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Demolition of Abu Sha'ira family home in Al-Azza refugee camp

27 February 2004


This report concerns the demolition of the family home of Mervat Abu Sha’ira, a 9-year-old member of the Handala Cultural Center dance troupe. Mervat’s 32-year-old father was killed on 14 June 2001 during an armed clash between Israeli occupation forces and Palestinians in Beit Jala. On Friday 27 February 2004, at 1:00am, between 15-20 Israeli army jeeps and armored personal carriers entered Al-Azza’ camp and surrounded the home and several neighboring houses. Several homes were destroyed. Photos from Handala Cultural Center. 

Israel’s cry of anti-Semitism blocks a critical dialogue

Jeff Handmaker and Adri Nieuwhof 27 February 2004


Much of the rising anti-Semitism in Europe today is undeniably fuelled by conflicts in the Middle East. However, continued insistence on the part of the Israeli government and its supporters that critics of its policies are “anti-Semitic” is a dangerous and damaging position to hold. Human rights advocates Jeff Handmaker and Adri Nieuwhof argue that continued insistence on this equation of anti-Israeli government sentiments and anti-Semitism creates a hostile atmosphere and prevents a critical dialogue on Middle East issues from a human rights perspective. 

Israeli forces kill two Palestinians protesting Israel's Apartheid Wall

Arjan El Fassed 26 February 2004


Israeli forces killed two Palestinians and wounded dozens in the village of Biddu, near Jerusalem, during a protest against Israel’s Apartheid Wall. Mohammad Sabel Rayan (30), a father of two from Beit Duqqu and Zakariya Eyad, a father of three from Beit Iksa were shot today during a demonstration. Rayan was hit by a bullet in his spine and Eyad was hit in his chest. Palestinians, internationals and Israeli activists were protesting. They are afraid that the Israeli army will cause more casualties. Since yesterday, thousands of protesters have been protesting and confronting Israeli bulldozers working on Israel’s Apartheid Wall. 

ICJ: Justice or Politics?

Victor Kattan 25 February 2004


“ICJ: Justice or Politics” was a statement displayed on a banner at a pro-Israel demonstration in The Hague on Monday. In the last three days I have been covering the oral proceedings taking place before the international court of justice and the demonstrations here in The Hague for the British-based organization Arab Media Watch. Whilst the pleadings proceeded smoothly it has been interesting to note how few countries have come out in support of the Palestinians. Victor Kattan reports from the Hague. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 25 February 2004


This week Israeli forces killed an unarmed Palestinian from Boreij refugee camp in central Gaza. Israeli forces invaded a number of Palestinian towns and villages. In Ramallah, Israeli forces radied banks and confiscated large amounts of cash. Israeli forces razed agricultural land in the Gaza Strip and raided Palestinian homes. Israel continues its use of Palestinian civilians as human shields and Israel continued the construction of Israel’s apartheid wall. Israeli forces demolished four homes. Israel continues to impose a total siege on Palestinian towns and villages. 

Deetman responds to Israeli anger over protests in The Hague

Arjan El Fassed 23 February 2004


Today, the Mayor of The Hague, Wim Deetman, issued a press statement this morning. Deetman was “unpleasantly surprised” by the intention of the Dutch Zionist organization “Christenen voor Israel” to carry photographs which, whether rightly or wrongly were capable of “engendering emotions of a provocative nature,” during a demonstration march. In doing so, Deetman added only the factual, undisputed information that he had been informed by “Christenen voor Israel”, amongst others, that the Israeli Embassy in The Hague had “inspired” them to carry those photographs. 

ICJ wraps up hearings on legal consequences of the wall

Arjan El Fassed 25 February 2004


On the last day of the hearings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presiding Judge Shi Jiuyong, declaring a close to the oral hearings said “a date and time for the court to announce its rulings” would be set later. The final session was opened by Sudan, followed by the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The statements elaborated on jurisdiction and whether the Court is competent in addition to substance such as international humanitarian law, human rights law and other legal consequences of the wall. 

Israel orders land confiscation for Wall in Gaza

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 25 February 2004


On 22 February 2004, Israeli occupying forces handed written orders to a number of Palestinian families living near “Netzarim” settlement, south of Gaza city, informing them that their land would be seized for “military purposes” until the end of December 2005. Such orders mean that the land will be effectively confiscated. The orders provide seven days for appeal. PCHR today submitted an appeal on behalf of the owners of these lands to the Israeli military legal advisor. 

Court concludes second day of hearings on Israel's Apartheid Wall

Arjan El Fassed 24 February 2004


On the second day of the oral hearings in the case for an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the wall, the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presided by President Shi, heard statements from Belize, a tiny nation in Central America, Cuba, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia and Senegal. Wednesay morning, the final day of the oral hearings, the Court is scheduled to hear from Sudan, the League of Arab States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. 

A case for the rule of law in Palestine

Badil 23 February 2004


The ICJ hearing represents an historic milestone in the struggle of the Palestinian people for the promotion of rule of law and enforcement of universal standards and principles as the foundation for conflict prevention, resolution and a just and durable peace. It is the first time that the international court will hold deliberations concerning the legal aspects of the long- standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israeli measures directed against the Palestinian people.