From 30 October to 04 November 2010, at the invitation of the European Council for Palestinian relations for members of the Parliamentary Group of the Polish – Palestinian, went into a part of international delegations, chaired by Sir Gerald Kaufman – British parliamentarian. The purpose of this delegation was to monitor the situation of Palestinians living in the West Bank, including in Jerusalem, Hebron and Ramallah. In view of concern about illegal Israeli actions (settlements, building a wall, treatment of the population) Our delegation was tasked to check these reports on-site.
The delegation met in Amman (Jordan) there 31 October 2010 we went to the West Bank. Even during the border crossing from Jordan into Israel was incident, in which Israeli officials refused to let one of the members of our delegation, which resulted in strong opposition to Sir Gerald Kaufman, and our whole group. Israelis have questioned a British passport of Mr Ayman Abnawwada, because according to their information Mr.Abnawwad was born in Gaza, so it should hold a Palestinian passport. Explanation this case lasted 4 Hours, but thanks to resolute attitude of the head of our delegation led to our success – Mr. Abnawwad crossed the Israeli. Later that day we had scheduled a meeting with three members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and former Minister of Jerusalem, who were forced to find refuge at the headquarters of the International Red Cross. During this meeting we learned about their fate;- we heard that they got the order to leave Jerusalem, where they and their families have lived for centuries.
They were sentenced to leave his place of residence by the Israeli authorities, in violation of international law, including the Geneva Convention (art. 49, art. 9, art. 12 and 13). Their families are harassed and bullied, which is for Action to be psychological pressure on these MPs – Incompatible with human rights. Unfortunately, from 01 July 2010 (when they went to the headquarters of the International Red Cross) there was no significant reaction from the international community, which, although it tried to protest against these illegal activities.
Then, the same day (31.10.10 r.), our delegation met in The Tent Protest with representatives of the Palestinian and parliamentarians We heard there that the Protest Tent arising from the decision of the Israeli authorities about demolition of Palestinian homes and difficulties in obtaining even the simplest of municipal permits for Palestinians – the inhabitants of Jerusalem. During this meeting, we met a little boy, which Israeli soldiers seized in prison in which he was repeatedly beaten. Talking about his experiences this boy showed us his bruised back and legs. At this meeting there were also dozens of people present, whose stories about the brutal, inhumane treatment by the Israeli authorities, were
shocking. Remind us of the worst experiences of the world’s history which especially in Poland, we can never forget. It would seem that the citizens of Israel in particular should keep in mind about these experiences.
01.11.2010 years we have started an on-site in the Palestinian neighborhood of Jerusalem, where families thrown out of their own family homes told their stories showing us their homes, currently occupied by Israeli settlers. All these stories were similar: – Israeli soldiers, usually at night, broke into their homes by rifle flasks and crowbars. Palestinians and their belongings thrown out into the street bullies, to their homes Israeli settlers take effect immediately. During one of the Israeli treasury dry soldiers broke the handle of a 5-year girl. In any such action usually beaten women and men. One of the sacked from his family home of Palestinian families decided to live on the streets on which they were thrown out, the fence of his property- they managed to survive as a couple of weeks, but there were under constant mental and physical pressures of Israeli citizens protected by the police and army. In the end this inhumane treatment of the intended results – Palestinian family was forced to move to relatives, leaving the neighborhood where she lived for generations.
Then (01.10.2010) our delegation visited the headquarters The UN Organization OCHA supervising the observance of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The head of this office confirmed the shocking information about the brutal Israeli settlements and the treatment of Palestinians by the occupation authorities. Gave us the topography of the division of the West Bank. Showed us the topography of the division of the West Bank – it was divided into three zones:
Zone „A” includes the largest Palestinian cities, and is managed by the civil and military authority of the Palestinian.
Zone „B” includes most of the Palestinian rural areas and is managed by the Palestinian Authority civilian and military forces, both Palestinian and Israeli. ( Zone „A” and „B” includes nearly 38% of West Bank).
Zone „C” (about 62% of the area) continues to be under the sole management of the Israeli authorities, although the Oslo agreement provided for the gradual passing zone management of the Palestinian administration. Unfortunately, that agreement was „frozen” by Israel already in 2000. Counts that about 50% Palestinian farms and approximately 150 000 Palestinians live in zone „C”. Here comes the unprecedented assault on Palestinian farmers – destroying their crops just before harvest, set fire to olive trees and ruining any other property. All these acts of injustice take place before the eyes of Israeli military forces and utter indifference of the Israeli civil authorities. Palestinians who are trying to defend his property are punishable in different ways. Range penalty is varied – from penalties cash (often confiscation of property) to penalty of prison. Another problem is the arbitrary designation of roads and routes on which the Palestinians are not allowed. Greatly extends the ability to walk after area. The roads which Palestinians can move around are placed permanent and portable „ checkpoint” where there is a huge queue of people stacking up and vehicles. People are trying to get to work, schools and to settle their other needs.
