Uprooted Palestinians are at the heart of the conflict in the M.E Palestinians uprooted by force of arms. Yet faced immense difficulties have survived, kept alive their history and culture, passed keys of family homes in occupied Palestine from one generation to the next.
Pinning Palestinians down while applying harsh measures of violent repression accompanied by a fanatical settler movement of arch-racists given free rein to attack and plunder, is a notorious game Israel has elevated to a daily ritual.
In fact, the routine of inflicting war crimes has all the hallmarks of a rogue regime entirely caught up in a misplaced belief that to engage in ethnic cleansing is a religious obligation.
Conflating Judaism with a racist political ideology of Zionism has been part of a strategy designed to deceive, distort and divert. It has its roots in the First Zionist Congress held on the eve of the 19th century.
That this is well documented and widely known is not in dispute. Indeed, awareness of Zionism’s goal to dismember and dislodge Palestinians from their centuries-old homeland, and forcibly impose thereon a foreign entity known as Israel, has always been a bedrock for resistance.
Israel has thus always been considered an enemy thrust upon a native population through the most horrific forms of terrorism. The memories of Deir Yassin remind the world of bloody massacres committed by Zionist terrorists who didn’t spare hundreds of villages to colonize Palestine.
That more than seven decades later the expansionist goals of Zionism are still being pursued at a great human cost to successive generations of the indigenous Palestinian population, is reflected in daily atrocities.
None of these facts, as attested to by historians as well as organs of the United Nations, are contested, although Israel and its supporters seek to distort and malign commentators who speak truth to power as antisemitic.
Yet, against this background of terrorism and current conditions siege, occupation, killings and mass imprisonment – recorded and broadcast via mainstream media for all the world to witness – it is bizarre that a handful of Arab regimes have broken rank with Palestine’s freedom struggle.
And at a time when even Haaretz describes atrocities by Israel as a pogrom:
“Residents of the Palestinian communities in the southeastern West Bank have experience with settler attacks – when they graze their flocks, work their fields, or even have a picnic on their own land. But they cannot recall an attack like the one experienced Tuesday by the small communities of Khirbat al-Mufkara, al-Rakiz and al-Tuwani. On Simhat Torah, dozens of young Jews, most of them masked, conducted what can only be described as a pogrom.”
The treachery associated with what has become known as “normalization” is an outrageous manifestation of betrayal and collaboration. Limited to the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, these regimes have in effect confessed that the protection of their shaky thrones counts for more than legitimate rights of the Palestinians.
As unelected self-imposed despots fearful of democratic values, they have bargained that “normalization” with the usurper of Palestine will “guarantee” safety and protection for them. In other words, just as Egypt has done, these oligarchs have outsourced their intelligence networks and security apparatus to Israel, knowing full well that in doing so, they have abandoned Palestine.
Though the abnormality of implicit recognition of an illegal colonial enterprise has been in sharp contrast to countless Arab League resolutions, the deal of “normalization” pushed by Trump and vigorously backed by the Biden administration has exposed these leaders as surrogates of western imperialism.
The case of Bahrain’s role in the “Abraham Accords” reveals the soft underbelly of Arab dictatorships. Besides being financially dependent on its neighbors, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain’s alliance with Israel is designed to entrench its power and crush any resistance to authoritarianism or efforts towards freedom and democracy.
In 2011, during the onset of the Arab Spring uprisings, Saudi Arabia sent troops to Bahrain to suppress anti-government protests. This trend continues today by Israel equally committed to maintaining the status quo and preventing the success of any popular uprisings.
In this context, one may justifiably condemn Bahrain’s gross insensitivity and abject abdication of Palestine’s freedom struggle as treacherous.
Showcasing Israeli war criminal Lapid’s visit to Manama, where he is set to open the embassy flying Israel’s flag, is utterly outrageous. This follows the opening of a Zionist embassy in Abu Dhabi; another embassy will likely be established in Rabat. Sudan thus far has reportedly said that it has no plans yet to open an embassy in Khartoum.
Not surprising therefore that the Arab street across these capitals have vowed to end “normalization”. The iron-fisted grip held by Arab despots notwithstanding, human rights movements (many banned and leaders exiled) have declared their outright rejection of America’s much-vaunted Abraham Accords.
Stirrings in Sudan are becoming more vocal despite Khartoum’s attempts to silence critics. In Bahrain the main opposition group, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society declared Lapid’s trip as a “threat”, saying, “This is provocative news and this trip is completely rejected, and he (Lapid) should not set foot on Bahraini soil.”
Their message is clear: “Any (Israeli) presence on Bahraini soil means incitement.”
– Iqbal Jassat is an Executive Member of the South Africa-based Media Review Network. He contributed this article to The Palestine Chronicle. Visit: www.mediareviewnet.com
1 Palestinian killed during IOF attacks on peaceful protest in Nablus; another dies in Jenin of wounds sustained earlier in IOF attacks
3 Palestinians wounded, including a journalist, a person with disability and a child
IOF air strike damages agricultural land in Northern Gaza; IOF shooting at fishing boats in the Gaza sea
In 143 IOF incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem: 75 civilians arrested, including 10 children
Construction of settlement project initiated on the grounds of Jerusalem International Airport in Qalandia, East Jerusalem
7 brothers forced to self-demolish their homes; residential building demolished in East Jerusalem
IOF demolished several houses, and commercial facilities in the West Bank
Settler-attacks in the West Bank: settlers cut trees and assault Palestinian civilians and their homes
IOF established 66 temporary military checkpoints in the West Bank and arrested 2 Palestinian civilians on said checkpoints
Summary
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued to commit crimes and multi-layered violations against Palestinian civilians and their properties, including raids into Palestinian cities that are characterized with excessive use of force, assault, abuse, and attacks on civilians, turning the West Bank into isolated blocks of land. Israeli settlement expansion on Palestinian properties and land continued.. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip enters its 15th year under closure, exacerbating the humanitarian hardships across the territory.
IOF shooting and violation of right to bodily integrity:
IOF killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded 3 others in the West Bank: a journalist, a child, and a person with disability. Additionally, another Palestinian civilian died of wounds he sustained in an IOF attack in Jenin. On 6 August 2021, IOF killed 37-year-old Imad Ali Mahmoud Dweikat with a bullet in the chest; the victim was not involved in the clashes in Beita, as he was standing by an olive tree at least 150 meters from the area, and he did not pose any threat -nor were there any event that did- to IOF. A child, and a journalist, were also wounded during IOF attacks on the peaceful protest against settlement expansion in Beita, southeastern Nablus. Also, Deyaa Yusuf Yassin Kmail (24) died on 11 August 2021 of wounds he sustained during an IOF raid into Jenin. A person with disability was wounded as a tear gas canister hit him during an IOF raid into Dayr al-Ghusun, northern Tulkarm; IOF arrested him after his injury, and later released him.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF launched an air strike that caused damage to an agricultural land in Beit Hanoun. Additionally, two IOF shootings at fishing boats were reported in northern Gaza.
IOF incursions and arrests of Palestinian civilians: IOF carried out 143 incursions into the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Those incursions included raids of civilian houses and shootings, enticing fear among civilians, and attacking many of them. During this week’s incursions, 75 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 children.
In the Gaza Strip, IOF conducted a limited incursions into Central Gaza Strip.
Demolitions:
PCHR fieldworkers documented 13 violations:
Hebron: two under-construction houses demolished; cease-construction notice served against a house in Si’ir; also in Yatta, IOF demolished a water well, a room, and a barracks.
Ramallah: two residential tents and sheep barns dismantled and confiscated in Ramun; a barracks (used as shelter) was demolished on Ras al-Mo’rajat – the main road connecting Jericho and Ramallah.
