10 dec 2013
Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) calls on the EU to reflect on its poor record to end impunity for serious human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL)violations by Israel against Palestinians living in the OPT.
This Forum takes place at a time when the international community commemorates the first anniversary of Israel’s Military operation “Pillar of Defense” (November 2012), and the fifth anniversary of “Operation Cast Lead”,[PDF] (December 2008-January 2009) – which have killed 1,079 and injured thousands more . As of the end of 2013, Israel has failed to properly investigate the conduct of its forces in Gaza, including war crimes, and to hold those responsible for these crimes accountable.
The culture of impunity goes well beyond Gaza and extends to Israeli military forces’ violent behavior against Palestinians living in the West bank; to Israeli civilians attacking Palestinians and their property and to Israel’s secret services torturing Palestinian prisoners as well. Several UN bodies have documented legislative, structural and operational flaws in the Israeli Military investigation system, as it has been confirmed by the UN Committee of Independent Expertson 18 March 2011. In February 2013, an Israeli appointed Commission outlined 18 recommendations to ensure Israeli investigations are in line with International law.
Meanwhile, Palestinian victims continue to be denied access to Israeli courts and effective remedy because of Israel’s imposition of legal, administrative, monetary and physical barriers.
Despite its commitments to promote respect for IHL and the Rule of Law, the EU has failed to effectively address these concerns, both in its bilateral relations with Israel and in the context of the UN. The EMHRN deplores that the EU has instead strengthened its relations with Israel and supported the country’s representations in foreign forums around the world –thereby forsaking to condition them on Israel’s respect for international law.
The EU-NGO Forum on Human Rights is an annual conference where EU institutions and Member States interact with civil society and discuss how to promote and protect human rights. Under this year’s overarching theme of the “Fight against Impunity”, the EU is expected to come up with strategies to break the cycle of impunity for gross human rights violations with a specific focus on access to justice and reparation to victims.
The EMHRN therefore calls on the EU to:
Israel’s Impunity in Facts and Figures
In relation to Operations Cast Lead and Pillar of Defense
Only 3 indictments have been filed against Israeli soldiers in relation to Operation Cast Lead.Two soldiers were convicted to a 2 month imprisonment sentence for using a nine-year-old boy as a human shield. The third soldier, who was prosecuted for stealing a credit card, was paradoxically convicted to a sterner seven-and-a-half months of prison.
Of the 25 complaints submitted by The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights to the Military Advocate General 6 criminal investigations were opened none of which lead to indictment or compensation. This despite the gravity of the offences (including the use of civilians as human shields) and the fact that the testimonies of Israeli soldiers matched those provided by the victims.
In relation to Pillar of Defense, no indictments have been filed, No indictments have been handed down as a result of the 246 civil complaints submitted to the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the 79 complaints to the Israeli Military Advocate General by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR). Of the 17 complaints submitted to the Military Advocate General by the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 3 were dismissed on the basis that the soldiers acted within the rules of the law of war and 3 investigations were opened without further updates provided over the past 6 months. The remaining 11 cases received no responseraising serious questions regarding promptness.
On 16 July 2012, the Israeli Knesset approved Amendment No. 8 to the Israeli Civil Wrongs Law (Liability of the State),which exempts the State of Israel of any liability arising from the damages caused to a resident of an enemy territory during a ‘combat action’ or ‘military operation’. As this Amendment applies to the Gaza Strip retroactively from 2005 onwards, Israel has effectively exempted itself of any liability for the victims of Operation Cast Lead and Pillar of Defense.
Total impunity for torture of Palestinian detainees
According to the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel of the over 750 complaints of torture filed against Israel’s Security Agency (ISA) interrogators over the last decade, none have been criminally investigated by the Attorney General,.
Impunity regarding Israeli soldiers violations in the West Bank
According to the Israeli NGO Yesh Din, 3.638 complaints have been filed for criminal investigations of Israeli Defence Forces personnel between 2000 and 2012. These have resulted in only 117 indictments (3.2%).
Settler violence
According to figures compiled by Yesh Din,91% of investigations into crimes committed by Israeli settlers are closed without indictment. 84% of those closed without indictment are closed due to investigation failures.
This Forum takes place at a time when the international community commemorates the first anniversary of Israel’s Military operation “Pillar of Defense” (November 2012), and the fifth anniversary of “Operation Cast Lead”,[PDF] (December 2008-January 2009) – which have killed 1,079 and injured thousands more . As of the end of 2013, Israel has failed to properly investigate the conduct of its forces in Gaza, including war crimes, and to hold those responsible for these crimes accountable.
The culture of impunity goes well beyond Gaza and extends to Israeli military forces’ violent behavior against Palestinians living in the West bank; to Israeli civilians attacking Palestinians and their property and to Israel’s secret services torturing Palestinian prisoners as well. Several UN bodies have documented legislative, structural and operational flaws in the Israeli Military investigation system, as it has been confirmed by the UN Committee of Independent Expertson 18 March 2011. In February 2013, an Israeli appointed Commission outlined 18 recommendations to ensure Israeli investigations are in line with International law.
Meanwhile, Palestinian victims continue to be denied access to Israeli courts and effective remedy because of Israel’s imposition of legal, administrative, monetary and physical barriers.
Despite its commitments to promote respect for IHL and the Rule of Law, the EU has failed to effectively address these concerns, both in its bilateral relations with Israel and in the context of the UN. The EMHRN deplores that the EU has instead strengthened its relations with Israel and supported the country’s representations in foreign forums around the world –thereby forsaking to condition them on Israel’s respect for international law.
The EU-NGO Forum on Human Rights is an annual conference where EU institutions and Member States interact with civil society and discuss how to promote and protect human rights. Under this year’s overarching theme of the “Fight against Impunity”, the EU is expected to come up with strategies to break the cycle of impunity for gross human rights violations with a specific focus on access to justice and reparation to victims.