After the presentation of The UN OCHA delegation went to Hebron to meet with Chairman of the Legislative Council and other Palestinian parliamentarians. There, we confirmed the previously acquired information about living Palestinian residents of the West Bank. Carried out there, talks also covered the political situation, mainly the absence of agreement leading Palestinian forces this is the Hamas and Fatah. According to the Hamas politicians – Fatah party, conducting peace talks with Israel, insufficiently protects the interests of the Palestinian, preparing the documents without an agreement with Hamas. This lack of agreement on the Palestinian political situation deteriorates significantly negotiators and consequently does not solve any major problems.
On the way back from Hebron to Jerusalem, we were invited to visit one of the former political prisoners in his family home. The young man talked about his imprisonment and torture they suffered in an Israeli prison. His current health status indicates that by the end of his life will remain an invalid. 02.11.2010 years we went to Ramallah, where he met with politicians of various parties with their representations in the Palestinian Legislative Council. Confirmed to the problems both political and life of the Palestinians.
Then we had a meeting at the headquarters of the Palestinian Organization against Apartheid and Construction of the wall separating the West Bank. Construction of this wall is undoubtedly contrary to international law. The wall is to have approximately 723 km long and will have an impact on the lives of nearly half a million Palestinian people, including the 250 000 residents of East Jerusalem.
To go to the other side of the wall, to his fields, to work, to family. Palestinian population will have to have a special pass and cross the wall by the gate where a specially created „ border”. Wall goes beyond „Green Line”- area occupied by Israel in 1967. There is no reason for its construction. Decision of the International Court of Justice from 2004 Israel should dismantle the wall and pay compensation for damage done by its construction. Unfortunately, the opposite is true – wall construction is progressing and there is no indication that Israel intended to carry out the sentence of the International Court of Justice. There are reports showing that there shall be not allowed practice of colonial and apartheid on the model used once in South Africa.
On the same day (02.11.2010) we returned to Amman (Jordan). Again, crossing the border has been significantly hampered by Israeli officials in relation to the origin of Mr. Ayman Abnawwada. Finally, after waiting several hours allowed us to set to cross the border.
During that waiting times we have witnessed the drama of a young mother with two children. The woman entered the West Bank, including with young children (daughter and son) on Australian passports. After a visit with the family returned to Amman where the next day had a plane to Australia. Unfortunately, it appeared that Israeli officials do not want pass, because the children’s father is a Palestinian and son should have a Palestinian travel document. A woman explained that her husband is in Australia, it was here on a visit with a family that entered here on Australian passports. Israeli officials not changed their minds, a woman with children returning to Ramallah. All three arrived at the border of the Israeli-Jordanian few hours before us, been there – helpless, even after they have left us this crossing. We have no information on her fate. Next day 03.11.2010years our delegation met in Amman with both Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan.
In conclusion, it is clear that with my own eyes we have seen inhuman and brutal treatment of Palestinians by Israeli occupation authorities; – as with the occupying military forces, Palestinians thrown out of their own homes, which immediately occupied by Israeli settlers and demolishing the entire Palestinian neighborhoods, Palestinians are obstructed in every way possible to move, Israelis are beating Palestinians, beat them, humiliate, intimidate and destroy their property. We have seen the practices of the occupying Israeli authorities, which do not fall under any international laws and human rights. Repressive activities of the Israeli authorities did not shrink from any potential intimidation and humiliation of Palestinians.
We have seen (eg on the streets of Jerusalem), that the Palestinian areas are intentionally poorly managed, is not removed from the rubbish, or waste such as construction. This is to give the impression that the people living there do not care about their place of residence. Throws are also in the eyes, that share of settlement (Inhumanly brutal) demolition of whole neighborhoods almost inhabited by Palestinians have one target. This target is to get rid of the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem in such a way that the town became a city of „pure” Israeli. In a similar way the Israelis doing with Christian inhabitants of Jerusalem and their places of worship. We must do everything, and finally the international community was not merely a passive witness to what evil is the Israeli occupation authorities are moving in the XXI century.
Anna Sikora
Member of Parliament
Iwona Arent
Member of Parliament
