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Civil & Human Rights

News and activities concerning loss of civil liberties, human rights violations, Constitutional violations, etc.

התנחלות חדשה בירושלים המזרחית

jabel mukaber

בסביבות השעה 8:00 הגיעו כוחות משטרה לשכונת פארוק בג’בל מוכאבר והחלו בפינוי בני משפחת קרעאין מביתם. מדובר בבנין בן 3 קומות שחיו בו כ-15 איש מהם 7 ילדים. יחד עם השוטרים הגיעו גם קבוצת אזרחים, ככל הנראה מאבטחים, שעם הוצאת החפצים והריהוט של המשפחה מהבית פלשו פנימה והחלו בעבודות שיפוץ שכללו הקמת גדרות מסביב לבית. במקום זוהו אנשים המוכרים לפלסטינים מסילוואן כקשורים לאבטחה של עמותת הימין הקיצוני אלע”ד.

מגזין אקטואליה אלטרנטיבי לשינוי חברתי 10

seder chevrati 10

 

מיזם ליצירת אנציקלופדיית הזכויות של ישראל

kolzchut

אנו שמחים לבשר על עלייתו לאוויר של  אתר כל-זכות – אנציקלופדיה להנגשת זכויות שהוקמה במטרה לרכז בכתובת אחת את מירב הידע על זכויות המגיעות לתושבי ישראל בכל תחומי החיים, ולהנחות את המשתמשים לגבי הליכי מימוש הזכויות באופן ברור ופשוט להבנה.

PCHR Weekly Report 11-24 Nov 2010

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the OccupiedPalestinian Territory (OPT)

 

·              A Palestinian activist and his brother were  extra-judicially executed by IOF in the Gaza Strip

-      4 Palestinian civilians, including two children and a woman, and a resistance activist were wounded by IOF in the Gaza Strip.

 

·              IOF continued to use force against peaceful protests in the West Bank.

-       9 Palestinian civilians, including two children, were wounded.

 

·              IOF continued to fire at Palestinian workers, farmers and fishermen in border areas in the Gaza Strip.

-   4 Palestinian workers were wounded

 

·              IOF conducted 50 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and two limited ones into the Gaza Strip.  

-         IOF arrested 29 Palestinian civilians, including a child.

-         Property valuing US$ 650,000 were confiscated from al-Dadu family and company.

 

·              Israeli warplanes attacked a number of civilian targets in the Gaza Strip.

-      A house and an agricultural room were destroyed, and a house was damaged.

 

·              Israel has continued to impose a total siege on the OPT and has isolated the Gaza Strip from the outside world.

-      Israeli soldiers at military checkpoints in the West Bank arrested 10 Palestinian civilians, including 5 children.

 

·              IOF have continued settlement activities in the West Bank and Israeli settlers have continued to attack Palestinian civilians and property.

-       IOF seized a house in Jabal al-Mukabber village near Jerusalem.

-       Two residential barracks and 4 barnyards were demolished by IOF in al-Jiftlek village near Jericho.

-       IOF ordered demolition of a number of Palestinian houses.

-       Israeli settlers burnt 52 olive trees in Qalqilya and 20 donums of arable lands in Hebron. 

-       Israeli settlers, escorted by IOF, expelled Palestinian farmers from their lands in Qaryout village, south of Nablus.

 

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and humanitarian law in the OPT continued during the reporting period (11 – 24 November 2010):

 

Shooting:

During the reporting period, IOF extra-judicially executed a Palestinian activist and his brother in the Gaza Strip, and wounded 17 Palestinians, including two children and a woman, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. 

In the Gaza Strip, on 17 November 2010, IOF extra-judicially executed an activist of the Army of Islam in Gaza City.  An IOF warplane fired a missile at the car in which the activist and his brother were traveling.  As a result, the two brothers were killed.  IOF admitted responsibility for the attack, claiming that the activist was planning for kidnapping Israelis in Sinai Peninsula.  

During the reporting period, IOF fired at Palestinian workers who were collecting raw construction materials near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.  As a result, 4 workers were wounded. 

