28 dec 2011
Open letter from Gaza: Three years after the massacre, justice or nothing!
We, Palestinians of Gaza, 3 years on from the 22-day long massacre in Israel’s operation ‘Cast Lead’, are calling on international civil society to make 2012 the year when solidarity with us in Palestine captures the spark of the revolutions around the Arab world and never looks back.
On this anniversary we demand an international liberation movement that eventually leads to just that, liberation for us Palestinians from 63 years of brutal military occupation and ethnic cleansing that pours shame on any organisation or government claiming to endorse universal human rights.
We will never forget the hurt of 3 years ago, the criminal onslaught that we lived through, the blood of over 1400 murdered men, women and hundreds of children running through the streets of Gaza, between the rubble, soaking our beds and etched on our minds.
We will never forget. For they are still dead, and thousands more are still maimed.[1]
We will never forget the last 63 years during which our land, homes, olive groves, lemon trees and cherished way of life was taken away from us, while Israeli soldiers held our fathers’ faces in the sands, imprisoned them, or shot them in front of us.
We will not forget the sickening cowardice of the international community that has allowed and enabled this ethnic cleansing of our people, subjecting us to Israel’s racist Zionist vision that defines us, the indigenous people of Palestine, as the undesired ‘ethnic group’ for the region.
The US continues to ‘reward’ Israel with 6 billion dollars of tax-payers money while the EU increases its trade and diplomatic relations. For the Israeli apartheid regime this translates as the green light to unleash the 4th most powerful military on us to ‘do its worst’ against our civilian population, of which over half in Gaza are children and over 2 thirds are UN registered refugees.
In recent years, civil society and solidarity movements throughout the world have grown in their support for us, especially in 2011.
As the world wakes up, the prospect of life without Israeli occupation and its system of race-based subjugation becomes more than a dream. We demand simply, human rights that anyone else would expect.
This year, the first taste of liberation in the Western controlled Arab world arrived in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Many of those who took to the streets moved beyond their fear of being killed or tortured, facing up to the despotic, Western-backed regimes in the name of freedom for their families, communities and compatriots.
We will never forget them too, as we have lived much of our lives beyond this fear, our resilience against Israeli apartheid growing as the solidarity movements around the world grow.
No longer under the boot of Western governments we urge the Arab street to do what the Israeli Apartheid Regime fears the most, to unite and build against them, the state that has violated more United Nations resolutions than any other.
The siege breaking attempts into Gaza must continue, the second Free Gaza Flotilla exposed again the brutal and merciless edge of Israel’s hermetic siege.
In Europe and America the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) [2] movement is reaching the mainstream. Huge victories have included campaigns against waste and transport infrastructure firm Veolia who build transport routes on Israeli occupied lands.[3]
Inspired and supported by Nobel Prize winner and anti apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the University of Johannesburg ended its collaboration with Ben Gurion University in Israel.[4]
Other University campuses are pursuing boycott campaigns and major European Trade Unions have broken ties with Israeli Trade Unions. And a growing number of conscientious artists and singers are refusing to perform in Israel.
All over Israeli internet sites and in government policy are attempts to deter the growing BDS movement, [5] an international strategy that succeeded against a similarly well-armed, Western affiliated apartheid regime in South Africa.
The effect worldwide of the Gaza massacres 3 years ago was a catalyst for a huge rise in worldwide solidarity and action in support of Palestine, just as the South African Sharpeville massacre was for South African blacks in 1960.
Our call this year will accept no compromise. We call upon all Palestine solidarity groups and all international civil society organizations to demand:
1 An end to the siege that has been imposed on the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a result of their exercise of democratic choice.
2 The protection of civilian lives and property, as stipulated in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law such as The Fourth Geneva Convention.
3 The immediate release of all political prisoners.
4 That Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip be immediately provided with financial and material support to cope with the immense hardship that they are experiencing
5 An end to occupation, Apartheid and other war crimes with immediate reparations and compensation for all destruction carried out by the Israeli Occupation Forces in Gaza.
