Documentation of the Israeli abuse of power, mistreatment of humanity, and perpetration of the genocidal war on the Palestinian people in the  Gaza Strip.

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79 Countries Express Support for the ICC, Palestinian Government Calls for an International Reconstruction Conference for Gaza, Continued Israeli Attacks and Repression in  the West Bank

February 7, 2025

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Editor's Notes:  

Here are some initial (not final) statistics, which show the Israeli war crimes against humanity, during the current Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, based on the reliable data reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza:

By February 6, 2025, the initial death toll of Palestinians who have been killed by the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza Strip is 61,769+.   

This includes the accounted for deaths (47,583), those who are still missing under the rubble (an estimate of at least 14,186+). 

By February 6, 2025, the documented injuries exceeded 111,633.

By February 6, 2025, 888 Palestinians who were killed, 6,786 who were injured, and 11,128*, who were abducted by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, since October 7, 2023, including 310 women and 640 children (Some of the detainees have been released).  

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The spokeswoman for the UNICEF, Tess Ingram, confirmed that one million children in the Gaza Strip suffer from psychological trauma, February 7, 2027.	The Palestinian child, Saddam Husaiin Iyad Rajab, 7, succumbed to an injury he sustained by the Israeli occupation army gunfire in Kafr Al-Lubbad, east of Toulkarm, on February 7, 2025.
The Israeli occupation apartheid regime has extended the travel ban on Jerusalemite activist Hanadi Al-'Halawani for six more months, as she has been banned from travel for several years, February 7, 2025.	Despite the, the Israeli occupation regime continues to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, by denying Palestinians the basic requirements for survival, February 7, 2025.

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بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

"مِنْ أَجْلِ ذَٰلِكَ كَتَبْنَا عَلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا"  (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 32).

"وَمَنْ يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا" (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 93).

"إِنْ أَحْسَنتُمْ أَحْسَنتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۖ وَإِنْ أَسَأْتُمْ فَلَهَا ۚ " (الإسْرَاءُ ، 17: 7). 

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

"Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul, unless for a soul, or for corruption in the land, it is as if he had killed humankind entirely" (The Holy Quran, Al-Ma-ida, 5: 32).

"And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him, and has cursed him, and has prepared for him a great torment" (Al-Nisa, 4: 93).

"If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, (you do it) to yourselves" (Al-Isra, 17: 7). 

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While brutal force has been used to create Zionist Israel and sustain it thus far, Zionist claims to Palestine are false. Actually, from the five thousand years of known written human history, there has been a continuous Palestinian-Canaanite presence in the Holy Land. Despite the Zionist false claims, the ancient Israelites ruled part of the land for only 85 years (during the reign of Prophets David and Solomon , peace be upon them, and Solomon's son).

 After that, the Egyptians conquered Palestine-Canaan in 925 BC, followed by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, before the Arab Muslim rule, starting from 636 AD.

By the Time Jesus, peace be upon him, started his mission, the three population groups of Canaanites, Palestinians, and Israelites were melted together in religion and language. Most of them became Christians when Constantine converted in 313 AD. Then, most of them became Muslims in the 7th and 8th centuries AD.

So, Palestinian Muslims, Christians, and Jews are the ones who have the right to claim descent from ancient Israelites, Palestinians, and Canaanites, not Zionists from other continents.

No matter what the Zionists and their supporters do, they cannot change the will of God, Who promised the Holy Land to Abraham and his descendants, basically the Palestinian Muslims and Christians.

No matter how much persecution and aggression the Zionists and their supporters inflict upon the Palestinian people, they will never be able to force them out of the Holy Land, which Allah, praise to Him, promised for them, and kept His promise ever since.

This is a necessary brief background to understand the US-Backed Zionist Israeli continuous wars against the Arab nation generally, and the Palestinian people in particular, which included the wars of 1948, 1956, 1967, 1978, 1982, the brutal crushing of the two Uprisings (1987-1993 and 2000-2004), 2009, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the current genocidal war on Gaza (Since October 7, 2023), which has culminated a blockade of Gaza since 2007. In addition, the Israeli occupation and apartheid regime launched so many covert operations, raids, and air strikes on many Arab states since 1948.

The following news stories are just examples, not a systematic record, of the Israeli occupation government abuse, mistreatment, and violations of Palestinian human rights, on daily basis.

Killing and Injuring of Palestinians in Ghazza (Gaza) by Israeli Occupation Regime Forces

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Euro-Med: Israel continues to commit genocide in Gaza despite ceasefire

Friday 7-February-2025

GAZA, (PIC)

Despite the declaration of a ceasefire on January 19, 2025, Israel continues to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip by denying Palestinians the basic requirements for survival and imposing terrible living conditions on them, the Euro-Med for Human Rights revealed in a statement issued on Friday.

Euro-Med emphasized that Israel was not content with the mass killings and devastation it caused in the Gaza Strip over a period of more than 15 months, but it is now implementing policies that effectively kill the population by enforcing a complete illegal siege that hinders the flow of basic supplies and humanitarian aid, prevents the repair of essential infrastructure, and denies the provision of basic services that are essential to the population’s survival.

“Israel is well aware of the terrible impact that its unlawful actions have had on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the grave and protracted repercussions that these actions entail, particularly for marginalized communities and those with challenging medical conditions. Nevertheless, in the absence of any meaningful international pressure to halt its ongoing crimes against the Palestinians, these measures are still being implemented without any reversals.”