On 19 November 2010, 3 Palestinian civilians, including a woman and a toddler, were wounded, when Israeli warplanes bombarded a house in the central Gaza Strip.  The house was destroyed and a neighboring one was damaged.

On 18 November 2010, a Palestinian resistance activist was wounded in the northern Gaza Strip when Israeli soldiers positioned at the border between the Gaza Strip and Israeli fired at a number of resistance activists.

On 19 November 2010, Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a training site of al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in Khan Yunis.  The site was damaged.

On the same day, Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at a tunnel on the Egyptian border near Yibna refugee camp in the south of Rafah.  As a result, the tunnel and a fuel store were destroyed.

During the reporting period, IOF used excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations organized in protest to Israeli settlement activities and the construction of the annexation wall.  As a result, 9 Palestinian civilians, including two children, were wounded, and dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders suffered from tear gas inhalation or sustained bruises.  IOF also arrested 5 international human rights defenders and a Palestinian child.

 

The full report is available online at:

http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/?option=com_content&view=article&id=7127:weekly-report-on-israeli-human-rights-violations-in-the-occupied-palestinian-territory-11--24-november-2010&catid=84:weekly-2009&Itemid=183

 

----------------------------------------

Public Document

For further information please visit our website (http://www.pchrgaza.org) or contact PCHR’s office in Gaza City, Gaza Strip by email (pchr@pchrgaza.org) or telephone (+972 (0)8 2824776 – 2825893).

*Office Hours are between 08:00 – 16:00 hours (05:00 GMT – 13:00 GMT) Sun – Thurs.

 

 

המדריך המלא לאנרכיסט הישראלי

אם אתה רוצה לחוות צדק, אמת, חירות ושיווין בחייך, ספר זה הוא בדיוק הספר בשבילך. יש רק בעיה‬ ‫אחת! ביורוקרטים  בכל מקום עושים את ההשגה של חזון זה לקשה או בלתי ניתן להשגה, אך ורק על‬ ‫סמך מקום הולדתך ("אזרחות")  והמקום בו אתה נמצא ("תושבות").‬

Exposing Israel's Fraudulent Third Periodic Report to the UN

 Exposing Israel's Fraudulent Third Periodic Report to the UN - by Stephen Lendman

 

On October 18, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights offered an "Alternative Report" response to Israel's submission, sent to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR).

 

Submitting to the UN, Aharon Leshno Yaar, Israel's Permanent Representative to Geneva said "Israel was proud of its long-lasting recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family," omitting to explain he means only Jews, no others, especially Muslims. State belligerence for over six decades proves it. PCHR reviewed recent facts, documenting them in its report. Previous articles discussed them it detail, but they bear repeating. By so doing, peace and self-determination for a beleaguered people may come sooner.

 

Israeli Violations of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

 

PCHR addressed each article, detailing Israel's noncompliance, presenting indisputable, convincing evidence. In its July 9, 2004 "Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that:

 

"In the exercise of the powers available to it on this basis, Israel is bound by (ICESCR provisions)." Throughout its history, however, Israel has grievously violated all international laws, committing crimes of war and against humanity repeatedly, the latter virtually daily in the Territories.

 

After its 2005 disengagement, Israel claims Gaza was no longer occupied. Therefore, it no longer had ICESCR or other treaty obligations. False on both counts, the ICJ stating that:

 

"the State's obligations under the Covenant apply to all territories and populations under its effective control."

 

Israel has controlled Gaza since 1967, today under a medieval siege, little changed after Israel's bogus June easing. The UN Security Council, General Assembly, Special Rapporteur (for Palestine), and the ICRC all said Israel has control. Therefore, it's bound by all international law provisions.

 

ICEESC's Article 1: Right to Self-Determination

 

"All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development."

 

Israel, however, denies Palestinians that fundamental human right, what the ICJ calls "one of the essential principles of international law."

 

The Court also stated:

 

"The principle of self-determinatin of peoples has been enshrined in the United Nations Charter and reaffirmed by the General Assembly in resolution 2625 (XXV)" under which "Every State has the duty to refrain from any forcible action which deprives peoples....of their right to self-determination."

