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1. Violent Eviction Near Shilo: 11 Injured, Burnt Police Car
by Hillel Fendel
A large combined police-army force carried out what witnesses said was a “particularly violent” eviction at a Jewish outpost neighborhood this morning.
The site is Alei Ayin, near Shilo in the northern Binyamin bloc, some 30 kilometers north of Jerusalem. The forces threw a gas grenade into a home, hurled rocks at residents, and razed a home and two agricultural structures. In addition, they destroyed several cars placed in the way of the forces.
Despite the early hour, residents of nearby neighborhoods arrived to try to prevent the eviction. A number of clashes broke out, and six Border Guard officers and five residents were reported lightly hurt - including three young residents who have been hospitalized with head wounds.
The residents said - as they generally say on occasions of this sort, and as they also usually make good on – that they will commence with rebuilding immediately.
Barak Responsible
Col. (ret.) Itzik Shadmi, chairman of the Binyamin Residents Committee, lashed out at Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who is responsible for the eviction decision. “Barak is jealous of the ovations Netanyahu received in Washington,” Shadmi said, “and so he apparently decided to remind everyone that he, too, can harm the Yesha settlements.”
The Shai (Samaria and Judea) Police District reported that “some youths” threw a firebomb at the car of the Binyamin Region station commander, sending it up in flames. The police announced that it views this incident “with great gravity” and as the “crossing of a red line” that will be “dealt with in accordance with the full extent of the law.”
“Barak would be better advised to use violence and ammunition to destroy our enemies’ homes,” Shadmi also said, “and let the Yesha residents live their lives. For many months, the residents of Alei Ayin have been suffering from Arab vandalism; it’s too bad that Barak has decided to join them, instead of strengthening the Alei Ayin citizens.”
Comment on this story
by Hillel Fendel
A large combined police-army force carried out what witnesses said was a “particularly violent” eviction at a Jewish outpost neighborhood this morning.
The site is Alei Ayin, near Shilo in the northern Binyamin bloc, some 30 kilometers north of Jerusalem. The forces threw a gas grenade into a home, hurled rocks at residents, and razed a home and two agricultural structures. In addition, they destroyed several cars placed in the way of the forces.
Despite the early hour, residents of nearby neighborhoods arrived to try to prevent the eviction. A number of clashes broke out, and six Border Guard officers and five residents were reported lightly hurt - including three young residents who have been hospitalized with head wounds.
The residents said - as they generally say on occasions of this sort, and as they also usually make good on – that they will commence with rebuilding immediately.
Barak Responsible
Col. (ret.) Itzik Shadmi, chairman of the Binyamin Residents Committee, lashed out at Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who is responsible for the eviction decision. “Barak is jealous of the ovations Netanyahu received in Washington,” Shadmi said, “and so he apparently decided to remind everyone that he, too, can harm the Yesha settlements.”
The Shai (Samaria and Judea) Police District reported that “some youths” threw a firebomb at the car of the Binyamin Region station commander, sending it up in flames. The police announced that it views this incident “with great gravity” and as the “crossing of a red line” that will be “dealt with in accordance with the full extent of the law.”
“Barak would be better advised to use violence and ammunition to destroy our enemies’ homes,” Shadmi also said, “and let the Yesha residents live their lives. For many months, the residents of Alei Ayin have been suffering from Arab vandalism; it’s too bad that Barak has decided to join them, instead of strengthening the Alei Ayin citizens.”
Comment on this story
2. Israel Arrests Senior Hamas PA Parliament Speaker
by Chana Ya'ar
Israel has arrested the Speaker of the Palestinian Authority's parliament, the Palestinian Legislative Council, who is also a senior member of the Hamas terrorist organization.
Aziz al-Dweik was detained Tuesday with two other PA legislators, according to the Chinese Xinhua news agency.
He was stopped by IDF soldiers at a checkpoint while trying to cross into Israel from Judea and Samaria.
This is not the first time that al-Dweik has been arrested by Israel. He was first detained soon after IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on June 25, 2006.
At present, Israel allegedly is holding 13 Hamas lawmakers, according to the news agency.
Shalit is still being held hostage in Gaza, and his whereabouts and condition remain unknown. Hamas is demanding the release of at least 1,000 PA Arab prisoners in exchange for the soldier, including numerous terrorist murderers.