Even though the mass murders in the Gaza Strip have stopped since the ceasefire, Israeli occupation forces still carry out direct killings of Palestinians under a number of false pretences that have no legal basis, the statement added.

Euro-Med called on the international community and the United Nations to act quickly to hold Israel responsible for its ongoing crimes against the Palestinians.

“This includes enforcing effective sanctions against it, halting all forms of military, financial, and political support and cooperation with it, including the immediate suspension of all arms sales, transfers, and purchases from it, including export licenses and military aid, and making sure that it is held accountable for its crimes against the Palestinians at all levels of government, both domestically and internationally.”

It also called for activating the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister and former army minister as soon as possible.

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UNRWA: The rights of the Palestinians continue to be violated

Friday 7-February-2025

NEW YORK, (PIC)

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said that the rights of the Palestinians continue to be violated.

Since the war began, people in Gaza have undergone systematic dehumanization, he said in a post on the X platform.

Palestinians do matter, including those in Gaza. Their rights, lives, and futures matter, the post reads.

“Human rights cannot be applied selectively.”

He also quoted the UN Secretary General as saying, “Peace requires ending the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part, a viable and sovereign Palestinian State side-by-side with Israel.”

For its part, Gaza’s Government Media Office has issued a statement saying Israel is violating the terms of the ceasefire by not allowing the agreed minimum amount of aid to enter the enclave.

The deal allowed for the passage of 600 aid trucks daily, at a minimum, including 50 fuel trucks, as well as 60,000 mobile units and 200,000 tents, electric generators and their spare parts, solar panels and batteries.

“The amount of aid that entered the Gaza Strip is still far from the minimum required,” the statement said, as 8,500 trucks have entered the Strip since the agreement went into effect 20 days ago, instead of the required 12,000. Additionally, 2,916 trucks reached northern Gaza instead of 6,000.

The aid getting in was mostly food, the statement said, while aid for shelter did not reach 10 percent of the agreed amount. Similarly, 15 fuel trucks entered Gaza instead of 50, it added.

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UNICEF: One Million children in Gaza suffer from psychological trauma

Friday 7-February-2025

NEW YORK, (PIC)

The spokeswoman for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Tess Ingram, confirmed that “one million children in the Gaza Strip suffer from psychological trauma.”

Speaking to Al Jazeera, she said that “the living conditions facing families in Gaza are dangerous; they need drinking water, aid supplies, and blankets.”

She pointed out that “10,000 aid trucks have reached Gaza so far, but we need more.”

“The flow of aid into Gaza has increased since the ceasefire, but it still is not enough to undo 15 months of deprivation.”

She pointed out that “if the desalination plants in Gaza are not operated, the children of the Strip will face serious health risks.”

On the other hand, Tess Ingram noted that “the people of the Gaza Strip themselves would decide the future of the enclave, and they are determined to rebuild what was destroyed.”

The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement took hold in Gaza on Jan. 19, halting Israel’s war that killed more than 47,500 people and left the enclave in ruins.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former army minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

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Health Ministry: Israel obstructs field hospitals, medical teams’ entry

Friday 7-February-2025

GAZA, (PIC)

Director of Field Hospitals at Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Marwan Al-Hams, said that “the number of deaths in the Gaza Strip due to lack of resources equals the number of those killed by the Israeli occupation.”

In press statements issued on Thursday, he pointed out that “several patients who were scheduled to be evacuated for life-saving treatment abroad have died due to the Israeli occupation’s obstruction of their departure.”

“We are in dire need of field hospitals immediately, as well as medical teams, medicines, and medical equipment.”

“We were informed that field hospitals are ready to enter the Strip, and that the occupation is obstructing their entry.”

Last Saturday, the first batch of wounded Palestinians and patients left the Gaza Strip through the Rafa'h border crossing to undergo medical treatment in Egypt.

The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement took hold in Gaza on Jan. 19, halting Israel’s war that killed more than 47,500 people and left the enclave in ruins.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and his former army minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

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Gaza Health Director: Bringing in medical teams into Gaza is far more urgent than evacuating the wounded

Friday 7-February-2025

GAZA, (PIC)

The Director General of the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Muneer Al-Bursh, called for urgently increasing international pressure on the Israeli occupation to allow medical teams to enter northern Gaza and assist in saving the lives of residents.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera, he highlighted the devastating impact of the destruction of hospitals, which has contributed to the deaths of tens of thousands of people.

Al-Bursh explained that the Israeli occupation continues to delay the humanitarian provisions outlined in the ceasefire agreement, particularly the entry of essential medical supplies, medicines, equipment, and electricity generators into Gaza.

He emphasized that the delay in transferring field hospitals and medical equipment from southern Gaza to the north is exacerbating the health crisis, where medical services have nearly completely halted.

Al-Bursh specifically called for the entry of medical delegations, noting that these teams would be critical in performing special operations that have been urgently needed throughout the war.

He stressed that bringing these delegations into Gaza is far more urgent than evacuating the wounded, as the equipment needed to carry out life-saving surgeries is unavailable in the enclave.

He also explained that many of these delegations could also help train local medical staff in performing these complex procedures, a step that could significantly alleviate the ongoing health crisis.

