IDF treatment of humanitarian workers and international observers
26 April 2002
IDF treatment of humanitarian workers and international observers
As many of you know, Partners for Peace has been closely following the non-violent efforts of the International Solidarity Movement to expose the injustice of Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. Today, we heard from Nancy Murray (whose support and organizing skills in Boston were instrumental to the success of our Jerusalem Women Speak tour last fall) that her daughter, Rebecca, had a percussion bomb thrown at her by the IDF while trying to get some fresh air while holed up in the presidential compound in Ramallah. Two internationals with her were injured.
Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (Oregon) has just introduced House Resolution 394 that mentions the important and courageous efforts of aid workers and international observers such as Rebecca.
The resolution and its sponsors follow below. Rep. DeFazio’s office is still taking co-sponsors. Please alert your member of Congress to the resolution.
Expressing grave concern about the continuing escalation in violence between Israel and the Palestinians. (Introduced in the House)
HRES 394 IH
107th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 394
Expressing grave concern about the continuing escalation in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APRIL 18, 2002
Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. STARK, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. FARR of California, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. ISSA, Mr. SNYDER, Ms. LEE, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. MEEKS of New York) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations
RESOLUTION
Expressing grave concern about the continuing escalation in violence between Israel and the Palestinians.
Whereas recent violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories has claimed at least 1,900 lives, including more than 1,450 Palestinians and 450 Israelis, since September 2000;
Whereas suicide bombings have become increasingly frequent and have claimed the lives of dozens of innocent Israeli civilians;
Whereas the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian
Authority, and incursions into Palestinian cities, have resulted in a significant number of civilian deaths;
Whereas on April 4, 2002, President Bush called for `Israel to halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas and begin the withdrawal from those cities it has recently occupied’ and an end to suicide bombings;
Whereas various parties, including the President of the United States, the European Union, Saudi Arabia and the Arab League, and the Mitchell Commission have proposed potential paths toward peace, including recognition of Israel’s right to exist, guaranteeing Israeli security within its 1967 borders, creation of a viable Palestinian state, halting Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories, and negotiations
to determine the final status of Jerusalem and refugees;
Whereas sustained, high-level diplomatic engagement by the United States is crucial in bringing the Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table and ensuring parallel goals of peace and security; and
Whereas there are hundreds of civilians from many countries, including the United States, who are serving selflessly and risking their own lives as human rights observers and aid workers in an increasingly dangerous situation in the region: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives–
(1) strongly supports United Nations Security Council Resolution 1397, which was unanimously approved by the United States and other members of the Security Council, with Syria abstaining, that calls for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence between Israel and the Palestinians;
(2) strongly supports United Nations Security Council Resolution 1402, which was unanimously approved by the United States and other members of the Security Council, with Syria abstaining, that calls for a meaningful cease-fire and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities;
(3) unequivocally condemns acts of violence against both Israeli and Palestinian civilians;
(4) urges all parties to recognize that continued military attacks and terrorist activities will only lead to escalating violence and the potential destabilization of the Middle East and neighboring regions;
(5) urges all parties to stop using state-controlled media or other means of propaganda to incite hatred and violence; and
(6) urges all parties immediately to ensure the safety of international human rights observers and aid workers in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