The EMHRN therefore calls on the EU to:
- Urge Israel to ensure accountability for violations for IHL and IHRL by its army in the OPT, by conducting investigations into alleged violations in line with international standards, prosecuting and sentencing those responsible;
- Urge the Israeli government to fully implement the recommendations of the Turkel Commission and, in this regard, to immediately provide a clear time-table of implementation;
- Ensure that Palestinian victims have adequate access to Israeli courts and effective remedy;
- Condition its relations with Israel on respect for IHL and IHRL.
- Israel’s Impunity in Facts and Figures
Israel’s Impunity in Facts and Figures
In relation to Operations Cast Lead and Pillar of Defense
Only 3 indictments have been filed against Israeli soldiers in relation to Operation Cast Lead.Two soldiers were convicted to a 2 month imprisonment sentence for using a nine-year-old boy as a human shield. The third soldier, who was prosecuted for stealing a credit card, was paradoxically convicted to a sterner seven-and-a-half months of prison.
Of the 25 complaints submitted by The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights to the Military Advocate General 6 criminal investigations were opened none of which lead to indictment or compensation. This despite the gravity of the offences (including the use of civilians as human shields) and the fact that the testimonies of Israeli soldiers matched those provided by the victims.
In relation to Pillar of Defense, no indictments have been filed, No indictments have been handed down as a result of the 246 civil complaints submitted to the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the 79 complaints to the Israeli Military Advocate General by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR). Of the 17 complaints submitted to the Military Advocate General by the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, 3 were dismissed on the basis that the soldiers acted within the rules of the law of war and 3 investigations were opened without further updates provided over the past 6 months. The remaining 11 cases received no responseraising serious questions regarding promptness.
On 16 July 2012, the Israeli Knesset approved Amendment No. 8 to the Israeli Civil Wrongs Law (Liability of the State),which exempts the State of Israel of any liability arising from the damages caused to a resident of an enemy territory during a ‘combat action’ or ‘military operation’. As this Amendment applies to the Gaza Strip retroactively from 2005 onwards, Israel has effectively exempted itself of any liability for the victims of Operation Cast Lead and Pillar of Defense.
Total impunity for torture of Palestinian detainees
According to the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel of the over 750 complaints of torture filed against Israel’s Security Agency (ISA) interrogators over the last decade, none have been criminally investigated by the Attorney General,.
Impunity regarding Israeli soldiers violations in the West Bank
According to the Israeli NGO Yesh Din, 3.638 complaints have been filed for criminal investigations of Israeli Defence Forces personnel between 2000 and 2012. These have resulted in only 117 indictments (3.2%).
Settler violence
According to figures compiled by Yesh Din,91% of investigations into crimes committed by Israeli settlers are closed without indictment. 84% of those closed without indictment are closed due to investigation failures.
26 nov 2013
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) published Tuesday a report entitled “Through Women’s Eyes,” which focuses on the gender-specific implications and consequences of ‘Operation Pillar of Defense,' an 8-day attack by Israeli forces on the beseiged Gaza Strip during Novemeber 2012. The report was published in English and will be translated and published into Arabic in the coming weeks.
A press release about the report states that as a result of the Israeli offensive, 14 women were killed and at least 92 others were wounded. Although the number of killings and injuries illustrates the serious humanitarian dimension of this conflict, the true extent of the suffering lies in the daily life in the Gaza Strip following ‘Operation Pillar of Defense.’ Civilians continue to struggle to rebuild their lives, cope with their loss and restore some semblance of human dignity, shows the report.
PCHR issued this report in order to highlight the gender-specific impacts of ‘Operation Pillar of Defense.’ Due to the patriarchal nature of Palestinian society, women in the Gaza Strip are particularly susceptible to the marginalization, poverty, and suffering brought by the occupation and armed conflict. Israeli attacks often result in gender-specific consequences that are mostly ignored, despite their seriousness. PCHR chose to allow these consequences and the reality of life after the offensive to be unfolded through the victims’ words. Although this report is not prepared from the perspective of the international law, it is suitable to express human rights and human suffering through human stories.
The report focuses on 12 women affected by Israeli attacks over the course of ‘Operation Pillar of Defense.’ Their stories are intended to demonstrate the extent of civilians’ suffering in the Gaza Strip and the continuing difficulties they face due to the devastation caused by the Israeli forces and the ongoing illegal closure.
“Through Women’s Eyes” [PDF] highlights the difficulties women in the Gaza Strip face as they attempt to live with their grief, injuries and the loss of their children, husbands, relatives, homes, and livelihoods. These narratives are expressive not only the tribulations faced by women in the Gaza Strip, but also of the resilience and strength they have shown over 42 years of conflict and occupation.
It is worth mentioning that PCHR’s first “Through Women’s Eyes” report was released on 28 September 2009. It addressed the gender-specific impacts and consequences of ‘Operation Cast Lead,’ during which 118 women were killed and 825 others were wounded.
LINK TO FULL REPORT [PDF]
A press release about the report states that as a result of the Israeli offensive, 14 women were killed and at least 92 others were wounded. Although the number of killings and injuries illustrates the serious humanitarian dimension of this conflict, the true extent of the suffering lies in the daily life in the Gaza Strip following ‘Operation Pillar of Defense.’ Civilians continue to struggle to rebuild their lives, cope with their loss and restore some semblance of human dignity, shows the report.
PCHR issued this report in order to highlight the gender-specific impacts of ‘Operation Pillar of Defense.’ Due to the patriarchal nature of Palestinian society, women in the Gaza Strip are particularly susceptible to the marginalization, poverty, and suffering brought by the occupation and armed conflict. Israeli attacks often result in gender-specific consequences that are mostly ignored, despite their seriousness. PCHR chose to allow these consequences and the reality of life after the offensive to be unfolded through the victims’ words. Although this report is not prepared from the perspective of the international law, it is suitable to express human rights and human suffering through human stories.
The report focuses on 12 women affected by Israeli attacks over the course of ‘Operation Pillar of Defense.’ Their stories are intended to demonstrate the extent of civilians’ suffering in the Gaza Strip and the continuing difficulties they face due to the devastation caused by the Israeli forces and the ongoing illegal closure.
