Updates

B’Tselem expresses its deep sorrow over the killing of Adiel Kolman, a 32-year-old father of four who lived in the settlement of Kochav Hashachar. He was fatally stabbed by a Palestinian in the Old City, East Jerusalem. B’Tselem conveys its sincerest condolences to the Kolman family. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines every moral, legal and human standard. B’Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks against civilians and calls once again on politicians and leaders to act responsibly and avoid fanning the flames of violence.

B’Tselem expresses deep sorrow at the death of Rabbi Itamar Ben Gal, 29, a father of four from the settlement of Har Bracha who was stabbed to death yesterday, near the settlement of Ariel in Nablus District. B’Tselem conveys its sincerest condolences to the Ben Gal family. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines every moral, legal and human standard. B’Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks against civilians and reiterates its call to politicians and leaders to act responsibly and avoid fanning the flames of violence.

B’Tselem expresses deep sorrow at the death of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, 35, a father of six from Gilad Farm who was killed by Palestinians in a shooting attack yesterday. B’Tselem conveys its sincerest condolences to the Shevach family. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines every moral, legal and human standard. B’Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks against civilians.

B’Tselem expresses its shock over Friday (21 July 2017) evening's attack in which Yosef Salomon, 71, his daughter, Chaya Salomon, 46, and his son, Elad Salomon, 35, were stabbed to death in their home in the settlement of Halamish by a Palestinian from the village of Kobar. Tova Salomon, 68, wife of Yosef and mother of Chaya and Elad, sustained moderate to severe injuries and was taken to Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem. B’Tselem conveys its condolences to the family and wishes Tova Solomon a speedy recovery. Attacks against civilians undermine every moral, legal and human standard. B'Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks on civilians and reiterates its call to politicians and leaders to act responsibly and refrain from stirring up violence.

Hamas is reportedly holding at least two Israeli citizens - Avera Mengistu and Hashem a-Sayed -in Gaza as bargaining chips for the release of Hamas prisoners. A third Israeli crossed into Gaza 18 months ago and might also be held by Hamas. Holding people by force to be used as bargaining chips is immoral and unlawful. Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release the Israeli civilians it is holdings. Pending such release, it must treat them humanely and allow the ICRC to visit them.

B’Tselem expresses deep sorrow at the death of Hannah Bladon, 21, a British citizen who was stabbed to death yesterday (14 April 2017) by a Palestinian on Jerusalem's light railway. Two other people were lightly injured by the sudden braking of the train and required hospital treatment. B’Tselem conveys its sincerest condolences to the Bladon family, and its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines every moral, legal and human standard. B’Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks against civilians.

B’Tselem expresses deep sorrow at the deaths of Levana Malichi, 60, of Jerusalem, and Advanced Staff-Sergeant Major Yosef Kirma, a police officer in the Special Patrol Unit, who were killed by a Palestinian in a shooting attack near the Israel Police Central Headquarters. Six people were injured in the Jerusalem attack and taken to hospital: three with moderate injuries and three with mild injuries. B’Tselem conveys its sincerest condolences to the Malichi and Kirma families, and its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines every moral, legal and human standard. B’Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks against civilians and calls once again on politicians and leaders to act responsibly and avoid fanning the flames of violence.

Two years after Israel’s 2014 operation in Gaza, and following a meticulous investigation, B’Tselem is publishing the casualty figures. These indicate that almost two thirds (63%) Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces in the operation, 1,394 out of 2,202, did not take part in the hostilities and 526 of them were children under 18. The Israeli government almost totally shirked its responsibility for the massive harm to civilians in the operation, casting all blame upon Hamas. However, the fact that one side violated the law of war does not permit its opponent to do the same. Additionally, the lethal results of the open-fire policy chosen were clear even on its first few days. Israeli decision-makers chose to ignore this fact and continue the same policy line, and the moral and legal responsibility for this massive harm to civilians lies with them.

B’Tselem expresses deep sorrow over the killing of Rabbi Michael Mark, 48, and the injury of his wife and two of their children in a shooting attack by Palestinians in the South Hebron Hills on Friday. B’Tselem conveys its sincerest condolences and best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Mark family. The deliberate targeting of civilians undermines every moral, legal and human standard. B’Tselem strongly condemns any and all deliberate attacks against civilians and calls once again on politicians and leaders to act responsibly and avoid fanning the flames of violence.