The following report
is extensive, I hit the jackpot with this one. The critical content
is highlited.
List of destructions and vandalism by the Israeli Army
by CODIP • Friday May 03, 2002 at 05:15 AM
codip@skynet.be
The destructions of the Israeli army is enormous and it prooves that
the Sharon-government wanted also the complete destruction of the Palestinian
infrastructure.
LIST OF DESTRUCTIONS AND VANDALISM BY THE ISRAELI ARMY:
Friends, This is a long document but one which has been carefully prepared
and which you ought to have.
This dry factual list of destruction of educational, administrative,
social
service, civil and cultural installations would I think convince
anyone
that Sharon's real purpose was the destruction of Palestinian society.
This is not 'collateral damage' this is intentional destruction amounting
to 'sociocide' and must be denounced as such.
DESTRUCTION OF PALESTINIAN INSTITUTONS
PRELIMINARY REPORT April 13, 2002
Palestinian NGO Emergency Initiative in Jerusalem
This is a humanitarian crisis without precedent in its destructive
impact
on
the Palestinian people and its institutions,"
Joint statement on the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Territories,
from
United Nations organizations, including UNDP, UNFPA, World Health
Organization, UN High Commission for Refugees, International Federation
of
Red Cross and Red Crescent and UNWRA, among others. Rome, 10 April
2002**
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 2
RAMALLAH: 4
I. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (PNA) INSTITUTIONS: 4
1. Ministry of Civil Affairs 4
2. Ministry of Education 5
3. Palestinian Legislative Council (al-Bireh and Ramallah) 7
4. Ministry of Finance Central Office 8
5. Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) 9
II. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS 9
1. Ramallah Municipality 10
2. Al-Bireh Municipality 10
3. Al-Bireh Municipal Library 11
4. Ramallah Chamber of Commerce (New Building): 11
III. NON- GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (RAMALLAH) 12
1. The Health Development Information Policy Unit (HDIP) 12
2. The Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, Ramallah 13
3. Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners, Ramallah 13
4. MATTIN Group (Human Rights) 14
5. AL-Haq Human Rights Organization 15
6. Ramallah YMCA (Branch of East Jerusalem YMCA) 15
7. Private Radio and TV Stations 16
OTHER TOWNS/ VILLAGES: 17
I. Bethlehem 18
1.Municipality Building 18
II. Anabta Village (Tulkarm District) 18
1. Anabta Municipality 18
2. The Anabta Women's Charitable Organization 19
III. Tulkarim 19
1. General Union of Palestinian Women, Tulkarim 19
2. Rawdat Abna' Al-Ghad 19
INTRODUCTION
This is a very preliminary inventory of damage done to Palestinian
public
institutions by the Israeli army in the course of its invasion of
Palestinian cities and villages that began March 29th. The information
will
undoubtedly be augmented by reports from throughout the West Bank once
more
on-the-ground investigations are possible and when communication systems
are working again. Indeed, this report overwhelmingly focuses on institutions
in Ramallah, due to the fact that temporary liftings of the ongoing
curfew
have allowed individuals to make preliminary inspections of institutions
once
they are no longer occupied by IDF forces. The main focus here is
particularly on ministries and other institutions of the Palestinian
Authority, while ongoing information is being collected on non-governmental
organizations, and the media. However, even the initial findings
indicate
several disturbing patterns with very grave consequences. In particular,
institutions of the Palestinian Authority have been subjected to
a
consistent pattern of incursions which focus on seizure of records
and
financial resources and destruction of technical infrastructure.
There has
been a consistent pattern of seizure of documents, hard disk from
computers, paper files as well as widespread vandalism. In addition,
is what we have
called- "sanctioned theft" - seizing of equipment which has no
informational or intelligence value, as well as some theft of money.
The private media
has also been subject to extensive and systematic destruction of
its technical
facilities. The evidence suggests a policy of de-institutionalizing
all
Palestinian media - and not just that of the PNA but Palestine's
vibrant
independent TV and radio sector, as well. The limited data on
destruction
and theft of non-governmental organizations, is also reported. Due
to the
limited data available, it is less clear if the organizations themselves
are specific targets or whether they are primarily victims of general
searches,
IDF occupation of buildings for barracks, sniper positions, or lookouts.
The interim agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organization, and the fragile, if flawed, peace that ensued, ushered
in a
period of Palestinian institution-building that was unprecedented in
scale,
although drawing on the rich experience of developing local institutions,
particularly non-governmental organizations, during the period of direct
Israeli military occupation. While the Palestinian Authority admittedly
had
very limited sovereignity, powers and territory, for the first time
a
Palestinian government authority directed Palestinian education, health,
civil affairs and social services, among other functions and
responsibilities, and began to plan for economic and social development.
Elections were held in January 1996 for the first elected Palestinian
parliament which brought into being the 88- member Palestinian Legislative
Council and elected Yasser Arafat as President. When Israeli policy
and
military action is directed at "dismantling" the Palestinian Authority,
it
not only targets political leaders and institutions of self-rule, but
it
also targets vital services for the survival of Palestinian society,
un-doing developmental projects and initiatives crucial to a stable
and
democratic Palestinian future.
