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| Human Rights |
| courtesy The Electronic Intifada |
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Vermonters
for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel |
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The
Treatment of Prisoners and Detainees by Israel and Others |
Prisoners Archive - July 2006
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600 Palestinians taken prisoner by Israel over the past month International Middle East Media Center 7/31/2006 In an official report, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Israeli soldiers took 600 Palestinian residents prisoners since the abduction of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from a military post in the southern Gaza Strip last month. The minister added that a total of 10,073 detainees are currently imprisoned in 30 prisons, detention facilities and interrogation centers. Following the capture of Shalit on June 25, Israeli soldiers carried out wide scale invasions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, taking a total of 600 Palestinians as prisoners. Among the arrestees are 27 elected legislators with the Palestinian Legislative Council, and 7 Hamas cabinet ministers, the ministry reported. Also, the ministry added that 31 members of the Palestinian police and security force are among the arrestees. Detainees in the Negev on Hunger Strike protesting attacks in Gaza, Lebanon International Middle East Media Center 7/31/2006 The Palestine News Network reported on Monday that at least 2320 detainees in the Israeli Negev detention Facility, announced a one day Hunger Strike in protest to the Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Gaza, and in solidarity with the two peoples. The detainees are also protesting against the illegal practices against them. The detainees in twenty sections decided to return the three meals on Monday and condemned the Sunday attack in Qana, in Lebanon. ... Currently, there are at least 50 detainees who suffer from chronic diseases, and other diseases in their eyes or other parts of their bodies. They are only provided with painkilling pills and are deprived of their rights to receive the proper and needed medical treatment. The kidnapped Palestinian politicians have their trial postponed till end August Ma'an News 7/31/2006 Jenin --A lawyer from the Palestinian organisation in Jenin, 'Prisoners Supporters' Society', Mustafa Al Azmuti, reported on Monday that the Israeli military court at Salem detention centre has postponed the trial of the Palestinian Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Abdur-Razeq, to 29 August 2006 following a request by the Israeli defence. Al Azmuti added that the Israeli defence wanted to continue written legal proceedings on the subject of the official's immunity and the invalidity of the court. He also noted that the court postponed the trial of the mayors of Jenin and Qalqiliya, Dr. Hatem Jarrar and Sheikh Wajih Qawwas respectively. Deputy Mayor of Qalqiliya, Hisham Al Masri, also had his trial postponed for the same reasons. The four men were seized by Israeli forces in the middle of the night... Army takes one prisoner at military checkpoint near Yatta village north of Hebron International Middle East Media Center 7/31/2006 The Israeli soldiers stationed at the Yatta village military checkpoint took one man prisoner Monday. Troops stopped Mossa Dawoed, 35, at the checkpoint, searched him, then checked his ID card before taking him to an unknown location without giving any reason, eyewitnesses reported. [end] Army takes one prisoner at a checkpoint near Hebron International Middle East Media Center 7/31/2006 Israeli soldiers stationed at a military checkpoint north of the West Bank city of Hebron have taken one residents prisoner Monday. Ahmad Ebiat, who lives in the near by city of Bethlehem, was arrested while trying to cross the checkpoint to get to the city of Hebron. Ebiat was taken to unknown location and the Israeli army gave no reason behind the arrest. [end] Army invades Iktaba area in Tulkarem and takes three prisoners International Middle East Media Center 7/31/2006 The Israeli army troops invaded the Iktaba area east of the West Bank city of Tulkarem Monday morning, taking three residents prisoners. The three were identified as: Mohamed Alariah, 18, Sami Alariah, 19, Baha'e Badawi, 18. According to eyewitnesses, troops surrounded the area and searched several houses after forcing the families out at gun point. The men were taken to unknown locations. [end] Israeli jailed for refusing to fight in Lebanon The Guardian 8/1/2006 The first Israeli soldier punished for refusing to serve in Lebanon was sent to a military prison for 28 days yesterday. Amir Paster, 32, an infantry captain in the reserves and a postgraduate student at Tel Aviv University, was called up at the end of last week along with at least 15,000 other reservists. Another 10 Israeli soldiers are also considering refusing to serve, according to Yesh Gvul, a support group for troops refusing to fight. Mr Paster reported to his commander on Sunday and said he objected to the war. Within hours he was before a disciplinary hearing and given the maximum sentence. "He said this war is against his moral values," said Ishai Menuchin, 48, a spokesman for Yesh Gvul, a group whose Hebrew name means "There is a limit". Israel, Tel-Aviv, Demonstration called by the Women Coalition against the war Saturday A-infos 7/30/2006 The Call: Women against the War -- A Women's Demonstration (dressed in black) Stop the War! Stop the occupation! Stop killing civilians! Negotiate now! Exchange prisoners! The march will start at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday 29 July at 18:30 and reach Maxim Square at Ben Zion Blvd. Women against the War – Coalition of Women for Peace, Ahoti, Aswat, Bat Shalom, Women in Black, FORA, TANDI, Women against Violence, Altafula, New Profile, The Fifth Mother, WILPF, NELED, Beit Nashim Feministi, Ittihad El-Maraa El-Takdumi, Kian Feminist Organization, Women’s Council-Kufar Kar’a -- The demonstration: In a corner of the municipality square, women and men in black from all over the country converged. One resident killed in Kofer Qadom village, east of Qalqilia International Middle East Media Center 7/27/2006 On Thursday afternoon, sources in the Qalqilia Governorate announced the death of Hamada Da'ass, 18, a resident of Kofer Qadom village, east of the city. Da'ass sustained injuries during a pre-dawn invasion of the village while he was standing in front of his home. Medical sources report that injuries were sustained to his head, neck and shoulder. He was moved to the city hospital where he died later in the day. Meanwhile, during the invasion, local sources said that troops took four prisoners who were identified as: Mohamed Jo'ma, Wahid Barham, Kaiser Jo'ma and Yahid Da'assLocal residents said that troops searched several houses and enforced curfew before taking the four and leaving the town. [end] Spokesman of the Hamas bloc: a political initiative is being drafted to end the current crisis Ma'an News 7/27/2006 Gaza --Parliamentary spokesman for the Hamas bloc, Salah Al Bardawil, said that "seven Hamas Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members and Palestinian politicians are involved in drafting a Palestinian political initiative to end the current crisis in the Palestinian arena. " Al Bardawil explained to Ma'an that "this initiative focuses on two important aspects: first, lifting the siege on the Palestinian people, and ending Israeli aggression in exchange for reciprocal and concurrent truce, and second, the exchange of prisoners between the Palestinian and Israeli sides simultaneously.... The political committee of the PLC formed a small committee which consists of Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Dr. Saeb Erekat and Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi in the West Bank, and Dr. Salah Al Bardawil, Dr. Farag Al Ghoul, Dr. Nabil Shaath and Dr. Ziad Abu Amr in Gaza. Army invades Beit Furiq and takes three prisoners International Middle East Media Center 7/27/2006 Three residents were taken as prisoners when troops from the Israeli army invaded the village of Beit Furiq, east of the West Bank city of Nablus, on Thursday morning at dawn. The three were indentified as: Khalid Hanini, Ze'ad Hanini and Wahid Hanini. Soldiers also searched several houses before leaving the village. This is the second invasion in as many days. Yesterday, the village was invaded and four residents taken. [end] Former detainee arrested, beaten up and deprived of food for eight days, then released Ma'an News 7/27/2006 Jenin --The Israeli forces released on Thursday Mesha'al Abu Bakr, 26, from Ya'bad, a town northwest of the West Bank city of Jenin, after eight days' detention and maltreatment. Abu Bakr told the Ma'an correspondent that during his detention, he was forced to undergo interrogation and suffered severe beatings at the hands of the Israeli interrogators. He also described how he was deprived of food and drink. Abu Bakr explained that the Israeli forces arrested him at a temporary barrier in Anabta, a village in the Tulkarem governorate of the West Bank, on 20 July 2006. The soldiers asked him for his identity papers and then told him he was under arrest and must accompany them to prison. Army takes a child as prisoner from Azaria, near Jerusalem International Middle East Media Center 7/27/2006 Local sources reported on Thursday morning that the Israeli army took the child, Mousa Faron, 14, as a prisoner from Al Azaria village, east of Jerusalem. According to family members, troops stormed the family home, attacked Mousa and his brother before seizing Mousa, taking him to an unknown location. [end] Israeli forces kidnap PLC member near Ramallah Ma'an News 7/27/2006 Ramallah -- Ma'an- Israeli forces kidnapped Palestinian Legislative Council member, Ahmed Abdul Aziz Mubarak, 44, from Beituniya, west of the city of Ramallah after a month searching for him, early on Thursday morning. The family of the kidnapped member said to the Prisoners' Information Center, that "more than 50 Israeli soldiers surrounded his house at 2:30 am on Thursday and kidnapped him without allowing him to change clothes or take personal items. "Israeli forces had failed in the kidnapping of Mubarak on the 29th of June, as part of the campaign which included the kidnapping of 27 Hamas PLC members and eight ministers. This is the 12th time that the Mubarak has been arrested by the Israeli forces. [end] Israeli Incursions to Ramallah Continue International Solidarity Movement 7/26/2006 Around 10:15pm on Tuesday, July 25th 2006, ISM activists were alerted to a large army operation taking place in the Ein Omesharayet neighborhood of Ramallah. Four activists arrived at the scene around 15 minutes later to act as eyewitnesses to the assault. Israeli special forces had taken position near a six-storey building. Several jeeps, humvees and an army prison truck were also at the scene (20 vehicles according to press reports). Local youth were throwing stones at jeeps, who were intimidating them by driving up and down surrounding streets. The soldiers did not seem particularly interested in the international activists. To the best of the activists’ knowledge, the army had told families living in the building to leave and later put them in a ’safe space’ nearby. Hamas source: Israeli soldier will not be released until all conditions are met Palestine News Network 7/27/2006 An official source from Hamas, who wished to remain anonymous, told PNN Thursday that the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, will not be released until Israeli authorities respond to the conditions for a prisoner exchange. The source said that the Palestinian resistance to the Israeli occupation, “will not be undermined in any way. ”This news comes in the wake of a vast array of rumors, the latest of which was a statement by Palestinian Security Advisor Jabril Rajoub. He suggested that Shalit could be released next week. The source further explained that Hamas has not conducted any negotiations for the release of the soldier because Israel has shown no seriousness in resolving the issue in a peaceful manner. Israel keeps Hizbullah bodies 'for bargaining chips' The Guardian 7/26/2006 Israeli troops are storing the bodies of dead Hizbullah fighters in refrigerated containers for use in a possible prisoner swap, it emerged today. The military, which admitted to the practice, would not say why it was keeping the bodies. But security officials told the Associated Press that Hizbullah corpses had been used as bargaining chips in a previous prisoner swap and they were being collected for the same reason now. The army said six bodies of Hizbullah fighters had been taken back to Israel and were being held in refrigerators until Israel's political leaders decided what to do with them. Israel has special cemeteries for Palestinian and Lebanese militants killed in fighting with Israel.... The quick burial of complete bodies is important in both the Jewish and Muslim faiths. Longest incarcerated Jordanian prisoner in Israel transferred because of health collapse Ma'an News 7/26/2006 Amman -- The head of the Committee for Jordanian prisoners' families, Salih Al-Ajloni, announced that the longest detained Jordanian prisoner in Israeli jails, Sultan Al-Ajloni, was transferred from Ramla prison hospital to another Israeli hospital, Assaf Harofeh, because of a collapse in his health condition. The lawyer of The Prisoner's Supporters Society, Muhammad 'Abda, visited the Jordanian prisoner to check up on his health. A medical report showed that he suffered from fever for a month which is a sign that severe enteritis has caused a hole in his intestine. He urgently needs surgery. Ajloni was arrested after an operation he performed while he was 17 years old in retaliation for the Al-Aqsa massacre of 1990. In the Israeli jails there are 30 Jordanian detainees of whom 8 are sentenced to life imprisonment. Abducted Palestinian officials: we prefer to remain in detention, than