 

PCHR's report "show(ed) through an article-by-article analysis of the ICESCR that Israel's longstanding belligerent occupation of (Palestine) prevents (its people) from freely determining their political status or pursuing their economic, social and cultural development."

 

According to international law and numerous UN resolutions, Israel's occupation is illegal, especially with regard to self-determination.

 

ICESCR's Article 6: Right to Work

 

"States recognize the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right."

 

Occupation and closure restrict this right. Palestine's economy depends heavily on Israel for jobs, now largely restricted or denied. Gaza's siege and West Bank/East Jerusalem free movement restrictions also greatly impede it. As a result, unemployment and poverty are high. 

 

In 1992, 30% of Palestinians worked in Israel. In 1996, it was 7% while unemployment rose to 32.6%. In 2003, it was 41.3%. In December 1998, about 23% of Palestinians lived in poverty, defined as having incomes of $650 or less annually, starvation wages by any standard. Before the second Intifada and 2007 closure, Gaza depended more heavily than the West Bank on Israel for employment. In December 1995, 36% of Gazans were impoverished. By end of 2003, it was 64%.

 

West Bank/East Jerusalem Palestinians are also impeded by free movement restrictions. More on that below. Moreover, by controlling borders, Israel can decide what gets in or out, including people, goods and services.

 

Under siege, Gaza's economy was devastated. Unemployment rose dramatically. From 2007 - 2009, OCHA reported the loss of 120,000 jobs, amounting to 55% of the workforce. Moreover, 95% of Gaza's industry closed or suspended work. The other 5% operates at from 20 - 50% of capacity. Poverty thus rose to 65%, but under the annual $650 guideline, it's much higher.

 

All areas of Gaza's economy have been affected, including agriculture and fishing, both decimated under Israeli restrictions. Earlier articles explained this in detail. A recent one may be accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/09/israel-denies-gazans-access-to-their.html

 

Besides other sectors, Gaza's textile industry was destroyed. At least 40% of furniture products, 70% of clothes and textile items, and 20% of food sector items were sold outside Gaza before closure. Over 45,000 workers lost employment in these sectors alone.

 

Moreover, construction is at a complete standstill because basic materials are banned, including cement, iron, paint, and all others. In addition, for lack of fuel, factories producing construction related items have closed. Included are 13 floor tile facilities, 30 for concrete, 145 for marble, and 250 for bricks. Thousands more workers were affected.

 

Under ICESCR provisions, however, Israel is obligated to let Palestinians seek employment freely. Closure and movement restrictions impede or prevent it.

 

Article 10: Right to Family

 

"The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize that:

 

1. The widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to the family, which is the natural and fundamental group unit of society, particularly for its establishment and while it is responsible for the care and education of dependent children."

 

However, Israel restricts or denies family reunifications. In May 2002, Government Decision No. 1803 temporarily suspended residency rights through reunifications. In 2003, the Knesset enacted the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law (Temporary Order No. 5763), limiting residency or Israeli citizenship rights. It denies Occupied Territory (OT) Palestinians who marry citizens or permanent residents legal authorization to live in Israel with their spouse. Israel's High Court upheld the law, dismissing a collective NGO 2006 challenge.

 

"Significantly, the law only applies to Palestinians," not Israeli Jews who marry foreigners who aren't Muslims. For their part, Palestinians have few options, one is to break the law and live in fear of being arrested, detained or deported.

 

Residency rights of East Jerusalemites have also weakened, PCHR believing it's to force them out to let Israel Judaize the entire city. Yet in 1967, East Jerusalem Palestinians got permanent residency status as opposed to citizenship. In 1974, the law was amended, letting the Interior Ministery revoke it from Palestinians with Jerusalem ID cards under certain circumstances. For example, if they lived outside the city for over seven years; if they got residency rights or citizenship elsewhere, or if they were called a danger to Israeli security, a broad classification endangering anyone for any reason or none at all.

 

In 1995, the Interior Ministry introduced a new "center of life" policy whereby East Jerusalemites must prove residency constantly or be forced out. It must come through rental agreements, home ownership documents, tax receipts, school registration, receipts of medical treatment, or other means. Implemented without notice, Palestinians living outside the city temporarily lost residency. As a result, since 1995, revocations have increased significantly. 