East Jerusalem: Construction of settlement project initiated on the grounds of Jerusalem International Airport in Qalandia; 7 houses self-demolished in Beit Hanina; residential building demolished in Silwan
Jenin: 3 commercial facilities and water tank (used for vineyards) demolished in Yabad
Bethlehem: paved road in Battir bulldozed; chicken barn demolished in al-Walaja
Nablus: two barracks demolished in Luban e-Sharkiya
Settler-attacks: PCHR fieldworkers reported and documented 4 settler attacks:
Bethlehem: dozens of olive trees cut in Jab’a; agricultural lands razed and the owner assaulted in Kisan
Jenin: smashed windows in assault on vehicle in Kafr Ra’i
Hebron: assault on Palestinian civilians in the Old City
Israeli closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement:
This week, Israeli occupation authorities continued to ban the entry of dozens of goods, including construction materials, in collective punishment measures against the Gaza Strip as the Israeli closure imposed on the territory entered its 15th year, without an end in sight that would fulfil Palestinians’ right to enjoy their economic, social, and cultural rights. Despite the Israeli occupation’s announcement of a series of relief measures on both Karm Abu-Salem and Beit Hanoun crossing, severe restrictions remain in place as several types of products and raw materials are banned entry.
On Monday, 9 August 2021, the Presidential Committee for coordinating the entry of goods to the Gaza Strip via Karm Abu-Salem crossing announced that the Israeli occupation reversed its decision to allow the entry of certain goods to Gaza. According to the Committee, the goods in subject include 34 types, mostly cell phones, laptops/computers, and connection/internet materials.
Meanwhile, IOF continued to divide the West Bank into separate cantons with key roads blocked by the Israeli occupation since the 2000 Second Intifada -still closed to this date- and with temporary and permanent checkpoints, where civilian movement is restricted, and they are subject to arrest, especially at al-Karama border crossing, alongside the Palestinian-Jordanian border.
Shooting and other Violations of the Right to Life and Bodily Integrity
At approximately 05:45 on Friday, 06 August 2021, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha Shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, and off al-Sudaniyia Shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 3 nautical miles and opened sporadic fire at them. The IOF shooting and chasing continued until 09:00 on the same day, which caused fear among the fishermen and forced them to flee. No casualties were reported.
On the same day, IOF killed a Palestinian civilian and wounded a child, and a journalist, during its attacks on a peaceful protest against settlement expansion in Beita, southeastern Nablus, northern West Bank. According to PCHR investigations, the victim was not involved in the clashes, as he was standing by an olive tree at least 150 meters from the area. Additionally, there were no threats to the lives of IOF soldiers during the protest, eliminating any justification to the murder crime. This crime is yet another stark example of IOF unjustifiable relaxed shooting standards in disregard for Palestinian civilians’ lives.
According to PCHR investigations, at approximately 13:00 on Friday, 6 August 2021, a peaceful protest took off from Beita village towards Mount Sbaih, where IOF established “Avitar” settlement outpost three months ago. The protestors held Palestinian flags and chanted against the occupation and settlers. Upon their arrival to Mount Sbaih, they found IOF troops stationed in the area; the soldiers fired at the protest and violent clashes erupted. A group of the protestors threw rocks at soldiers, who continued to fire live and rubber-coated bullets, as well as tear gas and stun grenades, at the protestors. The clashes continued until 15:17 and resulted in the death of a Palestinian civilian; a journalist and a child were wounded as well. The victim was identified as 37-year-old Imad Ali Mahmoud Dweikat from Beita village; he was shot with a live bullet in the chest and died after his arrival to Rafidia Hospital. Additionally, several other Palestinian civilians suffocated due to tear gas inhalation.
Kifah ‘Enad ‘Abed Bani Shamsa said to PCHR’s fieldworker that:
“On 06 August 2021, I performed the Friday prayer in Beita village Park near al-Hawata area and Sabieh Mount, south of Beita village, southeast of Nablus. At approximately 13:30 following the prayer, a number of Palestinians who performed the Friday prayer in the village’s mosque flocked to the area below Sabeih Mount to protest against the establishment of “Avitar” settlement outpost. A group of the villagers and I distributed food and drinks to Palestinians participating in the protest, which developed to clashes with IOF. During the clashes, IOF fired sound bombs, teargas canisters and live and rubber bullets at protestors. At approximately 15:10, I withdrew from the area of clashes and headed towards the ambulances parking. When I was four meters away from the parking, I saw my friend Imad Ali Mahmoud Dweikat ( 37) standing under an olive tree, 150 meters away from the clashes. I headed to him and stood next to him. We talked with each other for 5 to 7 minutes. Suddenly, Imad fell beside me on his right side and flipped onto his abdomen. I saw blood come out of his mouth, so I knew that he was injured. I flipped him onto his back and put my hand on his chest to stop the bleeding, noting that I did not hear any gunshots at that time. Afterwards, ambulance officers came, put Imad on a stretcher, got him into the ambulance, and then took him to the field hospital in the village. After that, Imad was transferred to Rafidia Governmental Hospital in Nablus. Few minutes later, he was pronounced dead. The villagers and I headed to the hospital to say goodbye to him.”
PCHR investigations show that IOF use excessive force and snipers to kill in a premeditated and unjustifiable manner. In a matter of a few weeks, IOF killed 6 Palestinian civilians, including 2 children, during its attacks on peaceful protests against settlement expansion in Beita. This fact suggests that IOF’s conduct is in fact a systemic and political decision that is repeated on more than one occasion, eliminating any base for allegations of a security necessity or real threat.
At approximately 02:55 on Saturday, 07 August 2021, an Israeli drone fired a missile at an agricultural land belonging to Zakaria Ahmed Mohammed Hamdan (77) in the center of al-Qerman Street in Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. Five minutes later, an Israeli warplane fired 2 missiles at the land, causing severe damage to it. Also, nearby houses’ windows were broken, but no casualties were reported.
At approximately 21:15 on Saturday, 07 August 2021, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha Shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, and off al-Sudaniyia Shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 1-5 nautical miles, opened sporadic fire at them and fire flare bombs in the sky, causing fear among the fishermen and forcing them to flee. No casualties were reported.
At approximately 01:45 on Tuesday, 10 August 2021, IOF moved into Dayr al-Ghusun, northern Tulkarm. IOF raided several houses and arrested 5 civilians.[1] During the raid, IOF shot a tear gas canister at Loay Zeyad Abu-Zaytoun, a person with disability, and wounded him in the face. IOF arrested Abu-Zaytoun and took him to an Israeli hospital; he was later released to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
Aby-Zaytoun’s brother, Ayman, gave the following testimony to PCHR fieldworker:
“A large Israeli occupation force raided the village, as my brother Loay – who is mentally disabled, was getting out of the house. IOF immediate shot a tear gas canister at him, causing severe wounds in his face. They arrested him and took him on foot to the center of the village; there were traces of his blood on the ground where he marched. IOF put him in a military vehicle that drove into the area adjacent to the annexation wall where an Israeli ambulance arrived and gave him first aid. He was taken to Meir Medical Center. At approximately 19:00, an Israeli ambulance transferred him to a PRCS ambulance, who transported him to Dr. Thabet Thabet hospital, where we were shocked to find out that he was not given any medical care at the Israeli hospital, the blood on his face was not even cleaned. The doctors diagnosed him with retinal damage, fractures in the nose and jaw; he needs surgical intervention.”
Following the Friday prayers on Wednesday, 11 August 2021, dozens of Palestinians organized a peaceful sit-in to demands cessation of Israeli construction in the vicinity of the al-Haram al-Ibrahimi mosque, in the center of the Old City of Hebron, the latest of which was the construction of an elevator to allow settlers access to the roof of the mosque. Large forces of the Israeli Border Police arrived at the area, fired stun grenades at the participants, and arrested: Yazan Yusry Taha (36) and Akram Fakhry Massouda (42). They were taken to the Ibrahim Mosque police station. The Border Police also shut all gates leading to the Ibrahimi Mosque.