In addition to requesting the medical teams, al-Bursh underscored the need for a safe passage to evacuate the wounded. Despite the ceasefire agreement allowing for the exit of 300 wounded individuals per day, only a very small fraction of those have been able to leave, and many of the evacuees are children rather than actual casualties.

He shared that a list of 400 children under the age of six had been submitted for evacuation but was repeatedly rejected by the Israeli occupation, citing “security reasons.” This inaction has led to heartbreaking consequences, with at least 100 children dying in recent months due to the occupation’s refusal to allow their evacuation, despite their eligibility to cross.

Despite the ceasefire agreement stipulating the urgent need for such supplies to be brought in, the Israeli occupation has prevented these essential items from entering the Strip.

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Thousands in Gaza endure harsh night as severe storms destroy shelters amid ongoing devastation

GAZA, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Thousands of Palestinian residents in Gaza were forced to endure a brutally cold night as fierce storms tore through the Strip, destroying the already fragile tents that many call home.

With the arrival of daylight, those affected scrambled to salvage what remained of their shelters, attempting to repair them amid the ongoing crisis.

For the third consecutive day, a strong low front, accompanied by intense storms and heavy rainfall, continues to ravage Palestine, including Gaza, according to meteorological reports.

These makeshift tents, some barely standing, are the last remaining refuge for countless families who lost their homes following 15 months of Israeli attacks, which have left them with no alternative shelter.

Residents described the night as "the hardest and most difficult" they've ever experienced, recounting how the strength of the storms made their already dire circumstances even worse. “The mind cannot fathom the hardships we faced,” said one local.

Despite their tents being flooded, torn and scattered by the winds, those who lost their homes and the last of their means of shelter remain defiant, renewing their rejection of U.S. calls to seize Gaza and forcibly displace them. "The Palestinians are like fish, and Gaza is their sea. If they leave, they die. They will remain steadfast on their land, despite the displacement and suffering," one resident told Anadolu Agency.

The ongoing storm has exacerbated the already grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where displaced people are living in overcrowded tents and makeshift shelters, grappling with severe shortages of basic resources and daily necessities.

Over months of relentless bombardment, residents have sought refuge in schools, health centers, stadiums and makeshift tents after Israeli forces destroyed entire neighborhoods and homes. According to reports, Israeli forces have destroyed nearly 88% of Gaza's infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools and vital services.

Between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, Israeli forces conducted a devastating campaign in Gaza, causing over 159,000 casualties, the majority of whom were women and children, and leaving more than 14,000 people unaccounted for.

T.R.

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PGMO calls for the convening of an international conference to rebuild the Gaza Strip

Friday 7-February-2025

GAZA, (PIC)

The Palestinian Government Media Office (PGMO) has called for the swift convening of an international conference to rebuild the Gaza Strip and to urgently provide all humanitarian needs for the people to strengthen their resilience and thwart plans for displacement and eviction.

In a statement on Friday, the PGMO noted that despite 20 days passing since the ceasefire agreement took effect, the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate dangerously, with Israel persistently delaying the implementation of the humanitarian protocol outlined in the agreement, despite the clarity of its provisions and the specified needs and priorities.

It affirmed that monitoring and documenting the Israeli behavior has shown that the commitments stipulated in the agreement have not been fulfilled as defined, exacerbating the suffering of more than 2.4 million people in the Gaza Strip.

The PGMO emphasized that Israel does not miss any opportunity to evade its obligations to implement the agreement in general, and its humanitarian aspects in particular.

In terms of numbers, the amount of aid that has entered the Gaza Strip remains far below the minimum required, with only 8,500 trucks entering since the agreement began, out of the 12,000 that were supposed to enter. In northern Gaza, only 2,916 trucks have entered instead of the 6,000 planned.

Regarding the nature and quality of this aid, the Office indicated that the majority consists of food packages, vegetables, fruits, and secondary goods like instant noodles, chocolate, and chips, at the expense of other needs, indicating clear manipulation of priorities in relief and shelter.

On the shelter front, the PGMO confirmed that the actual need is for 200,000 tents and 60,000 mobile homes, but only 10% of the tents have been brought in, with no mobile homes entering at all, meaning hundreds of thousands of citizens are facing the harsh winter without adequate shelter.

Concerning fuel, despite the clear stipulation of entering 50 fuel trucks daily to operate hospitals and essential facilities, what has actually arrived does not exceed 15 trucks daily, resulting in a worsening electricity crisis and paralyzing the operation of hospitals and various service sectors.

It noted that Israel entirely prevents the entry of other shelter materials, electric generators, and their spare parts, solar panels, batteries, wires, and water tanks, and it obstructs coordination for the entry of materials needed for the partial restoration of water and sewage networks in northern Gaza, as reported by international organizations.

In terms of health, Israel is delaying the entry of medical equipment, supplies, and field hospitals, and has not allowed evacuation of the injured and sick except for few numbers. As a result, 100 sick children have died due to delays in their evacuation, and 40% of kidney patients have died due to hospitals’ inability to perform dialysis.

The PGMO holds Israel responsible for this tragic humanitarian reality and warns of the repercussions of this obstruction, delay, and manipulation on the catastrophic humanitarian situation within the Gaza Strip. The world has witnessed the suffering of hundreds of thousands of the Palestinian people in tents amid the current cold spell and how they have been left exposed after strong winds uprooted their tattered tents and heavy rains flooded them.

