16 February 2001

Two Palestinians Killed and Scores Injured in Attacks by the Israeli Occupying Forces

While the UN Human Rights Inquiry Mission carries out its investigation, the Occupied Territories have witnessed an intensification of Israeli systematic human rights violations.  Tanks and other heavy weaponry are once again being used against the civilian Palestinian population.  Israeli Forces in the Occupied Territories continued their excessive use of force against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip yesterday killing two Palestinians and leading to the deaths of two others.  Al-Haq fieldworkers’ reports also indicate that scores of people were injured, including two foreign journalists.  Those left dead were:

• Issam Rasheed al-Tawil, 29, from Hebron died of a gunshot wound to the belly sustained while at work on a farm on the outskirts of Hebron.
• Shaker Sulleman al-Manasra, 25, from Hebron died of a gunshot wound to the neck sustained while he was in his home.
• Mohammad Khader Ismael al-Hawande, 26, from al-Samu’ in the Hebron District died in a car crash while being pursued by Israeli forces.
• Abdul Rahman Makhmoud Juma’, 79, from Beit Le’id near Tulkarm died while being held for several hours at an Israeli checkpoint.  At the time of his death he was attempting to reach a hospital.  This case is still under investigation.     

None of the above mentioned individuals were involved in clashes at the times of their deaths.  These deaths bring to 358 the number of Palestinians killed since the outbreak of the al-Aqsa Intifada.  Almost one third of those killed have been children under the age of 18.  Fifteen Palestinians have been either assassinated or summarily executed.

In addition to the deaths reported yesterday Israeli forces once again shelled civilian areas in Hebron, El Bireh, and the Gaza Strip.  From 8:30 to 11:30 pm Israeli Forces in Hebron shelled and directed heavy machinegun fire at Palestinian controlled areas of the city.  During this shelling and shooting both al-Tawil and al-Manasra were killed.  Seven other individuals were also seriously injured in these attacks.  Yesterday afternoon Israeli tanks fired shells at protesters in El Bireh near Ramallah causing extensive damage to the Ministry of Local Government and an apartment building.  At least ten civilians including two foreign journalists were injured.  Finally, Khan Younis and Rafah in the Gaza Strip were shelled extensively throughout the night causing extensive damage to civilian property and numerous injuries.  These attacks followed intense shelling in Khan Younis Thursday during which Jihan Qanan was struck in the belly by an Israeli bullet while in her home.  Jihan was six months pregnant when shot, and the bullet that struck her lodged in the head of the fetus killing it and causing her to miscarry.  She remains in the hospital in critical condition.       

These actions come upon the heals of an intensification of the sieges and closures imposed as forms of collective punishment against the Palestinian people.  Israel continues to act in total disregard of international humanitarian law, international human rights principles, and the demands of the international community.  Al-Haq views with concern the Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians, and reiterates the following demands:

1.   The United Nations Security Council should take the necessary measures to pressure the Israeli Government to stop its excessive use of force and aggression against Palestinian civilians.

2.  The Security Council should reconsider its decision regarding the deployment of an international protections force for the Palestinian people and should immediately take steps to form such a force to ensure Israeli compliance with United Nations Resolutions and international law.

3.              Immediate action by the States Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to bear responsibility towards atrocities committed against Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, and to fulfill their legal obligations as High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention under Article 1 of the Convention that states that states must act “ to ensure respect for the present Convention in all circumstances”.