Human Rights

PCHR denounces the continuation of the state security courts, despite the Minister of Justice’s recent decision to abolish them

3 September 2003

 PCHR is shocked by the continued operation of the state security courts despite the recent decision issued by the Palestinian Minster of Justice to abolish them.  PCHR calls upon the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Attorney General to immediately halt the operation of these courts and transfer all cases to the civil courts in accordance with the ministerial decision.  

Seventh Israeli assassination in 11 days  kills one Palestinian and wounds at least 20

1 September 2003

PCHR condemns in the strongest terms the latest assassination by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza city this afternoon in which at least one Palestinian was killed and at least 25 passersby were wounded, including 7 children.  In the wake of this renewed escalation in attacks by the Israeli occupying forces on Palestinian civilians, PCHR reiterates its calls to the international community, particularly to the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention, to take immediate measures to intervene to protect Palestinian civilians.  

3 Palestinian activists assassinated and a 9 year-old child killed by Israeli occupying forces in the Gaza Strip in 72 hours

31 August 2003

 PCHR condemns the most recent escalation in military attacks perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces, leaving 4 Palestinians, including a 9 year-old child, dead and 12 others wounded, including 3 seriously.  PCHR is concerned that these attacks may be a prelude to a larger-scale military attack on the Palestinian civilian population.  PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to halt further deterioration in the humanitarian and human rights situation in the OPTs.  

Israeli forces kill 4 Palestinian activists in latest extra-judicial assassination in Gaza City

25 August 2003

PCHR strongly condemns the latest extra-judicial assassination carried out by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza City on Sunday, 24 August 2003, which left dead 4 members of the military wing of Hamas movement, the Ezziddin al-Qassam Brigade. PCHR is deeply concerned about the persistent escalation of aggressive acts carried out by Israeli occupying forces in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. PCHR is especially concerned by the Israeli government’s official adoption of the policy of extra-judicial assassinations; the only state in the world which openly commits such crimes. 

PCHR calls for transfer of registration of NGOs to PA Ministry of Justice to protect independence of Palestinian civilian society

28 August 2003

On 19 August 2003, the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) approved in a first reading a draft law submitted by the Palestinian Authority cabinet. This draft legislation included amendments to the Law of Charitable Societies and NGOs which provided that the authority to register and supervise such groups would be transferred to the Civil Work Affairs Bureau. 

PCHR calls upon the Palestinian Authority to cancel its decision to freeze funds of charitable societies

28 August 2003

PCHR is deeply concerned with regard to the latest measures taken by the Palestinian Monetary Fund against dozens of charitable societies and NGOs, including freezing their accounts in all banks inside the Occupied Palestinian Territories.  PCHR asserts that these measures violate human rights standards, and warns of the tragic consequences for thousands of poor Palestinian families which receive social, educational, health and relief services from these organisations.  

Weekly report on human rights violations

28 August 2003


This week, Israeli occupying forces escalated their illegal military actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), causing more casualties among Palestinian civilians. PCHR is concerned that further escalation may take place, as Israeli officials stated that Israeli occupying forces would continue to target Palestinian activists. In flagrant disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians, Israeli occupying forces committed more extra-judicial assassinations. They invaded the northern West Bank towns of Nablus and Jenin. 

Largest demolition in years: Israel destroys entire commercial market in one day

21 August 2003


Marking the single largest demolition of buildings in years, the entire commercial area of Nazlat ‘Isa was today raised to the ground as some 15 bulldozers, accompanied by large numbers of military and border police, entered the community at 5:00 AM and destroyed over 100 shops and 5 homes. The market, which was previously targeted in January of this year with the destruction of 82 or close to , of its shops, has been the commercial center for the entire region. The bulldozers began the demolitions early in the morning and continued unabated until the late hours of the night. 

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