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PRESS RELEASE
January 13, 2004
13 Innocent
Palestinian civilians and 6 children killed in a series of war crimes
committed by Israeli Occupying Forces in the City of Nablus
Between
December 16, 2003 and
January 6, 2004, the Israeli Occupying
Forces committed numerous war crimes in the City of
Nablus and nearby refugee
camps. During the 20 day period, the Israeli Occupying Forces killed 19
civilians, among them 6 children. Another 200 civilians were injured by
the Israeli military using excessive force, and tens were arrested.
The PHRMG strongly condemns this escalation of war crimes committed by the
Israeli occupation forces against innocent civilians and questions the role
of the International Community that appears to remain silent as these crimes
are being committed.
The Israeli
operations in
Nablus have destroyed a number of
historical sites in the city’s old town. One of the most important and
historical sites that has been destroyed is the “Abd-el Hadi
Palace.” This site was built over 500
years ago and was being used as a kindergarten for children. The PHRMG
is concerned about this violation committed by the Israeli military against
civilians and children, and calls upon the International Community, particularly
the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to immediately
intervene and provide protection for all civilians and their property.
On Thursday, December 18, 2003, the Israeli Occupying Forces killed Ala Dawaya (21) by shooting 9 bullets into his chest. An hour
later, the Israeli occupying forces killed another 3 Palestinians in the City
of Nablus: Fadi Hanani
(25), Jibreel Awad (27)
and Magdi al-Bahsh (25).
All three were killed by the soldiers from close range. According to the
PHRMG field researcher and eyewitnesses, the bodies were left for an hour and
a half in the street before civilians could reach them safely. Again, the
PHRMG condemns these violations committed by the Israeli military against
innocent civilians and considers them a war crime.
In addition,
three Palestinian homes in the City of Nablus were destroyed and tens of
homes were occupied by the Israeli Occupying Forces as part of the continuing
campaign against the families of individuals accused of involvement in
attacks against Israel. On
Sunday, December 28, 2003, the Israeli Occupying Forces
destroyed the home of Hashem Abu Hamdan, a member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The
following day, the Israeli Occupying Forces destroyed the home of Nader Abu Leil, another member
of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The Israeli government destroyed these houses
without following any legal procedure or the principles of due process. The
Israeli government justifies its acts by merely alleging that a family member
was somehow involved in an activity against
Israel.
The Israeli Occupying Forces
similarly disregarded the religious freedom and practice of the residents by
attacking the “Ibal al-Rahman”
Mosque for the third time. The Israeli forces attacked this house of worship
even though there was no evidence of illegal activity. PHRMG condemns this
attack and considers it a violation of religious freedom.
The PHRMG
strongly condemns this escalation of war crimes committed by the Israeli
Occupying Forces against innocent civilians and property. These crimes
provide further evidence of the Israeli Occupying Forces' systematic use of
excessive force against the civilians. In light of these most recent
crimes, the PHRMG renews its call to the international community, particularly
the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, to
immediately intervene to protect these innocent civilians and their property.
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