military force arrested near a military base in Nablus on Saturday night two Palestinians, who were possessing Molotov cocktails and knives, and were planning to carry out a commando operation against the military post.
It added the two men were arrested and transferred to the headquarters of the Shin Bet for questioning.
Israel has arrested three Palestinian suspects in the murder of a Jewish settler in the West Bank, its domestic security service said Sunday.
"The Shin Bet, with the assistance of the army and the police, have arrested a number of those involved in the murder of Sarya Ofer," the agency said in a statement.
The Shin Bet said Odeh Farid Harub, 18, and Bashir Ahmed Harub, 21, had confessed to the killing of the retired army colonel at his isolated Jordan Valley home.
The third suspect was not identified.
The suspects allegedly told interrogators they had visited the compound that Ofer shared with his wife Monique late one night about two weeks ago but without doing anything.
The Shin Bet said their account matched a statement by Monique, who escaped with injuries after her husband was bludgeoned to death, saying youths from the Hebron area had came to the house "under suspicious circumstances."
Israeli security officials said that the murder was most likely a botched robbery and not a political attack, Israeli news site Ynet reported.
Retired Israeli colonel Sariya Ofer was bludgeoned to death in the illegal settlement of Brosh in the Jordan Valley on Friday.
"The Shin Bet, with the assistance of the army and the police, have arrested a number of those involved in the murder of Sarya Ofer," the agency said in a statement.
The Shin Bet said Odeh Farid Harub, 18, and Bashir Ahmed Harub, 21, had confessed to the killing of the retired army colonel at his isolated Jordan Valley home.
The third suspect was not identified.
The suspects allegedly told interrogators they had visited the compound that Ofer shared with his wife Monique late one night about two weeks ago but without doing anything.
The Shin Bet said their account matched a statement by Monique, who escaped with injuries after her husband was bludgeoned to death, saying youths from the Hebron area had came to the house "under suspicious circumstances."
Israeli security officials said that the murder was most likely a botched robbery and not a political attack, Israeli news site Ynet reported.
Retired Israeli colonel Sariya Ofer was bludgeoned to death in the illegal settlement of Brosh in the Jordan Valley on Friday.
The health condition of prisoner Naim Shawamra from Dura town in Al-Khalil has seriously deteriorated as of late. Shawamra appealed to all human rights groups and official and public institutions to inquire about his condition and to immediately step in and demand his release.
He said that he was experiencing excruciating pain in all parts of his body especially his limbs, hands, feet, and spinal cord.
Family members of Shawamra, who has been in Israeli jails for the past 18 years, had organized a series of solidarity activities with him.
They said that he was gradually losing his eyesight, charging the Israeli occupation authorities with neglecting his medical condition similar to the case with one thousand other patients in captivity.
He said that he was experiencing excruciating pain in all parts of his body especially his limbs, hands, feet, and spinal cord.
Family members of Shawamra, who has been in Israeli jails for the past 18 years, had organized a series of solidarity activities with him.
They said that he was gradually losing his eyesight, charging the Israeli occupation authorities with neglecting his medical condition similar to the case with one thousand other patients in captivity.