be released at others' expense Ma'an News 7/26/2006 Nablus -- Ma'an- The abducted Palestinian ministers and Palestinian Legislative Council members refused to be included in any prisoners' swap. The Minister of Prisoners' Affairs, engineer Wasfi Qabha, who is one of the detainees, made the refusal on behalf of the group. Defense lawyer for the detained ministers and PLC members, Shirin Al-'Isawi, met with a number of them at the Israeli military court, Salim. He quoted minister Qabha: "Any swap must include prisoners only since the prisoners are the first priority of the detained ministers and PLC members. "The lawyer said that the ministers prefer to stay in detention, rather than being released at the expense of prisoners who had spent long terms in jail. " [end] Nassib Lahoud: 'We can't bear more attacks' The Daily Star 7/27/2006 BEIRUT: Democratic Renewal Movement leader Nassib Lahoud stressed the need for a sustainable cease-fire Wednesday because "Lebanon cannot bear more attacks in the future. " Speaking after his meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Lahoud said a "sustainable cease-fire can be achieved by resolving pending problems, such as the demarcation of the Shebaa Farms, the release of the Lebanese detainees in Israeli prisons and the implementation of the government's sovereignty over all the Lebanese territories. "Berri also met Wednesday with Information Minister Ghazi Aridi, who stressed the "government's united position in dealing with the current situation. "In a separate development, senior Shiite cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah warned against a "world war led by the United States through the Israeli war machine. " Israeli Army levels a house east of Qalqilia, seriously injuring one youth International Middle East Media Center 7/27/2006 Wednesday at night, Israeli soldiers invaded a town near Qalqilia, north of the West Bank, leveled one house and seriously injured a youth by shooting him in his head, the Palestinian News Agency, WAFA, reported. The agency stated that soldiers surrounded the town and leveled the house of Mohammad Hussein Qaddoumi, in Kafer Qaddoum village, east o Qalqilia and demolished it. Soldiers broke into the house of Qaddoumi and detained him and his family members, along with several other residents, in a nearby house and interrogated them before leveling the house. The other detainees residents were identified as Mohammad Saleh Shtewy, Hamada Shaker Shtewy, Abdul-Hamid Izzat Shtewy, along with several other residents. Soldiers imposed a strict siege over the village and barred the residents from leaving their homes. Weekly nonviolent demo at Red Cross also birthday party for imprisoned son Palestine News Network 7/26/2006 Families and friends of Palestinian political prisoners being held in Israeli prisons gather around the International Red Cross building in Tulkarem on a weekly basis to protest the imprisonment of their loved ones. This week, however, the scene outside the Red Cross building was a bit different. This week, in addition to chanting slogans and raising photos of their loved ones, protestors shared birthday cake. In an act of nonviolent resistance, Nadia Zoubi brought cake to celebrate the 29th birthday of her son Mohammed. He is currently being held in an Israeli prison for his involvement in the Al Aqsa Brigades, the armed resistance wing of the Fateh party and legal under international law. War of nerves AlJazeera 7/26/2006 Magden: Trial is psychological torture to stop me from writing -- Perihan Magden, one of Turkey's most prominent novelists, has joined a long list of intellectuals facing trial for what the state deems offensive writing. Magden's novels The Messenger Boy Murders, and Two Girls, have been widely praised around the world, but it is her work as a columnist for Yeni Aktuel magazine that has raised the ire of the Turkish military. Magden faces a possible three-year jail term, if convicted, for "discouraging people from military service". Talking on the phone from Italy where she is attending a film festival screening of Turkish director Kutlug Ataman's film adaptation of Two Girls, she describes her situation as a "war of nerves" with the Turkish authorities. Mirza denies existence of plot to smuggle Hariri suspects out of prison The Daily Star 7/27/2006 BEIRUT: Prosecutor Said Mirza dismissed on Wednesday rumors of a plot to smuggle out of Roumieh Central Prison the four former generals jailed for their alleged involvement in the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri. Reports in Lebanese and Arab newspapers said that there was a mutiny in the prison in which Lebanese prisoners called to be released on the grounds of the current bombardment of Lebanon by Israel. The prisoners argued that foreign inmates should be delivered to their respective embassies for deportation, according to the newspapers. However, their demands were turned down, the reports said, adding that the prisoners were calmed down before the incident developed into a mutiny as some claimed. Palestinians agree deal for return of abducted soldier The Guardian 7/26/2006 Initiative depends on approval of Hamas leaders in Damascus -- Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have agreed to stop firing rockets at Israel and to free a captured Israeli soldier in a deal brokered by Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president. The deal, agreed on Sunday, is to halt the rocket attacks in return for a cessation of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, and to release Corporal Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier captured on June 25, in exchange for the freeing of Palestinian prisoners at some point in the future. An adviser to Mr Abbas told the Guardian that all Palestinian politicians were united on the need to free the Israeli soldier and stop all violence in Gaza, but the obstacles were the Israeli government and the Hamas leadership in Damascus. Abbas promises to help release Gilad Shalit Jerusalem Post 7/26/2006 Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday that he was doing his utmost to secure the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit and to stop rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Abbas, who was speaking to reporters here after holding talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, called on the international community "to pay attention to the suffering of the families of about 10,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails - some for over three decades. "He also called for an immediate cease-fire between the Palestinians and Israel so that both parties could resume peace negotiations. "We want a cease-fire now; we want to prevent the fire from spreading," Abbas said. "We are making efforts to maintain the period of calm so that we could revive the diplomatic process. " Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians in the Hebron area, including two sets of brothers Palestine News Network 7/25/2006 Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinians, including five brothers, at dawn Tuesday morning in the southern West Bank city of Hebron and its surrounding villages. The arrests came following raids in several neighbourhoods in the city. From Hebron City, Israeli forces took 20 year old Osama Badawi and 19 year old Ismail Abu Eisheh to unknown locations. In addition, 21 year old Mohammed Hamdi Sharhah from Dura, and 20 year old Ahmad Nadi Al Salibi from Beit Amr are presumably in Israeli interrogation camps. According to official sources in the Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoner Society, Israeli forces took seven Palestinians, including five brothers, from Taramah Village just south of Hebron, to unknown locations. Army takes four prisoners in invasion to Nablus and Asker refugee camp International Middle East Media Center 7/25/2006 Four residents were taken prisoners by the Israeli army after troops and army jeeps stormed the West Bank city of Nablus and the nearby Asker refugee camp Tuesday at dawn. Soldiers stormed several resident's homes and ransacked them before taking Mohamed Al Ashkar, 18, and Ahmad Manssour, 18, from Asker refugee camp and Majdi Al Shak'a, 32, and Azam Yassen from the city to unknown locations, eyewitnesses reported. Army said the invasions are part of a campaign to imprison what the army call "Wanted People". [end] Saudi envoy calls for cease-fire The Daily Star 7/25/2006 BEIRUT: Speaker Nabih Berri said Monday that a national dialogue session scheduled to be held today had been postponed. In a statement, the speaker said that due to the "continuous Israeli offensive against Lebanon," the session would be delayed until a date to be determined "by all the participants in the talks. "Berri held talks on Monday with Saudi Ambassador Abdel-Aziz Khoja, who said after the meeting that "Saudi Arabia is making all efforts to reach a cease-fire and a solution to exchange prisoners. "Khoja described the Israeli offensive as a "horrible genocide" and stressed the need for the Lebanese to remain united. Berri received telegrams of support from the parliaments of Algeria, Yemen and Tunisia condemning Israel's continued siege of Lebanon. Nasrallah denies info on soldiers Jerusalem Post 7/24/2006 Hizbullah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah said on Monday that he had not given anyone authorization to release any information on the condition of the captured IDF soldiers, denying a statement made the previous day by the by Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh that the troops were in "good physical condition. " Nevertheless, Nasrallah told the Lebanese newspaper Asafit that he was prepared for the Lebanese government to carry out mediation efforts to bring about a prisoner swap deal with Israel. In other remarks published Monday, Nasrallah said in that an IDF ground invasion would not prevent Hizbullah from firing rockets into northern Israel.... Responding to reports about diplomatic efforts to end the fighting, Nasrallah said the priority was to end Israeli attacks on Lebanon, but added he was open to discussing initiatives. Nonviolent demonstration planned for tomorrow in solidarity with political prisoners Palestine News Network 7/24/2006 Former Director of the Palestinian Prisoner Society and current Legislative Council member, Issa Qaraqa’ spoke on the eve of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to the region. He said that releasing political prisoners from Israeli jails is an integral part of the right to Palestinian self-determination. Qaraqa’ clearly stated that releasing the prisoners is not a secondary issue and is not something to be attached to any settlement. He said that it is time the US and international community realizes the issue is of major importance to the stability of the region. There are 10,041 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including 450 children, 123 females, and hundreds of ill and elderly people living in unbearable conditions. More than 10,000 Protest in Sydney Against Israeli Attacks on Lebanon An Nahar (Naharnet) 7/22/2006 More than 10,000 people, carrying coffins and chanting "No war," shrugged off a chilly rain in downtown Sydney on Saturday to protest against Israel's attacks on Lebanon. Police estimated turnout at about 10,000 people -- including former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mamdouh Habib and the spiritual leader of Australia's Muslim community, Sheikh Taj Aldin Alhilali -- while organizers put the number at closer to 20,000. Parents carried Australian and Lebanese flags as their children wore T-shirts with slogans such as "Stop killing the babies. "The demonstrators gathered at Town Hall in the central business district, then marched down George Street to an open mall at Martin Place. [end] Amnesty says Jordan is key player in CIA's secret transfers of suspects The Daily Star 7/25/2006 LONDON: Jordan is a "central hub" in "rendition," the CIA's secret and illegal transfer of terror suspects, Amnesty International said Monday. The report by the London-based human rights group details the cases of "dozens" of individuals allegedly tortured in Jordan, "10 of whom appear to be rendition victims. "Reports in recent months have alleged the CIA conducts "extraordinary renditions" - the covert transfer of terrorism suspects to third countries or US-run detention centers. Washington denies the charges. Amnesty said the men were taken to Jordan from several countries, including Afghanistan, Indonesia, Pakistan and the United States. Some of the men were held and tortured for months in Jordan before being moved to the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or various other "secret" prisons, Amnesty charged. Infrastructure of Nablus in ruins Ma'an News 7/21/2006 Nablus --General-Manager of the Ministry of Interior in the Palestinian city of Nablus, Abdul-Ilah Al-Atira, said that the Israeli army has destroyed the Palestinian infra-structure in the city. In a special dialogue with Ma'an correspondent, he added that 256 thousand files belonging to Palestinian citizens were ruined in the building of the directorate of interior and passports when the building was razed to the ground. The Israelis have demanded the evacuation of prisoners from the detention center near the head office of the governorate in a gesture that they intend to destroy the last of the security buildings in the Muqata'ah. [end] Envoy: Israel will not hold talks with Hezbollah via third party Ha'aretz 7/22/2006 Israel told a visiting UN mission that it will not negotiate with Hezbollah through third parties, as in the past, for the release of its captured soldiers, a UN envoy told the Security Council on Friday. In their conversations with top Israeli officials, "it was stated that the Israeli captives must be unconditionally released and that, this time, Israel was not prepared to negotiate with Hezbollah through third parties, which in the past had led to prisoner exchanges," envoy Vijay Nambiar said. In one swap negotiated through Germany, Israel freed hundreds of Arab prisoners in January 2004 in exchange