“Through Women’s Eyes” [PDF] highlights the difficulties women in the Gaza Strip face as they attempt to live with their grief, injuries and the loss of their children, husbands, relatives, homes, and livelihoods. These narratives are expressive not only the tribulations faced by women in the Gaza Strip, but also of the resilience and strength they have shown over 42 years of conflict and occupation.
It is worth mentioning that PCHR’s first “Through Women’s Eyes” report was released on 28 September 2009. It addressed the gender-specific impacts and consequences of ‘Operation Cast Lead,’ during which 118 women were killed and 825 others were wounded.
LINK TO FULL REPORT [PDF]
19 nov 2013
BBC journalist Jihad Masharawi weeps while he holds the body of his 11 month old son Ahmad at Shifa hospital following an Israeli air strike on their family house in Gaza City
The memory of his shattered leg will never leave photojournalist Khader Al-Zahar. One year later, Al-Zahar, along with many Palestinian journalists, continues to live the days of Israel's November 2012 offensive.
Al-Zahar was wounded in his leg when an Israeli aircraft missile hit the branch office of Al-Quds satellite channel in central Gaza City, where he works. At the time he was busy sorting some photos he had shot during the offensive.
After having his leg amputated, he overcame his disability and continued along his media journey by joining the video production department.
"It is true that my injury prevents me from standing in the field behind the camera lens, so today I stand in front of this small screen to produce what other journalists have filmed. [The Israeli occupation] will not screen the world from the truth; they will not silence us," Al-Zahar told Safa Press.
Despite his injury, Al-Zahar is resilient and his morale is high: "I enjoy my work thanks to my parents who encourage me to continue with this kind of resistance."
He urged his fellow journalists "to continue their media work and not to surrender to the occupation, which tries to silence anybody seeking to expose its attacks and targets those who do so in order to mislead world opinion and hide the truth."
"The Palestinian journalists know very well how to convey the true picture of the Israeli occupation's violations. The media is not only a pen or a camera that can be destroyed, but also a thought and a message impossible to erase," he continued.
Safa interviewed the BBC's reporter in Gaza, Shahdi Al-Kashif, who says "a Palestinian journalist who works under occupation should be aware that he must face an open confrontation one time or another."
Remembering the moment when his fellow colleague, Jihad Al-Mashharawi, had been targeted and his son was killed, Kashif explains that, "all journalists then sensed that they were not far from Israel's targets."
"During the 2008-09 and 2012 aggressions, all media staffs were working together as members of the same team having common feelings and the same message, regardless of which media organisations we were working for," he says.
The reporter notes that "during these times of war, we managed to risk staying in the field and continue our work."
Cameraman Ashraf Abu Amra, who has enjoyed a decade-long journalistic career, believes that "any Israeli escalation begins with a media upheaval which is then used to justify a military action, where bombs have the upper hand."
"The Israeli occupation is well aware that Palestinian journalists are critical of its image, but cannot flout all international norms and laws that prohibit the targeting of civilians including the media workers," Abu Amra adds.
He stressed that "Palestinian journalists have become professionally trained in the media because international journalists rarely come into Gaza to cover the ongoing aggressions, and they want to contribute that part of the picture."
Abu Amra says Palestinians' contribution to media has been comparable to the international effort in terms of power and influence; many Palestinian journalists have won international awards, the latest of whom is photojournalist Ali Ali, 28, who won the 2013 Frontline Club Award for documenting daily life in the Gaza Strip.
For his part, Al-Jazeera reporter Tamer Al-Misshal believes that the success of journalists comes with their ability to continue reporting the voice and image against all odds, even if in the most difficult of situations.
"It's impossible for any force, no matter how powerful it is, to silence the media, not even a direct threat from the Israeli occupation," Misshal says.
Indeed on 20 November 2012, the Israeli military targeted a car demonstrating a "press" sign on a Gaza City street, killing two cameramen from Al-Aqsa TV, Mahmoud al-Kumi and Hussam Salama.
Human Rights Watch cited four such Israeli attacks on journalists and media facilities in Gaza during the November 2012 aggression, all of which "violated the laws of war by targeting civilians and civilian structures that were making no apparent contribution to the Palestinian military operations."
The UN SC Resolution 1544 reiterated "the obligation of Israel, the occupying power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War". It called "on Israel to address its security needs within the boundaries of international law" and expressed "grave concern at the continued deterioration of the situation on the ground in the territory occupied by Israel since 1967".
Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, journalists and media workers are civilians and therefore should be immune from attack unless they are directly participating in the hostilities. Television and radio stations are civilian structures protected from attack unless they are used to make an "effective contribution to military action" and their destruction in the specific circumstances offers "a definite military advantage".
The memory of his shattered leg will never leave photojournalist Khader Al-Zahar. One year later, Al-Zahar, along with many Palestinian journalists, continues to live the days of Israel's November 2012 offensive.
Al-Zahar was wounded in his leg when an Israeli aircraft missile hit the branch office of Al-Quds satellite channel in central Gaza City, where he works. At the time he was busy sorting some photos he had shot during the offensive.
After having his leg amputated, he overcame his disability and continued along his media journey by joining the video production department.
"It is true that my injury prevents me from standing in the field behind the camera lens, so today I stand in front of this small screen to produce what other journalists have filmed. [The Israeli occupation] will not screen the world from the truth; they will not silence us," Al-Zahar told Safa Press.
Despite his injury, Al-Zahar is resilient and his morale is high: "I enjoy my work thanks to my parents who encourage me to continue with this kind of resistance."
He urged his fellow journalists "to continue their media work and not to surrender to the occupation, which tries to silence anybody seeking to expose its attacks and targets those who do so in order to mislead world opinion and hide the truth."
"The Palestinian journalists know very well how to convey the true picture of the Israeli occupation's violations. The media is not only a pen or a camera that can be destroyed, but also a thought and a message impossible to erase," he continued.
Safa interviewed the BBC's reporter in Gaza, Shahdi Al-Kashif, who says "a Palestinian journalist who works under occupation should be aware that he must face an open confrontation one time or another."
