Brief description of the situation
The International Secretariat of OMCT is gravely concerned by information received from a reliable source concerning the use of excessive force on demonstrators, expressing their support for the Palestinian people, in Jordan. These actions follow a recent statement by the Jordanian Prime Minister to ban all demonstrations held in support of the Palestinian people.
According to information collected by the reliable source, Usama Abdul-Karim Ali Qasem, 18 years old was reported to have been killed on Friday 6th October by a bullet in the chest from the anti riot police, while more than 20 persons were reported injured, many with serious injuries.
Anti riot police heavily used tear gas bombs and rods against demonstrators causing internal bleeding and broken bones among many injured persons who are still in hospitals receiving necessary treatment. The Arab Center for Heart Surgery Hospital reported that 4 among the five persons admitted in the emergency department were women. One woman interviewed reported that 5 riot policemen had beaten her on the head and face causing her internal bleeding and broken cheekbones. The woman added that the police have used insulting language and have irritated peoples' emotions by tearing up the Palestinian flags the demonstrators were carrying.
In addition, riot police have detained many demonstrators throughout the city Amman who have not been released until now.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister of Jordan, Ali Abu Al-Ragheb, it was stated that all demonstrations and marches in Jordan in support of the Palestinian people were banned. Furthermore, in the statement the government threatened to take harsh measures against any violation of the decisions and orders taken by security departments and related authorities. The government claimed that the ban was imposed due to violent actions undertaken by demonstrators. The government spread tanks and riot police near all the mosques in the capital city Amman as a preventive measure against any attempt by citizens to peaceful expression of solidarity.
On the 7th of October, the government had also banned a children's march to UNICEF in solidarity with Mohammad Al- Durah, (a child shot dead by Israeli forces in recent demonstrations in Palestine) organized by the Children's Committee of the Jordanian Women's Union and children were not allowed to reach the UNICEF premises in Amman. Again insulting language was used against children and participating women.
Action requested
Please write to the authorities in Jordan urging them to:
Addresses
Prime Minister, Ali Abu Al-Ragheb, PO Box 80, 352 Amman,
Jordan. Fax No: 00962 4 642520.
Interior Ministry, Fax No. 00962 5 606908
Geneva, October 9, 2000
Kindly inform us of any action undertaken quoting the code of this appeal in
your reply.
Organisation Mondiale Contre la Torture (OMCT)
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Organización Mundial Contra la Tortura (OMCT)
8 rue du Vieux-Billard
Case postale 21
CH-1211 Geneve 8
Suisse/Switzerland
Tel. : 0041 22 809 49 39
Fax : 0041 22 809 49 29
E-mail : omct@omct.org
http://www.omct.org
Urgent Appeal to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the protection of the Palestinian national minority in Israel
2:00 A.M., Monday 9 October 2000
Mr. Kofi A. Annan,
Secretary General
United Nations
Honorable Mr. Kofi Annan, I write to you with an urgent appeal, as an elected
representative of the Palestinian national minority in Israel, to meet with
the leadership of the Palestinian national minority and call for immediate United
Nations intervention on our behalf and the protection of our rights as stipulated
in the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic,
Religious and Linguistic Minorities (1992).
For the past eleven days, since the commencement of what has come to be known
as the 'Al-Aqsa Intifada,' we have been living in a grave state of danger.
The official excuse for the current violent repression of the Palestinian national
minority in Israel is our public protest brought on by the visit of MK Ariel
Sharon to Haram al-Sharif in the old city of Jerusalem, and its bloody aftermath.
Every national minority must have the fundamental right to civil protest.
. September 29 - October 6, 2000: during civil protests on the part of Arab
citizens inside Israel in response to ongoing Israeli brutality against Palestinians,
the Israeli police killed 12 Arab citizens with live ammunition and rubber coated
metal bullets, and injured dozens.
. October 7, 2000: in response to news of the kidnapping of 3 Israeli soldiers
by Hizballah, Israeli Jewish civilians began rioting, attacking Arab citizens,
most of them laborers at their places of work. Dozens of injured Arab citizens,
some critically, have bee hospitalized. Arab-owned businesses have been burned.
In Tiberias, rioters desecrated an ancient mosque. Despite the fact that rioting
by Jews included the use of knives and molotov cocktails, the police demonstrated
a negligent inability to defend Arab citizens and their property.
. October 8, 2000: some 300 Jewish rioters attacked the home of MK Azmi Bishara
in Nazareth Ilit.
The rioters, who stoned the house, were equipped with torches and declared their
intention to burn the house down.