for the release of a kidnapped Israeli businessman and the bodies of three Israel Defense Forces soldiers seized by Hezbollah in 2000. Galilee towns demonstrate against the war on Lebanon Ma'an News 7/21/2006 Ma'an-- Ma'an - The electronic website of the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahranoth" has reported that "dozens of demonstrators gathered on Thursday in the cities of Haifa, Karmiel and Sakhnin in the Western Galilee, calling for an immediate end to the war on Lebanon and to begin the process of a prisoners' exchange". This is the first demonstration since the outbreak of the war against Lebanon and it has been given great importance because it took place in the cities that have been exposed to the daily Hezbollah bombardment since the beginning of the Israeli aggression. Female criminal prisoners released from the Israeli siege of the Muqata'a in Nablus Ma'an News 7/21/2006 Nablus --Israeli forces released on Thursday evening the female criminal prisoners from Nablus' Central Prison after the intervention of the Red Cross. The Ma'an correspondent reported that "the Israeli forces allowed the release of 13 female prisoners from the central prison of Nablus that the Israeli forces have been besieging for two days claiming that "wanted" Palestinians are inside". Israeli soldiers have been besieging the central governmental and security compound in Nablus, the Muqata'a, since early on Wednesday morning. Five Palestinians were killed in clashes with the Israeli forces and three of the bodies were only released to the Palestinian Red Crescent on Thursday morning. Report: Israel to release prisoners for Gilad Shalit YNet News 7/21/2006 London-based al-Hayat newspaper claims Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan, promised to release many prisoners, some with 'blood on their hands', in exchange for abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit -- Is Israel ready for prisoner exchange? The London-based al-Hayat newspaper reported Friday morning that Israel was willing to release prisoners from it jails in exchange for abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. Al-Hayat reported that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin met in Jordan, where Diskin promised to release large number of Palestinian prisoners, including prisoners "with blood on their hands," directly responsible for Israeli deaths. Nasrallah: Hezbollah leadership intact AlJazeera 7/21/2006 Nasrallah said there were 'more surprises' to come for Israel -- Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader, has told Aljazeera that the group's leadership remains functioning, a day after Israel said it bombed a bunker where he may have been hiding. In an interview with the station, Nasrallah said that the two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah would not be released even "if the whole universe comes against us". He said that the soldiers would only be freed as part of a prisoner exchange agreed through indirect negotiations. Israeli aircraft dropped 23 tons of explosives on a site in southern Beirut on Wednesday night. It said it was an underground bunker where Hezbollah leaders, possibly including Nasrallah, were meeting. Israeli forces abduct 200 Fatah members Wednesday Ma'an News 7/19/2006 Ramallah --Under secretary of the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs, Ziad Abu Ain, announced that the Israeli forces abducted about 200 Fatah members and Palestinian security men in Nablus, Ramallah and a number of villages, Wednesday morning. He told the press that three Palestinians were killed in Nablus two of which were known: Mahmoud Miqdad Al-Khatib, the son of a prisoner in Israeli jails who spent 21 years so far, and Ahmad Sanakrah, who was injured before. In addition, Israeli forces injured dozens of Palestinians in confrontations in Nablus. The forces destroyed the office of the Preventative Security and the building of the interior ministry. The Israelis also arrested the manager of the interior ministry office, Nimir Sidqi and abused Na'im Shtayya. [end] Army continues its offensive in Nablus, three killed, twenty-six people injured International Middle East Media Center 7/19/2006 The Israeli invasion in the west Bank city of Nablus continued leaving three residents killed, and 26, including two reporters injured. Among the injured Dr. Ghassan Hamdan, head of the Palestinian Medical Relief Committees in the city. Dr. Hamdan was mildly injured in his right leg by a rubber-coated bullet. Two medics, identified as Mohammad Al Damouny were also injured bu rubber-coated bullets fired by the army. The Israeli military offensive continued in the West Bank city of Nablus with army bulldozers starting to demolish the Palestinian Security Forces facility and the building of the Ministry of Interior in the city. Soldiers, tanks and jeeps are still in the city and surrounding the prison and a Palestinian security compound that belong to the PA, local sources reported. Hamas, Egypt resume talks over release of Corporal Gilad Shalit Ha'aretz 7/20/2006 Hamas recently resumed both diplomatic and military contacts with the Egyptian team working in Gaza to effect the release of kidnapped soldier Corporal Gilad Shalit. Palestinian sources said that over the past several days, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has tried to convince the Hamas leadership that it is important to prevent the creation of a link between Shalit's abduction and Hezbollah in the mind of the international community. He therefore tried to persuade Hamas officials that they must present a different position than that of Hezbollah with regard to negotiations with Israel over a prisoner exchange. Mediators in Gaza told Haaretz that no breakthrough has been made in the negotiations, and Hamas is still refusing to negotiate over Shalit's release in isolation from Hezbollah. Jailed troops to be released due to war YNet News 7/19/2006 Due to security situation soldiers jailed for minor offenses to be released from jail to rejoin their units -- Ynet has learned that in light of the security situation dozens of incarcerated IDF soldiers will be released from military prisons and returned to their units. “In times such as these it is important that soldiers with important duties remain in their units and prepare for any event, even if this means releasing them from jail early,” a military source told Ynet. Until now four soldiers were pleased to hear of their imminent release from prison. “It should be made clear that the soldiers slated for release are only those who were tried for minor offenses, not for defection or otherserious offenses,” the source told Ynet.... Colonel Aryeh: "It seems that everyone wants to take part in the IDF operation these days. " Israeli military continues West Bank arrest campaign Palestine News Network 7/18/2006 Israeli forces arrested four Palestinian citizens today during an early morning raid on the southern West Bank towns of Hebron and Bani Naim. Palestinian security sources told PNN that the Israeli military invaded the two towns at dawn and stormed a number of houses. The Israeli forces then carried out inspections in the homes which lasted several hours. Officials sources at the Office of the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society in Hebron report that those arrested included 35 year old Khalil Na’el, 28 year old Muhammah Na’el, 30 year old Falah Chaouiki, and Mohammed Ahmed Abu Maria. Reasons for the arrests are unknown, and all of the men were taken to an unknown location. [end] Blair defies backbench dissent with firm support for Olmert The Guardian 7/19/2006 Tony Blair hardened his defence of Israel's actions yesterday in the face of allegations from the Liberal Democrats, and some Labour backbenchers, that Israel was involved in an unacceptable and systematic destruction of Lebanon's infrastructure. In a Commons statement, Mr Blair also suggested that Iran was not merely funding, but arming Hizbullah with weapons similar to those used against British troops in Basra. He also swung behind the US position that Israel need not end the bombing of Lebanon until Hizbullah handed over captured prisoners and ended its rocket attacks. He admitted that hopes of peace in the Middle East were "disintegrating", but blamed "those who cannot see that terrorism is not the route to a solution, but a malign fundamental obstacle to it". Israeli authorities extend detention of Minister of Finance Palestine News Network 7/18/2006 Israeli prison authorities are reporting today that they have extended the Administrative Detention of Palestinian Minister of Finance Dr. Omar Abdul Razzaq. The prison authorities will be detaining Dr. Razzaq for an additional ten days, pending investigation, in the well-known Ayalon Prison in Israel. The Minister’s son, Said, is also being held in Administrative Detention. Currently, prison authorities at Jalameh Prison are refusing to allow family members visitation rights. On a related note, an Israeli military court has indicted Palestinian Legislative Council member Dr. Nasser Abdel Gawad. His appellate hearing is scheduled for 30 July 2006. [end] Almost 10,000 Palestinians currently detained in Israeli prisons, states Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs Ma'an News 7/18/2006 Over 350 children are detained- Gaza --An official Palestinian report has stated that the Israeli authorities have arrested more than 700,000 Palestinians since 1967 and more than 50,000 since the start of the second Palestinian Intifada in 2000. The Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs issued a new statistical report on Monday that said that the Israeli authorities are still holding more than 9850 Palestinian prisoners, distributed between more than 30 Israeli prisons and detention centers. 720 of the prisoners are from the Gaza Strip and the rest are from the West Bank, occupied Jerusalem and other Arab states. There are said to be more than 554 prisoners detained since before the start of the Intifada. The report added that, of the 9850 prisoners, 4430 have received a sentence and 4575 are still awaiting investigation. Amid attacks, health workers warn of waning supplies Electronic Intifada/IRIN 7/17/2006 BEIRUT - Local health workers say they face difficulties reaching the injured in southern Lebanon following furious Israeli artillery barrages and air strikes that came in response to the 12 July kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by Hizbullah. “We’re cooperating with NGOs and other humanitarian associations to help us cope with the situation,” Minister of Health Muhammad Jawad Khalifa told IRIN. “But we’re experiencing difficulties in accessing affected areas to help the injured. ” Khalifa added that 175 deaths and 500 injuries had been reported since the bombing began on 12 July. Hizbullah has been fighting back with rockets fired at Israel, killing 12 people. The militant group says it will release the two soldiers in exchange for Lebanese prisoners held in Israel. Mottaki visits Damascus, calls for truce and prisoner swap The Daily Star 7/18/2006 Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called Monday for a cease-fire in the spiraling Middle East conflict and an exchange of prisoners between Israel and Arab militants. "We need to reflect in a reasonable and just manner so that we can put an end to the crisis," Mottaki said after talks with President Bashar Assad and Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa of key regional ally Syria. "A cease-fire could be pronounced which would be followed by an exchange," Mottaki said, highlighting the "dozens of Lebanese prisoners as well as more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners inIsraeli jails. ""Many countries have tried to reach a solution. Current circumstances in the region are certainly not favorable to the Zionist entity," Mottaki said. Iran calls for cease-fire, prisoner exchange to end Lebanon crisis Ha'aretz 7/18/2006 Iran called on Monday for a ceasefire followed by a prisoner exchange to end the confrontation between its Lebanese Hezbollah guerrilla allies and Israel. "A reasonable and just solution must be found to end this crisis. A ceasefire and then a swap is achievable," Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said after meetings with senior Syrian officials in Damascus. Hezbollah wants to exchange two Israeli soldiers it captured on Wednesday in a cross-border raid for several Lebanese prisoners of war Israel has held for years and a number of the estimated 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails. Iran's foreign minister arrived in Syria for talks with its government Monday on the crisis in neighboring Lebanon. Top Hamas member denies international mediators have met Cpl Shalit's captors Ma'an News 7/17/2006 Gaza --A prominent member of Hamas' political leadership, Dr. Khalil Abu Leila, has denied that he has any knowledge of a deal to exchange the captive Israeli soldier, Cpl Shalit, with Palestinian prisoners. Abu Leila told Ma'an, "There is no deal on this issue at this time. " However, Abu Leila confirmed that the Russian-Turkish-Egyptian mediation is continuing to attempt to resolve the crises, "but from behind the scenes". He denied that any of these intermediaries met with the captive Israeli soldier, or any of his captors. However, Abu Leila did say that a mediator met someone from the kidnappers' group, "but not one of the kidnappers. " [end] MP Issa Karaka: Israel has no choice but to engage in a prisoner exchange Palestine News Network 7/16/2006 In a statement released today to the media, Palestinian MP Issa Karaka said that the Israeli government will eventually be forced to participate in a prisoner exchange in order to secure the release of the captive Israeli soldiers. Karaka pointed out that Israel's military aggression has thus far failed in achieving its stated goal of bring the captive soldiers home. He stated: "Thousands of Palestinian prisoners languish in Israeli prisons. Scores of the prisoners are women, children, and elderly. Many others are sick and are unable to receive the necessary medical