At least four PLC legislative members of Hamas have been expelled from Jerusalem and have had their identification cards -- issued to Arab residents of eastern Jerusalem -- revoked for breach of loyalty to the State of Israel. The four appealed to the Supreme Court of Israel -- which they do not recognize and which they despise -- in order to attempt to win back their right to stay in Israel.
Comment on this story
by Chana Ya'ar
Israel has arrested the Speaker of the Palestinian Authority's parliament, the Palestinian Legislative Council, who is also a senior member of the Hamas terrorist organization.
Aziz al-Dweik was detained Tuesday with two other PA legislators, according to the Chinese Xinhua news agency.
He was stopped by IDF soldiers at a checkpoint while trying to cross into Israel from Judea and Samaria.
This is not the first time that al-Dweik has been arrested by Israel. He was first detained soon after IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on June 25, 2006.
At present, Israel allegedly is holding 13 Hamas lawmakers, according to the news agency.
Shalit is still being held hostage in Gaza, and his whereabouts and condition remain unknown. Hamas is demanding the release of at least 1,000 PA Arab prisoners in exchange for the soldier, including numerous terrorist murderers.
At least four PLC legislative members of Hamas have been expelled from Jerusalem and have had their identification cards -- issued to Arab residents of eastern Jerusalem -- revoked for breach of loyalty to the State of Israel. The four appealed to the Supreme Court of Israel -- which they do not recognize and which they despise -- in order to attempt to win back their right to stay in Israel.
Comment on this story
3. Abbas Advisor Warns of Third Intifada if Talks Fail
by Elad Benari
A senior advisor to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has said that last month’s ‘Nakba Day’ incidents along Israel’s borders were simply a “rehearsal” for larger demonstrations planned for this Sunday to commemorate ‘Naksa Day.’
‘Naksa Day’ is June 7 - the date on which the IDF liberated Jerusalem from Jordanian control during the 1967 Six Day War.
Arab websites recently called on PA Arabs to march in large numbers towards Jerusalem as “an oath of allegiance” to the city.
Sabri Saidam, deputy speaker of the Fatah Council and a former Palestinian Authority telecommunications minister, promised in an interview with The Huffington Post on Wednesday that “the 5th of June will not be an ordinary day.”
Inter-PA Dispute re: Third Intifada
Saidam, who is currently visiting the United States as part of a State Department-sponsored conference on innovation, also predicted “a third intifada” if no breakthrough occurs in the peace talks between Israel and the PA. Abbas recently rejected the idea of a third intifada, saying the second intifada in 2000 was "disastrous" for the "Palestinian nation."
Saidam added that Hamas, which recently reconciled with Fatah and is to join a new PA unity government, “will not change its charter” calling for the destruction of Israel. He noted, however, that this was irrelevant because the terror group would not take part in any future peace talks with Israel.
Saidam also referred to Abbas’ plans to turn to the United Nations General Assembly in September to recognize a Palestinian state, and said the PA has commitments from more than 150 of the 192 member states.
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
A senior advisor to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has said that last month’s ‘Nakba Day’ incidents along Israel’s borders were simply a “rehearsal” for larger demonstrations planned for this Sunday to commemorate ‘Naksa Day.’
‘Naksa Day’ is June 7 - the date on which the IDF liberated Jerusalem from Jordanian control during the 1967 Six Day War.
Arab websites recently called on PA Arabs to march in large numbers towards Jerusalem as “an oath of allegiance” to the city.
Sabri Saidam, deputy speaker of the Fatah Council and a former Palestinian Authority telecommunications minister, promised in an interview with The Huffington Post on Wednesday that “the 5th of June will not be an ordinary day.”
Inter-PA Dispute re: Third Intifada
Saidam, who is currently visiting the United States as part of a State Department-sponsored conference on innovation, also predicted “a third intifada” if no breakthrough occurs in the peace talks between Israel and the PA. Abbas recently rejected the idea of a third intifada, saying the second intifada in 2000 was "disastrous" for the "Palestinian nation."
Saidam added that Hamas, which recently reconciled with Fatah and is to join a new PA unity government, “will not change its charter” calling for the destruction of Israel. He noted, however, that this was irrelevant because the terror group would not take part in any future peace talks with Israel.
Saidam also referred to Abbas’ plans to turn to the United Nations General Assembly in September to recognize a Palestinian state, and said the PA has commitments from more than 150 of the 192 member states.