 

The Separation Wall is another means by stealing Palestinian land, in some cases destroying entire neighborhoods or communities. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been affected. Once construction is completed, so will many more.

 

Family reunification in the West Bank and Gaza are also impeded, despite the Oslo Accords transferring control of a Palestinian population registry to the PA. Under its terms, Israel must be informed of all registry changes to update its records. However, since 2000, it's failed to do so. As a result, families incorrectly listed are infiltrators, subject to deportation, fines, or imprisonment. As of 2007, 120,000 family reunification requests remained pending, all vulnerable to expulsion or worse.

 

In April 2010, Israel passed Military Orders 1649 and 1650. An earlier article explained them in detail, accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/09/israel-denies-gazans-access-to-their.html

 

MO 1649 expanded the definition of infiltrators and increased penalties for those convicted. MO 1650 requires all West Bank residents to have Israeli issued permits. Otherwise, they're infiltrators, subject to prosecution under the new orders. Yet, they're hard to observe since Israel hasn't updated its registry. As a result, potentially thousands of West Bank residents face immediate deportation or worse, forcing them to live in fear.

 

Under ICESCR provisions, they're also prevented from enjoying "the natural and fundamental group unit of society." Israel's policy, in fact, denies them the rights to both family and self-determination, gross violations of international law.

 

Article 11: Right to an Adequate Standard of Living

 

"The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions."

 

Israeli policies violate this provision grievously. Expropriating land is one of many ways. Since 1967, over half of Palestinian land was stolen - more than 73% in the West Bank. In multiple ways, the right to adequate housing is also violated - through demolitions and dispossessions, besides land theft and conflict-related destruction. 

 

Cast Lead alone destroyed 2,114 houses, comprising 2,864 housing units, affecting 3,314 families and 19,592 individuals. Another 3,242 houses with 5,014 units were partially destroyed or made uninhabitable. Affected were 5,470 families and 32,250 individuals. In addition, 16,000 houses were moderately damaged, affecting thousands more people.

 

Under siege, reconstruction is hampered or impossible. As a result, thousands must live in tents, in rented apartments or with relatives. Post-conflict, an estimated 86,000 new homes are needed, unattainable under Israel's blockade.

 

Home demolitions also continue relentlessly so Jews can seize Palestinian land and property. Since 1967, about 25,000 structures have been affected, denying Palestinians their right to housing and their rightful land ownership.

 

West Bank and East Jerusalem demolitions are, in fact, increasing, hundreds since 2009 as well as pending orders for more. Currently, Palestinians comprise 30% of East Jerusalem's population, forced to live on 7% of city land in highly concentrated neighborhoods. Even in areas where building is technically allowed, virtually no permits are issued, including to make repairs, enlarge existing properties, or facilitate a growing population. Violating the law results in demolitions and/or fines.

 

West Bank confiscated land is used for settlements, their infrastructure, commercial development, open spaces, or military use. In East Jerusalem, it's for settlers. In recent years, encroachment has increased dramatically, on 121 settlements and another 99 outposts. Moreover, despite a so-called moratorium, construction continued unimpeded. Now it's proceeding faster, Israel hell-bent to grow its settler population (now around 500,000 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem) at the expense of dispossessed Palestinians, losing out without redress.

 

Thousands of new units are approved, many slated for immediate construction. Under Israel's 2000 Master Plan for Jerusalem, settlement expansion and other land expropriation will continue toward full Judaization of the city.

 

Add to this violations of the right to food. In the West Bank, restricted access to range land and water have made 80% of communities in Israeli-controlled Area C (about 60% of the West Bank) food insecure, compared to 25% in the West Bank overall. In Gaza, however, it's much worse, affecting about 75% of the population. Everything is in short supply, including the most basic items like wheat, flour, rice, oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, and much more. As a result, prices have risen sharply, exacerbating an already dire situation, Israel having declared economic war on Palestine, in Gaza most of all.