treatment. The only hope for Israeli to free its captive soldiers is to release these Palestinian prisoners. " More than 500 protest in TA against IDF raids in Lebanon, Gaza Ha'aretz 7/17/2006 More than 500 left-wing activists gathered in central Tel Aviv on Sunday to protest the escalating violence in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces' continued offensive in the Gaza Strip. Police forces blocked the protesters when they arrived at the site of the demonstration, and detained three people for questioning. The protesters called the IDF's operations an unnecessary war, and demanded that the government hold negotiations on a prisoner exchange. "We have learned from history that military solutions don't bring anything other than death and destruction," said Abir Kobti, an activist in the Coalition of Women for Peace. "We are calling on the government to regain its composure, come down from the tree, and solve these problems with negotiations to save us from more deaths on both sides," she said. Detainees in Shatta Israeli prison continue with their open Hunger Strike for the fourth day International Middle East Media Center 7/15/2006 Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) reported Saturday that prisoners in Shatta Israeli detention facility continued with their open hunger strike for the fourth day in protest to their bad imprisonment conditions and the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. Haleema Irmeelat, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) added that Israeli interrogators broke into several sections of the prison and attacked the prisoners using clubs and tear gas four days earlier and caused several injuries. The prisoners are also denied medical treatment. The PPS called on Human Rights organizations, International Red Cross and Arab Israeli Knesset Members to immediately intervene and work on stopping the Israeli violations against the prisoners. [end] Survey findings display Palestinian public opinion Palestine News Network 7/17/2006 The Director of the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion, Dr. Nabil Kukali, has announced the findings of a recent survey of public opinion in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The survey was conducted between 4 and 7 July 2006, and included a random sample of Palestinian adults living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Palestine News Network is pleased to publish the findings of this survey. General findings: * A great majority (65. 1%) of the Palestinians are, at various degrees, in favor of resuming the peace negotiations with Israel. * The striking majority (96. 3%) are in favor of solving the problem of the Israeli captive soldier in return for some advantages. * Almost half of the Palestinians (47. 2%) are in favor of releasing Palestinian female prisoners and children in return for... the Israeli captive soldier. Court orders release of 38 jailed African asylum-seekers Ha'aretz 7/17/2006 The Tel Aviv District Court has ordered the release from prison of 38 African citizens who crossed the border from Egypt, and has sharply reprimanded the army for holding them without legal warrant. While the court determined that their detention under the Prevention of Infiltration Law was unrelated to the circumstances of their entry into Israel, it ordered that their release be limited to a period of 60 to 90 days, during which arrangements would be made either for them to leave Israel or to regulate their legal status in the country. The detainees are citizens of Conakry-Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali and Eritrea. They were arrested while infiltrating into Israel in February and March 2006, and were sent for detention to the Ketziot facility, where they were held until Red Cross representatives learned of their presence there. Israeli tanks are back in Gaza Strip AlJazeera 7/16/2006 The Israeli offensive in Gaza has killed some 85 people. -- Israeli forces clashed with militants in Gaza on Sunday as tanks moved back into the north of the Strip on an offensive that has continued even as fighting with Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas opened a second front. The Gaza offensive, aimed at recovering a captured soldier and stopping armed groups from firing makeshift rockets, has piled pressure on the Palestinian government led by Hamas, which demands a prisoner swap for the Israeli corporal. Israeli tanks and armoured personnel carriers, backed by helicopters with machine guns sending down bursts of fire, moved into farmland near Beit Hanoun, an area often used by militants for launching rockets. Small groups of militants opened fire at the Israeli forces, but there was no report of casualties. Israel rains bombs on Lebanon AlJazeera 7/16/2006 Israel continued to pound Beirut's southern suburb on Sunday, the fifth successive day of an offensive on Lebanon, and there is no sign that its attacks on the Hizbollah guerrilla group and civilian installations are likely to end soon. The air strikes, which killed 35 civilians on Saturday, including 15 children, were meant to punish the Lebanese government for failing to disarm Hizbollah and letting it menace Israel's northern border, where measures just short of a state of emergency have been ordered. Israel has said it aims not just to force Hizbollah to free the soldiers, whom the Shi'ite group wants to trade for prisoners in Israel, but to destroy its ability to fire rockets into Israel. The bombing of Lebanese roads, bridges, ports and airports, as well as Hizbollah targets, is Israel's most destructive onslaught since a 1982 invasion to expel Palestinian forces. Parents of kidnapped soldiers demand answers Ha'aretz 7/16/2006 The families of the soldiers captured on the Lebanese border are demanding to know what diplomatic moves are afoot to free the soldiers - and whether a prisoner exchange is in the cards. Addressing the media for the first time on Friday evening, the families urged the government "not to forget the abducted soldiers" and asked whether it was doing everything possible to release the soldiers. Eldad Regev of Kiryat Motzkin and Ehud Goldwasser of Nahariya were captured last Wednesday by Hezbollah guerrillas who crossed into Israel. "The Israel Defense Forces representatives visited us and we talked to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni but we have not received any answers. We have no information beyond what is already known. We don't know if Eldad is alive.. " PLC member: Israel will be forced to accept an exchange of prisoners Ma'an News 7/15/2006 Bethlehem -- Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member Isa Qaraqi has said that Israel will be forced to accept an exchange of prisoners. He said that the current Israeli strategy of incursions into the Gaza Strip and repeated air strikes on the densely populated Strip was a vengeful response which showed the frustration felt at the humiliating failure of the Israeli forces. In addition, he said that Israel is led by stubborn military confidence which means that its leaders have not benefited from past experiences of such situations. He concluded that if Israelis wish to free their soldiers, the only choice that is open to them would be to engage in negotiations. [end] Detainees in Shatta on Hunger Strike for the fourth day International Middle East Media Center 7/16/2006 Palestinian detainees in Shatta Israeli detention facility continued their hunger strike for the fourth consecutive day in protest to the bad living conditions and bad treatment they face. Head of the Tulkarem office of the Palestinian Prisoners society, Halima Parmalat, said on Saturday that the detainees conducted their strike after the Israeli soldiers broke into their room and attacks them using batons. Parmalat added that the detainees are also protesting against the bad living conditions they face and the continuous violations practiced by the prison administration and the soldiers against them. Also, Parmalat added that soldiers broke into the sections of the detention facility and attacked the detainees with batons in addition to using water hoses and firing gas cannisters at them. Israeli prison authorities censor all television other than Israeli Channel 2 Palestine News Network 7/14/2006 Human rights sources reported that upon expressing a sense of hope at the Lebanese capture of two occupying Israeli soldiers, Israeli prison authorities cut all television channels in its prisons other than Israeli Channel 2 to political prisoners. Based on clandestine telephone conversation with Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli Al Naqab (Negev) Prison, the latest Israeli restriction follows a long line of punitive measures to destroy the spirit of people attempting to survive its prison system. More than 10,000 of Israel’s political prisoners are Palestinian, and with them are Lebanese, Jordanian, and other Arabs. Sources in the prisons and human rights organizations report that Israeli prison authorities made the same violation in Mejido and Hadarim prisons, and put 20 Palestinians in solitary confinement. Shin Bet chief met secretly with Abbas to discuss captured soldier Ha'aretz 7/15/2006 Palestinian sources told Haaretz on Friday that the head of the Shin Bet security service, Yuval Diskin, met secretly with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas this week in Amman to discuss the fate of Corporal Gilad Shalit, who was abducted by Palestinian militants and taken to Gaza nearly three weeks ago. Diskin told Abbas that Israel would release Palestinian prisoners if a exchange deal were reached with the PA, not with Hamas, the Palestinian sources said. The two also discussed the latest developments in the violent clashes in the Gaza Strip. The meeting was held after Jordan's King Abdullah II sent Diskin an urgent request to visit the Jordanian capital. President Abbas meets prisoners' families Ma'an News 7/15/2006 Ramallah --Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, met with prisoners' families in his office and said: "The prisoners' issue is on top of our priorities and negotiations in the Palestinian Authority. "Abbas added that, "the situation became more complicated after the escalations in Lebanon, yet efforts are still ongoing to free our prisoners. "He affirmed that he shared his position with the American assistant secretary of state. He followed: "We insist on the fact that any solution must stick to the Sharm Ash-Sheikh agreement, which said that Israel should start releasing prisoners especially children, women and those who had been detained for a long term imprisonment in addition to administrative detainees. " [end] Analysis: Can conflict be contained or will it spread throughout region? The Guardian 7/14/2006 Why did Hizbullah spark this latest conflict? Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrullah has said his intent in capturing two Israeli soldiers was to bargain for the release of Arab prisoners held in Israeli jails. He has promised to attempt such a release for years. Still, many analysts in Lebanon were stunned by the scale of the attack, by far the most serious operation that the fundamentalist militia has launched in years..... Would Tehran or Damascus have had a hand in the decision? Hizbullah is based in Lebanon but has always been closely linked to Syria and especially Iran, which was instrumental in the founding of the militia in the early 1980s. Syria has said it did not order the mission... What can the Lebanese government do? It is in an extremely difficult position... Hizbullah Kills, Captures Israeli soldiers Palestine Chronicle 7/12/2006 High on the list of possible Hizbullah's demands would be the release of Lebanon's longest-serving prisoner Samir Kantar, in prison since 1979. -- BEIRUT - The Lebanese group Hizbullah killed at least seven Israeli soldiers and captured two others on Wednesday, July 12, a strategic development that is expected to have regional repercussions. "Fulfilling its pledge to liberate the (Arab) prisoners and detainees, the Islamic Resistance... captured two Israeli soldiers at the border with occupied Palestine," Hizbullah said in a statement cited by Reuters. "The two captives were transferred to a safe place. "The group, which is represented in both the parliament and the government, said the high-profile operation aims at securing the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israeli jails, Reuters said. Lebanon asks for ceasefire YNet News 7/13/2006 Lebanese government asks or ceasefire to immediately end IDF attacks in its territory; Lebanon demands that UN convene emergency session to discuss Israeli offensive. UN Secretary-General Annan says he is dispatching three-person delegation to Middle East in attempt to ease tensions. Iranian foreign minister: Zionist regime has no choice but to free Palestinian, Lebanese prisoners in exchange for IDF soldiers’ release -- Lebanese Communications Minister Ghazi Al-Aridi told local media outlets Thursday afternoon that his government has asked for a ceasefire to immediately end the IDF attacks in its territory. Al-Aridi said his country is interested in an immediate and total ceasefire and will make use of all available channels towards this end. Palestinian lawyer prevented from visiting Lebanese prisoner detained in an Israeli jail Ma'an News 7/13/2006 Jerusalem --Palestinian lawyer Elias As Sabbagh confirmed on Thursday that the Israeli prison authorities prevented him from visiting his delegated Lebanese prisoner, Samir Al Qintar, without any clear reason. Sabbagh told Ma'an that, "the authorities prevented me from visiting the prisoner after what happened on the Lebanese borders and they did not clarify when I can see him. " When the lawyer was asked about Al Qintar, he said, "Last time I saw him was last week, he had high hopes at the time and he expected that a prisoners' swap would be carried out. "The lawyer said that Al Qintar told him that the Hezbollah leader Nasrallah had promised him that he would conduct a swap. Samir Al Qintar is a Lebanese prisoner who was captured by the Israeli forces 28 years ago