31 dec 2016
The Defense for Children International (DCI) - Palestine Branch said that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) killed 35 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem in 2016.
Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program Director at the Palestine section of the DCI, told the Quds Press news agency that 2016 recorded the highest number of murders committed by the IOF against Palestinian children in the West Bank and Jerusalem in 12 years, pointing out that the number of children killed in 2015 in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem had reached 26.
Abu Eqtaish said that 2016 witnessed continuous Israeli violations of the Palestinian children's rights, especially their right to live, which caused the murder of 35 children, 32 of whom are from the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, and 3 from the Gaza Strip. He added that Israel grants immunity to the soldiers who commit these crimes in absolute disregard for the basic rights of children.
He affirmed that the Israeli judiciary system is also involved in this by announcing the acquittal of the Israeli police officers and soldiers who commit such crimes although there is evidence that the children were directly killed without posing any kind of danger to the Israeli soldiers. More crimes are thus encouraged, he added.
Abu Eqtaish said that in some cases the soldiers are charged with "unintentional murder" or "failure to follow the required conditions" in an attempt to ease the gravity of the crimes. He pointed to the execution of the child Nadeem Nawwara whose killer was charged with an accidental murder despite the presence of evidence about the deliberate crime.
The DCI said in a statement that the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) are still holding the bodies of three children.
The last murder case reported in 2016 was against Ahmad al-Rimawi, 17, who was killed by the IOF with live bullets on 18th December during confrontations in Beit Rima village to the northwest of Ramallah province.
According to the international law, the lethal force can be used only when there is an imminent threat or a serious injury, or to prevent a crime that poses a great threat to many lives. This is only when the less violent means are inadequate to achieve these goals. Besides, the commentary on the Article III of the United Nations Code of Conduct stipulates that every possible effort must be made to avoid the use of firearms, especially against children.
Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program Director at the Palestine section of the DCI, told the Quds Press news agency that 2016 recorded the highest number of murders committed by the IOF against Palestinian children in the West Bank and Jerusalem in 12 years, pointing out that the number of children killed in 2015 in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem had reached 26.
Abu Eqtaish said that 2016 witnessed continuous Israeli violations of the Palestinian children's rights, especially their right to live, which caused the murder of 35 children, 32 of whom are from the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, and 3 from the Gaza Strip. He added that Israel grants immunity to the soldiers who commit these crimes in absolute disregard for the basic rights of children.
He affirmed that the Israeli judiciary system is also involved in this by announcing the acquittal of the Israeli police officers and soldiers who commit such crimes although there is evidence that the children were directly killed without posing any kind of danger to the Israeli soldiers. More crimes are thus encouraged, he added.
Abu Eqtaish said that in some cases the soldiers are charged with "unintentional murder" or "failure to follow the required conditions" in an attempt to ease the gravity of the crimes. He pointed to the execution of the child Nadeem Nawwara whose killer was charged with an accidental murder despite the presence of evidence about the deliberate crime.
The DCI said in a statement that the Israeli occupation authorities (IOA) are still holding the bodies of three children.
The last murder case reported in 2016 was against Ahmad al-Rimawi, 17, who was killed by the IOF with live bullets on 18th December during confrontations in Beit Rima village to the northwest of Ramallah province.
According to the international law, the lethal force can be used only when there is an imminent threat or a serious injury, or to prevent a crime that poses a great threat to many lives. This is only when the less violent means are inadequate to achieve these goals. Besides, the commentary on the Article III of the United Nations Code of Conduct stipulates that every possible effort must be made to avoid the use of firearms, especially against children.
30 dec 2016
PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, on Thursday, expressed concerns regarding the statement of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, who recently praised Israel for being a “democracy” that “respects freedom of worship.”
In an official statement, Ashrawi said that “Theophilos III is very well informed of the Israeli violations of the freedom to worship, [with regard to] his own community during Easter, and is also aware [that] the occupation of the Saint John Convent, near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, today, turned into another illegal Israeli settlement.”
“Theophilos III is also well aware of the impact of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, [of] the Palestinian people in general, and [of] the Christian population, in particular. His statement could only be delivered by someone who aims at distorting reality by disregarding the rights and aspirations of his own congregation.”
“Additionally, this statement contradicts all international reports on the situation of freedom of worship under Israeli occupation, and, in particular, in and around occupied East Jerusalem,” Ashrawi added.
