Media Advisory
4 October 2000
AI Index MDE 15/034/2000 - News Service Nr. 189
Israel/Occupied Territories: Amnesty International sends delegates to Israel
Following the deaths of demonstrators in Israel and the Occupied Territories, including the areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, Amnesty International is today sending delegates to investigate the circumstances of the killings and to make recommendations to the Israeli Government.
The delegation includes Elizabeth Hodgkin, a staff member in the International Secretariat of Amnesty International and Dr Stephen Males, a former senior UK police officer who has worked extensively in training police in Nepal and other countries. Stephen Males has a doctorate in police management and has made extensive studies of sensitive control of public order.
Meanwhile Amnesty International regrets the refusal of Israel to cooperate with the proposed US-headed commission of inquiry. The organization continues to call for the setting up of a commission of inquiry composed of independent and impartial investigators which should have the power to make on-site visits and question all those involved, including members of the security services. The findings of such an inquiry should be made public.
Urgent Appeal to End Israeli Aggression
Deeply concerned and shocked about the ongoing violence of the Israeli Forces, we the undersigned Palestinian and Israeli human Rights organizations demand that Israel cease immediately its lethal aggression against the Palestinian people both in the occupied territories and inside the "green line". Moreover, we call upon the international community to form a committee to investigate the actions taken by the Israeli forces and to prosecute those responsible. We further request the international community:
Signed by:
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
A nine-year-old child is shot dead
The Israeli Occupying Forces escalate their violations
Time: 16:00 GMT
At about 14:00 GMT, the Israeli Occupying Forces shot dead a nine-year-old child. The child, Mohammed Yousef Abu A'asi, 9 years old from Bani Suheila near Khan Younis, was shot with a bullet which penetrated his back got out his body through the chest at the junction of Netzarim Settlement "Al-Shohada' Junction" in one of the most bloody scenes of the Israeli Occupation Forces' crimes. He immediately died. It is another evidence of the crimes committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces. It seems that the child was walking in an opposite direction to the Israeli Occupation Forces, which had no mercy on his childhood; they shot him dead from behind. The child's body was transferred to Shefa' Hospital where he was identified.
PCHR's field officers at the area of the junction have reported that, in the afternoon, the Israeli Occupying Forces escalated their flagrant violations as they intensified shooting and launching missiles at the junction of Netzarim Settlement "Al-Shohada' Junction," which resulted in injuring ten people. At the moment, in another escalation, the Netzarim Settlement is a source of intensive shooting at Palestinian civilians. Smokes are ascending out of an adjacent steel factory, it was bombed by a shell.
At the time of writing this release, PCHR has learned that the Israeli Occupying Forces escalated their flagrant violations in the West Bank. Alla' Hassan Barghouthi, 24 years old from A'boud of Ramallah Governate was shot dead by the Israeli Occupying Forces. He received a bullet in the chest. In addition, more than 50 people were injured today throughout the West Bank.
Until now, the number of martyrs who were killed by the Israeli Occupying Forces since Thursday, September 29, 2000, has increased to 56, including 17 children and youngsters under 18. Among the martyrs, there are a child who is less than two years old, a nine-year-old child, two 12-year-old children and two 14-year-old children.
URGENT APPEAL Israel's War on Palestinian Children
October 4, 2000, 5:00 PM
More than 60 Palestinians have lost their lives and 2,000 have been injured in attacks by Israeli forces. Now in their seventh day, these attacks on Palestinian civilian demonstrators throughout the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza have assumed a disturbing pattern. Hundreds of Palestinian children have been injured by the army's indiscriminate use of force and many have been killed. Israel is waging a war against Palestinian children.
