16 oct 2008
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is furious that Israeli soldiers shot to death three Palestinians in as many days, according to a statement from the government's official spokesperson on Thursday.
PA official Riyadh Al-Maliki denounced the bloodshed at Al-Jalazoun Refugee Camp and the village of Kafr Malik in the West Bank over the past 72 hours, saying Israel gunned down three Palestinians "in cold blood."
"Targeting our young men is the least effective method of protecting their settlers, who rarely miss an opportunity to attack unarmed Palestinians," he said.
Al-Maliki called the killings "unjustified," saying they occurred "without pretext, but with baseless excuses."
"Especially given that these young Palestinians have to walk in front of their homes, parts of which have been confiscated for settlements or are directly next to them, surrounding [Palestinians]. And all the while the settlers inside continue to attack them," he added.
He held the Israeli government responsible for disturbing the security situation in the Palestinian territories, "particularly after the success of the PA and its security plan" in areas where forces have recently been deployed.
Al-Maliki announced that the ministries of foreign affairs and information would initiate media and diplomatic campaigns aimed at "uncovering Israeli terrorism."
Settler campaigns of "attacks and vandalism" against Palestinians, especially when they are protected by the Israeli army, is a "grotesque crime against human beings," he insisted.
"This is proof that the Israeli policy, whether by Israeli government or Israeli settlers amounts to ethnic cleansing," he claimed, and is at heart a plan aimed at removing Palestinians from "their homes and their lands."
The spokesperson called on members of diplomatic missions to the PA to inform their respective governments of what is happening in Palestine, with particular emphasis on "Israeli settlers and acts of military escalation."
He also reassured farmers that the PA "will spare none its resources" to protect Palestinian villagers during the rest of the olive harvest.
PA official Riyadh Al-Maliki denounced the bloodshed at Al-Jalazoun Refugee Camp and the village of Kafr Malik in the West Bank over the past 72 hours, saying Israel gunned down three Palestinians "in cold blood."
"Targeting our young men is the least effective method of protecting their settlers, who rarely miss an opportunity to attack unarmed Palestinians," he said.
Al-Maliki called the killings "unjustified," saying they occurred "without pretext, but with baseless excuses."
"Especially given that these young Palestinians have to walk in front of their homes, parts of which have been confiscated for settlements or are directly next to them, surrounding [Palestinians]. And all the while the settlers inside continue to attack them," he added.
He held the Israeli government responsible for disturbing the security situation in the Palestinian territories, "particularly after the success of the PA and its security plan" in areas where forces have recently been deployed.
Al-Maliki announced that the ministries of foreign affairs and information would initiate media and diplomatic campaigns aimed at "uncovering Israeli terrorism."
Settler campaigns of "attacks and vandalism" against Palestinians, especially when they are protected by the Israeli army, is a "grotesque crime against human beings," he insisted.
"This is proof that the Israeli policy, whether by Israeli government or Israeli settlers amounts to ethnic cleansing," he claimed, and is at heart a plan aimed at removing Palestinians from "their homes and their lands."
The spokesperson called on members of diplomatic missions to the PA to inform their respective governments of what is happening in Palestine, with particular emphasis on "Israeli settlers and acts of military escalation."
He also reassured farmers that the PA "will spare none its resources" to protect Palestinian villagers during the rest of the olive harvest.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak instructed the army and relevant security departments to try to extend the truce with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to Hebrew-language newspaper Yediot Ahronot on Thursday.
Barak said that "the recent interest for Israel is to continue with the truce, extending it some unspecified period of time." It would otherwise expire in December.
During a meeting in Cairo, Egyptian officials presented a list, submitted by Hamas, detailing Israeli violations to the truce, including barring the entrance of goods. Israeli officials denied several of the claims, but Egypt demanded that the amount of goods sent to the Gaza Strip be increased in any future deal.
A senior Israeli government source said that Israel "believes that continuing the truce after the approved six months is an Egyptian interest," as well for Hamas. The source also claimed that Hamas was interested in extending the agreement at least "until the summer," though he did not explain why.
The same source added that Israel thanked Egypt "for its efforts to fight smuggling" by destroying tunnels at the Egypt-Gaza border. But Israel still claimed that weapons were being taken through the tunnels, despite the best efforts of the Egyptian authorities.
Barak said that "the recent interest for Israel is to continue with the truce, extending it some unspecified period of time." It would otherwise expire in December.
During a meeting in Cairo, Egyptian officials presented a list, submitted by Hamas, detailing Israeli violations to the truce, including barring the entrance of goods. Israeli officials denied several of the claims, but Egypt demanded that the amount of goods sent to the Gaza Strip be increased in any future deal.
A senior Israeli government source said that Israel "believes that continuing the truce after the approved six months is an Egyptian interest," as well for Hamas. The source also claimed that Hamas was interested in extending the agreement at least "until the summer," though he did not explain why.
The same source added that Israel thanked Egypt "for its efforts to fight smuggling" by destroying tunnels at the Egypt-Gaza border. But Israel still claimed that weapons were being taken through the tunnels, despite the best efforts of the Egyptian authorities.
Israelis on Thursday posted statements, news items and photographs online indicating that extremist groups had broken into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Among the claims were that groups of Jewish Israelis had "boldly and loudly" read parts of their holy book, which is known in Hebrew as the Tanach. Among the individuals at the break-in were reportedly members of "Yehuda Atzion," an extremist group that threatened in the 1980s to "blow up the Al-Aqsa Mosque." Others involved claimed it was the first time they had been to the site, which is in the Old City of East Jerusalem.
The Israelis supposedly involved wrote in online statements that all were carrying holy scripts for reading on religious holidays. Sources added that Israeli police kept the invasion secret in order to avoid escalations in the already tense state of Arab-Jewish relations in Israel.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage warned on Thursday of "an escalation of the trend," in which groups of gangs attempt to break in to the mosque, mainly for the purpose of performing religious rituals.
Foundation leader Zaki Ighbareyah called for Muslims to "pour to Al-Aqsa for prayers" in response to the alleged incidents.
"We published photographs of Israeli groups breaking into Al-Aqsa, and today they are talking publicly about invading the holy compound," Ighbareyah said in a statement. He also described the attitudes of those involved as "provocative."
"We consider this incident an attack on Al-Aqsa and a provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world," particularly since it "is carried out under the guard and approval of the Israeli government," he said.
Police apparently allowed up to 650 people to enter the area on Wednesday. Two trips were permitted by the police, according to media sources. One group of about 400 entered the mosque on Wednesday morning while another group of about 250 arrived after noon on the same day. The incident was documented by photographs that seemed to show extremists within various parts of the facility.