when he was just 16 years old. [end] Hamas officials try to revive mediation for prisoner swap Ha'aretz 7/14/2006 Hamas held talks with Egypt on Thursday on trying to revive mediation with Israel over the release of an Israeli soldier held by the Palestinian militant group, senior officials said. Mohammed Nazzal and Mohammed Nasr, members of Hamas' Damascus-based politburo, held talks on the issue with the chief of Egyptian intelligence, Omar Suleiman, Nazzal said Thursday. He did not comment on the chances Hamas' has to win a prisoner swap in light of Hezbollah's abduction of two IDF soldiers on Wednesday. Before the Hezbollah crisis erupted, Egypt had proposed a plan by which Hamas would free Shalit and later Israel would free an unspecified number of detained Palestinians.... The scheme fell through last week, with Egyptian officials blaming Hamas. Israeli forces arrest son of Palestinian Minister of Finance and several others in Salfit Palestine News Network 7/12/2006 Israeli forces announced Wednesday that they arrested Said Omar Abdul Razzaq, the 21 year old son of Palestinian Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Abdul Rizaq, from Salfit. The Israeli forces in Salfit also arrested Fawwaz Ma’ali and his brother Alftash Rizaq early this morning. All are currently in unknown locations. Ma’ali is a student at Al Quds Open University in Salfit. Rizaq works as a teacher in a boys secondary school in Salfit and Israeli forces have already arrested him several times. He has spent a total of eight years in Israeli prisons. [end] Unknown gunmen storm the Palestinian prisoners society headquarters in Bethlehem International Middle East Media Center 7/12/2006 Unknown gunmen stormed the Bethlehem office of the Palestinian Prisoners Society in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Wednesday at dawn. Office director in Bethlehem, Abdullah Al Zaghari, reported that the gunmen ransacked the offices and took computers and files that have information about the prisoners and their cases. He added that this will not affect their work and the society will continue to provide its services to the detainees. [end] Druize Initiative Committee condemns Israeli aggression Palestine News Network 7/13/2006 In the wake of the ongoing Israeli occupation of the Sheba Farms in Lebanon and bombing at the Beirut International Airport, and the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah’s, resistance activities, many local political organizations are meeting to discuss alternatives to further bloodshed. Included among these organizations was the Druize Initiative Committee, which met yesterday and issued the following statement:“Following yesterday’s onset of violence between Israeli forces and Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, the Committee formally condemns the Israeli aggression against civilian installations in Lebanon. The Committee calls for the Israeli government to enter into immediate negotiations for the release of Palestinians and Lebanese in Israeli prisons... " Prisoners go on hunger strike in Nablus detention center International Middle East Media Center 7/13/2006 Palestinian prisoners at the Israeli military detention center Hawara in the West Bank City of Nablus went on a hunger strike Wednesday to protest an Israeli higher court of justice ruling that the sentence of one of the longest serving Palestinian administrative detainees will not be shortened. Majdi Al-Shuruf was arrested in August of 2001. His latest detention order expires July 20. The Palestinian Information Center reported that if his detention is renewed, which would be for the 13th consecutive time, Shuruf would be the second longest serving administrative detainee. The Hawara prisoners said they are also protesting harsh treatment of university lecturer Mustafa Al-Shannar after he was arrested Wednesday. Palestinian exiles of 2002 Nativity Church crisis ask negotiators to remember them Ma'an News 7/13/2006 Gaza --Palestinians who were exiled from the West Bank to Gaza and European countries during the crisis of the Nativity Church, in 2002, held a press conference in Gaza. They reminded all negotiators of any future prisoner swap to remember their case. In the press conference, Fahmi Can'an spoke on behalf of the exiled men. He praised the latest Hezbollah operation which captured two Israeli soldiers, and asked the General Secretary of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, not to forget their case. [end] Six Human Rights Groups to Israeli High Court: Stop the harm to the civilian population in Gaza B'tselem 7/11/2006 Today, July 11, 2006, six human rights groups petitioned the Israeli High Court demanding that the crossings in Gaza be opened to allow for the steady and regular supply of fuel, food, medicine, and equipment, including spare parts needed to operate generators. The groups – the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, Hamoked: Center for Defence of the Individual, B’tselem, the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel and Gisha - Center for the Legal Protection of Freedom of Movement also asked for an urgent hearing in order to prevent serious harm to the health of the civilian population, especially patients in hospital, and to prevent the breakdown of the water and sewage system in Gaza. Israeli forces invade Hebron and take five Palestinians to unknown locations Palestine News Network 7/11/2006 Israeli forces arrested five Palestinians Tuesday afternoon in the southern West Bank town of Hebron after raiding several homes and vehicles. According to the Hebron office of the Palestinian Prisoner Society, Israeli forces chased a car inside the West Bank they claimed to be “suspicious. ”The Israelis stopped the car near the Palestinian city’s center and arrested three Palestinians inside, including the car’s owner, 21 year old Rami Al Din. Near the same location, Israeli forces arrested 19 year old Youssef Omran Abu Hussein after raiding his home. Palestinian security sources added that the Israeli army arrested 22 year old Munir Abu Aisheh after raiding his home near the local Palestinian police station. Israeli Army abducts two youths from a Ramallah village International Middle East Media Center 7/11/2006 The Israeli army took two residents prisoner from the West Bank village of Al Mazra'aa Al Gharbeyah, west of Ramallah city, Tuesday at dawn. The two residents were identified as Hani Ahmad Abu Qare',24, and Zeyad Mohammad Husien Hanoun, 23. Hamed Abu Qare', Hani's brother, said that Israeli soldiers backed by armored vehicles invaded the village at the dawn and surrounded his brother's home, then searched his home and abducted him in addition to the other resident and took them to an unknown location. [end] Finnish expert mediating between Israel, Mashaal? YNet News 7/11/2006 Saudi newspaper al-Watan reports hostage negotiations expert from Finland secretly mediating between Israel, Hamas political leader to resolve Gilad Shalit kidnapping crisis. Source: Currently there are talks behind closed doors on a deal that will include not only the release of prisoners, but also a Hudna (temporary ceasefire) between Israel and Hamas -- The Saudi newspaper al-Watan reported Tuesday that a hostage negotiations expert from Finland is secretly mediating between Israel and Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal in an effort to resolve the Gilad Shalit kidnapping crisis. According to the report, it was the Israeli government that requested the expert’s involvement, and he has recently met with Mashaal in Damascus. Right-wing activist deemed ‘security threat’ YNet News 7/11/2006 Israel Police detained Yitzhar settler Ariel Gruner, who heads organization that helps right-wing detainees, after Defense Minister Peretz signs arrest warrant. Security officials: Gruner poses real danger to country’s security, is a threat to general public and security forces. Rightist Baruch Marzel says ‘the arrest of a person who deals with civil rights should worry not only members of the Right; this is a terrible infringement of the freedom of speech’ -- Israel Police detained Yitzhar settler Ariel Gruner under a three-month administrative detention warrant and transferred him to Hashikma Prison. Gruner heads the heads the Honenu organization, which helps right-wing detainees. He was apprehended outside a Petach Tikva courtroom after Defense Minister Amir Peretz signed the arrest warrant. Mubarak: Israel was planning to free Palestinian prisoners Ha'aretz 7/11/2006 Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was about to release a large number of Palestinian prisoners before the crisis over the captured Israeli soldier worsened, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said in remarks published Tuesday. In an interview with the Egyptian state-run newspaper El-Messa, Mubarak spoke of a missed opportunity to resolve the confrontation that developed between Israel and the Palestinians after militants linked to the Hamas government kidnapped an Israel Defense Forces soldier on June 25 and demanded an exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. "Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, promised me to free a large number of Palestinian prisoners," Mubarak said. "But events suddenly escalated. " Baby girl does not know her father, born while he served two years as a political prisoner Palestine News Network 7/11/2006 "My child does not know me,” says just released Palestinian political prisoner, Mohammad. “I felt great pain, but I must accept this fate as she came into this life while I was behind bars. ”The Qalqilia resident spoke to PNN Tuesday as he was released from the Israeli Al Naqab (Negev) Prison yesterday. Israeli forces arrested him 22 months ago, just days after his wedding. Since that time the political prisoner was in Administrative Detention, an Israeli invention which allows them to imprison Palestinians without charge or trial for unlimited periods of time. And for this father, his pain is in concert of that of many of the more than 10,000 Palestinians currently in Israeli prisons. Mohammad told PNN, “I could only behave as one of the well-wishers, buying games worth a thousand shekels in order to get this little girl, my daughter, not to cry when I approached her. ” Suspected Qassam leader keeps silent for 60 days of interrogation Ma'an News 7/11/2006 Nablus --Ma'an-The Israeli central security service has finished interrogation of detainee, Ibrahim Hamid, 42, who is reputed to be the general commander of the Izzeddin Al-Qassam Brigades, an armed wing of Hamas movement, in the West Bank. The detainee has not spoken a single word during the interrogation. He refused to even give his name. Sources that are close to the detainee reported that after two months of harsh torture during interrogation, the detectives gave up hope of making him speak. [end] Israeli report reveals dire conditions in detention centers Ma'an News 7/11/2006 Bethlehem --The annual report which the Israeli General Defense office submitted to the Supreme Court, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Interior Security and the judicial chancellor confirmed that the conditions of detainees in Israeli police detention centers witnessed no improvements in the year 2005. The report gave examples of the harsh conditions in those detention centers:In Eilat center a detainee said that he was tied to his bed for the whole night and was denied food, drink and access to a rest room. Another detainee who was tied up for the whole day defecated in his pants, then the detention police confiscated his bed and cleaned him by showering with a pipe while he remained tied. Study: Living conditions in Israeli prisons unfit for humans Ha'aretz 7/11/2006 Living conditions for inmates in Israel's prisons and incarceration facilities are unbearable and not fit for humans, according to the annual report by the Public Defender's Office. This is the first time that the Public Defender's Office also examined the conditions in courthouse detention facilities. The examination revealed harsh conditions that are in violation of the High Court of Justice's ruling regarding the minimal conditions to be accorded to inmates. The report was submitted this week to Justice Minister Haim Ramon, Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter, President of the Supreme Court Aharon Barak, and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz.... The report's findings show that in eight of the courtroom detention facilities, inmates are held for long hours in conditions of extreme overcrowding. Prisoner's Society: Israel tortures prisoners Ma'an News 7/11/2006 Tulkarem --The manager of the Prisoners' Society in Tulkarem, Halimah Rumailat, stated that the Israelis practice daily torture on Palestinian prisoners. The latest incident of which was at Shatta prison Tuesday, when prisoners were attacked with hot water and tear gas. Israeli prison authorities separate some prisoners into isolation cells, confiscate handicrafts the prisoners produce and have deprived the prisoners of family visits since the beginning of the crisis in Gaza. These statements came during the weekly sit-in strike of prisoners' families in front of the Red Cross headquarters. [end] Abducted Palestinian officials will not recognize Israeli courts according to their lawyer Ma'an News 7/11/2006 Ramallah --Under-Secretary of the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs, Ziad Abu Ain, said that the lawyer for the detained ministers and Palestinian Legislative Council members was able to visit most of them at different jails. According to the under secretary, all of them assured the lawyer that they will refuse to be charged in an Israeli court because they deny its legitimacy. They will not attend even if they are forced. Abu Ain said that he informed Abu Mazen (President Abbas) who is following up with the issue and contacting all the international organizations to speed up the release of the Palestinian officials. PLC head, Dr Aziz Adwaik and the head of the legal committee, Khalida Jarrar, were also informed. [end] March in Jenin calls for end of Gaza invasion