It urged mediators to pressure Israel to adhere to the provisions outlined in the agreement, especially the humanitarian protocol, which represents the minimum of urgent needs acceptable and required for the people of Gaza at this stage.

PGMO called on the international community to bear its responsibilities and not to remain merely as spectators to this humanitarian tragedy, through which Israel seeks to continue its war of extermination and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, albeit in less bloody forms, such as the blockade and the prevention of necessary supplies.

It noted that the prohibition of entering heavy equipment and machinery necessary to remove rubble—55 million tons—means an inability to recover the bodies of martyrs and to open streets. It will also undoubtedly affect the resistance’s ability to retrieve the bodies of the Israeli captives buried under this rubble.

The humanitarian aspect of the agreement represents the minimum requirements for urgent relief and shelter needed to alleviate the Palestinian people’s suffering after the war of extermination and ethnic cleansing they endured over the past 15 months. The agreement includes the entry of 600 aid trucks daily, including 50 fuel trucks, in addition to starting the entry of shelter materials by providing 60,000 mobile units and 200,000 tents for the displaced, in addition to electric generators, spare parts, solar panels, batteries, reconstruction materials, as well as removing debris and rehabilitating health facilities, bakeries, and infrastructure, alongside facilitating the movement of patients, the injured, and humanitarian cases through the Rafa'h border crossing.

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Killing, Injuring, and Abduction of Palestinians in the West Bank by Israeli Occupation Regime Forces 

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Minor succumbs to injury by Israeli gunfire in northern West Bank town

Toulkarm, Friday, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

A Palestinian minor Friday evening succumbed to an injury sustained by Israeli army gunfire in Kafr Al-Lubbad town, east of the occupied West Bank city of Toulkarm, according to medical sources.

They announced that Saddam Husaiin Iyad Rajab, 7, died of his critical injury he had sustained after being shot by Israeli occupation forces while in front of his grandfather’s house in the town on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

K.F.

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Four brothers sustain injuries in colonists’ attack near Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Four brothers Friday sustained injuries in an attack by the illegal Israeli settlers in 'Housan village, west of the occupied West Bank city of Bait La'hm (Bethlehem), according to security sources.

They said that Israeli colonists attacked farmers while the latter were tending to their land at the Abu Sud Mountain (Jabal Abu Sud), inflicting cuts and bruises across the bodies of four of them.

The sources added that the assailants briefly held a farmer before eventually releasing him.

There has been an uptick in attacks by Israeli colonists and the occupation forces against the town, including daily raids, land grabs, and uprooting trees.

Colonists’ violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

Colonists’ violence includes property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, and attacks on vulnerable homes, among others.

Over 700,000 Israeli colonists live in colonies in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in violation of international law.

K.F.

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IOFs launch large-scale raid, arrest campaign across West Bank

Friday 7-February-2025

WEST BANK, (PIC)

The Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) carried out multiple arrests in sweeping raids across the West Bank overnight and at dawn Friday.

An Israeli drone bombed several houses in Jineen refugee camp as part of the ongoing large-scale Israeli aggression on the city and its refugee camp.

The IOFs also stormed Yamoun town, west of Jineen, while Palestinian fighters detonated an explosive device near a military checkpoint at the entrance to Silat Al-Harithiya town, west of the city.

The Israeli forces raided several local houses in the Mishmas area in Tammoun, south of Toubas, and Kafr Na'ma town, west of Ramallah.

Similar raids were reported in Bait Ka'hil north of Al-Khaleel; and several areas in Nablus.

Earlier, the IOF arrested several young men in Tulkarem as weeks-long Israeli operations in the area continued. One of the detainees was brutally attacked and beaten during his arrest.

At the same time, four young men were detained from their family homes in the Dthannaba suburb east of Toulkarm.

Meanwhile, the IOF continued to besiege the Martyr Thabit Thabit Governmental Hospital and occupy the adjacent Al-'Adawiya Commercial Complex, turning it into a military barracks.

The Israeli forces also seized the “Al-Burhan” building in the eastern neighborhood of the city, near the southwestern entrance to Tulkarem camp, and raided several local homes.

In Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), the Israeli forces stormed the family home of prisoner Khalid Shawqi 'Halabi, 47, and threatened his family not to celebrate his scheduled release.

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 Israeli occupation forces continue their aggression on Toulkarm and its refugee camp

Toulkarm, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

 Israeli occupation forces maintain a heavy presence in Toulkarm city and its refugee camp, conducting relentless raids and forcibly converting civilian homes into military outposts.

In the city of Toulkarm, additional infantry soldiers have been deployed to its eastern neighborhood, particularly in the area adjacent to the southwestern entrance of the Tulkarem refugee camp, imposing a strict siege and severe restrictions on the movement of civilians and vehicles.

The Israeli occupation forces have also continued to seize residential buildings in this neighborhood, transforming them into military outposts and sniper positions after forcibly evicting their residents.

successfully responded to residents’ calls for help in the city's eastern neighborhood, delivering humanitarian aid amid the challenging conditions caused by the ongoing full siege.

In the Toulkarm refugee camp, Israeli infantry forces have intensified their presence across all alleys, imposing a harsh siege, conducting raids and carrying out house searches. A significant number of snipers have been positioned within the camp, targeting any moving object and opening fire.

Local sources informed WAFA that repeated explosions could be heard within the camp, accompanied by heavy gunfire. Due to the strict siege, the full extent of the situation remains unclear, as power, internet and communication networks were destroyed by occupation bulldozers.