For us, the sacrifices for resisting have often meant imprisonment, torture, collective punishment and death. Outside, the risks are lower, but with great possibility. We call on you to Boycott Divest and Sanction, join the many International Trade Unions, Universities, Supermarkets and artists and writers who refuse to entertain Apartheid Israel. Speak out for Palestine, for Gaza, and crucially ACT. There has never been a time when mobilizations are gaining such support. 1994 was the year of South Africa when Apartheid was thrown into the dustbin of history; with your support we can make 2012 the year of free Palestine!
THE TIME IS NOW!
List of signatories:
On this anniversary we demand an international liberation movement that eventually leads to just that, liberation for us Palestinians from 63 years of brutal military occupation and ethnic cleansing that pours shame on any organisation or government claiming to endorse universal human rights.
We will never forget the hurt of 3 years ago, the criminal onslaught that we lived through, the blood of over 1400 murdered men, women and hundreds of children running through the streets of Gaza, between the rubble, soaking our beds and etched on our minds.
We will never forget. For they are still dead, and thousands more are still maimed.[1]
We will never forget the last 63 years during which our land, homes, olive groves, lemon trees and cherished way of life was taken away from us, while Israeli soldiers held our fathers’ faces in the sands, imprisoned them, or shot them in front of us.
We will not forget the sickening cowardice of the international community that has allowed and enabled this ethnic cleansing of our people, subjecting us to Israel’s racist Zionist vision that defines us, the indigenous people of Palestine, as the undesired ‘ethnic group’ for the region.
The US continues to ‘reward’ Israel with 6 billion dollars of tax-payers money while the EU increases its trade and diplomatic relations. For the Israeli apartheid regime this translates as the green light to unleash the 4th most powerful military on us to ‘do its worst’ against our civilian population, of which over half in Gaza are children and over 2 thirds are UN registered refugees.
In recent years, civil society and solidarity movements throughout the world have grown in their support for us, especially in 2011.
As the world wakes up, the prospect of life without Israeli occupation and its system of race-based subjugation becomes more than a dream. We demand simply, human rights that anyone else would expect.
This year, the first taste of liberation in the Western controlled Arab world arrived in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Many of those who took to the streets moved beyond their fear of being killed or tortured, facing up to the despotic, Western-backed regimes in the name of freedom for their families, communities and compatriots.
We will never forget them too, as we have lived much of our lives beyond this fear, our resilience against Israeli apartheid growing as the solidarity movements around the world grow.
No longer under the boot of Western governments we urge the Arab street to do what the Israeli Apartheid Regime fears the most, to unite and build against them, the state that has violated more United Nations resolutions than any other.
The siege breaking attempts into Gaza must continue, the second Free Gaza Flotilla exposed again the brutal and merciless edge of Israel’s hermetic siege.
In Europe and America the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) [2] movement is reaching the mainstream. Huge victories have included campaigns against waste and transport infrastructure firm Veolia who build transport routes on Israeli occupied lands.[3]
Inspired and supported by Nobel Prize winner and anti apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the University of Johannesburg ended its collaboration with Ben Gurion University in Israel.[4]
Other University campuses are pursuing boycott campaigns and major European Trade Unions have broken ties with Israeli Trade Unions. And a growing number of conscientious artists and singers are refusing to perform in Israel.
All over Israeli internet sites and in government policy are attempts to deter the growing BDS movement, [5] an international strategy that succeeded against a similarly well-armed, Western affiliated apartheid regime in South Africa.
The effect worldwide of the Gaza massacres 3 years ago was a catalyst for a huge rise in worldwide solidarity and action in support of Palestine, just as the South African Sharpeville massacre was for South African blacks in 1960.
Our call this year will accept no compromise. We call upon all Palestine solidarity groups and all international civil society organizations to demand:
1 An end to the siege that has been imposed on the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a result of their exercise of democratic choice.
2 The protection of civilian lives and property, as stipulated in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law such as The Fourth Geneva Convention.
3 The immediate release of all political prisoners.
4 That Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip be immediately provided with financial and material support to cope with the immense hardship that they are experiencing
5 An end to occupation, Apartheid and other war crimes with immediate reparations and compensation for all destruction carried out by the Israeli Occupation Forces in Gaza.