and freedom for prisoners Ma'an News 7/11/2006 Jenin --The Prisoners' Society in Palestine and the National and Islamic factions in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports organized a protest march in Jenin against the Israeli aggression in Gaza. They called for freedom of all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. The march finished at the headquarters of the international Red Cross in order to deliver a letter of protest. Protesters shouted for the Israelis to stop shedding Palestinian blood. They said: "Oh Israel! No matter how strong you may be, you won't be able to win your case, especially when it is about our unalienable rights to our land, and human rights. " Israel refuses to negotiate over captured soldier The Independent 7/11/2006 The Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, has dismissed international criticisms of the military incursions into Gaza and vowed that there would be no negotiations with the "bloody organisation" Hamas on prisoner exchanges. Mr Olmert's uncompromising public line came as Khaled Meshal, the exiled head of Hamas's political bureau, said in Damascus that Gilad Shalit, the 19-year-old army corporal seized by 16 days ago, would not be freed without the release of Palestinian prisoners. At least four Palestinians, including at least three presumed militants, were killed in three airstrikes yesterday. Mr Olmert was especially scathing about an EU warning against "disproportionate" Israeli military action in Gaza, saying that militants had fired 300 Qassam rockets at Israel last month. Hamas leaders: Meshal backs broad-based deal with Israel Ha'aretz 7/11/2006 Khaled Meshal, head of the Hamas political office, supports Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh's call for a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians, Meshal-affiliated Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip say. Speaking with Haaretz, the Hamas sources said that Meshal supported a broad-based deal that would include the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit, abducted in a Hamas raid against an Israel Defense Forces outpost two weeks ago, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. In addition, the deal would include an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and an end to targeted killings, in return for a long-term cease-fire on the part of the Palestinians that would include an end to the Qassam rockets. The Hamas sources complained that, at this time, there is no one on the Israeli side willing to hear their proposals. Meshaal Calls for Prisoner Exchange Palestine Chronicle 7/10/2006 DAMASCUS - Khaled Meshaal, the exiled political leader of Hamas, has said Israel must release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a captured Israeli soldier. Meshaal, who has survived an Israeli assassination attempt, was speaking at a rare news conference in Damascus on Monday. "Our people... are united on the insistence to swap the captured soldier with prisoners in the jails of the Zionist enemy," Meshaal said. Israel has said it will not negotiate with the governing Hamas movement for the release of the soldier, captured in a cross-border raid into Israel on June 25. "We have told mediators and those who made political efforts [to end the issue] that we support the peaceful, calm handling of this matter but you need to understand the needs of the Palestinian people," Meshaal said. Meshal insists on prisoner swap for return of abducted soldier Ha'aretz 7/10/2006 Khaled Meshal, the Damascus-based head of the Hamas political office, insisted Monday on a swap of Palestinian prisoners for the captured Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit. "Our people... are united on the insistence to swap the captured soldier with prisoners in the jails of the Zionist enemy," said the exiled Hamas leader during a rare press conference from the Syrian capital. He said that Shalit is a "prisoner of war and international conventions and laws should be applied to his case. "He blamed Israel for the collapse of Egyptian, Qatari and European mediation efforts to solve the crisis over the soldier. "These efforts hit snags over Israel's insistence on the release of the Israeli soldier and its refusal to release Palestinian prisoners," he said. Israeli minister hints at deal AlJazeera 7/10/2006 Palestinians want their relatives to be freed from Israeli jails -- An Israeli official has said that Palestinian prisoners could be freed in return for releasing a kidnapped Israeli soldier in comments that contradict the Israeli premier's stance. "If the soldier is released, we could again consider a release of prisoners as we were doing before his abduction," the interior minister, Roni Bar-On, told a local television on Monday. "The prime minister, when he met [Palestinian leader Mahmoud] Abbas in Jordan, had raised a possible release of young people, women and the sick, which was not purely theoretical. " Bar-On was referring to a meeting between Ehud Olmert and Abbas on June 22. Prime Minister Haniya: Israel is targeting children, women and civilians in a deliberate manner, and calm must be restored Palestine News Network 7/8/2006 Prime Minister Ismail Haniya said today that in order to get out of the current crisis of intense Israeli aggression and to resolve the Palestinian political prisoners’ issue, and that of the captive Israeli soldier, serious negotiations are in order. The Palestinian Prime Minister issued a statement Saturday which described the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip as criminal and heinous. He pointed out that Israel is targeting children, women and civilians in a deliberate manner. “What is happening in the northern Gaza Strip is evidence that Israel is pursuing a policy of indiscriminate killings and collective punishment against the Palestinian people. ”The Prime Minister called on the Arab League and the international community to immediately intervene to “stop the atrocities Israeli is committing against our defenseless people. " Palestinian political prisoner families calling for end to arbitrary and inhumane treatment Palestine News Network 7/10/2006 While Israeli imprisonment of Palestinian political activists is not a new occurrence, the affects on their families is becoming increasingly apparent. The 46 year old leader of the Fateh party in Jenin, and political prisoner in Al Naqab (Negev) Israeli Prison, Ghassan Abdullah Al Sa’adi, told PNN Monday that Israeli forces have his son. Salah Abdullah Al Sa’adi is just 24 years old. Israeli authorities are imprisoning him on an Administrative Detention sentence, meaning without charge or trial, for more than three years. The Israelis extended his sentence six consecutive times. Although young Salah was eventually released, Al Sa’adi told PNN that Israeli forces arrested him once again, this time accusing the young man of being a leader of the Islamic Jihad party. Freed prisoner describes conditions of Palestinian legislators in Israeli jail Ma'an News 7/10/2006 Bethlehem -- A Bethlehem resident, Rami Khalid Isa Hirmas was abducted on the same night that Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members Anwar Zboon, Mahmoud Al-Khatib and the Mufti of Bethlehem, Abdul-Majid Ata. He narrated the following story to Hanan Al-Khatib, the advocate for the Palestinian Prisoners Society:"At first they were taken to the DCO headquarters in Bethlehem. Then, they were transferred at 5 0' clock in the morning to Atzion detention center where they stayed outside for two hours without being permitted to go to the rest room. In addition, they were forced to sit under the sun whenever any of them tried to utter a word. Then, they were transferred to Ofer with their eyes covered and hands folded behind their backs. Nonviolent resistance in Salem Prison as Palestinians begin hunger strike Palestine News Network 7/9/2006 Israeli forces are preventing lawyers and family members to visit Palestinian political prisoners in the Salem Prison, west of Jenin in the northern West Bank. In response, the imprisoned people are undertaking an act of nonviolent resistance by going on hunger strike in protest of “difficult circumstances. ”According to a statement issued by the Prisoners Committee, a state of tension and resentment is prevalent among the Palestinians in light of harsh acts taken by the Israeli administration. Palestinian political prisoners are well-documented as being deprived of all their rights and detained amid inhumane conditions. Complaints in addition to no lawyer or familial visits, are extreme punishments, unjustified torturous attacks, inadequate meals, and lack of medical care. Palestinian presidential representatives in Damascus wish to globalise issue of a prisoners' exchange Ma'an News 7/10/2006 Damascus --A member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's Executive Committee and political head of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Tayseer Khalid, arrived in Damascus on Sunday with Abdullah Al Hourani, as representatives of the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in efforts to obtain international and Arab support for the Palestinians. Both men travelled to the Syrian capital in order to continue the dialogue with Palestinian officials such as Khalid Mash'al aimed at solving the issue of the Palestinian prisoners and the captured Israeli soldier. Khalid said, "We are hoping to convert the crisis into an Arab and international concern. Let the great and the friendly nations become a party in the prisoners' exchange instead of intervening only for the benefit of the Israeli occupation. [end] High court okays procedure for reviewing detention of 150 Sudanese asylum-seekers Ha'aretz 7/10/2006 The High Court of Justice approved Thursday a deal to review the legal status of some 150 Sudanese refugees held in administrative detention since entering Israel illegally from Egypt several months ago. The proposal approved by the court was submitted by the state in response to a petition filed by Moked - the Hotline for Migrant Workers and The Refugee Rights Clinic at Tel Aviv University. However, the court also criticized this solution and ordered it reexamined within 30 days. The refugees, many of them survivors of the genocide in Darfur, were caught after crossing the border and placed in administrative detention under the Law of Infiltration. They have been held at the Ketziot military prison without access to legal advice, support or an opportunity to plead their case for political asylum. Poll: Majority of Palestinians back kidnappings, Qassam fire Ha'aretz 7/10/2006 A sizable majority of Palestinians support the continued kidnappings of Israelis as well as persistent Qassam rocket fire as a means to pressure Israel to release Palestinian prisoners, according to a new poll commissioned by the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center, the results of which were released Sunday. Of the 1,197 respondents from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, 66. 8 percent expressed support for further kidnappings of Israeli civilians while 77. 2 percent backed the Kerem Shalom tunnel operation and subsequent kidnapping of Israel Defense Forces Corporal Gilad Shalit. Nonetheless, just 47. 7 percent of those polled said they believed the Shalit affair would end positively for the Palestinian side. Megiddo prisoners could be moved after Christian relics found on site Ha'aretz 7/10/2006 Prisoners are likely to be transferred from Megiddo Prison to make way for archaeologists and tourists, after the discovery of an ancient Christian prayer house - considered the oldest in the world - at the site last year. In the spring of next year, the first stage of a new plan will be implemented and the four-dunam area of the prayer house will be placed outside the prison boundaries and opened to the public. A plan to develop the site, which is in Wadi Ara, is shortly expected to be approved by the government. It was drawn up by officials in the Prime Minister's Office and the Antiquities Authority together with the Megiddo regional council. The plan was presented last week to Minister Ophir Pines-Paz who is in charge of the authority. Rights group casts spotlight on torture in Algeria The Daily Star 7/11/2006 Algerian security forces regularly torture detainees and Britain should not deport terrorism suspects to the country, the human-rights watchdog Amnesty International said on Monday, ahead of the Algerian president's trip to London. In a 44-page report, the London-based human rights group said Algeria's intelligence agency, the Department of Information and Security, or DRS, is using the "war on terror" as an excuse to perpetuate torture and ill-treatment. "Recent measures taken by the Algerian authorities with the stated intention of consolidating 'national reconciliation' have failed to address this grim legacy," it said..... Amnesty wants British Prime Minister Tony Blair to urge Algeria's President Abdel-Aziz Bouteflika during their meeting Tuesday to investigate allegations of torture and abuse. Israel offers prisoners if kidnapped corporal is freed The Independent 7/8/2006 A senior Israeli cabinet minister suggested for the first time that some Palestinian prisoners might be released if abducted Army Corporal Gilad Shalit was freed and Qassam rocket fire halted. The hint by Interior Minister Avi Dichter came as the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that Israel had already promised potential releases from among certain categories of prisoners in return for the freeing of Cpl Shalit.... Mr Abbas went significantly further by saying Israel had already promised the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak they would release "a "number" of prisoners among those "that have been there for more than 20 years, those that are sick, women and children". Hamas: We'll trade Shalit for female and long-term prisoners Ha'aretz 7/7/2006 Hamas would agree to release the abducted Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit, and to stop firing Qassam rockets at Israel in exchange for the release of all female