Salman Abu Sitta, president of the London-based Palestine Land Society examines a recently conducted poll among Palestinian refugees, questioning its methodology and refuting many of the claims that have been made from it. The continued dedication of Palestians to working for this right, refutes the assumption that the refugees only want shelter, food and legal papers and willingly accept settlement elsewhere. Dr. Abu Sitta contributed this article to EI. Read more about Who undermines the right of return?
This week, Israeli forces killed four Palestinians in ‘Askar refugee camp in Nablus. During a wide-scale Israeli military invasion of Hebron, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian activist. Israeli forces continued to shell Palestinian residential areas. Israeli forces demolished a home in ‘Askar refugee camp as Israel continues its campaign of collective punishment and reprisal. Israeli forces continued to use Palestinian civilians as human shields in military operations and deny access of Palestinian farmers to their agricultural lands. Meanwhile Israeli forces razed more land and continued its tight siege on Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Read more about Weekly report on human rights violations
In spring of this year, CESR, in collaboration with local Palestinian NGOs, conducted a project to document violations of Palestinians’ human right to water. From the construction of the wall of separation in the northern West Bank to the destruction of drinking water wells in Gaza, to Israel’s refusal to provide water services to unrecognized villages in the Negev, CESR found widespread and severe human rights violations. Read more about Report: "Thirsting for Justice - violations of the human right to water in Palestine"
Human Rights Watch today welcomed Israel’s announcement that it will investigate the June 9 tank shelling that killed three Palestinian Bedouin women. The women were killed and three other people injured when the shells sprayed razor-sharp darts, known as flechettes, in a populated area where they lived between Gaza City and the Israeli settlement of Netzarim. Human Rights Watch said that the findings of the investigation should be made public and those found responsible held accountable. Read more about Israel: Dart shells pose civilian threat
One aspect of the conflict, which has perhaps received less public scrutiny than it deserves, are the weapon systems and military tactics being deployed by the IDF. And yet, the flow of weaponry into the area and the manner in which arms are used are key elements in helping to explain the appallingly high casualty rates - and how to prevent them. Read more about No security without human rights
The International federation for human rights (FIDH) welcomes the concluding observations issued on 7 August by the UN Human Rights Committee after it examined, from 23 to 25 of July 2003, the situation of political and civil rights in Israel with regard to the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Read more about FIDH: Security concerns do not preclude human rights obligations
This week Israeli forces killed three Palestinians, including a child. One Palestinian died from injuries he previously sustained by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian civilians, wounding five, including a woman. Israeli forces continue to impose a siege on Palestinian communities and deny Palestinian farmers access to their lands. Read more about Weekly report on human rights violations