The Ministry of Health reports that since Saturday, a startling 44% of injured patients seen in hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza have been children under the age of 18. The MoH reports that many children have died as a result of injuries sustained at the hands of Israeli Forces. Some of those children are: ¨ Muhammad Al-Dura, age 12, killed on Saturday in Gaza by Israeli snipers. The world watched in horror as television cameras recorded his father's vain attempts to protect him and signal the soldiers to stop firing. ¨ Muhammad Muhammad Bade' Ibrahim Al-Utla, age 16, killed on Saturday. ¨ Iyad Muhammad Al-Khashashi, age 17, killed Sunday in Nablus by a bullet to the chest. ¨ Mohammed Nabil Daoud, age 16, killed Sunday in Al Bireh by a bullet to the head. ¨ Samir Tabanja, age 10, killed Sunday in Nablus by machine-gun fire from an Israeli helicopter. ¨ An unidentified 16-year-old boy, killed on Monday in Nablus. ¨ Omar Muhammad Abdel-Rahman Suleiman, age 18, killed Tuesday. ¨ Ammar Khaled, age 18, killed Tuesday.
Specific cases of children injured by Israeli assaults vividly illustrate the brutal force used against the Palestinians. For example, Ala' Imad from Jerusalem, age 12, sustained extensive injury to her eye when she was hit by a rubber bullet. The bullet perforated her eye twice and caused numerous bone fractures. The bullet became lodged in her sinus and could be seen in the upper jaw, protruding behind the teeth.
10-year-old Muhammed Jabar Raafi was killed in the Gaza Strip, shot in the head with an explosive high-velocity bullet. This type of bullet shatters upon impact to inflict the greatest possible damage and is outlawed by international conventions.
The youngest victim, one-and-a-half-year-old Sara Abdel-Azeem, was killed in Nablus when Israeli settlers shot at her father's car.
Children have been disproportionately affected by Israel's deplorable attacks against unarmed Palestinian civilians. The UPMRC urges the international community to condemn Israel's violent acts, particularly against children.
To view all of the UPMRC's Emergency Appeals and updates regarding the Israeli army's use of force against Palestinians over the past seven days, visit the UPMRC website at http://www.upmrc.org. For further information please contact Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi at 050-254218 or the UPMRC office at 02-583-3510/ 02-583-4021.
October, 4, 2000
For the sixth consecutive day, the Israeli Occupation Forces continued their aggressive and lethal actions against Palestinian civilians. 56 Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli Occupation Forces since the beginning of the violence on Friday September 29, 2000. The four killed today are: Muhammed Fauzi Al Sarkhi, 22, from al Sawahre Jersualem, Mamoud Ibrahim Emwasi, 23, from Betuina, Ramallah, both shot when Israeli Military Forces attacked them at dawn in Betunia, and Ala Hassan Jabber Al- Barghuthi, 24 from Abud, Ramallah, shot in the chest by soldiers in Beit El near the City Inn. In Gaza, 12-year-old Muhhamed Yousef Abu Asi from Beni Suhaila, was shot in the chest by a bullet fired at him at the Shuhada Triangle, near the Netzarim Settlement.
Israeli Helicopters continued firing at civilians with 500 mm machine guns and Israeli Occupation Forces bombed an iron factory with rockets fired from the air and land. In a disturbing development, settlers from the Netzarim settlement fired at civilians as well, with out the intervention of the Israeli Occupation Forces.
According to information collected by LAW's field researchers in Bethlehem, Nablus and Ramallah; Israeli snipers are using silencers when shooting at Palestinians. Direct hits are only noticed after ambulances arrive to collect the dead and injured. It was also reported that the Occupation Forces left the City Inn in Ramallah, only to situate themselves at Occupation Headquarters nearby. They are reported to have installed new fortified protective barriers from which they fire at Palestinian civilians.
The Israeli Occupation Forces continue their fierce attacks against the Palestinian civilians despite international outcry. Their actions are in direct violation of international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention.
LAW would like to reiterate the following:
In light of the above, LAW demands the following:
LAW
PO Box 20873
Jerusalem
Tel: 00 972 2 583 3428/3298/3537/3530/3430
Fax: 00 972 2 583 3317
Email: law@lawsociety.org
Website: http://www.lawsociety.org
Dear Friends,
The incidents of the last 7 days show us clearly the fragility of the entire situation in the occupied territories. Public perception of Middle East "peace" has been shattered by reports of intense violence, bloodshed and death. At some level, the present reality differs from the Intifada of 1987 - 1993. At another level, however, it is similar.