Palestinian institution-building was strongly supported by the
international community; donor funds to Palestinian governmental and
non-governmental
institutions in the 1995-2000 period amounted to 3,313,719,000 USD
of which
933,411USD went for social spending, particularly education and health.
Up
until October 2000, the Authority also steadily increased its own revenue
collection. Even in the difficult conditions of siege and closure of
the
second intifada and the refusal of the Israeli government to transfer
owed
revenue clearances to the Authority (its most important source of
revenues), it is vital, as the World Bank and UNSCO state, "to recognize
the essential
functions and achievements of the Palestinian Authority in providing
basic
essential services under very adverse conditions during the past five
months" (World Bank and UNSCO 4 April 2002). The incursions into the
Ministries of Education, Finances and Civil Affairs, as well as the
municipalities, noted below, certainly threaten these services and
should
be of great concern.
The report is based on phone interviews with individuals who were able
to
make on-site visits as well as reports issued by institutions that
were able
to make preliminary inspections themselves. It includes only those
institutions that could be physically surveyed for damage. Institutions
that are still occupied by Israeli military forces (as stated in the
report),
are included only if the external assessment gives some indication
of the
extent of probable damage. The ongoing curfew in all of the towns
invaded by the
IDF has been the main obstacle to collecting information.
The detailed report contains the following:
Ramallah PNA institutions
Ministry of Civil Affairs
The Legislative Council (PLC)
Ministry of Education
Central Bureau of Statistics
Ministry of Finance
Ramallah/ El Bireh Local Government
Municipality of Ramallah
Municipality of al Bireh
Al Bireh Municipal Library
Ramallah District Chamber of Commerce
Ramallah Non-governmental Institutions
1. Human Rights Organizations: al Haq, Mattin Group and Mandela Institute
2.Development and Relief Organizations: HDIP and Union of Medical Relief
Committees, Ramallah branch of the YMCA,
3. Private Radio and Television Stations: al Quds University Educational
T.V. and Radio and others in Ramallah
Other Towns:
Bethlehem Municipality,
Anabta Municipality and two community organizations
Tulkarm General Union of Palestinian Women Office
At this time there is no further information available on the fate of
other occupied or invaded Ministries in Ramallah which include:
Ministry of Culture (IDF continues to occupy it since Friday March
29)
Ministry of Information (IDF continues to occupy it since Friday March
29)
Ministry of Interior (Inside Presidents Compound: shelled -- amount
of
destruction unknown)
Ministry of Agriculture (occupied by IDF April 12th exited April 13)
Ministry of Social Affairs (occupied by IDF today April 13)
Health Secretariat (occupied and exited by IDF April 13th)
General Personnel Office (occupied and exited by IDF April 13)
At this time there is no further information on reported damage or IDF
occupation of the following Ramallah-based NGOs:
al Damir, prisoners rights organization; al Mawarid Educational resource
Center; Law human rights organization, Sakakini Cultural Center (invaded
April 13th); The Young Scientists Club, The Agricultural Relief Committees.
The following NGOs have been invaded by IDF (and visited by staff when
curfew lifted) but have only suffered mild damage from searches includes:
MUWATEN, Birzeit Continuing Education Program, Birzeit Institute of
Music.
RAMALLAH:
I. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (PNA) INSTITUTIONS:
This preliminary report only covers civil institutions of government
and
has
not attempted to deal with the widespread destruction of Palestinian
Police
stations and other security force installations.
RAMALLAH
1. Ministry of Civil Affairs
Location: Um al Sharayat
The Ministry of Civil Affairs is headed by Minister Jamil al Tarifi.
It is
the main address for Palestinians living outside the occupied territories
who want to apply for visitor permits, family re-unification and residency
permits. It also handles the customs and other administrative details
for
Palestinian returnees. As such, most of its work is done in liason
with
Israeli officials who vet every application. The Ministry is housed
in a
five story building and divided into six departments.
Damage: Extensive vandalism, some confiscation of materials and some
theft.
From a preliminary on-sight report by Ministry employees the following
description was provided. The main doors to the Ministry were blown
open
(evidence of a blast), inside the main entrance reception area were
the
remains of a large pile of burnt documents. Equipment: Inside the
two sections that were visited thus far (there are six sections altogether),
destroyed Xerox copiers (seem to be sledge hammered) as well as destroyed
computers and printers. The central phone exchange taken as well as a digital
receiver in the Ministers office. Confiscation of Records: Thus far some
missing hard drives, but stolen papers from especially the Ministers office
(neighbors told the employee they saw soldiers carrying out what seemed
to be boxes of papers). Many
destroyed documents.
Theft: Door to Minister's office blown open, the safe inside also blown
open
and its contents including documents and Ministry finances missing.
Petty
cash of 6,000 shekels taken from the finance department.Other: The
employee stated that the entrance and offices she entered were in complete
disarray and severely vandalized. Besides broken equipment, broken filing
cabinets and papers strewn everywhere -- many internal windows were smashed
as well. Additionally, pictures on walls (especially with Palestinian themes)
were found on the floor smashed. Also graffiti sprayed on walls. The employee
stated that she was so horrified at the extent of the damage and vandalism
that she was unable to visit more of the building and left in tears.