Comment on this story
4. Measures Demanded Against Widespread Arab Riots
by Hillel Fendel
The Land of Israel lobby in the Knesset demands that the government and army take strong measures to protect the residents of Judea and Samaria in the face of next week’s expected Arab riots and violence.
In an urgent letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the lobby co-chairmen – Likud MK Ze’ev Elkin and National Union MK Dr. Aryeh Eldad – write that the army and police must take pro-active measures against the Arab rioters next Sunday, June 7.
Arabs in the Palestinian Authority-controlled areas expect to commemorate on that day, for the first time, Naksa Day – the date on which Jerusalem was liberated by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.
The Choice
In general, Elkin and Eldad say, “if there is to be a choice, it is preferable that the daily routine of the rioting population be harmed, and not that of the victimized populace.”
MKs Elkin and Eldad say that measures must be taken to ensure that the rioting and violence do not cross over from Arab-populated areas into Jewish locales. “In light of the need to keep to a minimum the number of casualties among the rioters,” the lobby writes, “but also to deter and disperse them, a variety of non-lethal riot dispersal means must be readied, and both the forces and the civilian rapid response teams must be trained in their use.”
Comment on this story
by Hillel Fendel
The Land of Israel lobby in the Knesset demands that the government and army take strong measures to protect the residents of Judea and Samaria in the face of next week’s expected Arab riots and violence.
In an urgent letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the lobby co-chairmen – Likud MK Ze’ev Elkin and National Union MK Dr. Aryeh Eldad – write that the army and police must take pro-active measures against the Arab rioters next Sunday, June 7.
Arabs in the Palestinian Authority-controlled areas expect to commemorate on that day, for the first time, Naksa Day – the date on which Jerusalem was liberated by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.
The Choice
In general, Elkin and Eldad say, “if there is to be a choice, it is preferable that the daily routine of the rioting population be harmed, and not that of the victimized populace.”
MKs Elkin and Eldad say that measures must be taken to ensure that the rioting and violence do not cross over from Arab-populated areas into Jewish locales. “In light of the need to keep to a minimum the number of casualties among the rioters,” the lobby writes, “but also to deter and disperse them, a variety of non-lethal riot dispersal means must be readied, and both the forces and the civilian rapid response teams must be trained in their use.”
Comment on this story
5. First Time: Temple Mount Priestly Blessing on Jerusalem Day
by Hillel Fendel
Hundreds of religious Jews from all streams were able to happily commemorate the 44th anniversary of the first-ever entry of Israeli soldiers onto the TempleMount.
For the first time in the history of Israeli restrictions on Jewish entry to the Temple Mount, the recitation of the Priestly Blessing was permitted there. It happened on Wednesday, Jerusalem Reunification Day, when hundreds of visitors – all of whom immersed in a mikveh (ritual bath) prior to coming and took other precautions required by Jewish Law – were allowed to enter the Temple Mount in groups of 30-40.
Among them were several Cohanim (descendants of Aharon the Priest). They spread their hands in the customary manner and recited, “May G-d bless and watch over your… May G-d shine His countenance upon and show you grace… May G-d raise His countenance towards you and grant you peace” (Numbers 6, from the portion to be read aloud this week in synagogues throughout the Jewish world).
Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, head of the Temple Institute and one of the paratroopers who helped liberate the Temple Mount in 1967, and who was miraculously saved from death at the tim, recited aloud the blessing, “Barukh – Thou art the source of blessing, G-d, Who performed a miracle for me in this place.” Many visitors and listeners, including policemen, recited "Amen!”
The visitors specifically noted the fair and pleasant attitude displayed by the police, as well as the preparations and security precautions they implemented for all those wishing to ascend to the Temple Mount on this date.
In addition to the above, Rabbi Yoel Elitzur delivered a Torah lesson on Temple-related issues, after which the participants – again, including policemen – stood for the recitation of the Kaddish.
Despite the close proximity of the Moslem Waqf policemen and their obvious anger, the visit went off nearly without a hitch. One Israeli policemen yelled angrily and threatened the Jewish visitors, but that incident ended relatively quickly.
Comment on this story
by Hillel Fendel
Hundreds of religious Jews from all streams were able to happily commemorate the 44th anniversary of the first-ever entry of Israeli soldiers onto the TempleMount.
For the first time in the history of Israeli restrictions on Jewish entry to the Temple Mount, the recitation of the Priestly Blessing was permitted there. It happened on Wednesday, Jerusalem Reunification Day, when hundreds of visitors – all of whom immersed in a mikveh (ritual bath) prior to coming and took other precautions required by Jewish Law – were allowed to enter the Temple Mount in groups of 30-40.
