Author: ISM Media - Page 407 - International Solidarity Movement

Fishermen arrested and boat confiscated

19 February 2013 | Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Besieged Gaza, Palestine

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the Israeli Navy’s escalation of attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip and expresses its deep concern for such escalation, which resulted in arresting two fishermen and confiscating their boat today.

According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 10:15 on Monday, 19 February 2013, an Israeli gunboat attacked a Palestinian fishing boat, boarding 2 fishermen, sailing 1 nautical miles off al-Sundaniya shore in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli soldiers fired directly at the boat, cordoned it and ordered the fishermen on board to take their clothes off, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. Two fishermen were arrested: Mohammed Shihda Khalil Sa’d Allah (60) and his son, Mahmoud (23), from Jabalya town in the north of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli forces confiscated their fishing boat as well. Immediately after capturing them, the Israeli forces handcuffed the fishermen, blindfolded them and transported them to Ashdod seaport. Both fishermen are still under arrest.

It should be noted that this incident occurred at approximately 1 nautical mile, which is within the 6-nautical-mile limit allowed by the Israeli forces for the Palestinian fishermen to sail and fish at, under the terms of the truce deal signed between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups under Egyptian and international auspices on 22 November 2012.

PCHR condemns the continuous Israeli attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip, and:

1. Calls for immediately stopping the policy of chasing and arresting Palestinian fishermen, and allowing them to sail and fish freely;

2. Demands compensation for the fishermen for the physical and material damage caused to them and their property as a result of these violations;

3.Calls upon the international community, including the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of war, to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli violations against the Palestinian fishermen, and to allow them to sail and fish freely in the Gaza sea.

Clashes in Huwarra after demonstration against Israeli administrative detention

By Team Nablus

18 February 2013 | International Solidarity Movement, Huwarra, Occupied Palestine

Four people , including one eleven year old boy, were arrested today during clashes between Israeli Soldiers and Palestinian Youth (Shebab). At least one person was taken away from the scene in an ambulance. The Israeli Army used tear gas and sound bombs against a crowd of roughly 100 Palestinians who had gathered to protest the ongoing detention of hundreds of Palestinians without charge , particularly Samer Issawi who is on his 210th of hunger strike. Jafar Izzedin, Ayman Sharawneh and Tariq Qadan are also on hunger strike in Israeli Jails.

Six solidarity hunger strikers in Hebron

By Team Khalil

18 February 2013 | International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine

Six Solidarity Hunger Strikers in Hebron.

Six people in Hebron go on hunger strike in support of Ayman Ismail Sharawna who has been on hunger strike in prison for 235 days.
These include Ayman’s mother, Zohra, and three brothers, Jihad, Abed al Rahman and Ismail Shawarna. Joining the family members are Nahil Abu Eisha and Etaf Masalmeh. They are all on an open ended hunger strike to publicise the unjust treatment of Ayman and the other Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. A tent has been erected in the centre of Hebron, near Al Manara, as a focal point for the campaign in the city.
Ayman Ismail Shawarna 38, and a father of nine children, from Deir Samet, Dura, near Hebron went on hunger strike on 1-7-2012 to protest his continued illegal detention in an Israeli prison. Ayman has been on hunger strike for 235 days and his condition is critical. Ayman was released from prison in the Hamas-Israeli prisoner swap in October 2011. He was re-arrested by the Israeli authorities on 31-1-2012 in a breach of the deal and held in administrative detention without charge ever since.
Nahil Abu Eisha, a teacher at Cortoba school in Tel Rumeida, Hebron, was arrested and jailed by a military court for two years when she was twelve years old. She was released after one day when forced to pay a fine of 2,000 Jordanian dinars, about 10,500 shekels.
Etaf Masalmeh from Dura has a brother who has been in an Israeli prison for thirteen years.
Abed al Rahmen Sharawna, one of the six solidarity hunger strikers, said “His family saw him (Ayman Sharawna) two months ago and since then has not been allowed to see him.” Abed explained “They want to show the world what is happening too the prisoners, that he is not alone and they have the same feeling as him in prison.” Abed demanded the Israeli authorities give him his belongings as he is sleeping on the floor with no change of clothes or a blanket. Ayman cannot walk and does not have a wheelchair. The solidarity hunger strikers hope the Israeli authorities will do something but fear they will do nothing for Ayman. Abed said “We will try to do something for him. We are on hunger strike untill we get our demands.”

Clashes erupt in Hebron after peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian political prisoners

By Team Khalil

15 February 2013 | International Solidarity Movement, Hebron, Occupied Palestine

A peaceful demonstration in support of Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails took place today in Hebron with roughly 2000 in attendance. The demonstration was supported by all Palestinian political factions.
Soon after the end of the rally clashes erupted in central Hebron/Al Kalhil. They started near checkpoint 56, a symbol of apartheid in the city, and the entrance to Shuada street which was once a very important street for Palestinian residents and businesses. Over 500 business where forced to close down because of the establishment of illegal settlements near the street.
Israeli occupation forces gathered behind the checkpoint while palestinians gathered on the other side.Sound bombs were quickly used to disperse the protesters. Violence escalated quickly when more protesters took part in the action. The ISraeli army responded by using excessive amounts of teargas and rubber coated steel-bullets hit many Palestinians and one member of ISM. Live ammunition was also used. Many shops were forced to close because of the tear gas.
The clashes continued in the very central areas of the city where lots of cars were damaged with tear gas canisters.
Ambulances continued driving back and forward all afternoon. About 20 Palestinians were injured and hospitalized.

Thirsting for Justice Campaign Teach-in for Palestinian water rights World Water Day – 22 March 2013

19 February| Thirsting for Justice

On World Water Day show your support for the Palestinian struggle for water justice, organize a teach-in to learn the facts about the context and take action in support of this basic human right.

The Thirsting for Justice Campaign calls on supporters worldwide to observe World Water Day 2013 (22 March) by organizing community teach-ins[1] to gain an accurate and factual portrayal of the challenges Palestinians under Israeli occupation face in their daily lives when accessing clean water and to promote discussion on actions in support of Palestinian water rights.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians and internationals in the West Bank will be taking part in a “walk for water justice” in the Jordan Valley to mark World Water Day, an initiative of the Thirsting for Justice Campaign and the Jenin Freedom Theater.

To join the teach-in action:

1. Register intent by writing to us on info@thirstingforjustice.org. You will receive a resource pack, which contains all the information you need to organize this action.

2. Discuss with us your ideas. We will endeavor to answer your queries and support you in the organization of the teach-in. Watch our video: http://youtu.be/wva8lYEVGCk

3. Send us the details for your teach-in so we can advertise it on our website and social media. You can organize the teach-in at any time during the month of March.

4. Send us your report-back with details of what was agreed among participants during the meeting so others can be inspired by your work. See the action sheet we prepared in the resource pack with suggestions on what you could do to reach decision-makers and get them to act.

Learn more about the campaign for Palestinian water rights on our website www.thirstingforjustice.org and look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

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[1] Teach-ins are educational forums where people come together to focus on a single topic and build a common understanding about an issue. Teach-ins are meant to be practical, participatory and oriented towards action. Their main goal is to educate people and work towards change.