Press Release: Israeli settlers should be disarmed and evacuated from occupied territory

Press Release: Israeli settlers should be disarmed and evacuated from occupied territory

31 July 2015

 

The horrific act of violence, arson and murder by settlers that led to the death of 18-month-old Ali Dawabsheh and serious burns injuries to his parents and 4-year old brother, is not an isolated incident.  Israeli settlers in the West Bank have perpetrated killings and violence against Palestinians for years in a climate of almost complete impunity. According to the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, nine Palestinian homes have been burnt down by settlers in the last three years. As yet not one person has been charged.  According to the Israeli human rights group, Yesh Din, only 7.4 percent of investigations into settler violence resulted indictments against suspects.

Caabu Parliamentary delegations have witnessed settler violence and its results. These include burnt homes, cars and olive groves. All too frequently human rights groups and video evidence show that Israeli soldiers stand by and do nothing.

Commenting on this, Chris Doyle, Caabu’s Director, stated: “The settlers should not be in the West Bank. Settlements are illegal. They also have a real impact on Palestinian lives taking their land, resources and water. Moreover they pose a real and serious threat to Palestinian security.  It is no longer enough to condemn. Action needs to be taken. The settlement process must be reversed and settlers relocated inside Israel. As part of that process, they should be disarmed. It is not right that Israeli civilians are permitted to carry and use dangerous weapons. 

Finally, Israeli Ministers must stop their incitement as they are all too fond of demanding from the Palestinians.  Palestinians will be seeking justice from a system headed by an Israeli Justice Minister who promotes the view that Palestinian children are “little snakes.”

 

Notes to editors:

1)    For more information or interviews contact Chris Doyle, on + 44207 832 1321 or +447968 040281.

2)    For more comments from Chris Doyle in an interview with Al Arabiya please read here