Remembering the moment when his fellow colleague, Jihad Al-Mashharawi, had been targeted and his son was killed, Kashif explains that, "all journalists then sensed that they were not far from Israel's targets."
"During the 2008-09 and 2012 aggressions, all media staffs were working together as members of the same team having common feelings and the same message, regardless of which media organisations we were working for," he says.
The reporter notes that "during these times of war, we managed to risk staying in the field and continue our work."
Cameraman Ashraf Abu Amra, who has enjoyed a decade-long journalistic career, believes that "any Israeli escalation begins with a media upheaval which is then used to justify a military action, where bombs have the upper hand."
"The Israeli occupation is well aware that Palestinian journalists are critical of its image, but cannot flout all international norms and laws that prohibit the targeting of civilians including the media workers," Abu Amra adds.
He stressed that "Palestinian journalists have become professionally trained in the media because international journalists rarely come into Gaza to cover the ongoing aggressions, and they want to contribute that part of the picture."
Abu Amra says Palestinians' contribution to media has been comparable to the international effort in terms of power and influence; many Palestinian journalists have won international awards, the latest of whom is photojournalist Ali Ali, 28, who won the 2013 Frontline Club Award for documenting daily life in the Gaza Strip.
For his part, Al-Jazeera reporter Tamer Al-Misshal believes that the success of journalists comes with their ability to continue reporting the voice and image against all odds, even if in the most difficult of situations.
"It's impossible for any force, no matter how powerful it is, to silence the media, not even a direct threat from the Israeli occupation," Misshal says.
Indeed on 20 November 2012, the Israeli military targeted a car demonstrating a "press" sign on a Gaza City street, killing two cameramen from Al-Aqsa TV, Mahmoud al-Kumi and Hussam Salama.
Human Rights Watch cited four such Israeli attacks on journalists and media facilities in Gaza during the November 2012 aggression, all of which "violated the laws of war by targeting civilians and civilian structures that were making no apparent contribution to the Palestinian military operations."
The UN SC Resolution 1544 reiterated "the obligation of Israel, the occupying power, to abide scrupulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War". It called "on Israel to address its security needs within the boundaries of international law" and expressed "grave concern at the continued deterioration of the situation on the ground in the territory occupied by Israel since 1967".
Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, journalists and media workers are civilians and therefore should be immune from attack unless they are directly participating in the hostilities. Television and radio stations are civilian structures protected from attack unless they are used to make an "effective contribution to military action" and their destruction in the specific circumstances offers "a definite military advantage".
15 nov 2013
Gaza municipality decided to name a main street in the city after martyr Ahmed Jabari, al-Qassam Brigades commander who was assassinated by an Israeli airstrike a year ago. The municipality said in a statement that its decision to name the street after martyr Jabari came as recognition of his sacrifices in the service of the Palestinian cause and people.
Israeli occupation forces assassinated al-Qassam Brigades commander, Ahmed Jabari, which sparked the battle of '' Shale Stones'' that lasted 8 days and ended in a victory achieved by the Palestinian resistance over Israeli occupation.
Israeli occupation forces assassinated al-Qassam Brigades commander, Ahmed Jabari, which sparked the battle of '' Shale Stones'' that lasted 8 days and ended in a victory achieved by the Palestinian resistance over Israeli occupation.
11 Palestinians have been killed and dozens wounded and arrested since the entry into force of the truce agreement signed on 21November 2012 between the Palestinian resistance and the occupation, under Egyptian auspices. The series of the Israeli violations have continued and included incursions, shootings and air and artillery strikes, in addition to attacks on Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea.
The truce agreement was signed after the Israeli military attack waged on the Gaza Strip, which began on the 14 November 2012 following the assassination of Commander of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, Ahmed Jabari. The military operation continued for 8 days and caused 190 martyrs and nearly 1,500 wounded in addition to the demolition of a large number of homes and institutions.
During this year, dozens of Israeli violations were recorded, including shootings on border areas and arrests against citizens.
According to a statistic by Quds Press, since the signing of the truce 11 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip; including civilians, resistance fighters, farmers and fishermen.
Israeli forces continued attacks and arrests against farmers and fishermen in the Gaza Strip and against the people, especially in the Beit Hanoun crossing in the north of Gaza.
The truce agreement was signed after the Israeli military attack waged on the Gaza Strip, which began on the 14 November 2012 following the assassination of Commander of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, Ahmed Jabari. The military operation continued for 8 days and caused 190 martyrs and nearly 1,500 wounded in addition to the demolition of a large number of homes and institutions.
During this year, dozens of Israeli violations were recorded, including shootings on border areas and arrests against citizens.
According to a statistic by Quds Press, since the signing of the truce 11 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip; including civilians, resistance fighters, farmers and fishermen.
Israeli forces continued attacks and arrests against farmers and fishermen in the Gaza Strip and against the people, especially in the Beit Hanoun crossing in the north of Gaza.
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Dr. Ismail Radwan, said that Shale stones battle waged by the Palestinian resistance and Israeli enemy proved to everyone that the resistance option is the only way to liberate Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestine, and the prisoners. Shale stone battle represents a milestone in the history of conflict with the Israeli occupation, he said.
He added that Shalestone battle confirmed resistance option's victory and the failure of Israeli schemes.
Despite all Israeli plots and aggressions, Palestinian people remained steadfast along with the Palestinian resistance that managed to shell Israeli targets, Radwan said.
He pointed out to the Palestinian Government steadfastness that managed to provide security and protection to its people despite the targeting of its ministries and institutions.
Radwan called on the PA government in Ramallah to stop persecuting Palestinian resistance in the West Bank, and to stop the absurd negotiations and security coordination, and to stand by resistance and Palestinian people.
He added that Shalestone battle confirmed resistance option's victory and the failure of Israeli schemes.
Despite all Israeli plots and aggressions, Palestinian people remained steadfast along with the Palestinian resistance that managed to shell Israeli targets, Radwan said.
