Constant Threat

Pictured here:  These three photos capture three arrests of Palestinians this past week, two of whom are under 16. 

In the past three weeks CPT has witnessed an increase in systematic detainments and arrests of Palestinians in the H2 area of Al Khalil by the Golani infantry brigade. The Golani brigade has been in the Old City almost constantly, where soldiers require Palestinians to show their IDs and arbitrarily detain members of the local community for anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. Local shopkeepers, as well as men, women, and children who live in H2 have been detained several times per day as they try to move around their neighbourhood. 

Protests in solidarity with the Palestinian political prisoner’s hunger strike have resulted in clashes occurring more than once a week. Israeli military have used excessive force against the Palestinian protesters, who have suffered from tear gas inhalation, skunk water spray, rubber bullet wounds, and injuries from live ammunition. Israeli forces purposefully escalate the clashes by quickly advancing into Palestinian controlled H1, apprehending those who are at the front of the clash and then retreating with boys they have detained. Their provocation of Palestinians also allows for them to take photos to use as evidence against “stone throwers” and as justification for later arrests. A total of 8 people were arrested in a clash on Friday, 19th May and at least 6 people were arrested in the clash today, 22nd May. 

Golani forces have become aggressive in their search for young men who have participated in the clashes. Young Palestinian men specifically are being targeted, to a point where the local community members are living under constant threat of house raids, arbitrary detainment, and arrest. On the 21st of May, a 12 year old boy was detained and held overnight, the video footage of his detainment can be found here. 

(May 16-22, 2017)