The use of live ammunition and heavy artillery (helicopters, 500 mm machine guns, anti-tank missiles and Lao Missiles) is new. The manner of shooting is different - mostly direct shots by snipers aiming at the head and chest. In many cases, shots were fired at random regardless whether the victim is a Palestinian policeman or a child. Israeli soldiers have been choosing their targets from a "safe" distance.
It is impossible to forget the picture of young Mohammed hiding with his father behind a barrel. The boy is screaming, holding on to his father and the father is shouting and waving with his hands to stop shooting. The astute French cameraman had ample time to film the entire devastating story. Seconds after sudden, direct shots raised the dust and blurred vision, Mohammed lay dead on the lap of his father, who himself had been immobilized by 8 bullets. The father survived. The paramedic who hurried to help both was immediately shot dead.
In seven days, 64 people have been killed, 54 Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza, and 10 Palestinians inside Israel. Over 2000 have been injured, many of them children. According to Ministry of Health statistics, 33% of the casualties are children. In statistics compiled by Nasser Hospital in Gaza on 1 October 2000, there had been 40 casualties, 24 of whom under 18 years of age. Eleven had been shot with "rubber" bullets, 16 with live ammunition, and 13 victims of tear gas. Twelve people have been shot in the head, 2 in the chest, 4 in the abdomen and 19 in the limbs. In Gaza's Shifa Hospital, reports from 30 September 2000 indicate the following: 110 casualties (46 children, 64 adults). Of these, 19 had been shot with "rubber" bullets, 62 with live ammunition and 29 victims of tear-gas. Thirty-two had been shot in the head, 8 in the chest, 3 in the abdomen, and 32 in the limbs.
The Israeli Occupation forces shot at ambulances, thus preventing them from reaching the wounded. Paramedics and physicians have been injured. Physicians are continually prevented from reaching their workplaces. A UHWC anesthesiologist at the Beit Sahour Medical Center was prevented from getting to work and was forced instead by the Israeli soldiers to clean the street. The house of the physician Tayseer Zahdeh in Halhoul, has been occupied by Israeli soldiers, using it as a shooting site and wounding more than 90 people. Many houses are being demolished by rocket attacks and many others are being damaged by bullets, even inside the bathrooms. In addition, many families who live in "border areas" are being moved out of their homes and forced to stay with family or friends.
The wave of violence is seemingly endless. When the shooting ends, the grief and pain will most certainly be overwhelming as we start counting our dead and injured.
All Palestinian cities are under siege. The first signs of shortages are evident in fuel, heating diesel oil and medication. Electricity has been cut from the village of Husan. News that Israeli soldiers are landing on the shores of Gaza have been reported on the BBC this morning. Tanks are at the entrances of Bethlehem.
The Israeli government is solely responsible for this escalation and for all the bloodshed and violence. All 64 victims have been killed with live ammunition and "rubber" bullets, and using tanks and helicopters. This suffering must stop.
As the situation is worsening and the possibility to remain steadfast is as diminished as the reservoirs of medical supplies and medication, we urge all countries and organizations to recognize their role and responsibility to put an end to the Israeli assault.
We urge you to take immediate action by intervening actively in your countries to end this massacre.
The Union of Health Work Committees Palestine
back to top 4.10.2000
Friends of Al Aqsa appeals to all Muslims in the world who have the means, capacity and permit to immediately embark on a journey to our occupied land of Al Quds.
We call upon the Ummah to celebrate their Al Isra al Mehrj [approx 25th Oct 00] in the blessed Haram Sharif of al Aqsa, our first Qibla and the second house of Allah on planet earth [Sahih Muslim] and the third holiest site on earth.
Our Palestinian Brothers and Al Aqsa's greatest need at this moment is the warmth, compassion and the human presence of their fellow brothers who are the rightful heirs of al Quds.
We urge the young, professional and experienced from all over the globe to converge in al Quds. Give your shoulder for the oppressed, tortured and tormented. Provide al Quds with the presence of the best in the Creation. Al aqsa weeps for your presence. Who is brave and sincere to meet the challenge.