He pointed out to the Palestinian Government steadfastness that managed to provide security and protection to its people despite the targeting of its ministries and institutions.
Radwan called on the PA government in Ramallah to stop persecuting Palestinian resistance in the West Bank, and to stop the absurd negotiations and security coordination, and to stand by resistance and Palestinian people.
14 nov 2013
The Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip revive on Thursday 14 November 2013, the first anniversary of the defensive battle launched by Palestinian resistance to fend off Israeli offensive against Gaza in 14 November, 2012. Israel launched a large attack on the besieged Gaza strip entitled '' cloud column'', whereas Qassam brigades called the battle with Israeli forces '' Shale Stones''
The war got sparked when the Israeli occupation forces killed, Ahmed Aljaabari, the senior military leader of Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
Following, Israel launched large attack targeting dozens of civilian homes, killing some 190 Palestinian citizens and wounding 1500 others.
Qassam Brigades, in turn, fended off the Israeli offensive, firing rockets into Israel which paralyzed life inside Israel.
Eight days later, international parties intervened and a truce was reached between Palestinian resistance and Israel.
Most observing bodies and analyst deem the end of the battle a victory for Palestinian resistance.
The war got sparked when the Israeli occupation forces killed, Ahmed Aljaabari, the senior military leader of Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
Following, Israel launched large attack targeting dozens of civilian homes, killing some 190 Palestinian citizens and wounding 1500 others.
Qassam Brigades, in turn, fended off the Israeli offensive, firing rockets into Israel which paralyzed life inside Israel.
Eight days later, international parties intervened and a truce was reached between Palestinian resistance and Israel.
Most observing bodies and analyst deem the end of the battle a victory for Palestinian resistance.
Palestinian people in the Gaza strip on Thursday marked the 1st anniversary of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip that lasted for eight days, during which Palestinian resistance topped by Qassam Brigade achieved a historical victory by shelling "Tel Aviv". The aggression started with the Israeli assassination of Ahmed Aljaabari, the senior military leader of Qassam brigades, Hamas's military wing.
Israel launched an eight-day attack on the besieged Gaza strip which it codenamed “pillar of defense”, whereas the Qassam brigades called the battle with Israeli forces ''Shale Stones''.
According to the Palestinian Human Rights Center (PHRC), Israeli forces carried out in the period from 14 to 21 November 2012 thousands of airstrikes, attacks by gunboats, and artillery shelling.
Missiles with warheads weighing more than 1,000 kilograms were used in attacks on residential areas, flattening multi-storey homes and killing residents within the buildings. The extensive attacks targeted civilian facilities throughout the Gaza Strip, including civilian governmental institutions located in densely-populated areas. The impact of these attacks on property and victims, especially women and children, increased manifold, due to the targeting of civilian areas.
Hundreds of airstrikes were launched at open spaces in residential areas to terrify civilians. In the last four days of the offensive, a marked increase in attacks on civilian places led to a corresponding increase in the proportion of civilians among the victims.
Throughout the period of the offensive, Palestinian civilians lived under extreme fear and threats to their lives due to direct attacks on civilians and their property throughout the Gaza Strip. There was no safe place and the threat of death was felt by everyone with no exceptions.
The situation became more tragic when Israeli forces dropped leaflets onto Palestinian communities in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City ordering civilians to leave their homes. Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified and thousands of them had shelters in UNRWA schools.
During the eight-day offensive, 171 Palestinians were killed. Of the victims, 102 were civilians, comprising 60% of the total number of victims. 35 of the civilian victims, or 34%, were children, while 14 of the civilian victims, or 14%, were women. The total number of people wounded was 648. Of the wounded, 625 were civilians, including 214 children and 93 women. Among the wounded civilians were 16 people with various disabilities.
Entire families were wiped out as their houses were directly targeted with missiles with warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms. The most horrible of these attacks targeted the al-Dalu family’s house in Gaza City on 18 November. The four-storey house and a number of neighboring houses were destroyed, and 12 civilians (5 children, 5 women and 2 young men) were killed and 6 others were wounded.
In a similar crime, on 19 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded a house belonging to Fu’ad Khalil Hijazi in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. The house was completely destroyed and Hijazi and 2 of his children were killed. Additionally, 7 members of the family and 13 neighbors were wounded. In another crime, on 20 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded an apartment belonging to Bassel al-Shawa in al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City. The apartment was completely destroyed and 4 civilians were killed. Additionally, 6 civilians were wounded in the nearby street.
According to PHRC report, Israeli forces targeted hundreds of buildings, destroying 126 houses completely. Those 126 buildings comprised 191 residential units that housed 1,229 people, including 710 children. 243 more buildings were severely damaged. Israeli forces also targeted 233 public facilities, including 88 educational establishments, 83 places of worship and cemeteries, 19 health facilities, 3 syndicates, 2 sports facilities, 4 media establishments, 41 service facilities, 6 recreational facilities, 4 banks and 182 industrial, commercial and agricultural facilities.
One year following “Operation Pillar of Defense,” Palestinian civilian victims are still denied justice and remedy. Israeli authorities have imposed legal, physical and monetary barriers in the face of Palestinian victims to prevent the prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and compensation of victims.
Nevertheless, in the context of its continuous efforts to ensure prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and remedy for victims, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) established legal files for Palestinian victims of “Operation Pillar of Defense,” to claim their rights at the criminal and civil levels.
PCHR lawyers submitted 246 civil complaints to the Israeli Ministry of Defense (according to the Israeli legal requirements) in order to initiate compensation claims on behalf of Palestinian victims of Israeli violations. These complaints were related to killing 72 Palestinian civilians and wounding 104 others, and destroying 75 houses during “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
Israel launched an eight-day attack on the besieged Gaza strip which it codenamed “pillar of defense”, whereas the Qassam brigades called the battle with Israeli forces ''Shale Stones''.
According to the Palestinian Human Rights Center (PHRC), Israeli forces carried out in the period from 14 to 21 November 2012 thousands of airstrikes, attacks by gunboats, and artillery shelling.