The head of Palestinian Authority (PA)'s Waqf Department in Jerusalem also denounced what he called "provocations" and accused the Israeli military of "creating tension by allowing extremists to break into Al-Aqsa, and while guarding them." He said he feared that the "consequences of such actions could affect the entire region."
Among the claims were that groups of Jewish Israelis had "boldly and loudly" read parts of their holy book, which is known in Hebrew as the Tanach. Among the individuals at the break-in were reportedly members of "Yehuda Atzion," an extremist group that threatened in the 1980s to "blow up the Al-Aqsa Mosque." Others involved claimed it was the first time they had been to the site, which is in the Old City of East Jerusalem.
The Israelis supposedly involved wrote in online statements that all were carrying holy scripts for reading on religious holidays. Sources added that Israeli police kept the invasion secret in order to avoid escalations in the already tense state of Arab-Jewish relations in Israel.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage warned on Thursday of "an escalation of the trend," in which groups of gangs attempt to break in to the mosque, mainly for the purpose of performing religious rituals.
Foundation leader Zaki Ighbareyah called for Muslims to "pour to Al-Aqsa for prayers" in response to the alleged incidents.
"We published photographs of Israeli groups breaking into Al-Aqsa, and today they are talking publicly about invading the holy compound," Ighbareyah said in a statement. He also described the attitudes of those involved as "provocative."
"We consider this incident an attack on Al-Aqsa and a provocation of the feelings of Muslims around the world," particularly since it "is carried out under the guard and approval of the Israeli government," he said.
Police apparently allowed up to 650 people to enter the area on Wednesday. Two trips were permitted by the police, according to media sources. One group of about 400 entered the mosque on Wednesday morning while another group of about 250 arrived after noon on the same day. The incident was documented by photographs that seemed to show extremists within various parts of the facility.
The head of Palestinian Authority (PA)'s Waqf Department in Jerusalem also denounced what he called "provocations" and accused the Israeli military of "creating tension by allowing extremists to break into Al-Aqsa, and while guarding them." He said he feared that the "consequences of such actions could affect the entire region."
Destroyed car belonging to Hamadallah Afanah
A group of settlers destroyed a Palestinian car near the illegal Israeli settlement of Alon Moriah, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, witnesses told Ma'an.
According to 43-year-old Hamadallah Afanah, settlers destroyed the car "within 100 meters of an Israeli checkpoint."
"A number of Israeli settlers destroyed the windows of my car and blew out its tires with knives," he said.
Afanah said he was in the area near the settlement to harvest olive trees, having received a three-day permit issued by the Israeli military. Although his family owns the land, Afanah's presence there apparently infuriated nearby settlers, who later retaliated by destroying his car, he said.
A group of settlers destroyed a Palestinian car near the illegal Israeli settlement of Alon Moriah, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, witnesses told Ma'an.
According to 43-year-old Hamadallah Afanah, settlers destroyed the car "within 100 meters of an Israeli checkpoint."
"A number of Israeli settlers destroyed the windows of my car and blew out its tires with knives," he said.
Afanah said he was in the area near the settlement to harvest olive trees, having received a three-day permit issued by the Israeli military. Although his family owns the land, Afanah's presence there apparently infuriated nearby settlers, who later retaliated by destroying his car, he said.
Dozens of Israeli settlers took over an abandoned Israeli military base near Bethlehem for several hours on Thursday, Ma'an correspondents reported from the scene.
Six people were detained during the takeover of the former Osh Ghurab post in Beit Sahour, a town near the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Two Palestinians and four internationals were seized there, according to witnesses. One of the Palestinians reportedly detained at the rally is editor-in-chief of a news agency headquartered in Bethlehem.
The two Palestinians were identified as journalist Sami Awad and 26-year-old Salim Anfous. Also seized were four internationals: Jason Pollack, of the United States, 24-year-old Sarah Venturini of Italy, an unnamed man from the United Kingdom and a 25-year-old from the United States.
During the arrests, several witnesses said and a videotape confirmed that Israeli police and border guards wrestled the demonstrators to the ground, in one case twisting a detainee's arm behind his back and pushing his face into the dirt.
The six were held nearby for several hours. Five of the detainees were released shortly after the settlers left the area, seemingly in coordination with the Israeli military. The British man is still being held in an undisclosed location on the charge of striking a police officer. Video footage of the incident and witness accounts suggest that the man was taking photos at the time of the arrests.
During the rally, soldiers scaled a local Palestinian family's house overlooking the area. Troops stood guard from the rooftop, which according to Palestinians in the neighborhood, belongs to the Hijazin family.
Israeli soldiers also erected a checkpoint leading to the former base, blocking access to the surrounding roads in an apparent attempt to protect the group that was operating illegally in the West Bank.
Witnesses reported widescale physical abuse at the hands of Israeli soldiers while Ma'an's correspondents said troops made concerted efforts to keep journalists far from the scene, blocking access to the settlers' event itself.
However, Israeli forces did not prevent settlers from entering the area on Thursday. Witnesses say settlers marched throughout the base, celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. No arrests of settlers were immediately reported. In fact, Jewish groups involved said that the event was coordinated with the Israeli military in advance.
Two groups, the Committee for Jewish Shdema and Women in Green reportedly confirmed to Israel National News that the rally's "festivities were authorized by the IDF, who provided security."
Asked to show documentation of the military order closing the area, Israeli troops presented a document in Hebrew with a map designating the hilltop base as off limits, but not the valley and streambed where the demonstrators were seized.
Ma'an had previously obtained reports on Wednesday that members of the Israeli Knesset planned to be among those at the event, though it was not apparent by Thursday evening if the politicians had actually joined the group.
Six people were detained during the takeover of the former Osh Ghurab post in Beit Sahour, a town near the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Two Palestinians and four internationals were seized there, according to witnesses. One of the Palestinians reportedly detained at the rally is editor-in-chief of a news agency headquartered in Bethlehem.
The two Palestinians were identified as journalist Sami Awad and 26-year-old Salim Anfous. Also seized were four internationals: Jason Pollack, of the United States, 24-year-old Sarah Venturini of Italy, an unnamed man from the United Kingdom and a 25-year-old from the United States.
During the arrests, several witnesses said and a videotape confirmed that Israeli police and border guards wrestled the demonstrators to the ground, in one case twisting a detainee's arm behind his back and pushing his face into the dirt.
The six were held nearby for several hours. Five of the detainees were released shortly after the settlers left the area, seemingly in coordination with the Israeli military. The British man is still being held in an undisclosed location on the charge of striking a police officer. Video footage of the incident and witness accounts suggest that the man was taking photos at the time of the arrests.
