PALESTINE’S LEGAL SCENE –Issue.123

Your weekly survey of the most important publications and activities related to Palestine and law, from local and international sources

8-14 may 2022

Issued every Sunday by Law for Palestine

Special Issue

Palestine’s Legal Scene Report for this week is filled with news about Shireen Abu Akleh, the journalist who was targeted and assassinated in cold blood, in an act that amounts to a war crime. We hope that our upcoming reports will be filled with news about achieving justice for her and for all the victims who have suffered and are still suffering from killing, targeting, and displacement within the apartheid regime and racist Israeli occupation.

This weekly report reviews the legal dynamics of the Palestine question, and everything related to international law and Palestine. The report includes an account of the most important publications, activities and conferences related to Palestine at the local, regional, international levels. The report further covers decisions, decrees, and judicial orders affecting the Palestinian cause, whether made at the official, academic or public levels. The report aims to be a reference for monitoring, documenting and archiving the latest human rights developments related to Palestine, and to present them to individuals, researchers, study centers, and official, academic and legal institutions concerned.

To view this Volume of Palestine’s Legal Scene, please click here (3 minutes read)

Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by official Palestinian bodies

• The Presidential Spokesperson rejects the declarations of the Israeli PM about Jerusalem. He stated that “according to the Shaw Committee, the League of Nations Resolution of 1930 stipulates that the ownership of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Al-Buraq Wall, and the adjacent plaza belong to Muslims alone”. (May 8, 2022). For further details, click here
• Palestinian MOFAE condemns field execution crimes and calls on the ICC to expedite the start of its investigations. (May 9, 2022). For further details, click here
• Palestinian MOFAE describes the demolition of the Rajby family’s home in Silwan as a war crime and crime against humanity. (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations calls on the international community to take action to stop Israeli attacks on Palestinians and delivers three similar statements to UN authorities condemning Israel’s war crimes in the occupied territories. (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• During the Donor Countries’ summit in Brussels, the Palestinian Prime Minister demanded an end to the occupation, a halt to settlements, unilateral actions, and settler violence, and the return of funding withheld by Israel. (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian presidency condemns the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and holds Israel fully accountable. (May 11, 2022). Forfurther details, click here
• Palestinian MOFAE has sent a message to all Palestinian embassies across the world urging them to take immediate action in their host countries’ ministries of foreign affairs, decision-making centres, and public opinion in order to expose the crime of execution of Shireen Abu Akleh, journalist and corrsepondent for Al-Jazeera. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian Public Prosecutor’s Office has announced that the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is being investigated in preparation for the case being sent to the International Criminal Court. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Palestinian MOFAE condemns the execution of Thaer Khalil Muslat “Al-Yazuri,” a 16-year-old Palestinian boy, and urges the US administration to exert pressure on Israel to end its violations. (May 11, 2022).For further details, click here
• Palestinian mission to the UN calls on the Security Council to fulfill its obligations to protect the Palestinian people. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Hussein al-Sheikh, a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee, reveals the Palestinian Authority’s rejection of an Israeli request for a joint investigation into the shooting of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a registry of condolences to journalist Abu Akleh in the State of Palestine’s embassies and offices in order to leverage the broadest condemnation of this execution and demand that violators be held accountable and punished. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• Palestinian Foreign Ministry says that Israeli efforts to investigate Abu Akleh’s execution are an obvious attempt to erase the atrocity. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) Human Rights Service: Shelling citizens’ houses in Jenin is a war crime. (May13, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemns the West Bank settlement plan for the construction of approximately 4,000 more dwellings for Israelis. (May12, 2022). For further details, click here
• According to the preliminary investigation into the assation of Shireen Abu Aqleh, the Palestinian Public Prosecution confirms that “The occupying forces were the only source of fire at the time of her murder” and adds that her “immediate cause of death is brain damage caused by a high-speed bullet.”. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the attack on attendees at the funeral of journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here

Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by official Israeli bodies

• Israel announces a new settlement scheme in the Negev. (May 8, 2022). For further details, click here
• Israel announces a new settlement plan adding about 4000 Israeli residential units in the West Bank. (May 6, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Israeli PM states that all decisions related to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem are made solely by the Israeli government irrespective of any external considerations. He stressed that Israel categorically rejects any external intervention in the decision-making process. (May 8, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army stated that they are forming a team to investigate the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Israeli Prime Minister states that Shirin Abu Akil likely was killed by Palestinian fire. (May 11, 2022).For further details, click here
• Itmar Ben Ghafer, a Knesset member, declares his support for the Israeli forces involved in the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Israeli army chief expresses sadness for the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and promises a thorough investigation into the incident’s circumstances. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Supreme Planning and Construction Council of Israel has approved the construction of approximately 4,500 settlement housing units in the West Bank. (May 12, 2022).For further details, click here
• The Israeli army publishes the results of its preliminary investigation into the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh. (May 13, 2022).For further details, click here
• The Israeli army announces that Palestinian Ra’adHazem’s house would be demolished as punishment for carrying out an attack that killed three Israelis. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here

Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by Arab, European, and international bodies

• The office of the European Union Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process issues a report calling for adopting a morestrategic approach to addressing the Palestinian economic and fiscal situation. (May 7, 2022). For further details, click here
• Kuwaiti MOFAE condemns the new Israeli plan to build 4000 new settlement units and slams it as a flagrant violation of international law. (May 8, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Iraqi Ministry of Culture approves several measures to counter normalization with Israel and the Iraqi parliament has completed the first reading of the proposed law banning normalization. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• OIC condemns the Israeli plan to build new settlement units on the OPTs in the Yatta area south of Hebron. (May 8, 2022). For further details, click here
• The EU issues a statement condemning the Israeli plans to demolish houses and evict Palestinian families in the Yatta area south of Hebron. (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• Jordan’s Foreign Minister says “There is no Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem, Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian land, and Israel as an occupying power has no jurisdiction over the Aqsa Plaza, which is a whole area of 144 for exclusive prayer of Muslims”. (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• Kuwait donates $2 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• OIC, Arab League, and the Arabic parliament condemn the Israeli occupation’s crime of assassinating the Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022).
• Qatar condemns the assassination of the journalist Abu Akleh and considers it a blatant infringement on freedom of the media. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The EU Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process condemns the assassination of the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, clickhere
• British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan urges a prompt and comprehensive investigation into the execution of journalist Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The EU and its official spokesperson in the Middle East call for a prompt and independent investigation into the execution of journalist Abu Akleh and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Pakistan, Iran, Belgium, Ireland, and France condemned the assassination of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces and called for a quick and resolute investigation. (May 11, 2022).
• Jordan, Kuwait, Tunisia, Bahrain, Oman,Lebanon, and Egypt said that the murder of journalist Sherine Abu Akleh and the shooting of journalist Ali Al-Samudi are flagrant violations of human rights. (May 11, 2022).
• The US ambassador to Israel urges a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the “death” of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the injury of journalist Ali al-Samudi. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The US State Department strongly condemns the “murder” of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, considers it an insult to media freedom, and calls for an immediate and comprehensive investigation and for those responsible for her “murder” to be held accountable. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Director-General of UNESCO condemns the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh, which violates international law, and calls for an investigation and prosecution of those responsible. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for a transparent and independent investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh’s murder and condemns all targeting of journalists. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Winsland, issued a statement condemning the Israeli authorities’ decision to build more than 4,000 housing units in settlements in the West Bank and urging the Israeli authorities to stop settlement activities. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• Belgian MP: The Israeli government must be punished for its ongoing violations by prohibiting the sale of settlement products and recognising the Palestinian state. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• President of the Bolivarian League: Israel’s killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is a systematic violation of international law. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• 15 countries of the European Union issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli authorities’ approval of plans to develop more than 4,400 housing units, the further expansion of illegal settlements throughout the occupied West Bank, and the retroactive approval of three illegal outposts. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• US congressional representative, Corey Bush, condemns the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and emphasises the need for both accountability and putting an end to Israeli apartheid. (May 12, 2022). For further details, click here
• Japan’s Foreign Ministry calls for a thorough investigation into the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and bringing those responsible to justice. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• Italian Ministry of Foreign: The scenes of violence during Shireen Abu Akleh’s funeral sickened us and we deplore the inappropriate use of force. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• As violence in the West Bank escalates, UN experts condemn the killings of journalists. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• The EU condemns Israeli police for using inappropriate force and violence during the funeral of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• The United Nations Security Council strongly condemns the “killing” of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and calls for an immediate, open, and impartial investigation. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Secretary of the United States of America and Ireland express their deep trouble over the images of the Israeli police intruding into the funeral of Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 14, 2022).
• The foreign ministries of Qatar and Egypt condemn the Israeli authorities’ attacks on the funeral of the late Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 13, 2022).
• Iranian Foreign Ministry: The anniversary of the Nakba emphasizes the need for the international community to fulfill its duty to defend the rights of the Palestinian people. (May 14, 2022). For further details, click here

