Israeli soldiers shot dead a 19-year-old Palestinian during a raid at a refugee camp in the West Bank town of Bethlehem yesterday, Palestinian medics said.
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Following Jarrar’s sentencing on Sunday, Aida Touma-Suliman, a Palestinian member of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, told reporters that “The decision of the occupation authorities to jail a member of parliament because of her political stance … proves that the Israeli government is bent on aggravating the escalation”. They say the evidence against her was flimsy and that she poses no threat to public safety.
Eleven out of 12 of the charges against Jarrar involve activities linked to her work as a Palestinian parliamentarian – including giving media interviews, and meeting with released Palestinian prisoners.
It echoes a similar spat three weeks ago, when Israel said Wallstrom was “appallingly impudent” by linking the attacks in Paris to the plight of Palestinians. “It is high time for the dehumanization and the captivity of the Palestinian people to end”.
On December 8, approximately 4,000 plush toys of rock-throwing men dressed in Palestinian clothing were seized at the Haifa port by Israeli authorities, who said that the dolls were intended for the Palestinian Authority as a part of an incitement campaign.
Tensions have also been stoked by Palestinian frustration over a peacemaking process deadlocked since early 2014. She has criticized the Palestinian Authority for its security cooperation with Israel, which has continued even during months of Israeli-Palestinian fighting.
Residents of the camp said that during the raid, Israeli forces fired tear gas canisters, stun grenades and live ammunition “indiscriminately” through the camp’s narrow alleyways.
Arriving with scant hopes for a major breakthrough, Kerry said he would discuss with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah ways of calming tensions.
The shipment was uncovered amidst a string of attacks by Palestinians that have left more than 20 dead, nearly all Israelis, in just the past few months. At least 109 Palestinians have been killed.
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Global condemnation of Israel’s actions in the occupied territory has also intensified and foreign powers have expressed concern over what they say is excessive use of force.
