Updates

Open-Fire Policy

JAG: 0.22 bullets not meant for dispersing demonstrators

In recent months, security forces have used 0.22-caliber bullets to disperse demonstrators, killing two unarmed Palestinians. Yet in a reply to B'Tselem, the JAG stated that this ammunition is not intended for dispersing demonstrators.

9 July 2009

Open-Fire Policy

High Court orders harsher indictment in Ni'lin shooting

In July '08, a soldier shot a handcuffed detainee in the presence of his commander, yet the two were charged only with "unbecoming conduct". Today, the Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in favor of changing the indictments to reflect the gravity of the offense.

1 July 2009

Intra-Palestinian Violations

Suspicion that dead detainee was tortured by the PA

Haitham 'Amru, a nurse and member of Hamas was arrested by the Palestinian GIS in the West Bank and died in Hebron several days later. Signs of severe injury were found on the body. The PA must investigate 'Amru's death and prosecute the perpetrators.

1 July 2009

Settlements

New report: Foul Play

In its new report B'Tselem warns about the danger inherent in neglecting wastewater treatment in the West Bank. The report criticizes both Israel and the Palestinian Authority for their failures, which have harmed the health and future water supply of all residents of Israel and the West Bank.

28 June 2009

The Gaza Strip

Hamas must release Gilad Shalit immediately and unconditionally

B'Tselem repeats its demand that Hamas release Gilad Shalit immediately. The circumstances of Shalit's capture three years ago and the behavior of his captors clearly indicate that he is legally a hostage. Hostage taking is absolutely prohibited under international humanitarian law, and is defined as a grave breach of the Geneva Convention.

25 June 2009

Open-Fire Policy

Prohibit use of live ammunition to disperse demonstrators

B'Tselem reiterates its demand to prohibit use of 0.22 bullets to disperse demonstrators. Despite the prohibition on using this lethal weapon since 2001, two persons have been killed by it recently, one of them a 14-year-old boy.

18 June 2009

Economic & Social Rights

Lift the closure on Gaza

To mark the two years of closure that Israel has imposed on the Gaza Strip, Israeli human rights organizations have released a new online film with the message "Lift the closure - give life a chance".

17 June 2009

The Gaza Strip

EU must link upgrade with Israel to protection of human rights

Prominent Israeli human rights organizations have called upon the EU to link the upgrade of its relations with Israel to respect for human rights and the rule of law, in light of the 9th EU-Israel Association Council meeting held this week.

15 June 2009

Beating and Abuse

Soldiers arrested on suspicion of abuse at 'Ein Gedi checkpoint

On 28 May '09, several Palestinian youths went to the Dead Sea for a night out. According to testimonies given by three of them, after they parked near the 'Ein Gedi checkpoint, soldiers there severely abused two of them. On 17 June, two soldiers were reportedly arrested on suspicion of beating the youths and are still in custody.

9 June 2009

Hebron City Center

Bring the shooter in Hebron to justice

In December '08, settler Ze'ev Braude was filmed shooting and wounding three Palestinians in Hebron. On 8 June '09, it was reported that, following a Supreme Court order that the state reveal privileged evidence in the case, the indictment against Braude is to be withdrawn.

8 June 2009

Settlements

Investigation closed in case of Susiya settler attack

On 8 June '08, four settlers clubbed Palestinian shepherds near Susiya. A relative of the victims documented the attack with a B'Tselem camera. Recently, the Hebron police closed the investigation on grounds of "offender unknown".

7 June 2009

Settler Violence = State Violence

Prepare for acts of revenge by settlers

In a letter that was sent this week to the Minister of Defense, B'Tselem claimed that in light of past experience and statements from settlers, it was reasonable to anticipate the recent violent acts, yet the security forces avoid, time and again, providing protection to Palestinians

4 June 2009

Settlements

Testimonies: Settlers stone Palestinians

On 1 June 2009, settlers blocked a road near the Qedumim settlement and threw stones at vehicles. Testimonies given to B'Tselem indicate that the settlers assaulted a minibus carrying construction workers, wounding three of them. Soldiers at the site refused to protect the victims.

4 June 2009

Theft and Property Damage

Following B'Tselem's complaint, Givati soldier charged with theft

On Tuesday, 2.6.09, The Judge Advocate General's Office filed an indictment against a Givati Brigade soldier for theft of money from Palestinians. The indictment was filed following a complaint made by B'Tselem regarding thefts that took place during a search soldiers conducted in Beit Furik, a village east of Nablus, in November 2008.

2 June 2009

Harassment

Testimony: Sixty laborers detained in refrigerator compartment

On 9 May, more than sixty Palestinians, in an attempt to enter Israel without a work permit, squeezed into a truck's refrigerator compartment. One of them related to B'Tselem that police stopped the truck, found the workers, and then made them remain inside the stifling compartment for more than two hours, despite the workers' pleas for air and water.

26 May 2009

Gaza testimony: Fleeing mother and daughter killed by tank fire

On 4 January, the army shelled farm area in which a number of families lived. Testimony given to B'Tselem indicates that families fled from their homes, waving white flags, but they were fired upon, and Raya and Majda Abu Hajaj, mother and daughter, were killed.

26 May 2009

Economic & Social Rights

Palestinians displaced by Operation Cast Lead living in tents

According to the UN, Israel destroyed 3,500 homes in Operation Cast Lead. Some of the displaced persons now live in tents, in harsh conditions. Participants in B'Tselem's video project documented life in one encampment.

21 May 2009

Beating and Abuse

Investigate officers for policy of routine use of violence

B'Tselem and ACRI demand that a Military Police investigation be opened, following the publication of testimonies by the Kfir Brigade commander and the Shimshon Battalion commander, which indicate a policy of deliberate violence toward Palestinians.

21 May 2009

Settlements

Testimonies: Settlers assault elderly farmers

According to testimonies given to B'Tselem by Muhammad and 'Abdallah Wahadin, on 26 April, settlers assaulted them with stones while they were on their way home from their farmland, in Hebron District.

21 May 2009

The Gaza Strip

Army denies results of use of phosphorous

B'Tselem demands that the army stop all use of white phosphorous in Gaza, and that its use in Operation Cast Lead be thoroughly investigated. The conclusions of a recent army inquiry into the matter are completely divorced from the effects suffered in the field.

20 May 2009

Hebron City Center

Testimony: Settlers throw stones with soldiers present

According to a testimony given to B'Tselem, on 3 April, soldiers allowed dozens of settlers to throw stones at homes and cars in the Wadi a-Nasara neighborhood of Hebron, and threatened Palestinians who protested.

10 May 2009

Hebron City Center

Settler youngsters attack ambulance in Hebron

On 11 April, a Palestinian ambulance was transporting a patient to her home in the Israeli-controlled area of Hebron. According to testimonies, children and youths from nearby settlements threw rocks at the ambulance and soldiers at the scene did not intervene.

7 May 2009

Beating and Abuse

3 policemen indicted for assaulting Palestinian in Tel Aviv

On 3 May '09, indictments were filed against three policemen, charging them with assaulting Tareq Abu Laban, in Tel Aviv, in June '08. According to Abu Laban, the three forced him into a police car and beat and abused him severely during a ride in it.

6 May 2009