 

Water denial is also grievous throughout the Territories even though "International cooperation requires States parties to refrain from actions that interfere, directly or indirectly, with the enjoyment of the right to water in other countries. Any activities undertaken should not deprive another country of the ability to realize the right to water for persons in its jurisdiction." In Occupied Palestine, the problem gets worse, not better, Israel flaunting its obligation.

 

In the West Bank, Israel uses 73% of aquifer water, all belonging to Palestinians, denied access to what's theirs. It's led to a sharp decline in living conditions. In Israeli-controlled areas, obtaining permits to repair or upgrade infrastructure face lengthy delays or denials. As a result, farmers can't water their fields, have it available for animals, or have access to it for their families. In Area C especially, water insecurity prevails. 

 

Overall, tens of thousands of Palestinians in dozens of communities have no water network connection. Many others get inadequate supplies, and pay four to ten times the average cost for water supply service. Israel's Separation Wall exacerbates the problem, its construction having destroyed dozens of wells and hundreds of cisterns, as well as 35,000 meters of water pipes. Moreover, Israel will have full control of the richest, most important Western Aquifer, along the Green Line inside the West Bank, when construction is completed.

 

During Cast Lead, Israel destroyed water installations, the construction ban preventing vital repairs or rebuilding. Inadequate fuel for electricity hampers facilities needing it, including wastewater treatment ones. Unable to run regular cycles, an average of 20,000 cubic meters of raw sewage is dumped into the Mediterranean daily. In some areas, it's 70,000 - 80,000 cm at times, as well as other disposal in cities like Rafah, Beit Lahia and Khan Younis. Water contamination is thus a major problem. About 90% of Gaza's from its coastal aquifer is polluted under siege, unfit to drink or use for agriculture. "This is very clearly a criminal policy....violat(ing) ICESCR but also constitutes collective punishment."

 

Article 12: Right to Health

 

"The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health."

 

From conflict and under siege, they've declined markedly for Gazans, both access and quality. The war damaged 15 of 27 hospitals, 43 of 110 health care centers, and 29 of 148 ambulances. Nothing can be rebuilt or properly repaired. In addition, Israel prohibits medicines, medical equipment, and spare parts, including what's vital to save lives. 

 

Around 110 medicines and 123 types of medical equipment are unavailable for import. In coming months, supplies of 76 other medicines will run out. As a result, acute shortages exist, Gazans denied their right to proper care. Moreover, electricity shortages cause regular blackouts, and without spare parts, Gaza Power Plant repairs aren't possible. As a result, patients face grave risks because vital services aren't available or may have to shut down at critical times. 

 

In addition, under siege, free movement in and out is prevented, including for medical personnel and patients needing critical care Gaza facilities can't provide. Patients have, in fact, died waiting for permission to use Egyptian, Israeli, or better West Bank or East Jerusalem facilities.

 

Besides life threatening and other illnesses, chronic or acute, the UN Special Rapporteur reported that "96% of the population of Gaza suffers from depression and that such mental deterioration is itself an indication of a failure by the Occupying Power to discharge its basic duty to safeguard the health of civilians living under the occupation."

 

Article 13: Right to Education

 

"The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to education. They agree that education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and the sense of its dignity, and shall strengthen the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. They further agree that education shall enable all persons to participate in a free society."

 

For most other rights, realizing them depends on education. It's "the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalized adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty and obtain the means to participate fully in their communities." 

 

Israel, however, impedes or denies it through various means, including movement restrictions, a classroom shortage, and relentless persecution, arresting over 6,000 children since 2000 and intimidating the entire Palestinian population. 

 

Moreover, especially in Gaza, shortages of books and basic supplies exist. Foreign travel is also restricted or denied. In addition, military operations and displacements take their toll, including raids on hundreds of schools and eight or more universities, arresting students, teachers, professors, and/or other staff. Further, destroyed or damaged Gaza schools haven't been rebuilt or repaired.

 

A Final Comment

 

PCHR concluded saying its report isn't exhaustive, "but provides an overview of some of the grave human rights abuses suffered by Palestinians...." It urges CESCR to take "appropriate steps toward ending Israel's repeated violations of the economic, cultural and social rights in" Palestine. It also calls for ending Gaza's siege, and for international support to demand it, so far not forthcoming.

