Al Mezan Center for Human Rights condemns the Israeli occupation forces’(IOF) escalation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since 13 June 2014 as a response to the disappearance of three Israeli settlers.
Al Mezan demands an immediate halt to Israeli attacks and other violations of international law and calls on the international community to intervene to stop them and provide the due protection for Palestinian civilians.
Since the disappearance of three Israeli settlers in Hebron, West Bank, IOF started an intensive and largely arbitrary arrest campaign of Palestinians, arresting over 200 individuals including 10 Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members; among whom is the PLC speaker Dr Aziz Duweik.
These arrests violate the human rights of these individuals and violate international law.
IOF has blockaded civilian areas, arbitrary detentions, ill treatment, night house raids spreading panic and traumatizing children.
IOF also killed one Palestinian and injured another in the West Bank.
In the same context, the IOF tightened its closure of the Gaza Strip, preventing civilians from travel through the Erez border crossing except for urgent humanitarian cases.
While it allowed gas and fuel to enter Gaza, IOF prevented entry of food and other commercial materials into Gaza.
Moreover, Israeli warplanes launched several attacks in different areas across the Gaza Strip.
According to Al Mezan’s field work unit, Israeli jets launched 17 aerial strikes, causing 5 injuries including one child girl and partially damaging 25 homes, 5 greenhouses and 5 industrial workshops, three of which were entirely damaged.
Although the three Israeli settlers have not been found yet, there has been no clear-cut evidence that they were abducted by Palestinian groups.
Israeli officials’ statements, however, continue to incite violence against Palestinians.
Al Mezan condemns IOF’s attacks against the Palestinian civilians and its continued disregard of their human rights.
Al Mezan warns from the potential of escalated Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially the Gaza Strip.
Al Mezan urges the international community, especially the high contracting parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention, to intervene immediately and bring IOF attacks to a halt and ensure its respect of international law.
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