Among them were several Cohanim (descendants of Aharon the Priest). They spread their hands in the customary manner and recited, “May G-d bless and watch over your… May G-d shine His countenance upon and show you grace… May G-d raise His countenance towards you and grant you peace” (Numbers 6, from the portion to be read aloud this week in synagogues throughout the Jewish world).
Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, head of the Temple Institute and one of the paratroopers who helped liberate the Temple Mount in 1967, and who was miraculously saved from death at the tim, recited aloud the blessing, “Barukh – Thou art the source of blessing, G-d, Who performed a miracle for me in this place.” Many visitors and listeners, including policemen, recited "Amen!”
The visitors specifically noted the fair and pleasant attitude displayed by the police, as well as the preparations and security precautions they implemented for all those wishing to ascend to the Temple Mount on this date.
In addition to the above, Rabbi Yoel Elitzur delivered a Torah lesson on Temple-related issues, after which the participants – again, including policemen – stood for the recitation of the Kaddish.
Despite the close proximity of the Moslem Waqf policemen and their obvious anger, the visit went off nearly without a hitch. One Israeli policemen yelled angrily and threatened the Jewish visitors, but that incident ended relatively quickly.
Comment on this story
6. Songs of Jerusalem Drown Out Arab-Leftist Protest
by Gil Ronen
The traditional Jerusalem Day Flag March set out at Shimon HaTzaddik neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem Wednesday afternoon, and was met by leftist and Arab chants, in Hebrew and Arabic. A large group of nationalist youths spontaneously decided to face their opponents and drowned out their calls with joyous singing.
The first song used as “crowd control” was Zochreni Na – a song based on Samson’s cry to G-d (Judges 16:28) to help him avenge himself upon the Philistines just before he brought down the building in which he was being held, killing himself and his captors. The tune was composed by Dov Shurin.
The second was the well-known Am Yisrael Chai, The Nation of Israel Lives, as sung by Rav Shlomo Carlebach.
MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) was involved in a verbal confrontation with the leftists and Arabs. As the argument became heated, police arrested two of the leftists.
Comment on this story
by Gil Ronen
The traditional Jerusalem Day Flag March set out at Shimon HaTzaddik neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem Wednesday afternoon, and was met by leftist and Arab chants, in Hebrew and Arabic. A large group of nationalist youths spontaneously decided to face their opponents and drowned out their calls with joyous singing.
The first song used as “crowd control” was Zochreni Na – a song based on Samson’s cry to G-d (Judges 16:28) to help him avenge himself upon the Philistines just before he brought down the building in which he was being held, killing himself and his captors. The tune was composed by Dov Shurin.
The second was the well-known Am Yisrael Chai, The Nation of Israel Lives, as sung by Rav Shlomo Carlebach.
MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) was involved in a verbal confrontation with the leftists and Arabs. As the argument became heated, police arrested two of the leftists.
Comment on this story
7. Gush Shalom: Cancel Jerusalem Day
by Gavriel Queenann
The radical left-wing Gush Shalom organization has called for Israel to cancel Jerusalem Day.
"The holiday marking the annexation of Palestinian territory now called 'East Jerusalem' under the cover of a false unification is not an event to celebrate as it was not a unification, but the imposition of occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people," the group's press release said.
East Jerusalem, as well as Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, were Arab occupied areas of the former British Mandate. Arab residents of East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, which Jordan occupied illegally, held Jordanian citizenship, and Arabs in Gaza Egyptian citizenship, from 1949-1967.
"Along with receiving access to the 'Wailing Wall,' Jews denied the rights of the residents of Occupied Territories - Muslims and Christians - to pray in their holy places," the statement continued.
On the contrary, Israel has, since liberating Jerusalem in 1967, ensured Muslims and Christians unfettered access to their churches and mosques, going so far as to leave the administration of Judaism's holiest site - the Temple Mount - in the hands of the Muslim Waqf, a controversial decision which led to Jews not being allowed to pray there, while thousands of Arabs pray there at will. It is only when there are security warnings that access to the Temple Mount is limited for Arabs.
"This is a great holiday for racist nationalists and settler provocateurs," The statement continued, "But the nature of this nasty fake holiday called Jerusalem Day parade is a provocation. The flag parade of the settlers and their collaborators from Jaffa Street in West Jerusalem into the heart of Sheikh Jarrah, an act of provocation to the Palestinian residents who have already suffered greatly from settler violence," the statement said.
