On the Agenda

Today (15 July '10), Lt. Col. Omri Borberg, former commander of armored battalion 71, was convicted of attempted threats, and Staff Sergeant Leonardo Corea of unlawful use of firearms. Both were also convicted of conduct unbecoming. The charges carry a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment and a criminal record.

Bassem Abu Rahmeh was killed in April 2009 from a tear gas canister fired at him during a demonstration against the Separation Barrier. The JAG persistently refused to open an investigation into the incident, and did so only after B'Tselem and Att. Michael Sfard submitted an expert opinion that the open-fire regulations had been violated.

Today (6 July 2010), B'Tselem published a new report analyzing the mechanisms Israel uses to gain control of West Bank land for building settlements. The report, which is based on official state information, shows that one-fifth of the settlements' built-up area is private Palestinian land and that the settlements control 42 percent of West Bank land.

B'Tselem has documented three cases in recent months in which Palestinians suspected of being in Israel without a permit report severe abuse by the Israeli security forces. After B'Tselem submitted a complaint, the Military Police Investigation Unit and the Department for Investigation of Police opened investigations into the incidents.

On 21 June 2010, the Jerusalem municipal planning committee approved the demolition of 22 houses in the Bustan neighborhood of Silwan, in order to build an archeological garden.

On the fourth anniversary of the abduction of Gilad Shalit, B'Tselem again emphasizes that Hamas must release him immediately. Pending his release, those holding Shalit must treat him humanely and allow representatives of the International Red Cross to visit him. The taking of hostages is a war crime, and all those involved bear personal criminal liability.

The Israeli Security Cabinet's decision to relax some of the stringent restrictions on imports is to be welcome. However, it is only a small step toward the resumption of normal trade and traffic that Gaza so desperately needs.

Riyeh Abu Hajaj (64) and her daughter, Majda Abu Hajaj (37), were killed in Operation Cast Lead after leaving their home on army orders, waving white flags. Following the event, first reported by B'Tselem, the media now report that the soldier who fired is to be summoned to a hearing, prior to an indictment.

Riyeh Abu Hajaj (64) and her daughter, Majda Abu Hajaj (37), were killed in Operation Cast Lead after leaving their home on army orders, waving white flags. Following the event, first reported by B'Tselem, the media now report that the soldier who fired is to be summoned to a hearing, prior to an indictment.

B'Tselem is today (Monday, 14 June) publishing its annual report on human rights in the Occupied Territories, covering the 16-month period from January 2009 to April 2010. The report surveys the events since the beginning of Operation Cast Lead. One and a half years after the operation, the allegations regarding breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel and Hamas have yet to be properly investigated.

B'Tselem strongly condemns the shooting attack today that killed an Israeli police officer and wounded two others. Deliberate attacks against civilians are immoral and illegal. Willful killing of civilians is defined as a "grave breach" of international humanitarian law and is a war crime.

Since June 2007, when Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip, Israel has imposed a tight blockade on the area. According to Israeli officials, the objective of the siege is to bring down the Hamas government and lead to the release of Gilad Shalit. The siege thus constitutes collective punishment of the civilian population, and as such it is unlawful. The siege has led to the economic collapse of the Gaza Strip; over 70 percent of the population depends on aid from international organizations in order to obtain food.