. A few hours ago: Jewish rioters from Nazareth Ilit began attacking the eastern
neighborhood of Nazareth, with live ammunition. The police, who have directed
their force at the Arab residents under attack instead of at their Jewish attackers,
have killed at least one civilian thus far, and injured countless others. Since
the Israeli authorities are unable to offer us protection, but rather are the
perpetrators of the violence directed against us, I see no choice but to ask
you to meet with us and call upon the international community to intervene on
our behalf.
Sincerely,
MK Azmi Bishara
National Democratic Assembly
Even in "Time of War" - Not All Is Permitted
There have been reports of several violent incidents during this past week in the Occupied Territories. In some cases both sides acted as against international humanitarian law. The provisions of this law place constraints on permissible acts during wartime, in order to minimize injury to those who take no active part in the hostilities: prisoners of war, wounded persons and civilians. Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak, said on Saturday: "Up to now I have ordered restraint. Not to act, only to react. But if we don't see a change within the next two days...we will instruct the IDF and the security forces to take any means at their disposal to stop the violence."
In view of this, B'Tselem would like to inform all parties of the rules which bind them, according to = international law, in these cases:
Protection of civilians: Shooting at civilians is permissible only in cases of real and immediate danger to llife. Shooting is permitted only against those who pose a threat to life, and such shooting must be proportional to the threat and intended to put it at a distance. Even in the case of real and immediate danger to life indiscriminate shooting at civilians is prohibited.
Distinction between armed and unarmed persons: Persons armed with firearms are forbidden to congregate with unarmed persons, even if these be stone throwers. Interfusion of these two groups puts unarmed persons at risk. Nevertheless, the fact that one side to the conflict does not hearken to these prohibitions does not permit the other side to ignore the above rules concerning injury to civilians. In view of this: Shooting by the Israeli security forces at a crowd, from which they are being shot at and their lives put at risk, must be directed, as far as is possible, to the source of danger. Injury to unarmed civilians nearby must be curtailed even if they be throwing stones. Such shooting must be proportional to the danger and it is impermissible, for example, to react to gun-shooting with anti-tank missiles. Furthermore, rubber-covered metal bullets are lethal. Therefore, they must be used only in life-threatening situations and not for crowd dispersal. The Palestinian Authority must ensure that people armed with firearms be placed separately from civilians, even if these be stone throwers. This rule applies until such time as this population must be defended against exaggerated use of force by Israeli security forces which threatens civilians' lives. Shooting directed at settlements by Palestinians, when there is no danger to life, is prohibited.
Protection of wounded persons, medical personnel, and ambulances: It is absolutely prohibited to intentionally attack medical personnel and ambulances, and they are to be permitted free movement for evacuation of the wounded. In any case of casualties, shooting must be stopped at the earliest possible circumstances to enable their evacuation.
Violence perpetrated by Israeli civilians: Israeli security forces are obliged to protect Palestinians from violence perpetrated by Israeli civilians.
Freedom of movement: Passage of food and medical supplies to the territories must be ensured, as well as freedom of movement, including into Israel, in cases of humanitarian emergencies. Curfew will be administered only in extreme circumstances and as a last resort. In no case will curfew be administered as a punitive measure. In cases where curfew is administered, the population must be permitted to exit their homes for provisions of food and medical supplies. In view of this: the curfew administered since Oct. 2nd on H2 areas in Hebron must be called off, Dahania Airport in Gaza must be reopened, and Palestinians must be permitted to travel abroad.
Journalists: As far as is possible, under the circumstances, journalists must be given freedom of operation to report. In no case may journalists, or their equipment, be intentionally attacked.
Damage to Holy Places:
Both sides must protect the holy sites and refrain from their defilement.
Collective punishment:
Collective punishment of civilian population - such as harm to water or electricity,
bombing of civilian infrastructure, or limitation of freedom of movement - is
absolutely prohibited.
Prisoners: Harm to prisoners by either side is absolutely prohibited. They must, in no case, be tortured or killed in interrogation. They must be permitted to send mail and visitation by the Red Cross.
B'Tselem: The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories is the leading Israeli organization monitoring, documenting and advocating to improve human rights in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Founded in 1989, B'Tselem publishes reports, engages in advocacy and serves as a resource center.
43 Emek Refaim Street
Jerusalem 93141 ISRAEL
Telephone: 972-2-5617271
Fax: 972-2-561-0756
mail@btselem.org
http://www.btselem.org
* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International *
"Since 29 September, Israeli security forces have frequently used excessive force on demonstrators when lives were not in immediate danger," Amnesty International said today.
In preliminary conclusions from Amnesty International's delegation in Israel and the Occupied Territories the human rights organization reiterated its condemnation of the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials.
