By the time the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) witness immense activity under the launch of Local Government partial elections, and the start of the Presidential elections campaigns, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) escalated their collective punishment and especially the restrictions on the movement of civilians within the OPT, and between them and the outside world.
Al Mezan warns about serious impacts of such restrictions on Palestinian voters' rights, and on the human rights situation in general.
Contrary to Israel's frequent announcements of lifting restrictions on movement in the OPT, Al Mezan reported serious escalation of such restrictions; solidified in an increase in the number of roadblocks and checkpoints and in the frequency and duration of closures of existing checkpoints and crossing points, especially the Rafah Crossing, which prevents thousands of Palestinian voters and activists who are assumed to have an important role to play in the efforts to monitor the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Since 12 December 2004, Al Mezan documented 15 cases of closures of the Abu Holly checkpoint, in the middle of the Gaza Strip; including four days of complete closure.
The Center documented eight cases of closure of the Beach Road, connecting middle Gaza with Gaza and it's northern area, also including four days of complete closure.
Moreover, the Rafah Crossing has been completely closed since the same date, following an explosion of an IOF military post inside it.
all of the other crossing points in Gaza remained closed before Palestinians, as well.
Furthermore, IOF escalated their incursions, use excessive use of force, assassinations and home demolitions in the OPT during the same period.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights condemns Israel's escalation of the collective punishment and aggression against Palestinian civilians, and the severe restrictions on their movement, particularly under the commencement of elections.
The Center calls upon the international community to immediately and effectively intervene and stop these conducts, which breach international law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilians in Times of War.
The Center calls on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to lift the restrictions on movement and travel, especially through the Rafah Crossing, which causes severe suffering for thousands of Palestinians and prohibits other thousands from practicing their right to vote.
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