At approximately 17:15 on Wednesday, medical sources at Nablus Specialty Hospital announced the death of 24-year-old Deyaa Yusuf Yassin Kmail, from Jenin, of wounds he sustained in an IOF raid into Jenin. According to PCHR investigations, IOF moved into Jenin at approximately 02:00 on Tuesday, 3 August 2021. During the raid, a number of Palestinians gathered and threw stones at IOF vehicles. IOF fired live and rubber bullets, sound bombs and teargas canisters at the protestors. As a result, two protestors were injured with live bullets; including Deyaa Kmail whose condition was deemed serious. Kmail remained in the hospital until his unfortunate death.
Incursions and arrests
Thursday, 05 August 2021:
At approximately 01:00, IOF moved into al-Sawahera, southeast of the occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched Shadi Aziz Hilsa’s (21) house and arrested him.
Around the same time, IOF arrested Mahmoud Mohammed Sabarnah (17) and Yasine Adel Za’aqiq (16), after raiding and searching their houses in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron.
At approximately 02:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Eissa Hijazi (19), after raiding and searching his house in Jabal al-Mawaleh area in Bethlehem.
At approximately 02:20, IOF arrested Mansour Mahmoud ‘Abahera (31), and Sharif Mohammed al-Bashir (32).
At approximately 02:30, IOF arrested Najeh Abdullah al-Kilany (66), along with his sons, Mahdi (30) and Mujahed (24), after raiding and searching their house in al-Far’a refugee camp, south of Tubas.
At approximately 11:00, IOF arrested (4) civilians including 2 children after raiding and searching their houses in Baten al-Hawa neighborhood in Silwan, south of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. The arrestees are: Nasim Zuhair Dumiri (14), Ahmed Saleh Kash’am (20), Mohammed Samer Sarhan (18), and his brother, Sultan (16).
At approximately 10:30, IOF arrested Yousef al-Rashaq (23), from al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan, south of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, after summonsing him to refer to Moscovia Detention Center, in West Jerusalem, for investigation.
At approximately 13:00, IOF arrested Abdul Hameed Majed Deiriyah (26), from Bayt Fajar, south of Bethlehem, after summonsing him for investigation in “Gush Etzion”
At approximately 04:40, IOF arrested Mo’ayad Fayez al-Qaq (27), from Kifl Haris village, north of Salfit, while passing through a temporary military checkpoint established at the entrance of Wadi Qana near Deir Istiya, north of Salfit.
At approximately 17:00, IOF arrested Anwar Sami Obaid (23), after storming his engagement party in al-Isawiya village, north of the occupied East Jerusalem, and transferred him for investigation before extending his arrest. It should be noted that Obaid was arrested over than 28 times during the last 10 years, as in the last 2 years IOF intensified tracking Obaid between summonses, house arrest in evening hours, house arrest and ban his entry to East and West Jerusalem.
IOF carried out (3) incursions in Hebron, Bani Na’im, and Dayr al-‘Asal al-Fawqa in Hebron governorate. No arrests were reported.
Friday, 06 August 2021:
At approximately 00:30, IOF arrested Mohammed Yousef Deiriyah (21), while passing through a temporary military checkpoint established at the western entrance of Bayt Fajar, south of Bethlehem.
At approximately 14:00, IOF arrested Abdul Jabbar Tamim Salem (24), from Bazariya in Nablus governorate, while present at Bab al-Amud area in West Jerusalem.
At approximately 22:00, IOF arrested Majed Ragheb al-Jo’ba (41), while getting out of the Aqsa Mosque in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, through Bab Huta, and took him to Bab al-Asbat police center. It should be noted that al-Jo’ba is a former prisoner who was banned to enter Jerusalem and West Bank for 6 months in 2018, and allowed him to enter Izariya, Israel and East Jerusalem. This decision was extended several times, and he recently received several summonses for interrogation, arrested 3 times during this year and warned to take serious actions against him.
Saturday, 07 August 2021:
IOF carried out an incursion in Marda village, north of Salfit. No arrests were reported.
Sunday, 08 August 2021:
At approximately 02:00, IOF arrested Ibrahim Na’eem Roumi (21), after raiding and searching his house in Beit Jala, west of Bethlehem governorate.
Around the same time, IOF arrested Mohammed Khaled al-Shawaheen (39), after raiding and searching his house in Yatta, south of Hebron governorate.
At approximately 10:00, IOF arrested Nitham Roshdi Abu Romouz (40), while present in the Aqsa Mosque yards in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.
At approximately 12:00, IOF handed Jameel Eissa al-Abassi (41) a summons to refer to Moscovia Detention Center in 2 hours after raiding and searching his house in Ras al-Amud neighborhood, east of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.
At approximately 23:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Eyad Deiriyah (15) and Anas Fadel Deiriyah (16), from Bayt Fajar village, southwest of Bethlehem, while present near the western entrance of the village.
IOF carried out (2) incursions in Halhul and Surif villages in Hebron. No arrests were reported.
Monday, 09 August 2021:
At approximately 06:00, IOF arrested Wafa Khalil Idris (23) and Waleed Hammad al-Silmi (23), after raiding and searching their houses in al-Am’ari refugee camp, south of al-Bireh.
At approximately 07:00, IOF reinforced with 6 military bulldozers moved 50-100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, east of al-Maghazi. They leveled and combed lands adjacent to the border fence and redeployed again at approximately 15:00.
Around the same time, IOF arrested (7) civilians after raiding and searching their house in Beita village, southeast of Nablus. The arrestees are: Zuhair Ahmed Bani Shamsa (45), Osaid Mohammed Mo’alla (23), Mo’tasem Met’eb Dweikat (32), Abdul Rahman Mohammed Ma’ali (18), Ahmed Emad Hamayil (31) and Islam Hamed al-Jaghoub (29).
At approximately 07:30, IOF arrested Mahmoud Mohammed Taym (38), after raiding and searching his house in Ein Beit al-Ma’ refugee camp, west of Nablus.
At approximately 14:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Naser al-Qawasmi (24), after raiding and searching his house in Anata village, northwest of the occupied East Jerusalem.
At approximately 15:00, IOF arrested Mohammed Yousef Houshiyah (40), from Yatta, after stopping his vehicle on a military checkpoint establishes at the northern entrance of the city.
IOF carried out (2) incursions in Jalazone refugee camp and Deir Abu Masha’al village near Ramallah. No arrests were reported.
Tuesday, 10 August 2021:
At approximately 01:00, IOF arrested Mahmoud Jaber (25), while passing through Shu’afat refugee camp checkpoint, northeast of the occupied East Jerusalem.
At approximately 01:45, IOF arrested (6) civilians including a child, after raiding and searching several houses in Dayr al-Ghusun village, north of Tulkarm. The arrestees are: Ahmed Abdul Fattah Badran (31), Firas Subhi Owda (44), his son Hamza (14), Eyas Subhi Owda (42), Abdul Mun’im Tayseer Owda (18), Yaser Ibrahim Ghanem (55), and Lo’ay Zeyad Abu Zaytoun (24). Abu Zaytoun was arrested after he sustained a teargas canister in his face and referred to one of the Israeli hospitals before releasing him in the same day evening.
At approximately 02:00, IOF arrested (3) civilians including a child, and confiscated 70,000 NIS while raiding and searching the houses of Subhi As’ad Ghanem, and his sons, Firas and Eyas in Dayr Ghusun village, north of Tulkarm. The arrestees are: Hamza Firas Ghanem (14), his father and uncle, Firas (44) and Eyas (42).