There is a great need for your professional, labour and emotional services in al Quds! The time to help is now. Friends of Al Aqsa cannot emphasise any strongly the need for all those who can travel to al Quds to embark on such a journey.
Allah [swt] will protect and aid those who strive in His path. – Ameen PS – Please forward our Request.
Friends of Al Aqsa is a voluntary organisation concerned with the defence of Al Aqsa Haram Sharif and the protection of Palestinian Human Rights. Web: http://www.aqsa.org.uk.
All over Palestine, the Palestinian civilians continue to bury the bodies of their martyrs. 55 Palestinians have been killed by the belligerent Israeli Occupation Forces.
For the sixth successive day, since last Friday (29/9/2000), the Israeli Forces are still performing carefully planned massacres against the Palestinian civilians both in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and inside Israel itself with equal ruthlessness.
Israel has dangerously increased the level of aggression in an unprecedented way. Its use of certain weapons against the Palestinian civilians and non-military buildings Is totally out of proportion with the capacity of its victims to retaliate. This is evidenced by the shelling of the houses at Al-Shuhada’ crossroad near Gaza and in Rafah, as well as the use of assault helicopters to attack civilians using a whole range of weapons. Moreover, the Occupation Forces are using the “ Special Forces”, which constitute armed Israeli soldiers disguised as Palestinian civilians, for the purpose of killing Palestinians. These forces were responsible for killing tens of Palestinians during the Intifada ( 1987-1994).
The belligerent Israeli Military Forces seem to be still determined to kill Palestinian children. 77% of the casualties among the Palestinians during the last five days were children. No one will forget the images of the 12-year old Mohammad Al-Durrah from Al-Bureij refugee camp in Gaza Strip who was savagely killed by the Israeli soldiers. No one also can forget the picture of the 1.5-year old Sarah Abd-Al-Azeem Hasan from Nablus in the West Bank killed by a bullet that penetrated her skull. Tens of similar incidents against children took place away from the journalists and correspondents’ cameras.
In the light of the highly dangerous situation in the Occupied Territories, AL-MEZAN Center for Human Rights ascertains the following: 1. The international community is not interested in the application of the principles and obligations dictated by the International Law. On the contrary, it continues to either watch the situation quietly in acquiescence with the massacres or respond with an insufficient criticism. 2. The United States of America (USA) as well Israel are equally responsible for the massacres. The USA’s position in regard to what is now taking place is clearly biased. Since it continues to prevent any effort initiated by the United Nations (UN) or any other party to stop the massacres. Besides, the USA considers the unarmed Palestinian victims equally responsible for the current situation. Moreover and most important, it continues to supply Israel with the most sophisticated and highly effective weapons. These include assault helicopters, automatic rifles, missiles and even the bullets.
For these reasons, AL-MEZAN Center for Human Rights calls upon the international public opinion, civil community organizations, and religious agencies in Europe, the USA as well as all over the world to exert pressure upon their governments to stop their incriminating silence and fulfill their legal and moral obligations towards the Palestinian civilians.
END
For more information please contact:
Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights
Gaza Strip-Jabalia camp, main St.- P.O.Box: 2714
Tel.: 972-7-2453555
Fax: 972-7-2453554
Email: mezan@hally.net
Or: mezan@palnet.com
Please find below our urgent report on Child Fatalities in the Recent Clashes.
The protection of civilians and children in situations of armed conflict is one of the most basic and vital principles of international and humanitarian law. It is a universally accepted principle that children should not be the targets of military action, and that their safety and welfare should be protected in any situation of armed conflict.
The PHRMG has followed with alarm the growing number of child casualties in the recent clashes. This report details the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four children as examples, and lists a further eleven children (below the age of 18) that have been killed in the clashes.
Regardless of who is responsible for the current clashes and violence being experienced, child fatalities are a grave violation of human rights and simply unacceptable. In issuing the following report, it is not the intention of the PHRMG to express a political opinion on the recent disturbances. Rather, this report is intended to draw attention to the suffering experienced by children, the most vulnerable members of our society, whose right are being seriously and unacceptably violated. In addition, the PHRMG wishes to express its deepest sympathies for the families and relatives of the children who have tragically lost their lives in the last few days.