For us, the sacrifices for resisting have often meant imprisonment, torture, collective punishment and death. Outside, the risks are lower, but with great possibility. We call on you to Boycott Divest and Sanction, join the many International Trade Unions, Universities, Supermarkets and artists and writers who refuse to entertain Apartheid Israel. Speak out for Palestine, for Gaza, and crucially ACT. There has never been a time when mobilizations are gaining such support. 1994 was the year of South Africa when Apartheid was thrown into the dustbin of history; with your support we can make 2012 the year of free Palestine!
THE TIME IS NOW!
List of signatories:
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General Union for Public Services Workers
General Union for Health Services Workers University Teachers’ Association Palestinian Congregation for Lawyers General Union for Petrochemical and Gas Workers General Union for Agricultural Workers Union of Women’s Work Committees Union of Synergies—Women Unit The One Democratic State Group Arab Cultural Forum Palestinian Students’ Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel Association of Al-Quds Bank for Culture and Info Palestine Sailing Federation Palestinian Association for Fishing and Maritime Palestinian Women Committees Progressive Students’ Union Medical Relief Society The General Society for Rehabilitation |
General Union of Palestinian Women
Afaq Jadeeda Cultural Centre for Women and Children Deir Al-Balah Cultural Centre for Women and Children Maghazi Cultural Centre for Children Al-Sahel Centre for Women and Youth Ghassan Kanfani Kindergartens Rachel Corrie Centre, Rafah Rafah Olympia City Sisters Al Awda Centre, Rafah Al Awda Hospital, Jabaliya Camp Ajyal Association, Gaza General Union of Palestinian Syndicates Al Karmel Centre, Nuseirat Local Initiative, Beit Hanoun Union of Health Work Committees Red Crescent Society Gaza Strip Beit Lahiya Cultural Centre Al Awda Centre, Rafah |
Arab League on Gaza: The world community should assume responsibility
The people in Gaza are paying a heavy price for the ongoing Israeli siege in their educational, health, infrastructure, economic, and construction sectors, the Arab League said in a statement on Tuesday on the occasion of the third anniversary of the devastating Israeli war on the Strip.
The statement warned of the renewed Israeli calls for a new war on Gaza, charging that the world community’s silence toward that aggression was encouraging Israel to go ahead in its aggressive policy against the Palestinian people without expecting any penal or deterrent measure.
The Arab League urged the world community especially the UN and its secretary general along with the international quartet committee to assume their responsibility and lift “this oppressive siege” and to punish the Israeli war criminals.
The statement warned of the renewed Israeli calls for a new war on Gaza, charging that the world community’s silence toward that aggression was encouraging Israel to go ahead in its aggressive policy against the Palestinian people without expecting any penal or deterrent measure.
The Arab League urged the world community especially the UN and its secretary general along with the international quartet committee to assume their responsibility and lift “this oppressive siege” and to punish the Israeli war criminals.
IDF chief: Gaza war against Hamas was an 'excellent' operation
Benny Gantz speaking with Ilana Dayan Tuesday on Army Radio
Second round of fighting in Gaza is not a matter of choice for Israel; it must be initiated by Israel and must be 'swift and painful,' Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz says.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz marked the three-year anniversary of Operation Cast Lead on Tuesday by hailing it "an excellent operation that achieved deterrence for Israel vis-a-vis Hamas." However, he warned, cracks have emerged in that deterrence over time, and a second round of fighting in the Gaza Strip is not a matter of choice for Israel.
Such a round must be initiated by Israel and must be "swift and painful," he said, adding, "I do not advise Hamas to test our mettle."
Speaking on Army Radio on Tuesday in honor of Shirutrom, the IDF's annual telethon, Gantz gave his most wide-ranging interview since taking office more than 10 months ago. His predecessor, Gabi Ashkenazi, gave no interviews to the civilian media during his four years in office. Only once a year, in honor of the telethon, did he agree to any interviews at all.
Gantz appears to be taking the same tack, although sources close to him say he will be interviewed by the civilian media in the future.
In response to a question by interviewer Ilana Dayan regarding the timing of such an attack, Gantz said, "We will act when the conditions are right."
In reference to the debate over the best way to act against the Iranian nuclear program, Dayan asked Gantz whether his position and that of the new Mossad chief Tamir Pardo were not as strong as that of Ashkenazi and the former Mossad head, Meir Dagan. Gantz rejected the idea, stating, "Whoever should hear, hears my voice loud and clear."