Their brother, Eyad Ghanem, stated that:
“A large number of Israeli forces stormed our 3-storey house and detained all my family in one room on the ground floor, except my father who remained with them while they were searching and damaging the contents of the house. Meanwhile, they went to the first floor where they confiscated 70,000 NIS and some bank checks, as my brother withdrew this amount of money from the bank to finish his house, and they damaged his new bedroom. Then they went to the second floor to Eyas’s apartment and damaged his new bedroom which he brought 2 months ago, and then they arrested my brothers, Eyas and Firas, and my nephew Hamza (14).”
At approximately 02:00, IOF arrested Hafiz Mohammed al-Fasfous (29) and Mo’taz Mohammed al-Sharha (30), after raiding and searching their houses in Dura, southwest of Hebron governorate.
At approximately 02:30, IOF arrested Ihsan Ma’arik Hamamera (26), after raiding and searching his house in Husan, west of Bethlehem.
At approximately 03:35, IOF arrested Mohammed Khalil Atta (17), after raiding and searching his house in Dair Abu Masha’al village, northwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 05:15, IOF arrested Baher Rfiq Salhiya (37), after raiding and searching his house in Ras Karkar village, northwest of Ramallah.
Around the same time, IOF arrested the former prisoner, Israr Hatem Ma’rouf (21), after raiding and searching his house in Ein Qiniya village, northwest of Ramallah.
At approximately 10:00, IOF arrested Mus’ab Hamdan al-Rifa’i (28), after raiding and searching his house in Anata village, northwest of the occupied East Jerusalem.
At approximately 12:00, IOF arrested Ibrahim Atiya (26), after raiding and searching his house in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, north of the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.
At approximately 13:45, IOF arrested Laith Abdul Raheem Mallouh (21) and Yosra Ahmed Zeidan (24), from Deir Istiya village, north of Salfit.
IOF carried out (13) incursions in Yatta and Samu in Hebron; Beitunia and Shuqba in Ramallah; Aqraba, Sebastia and Beita in Nablus governorate; Jenin, Jalamah, Kafr Qud, Kufeirat, Burqin and Kafr Dan in Jenin governorate. No arrests were reported.
Wednesday, 11 August 2021:
At approximately 01:00, IOF arrested Izz al-Dein Osama Salah al-Dein (19) and Zayed Ahmed Kan’an (20), after raiding and searching their houses in Hizma village, northeast of the occupied East Jerusalem.
At approximately 02:00, IOF blew up the main door and stormed a money exchange shop belonging to Tayil Mohammed Owda, in Nablus, and then they withdrew but no confiscates were reported.
At approximately 02:20, IOF arrested Mo’ad Emad Kan’an (30) and Eyad Yousef Malaysha (24), after raiding and searching their houses in Jaba’ village, south of Jenin.
At approximately 02:30, IOF arrested Haitham Rida Jarrar (25), after raiding and searching his house in al-Zawiya village, southeast of Jenin.
At approximately 03:00, IOF arrested Ahmed Mohammed Sbayten (23), after raiding and searching his house in Husan village, west of Bethlehem.
At approximately 03:00, IOF arrested (3) civilians after raiding and searching their houses in Kafr Qalil village, southeast of Nablus. The arrestees are: Jaber Hasan Mansour (27), Khaled Waleed ‘Amer (23), and Ahmed Atiya Mansour (23).
At approximately 18:00, IOF arrested Alaa Nidal Zughayar (26), while present near Bab al-Asbat gate, one of the Aqsa Mosque’s gates in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City.
III. Settlement Expansion and settler violence in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem
Demolitions, Confiscations, and Notices
At approximately 06:00 on Thursday, 05 August 2021, IOF backed by military vehicles and accompanied with Civil Administration vehicles and 4 excavators moved into Sa’ir village, north of Hebron, and stationed in Wad al-Sharq area. The soldiers deployed in the area while the excavators started demolishing 2 houses built of stones and concrete, allegedly for unlicensed construction in Area C. the demolition included the following:
An under-construction house of 2 floors and small room on the roof built on an area of 400sqms in addition to a 160cbms well belonging to Khalil ‘Ali Yasin Thalji, who was supposed to move with his wife and son Mohammed to the house.
An under-construction house of 2 floors and small room on the roof built on an area of 400sqms in addition to a 160cbms well belonging to Hayel Mohammed ‘Ali Thalji, who was supposed to move with his wife and 4 children; the eldest is 9 years old, as well as his father and brother.
Moreover, walls of concrete surrounding the 2 houses were demolished as well as a 10-sqm caravan used for storing construction tools. The Civil Administration officer also handed ‘Ali Yasin Thalji a notice to stop construction works in a house he owns with the same specifications near what was demolished, ordering the house’s owner to settle his legal matters and submit a challenge to the Civil Administration until 01 September 2021.
During the demolition, many young men gathered and threw stones at the IOF stationed in the area while IOF randomly fired sound bombs and teargas canisters at the stone-throwers and civilians in the area on the main road. As a result, a number of them suffocated due to teargas inhalation while the Border Guard officers arrested 4 civilians namely Jamal Mohammed ‘Ali; Kamal Mohammed ‘Ali Thalji (42); and Yazan ‘Ahed Hijazi Thalji (25) and released them at 18:00.
At approximately 06:30, IOF backed by 3 military vehicles and accompanied with an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle and a truck mounted train moved into Bariyah area in Ramun village to the west of “Caramilo” military checkpoint, northeast of Ramallah, where a Bedouin community belonging to al-Ka’abnah family lives. IOF brought workers from an Israeli private company to dismantle and confiscate 2 residential tents and 2 sheep barns belonging to Mahmoud Salem Ka’abnah and his son ‘Odah, allegedly for building in Area C and without any prior warning.
At approximately 09:00, IOF accompanied with a bulldozer and Civil Administration SUV moved into al-Rasifiyah area on al-Mo’arajat road between Jericho and Ramallah. The bulldozer demolished a residential barrack of steel and bricks on an area of 20sqms and sheltering Mohammed Soliman Salem Ka’abnah (45) and his family of 16, including 2 women and 14 children. The demolition came without any prior warning and allegedly for building in Area C.
The same morning, the Israeli authorities started implementing the new settlement neighborhood construction plan on the lands of abandoned Jerusalem International airport in Qalendia village, north of occupied East Jerusalem. It should be mentioned that the Israeli municipality in occupied Jerusalem started infrastructure works and building many streets in Qalendia Checkpoint as Road 45 was closed from the industrial area in “Atarot” settlement to the checkpoint in order to establish a huge settlement neighborhood on an area of 1,240 dunums that would include 6,900 to 9,000 settlement units in addition to stores on an area of 300,000 sqms. Moreover, 45,000 sqms will be allocated for a hotel, water tanks and other facilities. It should be noted that the construction and organization committee in Israel approved in 2020 the plan and the Ministry of Housing, which claims property of these lands to the Israel’s National Fund, will supervise the project in cooperation with the Israeli municipality. The project will isolate Jerusalem from the West Bank, particularly the northern area, which will be closed for good, as part of the establishment of a settlement belt surrounding the City and building settlement units for settlers. The settlement projects also aims at expanding and changing Jerusalem’s boundaries in addition to cutting off the Palestinian villages in the area and blocking any communication even with the Palestinian neighborhoods and communities.
On Friday morning, 06 August 2021, 7 siblings from al-Radaydah family self-demolished their houses in al-Ashqariyah neighbor in Beit Hanina village, north of occupied East Jerusalem, implementing the Israeli Municipality’s decision under the pretext of building without a license, displacing 46 individuals, including 32 children under 15.
