6.4.2011
Removal of bodies from the Samuni family compound in Gaza City, shelled during Operation Cast Lead. 21 family members were killed. Photo: Muhammad Sabah, B'Tselem, 18 Jan. '09.
Removal of bodies from the Samuni family compound in Gaza City, shelled during Operation Cast Lead. 21 family members were killed. Photo: Muhammad Sabah, B'Tselem, 18 Jan. '09.
B'Tselem responds to Goldstone op-ed
In an op-ed in the Washington Post, CEO Jessica Montell concludes that "It is vital that we move beyond the slogans and soundbites around Goldstone. Instead, we must honestly discuss how to ensure genuine accountability for past wrongs, full respect for international humanitarian law and protection for civilians in any future military operations."
Op-ed in the Jewish Daily Forward

Five members of family in Itamar murdered
B'Tselem strongly condemns the murder and expresses its horror at the act. The Palestinian and Israeli authorities must act to locate the perpetrators and bring them to trial.

Stop mortar fire at populated areas in Gaza
On 22 March '11, Israeli mortar fire killed four Palestinian civilians east of Gaza City. Despite promises following Operation Cast Lead, it seems the military has not made the changes necessary to prevent harm to civilians from this imprecise weapon.

Gazan youth whose medical treatment was delayed dies in JM
In early Dec. 2010, Mahmud a-Najar, 15, was diagnosed with leukemia. He was given an appointment at an East Jerusalem hospital and submitted a request to enter Israel. He and his mother described to B'Tselem the wait for the precious permit, which arrived 16 days after the set date. On 21 Jan. 2011, he died in the East Jerusalem hospital.

Civil Administration demolishes entire village in Jordan Valley
In the past four months, the Civil Administration has demolished all the structures in Khirbet Tana, a Bedouin village of 250 people in the Jordan Valley. Following the completion of the demolition, on 2 March, only a mosque was left standing in the village. The demolition is part of Israel's ongoing attempt to expel the Bedouin from the Jordan Valley.

B'Tselem inaugurates public council
On 27 March, B'Tselem inaugurated its first public council, comprised of 34 leading Israeli academic, cultural and social figures who chose, at this especially important juncture to openly declare their support for human rights.