 

Moreover, Israel is seriously and repeatedly in breach of all the above enumerated rights, basic ones under ICESCR and other international laws. It puts a lie to saying it's "proud of its longstanding recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family." 

 

It's one of many brazen Israeli lies. Only other offenders and uninformed people can accept them. For the truth, ask Palestinians, especially Gazans, suffocating under Israeli harshness, slow-motion genocide by any standard.

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.exposing Israeli lies

The Russell Tribunal on Palestine: London Session

 The Russell Tribunal on Palestine: London Session - by Stephen Lendman

 

Launched in March 2009, "The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RTP) seeks to reaffirm the primacy of international law as the (way to settle) the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Its mandate focuses on "the enunciation of law by authoritative bodies," including  International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings and dozens of UN resolutions on Palestine with regard to binding international law.

 

RTP follows in the tradition of the BRussell Tribunal, named after noted philosopher, mathematician, and anti-war/anti-imperialism activist Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970). Established in 1967 to investigate Vietnam war crimes, RTP's mandate is similar, its Tribunals collecting and presenting indictable evidence against Israel, complicit states, and corporate war profiteers.

 

An earlier article on its Barcelona Session can be accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/03/russell-tribunal-on-palestine-barcelona.html

 

RTP's November 20-21 London Session

 

Before convening, RTP listed issues to be addressed, including:

 

(1) corporate involvement in Occupied Palestine, including illegal settlement activities;

 

(2) foreign banks and other financial institutions illegally financing and profiting from occupation and settlement activities;

 

(3) foreign and Israeli companies supplying products and services in Occupied Palestine; in addition, Israeli ones exporting agricultural produce and other products from settlements and West Bank industrial zones; and

 

(4) foreign corporations selling arms and "the infrastructure of war, occupation, colonisation, and repression" in Occupied Palestine; in addition, Israeli companies that export arms, munitions, repressive hardware or knowledge globally.

 

As in Barcelona, distinguished jurors were assembled, their names and credentials listed below. In addition, expert witnesses were invited to give testimony. 

 

A public statement followed its conclusion, RTP noting (in advance) the failure thus far to act on the Goldstone Report, adding that "a people's tribunal held in the full glare of publicity will serve to fill an apparent void in the international legal system." Perhaps also galvanize future action.

 

Proceeding like a court case, RTP "heard compelling evidence of corporate complicity in Israeli violations of international law, relating to:"

 

(1) supplying arms for illegal conflicts;

 

(2) building and maintaining Israel's Separation Wall, in violation of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) 2004 ruling, calling it illegal, ordering completed sections dismantled, and "all legislative and regulatory acts relating thereto" repealed or rendered "ineffective forthwith;" 

 

The ICJ also mandated reparations for the "requisition and destruction of homes, businesses, and agricultural holdings (and) to return the land, orchards, olive groves, and other immovable property seized," obligating member states to reject the illegal construction and demand Israel comply with international law.

 

Israel spurned the ruling, the way it treats all international law, operating roguishly out-of-control, just like its Washington paymaster partner.

 

(3) "Establishing, maintaining and providing services, especially financial (ones) to illegal settlements, all of which have occurred in the context of an illegal occupation of Palestinian territory."

 

RTP said witnesses provided clear evidence of corporate culpability, exposing them "to legal liability for very serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law."

 

RTP's March Barcelona Session also found EU member states complicit in Israeli lawlessness, including the illegal occupation, settlements, Separation Wall, Gaza siege, and repeated acts of aggression against Palestinian civilians and non-military targets, Cast Lead the clearest example.

 

RTP jurors were unequivocal saying "the international community is clearly in agreement that Israel is in flagrant disregard of its international obligations," adding that letting it continue is unacceptable. Israel's impunity, however, "set(s) it apart from the rest of the international community." Complicit corporations are just as culpable. 

 

The London Session considered the following questions:

 

(1) What laws have corporations violated?

 

(2) What legal consequences do they face?

 

(3) What remedies are available, and what obligations do member states have to enforce them?