During the rally, soldiers scaled a local Palestinian family's house overlooking the area. Troops stood guard from the rooftop, which according to Palestinians in the neighborhood, belongs to the Hijazin family.
Israeli soldiers also erected a checkpoint leading to the former base, blocking access to the surrounding roads in an apparent attempt to protect the group that was operating illegally in the West Bank.
Witnesses reported widescale physical abuse at the hands of Israeli soldiers while Ma'an's correspondents said troops made concerted efforts to keep journalists far from the scene, blocking access to the settlers' event itself.
However, Israeli forces did not prevent settlers from entering the area on Thursday. Witnesses say settlers marched throughout the base, celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. No arrests of settlers were immediately reported. In fact, Jewish groups involved said that the event was coordinated with the Israeli military in advance.
Two groups, the Committee for Jewish Shdema and Women in Green reportedly confirmed to Israel National News that the rally's "festivities were authorized by the IDF, who provided security."
Asked to show documentation of the military order closing the area, Israeli troops presented a document in Hebrew with a map designating the hilltop base as off limits, but not the valley and streambed where the demonstrators were seized.
Ma'an had previously obtained reports on Wednesday that members of the Israeli Knesset planned to be among those at the event, though it was not apparent by Thursday evening if the politicians had actually joined the group.
Settlers attempting to impede Palestinian olive harvests initiated a bizarre new tactic on Thursday, apparently leaving flocks of sheep at olive groves to feed on the small trees.
Residents told Ma'an that Israeli settlers "dumped dozens of sheep" on Palestinian farmland neighboring the illegal settlement of Itamar, where the animals damaged and devoured dozens of olive and fig trees.
57-year-old Jamil Daraqshah claimed that he saw an Israeli shepherd at his farm in the village of Awarta, which is south of Nablus, just days before. Also evidence, he said, is that Palestinians are not permitted to enter the area without first coordinating with the Palestinian-Israeli liaison office in Nablus.
Residents told Ma'an that Israeli settlers "dumped dozens of sheep" on Palestinian farmland neighboring the illegal settlement of Itamar, where the animals damaged and devoured dozens of olive and fig trees.
57-year-old Jamil Daraqshah claimed that he saw an Israeli shepherd at his farm in the village of Awarta, which is south of Nablus, just days before. Also evidence, he said, is that Palestinians are not permitted to enter the area without first coordinating with the Palestinian-Israeli liaison office in Nablus.
Israeli forces closed an agricultural road on Thursday morning between the villages of Kafr Al-Labad and Shufa, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli army bulldozers, backed by armed soldiers, built a mound of earth and large rocks.
Local farmers said the closure of the road means that they cannot bring newly harvested olives from their fields to a nearby olive press, because their tractors can no longer traverse the road.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided town of Anabta, east Tulkarem at dawn on Thursday, taking up positions on the roofs of houses, including a house belonging to resident Shaher Hanoun. Israeli troops stormed a number of houses, but no arrests or injuries were reported.
Witnesses told Ma'an that Israeli army bulldozers, backed by armed soldiers, built a mound of earth and large rocks.
Local farmers said the closure of the road means that they cannot bring newly harvested olives from their fields to a nearby olive press, because their tractors can no longer traverse the road.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces raided town of Anabta, east Tulkarem at dawn on Thursday, taking up positions on the roofs of houses, including a house belonging to resident Shaher Hanoun. Israeli troops stormed a number of houses, but no arrests or injuries were reported.
Israelis from the West Bank settlement Qedumim set fire to olive trees owned by a Palestinian farmer, Fathi Hamed Amer, in the village of Kafr Qaddum, which is adjacent to the settlement on Thursday morning.
Witnesses reported that as of late morning the olive groves were still burning. The area lies west of the city of Nablus.
The burning of the olive trees is the latest in a series of violent settler attacks, particularly against Palestinian famers, who recently began the annual olive harvest.
On 10 an 11 October, Israelis from settlements in the Nablus area assaulted farmers working on their lands in villages near Nablus. In the first attack, six Palestinians, including a 70-year-old man, were injured. In the second, two Palestinians were hospitalized for head injuries.
Witnesses reported that as of late morning the olive groves were still burning. The area lies west of the city of Nablus.
The burning of the olive trees is the latest in a series of violent settler attacks, particularly against Palestinian famers, who recently began the annual olive harvest.
On 10 an 11 October, Israelis from settlements in the Nablus area assaulted farmers working on their lands in villages near Nablus. In the first attack, six Palestinians, including a 70-year-old man, were injured. In the second, two Palestinians were hospitalized for head injuries.
A young Palestinian man was killed and another injured in clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank village of Kafr Malik, west of the city of Ramallah on Thursday morning.
Security sources told Ma'an that Israeli forces raided the village after midnight on Thursday, sparking clashes with young Palestinian men. During the confrontation 21-year-old Aziz Yousef Al-Haj was willed. Another man, 21-year-old Shadi Saleh was moderately injured and then hospitalized.
Separately, Medical sources reported that another young man, 22-year-old Mohammad Jamal Ar-Ramahi, died due to gunshot wounds he sustained on Tuesday night when Israeli troops fired on Palestinians near the Bet El settlement near Ramallah.
Ar-Ramahi, like the other youth was killed on Tuesday, was from Al-Jalazun Refugee Camp north of Ramallah.
Security sources told Ma'an that Israeli forces raided the village after midnight on Thursday, sparking clashes with young Palestinian men. During the confrontation 21-year-old Aziz Yousef Al-Haj was willed. Another man, 21-year-old Shadi Saleh was moderately injured and then hospitalized.
Separately, Medical sources reported that another young man, 22-year-old Mohammad Jamal Ar-Ramahi, died due to gunshot wounds he sustained on Tuesday night when Israeli troops fired on Palestinians near the Bet El settlement near Ramallah.
Ar-Ramahi, like the other youth was killed on Tuesday, was from Al-Jalazun Refugee Camp north of Ramallah.
UN official calls Israeli siege on Gaza 'the absence of humanity'
Closure of crossing point causes cooking gas 'crisis' in Gaza
Four Palestinians seized by Israeli troops in Qabatiya
Al-Khudari: Children are 35% of blockade-related deaths
Closure of crossing point causes cooking gas 'crisis' in Gaza
Four Palestinians seized by Israeli troops in Qabatiya
Al-Khudari: Children are 35% of blockade-related deaths
15 oct 2008
Israeli soldiers assaulted and detained a young Palestinian at the Huwwara checkpoint south of Nablus on Wednesday night, according to witnesses at the scene.
Several Palestinians told Ma'an that the soldiers first accused the 16-year-old boy, Sa'd Ibrahim Abed Gaghoub, of possessing a knife. They said troops then "assaulted" the boy, closing the checkpoint for several minutes while processing his arrest.
