31 Dec. 06

 
   683 people killed in the conflict in 2006  


This past year, we witnessed a deterioration in the human rights situation in the Occupied Territories, particularly in the increase in civilians killed and the destruction of houses and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, there was an improvement regarding violations of the right to life of Israeli civilians.

According to B'Tselem's research, from January to December 27, 2006, Israeli security forces killed 660 Palestinians in the Occupied Territories and in Israel. This includes 141 minors. At least 322 of those killed did not take part in the hostilities at the time they were killed. Another 22 were targets of assassinations.

Palestinians killed 17 Israeli civilians in 2006, both in the West Bank and inside Israel. This includes 1 minor. In addition, Palestinians killed 6 members of the Israeli security forces.

 
Beit Hanun following the departure of Army forces, 7 Nov. 06. Photo: B'Tselem.
Beit Hanun following the departure of Army forces, 7 Nov. 06. Photo: B'Tselem.a

   
 
   Trigger happy  


In December, B'Tselem documented four case in which soldiers opened fire at Palestinians: On 19 December, soldiers killed D'ah 'Abd al-Qadr, 14, and wounded her friend Saha Shalbi, 12, near the separation barrier by Tulkarm; On 14 December, a soldier killed Wahib a-Dik, 27, a father of four, who was working as plasterer in restoring the ancient a-Dik palace; On 3 December, a soldier killed 14-year-old Jamil al-Jabji in Nablus, when he hand his friends threw stones at an army jeep; On 7 December, 17-year-old Saji a-Sheikh was shot when he and his friends tried to damage the separation barrier near Beit 'Anan.

In each case, B'Tselem's investigation found that the soldiers were not in danger, and that the use of lethal force was unjustified. B'Tselem wrote to the judge advocate general, demanding an investigation into whether soldiers were issued illegal orders, which gave soldiers the dangerous impression they are allowed to open fire at stone throwers.

 

Photo: Opening where Wahib a-Dik was standing when he was shot (B'Tselem)

   
   
 
   Nationality law would harm East Jerusalem Palestinian children  


On 18 December, the Knesset approved on first reading the proposed Nationality and Entry into Israel (Temporary Order) Law, which, if enacted, would remain in force for two years. The proposed law would severely harm children one of whose parents is a resident of Israel and the other a resident of the Occupied Territories. Under the law, children in this category who are over fourteen would, for example, not be allowed to live with their parents and as a result would live under the constant fear of being detained and harassed by security forces.

 

 
   'Azzun 'Atma to be enclosed by separation barrier  


Israel recently began construction of a section of the separation barrier that will surround 'Azzun 'Atma, a Palestinian village south of Qalqiliya. The village is already separated from the rest of the West Bank, and its 1,800 residents can leave only through a gate in the barrier that is not open twenty four hours a day. Turning the village into an enclave will also separate its residents from 2,000 dunams of farmland they own.

As in many other cases, Israel chose the route of the barrier to enable expansion of nearby settlements, in this instance Oranit and Elqana, and to build a new industrial area.

 
Aerial Photo of 'Azzun 'Atma and its environs (Bimkom)
Aerial Photo of 'Azzun 'Atma and its environs (Bimkom)

 
   High Court rules on anti-compensation law, targeted killings  


The High Court of Justice recently issued two fundamental rulings relating to the conflict in the Occupied Territories.

On 11 December, the High Court invalidated an amendment to the Civil Wrongs (Liability of the State) Law, referred to as the intifada law, which almost completely blocked Palestinians from suing for damages. The judgment was given in a petition filed by B'Tselem and eight other human rights organizations.

On 14 December, the High Court placed certain restrictions on Israel's policy of targeted killings, which the state has carried out officially since the beginning of the second intifada. However, the judgment is vague on a number of particulars, and there is concern that Israel will exploit the vagueness and claim that its targeted-killing policy received the High Court's sanction.

 

It cannot be determined in advance that every targeted killing is prohibited according to customary international law, just as it cannot be determined in advance that every targeted killing is permissible according to customary international law.
From judgment

 
   Rabbis for Human Rights, North America, awards prize to B'Tselem  


"Do Charity and Justice," the first Raphael Lamkin Human Rights Prize was awarded on 11 December to B'Tselem at a ceremony in New York City. Jessica Montell, B'Tselem's executive director, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Also honored with the prize were rabbis David Forman, Ben Hollander, and David Rosen, who founded Rabbis for Human Rights, and the Center for Constitutional Rights.

 

B'Tselem's director at the awarding ceremony

I
I
I
I