2. Ministry of Education
Location: Ramallah / Masyun district
The Ministry serves about one million children, i.e. a third of the
total
Palestinian population of the West Bank and Gaza. It is the main address
for the overall administration of all government primary and secondary
schools,
their faculties, as well as archiving of student transcripts. On April
3rd
at approximately 4:00 p.m. 30 APC's and tanks carrying approximately
150
soldiers broke down the ministry's main gates. Four employees in the
Ministry were taken to open doors, in some cases when they had no keys
doors were exploded open or broken open. Reports suggest that at
other times even
when staff offered to open doors they were ignored while soldiers
forcibly
broke in. Staff were made to stand outside in the cold for more
than six
hours while soldiers were inside the building.
Damage: Extensive vandalism, theft and confiscation
External Damage: IDF tanks demolished the main gate to the building
and the
main doors of the premises were forced open.
Internal Damage:
The IDF forces vandalized the Ministry's offices, confiscating computers
and educational aids and removing or destroying vital records and documents.
Although it has not been possible for the Ministry to assess the full damage
and destruction wrought, the following specific
damage was noted by Ministry employees who were able to make a brief
room
by room survey of the damage when the curfew was lifted for a few hours.
General: the Ministry's computer net servers were removed
financial office: the main safe was blown open damaging its contents,
including dossiers, promissory notes, cash, check books and vouchers
-central office: the Israeli forces blew up metal filing cabinets
destroying vital documents. - all offices: files have been torn
up, and left in huge piles on the floor - Storage room: the IDF confiscated
computers, overhead projectors, video
sets, and other valuable educational equipment - Central office:
The Israeli forces blew up and destroyed all main doors. They took away
or destroyed records and references that are highly important for official
transcripts. - Remaining offices in the Ministry: The forces seem to have
confiscated many floppy disks, CDs, files, dossiers and documents but more
time will be needed to more accurately assess. Impact The Ministry's records,
which were confiscated or destroyed, have been built up over many years.
The Ministry hopes it will be able to re- construct destroyed records for
the issuing and certifying of students' transcripts from regional MOE offices.
The MOE is unable to gain full and clear access to the premises in order
to make a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the damage and losses
at this point. However, it estimates the financial
loss merely of equipment, such as computers, videos, TV sets and
overhead
projectors, to reach millions of dollars. Most of this equipment
was
financed by donor countries and organizations. The main and direct
impact of this destruction, however, is on the one million Palestinian
children who are enrolled in the school system and who constitute the main
resource of Palestinian society in the future.
This data is based on a fuller report undertaken by the Ministry itself.
For the full text please contact Acting Minister of Education Dr. Naim
Abu Hommos,
Email moepalestine@hotmail.com
Fax + 970 298 3222
3. Palestinian Legislative Council (al-Bireh and Ramallah)
The Palestinian Legislative Council (or parliament) has two main buildings
within el-Bireh/ Ramallah. The al-Bireh building is the main administrative
office of the PLC while the Assembly Chambers are based in Ramallah
in the
Ministry of Education.
A. Main Administrative Building in al- Bireh Damage: Vandalism, Confiscation
and Sanctioned Theft Based on an on-site visit by the PLC director general,
and two PLC staff, as
well as witnesses in the neighborhood, the following preliminary report
can
be made. Israeli troops broke in late Tuesday night, around 1:00 a.m.
on
Wednesday, April 10.The actual break-in was witnessed by neighbors
living
across the street from the PLC building.
Destruction: Soldiers broke into the main entrance and subsequently
the door
and glass partition of the Economic Committee, the Budget Committee,
the
Political Committee, and the Legal Committee. Most of the damage included
breaking and removal of doors and windows. Some equipment was damaged
and
broken.
Sanctioned Theft: A computer and many files were taken from the Speaker's
Office. A computer was also taken from the technical departments
office.
Confiscation: Files and documents taken from the Speakers office
and the
Chief Clerks office. Hard drives taken from computers. All the computers
were open in the personnel department. Vandalism: The Library and
the Public Relations Unit have suffered extensive vandalism, books and
files were thrown all over the floor. The door of the "Hansard" (sound
and video equipment) office was broken, documents were thrown on the floor,
but the equipment was left intact.
The IT Unit, Information Department, and Director's General office did
not
sustain any damage. Cars and vehicles parked on the streets were damaged,
and troops took keys of vehicles from the Technical Department. Telephones
are operating at the Council, and the Council has electricity.
(The above information is based on ARD report provided by Dr. Mahmoud
Labadi, PLC director general, and two PLC staff Faisal Zakarneh, and
Ahmad
Abu Dayyeh, along with Amin Sbeih of ARD/PLC2 project)
B. Legislative Council Chambers in Ramallah Ministry of Education
Building The Chambers of the Legislative Council are where the 88 members
meet when
the PLC is in session. The Chamber auditorium includes not only seating
for
the council members, but expensive technical equipment for computerized
voting, video coverage of sessions and a closed circuit communications
system to link it with the administrative building in el-Bireh.Damage:
Destroyed Doors; Confiscation of Video Archive of PLC Sessions At approximately
4:00 p.m. on April 3rd, around 150 soldiers, with 30 tanks and APCs, forced
their way into the Ministry of Education's Compound. The soldiers detained
four employees of the Ministry of Education's compound,
including Mr. Salah Soubani, and made them walk in front of the soldiers
and
open doors.
