UPDATE 07/07/2021: Our latest research has found that Israeli police have carried out a campaign of repression against Palestinians. They have arrested Palestinian activists, used unlawful force against Palestinian protests, and unjured hundreds of Palestinians. One 17-year-old boy was shot dead. The crackdown was an act of retaliation to crush pro-Palestinian protests, and silence those who speak out.
“I have a two and a half-year-old daughter and this is her first war. I was terrified myself and did not know what to do to calm her.”
In early May, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes whick killed at least 198 Palestinians in Gaza, including 58 children. Amnesty International spoke with families in Gaza whose homes were reduced to rubble by airstrikes, without any warning. Palestinian armed groups also fired 1,500 rockets towards civilian areas.
On 21 May Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. There must now be a concerted effort to address the systematic oppression, dispossession and displacement of Palestinians - abuses that are among the root causes of the repeated cycle of violence.
But in May and June Israel has sought to expand illegal settlements in the area of Silwan, forcibly displacing more than 200 Palestinians from their homes.
Without addressing the root causes, the cycle of violence will continue.
Our researchers on the ground have gathered evidence of Israeli security forces using tear gas, stun grenades and other forms of excessive force in Sheikh Jarrah.
Israel's allies like America and Australia, are far too often silent when faced with Israel’s abuses. Right now Palestinians everywhere, including in Sheikh Jarrah, are asking the world to speak up and pressure Israel.
Israel's allies, including Australia and America must pressure Israel to end the violence against Palestinians. Take action today to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop violating human rights.