It was not immediately clear how seriously Gaghoub was injured during the alleged beating. Israeli authorities did not say where he was taken, either.
The boy is from the village of Beita near Nablus, which is in the northern West Bank.
Several Palestinians told Ma'an that the soldiers first accused the 16-year-old boy, Sa'd Ibrahim Abed Gaghoub, of possessing a knife. They said troops then "assaulted" the boy, closing the checkpoint for several minutes while processing his arrest.
It was not immediately clear how seriously Gaghoub was injured during the alleged beating. Israeli authorities did not say where he was taken, either.
The boy is from the village of Beita near Nablus, which is in the northern West Bank.
A young Palestinian man was injured near Ramallah on Wednesday when Israeli troops fired toward him, Israeli sources told Ma'an.
He was injured in Al-Jalazoon, a town near Birzeit University outside of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers reportedly opened fire after he threw a molotov cocktail in their direction.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces shot and killed a different young man in Ramallah. He was also accused of attacking soldiers with a molotov cocktail.
He was injured in Al-Jalazoon, a town near Birzeit University outside of Ramallah. Israeli soldiers reportedly opened fire after he threw a molotov cocktail in their direction.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces shot and killed a different young man in Ramallah. He was also accused of attacking soldiers with a molotov cocktail.
Israeli settlers stoned a group of a dozen Palestinian schoolchildren on their way home from school south of the West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday afternoon, after an Israeli patrol had left them unaccompanied.
According to witnesses two settlers waited for the group of 11 children, all between the ages of six and eleven, on a road in the village of At-Tuwani, next to the settlement Ma'on. During the attack the settlers chased the children toward the nearby village of Tuba.
The stoning took place after an Israeli army patrol left the children to walk on their own.
This attack, according to the organization Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), was the latest in a pattern of settler violence, which is allowed to take place by a "complacent" Israeli military. CPT released a report on Wednesday cataloguing the attacks over the past year.
An American CPT worker named Sean said the Israeli troops stationed in the area were "dismissive" when asked why they left the children without escort.
"This is an ongoing thing. The army, as far as doing the patrol correctly, is non-responsive," he said.
"The beginning was worse, but after today it seems harder than the beginning. The settlers are still beating our children," said the mother of one child from At-Tuwani.
The Israeli army began escorting children in At-Tuwani in the fall of 2004 following settler attacks on a public road that passes between Ma'on settlement and Hill 833 settler outpost (also known as Havot Ma'on).
In November 2004, Israeli Knesset Committee for Children's Rights affirmed the initial verbal agreement for military accompaniment of the children between the At-Tuwani mayor and the Israeli District Coordinating Office (DCO), the section of the army that coordinates civilian affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The report "A Dangerous Journey: Settler violence against Palestinian schoolchildren under Israeli military escort" describes the daily journey of the children from the villages of Tuba and Maghaer al-Abeed to and from their school in At-Tuwani under Israeli military escort.
Comparison of the data collected during the 2007-08 school year and the 2006-07 school year shows a constant level of settler violence against the schoolchildren.
According to witnesses two settlers waited for the group of 11 children, all between the ages of six and eleven, on a road in the village of At-Tuwani, next to the settlement Ma'on. During the attack the settlers chased the children toward the nearby village of Tuba.
The stoning took place after an Israeli army patrol left the children to walk on their own.
This attack, according to the organization Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), was the latest in a pattern of settler violence, which is allowed to take place by a "complacent" Israeli military. CPT released a report on Wednesday cataloguing the attacks over the past year.
An American CPT worker named Sean said the Israeli troops stationed in the area were "dismissive" when asked why they left the children without escort.
"This is an ongoing thing. The army, as far as doing the patrol correctly, is non-responsive," he said.
"The beginning was worse, but after today it seems harder than the beginning. The settlers are still beating our children," said the mother of one child from At-Tuwani.
The Israeli army began escorting children in At-Tuwani in the fall of 2004 following settler attacks on a public road that passes between Ma'on settlement and Hill 833 settler outpost (also known as Havot Ma'on).
In November 2004, Israeli Knesset Committee for Children's Rights affirmed the initial verbal agreement for military accompaniment of the children between the At-Tuwani mayor and the Israeli District Coordinating Office (DCO), the section of the army that coordinates civilian affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The report "A Dangerous Journey: Settler violence against Palestinian schoolchildren under Israeli military escort" describes the daily journey of the children from the villages of Tuba and Maghaer al-Abeed to and from their school in At-Tuwani under Israeli military escort.
Comparison of the data collected during the 2007-08 school year and the 2006-07 school year shows a constant level of settler violence against the schoolchildren.
Islamic Jihad remains committed to the Gaza Strip ceasefire in spite of Israel's violations of the June agreement, a spokesperson for the movement's military arm said on Wednesday.
"Palestinian resistance has not so far retaliated for Israel's violations of the ceasefire only to avoid disagreement amongst resistance factions," said Abu Ahmad, the spokesperson of the Al-Quds Brigades said in a press statement.
"Israel has violated ceasefire the several times, Al-Quds Brigades calculate these violations one at a time, and we update Palestinian people on them," he added.
He explained that his military organization agreed to ceasefire in an attempt to help the besieged Gaza Strip to get the minimum requirements of life which almost vanished as a result of Israel's crippling siege. "We were interested in opening border crossings, specifically the Rafah crossing which is the only outlet to the external world," he added.
Abu Ahmad says his group was disappointed that Gaza's borders were not opened as expected. The Rafah crossing is open "one day, but remain closed for ten days."
The spokesperson said that his organization is taking advantage of the ceasefire to hold intensive training courses for its fighters to improve their skills and prepare them for any future confrontation with Israeli forces.
"What is going on in Jerusalem and Acre as well as other cities occupied in 1948, is continuation of Israel's plans against Palestinian resistance in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip," Abu Ahmad added.
"Palestinian resistance has not so far retaliated for Israel's violations of the ceasefire only to avoid disagreement amongst resistance factions," said Abu Ahmad, the spokesperson of the Al-Quds Brigades said in a press statement.
"Israel has violated ceasefire the several times, Al-Quds Brigades calculate these violations one at a time, and we update Palestinian people on them," he added.
He explained that his military organization agreed to ceasefire in an attempt to help the besieged Gaza Strip to get the minimum requirements of life which almost vanished as a result of Israel's crippling siege. "We were interested in opening border crossings, specifically the Rafah crossing which is the only outlet to the external world," he added.
Abu Ahmad says his group was disappointed that Gaza's borders were not opened as expected. The Rafah crossing is open "one day, but remain closed for ten days."