A group of about 50 soldiers forced Mr. Soubani to accompany them to
the
Legislative Council Chambers, next to the elementary school, on the
grounds
of the Ministry compound. They asked several questions about the Chambers:
Who attends the meetings? What do they do in the sessions? Do people
work
there or live there? Any door that could not be opened with a key,
was blown up with an
explosive charge. [Several people living in the neighborhood heard
the explosions.] A
door to the school was blown up and the door between the school and
the PLC
Chambers was also blown up. The soldiers looked through every room
of the
PLC wing. They took all of the video-cassette tapes from the lower
video
room, at least a hundred tapes of Council sessions, put them in plastic
bags, and carried them away. As far as Mr. Soubani knows, no equipment
was
stolen or damaged in the raid.
The soldiers did not appear to be from a special unit. They wore
basic green
army fatigues. They did not use names when they talked to each other,
instead they called each other by numbers, except for one soldier
who was
repeatedly referred to as "Sharon". When the rooms were inspected today,
April 4th, Mr. Salah Soubani confirmed that sound (Hansard) and Video equipment
seemed to be in place and intact.
The above report is based on ARD/PLC2 project interview with Mr. Salah
Soubani, director of the Information Department at the Ministry of
Education-Ramallah
4. Ministry of Finance Central Office
Location: Sateh Marhaba Area
There are three buildings of the Finance Ministry in Ramallah. The Central
Office in Suteh Marhaba has been visited by Ministry employees once
the
curfew was lifted, the other two (one in the Industrial district and
one
downtown) are occupied by the IDF and cannot be visited. The Central
Office
houses the Ministers office as well as a number of main departments
(Accounts, Payroll, General administration etc.). It was broken into
by a
group of soldiers on approximately the 4th day of the invasion of Ramallah
according to neighbors.
Damage: Broken doors, Extensive Confiscation of Computers and Computer
Hard
Disks Destruction: Broken entrance doors and many internal doors
destroyed, as
well as windows. Elevator badly damaged. Destroyed Computers. Destroyed
furniture. Confiscation: Computer skeletons strewn on the floor,
due to many hard disk
drives being taken. The most hard hit section in terms of taken
computers
and hard disks seems to be the Payroll department. Documents strewn
on the
floor suggests that paper files may have been taken but the employees
did
not have time to assess. Other computers were found with their
screens on.
Other comments/ Impact: The general director suggested that the main
destruction and loss was of the Ministry's financial records and
accounts.
The Ministry is in charge of disbursing salaries, health and pension
payments to all government employees including teachers, hospital
workers,
the police as well as government bureaucrats. The GD says that given
the
loss of information, public sector employees face not getting paid
in the
foreseeable future until the records can be re-established. In addition,
files for back pay and insurance may have been lost as well.
Information based on interview with General Director Mr. Sami Ramlawi
tel.
059205038
5. Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS)
Fieldwork Administration Section Location: Radio Road near Lions Square
(al Manara)
The Central Bureau of Statistics is headed by Dr. Hasan Abu Libdeh.
The main
section of PCBS is in Balu'a area and is where most of the statistical
data
bases and reports are housed, as well as administrative records and
finances. That building was invaded by IDF troops during the first
re-occupation of Ramallah in October 2001. At that time soldiers confiscated
hard disks and vandalized a number of the offices. As of this writing
(April 13th) the Balu'a office has not been touched. However, the Fieldwork
section in downtown Ramallah which serves as the administrative center
for
fieldwork has been invaded on four occasions. The department is located
in a
four-storey residential and commercial building and is composed of
four
apartments.
Damage: (Only covers first three invasions - as yet no confirmed
information on damage wrought by April 12th break-in). Two broken doors,
some broken
windows -- both in the course of soldiers entering into the building.
Damage is relatively light and there is no extensive vandalism.
Comment: The director of the section said that that it has been entered
by
soldiers on four occasions; March 30th, April 3rd and April 8th and
12th.
Based on visiting the site after the first three incursions he thinks
the
main aim was general search since the apartments they entered (two)
only
saw light vandalism such as broken cupboards and some strewn papers.
Equipment
was not damaged. However, neighbors report that on the most recent
incursion into the building (April 12th) they heard explosives being
used.
II. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS
We have only been able to gather preliminary information based on on-site
visits about the following:
Ramallah Muncipality
El-Bireh Minicipality
Ramallah Chamber of Commerce
El-Bireh Municipal Library
1. Ramallah Municipality
Damage: Extensive vandalism, potentially some confiscation and theft
Ramallah Municipality is located near Clock square, it contains departments
of administration, the court room, engineering, health, sanitation,
archives, surveying and finance. On the evening of Saturday, March
30, a contingent of Israeli soldiers forcibly entered the Municipality
and remained inside for approximately 12
hours. The building was empty of people when the soldiers entered.
The main door was
forced open by spraying it with over fifty bullets of different calibers.
The Municipality, was empty of people when soldiers broke in, nevertheless
they
remained there for approximately 12 hours.. Based on a preliminary
site
visit, by municipality staff once the curfew was lifted they report
the
following.