"In many cases the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the Israel Police and the Border Police have apparently breached their own internal regulations on the use of force, as well as international human rights standards on the use of force and firearms," Amnesty International said.
More than 80 people, including children, nearly all of them Palestinians from the Occupied Territories and Israel, have died since clashes began on 29 September 2000 between Israeli security forces and Palestinian demonstrators all over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as well as in Israel. There have also been armed confrontations between the Israeli and Palestinian security forces.
An Amnesty International delegation is currently in Israel and the Occupied Territories, including the areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, to examine policing of demonstrations in view of the loss of life. The delegation is composed of Dr. Stephen Males, a former senior Police officer of the UK police with special expertise in sensitive public order policing, and Dr Elizabeth Hodgkin, a researcher from the International Secretariat of Amnesty International.
The delegates have met NGOs, doctors and over 50 witnesses to the events. They have visited to sites in Ramallah, Nablus, East Jerusalem, Nazareth, Arabah and other parts of northern Israel, places where demonstrators have died after the Israeli security forces fired on demonstrators and rioters. The delegates have seen large quantities of expended and some live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, CS grenades and projectiles, during visits to sites of demonstrations, as well as bullets embedded in surrounding homes and much bullet damage.
Amnesty International has compiled the following preliminary conclusions:
Two Palestinian refugees were also reported killed in south Lebanon on 7 October when Israeli troops opened fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border on demonstrators protesting against Israel.
On 7 October, three Israeli soldiers were captured at about noon by the Lebanese armed group Hizbullah. Amnesty International calls on Hizbullah to accord the three soldiers prisoner of war status and to allow them immediate access to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Amnesty International notes that Hizbullah has publicly stated its intention to use the three Israeli soldiers to secure the release of Lebanese and other Arab prisoners held in Israel.
Amnesty International reminds Hizbullah that hostage-taking is prohibited by international law and is inconsistent with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Amnesty International has long called for the release of Lebanese detainees held in Israel as hostages, including Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim al-'Ubayd and Mustafa al-Dirani.
A national commission established by the Israeli government will investigate killings which occurred in Israel. However, it is important that all killings are investigated which occurred in circumstances suggesting that they violated international law and standards. Investigations should be conducted by an independent and impartial body and by one which, in the current highly-charged political atmosphere, is perceived as such.
Amnesty International is therefore calling on the United Nations to establish urgently an independent international investigation, to include criminal justice experts known for their impartiality and integrity, to investigate all killings of civilians that took place since 29 September in Israel, the Occupied Territories and south Lebanon.
"To ensure independence and impartiality of the international investigation, its members should exclude persons whose background could appear to lack impartiality," Amnesty International said.
"The investigation should be properly resourced and include ballistic, forensic or other technical experts that may be required. It should report to the Commission on Human Rights, the General Assembly and the Security Council, and the authorities concerned should be obliged to cooperate fully with the investigation."
Disproportional Use of Violence by the Israeli armed forces and Settlers led to tens of victims: One Real Case
On Sunday, October 8th, 2000 at 3:30 afternoon, a Military patrol kidnapped the Palestinian Worker Issam Mustafa Judeh Hamed, 40 years old and a father of five children who live in Um-Safah village located near Halmish Settlement (Ramallah Suburb). The victim was in his way to paint the gate of the village Cemetery. Eye - witnesses stated that the Military patrol took him to Halmish settlement. Next morning his corpse was found near the village.
Furthermore, Ramallah Hospital administration unveiled the fact that the Israel settlers burned his eyes, arms, legs and parts of his abdomen.
Also his skull and left arm has been broken and signs of being beaten was found all over his body
The question is who taught them this? Is History repeating it self?
Israeli military violence against Palestinian civilians continues throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip and inside Israel proper. The last few days have seen a dramatic escalation to the conflict, with Israeli settlers and soldiers attacking Palestinian civilians and private property and confrontations between Arab protestors and Israeli military forces at Bab Al-Fatima, the last Israeli checkpoint on the Lebanese side before the Israeli border. On 7 October, Hizbullah activists captured three Israeli soldiers who were serving in Occupied Arab Territory near Shab'a farms. Yesterday evening, Israeli Jewish fundamentalists attacked Palestinian civilians and property in Nazareth, killing 42 year old Mohammed Omar Akawi. For the second evening straight, Israeli settlers, under the protection of Israeli soldiers, rampaged throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories, destroying property and attacking Palestinian civilians and their homes. In Um Safah, north of Ramallah, Israeli settlers attacked 40 year old, 'Assam Joudeh and set his body on fire.