“We are eager to know if Patriarch Theophilos did anything in order to defend the lands that members of his own congregation recently lost in Cremisan, or the fact that thousands of Palestinian Christians cannot access their own holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem, due to Israel’s illegal annexation wall and other movement restrictions.
Undoubtedly, Patriarch Theophilos knows very well the situation of thousands of Palestinian families, including hundreds of Christian families that have been divided due to racist Israeli citizenship laws.
Churches and religious leaders have historically provided a voice for justice and peace. The Kairos Document, signed by Palestinian theologians and religious leaders from all congregations, has clearly stated that religious liberty is severely restricted; the freedom of access to the holy places is denied under the pretext of security. Jerusalem and its holy places are out of bounds for many Christians and Muslims from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Even Jerusalemites face restrictions during the religious feasts. Some of our Arab clergy are regularly barred from entering Jerusalem.”
Finally, Ashrawi called upon Patriarch Theophilos III to work for justice and peace of the oppressed, rather than covering up the daily violations of the oppressors.
In an official statement, Ashrawi said that “Theophilos III is very well informed of the Israeli violations of the freedom to worship, [with regard to] his own community during Easter, and is also aware [that] the occupation of the Saint John Convent, near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, today, turned into another illegal Israeli settlement.”
“Theophilos III is also well aware of the impact of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, [of] the Palestinian people in general, and [of] the Christian population, in particular. His statement could only be delivered by someone who aims at distorting reality by disregarding the rights and aspirations of his own congregation.”
“Additionally, this statement contradicts all international reports on the situation of freedom of worship under Israeli occupation, and, in particular, in and around occupied East Jerusalem,” Ashrawi added.
“We are eager to know if Patriarch Theophilos did anything in order to defend the lands that members of his own congregation recently lost in Cremisan, or the fact that thousands of Palestinian Christians cannot access their own holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem, due to Israel’s illegal annexation wall and other movement restrictions.
Undoubtedly, Patriarch Theophilos knows very well the situation of thousands of Palestinian families, including hundreds of Christian families that have been divided due to racist Israeli citizenship laws.
Churches and religious leaders have historically provided a voice for justice and peace. The Kairos Document, signed by Palestinian theologians and religious leaders from all congregations, has clearly stated that religious liberty is severely restricted; the freedom of access to the holy places is denied under the pretext of security. Jerusalem and its holy places are out of bounds for many Christians and Muslims from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Even Jerusalemites face restrictions during the religious feasts. Some of our Arab clergy are regularly barred from entering Jerusalem.”
Finally, Ashrawi called upon Patriarch Theophilos III to work for justice and peace of the oppressed, rather than covering up the daily violations of the oppressors.
The Jordanian government has strongly denounced its Israeli counterpart for persistently allowing Jewish settlers to desecrate the Aqsa Mosque’s Islamic sanctity every day and hurting the Muslim nation’s feelings.
“The Jordanian government holds the Israeli government, as the occupying power, responsible for any action happening against the holy Aqsa Mosque,” spokesman for the government Mohamed al-Momani stated on Thursday.
Momani emphasized that the occurrence of daily break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque by Israelis are illegal and hostile acts against an Islamic holy site and a disregard for the Muslims’ feelings.
He reiterated his government’s position on the need to protect the status quo at the Aqsa Mosque.
The spokesman affirmed that Jordan would continue to assume its role as the guardian of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem and employ its diplomatic and legal options to protect them.
“The Jordanian government holds the Israeli government, as the occupying power, responsible for any action happening against the holy Aqsa Mosque,” spokesman for the government Mohamed al-Momani stated on Thursday.
Momani emphasized that the occurrence of daily break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque by Israelis are illegal and hostile acts against an Islamic holy site and a disregard for the Muslims’ feelings.
He reiterated his government’s position on the need to protect the status quo at the Aqsa Mosque.
The spokesman affirmed that Jordan would continue to assume its role as the guardian of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem and employ its diplomatic and legal options to protect them.
29 dec 2016
Trump with Don King
Speaking to journalists, US president-elect says Israel being treated 'very, very unfairly,' maintaining that countries that are 'horrible places' never get reprimanded; says UN could have potential, but could be a 'waste of time and money.'
US President-elect Donald Trump continued to tear into the UN for its disproportionate treatment against Israel, hours after US Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech outlining his vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Speaking to journalists in Florida, Trump said Israel is being treated "very, very unfairly," maintaining that countries that are "horrible places" never get reprimanded.