"Every department was vandalized,. Furniture was turned over and
damaged,
paper files and documents were tampered with, dispersed and thrown
to the
floor, surveying plans and building license files were destroyed,
office
doors were broken; glass windows, doors and partitions were smashed,
and
extensive damage was inflicted on the PCs and computer network.
Many of the
PCs were damaged; the CPUs and hard disks either damaged or taken
by the
soldiers, and so was the main server. Two steel safes were blown
open which
contained important documents pertaining to the work of the Municipality
and some petty cash. Internal concrete block wall partitions were
destroyed,
and extensive damage was sustained by the heating, electrical and
computer
cable systems." The Municipality staff has not been able to make
a complete assessment of the damage nor determine the extent of the missing
equipment, documents and other items. The forced intrusion into the municipality
was witnessed by reporters and guests staying at a nearby hotel.
2. Al-Bireh Municipality Based on data provided by municipal engineers
who were able to briefly
visit the building when the curfew was lifted. Damage: Destruction
of outside walls, doors, furniture, computers, municipal works jeep destroyed,
some confiscation of files and hard disks, extensive vandalism, theft
Destruction: An IDF contingent arriving in tanks broke into the building
on
the second day of Ramallah's invasion (Saturday March 30th). The
tanks
broke down the outside walls of the municipality and crushed the
municipal works
jeep parked outside. Entrance and internal doors broken down. Shattered
windows. Broken furniture. Five computers destroyed (some for hard
disks,
others just vandalized). Fax machine shattered. Confiscation: A
number of files seemed to be missing and at least two hard disks taken
from computers. The municipality was unable to see what other documents
were taken as yet because of the amount of papers strewn on the floor.
Sanctioned Theft: $12,000 surveying equipment missing
Vandalism:
A number of offices were in complete disarray, with overturned furniture
and broken file cabinets. Destroyed files. Computers, central telephone
system
and alarm system no longer function.
3. Al-Bireh Municipal Library
Located Near al-Bireh Municipality.
The library building was visited by municipal engineers briefly when
the
curfew was lifted. A contingent of soldiers invaded the building on
the
second day of the invasion 30th March Damage: Primarily vandalism,
destruction of computers, broken doors and windows, Confiscation of books
and journal
Destruction: External doors, shattered windows, 3 computers broken.
Vandalism: extensive papers and books on the floor
Confiscation: One computer screen was on suggesting that its hard disk
had
been taken. A substantial amount of books and journals seem to be missing
although exactly how many (and what type) cannot as yet be assessed.
4. Ramallah Chamber of Commerce (New Building):
Location: (Nazlat Rukab's across from Ramallah Post office)
Based on on-site visit when curfew lifted by Director of the Chamber
of
Commerce, Mr. Salah Odeh
The Ramallah Chamber of Commerce serves the whole district of Ramallah.
The
Chamber of Commerce owns two attached buildings with the Chamber housed
in
two floors in the new main building across from the post office. In
the new
building a number of offices were rented out to the private sector
(doctor's
clinic, a development research institute, lawyers office etc.). The
private
businesses only had their doors broken open and were searched. The
offices
of the municipality were widely vandalized. There are no working offices
of
the C.C. in the adjacent (old) building, which is mainly rented out
to
private businesses and associations. The old building suffered extensive
fire damage (see below under NGOs the offices of the Palestinian Teachers
Union).
Damage: External doors blasted, internal doors blasted or broken
down.
Smashed computers and Xerox copier, extensive vandalism
On Sunday March 31st a Contingent of soldiers broke into the Chamber
of
Commerce building. They blew down the main entrance to the five floor
building. The front entrance was completely blackened by the blast.
On the
3rd floor, where the offices of the Chamber of Commerce are located,
they
also blew open the door with explosives. The large brass sign at the
entrance with the C.C.'s insignia was shattered completely and the
stairwell blackened by explosive blasts. Inside, the first office they
entered
suffered the most damage. Four computers were destroyed (thrown on
the
ground and smashed), the Xerox copier was also thrown on the ground
and
broken. There was wide-scale vandalism throughout the other offices
with
files and papers strewn on the floor. Whether hard disks or paper files
were taken cannot yet be assessed. Furniture in the president's office
was
vandalized. The door to the 5th floor conference room was blown open
but
nothing seems to have been touched inside. Also the door to the roof
was
broken open but again there was no other visible damage. Electricity
lines
throughout the building were hanging from the ceiling, there is no
electricity functioning in the building.
III. NON- GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (RAMALLAH)
As of this writing we have been able to collect briefs on the following:
Human Rights Organizations: al Haq, Mattin Group and Mandela Institute
Development and Relief Organizations: HDIP and Union of Medical Relief
Committees Charitable Association: Ramallah branch of the YMCA, al
Nahda Women's
Society for the Hearing Impaired Private Radio and Television Stations:
al Quds University Educational T.V. and Radio and others
1. The Health Development Information Policy Unit (HDIP)
Location: Ramallah Main Street
The Health, Development, Information and Policy Institute (HDIP) was
established in 1989 by a group of experienced researchers and health
practitioners committed to improving the status of health care for
all
Palestinians. An independent, non-profit organization, HDIP specializes
in
policy research and planning concerning development issues and health
care
in Palestine and its publications are widely used by international
and
local development agencies and planners. HDIP also advocates on health
care
issues relevant to marginalized groups like women, youth and the disabled.
