Human Rights warning: “Israel” exploits regional war climate to impose new realities in Palestinian territories
GAZA, March 04 (YPA) – The Gaza Center for Human Rights has expressed its deep concern over the escalation of Israeli military measures and restrictions in the Palestinian territories, coinciding with the outbreak of military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and the Israeli occupation.
The Center warned against the exploitation of the regional war atmosphere to impose field changes that undermine the fundamental rights of Palestinians.
In a recent report, the Center explained that the Israeli occupation authorities have intensified the siege on the Gaza Strip and expanded restrictions in the occupied West Bank and Quds (Jerusalem).
It stated that these policies are part of a systematic approach to entrench a fait accompli by force, in violation of the prohibition of the annexation of land by force and the principle that security necessities may not be invoked to justify grave violations.
The report highlighted the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, the forced removal of worshippers and staff, and the shutting of its main gates—including Bab al-Qattanin (Cotton Merchants’ Gate), Bab al-Hadid (Iron Gate), Bab al-Ghawanima, and Bab al-Malik Faisal (King Faisal Gate)—under the pretext of a state of emergency.
The Center also addressed the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron until further notice, the prevention of Awqaf (Endowments) employees from entering, and the transformation of its surroundings into a dense military zone.
The Center emphasized that these measures represent a direct violation of the freedom of worship guaranteed under international human rights law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Furthermore, they constitute a breach of the Occupying Power’s obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The Center noted that the military crackdown has extended across various areas of the West Bank through the closure of city and town entrances and the tightening of restrictions at checkpoints. The number of these barriers has exceeded 916 checkpoints and gates, 243 of which were established after October 7, 2023. This has led to the isolation of population centers and hindered citizens’ access to their workplaces and essential services.
The Center concluded by warning that continued international silence encourages impunity. It called for an end to the collective closure, the lifting of restrictions, and a cessation of any military escalation against civilians in the Gaza Strip.
YPA