He also bemoaned the fact that Israel is "up for 20 reprimands" at the United Nations, whereas nations that are "horrible places, that treat people horribly, haven't even been reprimanded." Speaking to journalists, US president-elect says Israel being treated 'very, very unfairly,' maintaining that countries that are 'horrible places' never get reprimanded; says UN could have potential, but could be a 'waste of time and money.'
Shortly before Kerry’s speech Trump took to Twitter and posted: "We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the US, but.......,"
Posting another one straight after, he made clear that the UN had become a foe of Israel’s.
"Not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (UN)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!" he added, referring to when he takes over the White House from Democratic President Barack Obama.
During the same conversation with reporters, he refused to directly answer a question about whether Israel should stop building settlements, saying he is "very, very strong on Israel."
Addressing the general activities of the UN itself, Trump said it was responsible for causing many problems rather than solving them.
“So, if it lives up to the potential, it's a great thing,” Trump added. “And if it doesn't, it's a waste of time and money.”
Appearing alongside Trump was boxing promoter Don King who was carrying a number of flags, including an Israeli flag and calling for peace in the Middle East.
Speaking to journalists, US president-elect says Israel being treated 'very, very unfairly,' maintaining that countries that are 'horrible places' never get reprimanded; says UN could have potential, but could be a 'waste of time and money.'
US President-elect Donald Trump continued to tear into the UN for its disproportionate treatment against Israel, hours after US Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech outlining his vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Speaking to journalists in Florida, Trump said Israel is being treated "very, very unfairly," maintaining that countries that are "horrible places" never get reprimanded.
He also bemoaned the fact that Israel is "up for 20 reprimands" at the United Nations, whereas nations that are "horrible places, that treat people horribly, haven't even been reprimanded." Speaking to journalists, US president-elect says Israel being treated 'very, very unfairly,' maintaining that countries that are 'horrible places' never get reprimanded; says UN could have potential, but could be a 'waste of time and money.'
Shortly before Kerry’s speech Trump took to Twitter and posted: "We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the US, but.......,"
Posting another one straight after, he made clear that the UN had become a foe of Israel’s.
"Not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (UN)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!" he added, referring to when he takes over the White House from Democratic President Barack Obama.
During the same conversation with reporters, he refused to directly answer a question about whether Israel should stop building settlements, saying he is "very, very strong on Israel."
Addressing the general activities of the UN itself, Trump said it was responsible for causing many problems rather than solving them.
“So, if it lives up to the potential, it's a great thing,” Trump added. “And if it doesn't, it's a waste of time and money.”
Appearing alongside Trump was boxing promoter Don King who was carrying a number of flags, including an Israeli flag and calling for peace in the Middle East.
28 dec 2016
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested 9,920 Palestinians since October 2015 till December 2016, the PA authority for prisoners’ affairs revealed Wednesday.
2,884 minors aged between 11 and 18 years old and 262 females were among the reported arrests, the sources added.
6,297 of those arrests took place in the West Bank, 3,192 in occupied Jerusalem, 250 in Gaza Strip, and 181 in the Green Line.
The rights activist Abdul Nasser Farwana said that all the detainees were subjected to torture and ill-treatment in Israeli jails and detention centers.
Farwana pointed out that Israeli arrests have notably escalated since the outbreak of Jerusalem Intifada in October 2015.
He called for shedding light on the serious implications of Israeli mass arrests on the Palestinian society.
There are approximately 7,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, including 64 women, 13 of them minor girls. There are approximately 400 children in Megiddo and Ofer prisons and 700 administrative detainees held without charge or trial.
2,884 minors aged between 11 and 18 years old and 262 females were among the reported arrests, the sources added.
6,297 of those arrests took place in the West Bank, 3,192 in occupied Jerusalem, 250 in Gaza Strip, and 181 in the Green Line.
The rights activist Abdul Nasser Farwana said that all the detainees were subjected to torture and ill-treatment in Israeli jails and detention centers.
Farwana pointed out that Israeli arrests have notably escalated since the outbreak of Jerusalem Intifada in October 2015.
He called for shedding light on the serious implications of Israeli mass arrests on the Palestinian society.
There are approximately 7,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, including 64 women, 13 of them minor girls. There are approximately 400 children in Megiddo and Ofer prisons and 700 administrative detainees held without charge or trial.
