Jewish Settlers' Attacks in Hebron

April 2, 2001

 In a letter to foreign diplomats Palestinian Minister of Culture and Information, Yasser Abed Rabbo, protested acts of violence against Palestinians and their property by Jewish settlers in Hebron.

“Arson, destruction and terror against Palestinians were committed under the eye and protection of the Israeli army. Therefore, it failed to discharge its duty under the 4th Geneva Convention to protect the Palestinian civilian population. The Israeli army also actively protected the settlers as they carried out these acts, providing them with the impunity and protection necessary for conducting their crime. The behavior of the Israeli army imposes direct legal responsibility on the Israeli government.”
 
Yasser Abed Rabbo requested the Israeli government to arrest and effectively prosecute those responsible, whether settlers or members of its armed forces, to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished and are not repeated. Furthermore, the Israeli government must compensate the owners of the destroyed and damaged property.
 

The Minister of Culture and Information urged the international community to fulfill their duty concerning the 4th Geneva Convention. Otherwise these war crimes will lead to further deterioration in the situation, and will send a message to the Israeli government that it can continue to disregard international humanitarian and human rights law with complete impunity.