14 May 2003
Al-Mawasi, Gaza Strip (File photo: Shaml/Joss Dray)
PCHR condemns this measure which comes in the context of systematic human rights violations perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces against Palestinians living in al-Mawasi area, to force them to leave the area for the sake of illegal Israeli settlements.
According to information available to PCHR, on 13 May 2003, Moqbel Shurrab, a Palestinian farmer from al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, married and father of 9 children, received a military order that gave him 24 hours to leave, effectively expelling him from the area. The order also gave Shurrab 7 days to appeal against the decision to expel him from the area for 6 months.
PCHR is pursuing the case and submitted an appeal to the Israeli military legal advisor to revoke the order and ensure Shurrab’s right to remain in his place of residence. Today, 14 May 2003, PCHR will also submit a petition to the Israeli High Court demanding a temporarily injunction to explain the order and ultimately leading to a cancellation of the decision.
In 1993, Israeli settlers from the “Neve Dekalim” settlement in al-Mawasi area were behind an arson attack on Shurrab’s house. He rebuilt his home the following year.
Al-Mawasi area is located in the southwest of the Gaza Strip, extending from the south of Deir al-Balah to the Palestinian-Egyptian border. About 15,000 Palestinians live in the area. Since the beginning of the Intifada, Israeli occupying forces have imposed a strict siege on the area, especially in Khan Yunis and Rafah, isolating it from the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. They have also adopted arbitrary measures that threaten the lives and security of Palestinians who live in the area.
PCHR expresses its deep concern about the Israeli military order to expel Moqbel Shurrab from al-Mawasi area. PCHR reiterates that this order comes in the context of flagrant violations of human rights perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces and settlers against Palestinians living in al-Mawasi area.
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