Palestinian prisoners and about 30 prisoners who have been in Israeli jails for more than 20 years, sources within the organization said yesterday. The sources said that Hamas will also demand that Israel withdraw its forces from the areas of Gaza that it occupied during the past week, release the Palestinian lawmakers that it arrested and end its policy of targeted assassinations. The sources confirmed yesterday's report about this offer in the London-based newspaper Al-Hayat, as well as Hamas's withdrawal of its previous demand for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in return for Shalit. Six Palestinians arrested in Ramallah and Hebron Ma'an News 7/7/2006 Bethlehem --Israeli forces arrested six Palestinian citizens early on Friday claiming that they are "wanted" by Israel. Israeli sources said that three Palestinians were arrested in villages north of Ramallah. The sources said that they were Fatah members. Another three Palestinians were arrested from villages south of Hebron, also accused of being Fatah members. The Israeli sources also claimed that the soldiers found ammunition and weapons on one of the detainees in the Hebron area. [end] Hamas: Israel responsible for stalled talks on Shalit Ha'aretz 7/8/2006 Hamas issued a statement on Friday, directed at the Israeli public and the family of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, saying that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's administration shoulders the blame for the stalled negotiations over Shalit's release. The statement blames Olmert's government for refusing to respond to Hamas' "legitimate demand for the release of prisoners in exchange for Shalit's release. "Hamas reiterated its demand for the release of female prisoners as well as sick and underage prisoners. In the statement, Hamas emphasized Israel's refusal to comply with their demands. The statement urges the Israeli press to support the advancement of negotiations. Hamas declared that Shalit is being held in humane conditions, as commanded by the Muslim religion. Dichter: We’ll release prisoners if necessary YNet News 7/7/2006 Internal security minister says ‘Israel will release Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit’s freedom. Adds: Release of prisoners in exchange for end to Qassam rocket fire on Israel an attainable goal. Hamas in response: Our people have no faith in goodwill gestures -- Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said Friday that “Israel will release (Palestinian security) prisoners to free kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. We’ve done it in the past to free hostages and in exchange for calm. “We all hope Gilad will come home safe and sound,” Dichter said... Speaking to business executives at Tel Aviv’s David Intercontinental hotel, the internal security minister alluded to the possibility that releasing prisoners remains an option in future affairs as well. Israel has stopped visits to 8,700 Palestinian prisoners since capture of Israeli soldier Ma'an News 7/7/2006 Bethlehem --A spokesman for the Israeli prisons authority said that since the capture of the Israeli soldier on Sunday 25 June 2006, Israel has decided to prevent visits to 8,700 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli prisons. The spokesman said, "This decision was for security reasons". An Israeli committee for human rights submitted an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court in regards to this decision to prevent visits to prisoners and the court asked the Israeli government to clarify the reasons for its decision by the end of this month. [end] Gush Shalom addresses Europe Ma'an News 7/7/2006 Ma'an- The Israeli peace group Gush Shalom has sent a letter to all European embassies in Israel urging immediate intervention to stop the Palestinian bloodshed in Gaza. The outline is also expected to be published in Haaretz and in the International Herald Tribune. The outline is as follows:The internationally-lauded "disengagement" from Gaza did not end the occupation there. This continued in the form of an Israeli stranglehold over Gaza's communications with the outside world. The Gaza Strip has been turned into a huge open-air prison. With the Israeli government refusing to talk to the elected Palestinian government, the only dialogue left now is the dialogue of the bombs, often directed at civilian targets on both sides of the border. Hamas sources confirm report on possible deal on Gilad Shalit Ha'aretz 7/7/2006 Hamas would agree to release the abducted Israeli soldier, Corporal Gilad Shalit, and to stop firing Qassam rockets at Israel in exchange for the release of all female Palestinian prisoners and about 30 prisoners who have been in Israeli jails for more than 20 years, sources within the organization said Thursday. Also Thursday, father of the abducted soldier called on Israel to free Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel in exchange for the release of his son. This was the first time Noam Shalit has publicly voiced support for a prisoner exchange, a demand Hamas has been making on Israel since the soldier was captured. The Hamas sources said that organization will also demand that Israel withdraw its forces from the areas of Gaza that it occupied during the past week and... Soldier's father calls for negotiations with Hamas YNet News 7/6/2006 Noam Shalit, father of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, criticizes government, says Israel should consider freeing Palestinian prisoners: ‘What are they waiting for? Everything has its price’ -- Noam Shalit, father of kidnapped soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit, called on the government to negotiate with his son’s kidnappers, even if the price for his safe release is freeing Palestinian security prisoners. After 11 days of uncertainty, Shalit doesn’t understand why such negotiations are not yet underway, and hopes that talks are being held in secret channels, without the family’s knowledge. In a conversation with journalists waiting at the entrance to his home, Shalit was directly questioned whether he thought Israel should talk with Hamas regarding releasing prisoners in return for Gilad’s freedom. National referendum postponed Ma'an News 7/6/2006 Ma'an -- Palestinian informed sources said on Thursday that the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, has decided to freeze the preparations for the referendum on the Prisoners' Document which was supposed to be held on the 27th of July 2006. The London-based newspaper "Al Sharq Al Awsat" reported that the postponing of the referendum is a temporary measure. The newspaper said the reason is that the Palestinians signed a "national accord" agreement in Gaza a week ago. Abbas issued a presidential decree on June 6 calling a referendum if the Palestinians failed to reach an agreement in regard to the Prisoners' Document. [end] Captured Palestinian Minister of Prisoners' affairs health deteriorates; Israeli army transfers mos International Middle East Media Center 7/6/2006 Thursday morning Israeli army will charge the Ministers and Parliament Members with the affiliation with the Hamas movement in military courts in both detentions of Salem near the West Bank city of nablus and in Ofer south of Ramallah. Khaled Dusuqi, lawyer of the prisoners' supporters society in Ramallah said on Wednesday said that the Palestinian ministers and the Palestinian Legislative Council members captured by the Israeli army last week are treated harshly and are humiliated by the Israeli soldiers in Al Jalamah dentition center. In one of his visits to Al Jalamah ditintion center, located near the Israeli city of Haifa on the Carmeal mountains, lawyer Dusuqi was allowed by the Isreali army to meet with the captured minister of prisoners' affairs Wasfi Qabaha from the West Bank city of Jenin. High Court okays review of Sudanese refugees' remand Ha'aretz 7/7/2006 The High Court of Justice on Thursday approved a request for a review of the legal status of some 150 Sudanese refugees held in administrative detention since they entered Israel illegally from Egypt several months ago. The court backed the State's response to a petition submitted by two human rights groups: Hotline for Migrant Workers and The Refugee Rights Clinic at Tel Aviv University. The refugees, most of whom survived the massacre in Darfur, were caught after crossing the border and were put in administrative detention under the Law of Infiltration. They have been held at the Ketziot military prison without access to legal advice, support, or an opportunity to plea their case for political asylum. PLO executive committee invites Hamas to join Ma'an News 7/5/2006 Bethlehem --Members of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) invited the Hamas movement to join the coming meeting. They suggested that the movement be represented the Prime minister or the head of the Palestinian Legislative Council until they reach a formula for representation in accord with the Prisoners' Document. This invitation came after the video-conference meeting between Ramallah and Gaza. The executive committee decided that the government should continue its work regardless of the Israeli measures until a coalition government is achievable. President Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) who presided over the meeting highly praised the Arab League for depositing 50 million dollars in the PA account. Rights group: Israel preventing families from visiting prisoners Ha'aretz 7/5/2006 Hamoked, the Center for the Defense of the Individual, petitioned the High Court on Wednesday claiming that Israel has prevented families from visiting 9,000 security prisoners since Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit was abducted. Hamoked is calling on the court to issue warrants to allow the visits. The petition, filed against the Israel Prison Service and against the commander of IDF troops in the West Bank, claims that authorities prevented prisoners' family members from visiting their relatives in March 2003 and October 2000. The visits resumed after a series of petitions. According to the petition, the current moratorium on visits was imposed after Shalit's abduction last week. According to Hamoked, "The rights of prisoners and their families have been infringed, as part of a collective punishment, and is not allowed. " Rajoub: Releasing prisoners will help free Gilad Shalit Ha'aretz 7/6/2006 RAMALLAH - Jibril Rajoub, who served as national security adviser in the Palestinian Authority and is considered one of the leading Fatah figures in the West Bank, told Haaretz Wednesday that Khaled Meshal, the Hamas leader in Damascus, would agree to the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit and an end to the Qassam attacks if Israel releases a group of prisoners of women and veteran detainees, pulls out of the Gaza Strip and ends its assassinations and bombings. Asked if his comments stemmed from direct knowledge or personal assessment of the situation, Rajoub said: "Understand it as you will. I do not intend to expand on this issue. " Source: Captors offer new conditions on Gaza standoff YNet News 7/5/2006 Palestinians are ready to release kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit if Israel sets a timetable for freeing some prisoners, a Palestinian source close to negotiations with Egyptian mediators says -- Palestinians are ready to release a captive Israeli soldier if Israel sets a timetable for freeing some prisoners, a Palestinian source close to negotiations with Egyptian mediators said on Wednesday. Such a proposal would indicate an apparent softening of the stand of the Palestinians holding Corporal Gilad Shalit, captured during a cross border raid on June 25. But the source said Israel had told the Egyptians it still rejected such a proposal and has said that it might free some prisoners by the end of the year without any firm promises. Israel Declares ‘Long War’ against Palestinians Palestine Chronicle 7/4/2006 While tanks and infantry massed along Gaza's northern border, Israel warned the governing Hamas that the 'sky will fall on them' if Gilad was harmed. -- GAZA CITY - While Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya appealed for the safety of the Israeli soldier taken prisoner by resistance groups, Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert said Tuesday, July 4, declared a "long war" against the Gaza Strip. "This is a long war... It requires lots of patience, sometimes endless restraint," Olmert was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We have to know when to clench our teeth and to deal a decisive blow. " Israel has given the army a green light to launch a deeper incursion into northern Gaza, though there was no indication when it might begin, the Maariv newspaper reported. DFLP and Syrian Baath party meet in Damascus Ma'an News 7/5/2006 Damascus -- Secretary-General of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) Nayef Hawatmah met with the Regional assistant secretary-general of the Syrian Baath party, Mohammad Said Bakhtian in Damascus on Wednesday to discuss the current situation in the Palestinian territoriesBoth officials confirmed that Arab countries and the international community should take practical steps to resolve the issue surrounding Palestinian prisoners as well as the issue of the captured Israeli soldier. Bakhtian assured Hawatmah of Syrian support for the Palestinian people and called on Palestinian factions to be united. [end] Court extends remand of 5 Hamas detainees YNet News 7/5/2006 During remand hearing of five Palestinian lawmakers from Hamas, captured in IDF arrest raid last week, attorney says 'arrest is slap in face of whole Palestinian nation, of democratic process and of those who encouraged it. Lawyer charges prisoners being held in inhuman conditions -- The Military Court at the Ofer camp extended by five days the remand of five senior Hamas members who were captured last week during an IDF arrest raid in the West Bank and Jerusalem, in response to the kidnapping of Cpl. Gilad Shalit and continued attacks against Israel. Additional prisoners