ISRAELI SIEGE ON PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES NOT EASED

The Israeli official claim that the siege on Palestinian towns and villages is eased is inaccurate. Israeli military roadblocks are still in place and Palestinian civilians are prevented from moving between towns and villages.

Israeli forces positioned at these roadblocks only allow Palestinians to pass in exceptional circumstances and for a short period of time before re-blocking the roads. Palestinian civilians are forced to wait for long hours before being allowed to pass after having been thoroughly checked, provoked and humiliated. Private cars are not allowed to pass through roadblocks.

LAW Society's researchers have also noted that the roadblocks claimed to be partially opened are under surveillance by closed circuit cameras. According to our researchers, since reaching a "ceasefire" agreement with the Palestinian Authority (PNA) the Israeli authorities have allowed taxis and ambulances to pass through Qalandia roadblock, Nablus-Qalqilia roadblock, Qalqilia-Tulkarem roadblock, Hebron-Al Aroub roadblock and Gaza's Salah Eddin roadblock. However, the concrete blocks are still in place. Israeli authorities have reopened Rafah and Al Karama border crossings, but do not allow Palestinian officers to be there.

LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment, re-emphasises that Israel's claim of easing the siege is false and reiterates the following:

The Israeli siege violates the right to freedom of movement (Art. 23 and 55 of the Fourth Geneva Convention; Art. 13 UDHR; Art. 12 ICCPR; )

Violating the right to freedom of movement is one of the collective punishments imposed by the occupation authority over Palestinian civilians. Article 33 of the 4th Geneva Convention states that: "Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited".

LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment
Tel. +972-2-5833298
Fax. +972-2-5833317
Email: arjan@lawsociety.org

LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to preserving human rights through legal advocacy. LAW is affiliate to the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), The International Federation for Human Rights (FDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).

Arjan El Fassed

Contact: Arjan El Fassed (LAW)
Mobilephone: +(972)-(0)57-699784
Fax number +(972)-(0)2-5833317
E-mail: arjan@lawsociety.org

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