Last November, after Yoav Galant was appointed to succeed Ashkenazi as chief of staff and Gantz retired from the IDF - only to return as chief of staff three months later when Galant's appointment was rescinded - Gantz told Haaretz he was proud he did not have to compromise his principles in the race for chief of staff.
Much of the interview was devoted to high-profile issues in the media of late, such as women singing in the IDF.
Gantz characterized an incident last week in which female soldiers were prevented from singing at a Hanukkah ceremony at a basic training camp as "not good." He said he would act to prevent such occurrences in the future and would order an investigation into the incident.
Gantz also made a distinction between official IDF ceremonies, where he said he would not allow Orthodox soldiers to leave while women were singing, and entertainment, where Gantz said "we can and should respect [Orthodox soldiers' wishes to leave the hall]."
"We don't quarrel with people. We look for how we can serve them," he added.
"Women's singing is not banned and ... the person who decides what happens in the room is the commander. The State of Israel and the IDF must make clear that the only authority is that of the commanders," Gantz told Dayan.
Gantz apologized again for a recent exchange with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, interpreted by some as an insult to women. "I was mistaken in the way I expressed myself," he said, referring to a comment caught on tape during a recent Golani Brigade exercise in the Golan Heights.
"Women will serve everywhere they need to serve. They can contribute operationally and can function in an operational environment," Gantz said.
Gantz noted that the defense minister had approved the recent round of top appointments he made. He said the appointment of Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon as GOC Central Command had nothing to do with Alon's statements against the extreme right. He attributed Alon's appointment solely to his skills.
It appears Gantz successfully navigated his first media test, conveying the messages he wanted to convey and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls.
And yet it may be hoped that, next time, Gantz will take somewhat more of a risk and speak on the record to the civilian media as well.
Another question, one that did not come up in the interview, remains unanswered:
Why does the IDF, with massive funding at its disposal each year, still need to hold a telethon and scrounge for pennies from civilians?
(little update: - December 27, marks the third anniversary of the three-week Israeli war on the Gaza Strip in which more than 1419 Palestinians were killed and thousands were wounded. Among the killed were 412 children and 111 women, and approximately 280 medics and members of the civil defense.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), based in Gaza reported that December 27, 2008, the day the Israeli war started on Gaza, was the bloodiest day as Israeli soldiers killed 334 Palestinians (%76.6 of them civilians).
The PCHR said that 1,419 Palestinians were killed during Operation Cast Lead, 1,167 (82.2%) of whom were civilians. A further 5,300 were injured. Israeli forces directly targeted and attacked private homes and civilian institutions, including hospitals and schools. 'Swift and painful,'
Second round of fighting in Gaza is not a matter of choice for Israel; it must be initiated by Israel and must be 'swift and painful,' Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz says.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz marked the three-year anniversary of Operation Cast Lead on Tuesday by hailing it "an excellent operation that achieved deterrence for Israel vis-a-vis Hamas." However, he warned, cracks have emerged in that deterrence over time, and a second round of fighting in the Gaza Strip is not a matter of choice for Israel.
Such a round must be initiated by Israel and must be "swift and painful," he said, adding, "I do not advise Hamas to test our mettle."
Speaking on Army Radio on Tuesday in honor of Shirutrom, the IDF's annual telethon, Gantz gave his most wide-ranging interview since taking office more than 10 months ago. His predecessor, Gabi Ashkenazi, gave no interviews to the civilian media during his four years in office. Only once a year, in honor of the telethon, did he agree to any interviews at all.
Gantz appears to be taking the same tack, although sources close to him say he will be interviewed by the civilian media in the future.
In response to a question by interviewer Ilana Dayan regarding the timing of such an attack, Gantz said, "We will act when the conditions are right."
In reference to the debate over the best way to act against the Iranian nuclear program, Dayan asked Gantz whether his position and that of the new Mossad chief Tamir Pardo were not as strong as that of Ashkenazi and the former Mossad head, Meir Dagan. Gantz rejected the idea, stating, "Whoever should hear, hears my voice loud and clear."
Last November, after Yoav Galant was appointed to succeed Ashkenazi as chief of staff and Gantz retired from the IDF - only to return as chief of staff three months later when Galant's appointment was rescinded - Gantz told Haaretz he was proud he did not have to compromise his principles in the race for chief of staff.