‘Ali Ahmed Mahmoud Radaydah, owner of one of the houses demolished, said that he built his house 15 years ago on a land owned by his family on area of 2 dunums and then helped his other 6 brothers build their houses next to each other. Radaydah said that he received a demolition decision of 2 houses 10 years ago; during which many hearings were held at the courts that imposed 2 financial fines of 65,000 and 35,000. Al-Radaydah added that the Israeli court lately issued an administrative decision to demolish all the houses and refused to postpone or freeze the demolitions decisions, giving the family a last chance to self-demolish their houses or the municipality crews will do so and fine them with 100,000 to 200,000 shekels for the demolition costs. Radaydah added that he and his brothers were forced to self-demolish their houses by renting 2 excavators that cost him 30,000 shekels. Al-Radaydah said 46 persons, including 32 children under 15, have become homeless, allegedly for establishing the houses on a green and unorganized land, which the municipality refused to license for construction. Meanwhile, the municipality seeks to implement a new settlement plan in area on 70 dunums and issue prompt construction licenses for settlers.
At approximately 06:00 on Monday, 09 August 2021, IOF accompanied with 2 bulldozers and an Israeli Civil Administration SUV moved into Yabad village via its eastern entrance, southwest of Jenin. The bulldozers immediately demolished 3 commercial facilities and a water tank used for irrigating the grapevines.
#
Name
Damage
Place of Residence
1.
‘Omer ‘Abdel Rahman Zaid al-Kayani
An 80sqm butchery only built a year ago of cement was demolished120sqm stores built of cement and roofed with tinplate were demolished as it was built 2 months ago
Yabad
2.
Mohammed Khaled ‘Atatrah
A 300-sqm coffee shop and carwash were demolished
Yabad
3.
‘Abdel Fattah Sadeq ‘Abdel Qader al-Sha’er
A water tank that cost 36,000 shekels and was used for irrigating grapevines on an area of 6 dunums.A shed of steel was also demolished while 6 fruitful grape seedlings planted 6 years ago were uprooted
‘Arraba
On Tuesday, 10 August 2021, IOF’s vehicles levelled a road in Battir village, west of Bethlehem, while clashes broke out between the villagers and IOF.
Zaki al-Batmah, Member of Battir Municipality, said that IOF moved into eastern Battir village and levelled a road in Karam Hadidone area. He added that the villagers attempted to confront IOF and prevent their vehicles from levelling the road, but clashes broke out; during which IOF used teargas and sound bombs heavily. As a result, tens of civilians suffocated due to teargas inhalation. Al-Batmah said that IOF assaulted him and Said Abu Harthiyah, the municipality’s employee, causing them bruises and wounds.
The settlers have recently targeted the village by establishing mobile houses and tents to seize it and building a new settlement outpost; however, the villagers could confront them and removed the tents.
At approximately 08:30 on the same day, IOF’s bulldozers demolished a building of 2 floors belonging to Remah and ‘Ali ‘Odah in Beer Ayoub neighborhood in Silwan village, south of occupied Jerusalem’s Old City, allegedly for unlicensed construction.
Shadi ‘Odah, the brother of the houses’ owners, said that his 2 brothers built their houses 4 years ago after obtaining a “construction line” license from the Israeli municipality in prelude to obtain the needed legal licenses. ‘Odah added that his 2 brothers received an order to demolish the 2 houses, so the family headed to the Israeli courts, but the judge refused to postpone or freeze the decision. ‘Odah said that the family was surprised with IOF’s raiding the houses in the morning and giving the residents half an hour to evacuate and empty the contents before the demolition. ‘Odah said that the construction of the 2 houses cost them more than 700,000 shekels in addition to 150,000 shekels his brothers paid for the engineers for the licensing procedures. ‘Odah added that the first floor was of 100 sqms where his brother ‘Ali and his wife and 2 ids live while the second floor of 95 sqms shelter his mother and his 2 brothers.
At approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 11 August 2021, IOF bulldozers moved into a poultry farm in al-Walaja village, northwest of Bethlehem, allegedly for unlicensed construction.
Head of the village council, Khader al-A’araj, said that IOF accompanied with a bulldozer moved into ‘Ein Jweizah area after moving into al-Natouf area from the eastern side of the village via a gate in the annexation wall. They headed to a poultry farm that included a barrack and an agricultural room belonging to Shadi Mousa ‘Abdel Sheikh from Beit Safafa village, south of occupied Jerusalem, and demolished it while the animals ran away. As a result, many of the animals died due to the demolition and the hot weather. Al-A’raj added that IOF 2 weeks ago notified the farm’s owner of an administrative demolition decision. The demolition losses exceeded 400,000 shekels, i.e. USD 121,000, especially that the farm had 300 poultry birds from different types.
At approximately 09:00, IOF accompanied with a bulldozer and an Israeli Civil Administration SUV moved via the main entrance into Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya village, southeast of Nablus. The bulldozer immediately demolished 2 barracks of tinplate on an area of 90 square meters and used as an automobile repair shop belonging to Khalil Ibrahim Khalil ‘Aweis, from the same village, allegedly for illegal construction in Area C.
Around the same time, IOF backed by military vehicles and accompanied with an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle, a bulldozer, and an excavator moved into Khelet al-Dabe’a, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. IOF deployed in the area while the vehicles demolished a water well under constriction belonging to ‘Ali Jaber Dababsah. The latter received a notice within the (1797) military decision that gives citizens 96 hours to submit papers necessary for licensing the facility. IOF also demolished a 75sqm dwelling of bricks and tinplate sheltering 12 individuals, including 7 children, belonging to Mohammed ‘Ali Dababsah, who was previously notified.
It should be noted that the demolition was allegedly for unlicensed construction while regarding the military order, the Israeli authorities referred when issuing this notice to Article (4) of the military order no. (1797) that targets the new buildings and facilities, which were resided less than a month ago, as well as the buildings that have been under-construction for 6 months.
This decision deprives citizen’s right to legally defend his facility or dwelling, and the Israeli authorities started using this order and obtained powers and legal cover from the Israeli Supreme Court, which rejected all petitions and challenges that were applied by human rights organizations to defend the Palestinian houses in addition to authorizing the Civil Administration to implement this decision.
At approximately 11:00, IOF backed by military vehicles and accompanied with an Israeli Civil Administration vehicle, a bulldozer and an excavator moved into Kherbet al-Fakhit, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. IOF deployed in the area while the vehicles carried out the following demolitions:
A 30-sqm agricultural room belonging to Fo’ad Fadel al-‘Amour who received on 27 July 2021 a notice within the 1797 military decision that givens citizens 96 hours to submit their papers needed for licensing the facility.
A 200-sqm barrack of tinplate sheltering 400 sheep belonging to Akram Sari Mohammed Abu Sabha.
The Israeli authorities demolished Abu Sabha’s facility without a prior warning as they previously demolished a dwelling, tents and barrack for the same person on 18 October 2020.
Kherbet al-Fakhit is part of Kherab Masafer Yatta village with a population of about 80 people, who depend on agriculture and livestock. Al-Fakhit is bordered to the east by Kherbet al-Majaz, to the west by Kherbet Shaab al-Butm, to the north by Kherbet al-Tabban, and to the south by the Green Line and the Annexation Wall.
Settler attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property
On Friday morning, 06 August 2021, Israeli settlers cut tens of olive trees in Shaqif al-Dab’a area in Jab;a village, west of Bethlehem.
Head of the Jab’a village council said that the settlers raided a plot of land belonging to Ref’at Hasan al-Tous in Shaqif al-Dab’a area, southeast of the village, and cut tens of olive trees planted 60 years ago. It should be noted that IOF prevent Jab’a village’s farmers from entering their agricultural lands of 40 dunums, which were isolated by the annexation wall in 2005. IOF stationed at al-Jab’a crossing and known as “Hala Border Crossing,” which isolates the lands occupied in 1948 from the lands occupied in 1967, allows the lands’ owners from the village to enter their lands twice a year only according to the security coordination. It is once for plowing the land and trimming the trees and the other for harvesting the fruits after the season ends and the fruits are seized by the settlers of “Jab’out” and “Beit ‘Ayem” settlements.