Several attacks in East Jerusalem were made on Israelis celebrating Jerusalem Day, including an attempted lynching.
"The vast majority of Israeli citizens, including Israelis living in Jerusalem itself, rightly see Jerusalem Day as a nuisance rather than a holiday for them," the statement claimed.
Eighty Israeli townships held Jerusalem Day celebrations this year and politicians from across the gamut - including peace camp icon and Oslo Accords architect President Shimon Peres - participated. The Prime Minister and Speaker of the Knesset Ruby Rivlin spoke at Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva in Jerusalem.
"Jerusalem, as you celebrate your freedom today, we stand in your gates, and bemoan the sons that have fallen on your walls, for bringing our historical capital to life - the eternal capital of our people," Peres said in his official address.
Gush Shalom called for Jerusalem Day to be celebrated upon the city's division between Israel and the PA.
"When the peace agreement is signed between Israel and the Palestinian State, which will include the making East Jerusalem the capital of Palestine and the international community's recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, it would be appropriate to declare that day the real Jerusalem day. Then we will be able to celebrate together, Israelis and Palestinians, all lovers and seekers of Jerusalem, a city of all its inhabitants and the capital of peace," the statement concluded.
Comment on this story
by Gavriel Queenann
The radical left-wing Gush Shalom organization has called for Israel to cancel Jerusalem Day.
"The holiday marking the annexation of Palestinian territory now called 'East Jerusalem' under the cover of a false unification is not an event to celebrate as it was not a unification, but the imposition of occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people," the group's press release said.
East Jerusalem, as well as Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, were Arab occupied areas of the former British Mandate. Arab residents of East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, which Jordan occupied illegally, held Jordanian citizenship, and Arabs in Gaza Egyptian citizenship, from 1949-1967.
"Along with receiving access to the 'Wailing Wall,' Jews denied the rights of the residents of Occupied Territories - Muslims and Christians - to pray in their holy places," the statement continued.
On the contrary, Israel has, since liberating Jerusalem in 1967, ensured Muslims and Christians unfettered access to their churches and mosques, going so far as to leave the administration of Judaism's holiest site - the Temple Mount - in the hands of the Muslim Waqf, a controversial decision which led to Jews not being allowed to pray there, while thousands of Arabs pray there at will. It is only when there are security warnings that access to the Temple Mount is limited for Arabs.
"This is a great holiday for racist nationalists and settler provocateurs," The statement continued, "But the nature of this nasty fake holiday called Jerusalem Day parade is a provocation. The flag parade of the settlers and their collaborators from Jaffa Street in West Jerusalem into the heart of Sheikh Jarrah, an act of provocation to the Palestinian residents who have already suffered greatly from settler violence," the statement said.
Several attacks in East Jerusalem were made on Israelis celebrating Jerusalem Day, including an attempted lynching.
"The vast majority of Israeli citizens, including Israelis living in Jerusalem itself, rightly see Jerusalem Day as a nuisance rather than a holiday for them," the statement claimed.
Eighty Israeli townships held Jerusalem Day celebrations this year and politicians from across the gamut - including peace camp icon and Oslo Accords architect President Shimon Peres - participated. The Prime Minister and Speaker of the Knesset Ruby Rivlin spoke at Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva in Jerusalem.
"Jerusalem, as you celebrate your freedom today, we stand in your gates, and bemoan the sons that have fallen on your walls, for bringing our historical capital to life - the eternal capital of our people," Peres said in his official address.
Gush Shalom called for Jerusalem Day to be celebrated upon the city's division between Israel and the PA.
"When the peace agreement is signed between Israel and the Palestinian State, which will include the making East Jerusalem the capital of Palestine and the international community's recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, it would be appropriate to declare that day the real Jerusalem day. Then we will be able to celebrate together, Israelis and Palestinians, all lovers and seekers of Jerusalem, a city of all its inhabitants and the capital of peace," the statement concluded.
Comment on this story
8. UN Panel: Qaddafi Committed War Crimes
by Elad Benari
A United Nations panel has found that Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi’s forces have committed crimes against humanity as well as war crimes during the conflict in the country.
The UN investigators have also found evidence that the rebels against Qaddafi also committed “some acts which would constitute war crimes,” AP quoted the panel as having said.