Missiles with warheads weighing more than 1,000 kilograms were used in attacks on residential areas, flattening multi-storey homes and killing residents within the buildings. The extensive attacks targeted civilian facilities throughout the Gaza Strip, including civilian governmental institutions located in densely-populated areas. The impact of these attacks on property and victims, especially women and children, increased manifold, due to the targeting of civilian areas.
Hundreds of airstrikes were launched at open spaces in residential areas to terrify civilians. In the last four days of the offensive, a marked increase in attacks on civilian places led to a corresponding increase in the proportion of civilians among the victims.
Throughout the period of the offensive, Palestinian civilians lived under extreme fear and threats to their lives due to direct attacks on civilians and their property throughout the Gaza Strip. There was no safe place and the threat of death was felt by everyone with no exceptions.
The situation became more tragic when Israeli forces dropped leaflets onto Palestinian communities in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City ordering civilians to leave their homes. Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified and thousands of them had shelters in UNRWA schools.
During the eight-day offensive, 171 Palestinians were killed. Of the victims, 102 were civilians, comprising 60% of the total number of victims. 35 of the civilian victims, or 34%, were children, while 14 of the civilian victims, or 14%, were women. The total number of people wounded was 648. Of the wounded, 625 were civilians, including 214 children and 93 women. Among the wounded civilians were 16 people with various disabilities.
Entire families were wiped out as their houses were directly targeted with missiles with warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms. The most horrible of these attacks targeted the al-Dalu family’s house in Gaza City on 18 November. The four-storey house and a number of neighboring houses were destroyed, and 12 civilians (5 children, 5 women and 2 young men) were killed and 6 others were wounded.
In a similar crime, on 19 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded a house belonging to Fu’ad Khalil Hijazi in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. The house was completely destroyed and Hijazi and 2 of his children were killed. Additionally, 7 members of the family and 13 neighbors were wounded. In another crime, on 20 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded an apartment belonging to Bassel al-Shawa in al-Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City. The apartment was completely destroyed and 4 civilians were killed. Additionally, 6 civilians were wounded in the nearby street.
According to PHRC report, Israeli forces targeted hundreds of buildings, destroying 126 houses completely. Those 126 buildings comprised 191 residential units that housed 1,229 people, including 710 children. 243 more buildings were severely damaged. Israeli forces also targeted 233 public facilities, including 88 educational establishments, 83 places of worship and cemeteries, 19 health facilities, 3 syndicates, 2 sports facilities, 4 media establishments, 41 service facilities, 6 recreational facilities, 4 banks and 182 industrial, commercial and agricultural facilities.
One year following “Operation Pillar of Defense,” Palestinian civilian victims are still denied justice and remedy. Israeli authorities have imposed legal, physical and monetary barriers in the face of Palestinian victims to prevent the prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and compensation of victims.
Nevertheless, in the context of its continuous efforts to ensure prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and remedy for victims, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) established legal files for Palestinian victims of “Operation Pillar of Defense,” to claim their rights at the criminal and civil levels.
PCHR lawyers submitted 246 civil complaints to the Israeli Ministry of Defense (according to the Israeli legal requirements) in order to initiate compensation claims on behalf of Palestinian victims of Israeli violations. These complaints were related to killing 72 Palestinian civilians and wounding 104 others, and destroying 75 houses during “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
Dalu Family Children Killed By Israeli Shells
14 November 2013, marks the first anniversary of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, codenamed “Operation Pillar of Defense,” which lasted for 8 days.
This offensive, like the preceding one, was characterized by brutality and the perpetration of systematic serious violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes. One year following this offensive, Palestinian victims are still denied justice before the Israeli judiciary.
In the period from 14 to 21 November 2012, Israeli forces launched a large-scale offensive on the Gaza Strip.
During the eight-day offensive, Israeli forces carried out thousands of airstrikes, attacks by gunboats, and artillery shelling. Missiles with warheads weighing more than 1,000 kilograms were used in attacks on residential areas, flattening multistory homes and killing residents within the buildings.
The extensive attacks targeted civilian facilities throughout the Gaza Strip, including civilian governmental institutions located in densely-populated areas.
The impact of these attacks on property and victims, especially women and children, increased manifold, due to the targeting of civilian areas.
Hundreds of airstrikes were launched at open spaces in residential areas to terrify civilians. In the last four days of the offensive, a marked increase in attacks on civilian places led to a corresponding increase in the proportion of civilians among the victims.
Throughout the period of the offensive, Palestinian civilians lived under extreme fear and threats to their lives due to direct attacks on civilians and their property throughout the Gaza Strip.
There was no safe place and the threat of death was felt by everyone with no exceptions. The situation became more tragic when Israeli forces dropped leaflets onto Palestinian communities in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City ordering civilians to leave their homes.
Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified and thousands of them had shelters in UNRWA schools.
During the eight-day offensive, 171 Palestinians were killed. Of the victims, 102 were civilians, comprising 60% of the total number of victims. 35 of the civilian victims, or 34%, were children, while 14 of the civilian victims, of 14%, were women. The total number of people wounded was 648.
Of the wounded, 625 were civilians, including 214 children and 93 women. Among the wounded civilians were 16 people with various disabilities.
Entire families were wiped out as their houses were directly targeted with missiles with warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms.
The most horrible of these attacks was targeting the al-Dalu family’s house in Gaza City on 18 November.
The four story house and a number of neighboring houses were destroyed, and 12 civilians (5 children, 5 women and 2 young men) were killed and 6 others were wounded.
In a similar crime, on 19 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded a house belonging to Fu’ad Khalil Hijazi in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
The house was completely destroyed and Hijazi and 2 of his children were killed. Additionally, 7 members of the family and 13 neighbors were wounded.
In another crime, on 20 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded an apartment belonging to Bassel al-Shawa in al-Shujaiya neighbourhood in Gaza City.
The apartment was completely destroyed and 4 civilians were killed. Additionally, 6 civilians were wounded in the nearby street.