The central area of the camp and its internal alleys have been emptied of residents after they were forcibly displaced from their homes.

Israeli foot patrols and military vehicles have also spread across the northern and southwestern entrances of the camp, which connects to the city's eastern neighborhood, preventing citizens from approaching at gunpoint.

Ongoing appeals have been made by citizens still in their homes on the outskirts of the camp under dire humanitarian conditions, calling for the provision of basic necessities such as drinking water, food, medicines and infant formula, as well as addressing the ongoing disruption to electricity, water and communication services.

Furthermore, the occupation forces continue to besiege the Martyr Thabit Thabit Government Hospital in the city, stationing soldiers at its main gates, obstructing the work of ambulances and medical staff, and subjecting them to searches and field interrogations, including patients.

Occupation forces also continued to seize the Al-'Adawiya commercial complex and homes adjacent to the hospital, converting them into military outposts and restricting movement in the area.

T.R.

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Israeli occupation forces raid Toulkarm-area town, seize homes and turn them into military outposts

Toulkarm, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli occupation forces raided on Friday evening the town of Qaffeen north of Toulkarm, seizing Palestinian residents' homes and transforming them into military outposts, according to local sources.

Sources told WAFA that a large number of Israeli soldiers deployed throughout the streets and neighborhoods of the town, engaging in comprehensive search and inspection operations. The forces also positioned themselves amidst the trees and residences, executing thorough sweeps and searches.

Israeli occupation soldiers stormed several homes in the western neighborhood, conducting thorough searches and closely examining the residents' identities and subjecting them to field interrogations.

They seized two homes belonging to two families in the same neighborhood and turned them into military outposts.

The raid on Qaffeen coincides with the ongoing Israeli onslaught on the city of Toulkarm and its refugee camp, now entering its 12th consecutive day.

T.R.

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Israeli occupation forces storm several areas in Ramallah governorate

RAMALLAH, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli occupation forces launched on Friday military incursions into several areas in the Ramallah and Al-Beereh governorate, including the village of Al-Nabi Sali'h and the towns of Turmus 'Ayya and Burqa, according to local sources.

Sources informed WAFA that Israeli forces raided the village of Al-Nabi Sali'h northwest of Ramallah, patrolling its streets while firing live ammunition and sound bombs towards Palestinian residents’ homes. No injuries or detentions were reported.

Israeli occupation forces also raided the towns of Turmus 'Ayya and Burqa in the Ramallah and Al-Beereh governorate. According to local sources, the forces deployed across the alleys and neighborhoods of both towns, with no detentions reported.

T.R.

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Israeli occupation forces kidnap 16 Palestinians from West Bank

Jineen, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Israeli occupation forces Friday kidnapped at least 16 Palestinians from various parts of the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestine Prisoner’s Society (PPS) and local sources.

They said that the occupying forces stopped and inspected a vehicle near Al-Hathnawi Circle in the city of Jenin before detaining them.

Still in the Jineen governorate, The occupying forces rounded up two young men at the entrance of Ya'bad town.

In the Toubas governorate, Kamal Bani Oadah, Director of the PPS Office, said that the occupying forces rounded up a Palestinian from Tammoun town and three others, including a father and his 12-year-old son, from Al-Fari'a refugee camp.

The four were kidnapped as the occupation forces continued to wage military aggression on the town and the refugee camp for the sixth consecutive day.

In the Jerusalem governorate, the occupying forces showed up at a house in Bait Soureek town, went inside, and rounded up a young man after beating him up.

In the Salfeet governorate, the sources confirmed a raid in Al-Zawiya town, resulting in the detention of two residents.

Earlier today, the occupation forces assaulted two others and detained them in the Old City of Al-Khaleel (Hebron).

Meanwhile, the occupation soldiers stopped two vehicles on a dirt road leading to Idhna town, west of Al-Khaleel (Hebron), and detained the drivers after handcuffing them.

Palestinians are compelled to take lengthy dirt roads to access and exit the town, whose entries have been blocked by the occupation forces for over a year.

The occupation forces frequently raid Palestinian houses almost daily across the West Bank on the pretext of searching for “wanted” Palestinians, triggering clashes with residents.

These raids are conducted without a search warrant whenever and wherever the military chooses, in keeping with its sweeping arbitrary powers.

Under Israeli military law army commanders have full executive, legislative, and judicial authority over 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank. Palestinians have no say in how this authority is exercised.

According to the latest figures from Al-Dhameer, the Palestinian Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, there are currently 10,000 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, including 365 child prisoners and 15 female prisoners.

This number includes approximately 3,369 Palestinians placed under “administrative detention”, which allows the detention of Palestinians without charge or trial for renewable intervals ranging between three and six months based on undisclosed evidence that even a detainee’s lawyer is barred from viewing.

The mass arrest of Palestinians is nothing new. According to a 2017 report by Al-Dhameer, over the past 50 years, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned or detained by Israel, this figure is now believed to be closer to 1 million. This means that about 40% of Palestinian men and boys living under military occupation have been deprived of their freedom. Almost every Palestinian family has suffered the imprisonment of a loved one.

K.F. 

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Aggression and Attacks by Illegal Israeli Settlers and Soldiers

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Note: Despite the Trump administration support for the Israeli occupation apartheid regime, the U.S. official policy is still considering the Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian territories as illegal.