The spokesperson said that his organization is taking advantage of the ceasefire to hold intensive training courses for its fighters to improve their skills and prepare them for any future confrontation with Israeli forces.
"What is going on in Jerusalem and Acre as well as other cities occupied in 1948, is continuation of Israel's plans against Palestinian resistance in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip," Abu Ahmad added.
Expired peaches imported from Israel, seized by PA
Four young Palestinians seized by Israeli forces in the West Bank
Four young Palestinians seized by Israeli forces in the West Bank
14 oct 2008
A 17-year-old boy is dead and at least two others may be injured in north eastern Ramallah after Israeli troops opened fire on a group of young men near the Bet El settlement on Tuesday night.
While Israeli forces claim the boys were preparing to launch Molotov cocktails, eyewitnesses said they were harmlessly "hanging out" in the streets.
Palestinian medical sources identified the boy as Abd Al-Qadir Muhammad Dar Zeid, from the Jalazun refugee camp north of Ramallah.
While Israeli forces claim the boys were preparing to launch Molotov cocktails, eyewitnesses said they were harmlessly "hanging out" in the streets.
Palestinian medical sources identified the boy as Abd Al-Qadir Muhammad Dar Zeid, from the Jalazun refugee camp north of Ramallah.
More than a dozen Israeli military vehicles invaded the southern West Bank town of Dura and imposed a strict curfew on Tuesday after Palestinian security uncovered a tunnel being dug near an Israeli bypass road.
The discovery of the tunnel was announced by Palestinian security Monday evening after the structure was found beneath a construction site in the Farsh Al-Hawa neighborhood near Dura, a town south west of Hebron.
The tunnel, which seemed to have been built as an excavation site in search of ancient artifacts, is located approximately five kilometers south of the Israeli-only West Bank bypass road 35.
After Palestinian security had investigated the area for close to 24 hours, Israeli troops closed in on the area and imposed a curfew.
According to Hebron security commander Samih As-Seifi police had been informed two years ago of digging in the Farsh Al-Hawa area. The man beneath whose property the hole was being dug informed police that he was digging a well, "which is not illegal," As-Seifi affirmed.
On Monday night Palestinian detectives received more information indicating that the hole was not being used as a water well, but rather as some sort of tunnel. Security travelled to the scene, arrested several workers at the site, and seized digging tools.
As-Seifi himself entered the tunnel, and he explained that it was a "few meters deep at the beginning, then turned left, leading to a kind of room." When he explored the underground cave, however, As-Seifi found nothing.
The tunnel is about 150 meters long, and is kilometers away from any Israeli settlements, bypass roads pr military bases.
Though he would not reveal details about the owner of the tunnel, As-Seifi affirmed that he had claimed to be in search of antiquities.
The discovery of the tunnel was announced by Palestinian security Monday evening after the structure was found beneath a construction site in the Farsh Al-Hawa neighborhood near Dura, a town south west of Hebron.
The tunnel, which seemed to have been built as an excavation site in search of ancient artifacts, is located approximately five kilometers south of the Israeli-only West Bank bypass road 35.
After Palestinian security had investigated the area for close to 24 hours, Israeli troops closed in on the area and imposed a curfew.
According to Hebron security commander Samih As-Seifi police had been informed two years ago of digging in the Farsh Al-Hawa area. The man beneath whose property the hole was being dug informed police that he was digging a well, "which is not illegal," As-Seifi affirmed.
On Monday night Palestinian detectives received more information indicating that the hole was not being used as a water well, but rather as some sort of tunnel. Security travelled to the scene, arrested several workers at the site, and seized digging tools.
As-Seifi himself entered the tunnel, and he explained that it was a "few meters deep at the beginning, then turned left, leading to a kind of room." When he explored the underground cave, however, As-Seifi found nothing.
The tunnel is about 150 meters long, and is kilometers away from any Israeli settlements, bypass roads pr military bases.
Though he would not reveal details about the owner of the tunnel, As-Seifi affirmed that he had claimed to be in search of antiquities.
Israeli forces detained 20-year-old Muhammad Surouji from the Tulkarem refugee camp in the northern West Bank on Monday evening after ransacking his family home.
The Surouji family said family members were sent outside the home as Israeli soldiers searched the premises, damaging parts of the structure and reportedly stealing a 500 shekel (140 US dollar) cellular telephone.
Muhammad was taken to an unknown location.
The Surouji family said family members were sent outside the home as Israeli soldiers searched the premises, damaging parts of the structure and reportedly stealing a 500 shekel (140 US dollar) cellular telephone.
Muhammad was taken to an unknown location.
13 oct 2008
A 20-year-old Palestinian man was injured by live fire after Israeli soldiers shot at him as he walked through the Huwwara checkpoint south of Nablus on Monday evening.
Adham Shihadah had been waiting at the military checkpoint for about two hours. The usually busy checkpoint was crowded with hundreds of travelers as the backlog of people spilled out of the bare metal structure leading to the crossing.
Eyewitnesses said that Shihadah simply began walking through the crossing, despite Israeli soldiers yelling and telling him, as well as the pressing crowd, to stop and wait.
The man did not stop walking until one of the bullets fired by the Israeli soldiers at the crowd hit him in the foot.
Palestinian medical sources said Shihadah was transferred to the Rafidia government hospital in Nablus by a private car. His injuries were described as "light to medium."
Adham Shihadah had been waiting at the military checkpoint for about two hours. The usually busy checkpoint was crowded with hundreds of travelers as the backlog of people spilled out of the bare metal structure leading to the crossing.
Eyewitnesses said that Shihadah simply began walking through the crossing, despite Israeli soldiers yelling and telling him, as well as the pressing crowd, to stop and wait.
The man did not stop walking until one of the bullets fired by the Israeli soldiers at the crowd hit him in the foot.
Palestinian medical sources said Shihadah was transferred to the Rafidia government hospital in Nablus by a private car. His injuries were described as "light to medium."
PFLP's armed wing threatens to assassinate Israeli MK in response to Acre violence
Rafah border open on Monday for pilgrims, patients
Fayyad: Israeli settlements undermining two-state peace model
Rafah border open on Monday for pilgrims, patients
Fayyad: Israeli settlements undermining two-state peace model
12 oct 2008
Israeli police clash with demonstrators after settlers open new synagogue in Jerusalem
Palestinian demonstrators confronted Israeli police on Sunday after Israeli settlers opened a new Synagogue on Al-Wad street in Jerusalem, near the iconic Al-Aqsa mosque.
The Fatah movement in Jerusalem organized a demonstration against the opening of the temple, which was built on land seized from the Islamic Waqf, the religious trust that administers mosques.