Much of the interview was devoted to high-profile issues in the media of late, such as women singing in the IDF.
Gantz characterized an incident last week in which female soldiers were prevented from singing at a Hanukkah ceremony at a basic training camp as "not good." He said he would act to prevent such occurrences in the future and would order an investigation into the incident.
Gantz also made a distinction between official IDF ceremonies, where he said he would not allow Orthodox soldiers to leave while women were singing, and entertainment, where Gantz said "we can and should respect [Orthodox soldiers' wishes to leave the hall]."
"We don't quarrel with people. We look for how we can serve them," he added.
"Women's singing is not banned and ... the person who decides what happens in the room is the commander. The State of Israel and the IDF must make clear that the only authority is that of the commanders," Gantz told Dayan.
Gantz apologized again for a recent exchange with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, interpreted by some as an insult to women. "I was mistaken in the way I expressed myself," he said, referring to a comment caught on tape during a recent Golani Brigade exercise in the Golan Heights.
"Women will serve everywhere they need to serve. They can contribute operationally and can function in an operational environment," Gantz said.
Gantz noted that the defense minister had approved the recent round of top appointments he made. He said the appointment of Brig. Gen. Nitzan Alon as GOC Central Command had nothing to do with Alon's statements against the extreme right. He attributed Alon's appointment solely to his skills.
It appears Gantz successfully navigated his first media test, conveying the messages he wanted to convey and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls.
And yet it may be hoped that, next time, Gantz will take somewhat more of a risk and speak on the record to the civilian media as well.
Another question, one that did not come up in the interview, remains unanswered:
Why does the IDF, with massive funding at its disposal each year, still need to hold a telethon and scrounge for pennies from civilians?
(little update: - December 27, marks the third anniversary of the three-week Israeli war on the Gaza Strip in which more than 1419 Palestinians were killed and thousands were wounded. Among the killed were 412 children and 111 women, and approximately 280 medics and members of the civil defense.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), based in Gaza reported that December 27, 2008, the day the Israeli war started on Gaza, was the bloodiest day as Israeli soldiers killed 334 Palestinians (%76.6 of them civilians).
The PCHR said that 1,419 Palestinians were killed during Operation Cast Lead, 1,167 (82.2%) of whom were civilians. A further 5,300 were injured. Israeli forces directly targeted and attacked private homes and civilian institutions, including hospitals and schools. 'Swift and painful,'
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Devastating effects of Gaza siege
The latest findings by Medecins Sans Frontiers show that in Gaza thirty six percent of essential medicines are lacking. Shortage of drugs and medical supplies represent a real threat to patient health. The situation, which had been worsening steadily for several years, deteriorated further in 2011 and has reached an alarming level. In this edition of the show we will look at how the Gaza blockade prevents healthcare provision for those living in the strip and keeps the poverty level high. |
27 dec 2011
Arab League Reiterates Calls to Prosecute Israeli War Criminals
The Arab League reiterated calls to prosecute Israeli war criminals, who committed heinous massacres against Palestinians during the Cast Lead Operation in Gaza between December 27, 2008 and January 18, 2009, Tuesday said a press release by Arab League.
It said, “Today [Tuesday] marks the third anniversary of the Cast Lead Operation in Gaza, in which Israeli forces killed over 1,400 Palestinians, injured around 5,300 and destroyed the city’s infrastructure, institutions and farms.”
The Gaza strip and its people are still suffering from the consequences of the Israeli assault till this very day, it said.
It added that Gaza, which is still under illegal blockade that violates all international laws, is also suffering from a deterioration in health sector condition due to the sever lack of medicine and medical supplies.
“Thousands of Palestinian families lost their income source due to the vast deterioration in economic sectors, including controlling the fishing industry,” it said.
The release said that the league affirmed Israel is still preventing humanitarian aid convoys from entering the Strip, as well as assaulting these convoys, such as the ‘Marmara’ Turkish flotilla attack.
Only three years have passed since the inhuman attack on Gaza, yet another aggression is looming in the horizon, it said.
The Arab League called on the international community, especially the United Nations, to stop the unlawful Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip and prosecute Israel for its crimes against Palestinians.