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30,000 people perform Friday prayer at Aqsa Mosque

Friday 7-February-2025

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)

Thousands of Palestinian worshipers performed Friday prayer in the Aqsa Mosque in Occupied Jerusalem amidst tight Israeli restrictions.

The Islamic Endowment Authority affirmed that around 30,000 Muslims performed the Friday prayer at the holy shrine.

Police forces obstructed Muslim worshipers’ entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque through its gates, where they stopped, in particular, many young men and checked their IDs.

Earlier Thursday, Palestinian calls were launched for mass mobilization to intensify Palestinian presence during the Friday prayer at the Aqsa Mosque.

This came to confront the Israeli Judaization and division plans that the Israeli occupation authority and settlers are trying to impose at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli occupation forces (IOFs) impose strict restrictions on the entry of worshipers to Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially on Fridays, preventing thousands of citizens from the West Bank from reaching Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem) to perform prayers at the Mosque, as they require the issuance of special permits to cross IOFs military checkpoints surrounding the holy city.

Since the Gaza ceasefire deal went into effect on January 19, Israeli occupation forces and police have been tightening security measures across the West Bank cities and towns, including Occupied Jerusalem.

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IOA extends travel ban on Jerusalemite activist 'Halawani

Friday 7-February-2025

Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem), (PIC)

The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) has extended the travel ban on Jerusalemite activist Hanadi Al-'Halawani for six more months. She has been banned from travel for several years.

Halawani’s lawyer said on Thursday that the ban was not only on her travel abroad but also included a ban on her contacts with the other Jerusalemite activist Khadija Khuweis.

Khuweis is also banned from communicating with Halawani and with other activists, he added.

Meanwhile, an IOA court passed a 45-month imprisonment term on the Jerusalemite youth Rami Al-Ghazzawi. He is a resident of Al-'Eisawiya village in Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem).

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Illegal Israeli settlers set up shed in northern Jordan Valley

JORDAN VALLEY, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

A group of the illegal Israeli settlers Friday set up a shed at the Nab' Al-Ghazal community in the northern Jordan Valley community, according to a resident.

Loay Zuhdi said that Israeli colonists erected a shed in the proximity of their dwellings, located near Khirbet Al-Farisiya.

He added that the residents attempted to confront the colonists and prevent the takeover of their land, but were attacked.

He voiced the community’s concerns that the new shed would serve as the nucleus of a new permanent colonial outpost and as a prelude for the takeover of the community’s land and their displacement.

Colonists’ violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

Colonists’ violence includes property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, and attacks on vulnerable homes, among others.

Over 700,000 Israeli colonists live in colonies in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in violation of international law.

K.F.

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News Related to the Israeli Genocidal War on the Palestinian People

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Egypt’s El-Sisi and UN chief stress need for Palestinians to remain on their land

CAIRO, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday stressed the need for Palestinians to remain on their land, according to Egypt Today news website.

The website reported that both leaders reiterated in a phone call their rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

El-Sisi and Guterres underscored the necessity for the Palestinian residents to remain on their land, calling for a collective international effort in this regard.

They advocated for the implementation of the two-state solution by establishing a Palestinian state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They emphasized the two-state solution as the central focus of international action at this time, representing the only path to achieving sustainable peace and the desired stability in the Middle East.

President El-Sisi and the UN chief highlighted the urgent need to commence reconstruction operations in the Gaza Strip to restore normalcy in the enclave.

They discussed Egypt's efforts to maintain the current ceasefire in Gaza, while ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by its residents.

The call also underscored the pivotal role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in this context.

They emphasized the importance of international community efforts to support and empower the agency in fulfilling its responsibilities in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

K.F.

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German Chancellor Scholz rejects Trump’s Gaza proposal

BERLIN, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Friday voiced his firm rejection of US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and forcibly displace its population.

“I completely reject what President Trump has put on the table,” Scholz said during a campaign event in Ludwigsburg. “The population of Gaza must not be resettled in Egypt and Jordan. This is not right,” he emphasized.

US President Donald Trump proposed to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and take over the enclave which was under Israeli genocidal assault since October 2023.

Trump said during a press conference in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late on Tuesday that the US “will take over” Gaza after relocating Palestinians elsewhere under an extraordinary redevelopment plan that he claimed could turn the enclave into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump’s proposal came after the ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on January 19, pausing Israel’s genocidal assault on the enclave which has killed 47,583 Palestinians and injured 111,663, according to Palestinian Health Ministry.

K.F.

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China's Vice Foreign Minister meets Arab ambassadors to discuss Palestinian cause

BEIJING, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Chen Xiaodong, met on Friday with the Council of Arab Ambassadors to discuss developments in the Palestinian cause and strengthen joint coordination on political positions.

The meeting was convened at the request of the Palestinian Embassy, through the Arab League Mission in Beijing, in line with the directives of President Mahmoud Abbas to reaffirm Palestine's firm rejection of the policy of uprooting and displacing the Palestinian people from their land.

During the meeting held at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, the Chinese official stated that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory, and any future arrangements regarding Gaza must respect the will of the Palestinian people.

He emphasized that any plan for Gaza’s administration must adhere to the principle of Palestinian governance, pointing out that China supports the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and backs the Palestinian Authority in taking responsibility for managing all Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank.

He reaffirmed China's support for the two-state solution as the primary path to peace and its efforts to promote a just political resolution, leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

For their part, the Arab ambassadors affirmed their rejection of the displacement of the population of Gaza, considering it a serious violation of international law, humanitarian law and UN resolutions.