HDIP
has served as a consultant for numerous international organizations,
including
the World Bank, the World Health Organization, UNDP, UNICEF and
international and local NGOs.
HDIP is located on Main Street, Ramallah, in the same building complex
that
houses the economic development and rights organzations, Mattin Group,
and
Al Haq, the West Bank affiliate of the International Commission of
Jurists.All are currently occupied by IDF soldiers who are using the
offices as a base, with tanks stationed in the Al Ahliyyeh Street crossing
Main
Street, and barbed wire preventing access.
On the night of 30 March 2002, a staff member staying in the Al Haq
office
reported Israeli soldiers invading the building at 11:20PM and that
both Al
Haq and HDIP had been entered by Israeli troops.Damage: The extent
of the damage cannot be assessed as Israeli troops are currently in control
of HDIP offices and environs. Residents have reported soldiers removing
cartons and other items from the building. HDIP had
recently expanded its offices into a very large space below the current
offices of Mattin Group which HDIP had refurbished and purchased large
amounts of new computers, office equipment and furniture.
2. The Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, Ramallah
Location: Ramouni Building, Ramallah off Main Street The Union of Palestinian
Medical Relief Committees is a grassroots community-based health organization
founded in 1979 by a group of
Palestinian doctors and health professionals to address the problems
of the
decaying and inadequate health infrastructure in the West Bank and
Gaza
under Israeli military rule. Now one of the largest Palestinian
non-governmental organization, UPMRC runs 25 permanent primary health
care
centers, fourteen labs and numerous mobile health units. Its approach
is
preventive, with an emphasis on education and participation. In February
2001, UPMRC won an award from the World Health Organization.
On 1 April 2002, Israeli tanks shelled the Ramouni Building in downtown
Ramallah and soldiers ordered all the inhabitants out of the building,
which houses a main office and emergency medical center of the Union
of
Palestinian Medical Relief Committees (reported on Haaretz web site
of the
same day) Doctors, staff and about fourteen Italian volunteers, including
Member of the European Parliament Louisa Morgantini, were detained
by
soldiers; television footage showed some staff made to kneel in a nearby
parking lot. Soldiers entered the building and searched offices.
Damage: At least one shell entered the office of the UPMRC causing a
wall
to collapse. The Director of UPMRC, Dr. Mustapha Barghouti, reported
that most
equipment was destroyed, including computers and a photocopier.
Access to
the Ramouni Building to access damage in more detail is restricted
due to
continued army presence in the area. Other UPMRC facilities
invaded by the
IDF on 31 March 2002 were the UPMRC Youth Club, the UPMRC Optometry
Center,
and the UPMRC Technical Aid for the Disabled Center.
3. Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners, Ramallah Description:
Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners (named for Nelson Mandela) was
established in 1990 to provide assistance to political
prisoners. Its activities now include the provision of legal and material
aid to prisoners detained by both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities,
and to their families, and the training of Palestinian police forces
in human rights issues.
Type of Damage: The premises of Mandela were occupied for some days
by the
Israeli Defense Forces. The following is reported by a member of Mandela's
Board of Directors, who was able to make one visit to the office during
the
lifting of curfew.
1. External damage The external metal doors to the building, in which
Mandela's offices are housed, were blown up and completely destroyed
2. Internal damage
VANDALISM
: The offices were completely vandalized. Computers (3 counted)
were thrown on the floor, broken furniture and files from cabinets strewn
across the floor. Soldiers blocked the toilets leading
to sewage over-spilling and ruining fitted carpets. Soldiers defecated
in a number of rooms -- the offices are filthy. B. CONFISCATION:
The hard drive of the main computer has been removed. Its contents include
Mandela's data base. Due to the imposition of curfew, it has not been
possible to check whether other files or documents have been confiscated
or destroyed.
C. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: The IDF used Mandela's office to fire into other
buildings. As a result 5 office windows were completely destroyed,
including the aluminum frames. All internal doors, which were locked,
were broken
into and badly damaged. . Impact on work: Mandela has clearly suffered
considerable financial loss due to the destruction or damage to equipment,
furnishings and physical structure. How
much data and documentation has been confiscated or damaged is impossible
to determine under the present curfew.
4. MATTIN Group (Human Rights)
Location: Main Street Ramallah
MATTIN Group is a voluntary partnership specializing in international
human
rights and humanitarian law enforcement. It was occupied on March 29th
by
the same armored infantry and sniper force that occupied al-Haq and
HDIP,
which adjoin it in the same building.
The main entrance door of the office was torn down on the day after
the
army had occupied the premises. Neighbors reported that a large force
had
entered MATTIN's premises and were both carrying in and bringing out
a large
quantity of unidentified objects.
During the lifting of the curfew on Tuesday, April 2, one of the senior
staff members of the organization attempted to gain entry into the
office,
but was not permitted to do so. Based on a soldier's statement, all
internal
doors, as well as the internal walls connecting MATTIN's space with
al-Haq
and HDIP appear to have been broken down by the soldiers.