At approximately 16:00 on the same day, a group of settlers from “Movi Dotan” settlement established on the lands of Jenin assaulted a car parked under Jabal Abu al-Shawareb in the northern side of Kafr Ra’ie village. The car belongs to Ibrahim Hafez Melhem from the same village when he was visiting his land. As a result, his car sustained severe damage due to big stones thrown at it.
At approximately 12:30 on Saturday, 07 August 2021, a group of settlers from “Beit Hadasa” settlement established on Palestinian lands in Hebron’s Old City, threw stones at houses belonging to the families of Sedr and Abu Hayyah in Souq al-Thahab area while IOF stationed on the houses’ roof near the settlement outpost were watching. Twenty minutes later, an Israeli Police force arrived and forced the settlers to go away. When the police left, IOF raided al-Shalalah street in front of the houses that were stoned. The soldiers beat up 2 brothers; one was a child and arrested them: Yasin (17) and Sa’ed (19) ‘Abdel Khaleq Nabil Seder. Around 02:00, Yasin was released near Hebron’s municipal center, where IOF established a military checkpoint, while Sa’ed was released at approximately 04:00 from an interrogation center from “Karyat Arba’” settlement police station, east of Hebron.
‘Abdel Khaleq Seder said to PCHR’s fieldworker that his son Yasin sustained nose fractures due to IOF’s beating while the Israeli police asked his son Sa’ed to return the next day in order to complete the interrogation.
At approximately 08:00 on Monday, 09 August 2021, a group of Israeli settlers moved into an agricultural land next to “Abi Hanahel” settlement established on western Kisan village, east of Bethlehem, and started leveling it to establish electricity poles after beating the owner.
Ahmed Ghazal, Kisan Village Council’s deputy chief, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the settlers moved into an agricultural land rented by Hussein ‘Abdullah al-‘Abyyat and his sons in the western side of the village. Ghazal said that IOF prevented the owner of the land and his sons from entering the land where the settlers were levelling it, planting pine and olive trees in large numbers, and establishing electricity poles. Ghazal added that fistfights occurred between settlers and villagers, who tried to prevent settlers from seizing the land, but IOF increased their numbers in the area and detained the owner of the land ‘Abyyat and his sons for several hours.
It is noteworthy that Kisan village has been under large-scale settlers’ attacks, including the seizure of its lands in favor of expanding the existing settlements, assaults on the owners of agricultural lands there, preventing them from reaching their lands, and causing damage to their agricultural crops.
Closure policy and restrictions on freedom of movement of persons and goods:
The Gaza Strip:
The Israeli authorities continued to impose collective punishments against the people of the Gaza Strip, including tightened restrictions on imports and exports, causing a serious deterioration in Palestinians’ enjoyment of their economic and cultural rights. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip still suffers the worst closure in the history of the Israeli occupation of the oPt as it has entered the 15th consecutive year, without any improvement to the movement of persons and goods, humanitarian conditions and bearing catastrophic consequences on all aspects of life.
The West Bank:
In addition to 108 permanent checkpoints and closed roads, this week witnessed the establishment of 66 temporary checkpoints that restrict the movement of goods and individuals, where IOF searched Palestinians’ vehicles, checked their IDs and arrested 2 of them. IOF closed many roads with cement cubes, metal detector gates and sand berms and tightened their measures against individuals’ movement at military permanent checkpoints. IOF reinforced its restrictions on civilians’ freedom of movement at its permanent checkpoints in the West Bank and shut some checkpoints for several hours on multiple occasions.
Here follows PCHR documentation of restrictions on the freedom of movement and IOF-established temporary checkpoints across the West Bank this week:
Jerusalem:
On Friday, 30 July 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Biddu village.
Bethlehem:
On Thursday, 05 August 2021, IOF established 5 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Fajjar and Tuqu villages, near al-Nashash intersection, in ‘Aqabet Hasna area, and near Dar Salah village’s bridge.
On Friday, 06 August 2021, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Fajjar and Tuqu villages and near al-Nashash intersection.
On Saturday, 07 August 2021, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Wadi Fukin village, in ‘Aqabet Hasna area and near al-Nashash intersection.
On Sunday, 08 August 2021, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Beit Fajjar and Tuqu villages.
On Monday, 09 August 2021, IOF established 5 temporary military checkpoints at the entrances of Bayt Fajar, Tuqu, Fureidis, in ‘Aqabet Hasna area and near al-Nashash intersection.
On Tuesday, 10 August 2021, IOF established 3 temporary military checkpoints at the southern and the western entrances to Tuqu’ village: and at the southern entrance to Nahalin.
On Wednesday, 11 August 2021, IOF established 3 temporary military checkpoint at the entrances of Bayt Fajar, Tuqu, Nahalin, and Jab’a.
Ramallah:
On Friday, 6 August 2021, IOF established a temporary military checkpoint at the entrance of Aboud.
On Saturday, 7 August 2021, IOF established a temporary military checkpoint at Nabi Saleh’s northwestern entrance.
On Sunday, 8 August 2021, IOF established 2 temporary military checkpoints at the entrances of Turmus Ayya and Nabi Saleh villages.
On Monday, 9 August 2021, IOF established 2 temporary military checkpoints at the entrances of Aboud and Nabi Saleh villages.
On Tuesday, 10 August 2021, IOF established 2 temporary military checkpoints at the entrances of Aboud village and Jalazone refugee camp.
Jericho:
On Saturday, 7 August 2021, IOF established a temporary military checkpoint at Jericho’s southern entrance.
On Tuesday, 10 August 2021, IOF established 2 temporary military checkpoints at Jericho’s southern entrance and the entrance of Ein ad-Duyuk.
Nablus:
On Thursday, 05 August 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Beita village, southeast of Nablus.
On Friday, 06 August 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the southern entrance to Jamma’in village, southeast of the city.
On Monday, 09 August 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Qusra village, southeast of the city.
Hebron:
On Thursday, 05 August 2021, IOF established 5 checkpoints at the western entrance to Hebron, and at the entrances to as-Samu, Khasa, Beit Awwa, and Idhna villages.
On Friday, 06 August 2021, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhul city, at the southern entrance to Hebron, at the northern entrance to Yatta city, and at the entrance to Beit Ummar village.
On Saturday, 07 August 2021, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the entrance to Bani Na’im village, at the entrance to Yatta city, and at the entrance to Ash-Shuyukh village.
On Sunday, 08 August 2021, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrances to Susya and Idhna villages.
On Monday, 09 August 2021, IOF established 4 checkpoints at the eastern entrance to Dura village, at the entrance to Fawwar refugee camp, and at the entrances to Beit Ummar and Beit Kahil villages.
On Tuesday, 10 August 2021, IOF established 3 checkpoints at the southern entrance to Halhul city, at the western entrance to Hebron and at the entrance to Khasa village.
Salfit:
On Thursday, 05August 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the eastern entrance to Marda village, north of the city.
On Friday, 06 August 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the western entrance to Kafr ad-Dik village, west of Salfit.
On Saturday, 07 August 2021, IOF established 2 checkpoints at the entrance to Marda village, north of the city, and at the entrance to Kafr ad-Dik village, west of the city.
Qalqilya:
On Friday, 06 August 2021, IOF established a checkpoint at the entrance to Azzun village, east of the city.
From Palestine and South Africa to the Americas and Australia, settler-colonists [have] violently fought to prevent the indigenous people, that were colonised, from fighting for liberation.