 

In early December, RTP's full London findings will be presented, its interim statement noting "the failure of states" to comply with their international law obligations. As a result, civil society acts instead, seeking vitally needed change. The growing boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement stands out for its importance, applying economic, political and cultural pressure on Israel to comply, or face painful consequences.

 

Corporations are also criminally involved. They can, and have been "the subject of citizen's movements that the RTP received evidence about, including:"

 

-- boycotts;

 

-- shareholders holding them accountable;

 

-- divestments by pension funds; and

 

-- various actions highlighting their complicity.

 

A previous article addressed the issue, accessed through the following link:

 

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com/2010/02/israeli-occupation-supportive-companies.html

 

Civil society is doing plenty. It's time for states to do their part.

 

RTP invited 12 corporations and EU nations to London. All declined. Two additional sessions will keep highlighting their lawlessness. RTP's conclusions show at least some are criminally liable, including the following:

 

(1) G4S, a British/Danish corporation supplying West Bank checkpoints with scanning equipment and full body scanners;

 

(2) Elbit Systems, an Israeli company producing weapons technology, engines, and drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - UAVs) for the IDF and global militaries;

 

(3) Caterpillar, producing modified military D9 bulldozers, used to demolish homes and villages, build the Separation Wall, and aid in urban warfare; in all cases, property is illegally destroyed and civilian deaths and injuries result;

 

(4) Cement Roadstone Holdings, an Irish corporation owning 25% of Mashav Initiative and Development Ltd, an Israeli company owner of Nesher Israel Cement Enterprises Ltd; it supplies 75 - 90% of all cement Israel uses in Occupied Palestine, including for settlement construction and the Separation Wall;

 

(5) Dexia, a Franco/Belgian company financing West Bank settlements through its Dexia Israel Public Finance Ltd;

 

(6) Veolia Transport, a French corporation involved in building East Jerusalem's light railway and operating bus services to Israeli settlements; and

 

(7) Carmel Agrexco, an Israeli company exporting oranges, olives, avocados, and other West Bank settlement produce.

 

G4S, Elbit Systems and Caterpillar actually promote their equipment usage during Cast Lead, contributing to massive destruction, loss of life, and serious injuries.

 

The evidence heard may be used in civil damage suits. It also shows complicity in crimes of war and against humanity, as well as pillaging natural resources. The Tribunal's full conclusions will offer detailed examples of potential litigation, as well as "highlight(ing) and encourag(ing) civil society/BDS actions that can achieve corporate accountability."

 

Two more Tribunals are planned. The third 2011 one in South Africa will address the applicability of Israeli apartheid. After the fourth session in America, later in the year, full conclusions and a final judgment will be published.

 

RTP Jurors

 

(1) Stephane Hessel, Ambassador of France, Honorary President of the RTP, France;

 

(2) Northern Ireland's Mairead Corrigan Maguire, 1976 Nobel Peace Laureate, a rare worthy recipient;

 

(3) South Africa's John Dugard, Professor of International Law and former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories;

 

(4) Lord Anthony Gifford QC, UK barrister and Jamaican attorney at law;

 

(5) South Africa's Ronald Kasrils, writer, activist and former government minister;

 

(6) Britain's Michael Mansfield, barrister and President of the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers;

 

(7) Spain's Jose Antonio Martin Pallin, emeritus judge, Chamber II, Supreme Court; and

 

(8) America's Cynthia McKinney, former congressional member and 2008 Green party presidential candidate.

 

Committed for peace, equity and justice, RTP provides heroic support for Palestine. More information can be found on its web site, accessed through the following link:

 

http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/

 

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 

http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.working for peace, equity and justice

Tour to 'Eilabun

Tour to 'Eilabun // Saturday, 30.10.2010 // For the first time, Zochrot participated in 'Eilabun's annual commemoration of the murder of 29 villagers and members of the al- Mawasi tribe. Israeli soldiers murdered them on Saturday, 30.10.1948

to the full report

For the first time, Zochrot participated in 'Eilabun’s annual commemoration of the murder of 29 villagers and members of the al- Mawasi tribe. Israeli soldiers murdered them on Saturday, 30.10.1948. The 'Eilabun villagers suffered through the massacre, the expulsion to Lebanon, the looting of the village and their eventual return, and these very traumatic events continue to affect them today.