Israeli forces targeted hundreds of buildings, destroying 126 houses completely. Those 126 buildings contained 191 residential units that housed 1,229 people, including 710 children. 243 more buildings were severely damaged.
Israeli forces also targeted 233 public facilities, including 88 educational establishments; 83 worshiping sites and cemeteries; 19 health facilities; 3 syndicates; 2 sports facilities; 4 media institutions; 41 service facilities; 6 recreational facilities; 4 banks; and 182 industrial, commercial and agricultural facilities.
This anniversary reminds of the scenes of killing, destruction and fear which Palestinian civilians suffered during “Operation Cast Lead” in the period 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009, in which 1,419 Palestinians, including 1,167 civilians (82%), were killed and more than 5,300 others were wounded.
One year following “Operation Pillar of Defense,” Palestinian civilian victims are still denied justice and remedy. Israeli authorities have imposed legal, physical and monetary barriers in the face of Palestinian victims to prevent the prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and compensation of victims.
Nevertheless, in the context of its continuous efforts to ensure prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and remedy for victims, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) established legal files for Palestinian victims of “Operation Pillar of Defense,” to claim their rights at the criminal and civil levels.
PCHR lawyers submitted 246 civil complaints to the Israeli Ministry of Defense (according to the Israeli legal requirements) in order to initiate compensation claims on behalf of Palestinian victims of Israeli violations.
These complaints were related to killing 72 Palestinian civilians and wounding 104 others, and destroying 75 houses during “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
PCHR submitted also 79 complaints to the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG) demanding opening criminal investigations into these violations and bringing the perpetrators before justice. In response to the 79 complaints submitted to the MAG, PCHR received 26 replies only, which were all negative.
The latest of these replies were the MAG’s decision to close the case of the Hijazi family, an attack in which 3 civilians were killed and 4 others were wounded and the family’s house was destroyed, and the negative reply in regards to the al-Dalu family case, an attack in which 12 civilians, including 5 children and 5 women, were killed and 6 others were wounded, while the family’s house and a number of neighboring houses were destroyed. In the latter, the MAG claimed that there was no suspicion of criminal offences.
PCHR stresses that the MAG’s actions are part of a systematic policy to deny Palestinian victims their right to justice to provide a legal cover for Israeli war criminals and shield them from international prosecution.
PCHR points out that it submitted 490 criminal complaints to the MAG following “Operation Cast Lead,” but it received 19 replies related to 23 cases only.
A reply was limited to confirmation of receipt of a compliant and that it would be examined and PCHR would be informed of the results.
Additionally, the MAG has never referred any suspect to justice in spite of various international reports that confirmed the perpetration of war crimes, and even crimes against humanity against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), especially during “Operation Cast Lead,” the most notable of which was the report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Gaza Conflict (Goldstone Report).
Palestinians have continued to be denied the right to justice and compensation through a series of Israeli legal and physical obstacles.
In this context, on 16 July 2012, the Israeli Knesset approved Amendment No. 8 to the Israeli Tort Law (State’s Liability) of 1952, which applies retroactively in regards to the Gaza Strip from 2005 onwards.
This amendment exempts the State of Israel of any liability arising from damages caused to a resident of an enemy territory during a ‘combat action’ or ‘military operation,’ thus exempting Israel of any liability for victims of the Israeli offensive in 2012 (“Operation Pillar of Defense”) and “Operation Cats Lead” in 2008-2009. Consequently, PCHR has not been able to file any compensation claim on behalf of victims of “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
In addition to the aforementioned amendment, Israeli authorities have worked on imposing monetary, legal and physical obstacles in the last year to close the door completely before the Palestinian victims to get their rights to Justice.
These obstacles include, but not limited to, preventing victims and witnesses from appearing before courts, preventing meetings between victims and their lawyers and imposing unbearable financial court guarantees.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has ignored complaints submitted by PCHR to initiate civil claims on behalf of victims.
For instance, in the period 2009-2012, PCHR submitted 1,046 complaints to the Compensation Officer of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, but it received 16 replies in regards to 26 cases only.
PCHR stresses the need to confront these challenges and overcome such obstacles that deny Palestinian victims their right to justice and remedy, and:
1- PCHR calls upon the Palestinian Authority to ensure that Palestine accedes to all international human rights and humanitarian law instruments.
PCHR calls for the immediate signing and ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1998 as it is the major guarantee for the prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals.
2- PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council for referral to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute.
3- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of crime, and to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed.
4- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of crime, and to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed.
14 November 2013, marks the first anniversary of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, codenamed “Operation Pillar of Defense,” which lasted for 8 days.
This offensive, like the preceding one, was characterized by brutality and the perpetration of systematic serious violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes. One year following this offensive, Palestinian victims are still denied justice before the Israeli judiciary.
In the period from 14 to 21 November 2012, Israeli forces launched a large-scale offensive on the Gaza Strip.
During the eight-day offensive, Israeli forces carried out thousands of airstrikes, attacks by gunboats, and artillery shelling. Missiles with warheads weighing more than 1,000 kilograms were used in attacks on residential areas, flattening multistory homes and killing residents within the buildings.
The extensive attacks targeted civilian facilities throughout the Gaza Strip, including civilian governmental institutions located in densely-populated areas.
The impact of these attacks on property and victims, especially women and children, increased manifold, due to the targeting of civilian areas.
Hundreds of airstrikes were launched at open spaces in residential areas to terrify civilians. In the last four days of the offensive, a marked increase in attacks on civilian places led to a corresponding increase in the proportion of civilians among the victims.
Throughout the period of the offensive, Palestinian civilians lived under extreme fear and threats to their lives due to direct attacks on civilians and their property throughout the Gaza Strip.
There was no safe place and the threat of death was felt by everyone with no exceptions. The situation became more tragic when Israeli forces dropped leaflets onto Palestinian communities in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City ordering civilians to leave their homes.
Palestinian civilians were extremely terrified and thousands of them had shelters in UNRWA schools.