This article explores Palestine’s right to self-determination under “Israel’s” illegal occupation. This paper seeks to demonstrate that since the Balfour Declaration that was issued by the British Government in 1917, there have been politically driven strategies deployed to gradually liquidate the Palestinian people. The indigenous people of Palestine have been faced with systematic persecution, apartheid policies and brutal occupation; as such, it is submitted that the Palestinian people must be able to exercise their right to self-determination. I will begin with a discussion on self-determination as a right before outlining the historical background of the “Israel”-Palestine issue, and the political allyship of each entity apart.
Self-Determination in International Law
The principle of self-determination, as it is understood today, evolved from a principle to a right, triggering much debate over the years. It denotes the legal right to peoples to decide their own destiny in the context of international order.[1]There are two aspects to self-determination: internal and external. Internal self-determination is the right of the people to govern themselves without any other interference, this includes the independence to freely choose their own political, economic and social system.[2] External self-determination on the other hand is the right for peoples to determine their own status politically – this allows the establishment of an independent state. After the First World War, and specifically after his famous “Fourteen Points” speech, US President Woodrow Wilson declared that, “Peoples may not be dominated and governed only by their own consent. ‘Self-determination’ is not a mere phrase. It is an imperative principle of action, which statesmen will henceforth ignore at their peril.”[3] The right of self-determination was introduced to the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in 1960, and subsequently adopted by the UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 in the same year. Additionally, the UN Charter stated that one of the purposes of the United Nations was “respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples.”[4] Upon adopting the Declaration of Decolonisation, the UN underlined the necessity of ending colonialism and through this declared, inter alia, that the right to self-determination was not limited.
It is important to note that the right of self-determination has been cited extensively by the UN assembly, Security Council, and is enshrined in various treaties as well as in decisions made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The following excerpt from the aforementioned declaration was subsequently introduced in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) providing a detailed legal definition of self-determination, and this definition is used in various international and national treaties and documents.[5]
“All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.”
It is widely accepted that the right of self-determination is applicable to “peoples” in colonial territories, as well as others who do not fall in the category of being colonised or oppressed, the only difference is they have to exercise their rights internally. The right of self-determination is no longer limited to the conventional colonial independence scenarios, such that various ethnic and cultural groups of people within different states effectively rely on the right of self-determination in order to declare their independence.[6] A common argument often presented against the right of self-determination is that the principle of territorial integrity in relation to states is challenged by the principle of self-determination – as it is the will of the people that fundamentally leads to the legitimacy of a state. This indicates that people are not only free to choose their state but also their territorial boundaries. However, in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, the United Nations and International Court of Justice demonstrated that there is no contradiction between territorial integrity and the right of self-determination.[7] In that context, it is necessary to add that Koskenneimi argued that “It is doubtful whether the statement of principle was intended to be taken literally… its revolutionary potential was tempered by the Final Acts strong emphasis on territorial integrity.”[8]
In the context of Palestinian self-determination, I submit that “Israel” is a colonial entity that has occupied Palestinian territory; thus, the Palestinian people must be able to exercise this right. It is imperative to note that under international law, only groups categorized as “peoples” have the right to self-determination. The interpretation of “peoples”, however, continues to cause confusion. For example, one may question do all “peoples” need to share one ethnicity or location? If so, where would be the place that gathers people who are a part of multi-ethnic states? With regard to Palestinians, “Israel” has already officially accepted the existence of the “Palestinian peoples” in the Camp David Accords signed with Egypt in the year 1978.[9]
Moreover, it is argued that the right of self-determination can heavily disrupt the essence of peace, such that political communities may resort to force if their demands are not met.[10] Violence was also exhibited in the case of Nigeria after the British authorities recognized three main groups, Igbos, Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba. These groups were legally recognized after seeking independence. These minority groups were effectively excluded from the political sphere and the impact of this devolution caused further ethnic divide and political strife[11]. It is claimed that the violence that erupted between 1965-1967 with Nigerians and Biafrans signified that exercising the right of self-determination leads to political and ethnic turmoil.[12]
In response to this argument, it is contended that despite self-determination struggles usually portrayed as violent and brutal measures, people should still have the freedom to exercise this fundamental right. It is important to understand that colonial settlers aggressively battled to preserve their right of conquest as their own right to self-determination. Till present day, “Israel” has committed war crimes, most notably in Gaza. From Palestine and South Africa to the Americas and Australia, settler-colonists [have] violently fought to prevent the indigenous people, that were colonised, from fighting for liberation, thus the argument that self-determination leads to violence and brutality does not hold much weight in this context considering it is no different to the measures taken by colonising entities.[13] Further to this, in the past, the UN has failed to sustain peace even with states that exercised their right to self-determination, as noticed with the case of Cyprus.[14] Conflicts among states exist irrespective of self-determination, therefore the premise of this argument is incorrect. It may be more suitable to look beyond the UN paradigm if we ought to find lasting solutions to such conflicts.
The Palestine-Israel Conflict
In order to better understand the Israel-Palestine conflict, it is necessary to present the issue within the historical framework of decolonisation struggles. Historically, the world has witnessed decolonisation struggles beginning with violence as a result of a people being denied independence and liberation by the colonising entity. The Palestinian struggle against the Zionist ethnonationalist entity has lasted since the 20th century; the story of Palestine is on political independence, liberation, and putting an end to the apartheid Israeli regime. Whilst Zionists argue that “Israel” has a historic right to Palestinian land, it is imperative to note that had it not been for the involvement of European imperial powers, most notably Britain, there would have not been any creation of “Israel”. In November 1917, Britain the de facto ruler of Palestine, issued the Balfour Declaration. The eighty-word statement by Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour announced support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.
In 1922, five years after the Balfour Declaration, the “League of Nations” approved the British Mandate for Palestine and the establishment of a “Jewish homeland.” The decision of the mandate did not consider the will of the Palestinian people or their fundamental rights. Between 1939 and 1949, there were a series of mass protests that took place against Jewish immigration to Palestine as well as armed Zionist groups launching attacks against the indigenous people of Palestine[15]. It is necessary to note that in 1947, the UN adopted Resolution 181, a partition plan for Palestine which was subsequently rejected by the Palestinians. The UN General Assemblies plan was to partition Palestine between the native Palestinians and the Jewish colonial settlers. Throughout 1948-1949, the Palestinians were attacked by Zionist forces. Villages and hotels were bombed near Haifa demonstrating early signs of ethnic cleansing. In April 1948, one month before the State of “Israel” was created, Zionist forces massacred over 100 250 Palestinians in the city of Deir Yassin[16] which is in close proximity to Jerusalem. In December of 1948[17], the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 194 which allowed the right of return of Palestinian refugees. This is a brief explanation of how the state of “Israel” came into existence. In 1974, Yasser Arafat, a Palestinian Political leader stated:
“The [UN] General Assembly partitioned what it had no right to divide – an indivisible homeland.”
“Israel” consistently and tactically made use of Occupation Law to further acquire Palestinian land whilst simultaneously arbitrarily arresting and targeting Palestinian people through the use of apartheid policies. It is argued that “Israel” has used UNSC Resolution 242 to justify and legitimate these actions through “political framework shaped by U.S intervention”[18] as mentioned by Noura Erakat, a human rights attorney and Palestinian activist. Erakat claims that the Occupation Law failing to regulate Palestinian territories effectively, is a result of a political, not a legal contest. It is asserted that “Israel’s” argument that the Palestinian territories are simply under their administration, would hold no weight were it not for the political powers involved in the region.
Furthermore, it is also argued that the United States has favoured “Israel” to such an extent that the US dismisses “Israel’s” violation of international law and allows the state to carry out war crimes without facing any repercussions besides blanket statements. As a result of the Occupation Law that “Israel” takes advantage of, Palestinian territories remain occupied, Palestinian people are systematically being ethnically cleansed[19], and their fundamental rights such as the freedom of movement are infringed.