The anger and pain were evident during the memorial procession and other events organized by the villagers. On the other hand, almost no one in Israel knows what happened here, or has heard about it. The ''Eilabun massacre is one of the worst incidents that occurred during the Palestinian Nakba, itself almost absent from Israeli consciousness. Zochrot wants to make information about the Palestinian Nakba, including the story of 'Eilabun, accessible to Israelis.





We brought Israelis to the commemoration. This was the first time in their lives they’d heard the story told by survivors. We also placed wreaths at the two village monuments, published and distributed to participants a booklet, “Remembering the Nakba in 'Eilabun,” in Arabic and Hebrew, and included the information on our internet site. Twenty-five Israelis joined some 200 residents of 'Eilabun in the sorrowful, emotional ceremony. At the first memorial, in the al- Mawasi cemetery, a woman standing by the monument asked the speaker to read aloud the inscribed names of those who had been murdered  

 

جولة في عيلبون

جولة في عيلبون // 30.10.2010 // شاركت جمعية "زوخروت" بإحياء ذكرى مجزرة عيلبون. يوم السبت 30.10.1948 قام جنود إسرائيليون باحتلال القرية، تجميع السكان في الساحة المركزية، طرد غالبيتهم إلى لبنان، قتل اثني عشر شاباً منهم بدم بارد، قتل اثنين آخريين بإطلاق نار عشوائي على المواطنين.

סיור בעילבון

סיור בעילבון // שבת 30.10.2010 // זוכרות הצטרפה, בפעם הראשונה, לאירוע שמתקיים מידי שנה בעילבון לזכר רציחתם של 29 תושבים של עילבון ושבט אלמואסי. חיילים ישראלים רצחו אותם בשבת 30.10.1948.

לדיווח המלא

 

זוכרות הצטרפה, בפעם הראשונה, לאירוע שמתקיים מידי שנה בעילבון לזכר רציחתם של 29 תושבים של עילבון ושבט אלמואסי. חיילים ישראלים רצחו אותם בשבת 30.10.1948. הטבח בעילבון, גירוש ללבנון, ביזת הרכוש וחזרת התושבים לכפר, נחוו אז ועדיין נחווים כאירוע טראומתי קשה בתודעת התושבים. תחושת הכעס והכאב הייתה נוכחת באויר התהלוכה וטקסי הזכרון שקיים הוועד העממי בעילבון. לעומת זאת, כמעט כל הציבור הישראלי לא ידע ולא שמע על אירועי הכפר הזה. טבח עילבון הוא אחד המקרים הקשים שאירעו במהלך הנכבה הפלסטינית העלומה מתודעתם של הישראלים.

 

 זוכרות רוצה להנגיש את המידע אודות הנכבה הפלסטינית, כמו הסיפור של עילבון, לציבור הישראלי. זוכרות הביאה לטקס בעילבון ישראלים ששמעו בפעם הראשונה בחייהם את הסיפור מפי ניצולים, הניחה זרים ליד שתי האנדרטאות בכפר, הוציאה לאור וחילקה למשתתפים באירוע חוברת "זוכרות את הנכבה בעילבון" בערבית ועברית, והעלתה את המידע לאתר האינטרנט שלה. 25 ישראלים חברו לכ- 200 תושבים מעילבון בטקס כואב ומרגש. ליד האנדרטה הראשונה בבית הקברות של שבט אלמואסי, עמדה אשה שביקשה ממנחה הטקס לקרוא באוזניה את שמותיהם של הנרצחים הרשומים על לוח השיש בבית הקברות. 15 שמות היו שם. עם הישמע כל שם היא הוציאה קולות של בכי ומלמלה כמה מלים. שניים מהם היו אחים שלה. את כל השאר היא הכירה, הרי כולם בני שבט אחד. ליד האנדרטה השנייה בבית הקברות המרכזי הנוצרי של עילבון התקיים טקס נוסף ותפילות לזכרם של 14 נרצחים נוספים

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