Settlements threaten human rights in West Bank

Islam Times: In a statement, the human rights organization called on Israeli authorities to abandon plans to construct 238 new housing units in occupied East Jerusalem.

"Not only does the building contravene international law, it also compounds the litany of abuses of the human rights of Palestinians living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including their rights to adequate housing and water," Luther said.

"Discrimination on grounds of nationality and religion is the dominant feature of Israel’s settlement policy," he continued, adding that AI has
"repeatedly documented the connection between settlements and the destruction of Palestinians’ homes, crops, agricultural lands, and livelihoods."

AI said Israel's "land grab and dissection" of occupied Palestinian territories had a "devastating impact" on the lives of Palestinians, noting that 40 percent of the West Bank had been classified by Israel as "state" land, which was often used for settlements. In East Jerusalem, 35 percent of the occupied land was confiscated for settlements, while more than 250,000 Palestinians are designated only 13 percent of the occupied area.

"Israel's policy of settling its civilians on occupied land violates the Fourth Geneva Convention and is considered a war crime, according to the statute of the International Criminal Court," the statement said.
© Islam Times