DCI/PS views with grave concern the recent series of settler attacks, which were preceded by demonstrations of Israeli settlers and right-wing fundamentalists shouting slogans of 'death to the arabs'. Beginning with the killing of 18 month old Sarah 'Abdel 'Atheem 'Abdel Haq by an Israeli settler on 1 October 2000 and continuing to the present, it is clear that Israeli settlers are actively engaged in a war against Palestinian civilians, thus, turning the rhetoric of slogans into tragic reality. To date, four Palestinians have been killed as a result of settler violence and tens injured. Moreover, Israeli settlers destroy Palestinian property, attack homes, and randomly open fire against Palestinian civilians. These actions occur with the full knowledge of the Israeli army, who rather than arresting the settlers, provide protection for them, and instead, arrest Palestinian victims.
In the confrontations that have erupted following Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon's provocative 28 September visit to the Al-Aqsa compound, over 20 Palestinian children have been killed, with an additional four declared clinically dead after sustaining serious injuries in the clashes. Statistics reported thus far indicate that over 2,000 Palestinians have been wounded, at least 18 of whom sustained injuries to the eyes. Moreover, hundreds of Palestinian children have been forced to flee from their homes in order to escape the random violence of Israeli settlers and soldiers. In the midst of these ongoing attacks, an atmosphere of fear permeates Palestinian residential areas.
DCI/PS joins the growing number of local organizations, institutions and individuals that are calling for international protection for Palestinian civilians against the violent assault of Israeli soldiers and settlers. Of particular concern to DCI/PS are the long-term psycho-social ramifications the recent attacks will have on Palestinian children. While the immediate violence may end, the negative impact of the recent events will have lasting effects on Palestinian children. Such afflictions affect the child's life in every sphere, often causing great difficulty in their ability to concentrate at school, to relate to their peers, to find employment, and to develop normally.
As such, DCI/PS has launched a crisis intervention project in all areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The project, which is being carried out in coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs, will be implemented within the framework of DCI/PS's Social Program and seeks to reduce the adverse psycho-social affects on Palestinian children of the ongoing violent clashes between Palestinian civilians and Israeli military forces. Around 175 trained psychologists and social workers will implement outreach crisis intervention to homes, hospitals, schools, community centers, and clubs. In addition, individual, family, and group counseling is available and a hot line for children and families in need of psycho-social advice and/or counseling has been set up through the DCI/PS offices in Ramallah and Hebron.
The project is being implemented with the assistance of numerous Palestinian governmental and non-governmental organizations, and with the support of UNICEF. DCI/PS continues to seek additional support for the project.
The project is currently seeking trained social workers and psychologists to volunteer in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
For more information or to support this initiative, please contact:
West Bank: Ibrahim Al-Masri, Project Coordinator, (+972 2) 240 7530, dcipal@palnet.com Gaza Strip: Imad Abu Dia, Tami Center, (+972 7) 284 1877
Dr. Marwan al-Za'eem, Director of Public Relations in the Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed that several Arab countries sent medical assistance to the PA since the eruption of the al-Aqsa Uprising. He told the PHRMG that "we received medication and medical equipment from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Emirates and Qatar"
He clarified that those medications and equipment help hospitals in the PA's areas to carry out their responsibilities, especially with regards to serious injuries that occurred in the clashes because of the Israeli gunfire and sophisticated weapons.
Planes that bring in this medical assistance usually return with seriously injured Palestinians on board, because they need special medical care that local hospitals cannot offer, due to the lack of facilities and equipment. Planes coming from Arab States used to land in Gaza International Airport, but after the decision of the Israeli government on October 7, 2000 to close it, planes now land in al-Areesh Egyptian airport (south of the Gaza Strip) and trucks transport the cargo into Gaza.
Dr. al-Za'eem added: "Of course, Israel delays the entrance of the medical assistance on the border, which in turn delays the arrival of the medications to hospitals, and this delay could expose the lives of the seriously wounded Palestinian youths to death". He explained: "The Ministry of Health doesn't suffer lack of medications or professional staff, on the contrary, it has a reserve of medication sufficient for three months, according to the plan prepared by the Ministry". But he pointed out that: "The toll of people being killed and injured by the Israeli army is huge, which threatens to use up the precautionary medications of the Ministry. Nevertheless, Arab assistance is very much appreciated and would help pass this critical time".
Attached you will find a table of planes carrying medical assistance that are expected to arrive in the next days at Gaza International Airport.
The PHRMG calls upon the Israeli authorities to respect its humanitarian duties and to permit aircraft carrying medical assistance to land in Gaza International Airport. Furthermore, we call upon the international community to continue its pressures on the State of Israel to ensure that international humanitarian law be respected throughout the Occupied Palestinian territories.
For further information, please contact Mr. Bassem Eid, director of the PHRMG.