Dmitri Dyliani, the Fatah spokesperson in Jerusalem said Israeli security forces set up checkpoints around the city, blocking demonstrators from reaching the site. Israeli officers ringed the temple.
Dyliani said the new temple-settlement was an affront to the Palestinian character of Jerusalem's Old City, and "a provocation of Muslims throughout the world."
Palestinians consider Jerusalem their capital, even though Israel placed the city under its complete control after it invaded the West Bank in 1967. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam.
Palestinian demonstrators confronted Israeli police on Sunday after Israeli settlers opened a new Synagogue on Al-Wad street in Jerusalem, near the iconic Al-Aqsa mosque.
The Fatah movement in Jerusalem organized a demonstration against the opening of the temple, which was built on land seized from the Islamic Waqf, the religious trust that administers mosques.
Dmitri Dyliani, the Fatah spokesperson in Jerusalem said Israeli security forces set up checkpoints around the city, blocking demonstrators from reaching the site. Israeli officers ringed the temple.
Dyliani said the new temple-settlement was an affront to the Palestinian character of Jerusalem's Old City, and "a provocation of Muslims throughout the world."
Palestinians consider Jerusalem their capital, even though Israel placed the city under its complete control after it invaded the West Bank in 1967. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam.
Israeli soldiers beat unconsciousness a 15-year-old Palestinian student after cornering him on his way home from school in the West Bank village of Taqu, near Bethlehem, on Sunday, witnesses and a school official said.
Hisham Khaled Moussa Ali, a student at the Taqu Boys Secondary School was assaulted by the soldiers on the main road in the village on Sunday afternoon, said school headmaster Salem Abu Mfarreh.
A crowd of Palestinian residents converged on scene and managed to retrieve the boy, who was taken to the public hospital in the town of Beit Jala.
Hisham Khaled Moussa Ali, a student at the Taqu Boys Secondary School was assaulted by the soldiers on the main road in the village on Sunday afternoon, said school headmaster Salem Abu Mfarreh.
A crowd of Palestinian residents converged on scene and managed to retrieve the boy, who was taken to the public hospital in the town of Beit Jala.
Dozens of troops from three special units of the Israeli border police have been transferred to the riot-affected northern Israeli town of Acre from the Ramallah area of the West Bank.
The Hebrew edition of the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot reported on Sunday that the so-called "Arabized" units of the border guards are moving into Acre to help keep the city calm after five days of clashes between Jewish and Arab residents of the town.
The "Arabized" officers are normally tasked with blending in with the Palestinian population.
The rioting began on Wednesday night when Jewish teenagers attacked a Palestinian man who drove through a Jewish neighborhood of the town on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar.
The youths stoned the man for reportedly disturbing the peace on an evening designated for fasting and prayer.
The Hebrew edition of the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot reported on Sunday that the so-called "Arabized" units of the border guards are moving into Acre to help keep the city calm after five days of clashes between Jewish and Arab residents of the town.
The "Arabized" officers are normally tasked with blending in with the Palestinian population.
The rioting began on Wednesday night when Jewish teenagers attacked a Palestinian man who drove through a Jewish neighborhood of the town on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar.
The youths stoned the man for reportedly disturbing the peace on an evening designated for fasting and prayer.
Saturday marked the fourth day of violence in the northern Israeli city of Acre as a third Arab home was set ablaze. Palestinians in the occupied territories condemned what they saw as Israeli attacks on their co-nationals residing inside Israel.
According to police, 54 suspected rioters have been arrested in four days of violence. The clashes began after Jewish youths assaulted a Palestinian resident who drove his car through a Jewish neighborhood of the city on the eve of the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur.
In addition, 14 residents were reported to have been hospitalized in the nearby city of Nahariya.
The presidency of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) condemned what it termed "Israeli aggression" in Acre.
The PLC condemned what it said was a "racist" Israeli policy to expel Palestinian residents from their land.
The PLC praised the "steadfastness" of Acre residents and called Palestinian residents of Israel and the West Bank to stand with them against Israeli actions.
Retaliation
At least two Palestinian armed groups vowed revenge against Israel.
The military wing of the radical Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza released a statement via leader Abu Abir saying, "the response to the Israeli attacks in Acre will come soon."
The An-Nasser Brigades spokesman added, "We will assure that our nation succeeds in both intifadas and they are ready for a third one to defend the Palestinian rights."
For its part, National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) said that they would reserve the right to "retaliate" for
"ongoing Israeli atrocities against Palestinian people inside and outside the Green Line."
According to police, 54 suspected rioters have been arrested in four days of violence. The clashes began after Jewish youths assaulted a Palestinian resident who drove his car through a Jewish neighborhood of the city on the eve of the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur.
In addition, 14 residents were reported to have been hospitalized in the nearby city of Nahariya.
The presidency of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) condemned what it termed "Israeli aggression" in Acre.
The PLC condemned what it said was a "racist" Israeli policy to expel Palestinian residents from their land.
The PLC praised the "steadfastness" of Acre residents and called Palestinian residents of Israel and the West Bank to stand with them against Israeli actions.
Retaliation
At least two Palestinian armed groups vowed revenge against Israel.
The military wing of the radical Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza released a statement via leader Abu Abir saying, "the response to the Israeli attacks in Acre will come soon."
The An-Nasser Brigades spokesman added, "We will assure that our nation succeeds in both intifadas and they are ready for a third one to defend the Palestinian rights."
For its part, National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) said that they would reserve the right to "retaliate" for
"ongoing Israeli atrocities against Palestinian people inside and outside the Green Line."
Bethlehem residential building besieged, parts shelled and demolished
Israeli forces besieged a building on As-Saf Street at the south end of Bethlehem early on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that more than 30 Israeli military vehicles raided the neighborhood, fired gunshots and shells at a building owned by Mahmoud Dweik forcing residents of the apartment building to evacuate and move to neighbors' homes.
Witnesses affirmed that Israeli forces started demolishing parts of the building and sealed the area preventing even students from getting to their schools in the neighborhood.
Israeli forces besieged a building on As-Saf Street at the south end of Bethlehem early on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that more than 30 Israeli military vehicles raided the neighborhood, fired gunshots and shells at a building owned by Mahmoud Dweik forcing residents of the apartment building to evacuate and move to neighbors' homes.
Witnesses affirmed that Israeli forces started demolishing parts of the building and sealed the area preventing even students from getting to their schools in the neighborhood.
A boy from the West Bank village of Al-Khadr, who had gone to Jericho to watch the Al-Khadr top football team, was detained by Israeli forces at the Jericho checkpoint after the match on Saturday night.
Soldiers at the checkpoint checked the identity cards of the Al-Khadr fans, and told 17-year-old Ahmad Abd As-Salam Salah to get off the bus carrying the group. He was not permitted to return to his village with the bus, and Israeli soldiers were seen taking him away to an unknown location.