In addition to records, computers, and office equipment, among the
archives
the office contains an irreplaceable collection of unpublished documents,
concerning International Humanitarian Law related diplomacy and other
similarly important unpublished materials accumulated over a 19-year
period.
On Monday, April 8, another attempt by a staff member to approach the
office was rebuffed by the army. The office building is blocked by
barbed wire
which spans the street on which it is located, and always guarded by
at
least two army vehicles, including tanks and APC's. Because nobody
has been
allowed inside the premises, it is still unclear just how severe the
damage
to the office is, and what has been vandalized, confiscated, and looted
by
the occupation forces.
5. AL-Haq Human Rights Organization
Location: Main Street Ramallah
Description: Founded in 1979, Al -Haq was the first Palestinian human
rights organization to be established in the occupied territories and
is the West
Bank affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists. Through
activities, such as monitoring of human rights violations committed
by both
the Israeli and Palestinian Authorities, it has a long and internationally
recognized role in promoting respect for human rights within Palestine.
Type of Damage: This report was given by a staff member of al- Haq.
It is
based on two quick visits he made to the offices when the curfew was
lifted.
External Damage: The two front doors broken open and badly damaged.
Internal Damage: VANDALISM: Furniture broken and over-turned such
as couch and filing cabinets. Content of filing cabinets scattered all
over the floor; drawers
forced open and contents rummaged through or scattered 3 computers
and one
printer thrown across floor and broken. Al-Haq has not yet had the
opportunity to inspect their laptops for damage SANCTIONED THEFT: As yet,
can only confirm1 lap top computer stolen
CONFISCATION: Computer hard drives removed on a number of computers
as well
as internal electronics likewise taken, leaving only the frame.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: One window smashed; 3 inner doors broken open anddamaged.
Ceiling in places has been smashed from inside
Impact on work
Al Haq has been working for 24 years and has built up an extensive
archive
of documents. The full extent of the impact of this vandalism on their
work
depends largely on what can be salvaged from their records and documents.
These are scattered across the floors of their offices. Due to the
curfew
on Ramallah, staff have not yet had the chance to see whether any papers
or
documents are missing.
6. Ramallah YMCA (Branch of East Jerusalem YMCA)
The YMCAs offices in Ramallah serve not only young people in the town
but
it also serves young people in the surrounding villages through its
extensive
field programs. It runs a number of important programs for youth, including
vocational training for young women, vocational counseling for girls
in
schools, and the career guidance for young people going into the workplace.
It also assists in constructing community youth centers in surrounding
villages.
(Based on preliminary reports issued by the YMCA Main Office in East
Jerusalem and based on accounts of people who either witnessed some
of the
destruction, and staff who visited the premises briefly during the
lifting
of curfew. It has been impossible to make a full assessment of the
damage
due to the ongoing curfew).
The YMCA's premises in Ramallah comprise three offices.The building
is
designated by a large outdoor sign on the building. On 8 April 2002
a
contingent of IDF forces blasted open the main entrance to YMCA
building
and the guard's office. They badly destroyed the elevator and there
was
extensive vandalism in a number of offices including destruction
of
equipment ( computers, overheads and other training aids. Reporters
for NBC television living in a neighboring building tried to prevent
the
destruction, by repeatedly telling the IDF forces that these were
YWCA
premises, funded largely by US AID. The soldiers ignored them and
went on to
detonate the garage, destroying also the vehicles inside: one car
and one
large van containing valuable educational material, which was used
to tour
villages for educational work.
7. Private Radio and TV Stations
The following is based on an on-site visit when the curfew lifted and
interviews with station managers undertaken by technical consultant
to al
Quds educational Media, Wassim Abdullah and excerpted from an extensive
report that he wrote which is now posted at a website along with pictures
of the destruction. See http://www.geocities.com/ramallah
There are 5 private TV stations and 5 private radio stations in Ramallah,
as well as the official Palestinian authority radio and TV stations.
Most of
these stations are located in and around the town center, an elevated
area
suitable for maximum broadcasting coverage. In the totality of the
Palestinian Authority areas there are almost 50 TV and radio stations,
more
than in any surrounding country. This independent media was contributing
to
the building of civil society by fostering an appreciation of free
media,
training in technical skills and reporting, creating local programming,
and
developing an innovative sector. The stations benefited from grants
and
support from the international and local community
.
A. Al Quds Educational Television
Location: on the third floor of the College of Nursing in al-Bireh,
near
the
entrance to Ramallah.
The TV station is operated by Al Quds University and broadcasts children's
programs in addition to public service announcements, medical information
and emergency services contact information. The institution was open
and on
air with a cartoon show when Israeli soldiers broke in. Two staff operators
were held for several hours, eventually released and warned not to
return.
Tanks and armored carriers are still on the campus of the college,
preventing anyone from entering. The station has remained off the
air since
the takeover. External destruction: The 40-watt relay TV transmitter
and microwave
receiver atop the Bakri building in the Minara of Ramallah was destroyed.
Internal destruction: It is assumed that the state-of-the-art studio
and
operations center have been completely destroyed, since soldiers
systematically destroyed almost all other TV stations in the Ramallah-
al-Bireh area. Contents of TV studio: cold lighting, super quiet
air
conditioning system, cameras, audio and video mixers, players/recorders,
two AVID suites, a computer lab, microwave studio link and our new
250 watt TV
transmitter, a UPS, a comprehensive children, social and cultural
library
of films, computers for the staff complete with audio, video and
data
networks, office machines.