They also emphasized that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people cannot be taken away, and that justice and fairness in the international community must be upheld in the Palestinian cause.

Meanwhile, Chargé d'Affaires of the of the State of Palestine in China, Shadi Abu Zarqa, called on the Republic of China, as the current President of the United Nations Security Council, to take urgent action to uphold international legitimacy decisions and ensure the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Chargé d'Affaires of the State of Palestine expressed the appreciation of the State of Palestine for China’s consistent position in support of the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights, as well as its firm stance against attempts to displace the residents of Gaza. He emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state and should not be used as a political bargaining chip.

T.R.

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 ICC condemns Trump’s executive order sanctioning court

Friday 7-February-2025

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday condemned US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing sanctions on the court’s officials.

“The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all situations before it,” a court statement said.


“We call on our 125 States Parties, civil society and all nations of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights,” it said.


Trump on Thursday signed an executive order sanctioning the ICC and accused it of “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.”

Netanyahu and former army minister Yoav Gallant face arrest warrants issued by The Hague-based Court in November last year for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

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Amnesty International: Sanctions against ICC betray international justice system

GENEVA, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) -

In response to the executive order announced today by US President Trump imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said, “This reckless action sends the message that Israel is above the law and the universal principles of international justice."

“It suggests that President Trump endorses the Israeli government’s crimes and is embracing impunity,” said Callamard in a statement.

“Today’s executive order is vindictive. It is aggressive. It is a brutal step that seeks to undermine and destroy what the international community has painstakingly constructed over decades, if not centuries: global rules that are applicable to everyone and aim to deliver justice for all. The sanctions constitute another betrayal of our common humanity.” 

She added: “The United States is ready to punish an institution that ensures the individuals most responsible for committing atrocities cannot escape justice. No one responsible for crimes under international law should be protected or aided in their attempts to escape individual accountability, least of all with the assistance of the US government based on President Trump’s political alliances.”

“At an historic moment when we are witnessing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the global rule of law coming under threat from multiple fronts, institutions like the Court are needed more than ever to advance human rights protections, prevent future atrocities and secure justice for victims.”

“This attack against the ICC seeks to damage the Court’s independent pursuit of international justice. The sanctions issued will harm accountability, a crucial ingredient to global and long-term security. They will embolden perpetrators, present and future. They will negatively impact the interests of all victims globally and those who look to the Court for justice in all the countries where it’s conducting investigations, including Darfur, Libya, the Philippines, Palestine, Ukraine and Venezuela,” she dded.

“The ICC performs a vital role by investigating crimes under international law, often committed by the most powerful individuals, in situations where – without its involvement – the perpetrators would benefit from perpetual impunity,” said Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

“The sanctions are also an affront to 125 member states who have collectively resolved that the Court must be able to effectively pursue justice – which means it must be able to undertake independent judicial functions, such as issuing arrest warrants, for example, against Benjamin Netanyahu or Vladimir Putin.” 

“Governments around the world and regional organizations must do everything in their power to mitigate and block the effect of President Trump’s sanctions. Through collective and concerted actions, ICC member states can protect the Court and its staff. Urgent action is needed, like never before,” she concluded.

T.R.

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European Council stresses sanctioning ICC undermines criminal justice system

BRUSSELS, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

The European Council Friday stressed that sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC) undermines the criminal justice system.

"Sanctioning the ICC threatens the Court’s independence and undermines the international criminal justice system as a whole," President of the European Council Antonio Costa wrote on X.

Costa made his comments following a meeting with Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the ICC.

During the meeting, Costa praised the institution as it “plays an essential role in delivering justice to the victims of some of the world’s most horrific crimes.”

“Independence and impartiality are crucial characteristics of the Court’s work,” he posted on his X account.

He reiterated the EU’s commitment to “ending impunity and ensuring accountability for all violations of international law.”

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to sanction the ICC for targeting the United States and its ally Israel.

The order places financial and visa sanctions on unnamed individuals and their family members who assist in ICC investigations of US citizens or US allies.

The order comes after a visit to the White House by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the ICC over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza since October 2023.

K.F.

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Britain affirms support for the independence of International Criminal Court

LONDON, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Britain reaffirmed on Friday its support for the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC), emphasizing that there are no plans to impose sanctions on its personnel.

British media outlets reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in response to a question regarding the United Kingdom's position on the ICC following the imposition of sanctions by the United States on its officials, stated, "This is a matter for the United States."

“As for the United Kingdom, we support the independence of the International Criminal Court,” he said, adding that the UK have no plans to impose sanctions on its officials.

T.R.

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German foreign minister criticizes Trump’s ICC sanctions, stresses importance of international law

BERLIN, February 8, 2025 (WAFA) -

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, criticized US president Donald Trump’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating, “Standing up for international law and for the International Criminal Court is in our greatest possible security interest. Only the strength of the law can protect against the law of the strong. Ultimately, when rules no longer apply, everyone loses.”

“Jointly upholding the international legal order and international jurisdiction is not only our best life insurance policy, it also provides the groundwork for prosperity and peace,” she said in a statement.

She added: “The International Criminal Court is one of the greatest accomplishments of international criminal law, and it enjoys backing from more than 120 countries. It is built on fundamental principles: The enforcement of international criminal law and the independence of international courts – principles that create security for all. That is why we support the ICC, and that is why the ICC needs our support.”

