RAMALLAH, July 3 (JMCC) - UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights Richard Falk has warned
Israel that plans to demolish 22 homes in the
Jerusalem neighborhood of
Silwan could open Israel to charges of war crimes, reports the
Jerusalem Post.
“These actions, if carried out, would violate international law, with certain actions potentially amounting to war crimes under international humanitarian law,” said Falk, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
“It is disturbing that Israel is considering revoking the residency permits of Muhammad Abu-Tir, Ahmad Attoun, Muhammad Totah, and Khaled Abu Arafeh, all current or former members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and longtime residents of east Jerusalem,” Falk said, noting that the High Court of Justice was scheduled to consider the case on September 6.
“What is particularly shocking is that Israel appears ready to forcibly transfer these individuals based on their supposed lack of loyalty to the State of Israel,” he stated. “Israel, as an occupying power, is prohibited from transferring civilian persons from east Jerusalem, and is prohibited from forcing Palestinians to swear allegiance or otherwise affirm their loyalty to the State of Israel.”
Falk’s statements were issued not to any particular body, but were made in his capacity as special rapporteur as “an expression of concern” in relation to both the recent announcement of the Silwan building demolitions and the proposed expulsion of the four Palestinians said to be associated with Hamas.
Read the story at the
Jerusalem Post...