Child Fatalities in the Recent Clashes
Introduction
The protection of civilians and children in situations of armed conflict is one of the most basic and vital principles of international and humanitarian law. It is a universally accepted principle that children should not be the targets of military action, and that their safety and welfare should be protected in any situation of armed conflict.
The PHRMG has followed with alarm the growing number of child casualties in the recent clashes. Regardless of who is responsible for the current clashes and violence being experienced, child fatalities are a grave violation of human rights and simply unacceptable. In issuing the following report, it is not the intention of the PHRMG to express a political opinion on the recent disturbances. Rather, this report is intended to draw attention to the suffering experienced by children, the most vulnerable members of our society, whose right are being seriously and unacceptably violated. In addition, the PHRMG wishes to express its deepest sympathies for the families and relatives of the children who have tragically lost their lives in the last few days.
International Standards on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict
International standards state explicitly that children should never be the targets of any armed action. The Additional Protocol to the Geneva Convention, adopted in 1977, extends full protection to children as civilian from all military actions. In particular, Article 51: Protection of the Civilian Population, states that:
The civilian population and individual civilians shall enjoy general protection against dangers arising from military operations.
The civilian population as such, as well as individual civilians, shall not be the object of attack.
Children are also given special protection in situations of armed conflict under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted 2nd September 1990 and recognized by almost every country in the world, including Israel. Of particular note is Article 38, which deals expressly with situations of armed conflict. Sections 1 and 4 of Article 38 state that:
State Parties undertake to respect and ensure respect for rules of international humanitarian law applicable to them in armed conflicts which are relevant to the child.
In accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population in armed conflicts, States Parties shall take all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by armed conflict.
Thus, it is clear that under international humanitarian law, parties to armed conflict must ensure that children's rights are respected and protected, and that their safety and welfare, as well as their right to life, are ensured.
Israeli Army Firing Regulations
The regulations for Israeli army firing procedures are contained in the "Pocket Booklet for Soldiers Serving in the Central Command", distributed to all soldiers. Under the regulations, it is required that "firing at women and children will be avoided as much as possible." It seems questionable whether this "as much as possible" provision is strong enough to fulfill the standards set by international humanitarian law and meet Israel's obligations as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Child Fatalities in the Conflicts
The PHRMG has received several reports of children who have been killed in recent conflicts. The following cases represent a sample of the child fatalities that have been reported.
Case #1: Mohammed Jamal al-Dirreh, the child who died in his father's arms in Gaza
The well-publicized story of 12-year-old Mohammed Jamal al-Dirreh is perhaps one of the saddest incidents of the clashes. Young Mohammed was killed in his father's arms on Saturday 30th September after they had taken shelter behind a cement block to avoid Israeli army gunfire. Mohammed and his father were trapped for over forty minutes by heavy gunfire before Mohammed was fatally injured, while his father shouted and begged for help. Mohammed's father was also shot numerous times and seriously injured. It is worth noting that the ambulance driver, Bassam Belbeisi, was also shot and killed when he tried to cross the street to provide medical help to the child and his father.
The PHRMG has attained the following testimony on the events from Mohammed's uncle, Na'el Mohammed Ahmad al-Dirreh:
"On Saturday 30th September, Mohammed's father didn't go to work in Israel as usual. He took his son who had just come back from school to the car market, south of Gaza city, to buy a car. Mohammed hoped to come back home to Bureji camp in a new car with his father. The father told his wife before going out to prepare herself and the children for a ride in the new car upon their return. But the father didn't find a suitable car, so they took a taxi back home, which stopped near the Netzarim (Martyrs) junction because of the Israeli checkpoints. The father and his son got off the taxi at the crossroads near Netzarim settlement. They tried to escape the gunfire from the Israeli army [who were there] because there were Palestinian youths throwing stones protesting against the killing at al-Aqsa Mosque the day before, following the provocative visit of the extremist Ariel Sharon to the Mosque on Thursday 28th September 2000.