B. Al Nasr TV
Total destruction of equipment/extensive vandalism: Microphones,
tapes,
CD's, monitors, mixers, players/recorders, etc were found spread
over the
floor of the station and completely smashed by sledgehammers.
C. Manara radio station Total destruction of equipment, extensive
vandalism
D. Ajyal and Angham FM radio stations Location: Bakri building,
Ramallah center
The doorman of the building was forced to open the station door
to
soldiers who used sledgehammers to destroy the two studios, the
internet
streaming and editing computers, the 10 Kw and 3 Kw transmitters
and the entire music and program library. Destruction was total. E. Love
and Peace FM radio station
Total destruction of equipment/extensive vandalism. F. Al Quds FM
radio station
The building in which it is located was bombarded and set ablaze.
No one
has been able to enter the building to assess damage. Also ceased
broadcasting and feared destroyed: Amwaj TV, Amwaj radio and Al-Watan TV.
The buildings where they are situated are still occupied by Israeli soldiers
and no one has been able to enter to assess damage.
OTHER TOWNS/ VILLAGES:
It has been extremely difficult to access information from most other
towns
since they have remained under curfew without break since they were
invaded. Also, many re-occupied towns (Jenin, Tulkarim, Nablus etc..)
have had no
electricity or phone lines for the past week). Below is information
on
damages to governmental and non- governmental organizations in areas
besides Ramallah. All of the following information is very preliminary
given that
it is based on information from people who have reached sites while
the curfew
is still on and thus only a very quick picture could be drawn.
I. Bethlehem
1.Municipality Building
Location: Manger Square
This report was made by an employee in the emergency services room
set up
in the municipality building. He and another 15 emergency workers were
in the
building when it was invaded by IDF troops. They were detained for
a number
of hours within the building and then taken to a detention center where
he
and others were subsequently released. The information he was able
to
provide was based on his eyewitness account when the events were underway
and is very preliminary. The IDF continues to occupy the Municipality
building as of April 13th.
Destruction: There has been destruction of many external and internal
doors, as well as many windows smashed. A number of interior walls
of the building
have been destroyed.Destroyed/ vandalized furniture. Approximately
twenty mobile stretchers
were taken from the premises; seven of them were returned severely
damaged. Also
destroyed were three video cameras and a cassette inside one of them
was
confiscated.
II. Anabta Village (Tulkarm District)
[Employees could make only an initial assessment of damage, due to
the
ongoing curfew.]
1. Anabta Municipality
Number of staff: 60
External destruction
The entrance door was completely destroyed.
Internal destruction
VANDALISM: Just before the incursion, the municipality had transferred
some
archeological artifacts from Tulkarm fearing that they might be destroyed;
half of the relocated collection was destroyed. The fire-alarm system,
the
central telephone system and individual telephones were destroyed.
Municipal files were torn and thrown on the ground. The entire library,
book shelves
and books, were thrown on the floor. Some desks were damaged.
SANCTIONED THEFT: Two municipal computers were taken. In the library,
a
computer and a camera were taken. CONFISCATION: All of the municipality's
floppy disks were removed. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: The windows and doors were
broken.
(Information supplied by Mayor, Hamdallah Hamdallah; who has photos
and a
detailed report on the destruction.)
2. The Anabta Women's Charitable Organization
This charitable organization has a staff of 11 and offers health services
and social and cultural activities for women, provides relief for the
poor
and outreach for the elderly, in addition to operating a preschool
(230
children) and daycare (10 infants). External damage
The outside wall was blown up with explosives, which also damaged the
building. The gate had several bullet or shrapnel holes in it.
Internal destruction VANDALISM: There was a great deal of superficial
damage. All of the glass
was found broken. (Information provided by Itaf Al-Qabbaji )
III. Tulkarim
1. General Union of Palestinian Women, Tulkarim
The Tulkarim branch of the GUPW is engaged in promoting and marketing
embroidery and other traditional handicrafts produced by village women
in
the area. External destruction The door was blown open with explosives.
Internal destruction VANDALISM: All drawers were apparently searched
and all files were opened. The office equipment appeared to be intact.
Embroidery had been strewn all
over the floor and stepped on STRUCTURAL DAMAGE : Windows were broken.
(Information supplied by Fawziyyeh Yahya Aboud)
2. Rawdat Abna' Al-Ghad
This is a preschool with 6 employees serving 70 children.
External destruction Main door destroyed.
Internal destruction VANDALISM: All of the children's the toys were
thrown on the ground and
many smashed. The wall-to-wall carpeting has been ripped and in some
places
removed, the small puppet theater was destroyed.
(Information supplied by Fawziyyeh Yahya Aboud)
Report Compiled By:
Rema Hammami, Birzeit University
Sari Hanafi, Palestinian Refugee and Diaspora Centre, Shaml
Elizabeth Taylor
Vandecan Myriam
Codip@skynet.be Sabra-shatila@skynet.be
website Codip: http://users.skynet.be/bk291253/codip.htm en
http://www.sabra-shatila.be
anti-zionistische joodse websites:
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