During the eight-day offensive, 171 Palestinians were killed. Of the victims, 102 were civilians, comprising 60% of the total number of victims. 35 of the civilian victims, or 34%, were children, while 14 of the civilian victims, of 14%, were women. The total number of people wounded was 648.
Of the wounded, 625 were civilians, including 214 children and 93 women. Among the wounded civilians were 16 people with various disabilities.
Entire families were wiped out as their houses were directly targeted with missiles with warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms.
The most horrible of these attacks was targeting the al-Dalu family’s house in Gaza City on 18 November.
The four story house and a number of neighboring houses were destroyed, and 12 civilians (5 children, 5 women and 2 young men) were killed and 6 others were wounded.
In a similar crime, on 19 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded a house belonging to Fu’ad Khalil Hijazi in Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.
The house was completely destroyed and Hijazi and 2 of his children were killed. Additionally, 7 members of the family and 13 neighbors were wounded.
In another crime, on 20 November, an Israeli warplane bombarded an apartment belonging to Bassel al-Shawa in al-Shujaiya neighbourhood in Gaza City.
The apartment was completely destroyed and 4 civilians were killed. Additionally, 6 civilians were wounded in the nearby street.
Israeli forces targeted hundreds of buildings, destroying 126 houses completely. Those 126 buildings contained 191 residential units that housed 1,229 people, including 710 children. 243 more buildings were severely damaged.
Israeli forces also targeted 233 public facilities, including 88 educational establishments; 83 worshiping sites and cemeteries; 19 health facilities; 3 syndicates; 2 sports facilities; 4 media institutions; 41 service facilities; 6 recreational facilities; 4 banks; and 182 industrial, commercial and agricultural facilities.
This anniversary reminds of the scenes of killing, destruction and fear which Palestinian civilians suffered during “Operation Cast Lead” in the period 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009, in which 1,419 Palestinians, including 1,167 civilians (82%), were killed and more than 5,300 others were wounded.
One year following “Operation Pillar of Defense,” Palestinian civilian victims are still denied justice and remedy. Israeli authorities have imposed legal, physical and monetary barriers in the face of Palestinian victims to prevent the prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and compensation of victims.
Nevertheless, in the context of its continuous efforts to ensure prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals and remedy for victims, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) established legal files for Palestinian victims of “Operation Pillar of Defense,” to claim their rights at the criminal and civil levels.
PCHR lawyers submitted 246 civil complaints to the Israeli Ministry of Defense (according to the Israeli legal requirements) in order to initiate compensation claims on behalf of Palestinian victims of Israeli violations.
These complaints were related to killing 72 Palestinian civilians and wounding 104 others, and destroying 75 houses during “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
PCHR submitted also 79 complaints to the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG) demanding opening criminal investigations into these violations and bringing the perpetrators before justice. In response to the 79 complaints submitted to the MAG, PCHR received 26 replies only, which were all negative.
The latest of these replies were the MAG’s decision to close the case of the Hijazi family, an attack in which 3 civilians were killed and 4 others were wounded and the family’s house was destroyed, and the negative reply in regards to the al-Dalu family case, an attack in which 12 civilians, including 5 children and 5 women, were killed and 6 others were wounded, while the family’s house and a number of neighboring houses were destroyed. In the latter, the MAG claimed that there was no suspicion of criminal offences.
PCHR stresses that the MAG’s actions are part of a systematic policy to deny Palestinian victims their right to justice to provide a legal cover for Israeli war criminals and shield them from international prosecution.
PCHR points out that it submitted 490 criminal complaints to the MAG following “Operation Cast Lead,” but it received 19 replies related to 23 cases only.
A reply was limited to confirmation of receipt of a compliant and that it would be examined and PCHR would be informed of the results.
Additionally, the MAG has never referred any suspect to justice in spite of various international reports that confirmed the perpetration of war crimes, and even crimes against humanity against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), especially during “Operation Cast Lead,” the most notable of which was the report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Gaza Conflict (Goldstone Report).
Palestinians have continued to be denied the right to justice and compensation through a series of Israeli legal and physical obstacles.
In this context, on 16 July 2012, the Israeli Knesset approved Amendment No. 8 to the Israeli Tort Law (State’s Liability) of 1952, which applies retroactively in regards to the Gaza Strip from 2005 onwards.
This amendment exempts the State of Israel of any liability arising from damages caused to a resident of an enemy territory during a ‘combat action’ or ‘military operation,’ thus exempting Israel of any liability for victims of the Israeli offensive in 2012 (“Operation Pillar of Defense”) and “Operation Cats Lead” in 2008-2009. Consequently, PCHR has not been able to file any compensation claim on behalf of victims of “Operation Pillar of Defense.”
In addition to the aforementioned amendment, Israeli authorities have worked on imposing monetary, legal and physical obstacles in the last year to close the door completely before the Palestinian victims to get their rights to Justice.
These obstacles include, but not limited to, preventing victims and witnesses from appearing before courts, preventing meetings between victims and their lawyers and imposing unbearable financial court guarantees.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has ignored complaints submitted by PCHR to initiate civil claims on behalf of victims.
For instance, in the period 2009-2012, PCHR submitted 1,046 complaints to the Compensation Officer of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, but it received 16 replies in regards to 26 cases only.
PCHR stresses the need to confront these challenges and overcome such obstacles that deny Palestinian victims their right to justice and remedy, and:
1- PCHR calls upon the Palestinian Authority to ensure that Palestine accedes to all international human rights and humanitarian law instruments.
PCHR calls for the immediate signing and ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 1998 as it is the major guarantee for the prosecution of suspected Israeli war criminals.
2- PCHR calls upon the UN General Assembly to transfer the Goldstone Report to the UN Security Council for referral to the International Criminal Court in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Rome Statute.
3- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of crime, and to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed.
4- PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation to ensure the application of the Conventions, including extending the scope of their jurisdiction to prosecute suspected war criminals, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator and the place of crime, and to pave the way for prosecuting suspected Israeli war criminals and end the longstanding impunity they have enjoyed.