So the father took his son by the hand and crossed a piece of land to go around away from the clashes, but suddenly found themselves caught in the middle between the stone-throwers and Palestinian troops from one side, and the Israeli army from the other side. There was very heavy gunfire, especially from the Israeli soldiers on top of the military post. The father pulled his son behind a cement block and tried continuously to protect him with his own body. First the father was hit with a bullet in his right leg. He shouted from the pain and the child cried with fear. Then the father was shot again in his right thigh, and he shouted for help. Then the child was shot in his right foot.
They were both bleeding and crying and holding each other. The child assured his father that he was fine, but the gunfire became heavier and heavier. The father shouted again and again begging for help, but his voice and cries vanished, and they remained there crying and bleeding for more than forty minutes. No one dared to come near them inside the circle of death. The shooting continued extensively like rain. Eight bullets hit the body of the father, and one bullet hit the heart of Mohammed. The father could no longer protect his son, but there was no need for it anymore. He gathered his remaining strength and shouted: "My son has died, my son is dead, please help me!" but no one heard him.
The father managed somehow to use his mobile phone to call one of his relatives (his brother in law, Sami) who was a journalist covering the clashes at that site. Sami called an ambulance from the Palestinian Red Crescent. But when the driver of the ambulance, called Bassam al-Belbesi, 45 years, crossed the road to carry Mohammed to the ambulance, he was shot and killed by the Israeli army. So Mohammed is now a martyr, and his father has been transferred to Amman for medical treatment. He is in critical condition. Mohammed's mother is in total shock and suffers from a nervous breakdown."
Case #2 - Samer Tabenjeh, killed by an Israeli helicopter
12-year-old Samer Tabenjeh died after being shot by an Israeli helicopter in Nablus. Samer's family said that he loved airplanes of all kinds, so that when he heard the sounds of an Israeli Cobra military helicopter flying overhead, he rushed outside to see it, like many other children in the area. Outside, however, Samer was cut down by gunfire from the helicopter, which struck him in the abdomen, killing him instantly. His aunt, who had remained indoors, heard the cries of the other children who had witnessed Samer's death.
Case #3 - Iyad al-Khashashi, killed by an Israeli Sniper
17-year-old Iyad Al-Khashashi was found dead in a building near Jerusalem road in Nablus. It is likely that Iyad was shot by an Israeli sniper who saw him hiding in the building. It is obvious that the unarmed Iyad, from his position, could not have posed a serious enough threat to warrant such targeting, even if he was throwing stones. Iyad's body was only discovered after his family spent the night searching for him at all the hospitals and police stations in the area.
Case #4 - Mohammed Nabil Ali Hamed, 14 years old, killed by an Israeli sniper
14-year-old Mohammed Nabil Ali Hamed was killed by an Israeli sniper at the road junction north of al-Bireh. Relatives of Mohammed said that he had spoken to his father, who was traveling to Kuwait, only two hours previously. Mohammed had asked his father on the phone to bring him new pajamas from Kuwait.
Other children and boys killed in the clashes:
Khaled Adli al-Bazyan, 14 years old, from Nablus
Hussam Naim Bakhit, 15 years old, from Balata Camp near Nablus
Nizar Mohammed Eida, 15 years old, from Deir-Ammar near Ramallah
Khaled Hamid "al-Souri", 16 years old, from Rafah
Mohammed Jaber Rabi, 10 years old, from Rafah
Mohammed Nawaf Abu-Owemer, 13 years old, from Deir-el-Balah
Sarah Abdel-Azim Hasan, 2 years old, from Qasra village near Nablus
Wa'el Tayseer al-Qatawi, 15 years old, from Balata Camp near Nablus
Amjad Maher al-Zarei, 17 years old, from Jenin
Musleh Hussein Ibrahim Jarad, 16 years old, from Deir-el-Balah
Sami Fathi Taramsi, 17 years old, from Gaza
Conclusion
Children are particularly vulnerable in situations of armed conflict. As such, special care must be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. The number of child fatalities in the recent conflicts, whether they have occurred by accident, or at the hands of Israeli snipers, are a direct violation of international human rights law and must be stopped. The PHRMG calls for Israeli officials to recognize their obligations to uphold the rights stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international standards and take immediate steps to prevent further child casualties.