“No one is above international law,” stressed the German Foreign Minister.

T.R.

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 Ireland announces €20 million in support to UNRWA

DUBLIN, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) –

Ireland Friday announced the allocation of €20 million in support to the United Nations Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA).

“Tánaiste Simon Harris has today announced €20 million in support from Ireland for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for its work providing assistance to people in Gaza, the West Bank and Palestine refugees across the Middle East,” the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.

“Today’s announcement underscores Ireland’s commitment to ensuring that there is a significant and meaningful surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza at this critical time,” Harris, who serves as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, stated while stressing that “There is no replacement for the work of UNRWA and it is vital that it is supported.”

He recalled that “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic, with at least 47,540 people killed and more than 111,000 injured, the majority of whom were women and children.”

Underscoring the Agency’s role in Gaza and beyond, Harris said: “UNRWA delivered more than 60 percent of the supplies that entered Gaza in the first days of the ceasefire. It is the only organization with the scale to deliver and support the restoration of health, social services, and education for more than 300,000 children in Gaza.”

He voiced his concerns over the Israeli parliament’s law banning the agency, a law which went into effect on January 20, including in the occupied territories (the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem).

“I am gravely concerned about Israeli legislation on UNRWA which entered into force on January 30. I urge Israel to reconsider these measures and encourage other Governments to support UNRWA with funding at this most critical time so that it can deliver for the millions of Palestinian refugees in need.”

K.F.

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79 states sign joint statement expressing support for the ICC independence, impartiality and integrity

NEW YORK, February 7, 2025 (WAFA) -

Seventy-nine States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) reaffirmed their continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“The Court serves as a vital pillar of the international justice system by ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes, and justice for victims,” said the joint statement.

The statement stressed that the Court is facing unprecedented challenges today. “Measures sanctioning the Court, its officials and staff, and those cooperating with it [have been] adopted in response to the Court carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Rome Statute.”

“Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security. Moreover, sanctions could jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive information and the safety of those involved—including victims, witnesses, and Court officials, many of whom are our nationals.”

Sanctions would severely undermine all situations currently under investigation as the Court may have to close its field offices. Advancing the ICC’s vital work serves our common interest in promoting accountability, as evidenced by the support provided to the Court by both States Parties and non-States Parties, read the joint statement.

“As strong supporters of the ICC, we regret any attempts to undermine the Court’s independence, integrity and impartiality.  We are committed to ensuring the ICC’s business continuity so that the Court can continue to carry out its functions effectively and independently,” added the statement.

“As we collectively strive to uphold international justice, we underscore the ICC’s indispensable role in ending impunity, promoting the rule of law, and fostering lasting respect for international law and human rights.”

This statement in support of the International Criminal Court is endorsed by the following States: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jordan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, State of Palestine, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu.

The Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Ambassador Riyad Mansour, welcomed the statement, emphasizing the importance of preserving the neutrality and independence of the International Criminal Court and opposing any interference in its affairs, as well as opposing the imposition of sanctions on it.

He expressed gratitude to all the countries that initiated the issuance of this statement and to all the countries that signed it.

T.R.

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Editorial Notes about terms & names of people and places:

1. Names of people and places have been standardized to match standard Arabic grammatical rules.

2. Underlined letters and letters preceded by an apostrophe are references to Arabic letter sounds, which does not exist in the English alphabet.

3. The English letter i is equivalent to the Arabic short vowel known as kasra, as in Ibraheem and Qasim as well as in the English words sit and bit. So, it is incorrect to use it as a long vowel for such Arabic names as Jameel and Jibreel.

4. The English letter e is equivalent to the Arabi short vowel known as fat'ha, as in A'hmed and Mu'hammed.

5. It is more accurate to refer to the land-grabbing Israelis, who establish illegal settlements in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, as illegal Israeli settlers, than referring to them as colonists.

The term colony is a reference to a large entity or a country, such as American states before independence. It was also a reference to Egypt, and India, when they were British colonies.

In addition, the term "colony" represents a positive nostalgic theme, in the minds of native speakers of English, particularly in America and Britain.

6. It is more accurate to use the verbs "abduct" and "kidnap" than the verbs "detain" and "arrest," in reference to taking Palestinian citizens by force to prisons and interrogation centers, by Israeli occupation regime soldiers. This is because the presence of the Israeli occupation regime forces is illegal in the Palestinian territories, and they have no jurisdiction over the Palestinian people.

Click here for more about using the apostrophe and the underlining of letters in the transliteration of Arabic names. 

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Names of some of the Palestinian cities, as pronounced in standard Arabic, and their foreign names in parentheses: 

Al-Khaleel (Hebron)

Al-Nusayrat

Al-Quds (occupied Jerusalem)

Aree'ha (Jericho)

Al-Zaytoun (al-Zeitoun)

Bait (Beit)

Bait La'hm (Bethlehem)

Dair El-Bala'h

Jineen (Jenin)

Khan Younus (Khan Younis)

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Person's names as pronounced in standard Arabic:

A'hmed, 'Hasan, Mu'hammed, Younus, Yousuf,  

'Hasan Mulai'hat,

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Conflict terminology

The Israeli occupation apartheid regime (the Israeli government)

Illegal Israeli settlers (instead of settlers, colonists)

A group of the illegal Israeli settlers

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