In a press conference ICHR and civil society groups call for holding Israel to account for crimes against the Palestinian people

The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), Palestinian NGOs Network, Palestinian Human Rights Organisations' Council, and Amnesty International held a press conference following a meeting with diplomatic missions to the Palestinian Authority. The meeting was held against the backdrop of the dangerous escalation by Israel, the occupying Power, in the West Bank, including Jerusalem and holy shrines.

Speakers in the conference included Mr. Issam Arouri, ICHR Commissioner General; Dr. Ammar Dwaik, ICHR Director General; Mr. Shawan Jabarin, Al-Haq Director General; Saleh Hijazi; Deputy Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, Amnesty International; and Ms. Rana an-Nashashibi, Director of the Palestinian Counselling Centre.

Dwaik stated that international representatives were briefed about the situation of human rights in Palestine, grave escalation since the beginning of the month of Ramadan, and increasing extra-judicial killing incidents. Since early Ramadan, a total of 26 Palestinians have been killed. In the context of the escalation in Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been subject to frequent raids. The Israeli occupying authorities also violated freedom of access to places of worship, including in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Dwaik asserted that clear and consolidated demands were made to diplomatic missions in Palestine. Namely, the international community should bear its responsibilities and fulfil its duties under International Law.

Dwaik explained that the meeting highlighted the need to support the State of Palestine. The Palestinian government is facing a crippling financial crisis and blockade as a result of clearance revenue deductions. Besides, the European Union has not met its financial obligations towards the State of Palestine.

Jabarin said the meeting addressed the seven-decade Palestinian suffering caused by the Israeli occupation, including killings, destruction, confiscation, persecution, and exploitation of natural resources. This requires practical procedures and specific steps to be initiated. Along the lines of the position held during the Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions should be imposed on Israel. A number of questions were raised. With regard to the position towards the International Criminal Court (ICC), the answer was clear. Accountability is important to move forward with peace or achieve justice. The ICC is also critical to keep alive the hope among Palestinians, particularly victims of Israeli attacks.

Jabarin emphasised the importance of sanctions on Israel. Measures will be taken to confront the Israeli occupation, which is giving a religious dimension to the conflict. This is particularly serious. This is a political conflict, where an occupied nation is seeking self-determination and inalienable rights.

Answering a question about conditional funding, Al-Arouri said that funding was not a key theme of the meeting. Funding was one of the issues addressed by the interlocutors. Without touching on conditions, it was mentioned that the PA’s withheld funds were proceeding towards a solution. In the meeting, participants referred to hate speech in the media and school curricula. The Israelis did not ask where the swelling wave of hatred originated from.

Hijazi explained that the patterns monitored and documented by Amnesty International in an upcoming report included unlawful killing, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, and collective punishment. These patterns are committed by Israel to ensure that the oppression, domination, and apartheid regime is maintained against Palestinians wherever they exist. Hijazi asserted that local and international civil society groups unanimously agreed that Israel was perpetrating a crime against humanity, namely, apartheid. This issue was highlighted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Michael Lynk, in March 2022. Lynk stressed that Israel was committing a crime in this context.

An-Nashashibi said that the meeting with diplomats went over the impact of Israeli violations and practices, particularly against children. It also touched on the conditions of Jerusalem and Jerusalemites. Israeli abuses are tailored to entrench the siege on, and prevent Palestinians from accessing, Jerusalem. The meeting also elaborated on the special situation of the city, including daily infringements and persecution. On a daily basis, hundreds of children and young people are detained. In addition to ongoing home demolitions, other violations target places of worship.