Human Rights Centers: More than 1,400 Palestinians Killed in Cast Lead
Tuesday marks the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead against the Gaza Strip, when Israel killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and injured around 5,300 between December 27, 2008 and January 18, 2009, according to reports issued by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and al-Mezan Center for Human Rights.
PCHR reports said that December 27, 2008 also marks the anniversary of the single bloodiest day in the history of occupation, when 334 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces; 76.6% of whom were civilian.
Al-Mezan report documented the death of 355 Palestinian children, 111 women, and 949 civilians during the operation, as well as detailed destruction of over 40,000 houses in the Strip.
Cast Lead Operation was unprecedented in terms of the scale of grave and systematic violations of the international humanitarian law that level up to war crimes, as Israel targeted civilian Palestinians and objects in disregard of human rights standards, added al-Mezan.
PCHR said it submitted 490 criminal complaints, on behalf of 1,046 victims, to the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG), alleging the commission of international crimes and requested the opening of a criminal investigation.
PCHR received 21 responses, of which only one indicated that an Israeli soldier had been charged and convicted of the theft of a credit card, and sentenced to 7.5 months in jail.
The Israeli violations entailing individual criminal responsibility included --but were not limited to-- the crimes of “willful killing, the extensive destruction of civilian property, the direct targeting of civilians and civilian objects, the use of human shields, and the launching of indiscriminate attacks,” reported PCHR.
PCHR called on the United Nations Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, to “refer the situation in Israel and Palestine to the International Criminal Court,” and reminded States, as High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, of their pressing legal obligation, “to search for and prosecute all those suspected of committing war crimes, regardless of their nationality.”
Al-Mezan stressed that the international community needs to take immediate actions to end the illegal and immoral Israeli blockade on Gaza, guarantee free passage of people and goods into the Strip, including material necessary to rebuild Gaza, and to protect Palestinian civilians in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the Strip.
It said, “Today [Tuesday] marks the third anniversary of the Cast Lead Operation in Gaza, in which Israeli forces killed over 1,400 Palestinians, injured around 5,300 and destroyed the city’s infrastructure, institutions and farms.”
The Gaza strip and its people are still suffering from the consequences of the Israeli assault till this very day, it said.
It added that Gaza, which is still under illegal blockade that violates all international laws, is also suffering from a deterioration in health sector condition due to the sever lack of medicine and medical supplies.
“Thousands of Palestinian families lost their income source due to the vast deterioration in economic sectors, including controlling the fishing industry,” it said.
The release said that the league affirmed Israel is still preventing humanitarian aid convoys from entering the Strip, as well as assaulting these convoys, such as the ‘Marmara’ Turkish flotilla attack.
Only three years have passed since the inhuman attack on Gaza, yet another aggression is looming in the horizon, it said.
The Arab League called on the international community, especially the United Nations, to stop the unlawful Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip and prosecute Israel for its crimes against Palestinians.
Human Rights Centers: More than 1,400 Palestinians Killed in Cast Lead
Tuesday marks the third anniversary of Operation Cast Lead against the Gaza Strip, when Israel killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and injured around 5,300 between December 27, 2008 and January 18, 2009, according to reports issued by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and al-Mezan Center for Human Rights.
PCHR reports said that December 27, 2008 also marks the anniversary of the single bloodiest day in the history of occupation, when 334 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces; 76.6% of whom were civilian.
Al-Mezan report documented the death of 355 Palestinian children, 111 women, and 949 civilians during the operation, as well as detailed destruction of over 40,000 houses in the Strip.
Cast Lead Operation was unprecedented in terms of the scale of grave and systematic violations of the international humanitarian law that level up to war crimes, as Israel targeted civilian Palestinians and objects in disregard of human rights standards, added al-Mezan.
PCHR said it submitted 490 criminal complaints, on behalf of 1,046 victims, to the Israeli Military Advocate General (MAG), alleging the commission of international crimes and requested the opening of a criminal investigation.
PCHR received 21 responses, of which only one indicated that an Israeli soldier had been charged and convicted of the theft of a credit card, and sentenced to 7.5 months in jail.
The Israeli violations entailing individual criminal responsibility included --but were not limited to-- the crimes of “willful killing, the extensive destruction of civilian property, the direct targeting of civilians and civilian objects, the use of human shields, and the launching of indiscriminate attacks,” reported PCHR.
