Human Rights

Belgium rules that Yaron and others will be investigated and tried for 1982 massacre

10 June 2003

This morning’s ruling in the trial against Ariel Sharon, Amos Yaron, and other Israelis and Lebanese responsible for the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre brought a clear, decisive victory in the legal battle waged for the last two years by the survivors and victims. The following press release from the lawyers representing the survivors explains the significance of the ruling. 

Israeli rockets strike car carrying Hamas leader

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 10 June 2003

Two Israeli combat helicopters launched six missiles at a car passing through a densely populated area in Gaza city. Dr. Abdul Aziz Rantisi, a prominent leader of Hamas, his son Ahmad and two of his bodyguards were traveling in the car. The attack killed a woman, who was passing by the area. More than 30 civilians, including eight children were wounded. Dr. Rantisi survived the attack but was wounded in his left leg. 

No lifting of restrictions on freedom of movement in OPT

Democracy and Workers' Rights Center 4 June 2003

Israeli declarations that restrictions on freedom of movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been eased as a good will gesture for the meeting in Jordan between Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers and US President Georges Bush reveal untrue as Israeli military checkpoints continue to forbid access of Palestinians citizens to their workplaces, schools, hospitals in cities centers and hamper movement between localities. 

The Sabra and Shatila Case in Belgium: A Guide for the Perplexed

Laurie King 16 June 2003

“Reports announcing the death of the case lodged by survivors of the Sabra and Shatila massacre in Belgium have been greatly exaggerated and persistent, but to date, categorically false. For supporters of the growing global campaign against impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the good news is that this case is still very much alive, although it has been affected by rulings of the International Court of Justice, wear and tear on Belgium’s bi-lateral ties with the US and Israel, and a global political context that has sharpened debate about war crimes, impunity, and the limitations and requirements of international criminal prosecution.” Laurie King-Irani, North American Coordinator for the International Campaign for Justice for the Victims of Sabra and Shatila, explains recent political and legal twists and turns in the landmark war crimes case in Belgium. 

Weekly report on human rights violations

Palestinian Center for Human Rights 5 June 2003

This week, Israeli forces killed 6 Palestinians, including a child and one killed in another extra-judicial execution in Khan Yunis. Israeli forces conducted a number of raids on Palestinian areas, demolished 17 Palestinian homes and razed more than 80 dunums of agricultural land in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces continued to shell indiscriminately at residential areas and destroyed four homes in its retaliatory campaign against Palestinian families of wanted persons. Israeli forces continued to arbitrarily detain Palestinians and continued its siege on Palestinian towns, villages and refugee camps. 

Appeal from the residents of Qalqiliya

Lands Defense Committees in the District of Qalqiliya, Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign, The Palestinian Environment NGO Network (PENGON), Palestinian Farmers Union, Palestinian Farmers Union and The Local and Popular Organizations in the District of Qalqiliya 5 June 2003

“This is an appeal for help and an honor sent from the hearts of thousands of children, women and elders whose trees are being uprooted, whose lands are being razed, whose elders and children are being beaten daily.” The people of Qalqiliya, the Land Defense Committees and the Apartheid Wall Campaign - PENGON, the Farmers Union, and popular and local organizations in Qalqiliya ask for help. 

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