will be brought for remand hearings in the upcoming days. The five Hamas members, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Nayef Al Rajoub plus four Palestinian parliament members... were arrested on the grounds of their membership in a terrorist organization. Israeli soldier's captors end talks as ultimatum expires The Guardian 7/5/2006 Military leader of Hamas seen as key to crisis · Pressure grows on Syria to help win corporal's release -- Palestinians holding an Israeli soldier said yesterday that they had ended negotiations on his fate after Israel ignored an ultimatum to begin releasing prisoners. The Hamas-led militants holding Corporal Gilad Shalit had said if Israel had not begun releasing some of the 1,500 prisoners by 6am yesterday it would "bear the consequences". A spokesman for the Army of Islam, one of Cpl Shalit's abductors, said they had "decided to freeze all contacts and close the files of this soldier", but added: "We will not kill the soldier, if he is still alive. " Israeli and Palestinian officials believe the corporal is still alive and negotiations are taking place all over the Middle East to secure his release. Olmert threatens wider offensive as militants' deadline passes The Daily Star 7/5/2006 Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered security forces to pursue military operations against the militants and those who command and shelter them, in a thinly veiled reference to Damascus, while ignoring a deadline to free Palestinian prisoners. After the 6 a. m. ultimatum passed, the abductors of Corporal Gilad Shalit pulled out of negotiations with Egyptian mediators trying to end the standoff, despite calls by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyya for them return to the negotiating table. While Israeli tanks and infantry massed along the Gaza Strip's northern border, Palestinian militants carried out their deepest rocket attack yet against Israel, hitting a school yard in the coastal city of Ashkelon, causing no injuries. Olmert said in broadcast remarks the attack would have "unprecedented, far-reaching consequences"... Discussion 'closed' on soldier's fate AlJazeera 7/4/2006 Israeli tanks are poised at the edge of the Gaza Strip -- One of the Palestinian groups that abducted an Israeli soldier hassaid no further information will be given on his fate as a deadline for Israel to free prisoners expired. "Discussion is closed," said Abu al-Muthana, spokesman for the Islamic Army in the Gaza Strip. "Whether he will be killed or not killed, we will not disclose any information about the fate of the soldier. " However, he also said that killing Corporal Gilad Shalit, captured in a cross border attack on June 25, would violate the captors' principles. "Some people thought that the groups that carried out the operation will kill him, but our Islamic values tell us that prisoners should be respected and not killed," al-Muthana said. Israel Rejects Deadline, to Try Ministers Palestine Chronicle 7/4/2006 Shimon Peres inflamed the situation by saying that Israel would prosecute Palestinian government officials kidnapped during the ongoing Israeli onslaught. -- GAZA CITY — Israel on Monday, July 3, rejected a one-day deadline given by Palestinian resistance fighters taking prisoner an Israeli soldier to release Palestinian prisoners and vowed to prosecute Palestinian government officials kidnapped during the ongoing Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip. "We are studying the statement and for the moment are sticking to the official position expressed by the prime minister rejecting any negotiations with the kidnappers or giving into any blackmail," an Israeli army official told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Israelis given 6am deadline to meet demands for release of captured soldier The Guardian 7/4/2006 Palestinian groups warn 'case will be closed' · Olmert says he will not give in to extortion -- Beit Hanoun: The Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, yesterday rejected an ultimatum from the Palestinian captors of an Israeli soldier that ordered Israel to begin releasing prisoners or "bear all the consequences". Mr Olmert said in a statement that he held the Palestinian Authority fully responsible for the welfare of Corporal Gilad Shilat. "Israel will not give in to extortion by the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas government, which are led by murderous terrorist organisations... We will not conduct any negotiations on the release of prisoners," he said. The three militant groups holding Cpl Shalit have demanded the release of all women and children prisoners and a further 1,000 inmates. Captured Israeli soldier may be handed to France or Egypt Ma'an News 7/4/2006 Ma'an -- Ma'an-Palestinian sources have revealed that a deal has been discussed to end the soldier crisis in which he is going to be handed over to an Arab or foreign side and in exchange, guarantees will be given to release Palestinian prisoners. The London-based newspaper "Al Hayat" said that the soldier could be handed to France or Egypt, the two counties who are trying to mediate in this issue. The sources added that if the deal is agreed upon, the soldier will be handed to one of the two states after having received the suitable guarantees that Palestinian prisoners will be released. The deal will also end the Israeli incursion and siege; in return the Palestinian factions will stop the projectile-launching at Israeli towns and cities from the Gaza Strip. Turkey slams detention of Hamas officials Ha'aretz 7/2/2006 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized on Saturday Israel's detention of Hamas cabinet ministers and said he would discuss the crisis with the White House. "I have difficulty understanding the abduction of eight Palestinian ministers and 50 members of parliament and administrators, and I don't see this as ever adding to peace in the Middle East," Erdogan said in televised remarks. "The kidnapping of a soldier is not right - it's wrong. OK, is the price of this eight ministers, does the price of this mean kidnapping parliament members and local directors over there, taking them prisoner? " he asked. Erdogan said he had already spoken by telephone with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. Mitzpe Hila: Protest against Gaza operation YNet News 7/4/2006 Some 50 yeshiva students come to express support for Shalit family. Women's group takes advantage of large media presence, protests IDF activity in Gaza -- Among the many guests who came Tuesday to visit the family of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, in their home in Mitzpe Hila, two groups stood out from the crowd. In the early afternoon hours, almost fifty students from the high school yeshiva in Shalavim stood near the family's home and prayed for Gilad's safety and wellbeing. Soon afterwards, six women from the Tel Aviv area arrived at the entrance of the community and called upon the government to stop the operation in Gaza and begin negotiations with Hamas to return Gilad in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Ministry of Prisoners' Affairs concerned about safety of abducted Palestinian officials Ma'an News 7/4/2006 Ramallah -- The undersecretary in the ministry of prisoners' affairs, Ziad Abu 'Ain, said on Tuesday that the legislative committee for defending the kidnapped ministers and Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members includes a PLC lawyer, representatives of the ministry of prisoners' affairs, the detainees' union and a lawyer from the Prisoner Supporters' Society. Abu 'Ain expressed his fear for the safety of the detainees, particularly since they were transferred to the Israeli prison of Ramla. [end] Israeli subjecting Palestinian Ministers and Legislative Council members to physical and psychological humiliation Ma'an News 7/4/2006 Nablus -- Ma'an-The lawyer for the Prisoners' Support Society Faris Abu Al-Hasan, who is also a member of the committee which has been set up to defend the Palestinian ministers and Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) members who were arrested last week, has said that Yasir Mansor, Husin Boriny and Riad 'Ali from Nablus are being held at the Salem detention center. They are going to be charged at the Salem military court on Thursday. He added that the PLC members who have been detained have been subjected to various kinds of of physical and psychological humiliation. He said that Israel's treatment of ministers and PLC members in such a manner, is a violation of all international laws and treaties which give immunity to ministers and members of parliament. |
Even the Arab media has forgotten Palestine By Amin Abu Wardeh, Palestine News Network 7/27/2006 (Nablus In the past two weeks, since the onset of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, regional and international media has all but forgotten about Palestine. Yet killings, incursions, and arrests by Israeli forces still occur on a daily basis in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Even the media of the Arab world is currently being criticized by many Palestinians. Yesterday’s slaughter of 23 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip was apparently only important enough to make the second story on most Arab media websites. The ongoing fighting on the Israeli-Lebanese border served as the top story. What most media sources, and international political figures, are missing, however, is the clear and distinct relationship between what is occurring in southern Lebanon and what has been occurring all summer in Palestine. The visit of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Ramallah only confirmed the beliefs of many Palestinian politicians that the international community is missing the connection between Israel’s clashes on the northern and southern fronts. Instead of discussing the loss of Palestinian life, or calling for a prisoner exchange, Rice pressured the Palestinian side for the release of the captured Israeli soldier.
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Adalah Adalah (Justice in Arabic) is the first non-profit, non-sectarian Palestinian-run legal center in Israel. The main goal of Adalah’s work is to achieve equal rights and minority rights protections for Palestinian citizens of Israel. Addameer Prisoners’ Support and Human Rights Organization: Addameer (conscience) is a Palestinian non-governmental, civil institution which focuses on human rights issues. Supports Palestinian prisoners, advocates for rights of political prisoners, works to end torture. Amnesty International Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. Amnesty International USA Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. Arab Association for Human Rights - HRA The HRA was founded in 1988 to promote and protect the political, civil, economic, and cultural rights of the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel and to further the domestic implementation of international human rights principles. It is an independent non-governmental organisation registered in Israel. Association for Civil Rights in Israel - ACRI In Hebrew - The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) was founded in 1972 as a non-political and independent body, with the goal of protecting human and civil rights in Israel and in the territories under Israeli control. B’tselem The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. It endeavors to document and educate the Israeli public and policymakers about human rights violations in the Occupied Territories, combat the phenomenon of denial prevalent among the Israeli public, and help create a human rights culture in Israel. Boycott Israeli Medical Association UK: The Medical Committee for Boycott of the Israeli Medical Association (IMA) will document the systematic torture of Palestinian people by agents of Israel. It will publicise the practice in order to bring world opinion to bear on Israel. And it will challenge the Israeli Medical Association which has repeatedly failed to issue advice to doctors who are involved in any way with torture. Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch is an independent, nongovernmental organization, supported by contributions from private individuals and foundations worldwide. Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. Palestinian Center for Human Rights The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is an independent legal body based in Gaza City dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, and upholding democratic principles in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Palestinian Prisoners Society The Palestinian Prisoner Society is a social and human institution and its members are prisoners inside prisons and released prisoners. Membership is open to every Palestinian prisoner inside and outside prisons who meets the conditions of membership. Physicians for Human Rights - Israel Physicians for Human Rights - Israel (PHR-Israel) was established in 1988 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting and protecting the medical human rights of all residents of Israel and the Occupied Territories. Public Committee Against Torture in Israel - PCATI An independent human rights organization founded that monitors the implementation conditions in detention centers and continues the struggle against the use of torture in interrogation in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine The main collection contains the texts of current and historical United Nations material concerning the question of Palestine and other issues related to the Middle East situation and the search for peace. World Organisation Against Torture OMCT is today the largest international coalition of NGOs fighting against torture,summary executions, forced disappearances and all other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in order to preserve Human Rights. It has at its disposal a network, SOS Torture, consisting of some 240 non-governmental organisations which act as sources of information. |
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