PCHR called on the United Nations Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, to “refer the situation in Israel and Palestine to the International Criminal Court,” and reminded States, as High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, of their pressing legal obligation, “to search for and prosecute all those suspected of committing war crimes, regardless of their nationality.”
Al-Mezan stressed that the international community needs to take immediate actions to end the illegal and immoral Israeli blockade on Gaza, guarantee free passage of people and goods into the Strip, including material necessary to rebuild Gaza, and to protect Palestinian civilians in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the Strip.
3 Years After Operation Cast Lead Justice has been Comprehensively Denied; PCHR Release 23 Narratives Documenting the Experience of Victims
Today marks the third anniversary of the commencement of Operation Cast Lead, Israel’s 27 December 2008 – 18 January 2009 offensive on the Gaza Strip. 27 December also marks the anniversary of the single bloodiest day in the history of the occupation; on this day three years ago 334 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces, 76.6% of whom were civilian.
In total, 1,419 Palestinians were killed during Operation Cast Lead, 1,167 (82.2%) of whom were civilians. A further 5,300 were injured. Israeli forces directly targeted and attacked private homes and civilian institutions, including hospitals and schools. Exacerbating the effects of the continuing illegal closure, the offensive had a devastating impact on the overall economy of the Gaza Strip. Civilian workshops and factories were directly targeted and agricultural land was razed, destroying farms, fields and irrigation systems that formed the basis of farmersʹ livelihoods. As reconstruction is virtually impossible due to the illegal closure, the hardship brought about by this destruction has only increased in the last three years.
To mark the anniversary of the attacks, and to highlight the continuing lack of justice, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) will release a series of narratives, documenting the experiences of victims in the three years since the offensive. The story of the Al Ashi family is released today. This series is also accompanied by a factsheet providing an overview of the flaws inherent in the Israeli justice system and the criminal complaints submitted to the Israeli authorities on behalf of victims of Operation Cast Lead. Further information is available in Genuinely Unwilling: An Update.[PDF]
PCHR believes that Israeli forces committed serious violations of IHL and IHRL over the course of the offensive. Violations entailing individual criminal responsibility include – but are not limited to – the crimes of wilful killing, the extensive destruction of civilian property, the direct targeting of civilians and civilian objects, the use of human shields, and the launching of indiscriminate attacks.
PCHR has submitted 490 criminal complaints to the Israeli authorities, on behalf of 1,046 victims of Operation Cast Lead. To-date, only two substantive replies have been received. The overwhelming majority of complaints have been simply ignored.
It is evident that these crimes demand judicial redress. If the law is to be respected – if it is to prove capable of protecting civilian populations – it must be enforced; victims’ rights to the equal protection of the law and effective judicial remedy must be upheld. Those responsible for committing such crimes must be investigated, tried and prosecuted in accordance with international standards.
If the occupation has taught us anything it is that as long as Israel is granted impunity, it will continue to violate international law, Palestinian civilians will continue to suffer the horrific consequences.
In light of the clear and unequivocal failure of domestic justice systems, it is clear that recourse must be had to mechanisms of international criminal justice. PCHR call upon the UN Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, to refer the situation in Israel and Palestine to the International Criminal Court. PCHR also reminds States, as High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, of their pressing legal obligation, to search for and prosecute all those suspected of committing war crimes, regardless of their nationality.
The Narratives:
In total, 1,419 Palestinians were killed during Operation Cast Lead, 1,167 (82.2%) of whom were civilians. A further 5,300 were injured. Israeli forces directly targeted and attacked private homes and civilian institutions, including hospitals and schools. Exacerbating the effects of the continuing illegal closure, the offensive had a devastating impact on the overall economy of the Gaza Strip. Civilian workshops and factories were directly targeted and agricultural land was razed, destroying farms, fields and irrigation systems that formed the basis of farmersʹ livelihoods. As reconstruction is virtually impossible due to the illegal closure, the hardship brought about by this destruction has only increased in the last three years.