The Al-Khadr - Sur Bahir match ended in a tie between teams with a score of 1:1; it was the eighth round of the Championship match.
Soldiers at the checkpoint checked the identity cards of the Al-Khadr fans, and told 17-year-old Ahmad Abd As-Salam Salah to get off the bus carrying the group. He was not permitted to return to his village with the bus, and Israeli soldiers were seen taking him away to an unknown location.
The Al-Khadr - Sur Bahir match ended in a tie between teams with a score of 1:1; it was the eighth round of the Championship match.
Israeli forces on Sunday morning arrested seven Palestinians in the northern West Bank villages of Asira Ash-Shamalia and Jenin, and the southern West Bank city of Al-Khadr.
In Asira Ash-Shamalia local sources reported Israeli forces raiding the village at 2:00am at which point they inspected several homes, damaging contents and frightening children. Forces arrested 26-year-old Sami Al-Birawi, 22-year-old Murad Jamlan, 24-year-old Fadi Shuli and 25-year-old Tahir Asfour.
Similar events occurred in Al-Khadr, south of Bethlehem, where Israeli forces raided the old city at 4:30am. Several homes were ransacked, 18-year-old Mahmoud Ghneim and 18-year-old Younis 'Issa, both in their last year of high school.
In Jenin, Palestinian security sources reported the detention of 23-year-old Usama M'alla who was passing through the Huwwara checkpoint on his way to Ramallah on Saturday night.
Security sources also reported several Israeli military vehicles overrunning the streets of Tubas and At-Taybeh, where the Taybeh Breweries are holding their annual Oktoberfest celebrations, no arrests were reported, though gunfire was heard in the streets.
In Asira Ash-Shamalia local sources reported Israeli forces raiding the village at 2:00am at which point they inspected several homes, damaging contents and frightening children. Forces arrested 26-year-old Sami Al-Birawi, 22-year-old Murad Jamlan, 24-year-old Fadi Shuli and 25-year-old Tahir Asfour.
Similar events occurred in Al-Khadr, south of Bethlehem, where Israeli forces raided the old city at 4:30am. Several homes were ransacked, 18-year-old Mahmoud Ghneim and 18-year-old Younis 'Issa, both in their last year of high school.
In Jenin, Palestinian security sources reported the detention of 23-year-old Usama M'alla who was passing through the Huwwara checkpoint on his way to Ramallah on Saturday night.
Security sources also reported several Israeli military vehicles overrunning the streets of Tubas and At-Taybeh, where the Taybeh Breweries are holding their annual Oktoberfest celebrations, no arrests were reported, though gunfire was heard in the streets.
11 oct 2008
Eyewitnesses told Ma'an that an Israeli military vehicle "intentionally" slammed into a car being driven by a Palestinian on Saturday near Nablus, seriously injuring the driver.
The Israeli jeep involved was reportedly a military jeep driven by a soldier on a bypass road northwest of the West Bank city of Nablus.
Witness Ala Al-A'mud told Ma'an in a telephone interview that the jeep's driver "intentionally pushed a Palestinian's car" off the road and over the cliff of an adjacent ravine, where it finally crashed.
30-year-old Awni Abu Shushah was "seriously injured" in the apparently intentional crash. Shushah is the manager at one of the nearby stone factories, according to a worker at the facility.
Rescue workers moved Shushah to a local hospital in Nablus, where he remained in serious condition, according to medical officials.
The Israeli jeep involved was reportedly a military jeep driven by a soldier on a bypass road northwest of the West Bank city of Nablus.
Witness Ala Al-A'mud told Ma'an in a telephone interview that the jeep's driver "intentionally pushed a Palestinian's car" off the road and over the cliff of an adjacent ravine, where it finally crashed.
30-year-old Awni Abu Shushah was "seriously injured" in the apparently intentional crash. Shushah is the manager at one of the nearby stone factories, according to a worker at the facility.
Rescue workers moved Shushah to a local hospital in Nablus, where he remained in serious condition, according to medical officials.
Settlers from the illegal Israeli settlement of Yitzhar in the northern West Bank attacked a Palestinian family collecting olives on Saturday morning, a government official told Ma'an.
Mayor Burin Ali Eid of the village of Burin, near Nablus, said a fight broke out when settlers "chopped down five olive trees" owned by the family.
Two of the family members suffered head wounds, he said, when the settlers attacked the An-Najjar family in the area of Abu Hallouf, which is between Burin and Huwwara. The mayor identified the two injured as 24-year-old Mustafa An-Najjar and his 27-year-old brother, Muhammad.
Local Palestinian sources said that settlers cut down 15 olive trees in other Nablus-area attacks on farmers.
Commenting on the assault, an Israeli army spokesperson claimed the Palestinians who were attacked did not have permits to be in the area, despite that they owned the land.
Mayor Burin Ali Eid of the village of Burin, near Nablus, said a fight broke out when settlers "chopped down five olive trees" owned by the family.
Two of the family members suffered head wounds, he said, when the settlers attacked the An-Najjar family in the area of Abu Hallouf, which is between Burin and Huwwara. The mayor identified the two injured as 24-year-old Mustafa An-Najjar and his 27-year-old brother, Muhammad.
Local Palestinian sources said that settlers cut down 15 olive trees in other Nablus-area attacks on farmers.
Commenting on the assault, an Israeli army spokesperson claimed the Palestinians who were attacked did not have permits to be in the area, despite that they owned the land.
Israeli police have reported quelling a handful of clashes between Arab and Jewish residents of the coastal Israeli city of Acre on Saturday.
Reports say the homes of two Palestinian famillies in the city were set on fire during the escalating tension.
Fighting began on Thursday when a Palestinian drove through an area of Acre observing the 25-hour Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) fast. The man was injured by stone throwers and the incident sparked a riot when more youths from both sides arrived on the scene.
Fighting continued on Friday, though Israeli radio said police were able to restore calm to the city.
On Saturday, several reports of small skirmishes were published by Israeli media sources.
Reports say the homes of two Palestinian famillies in the city were set on fire during the escalating tension.
Fighting began on Thursday when a Palestinian drove through an area of Acre observing the 25-hour Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) fast. The man was injured by stone throwers and the incident sparked a riot when more youths from both sides arrived on the scene.
Fighting continued on Friday, though Israeli radio said police were able to restore calm to the city.
On Saturday, several reports of small skirmishes were published by Israeli media sources.
Medical negligence in Israeli prisons leads thousands to suffer
Medical negligence in Israeli prisons left 2000 sick and at least 160 dealing with severe diseases without the aid of proper treatment according to the Center for the Study of Detainees.
