The UN Human Rights Commission Condemns Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

For Immediate Release Press Release # 96
18 April 2001.

The UN Human Rights Commission Condemns Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories following Israeli Forces Invasion of Palestinian Controlled areas and their Shelling of Palestinian Civilian and Government Properties

Last night Israeli forces shelled several civilian areas in the Palestinian Territories. Some of the most intensive shelling occurred in Hebron where the Abu Sneni, Al-Takrouri, Bab al-Zawyeh and al-Sheikh neighborhoods in Hebron all came under attack. Shelling also targeted Beit Sahour, Biet Jala, Aida Refugee Camp, Azzah Refugee Camp, al-Khader, and the Bethlehem Bible College, which is located 500 meters north of the entrance to Bethlehem. The college was struck directly by an Israeli shell causing extensive damage.

Prior to the attacks in the Bethlemen area there had been an exchange of fire between Palestinians and Israeli Forces at the main Bethlehem checkpoint, but actions were contained and cannot be used to justify such a disproportionate response. Rami Mohammad Musa, 16 years old, from al-Khader was killed during the shelling. He was struck in the chest by shrapnel from a shell that struck his home. Numerous other houses sustained damage.

These attacks come upon the heels of an extensive Israeli operation on the 16th of April when Israeli Forces attacked and occupied an area of territory near Beit Hanoun in Gaza, which is an “A” area under full Palestinian control. The Israeli attack continued for more than twelve hours, and at the end of this period the Israeli Forces had reoccupied a large section of Palestinian territory using tanks and heavy weaponry. During the attack tanks and other weaponry were used to shell civilian property and several offices of the Palestinian security services.Following the Israeli reoccupation of the area several bulldozers were brought in to destroy five police stations and a large area of agricultural land in order to create a “buffer zone” and prevent the firing of mortars from Palestinian territory. Israel's actions followed the firing of five mortars at the Israeli town of Sederot. The area of agricultural land cleared is estimated at 200 dunums, and numerous olive and citrus trees and other crops were destroyed. Two civilian houses were also severely damaged.

Mohammad Ramadan Nimer al-Masri, age 21, was killed during the attack on Beit Hanoun. A tank shell fired during an attack on the Third Battalion Headquarters where he was stationed stuck him directly in the chest.Al-Masri was a member of the Palestinian National Police Force.Another six members of the Palestinian National Police were injured in the attack.

The United Nations Human Rights Commission also voted in favor of a resolution submitted under Item 8 of the commission's agenda today.The resolution in question included a provision calling for the placement of a protection force in the Occupied Territories.Twenty-eight countries voted in favor, 22 abstained, and two voted against the resolution.The two countries voting against the resolution were the United States and Guatemala.States from the European Union were among those who abstained.While viewing the passage of this resolution as a step forward al-Haq views with concern and regret the lack of support shown by the European Union, who in the past have shown a great willingness to stand up for the rights of the Palestinian people.Al-Haq had hoped that the Western European States would support this resolution and in light of the reports issued by independent observer missions from these States and the UN, which have all supported the clauses of this resolution in their recommendations. Al-Haq also wishes to express its continued concern over the US’s silence regarding continued Israeli violations of Palestinians’ rights and their opposition to any international condemnation of these violations.This vote was not directly related to the activities of the last few days.

The continued use of tanks and bulldozers to destroy Palestinian civilian and government buildings, and the continued excessive and disproportionate attacks upon Palestinian areas has escalated tensions that will only serve to increase the violation of human rights.These Israeli actions violate Articles (22), (23) and(25) of the Hague Regulations of 1907 and Articles (33) and (53) of the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilians During Times of War of 1949.Al-Haq calls upon the international community to:

1. Demand that the resolution passed today by the Human Rights Commission be implemented fully, including the provision calling for the deployment of an international protections force in the Occupied Territories, and press the Security Council to take action to end Israeli grave violations of Palestinians’ rights
2.Ensures that the Israeli authorities abide by provisions of international humanitarian and human rights law.
3.Press for immediate action by the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations under Article 1 of the Convention “to ensure respect for the present Convention in all circumstances” and press for the prosecution of violations of articles 146 and 147 of the Convention.
4.Send human rights monitors to the Occupied Territories to document abuses perpetrated by the Israeli Occupying forces.

 

AL-HAQ, an NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and the West Bank affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists-Geneva, was established in 1979 by a group of Palestinian lawyers in order to uphold the rule of law and defend Palestinian human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. AL-HAQ, P.O. Box 1413, Ramallah, Palestine.
Tel: +972 2 295 4646,
Fax: +972 2 295 4903,
E-mail haq@alhaq.org,
Website: http://www.alhaq.org