To mark the anniversary of the attacks, and to highlight the continuing lack of justice, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) will release a series of narratives, documenting the experiences of victims in the three years since the offensive. The story of the Al Ashi family is released today. This series is also accompanied by a factsheet providing an overview of the flaws inherent in the Israeli justice system and the criminal complaints submitted to the Israeli authorities on behalf of victims of Operation Cast Lead. Further information is available in Genuinely Unwilling: An Update.[PDF]
PCHR believes that Israeli forces committed serious violations of IHL and IHRL over the course of the offensive. Violations entailing individual criminal responsibility include – but are not limited to – the crimes of wilful killing, the extensive destruction of civilian property, the direct targeting of civilians and civilian objects, the use of human shields, and the launching of indiscriminate attacks.
PCHR has submitted 490 criminal complaints to the Israeli authorities, on behalf of 1,046 victims of Operation Cast Lead. To-date, only two substantive replies have been received. The overwhelming majority of complaints have been simply ignored.
It is evident that these crimes demand judicial redress. If the law is to be respected – if it is to prove capable of protecting civilian populations – it must be enforced; victims’ rights to the equal protection of the law and effective judicial remedy must be upheld. Those responsible for committing such crimes must be investigated, tried and prosecuted in accordance with international standards.
If the occupation has taught us anything it is that as long as Israel is granted impunity, it will continue to violate international law, Palestinian civilians will continue to suffer the horrific consequences.
In light of the clear and unequivocal failure of domestic justice systems, it is clear that recourse must be had to mechanisms of international criminal justice. PCHR call upon the UN Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, to refer the situation in Israel and Palestine to the International Criminal Court. PCHR also reminds States, as High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions, of their pressing legal obligation, to search for and prosecute all those suspected of committing war crimes, regardless of their nationality.
The Narratives:
23 nov 2011
Universal declaration against besieging nations issued in Gaza
A galaxy of lawmakers from Islamic, Arab and European countries issued on Tuesday evening "the universal declaration against besieging nations" during a ceremony held in the Gaza Strip.
A large multinational delegation of lawmakers, political figures and representatives of the Arab uprisings arrived yesterday in Gaza to declare their support for the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid.
The lawmakers emphasized in their declaration their rejection of besieging any nation in general and Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip in particular, and demanded the world's governments and human rights organizations to necessarily utilize all peaceful means to force Israel to end its unjust blockade on Gaza.
For his part, first deputy speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Ahmed Bahr stated in the ceremony that the international quartet on the middle east led by the USA imposed an unjust siege on the Palestinian people to punish them for their democratic choices.
Bahr highlighted that the USA still supports the Israeli occupation state's inhuman and immoral blockade that led to the death of more than 600 patients who either failed to find medicines or were denied travel for medical treatment outside Gaza.
He also appealed to the international community to bring Israel's war criminals to justice in order to prevent further Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.
A large multinational delegation of lawmakers, political figures and representatives of the Arab uprisings arrived yesterday in Gaza to declare their support for the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid.
The lawmakers emphasized in their declaration their rejection of besieging any nation in general and Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip in particular, and demanded the world's governments and human rights organizations to necessarily utilize all peaceful means to force Israel to end its unjust blockade on Gaza.
For his part, first deputy speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Ahmed Bahr stated in the ceremony that the international quartet on the middle east led by the USA imposed an unjust siege on the Palestinian people to punish them for their democratic choices.
Bahr highlighted that the USA still supports the Israeli occupation state's inhuman and immoral blockade that led to the death of more than 600 patients who either failed to find medicines or were denied travel for medical treatment outside Gaza.
He also appealed to the international community to bring Israel's war criminals to justice in order to prevent further Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people.
21 nov 2011
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Israel not to Prosecute Commander for killing 21 Palestinians in Gaza
mass murderer Malka
Israeli Military Prosecutors Office decided Monday not to prosecute former Givati Brigade commander, Ilan Malka, who is responsible for killing 21 members of al-Samuni family during an air strike that targeted the city of Gaza, according to Maariv newspaper. It said that Malka approved bombing a building in Zaytouna neighborhood in Gaza, killing 21 Palestinians and injuring another 19. Military investigating police has previously interrogated Malka, the brigade commander during the Israeli attack on Gaza, who claimed that he was “unaware of the civilians’ presence in the building.” The current Israeli public prosecutor will only reprimand Malka instead of putting him on trail. |