Condemnation of Escalation in the West Bank
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) has condemned the ongoing escalation by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in the West Bank, highlighting recent incidents of violence and destruction.
- Incursions and Attacks:
- 15 August 2023, ‘Aqbat Jaber Refugee Camp:
- At approximately 04:00, an Israeli special force infiltrated ‘Aqbat Jaber refugee camp, targeting the family house of Mohammad Naser Khalil Abu al-‘Assal (26), arresting him.
- During the incursion, clashes erupted between IOF and local Palestinians who confronted the soldiers with stones and Molotov cocktails.
- Israeli soldiers fired live ammunition, killing Qusay ‘Omar Suleiman Al-Walaji (16), who was riding his motorcycle nearby. He was hit by two live bullets in the chest.
- Mohammad Rebhi Nujoom (25), a member of Palestinian armed groups, was also killed by a bullet in the left side of his chest during the violence.
- The shooting resulted in the deaths of both individuals, with medical confirmation from Jericho Governmental Hospital.
- 15 August 2023, Nablus:
- Around 22:30, IOF moved into Nablus, deploying troops near Joseph’s Tomb to protect settlers’ buses.
- Clashes broke out between Palestinians and IOF, leading to the injury of three Palestinians, one critically.
- IOF fired live and rubber bullets, stun grenades, and teargas canisters, and destroyed the internal walls of an uninhabited house belonging to Abdullah Abu Shallal in Balata refugee camp before withdrawing around 05:00 the following morning.
- PCHR’s Response and Calls to Action:
- Condemnation: PCHR strongly condemns the violent incursions and the unjustified killings by IOF in the West Bank, emphasizing the serious violations of international law.
- International Community: PCHR urges the international community to act promptly to stop these crimes and address the double standards in applying international law.
- International Criminal Court (ICC): PCHR calls on the ICC Prosecutor to take decisive action regarding the situation in Palestine.
- Fourth Geneva Convention: PCHR demands that the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention uphold their obligations under Common Article 1 and Article 146, which require respect for the Convention and accountability for grave breaches.
These incidents highlight a continued pattern of aggressive military tactics and violations of international humanitarian law by the IOF, underscoring the need for urgent international intervention and accountability.