Publications of human rights NGOs

• The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemns the Israeli decision to build thousands of residential units in settlements located in the occupied West Bank. (May 7, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Prisoner’s Club holds Israel fully accountable for the fate of prisoners Assad Al-Rifai and Subhi Al-Sbehat. (May 8, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Independent Commission for Human Rights calls on the international community to step up and suspend Israeli court decision against MassaferYatta, which it considers to be a gross violation of international law. (May 9, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Arab Lawyers’ Union decries Israel’s continuous development of settlements and disregard for international laws and norms. (May 9, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian Prisoners Club reports that the Israeli Supreme Court decided to refer the file of detainee NaelBarghouti to the Military Objections Committee. (May 10, 2022). For further details, click here
• PNGO stresses the need for intensified and concerted efforts to prosecute the occupying power and hold it accountable for its crimes against Palestinian journalists, emphasizing that the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is a watershed moment for prosecuting Israel and protecting journalists. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate holds Israel fully responsible for the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Iraq Journalists Syndicate, the National Council of Algerian Journalists, Bahraini Journalists Association, and National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists condemn the heinous crime against journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and demand urgent action to hold the perpetrators accountable. (May 11, 2022).
• The Arab Lawyers’ Union strongly condemns Israeli troops’ murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.(May 11,2022). For further details, click here
• The Independent Commission for Human Rights condemns the death of journalist Abu Akleh and calls for the formation of an international commission of investigation into Israeli war crimes and accountability. For further details, click here
• Chief of Lebanese Press Editors Union condemns the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and injury of the journalist Ali Al-Samudi. He calls on the International Union of Journalists and other rights-related bodies to lead a wide campaign denouncing the crime.(May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The General Union of Palestinian Women condemns the assassination and targeting of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and demands protection for press and medical staff. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Human Rights Watch considers the “killing” of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh a devastating loss. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The International Federation of Journalists condemns the “murder” of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and pledges to add the murder to the case lodged at the International Criminal Court. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Al-Mezan and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights condemn the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and demand that the International Criminal Court investigate all Israeli occupation crimes against civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory. (May 11, 2022).
• AMAN urges international organisations to hold the Israeli occupation authorities accountable for war crimes and targeting journalists who are covering events in occupied Palestinian territory. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Al-Haq Foundation publishes an initial field investigation into the incident of killing the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the injury of journalist Ali Samudi. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Islamic Broadcasting Union condemns the assassination of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• Zimbabwe Union of Journalists condemns the killing of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• The President of the Palestinian Football condemns the execution of the 16-year-old player Thaer Al-Yazuri by the Israeli occupation forces. (May 11, 2022). For further details, click here
• 229 Arab and international human rights organizations demand an international investigation and accountability for the perpetrators of the occupation forces who execured of Shireen Abu Akleh. (12 May 2022). For further details, click here
• The International Federation of Journalists: The murder of Abu Aqleh was the product of a “deliberate and planned [crime] to assassinate her”. (May 13, 2022). For further details, click here
• The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre published a report on The Israeli Supreme Court decision permitting eviction of Palestinian communities in MasaferYatta. Their report indicated that the Court’s decision is based on an incorrect interpretation and application of IHL and a complete disregard of IHRL. (May 13,2022). For further details click here
• The Palestinian Center for Human Rights strongly condemns Israeli occupation forces’ use of force against mourners during journalist Shireen Abu Akleh’s funeral in East Jerusalem, which injured 33 civilians, including a photographer. (May 13,2022). For further details click here
• The BDS Movement has joined the Palestinian Journalists’ Union in calling for an end to media normalization in honor of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh , and on all Arab and Palestinian figures to boycott associating with Israeli media. (May 13,2022). For further details click here
• Reporters Without Borders condemns the Israeli attacks on reporters during the funeral of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as “unacceptable and disturbing in the context of burial”. For further details click here

Human rights conferences and events

• The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists held a condemnation pause in response to the death of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.( May 11, 2022). For further details, click here

Announcements regarding upcoming human rights activities and opportunities

• The Hague Centre for Humanity is hosting a webcast titled “Palestine and the International Criminal Court’s Paralysis: Is Justice Still Possible for Palestinians?” For further details and to register, click here