Human Rights and the Plight of Anti-Wall Activists in Israel

The separation wall built by Israel at the West Bank has become a widespread issue of controversy. This is because the wall does not adhere to the border determined between Israel and the West Bank in 1967. Apparently built to ward off suicide bombers, 85% of the wall goes through the West Bank rather than on the Border Line. This has restricted movement of Palestinian residents, separating them from their lands; thereby violating international humanitarian law.

Human Rights Violations Due to Protests by Palestinians

Thousands of Palestinians have raised their voice, peacefully as well as violently, to protest against the wall. Several cases have been reported in the territory when Palestinian youths have been charged for hurling stones at Israeli soldiers. The troops have resorted to tear gas as well as live and rubber-coated bullets during several such protests.

The Israeli troops have detained several demonstrators, including children, who have been protesting peacefully, with debatable evidence. Israeli soldiers have gone to the extent of obtaining coerced confessions. These protestors have been blatantly denied their rights to hire a lawyer and pursue their release. They have also been denied access to meet their family members as well. Furthermore, the troops have raided several organizations advocating peaceful anti-wall demonstrations, including Stop the Wall and the International Solidarity Movement.

Human Rights Violated By Violating Child Rights

Considering the fact that Israel is part of several international treaties that condemns detaining children for a prolonged period, the actions of the troop are a clear violation of the regulations of these treaties. The need of the hour is for the Israel military authorities to admit their misjudgments and actions, and put an immediate end to this ongoing harassment of peaceful Palestinian activists and children.