by Tony Iozzo
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe
KHIRBET AL-MAKHUL, West Bank – Diplomats from various European countries, representing the United Nations, have spoken out to hold Israel accountable after soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces prevented them from delivering aid and supplies to citizens in Khirbet al-Makhul in the West Bank.
The diplomats have reported that as they arrived to the village of Bedouin in Khirbet al-Makhul, they were ordered out of their trucks and instructed not to unload the contents.
Supplies and aid were being delivered by the European diplomats after many homes in the area were demolished pursuant to an order of a High Court. Last Monday, the homes of these villagers were destroyed as Israeli’s High Court ruled that they were built without permits in the first place. Many of the Bedouin villagers have refused to leave the land, however, as their ancestors have lived on the land and grazed sheep there for generations.
The European diplomats reported that a dozen Israeli army jeeps bombarded them when they arrived in the area. A French diplomat, Marion Fesneau-Castaing, said she was forced to the ground from her vehicle.
“They dragged me out of the truck and forced me to the ground with no regard for my diplomatic immunity. This is how international law is being respected here,” Fesneau-Castaing has stated.
A spokesman for the British Consulate General in Jerusalem stated it was “concerned at reports that the Israeli military authorities have prevented the affected community from receiving humanitarian assistance. We have repeatedly made clear to the Israeli authorities our concerns over such demolitions, which we view as causing unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians; as harmful to the peace process; and as contrary to international humanitarian law.
The Israeli Defense Forces have contended that the diplomats may have abused their privileges, and reported that that dozens of Palestinians, foreign activists and diplomats had tried to set up tents, which it called a “provocation.”
UN Humanitarian Coordinator James Rawley stated that the Israeli authorities should “live up to their obligations as occupying power to protect those communities under their responsibility.”
Last month, the first Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in three years were held in Jerusalem.
In 2010, the discussions disintegrated amid disagreement on the issue of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Middle East war, and the talks are aimed at reaching a permanent peace settlement with the Palestinians.
For more information, please see:
Russia Today – EU Calls for Explanations From Israel Over Diplomat Scuffle – 22 September 2013
Fars News Agency – Israeli Troops Attack EU Diplomats, Seize West Bank Aid – 21 September 2013
BBC News – Diplomats Protest Over West Bank Clash With Israeli Troops – 20 September 2013
Reuters Canada – Israeli Forces Manhandle EU Diplomats, Seize West Bank Aid – 20 September 2013
