PRESS RELEASE

August, 14, 2003

PHRMG Calls on Israel to Stop Assassinations

PHRMG regrets that one of the Islamic Jihad; Mohammed Sider was killed by IDF troops in Hebron today. Sider was holed up in a store in the city center when the IDF troops fired anti-tank missiles at the building causing a large explosion.

The Israeli Army has murdered 136 Palestinians (in addition to 47 Palestinian bystanders) since the start of this Intifada. Assassination is an internationally condemned action, violating several human rights such as the right to a fair trial and the right of safety for other people with or nearby the victim, yet the State of Israel continues to use assassination frequently as a basic part of its military efforts.

Let it be stated clearly that PHRMG is against all acts of violence, military and otherwise, and PHRMG understands Israel’s need to guard itself from suicide attacks. But actions such as assassination, in addition to home demolitions, unbelievably repressive curfews, and the whole list of collective punishment that is thrust upon all Palestinians relentlessly, does absolutely nothing for Israeli security except buy them time before the next attack.

Assassination attacks are not wise for the Israeli population, either. Violence begets violence, and it is proven and stated by Islamic Jihad that a retaliation attack will follow. In this way, Israel is bringing disaster to its own people. PHRMG is vehemently against all as over the years of Intifada illustrate, violence begets violence—it always has.

If Israel is concerned for its security and for the hudna to succeed, then they need to immediately stop the brutality and gross use of lethal force upon Palestinians which only creates more extremists who have reached their breaking point after tireless suffering. If America is concerned for the safety in Israel, PHRMG recommends they heed the same sentiment and condemn fully the act of assassination that Israel flaunts in the face of the world.

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The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG) is a Palestinian, independent, non-governmental organization working to end human rights violations committed against Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, regardless of those responsible.  The members of the Monitoring Group believe that the strength of democracy and civil society in Palestinian society will be determined by the Palestinian people, through their defense or neglect of human rights.

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