The Human Rights Watch published a report in April 2021, in which it was made very clear that for the past 54 years, Israeli authorities have transferred Jewish Israeli’s to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OTP) and “granted them a superior status under the law as compared to Palestinians living in the same territory when it comes to civil rights, access to land, and freedom to move, build, and confer residency rights to close relatives.”[20] In 1970, the General Assembly Resolution 2625 added that “Every state has the duty to respect this right in accordance with the provision of the charter.” Therefore, “Israel” and the international community as a whole should not be denying the Palestinians their right to self-determination. Palestine should be able to manage its own affairs without the interference of external and colonial entities. It is important to understand that the Palestinian people have witnessed the occupation of their lands, forced expulsions to neighbouring lands, military bombardment, and erasure of their identity. As such, the struggle for independence and self-determination should be welcomed by all.
Ali Abunimah, a policy adviser, argues that self-determination “must return to the center of the Palestinian struggle”[21]. To add, Abunimah asserts that the Palestinian right to self-determination can indeed be compatible with the coexistence of Jews. It is claimed that the United States has a long history of deciding the fate of the Palestinian people. For instance, as per the Clinton Parameters, “Israel” would get “Jewish neighbourhoods” and the Palestinians would get “Arab neighbourhoods”. In hindsight, this meant that “Israel” would be allowed to keep the land it has colonised and annexed since 1967, and the people of Palestine would be able to have what is left – which Israeli occupation forces and settlers continue to annex and occupy till today. America’s “peace process” has allowed “Israel” to aggressively maintain their illegal occupation of the Palestinian people.[22]
Professor Noam Chomsky in his book ‘On Palestine’[23] highlights that “Israel’s” policies are directly connected to the Zionist ideology that “both aim to establish a Jewish state by taking over as much of historical Palestine as possible and leaving in it as few Palestinians as possible.” Chomsky, a Jewish historian and activist, further claims that the international community has “never condemned” the Israeli entity which led to the enormous expulsion of 750,000 people and the destruction of hundreds of villages and towns. In addition to this, Chomsky states that “ethnic cleansing has become the DNA of Israeli Jewish society.” Erasing the Palestinian land and people should be enough of a reason for the remaining people of Palestine to exercise their right to self-determination. There are distinct similarities between Palestine and the apartheid in South Africa. The Israeli Knesset authorises legislation that separates, segregates, and discriminates against the Palestinians. A recent report by Human Rights Watch also backs up this claim:
“Israeli authorities methodically privilege Jewish Israelis and discriminate against Palestinians. Laws, policies, and statements by leading Israeli officials make plain that the objective of maintaining Jewish Israeli control over demographics, political power, and land has long guided government policy.”[24]
The United States of America remains a close ally of “Israel”. The U.S provides financial and military support to “Israel” which has been used criticised by several human rights agencies as this funding is used to perpetrate human rights abuses against the Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip. In the Ten-Year Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and “Israel”, $38 billion has been promised to “Israel” from the U.S beginning in 2016.[25] This includes $3.3 billion in Foreign Military financing and $500 million for missile defence programs. Several U.S politicians declare their support for “Israel” and do not shy away from mentioning “Israel has every right to defend itself” despite the fact that it is “Israel” that is committing heinous crimes against the Palestinian people. As mentioned by Chomsky, as a result of political power and close relationship with the U.S, “Israel” has been able to act with impunity since 1948. The U.S also has a history of blocking UN resolutions[26] against “Israel”. According to UN data, since 1972, the US has vetoed at least 53 United Nations Security Council resolutions that are critical of “Israel”[27].
Contrastingly, Palestine does not have such strong allies. Palestinian resistance leaders have announced receiving military and financial support from the Islamic Republic of Iran; however, I submit that as Iran is a sanctioned country, the support offered to Palestine may not be as much as the support offered by the U.S and the UK to “Israel”. The UK has consistently and repeatedly sold arms to “Israel” despite its illegal occupation of Palestine.[28]
In conclusion, the people of Palestine have every right to self-determination, and this can be understood just by investigating the crimes perpetrated by “Israel” against the Palestinians, and the systematic oppression they have faced as a people. Since 1969, the General Assembly has recognised the “inalienable rights of the people of Palestine”[29] In 1974, member states of the UN worked to restore the “Question of Palestine” on the General Assembly agenda, and as such Arab heads of states upheld the “right of the Arab Palestinian people to the return to its homeland and its right to self-determination.”[30] Some weeks later the General Assembly passed resolution 3236 which mentioned “Recognizing that the Palestinian people are entitled to self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,” and (a) The right to self-determination without external interference”. It should be noted that the General Assembly condemned governments which failed to recognise the right to self-determination and independence of peoples under “colonial and foreign domination”. For the Palestinians to exercise this right, the Israeli entity must vacate from the occupied areas in order to establish an independent Palestinian state. The United Nations has again affirmed its commitment to the Palestinian right to self-determination. In November 2020, the UN General Assembly endorsed a draft resolution once again recognising “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to an independent State of Palestine.”[31] 163 states voted in favour of this resolution, whilst 5 states voted against this, namely: “Israel”, The United States of America, Micronesia, Nauru, and the Marshal Islands. Tomis Kapitan eloquently argues that legitimate residents of Palestine include all Palestinians irrespective of where they are located in Palestine, including Palestinian refugees outside of the country. He states that “expulsion does not remove ones right of residency… Palestinians also retain residency rights in those territories from which they were expelled.”[32] Kapitan asserts that the Palestinian people, as a collective, have the “entitlement to being self-determining in that region [historic Palestine]… not qua Palestinians, but qua legitimate residents. The force used against them has not erased the fact that they are, and are recognized as being; a legitimate unit entitled to participate in their own self-determination.”[33]
Whilst some may argue that the Palestinian right to self-determination is an anti-Semitic stance, it should be duly noted that a Palestinian state would include Jews, Muslims and Christians. It is in fact the Zionist entity that remains anti-Semitic by expulsing and rejecting Jewish natives from enjoying their rights in Occupied Palestine. It should be remembered that the Palestinian right to self-determination is legal and in accordance with international law. For the state of Palestine to be completely independent, colonial settlers will have to return to the European countries they entered from and respect international law. To end, a group of academics including Palestinians and Israelis issued a One State Declaration in 2007, inspired by the South African Freedom Charter and declared: “The historic land of Palestine belongs to all who live in it and to those who were expelled or exiled from it since 1948, regardless of religion, ethnicity, national origin or current citizenship status; Any system of government must be founded on the principle of equality in civil, political, social and cultural rights for all citizens. Power must be exercised with rigorous impartiality on behalf of all people in the diversity of their identities.[34]
[6] Quane, Helen. 1998. “The United Nations and the Evolving Right to Self-Determination.” The International and Comparative Law Quarterly 47(3): 537–572.
[7] Johan D. Van der Vyer, ‘Self-Determination of the Peoples of Quebec under International Law’ [2012] 10(1) Journal of Transnational Law & Policy 38 [8] Martti Koskenniemi, ‘National Self-Determination Today: Problems of Legal Theory and Practice’ [1994] 43(2) The International and Comparative Law Quarterly <https://www.jstor.org/stable/761238> accessed 10 May 2021. [9] J Massad, ‘Against Self-Determination’ [2018] 9(2) Humanity 161-191 [10] M Evangelista, ‘Paradoxes of Violence and Self-determination’ [2015] 14(5) Formerly Global Review of Ethnopolitics <https://doi.org/10.1080/17449057.2015.1051811> accessed 3 May 2021. [11] B Ibhawoh, ‘Testing the Atlantic Charter: linking anticolonialism, self-determination and Universal Human Rights’ [2014] 18(7) International Journal of Human Rights 1-19
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