Director of the Detainees Centre Ra'fat Hamduna, who himself served 15 years in Israeli jails, organized several visits to the jails by medical professionals. The nurses and physicians were to provide basic treatment of the prisoners and organize further appointments and medications or surgeries for those in need.
Hamduna said that medical workers found many prisoners in very poor health, especially as the weather turns cold this fall. He said medical neglect is certainly one of the major causes of death for Palestinians serving in Israeli prisons.
In a report released on Saturday Hamduna asserted the importance of the health of the prisoners, saying that it is a crime to have the sons and daughters of Palestine suffer so badly in prison. He further stated that their suffering is compounded by the worry and grief of their parents and family, who are powerless to help their loved ones recover.
The issue, he stated, is an international humanitarian one.
Another Palestinian prisoners' rights group on Saturday produced evidence of maltreatment, abuse and medical neglect at Israeli prisons in a petition filed with Israel's highest court.
An attorney representing the Palestinian Prisoners Association filed the petition with Israel's High Court of Justice on behalf of Alaa Badawi, a prisoner serving a 25-year-sentence at Nafha Prison. His lawyer alleged that guards intentionally prevented the man, who suffers from a stomach disease, access to medical specialists and essential medication.
Report: Sick Palestinans suffer neglect, abuse in Israeli jails
Two Palestinian prisoners' rights groups on Saturday produced evidence of maltreatment, abuse and medical neglect at Israeli prisons in a petition filed with Israel's highest court.
An attorney representing the Palestinian Prisoners Association filed a petition with Israel's High Court of Justice on behalf of Alaa Badawi, a prisoner serving a 25-year-sentence at Nafha Prison.
The petition alleges that Israeli prison guards failed to provide the inmate with medically necessary treatment. Badawi suffers from a stomach disease that, without medication, causes him to lose weight rapidly. As a result of the guards' alleged refusal to give him anything other than diarrhea medication, Badawi currently weighs just 34 kg.
The petition filed with the Israeli High Court compiles numerous violations at the prison, but focuses on the neglect of Badawi's long medical file.
Fellow inmate and prisoners' representative Muhammad Abu Rabi'ah said that prison workers neglected other prisoners, and continue to do so. He claimed that prison officials regularly refuse inmates access to medical specialists willing to treat them. And even when their families offer to pay for treatment themselves, Israeli authorities refuse them, citing "security reasons," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Gaza-based Center for the Study of Detainees alleged medical negligence in other Israeli prisons, which has led to thousands of illnesses. The center added that among the 2,000 cases, almost 200 were severely ill as a result of the lack of proper treatment.
Medical negligence in Israeli prisons left 2000 sick and at least 160 dealing with severe diseases without the aid of proper treatment according to the Center for the Study of Detainees.
Director of the Detainees Centre Ra'fat Hamduna, who himself served 15 years in Israeli jails, organized several visits to the jails by medical professionals. The nurses and physicians were to provide basic treatment of the prisoners and organize further appointments and medications or surgeries for those in need.
Hamduna said that medical workers found many prisoners in very poor health, especially as the weather turns cold this fall. He said medical neglect is certainly one of the major causes of death for Palestinians serving in Israeli prisons.
In a report released on Saturday Hamduna asserted the importance of the health of the prisoners, saying that it is a crime to have the sons and daughters of Palestine suffer so badly in prison. He further stated that their suffering is compounded by the worry and grief of their parents and family, who are powerless to help their loved ones recover.
The issue, he stated, is an international humanitarian one.
Another Palestinian prisoners' rights group on Saturday produced evidence of maltreatment, abuse and medical neglect at Israeli prisons in a petition filed with Israel's highest court.
An attorney representing the Palestinian Prisoners Association filed the petition with Israel's High Court of Justice on behalf of Alaa Badawi, a prisoner serving a 25-year-sentence at Nafha Prison. His lawyer alleged that guards intentionally prevented the man, who suffers from a stomach disease, access to medical specialists and essential medication.
Report: Sick Palestinans suffer neglect, abuse in Israeli jails
Two Palestinian prisoners' rights groups on Saturday produced evidence of maltreatment, abuse and medical neglect at Israeli prisons in a petition filed with Israel's highest court.
An attorney representing the Palestinian Prisoners Association filed a petition with Israel's High Court of Justice on behalf of Alaa Badawi, a prisoner serving a 25-year-sentence at Nafha Prison.
The petition alleges that Israeli prison guards failed to provide the inmate with medically necessary treatment. Badawi suffers from a stomach disease that, without medication, causes him to lose weight rapidly. As a result of the guards' alleged refusal to give him anything other than diarrhea medication, Badawi currently weighs just 34 kg.
The petition filed with the Israeli High Court compiles numerous violations at the prison, but focuses on the neglect of Badawi's long medical file.
Fellow inmate and prisoners' representative Muhammad Abu Rabi'ah said that prison workers neglected other prisoners, and continue to do so. He claimed that prison officials regularly refuse inmates access to medical specialists willing to treat them. And even when their families offer to pay for treatment themselves, Israeli authorities refuse them, citing "security reasons," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Gaza-based Center for the Study of Detainees alleged medical negligence in other Israeli prisons, which has led to thousands of illnesses. The center added that among the 2,000 cases, almost 200 were severely ill as a result of the lack of proper treatment.
Clashes erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents of Beit Ummar on Friday. International peace activists joined Palestinians in their attempt to stop Israeli soldiers from taking over two homes.
Seven were injured including an international activist, and two Beit Ummar homes were turned into Israeli military posts.
According to local sources the homes taken over are owned by Mershid Mohammad Mershid and Waheeb Bader Husein. The owners were handed military orders telling them they had to hand over the property.
Protesting the action were dozens of international peace activists, who promptly organized a sit-in in front of the two occupied homes. The activists demanded that soldiers evacuate the buildings and return them to the families that were now homeless.
Responding to the protest Israeli soldiers attacked the activists with batons and rifle butts, fired dozens of tear gas canisters. Seven of the activists had to be taken to hospital to be treated for tear gas inhalation.
Seven were injured including an international activist, and two Beit Ummar homes were turned into Israeli military posts.
According to local sources the homes taken over are owned by Mershid Mohammad Mershid and Waheeb Bader Husein. The owners were handed military orders telling them they had to hand over the property.
Protesting the action were dozens of international peace activists, who promptly organized a sit-in in front of the two occupied homes. The activists demanded that soldiers evacuate the buildings and return them to the families that were now homeless.
Responding to the protest Israeli soldiers attacked the activists with batons and rifle butts, fired dozens of tear gas canisters. Seven of the activists had to be taken to hospital to be treated for tear gas inhalation.