The report notes, however, that “the commission is not of the view that the violations committed by the opposition armed forces were part of any ‘widespread or systematic attack’ against a civilian population such as to amount to crimes against humanity.”
The three-member panel estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 people have been killed in the Libyan conflict.
The panel based its findings on interviews with 350 people in government- and rebel-held parts of Libya, as well as in refugee camps in neighboring countries.
Their report adds to the evidence recently collected by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, who are seeking arrest warrants for Qaddafi and two other senior officials for alleged crimes against humanity.
The UN panel said government forces committed murder, torture and sexual abuses “as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population” before and during the conflict, adding that “such acts fall within the meaning of ‘crimes against humanity.’”
AP also noted that the panel found “many serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by government forces amounting to ‘war crimes,’” and specifically names Qaddafi and members of his inner circle for making policy decisions that led to these crimes.
Rebel Forces, Too
Qaddafi is not the only one guilty, however. The panel’s report also found that the rebel forces committed “some acts which would constitute war crimes.”
The panel also investigated allegations that NATO airstrikes in Libya have caused large numbers of civilian casualties, but was unable to confirm Libyan government claims that 500 civilians have died in the airstrikes.
“The commission has not seen evidence to suggest that civilian areas have been intentionally targeted by NATO forces, nor that it has engaged in indiscriminate attacks on civilians,” the panel said.
South African President Jacob Zuma was in Libya earlier this week and held talks with Qaddafi, in an attempt to broker a deal that would end the conflict.
Zuma later said that Qaddafi had “confirmed that he’s ready to implement the decision of the African Union. There must be a cease-fire, which is unconditional. That includes bombing by NATO coming to an end. A cease-fire must include everyone.”
Meanwhile, eight high-ranking Libyan army officers appeared in Rome earlier in the week, saying they were part of a group of as many as 120 military officials and soldiers who had defected from leader Muammar Qaddafi’s side. One of the officers claimed Qaddafi’s army was weakening daily and that the force had been reduced to 20 percent of its original capacity. He was quoted as saying that “Qaddafi’s days are numbered.”
Comment on this story
by Elad Benari
A United Nations panel has found that Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi’s forces have committed crimes against humanity as well as war crimes during the conflict in the country.
The UN investigators have also found evidence that the rebels against Qaddafi also committed “some acts which would constitute war crimes,” AP quoted the panel as having said.
The report notes, however, that “the commission is not of the view that the violations committed by the opposition armed forces were part of any ‘widespread or systematic attack’ against a civilian population such as to amount to crimes against humanity.”
The three-member panel estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 people have been killed in the Libyan conflict.
The panel based its findings on interviews with 350 people in government- and rebel-held parts of Libya, as well as in refugee camps in neighboring countries.
Their report adds to the evidence recently collected by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, who are seeking arrest warrants for Qaddafi and two other senior officials for alleged crimes against humanity.
The UN panel said government forces committed murder, torture and sexual abuses “as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population” before and during the conflict, adding that “such acts fall within the meaning of ‘crimes against humanity.’”
AP also noted that the panel found “many serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by government forces amounting to ‘war crimes,’” and specifically names Qaddafi and members of his inner circle for making policy decisions that led to these crimes.
Rebel Forces, Too
Qaddafi is not the only one guilty, however. The panel’s report also found that the rebel forces committed “some acts which would constitute war crimes.”
The panel also investigated allegations that NATO airstrikes in Libya have caused large numbers of civilian casualties, but was unable to confirm Libyan government claims that 500 civilians have died in the airstrikes.
“The commission has not seen evidence to suggest that civilian areas have been intentionally targeted by NATO forces, nor that it has engaged in indiscriminate attacks on civilians,” the panel said.
South African President Jacob Zuma was in Libya earlier this week and held talks with Qaddafi, in an attempt to broker a deal that would end the conflict.
Zuma later said that Qaddafi had “confirmed that he’s ready to implement the decision of the African Union. There must be a cease-fire, which is unconditional. That includes bombing by NATO coming to an end. A cease-fire must include everyone.”
Meanwhile, eight high-ranking Libyan army officers appeared in Rome earlier in the week, saying they were part of a group of as many as 120 military officials and soldiers who had defected from leader Muammar Qaddafi’s side. One of the officers claimed Qaddafi’s army was weakening daily and that the force had been reduced to 20 percent of its original capacity. He was quoted as saying that “Qaddafi’s days are numbered.”
Comment on this story
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