Is Israel even allowed to detain Palestinians in the occupied territories under international law?1/23/2025  Tazeen Hasan reflects on this question and explores Canada's complicity in Israeli war crimes.
While working on cases of Palestinian children detained under Israeli military detention since 2022, I have often encountered heartbreaking stories of injustice and resilience. Today, a colleague from the JFA Media Monitoring Cell asked me an intriguing question: "Is Israel even allowed to detain Palestinians in the occupied territories under international law?" This question lingered with me, prompting deeper reflection. The answer is complex. Yes, international law allows an occupying power to detain individuals under certain conditions. However, Israel’s practices go far beyond what the law permits, resulting in systematic violations. The following points are the outcome of that brainstorming session and further research, shedding light on the ways Israel contravenes international law in its detention policies. International law does permit Israel, as an occupying power, to detain individuals in the occupied Palestinian territories, but only under strict legal safeguards and due process. Yet, Israel’s detention practices consistently flout these legal protections, resulting in widespread violations of international law. This issue is particularly alarming when we consider the human cost. From the arbitrary use of administrative detention to the forcible transfer of detainees and the inhumane treatment of minors, Israel's policies not only disregard international legal standards but also strip individuals of their basic dignity and rights. This article delves into the ways these practices undermine the very principles of justice and fairness that international law seeks to uphold. 1. Administrative Detention: Detention Without Charge or Trial Under international law, administrative detention is allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as when public security is at immediate risk. However, Israel uses this measure extensively, holding Palestinians, including minors, for months or years without charges or trial. This practice violates Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary detention. 2. Lack of Transparency Many administrative detentions are based on secret evidence that detainees and their lawyers cannot access. This denial of transparency violates Article 14 of the ICCPR, which guarantees the right to a fair defense. 3. Violation of Due Process International law mandates that detainees are entitled to due process, including the right to know the charges against them, access to legal representation, and a fair trial. Israel’s detention practices systematically deny these rights, breaching Articles 9 and 14 of the ICCPR. 4. Transferring Detainees to Israel Article 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits transferring detainees from occupied territories to the territory of the occupying power. Israel routinely moves Palestinian prisoners to facilities within its borders, separating them from their families and violating this key provision of international humanitarian law. 5. Lack of Fair Trials in Military Courts Palestinians in the occupied territories are tried in military courts with extremely high conviction rates, often exceeding 99%. These courts lack impartiality and fail to meet the standards of fair trial procedures, violating fundamental rights protected under international law. 6. Imprisonment of Minors Under Military Detention Israel is the only country in the world that systematically prosecutes children in military courts. Palestinian minors are often arrested during night raids, interrogated without the presence of a lawyer or guardian, and subjected to intimidation. This contravenes international conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Israel’s use of administrative detention against Palestinian minors violates the CRC, which emphasizes that detention should only be a last resort and for the shortest appropriate period. Subjecting children to such detention without charge contravenes their rights to protection and rehabilitation. 7. Torture and Inhumane Treatment of Minors Reports from human rights organizations have documented cases of physical and psychological abuse of detained Palestinian minors, including beatings, threats, and solitary confinement. Such treatment violates the Convention Against Torture and other international human rights treaties. 8. Mass Arbitrary Detentions Israel’s policy of mass arrests, particularly during periods of heightened tensions, often targets civilians, activists, and children indiscriminately. These widespread and arbitrary detentions violate the prohibition on collective punishment under the Fourth Geneva Convention. 9. Practice of Apartheid One of the most striking aspects of Israel’s detention system is the stark disparity in how Palestinians and Israeli settlers are treated under the law. Palestinian civilians, including minors, are prosecuted in Israeli military courts, which lack basic guarantees of fairness and impartiality. In contrast, Israeli settlers—who are living in illegal settlements on Palestinian land—are prosecuted under Israel’s civil legal system, which offers greater protections and rights. This dual legal system amounts to a practice of legal apartheid, where one group is afforded rights and protections under civil law, while another group is subjected to military law, with fewer safeguards and a lack of basic judicial protections. This discriminatory legal framework is not only an injustice but also a violation of international law. The United Nations, the European Union, and various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have recognized Israel’s policies as a form of apartheid, as defined under the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (1973). This convention defines apartheid as an inhuman act committed to maintaining the domination of one racial group over another and systematically oppressing them, which is precisely what Israel’s treatment of Palestinians amounts to. While international law permits Israel to detain individuals under strict conditions, its practices overwhelmingly violate these legal standards. From administrative detention and lack of transparency to the mistreatment of minors and the transfer of detainees, Israel’s detention policies amount to systematic violations of international law. In conclusion, Israel’s practices of administrative detention, transferring detainees outside occupied territories, and the treatment of minors flagrantly violate several international legal norms. These include the Fourth Geneva Convention (Articles 49 and 76), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 9 and 14), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 37), the Convention Against Torture (Articles 1 and 16), and customary international humanitarian law. Such violations not only undermine the principles of justice but also perpetuate the suffering of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (1973) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) also come into play when considering Israel’s dual legal system, where Palestinians are prosecuted under military courts, while Israeli settlers are tried under civilian law. These grave breaches demand urgent international attention and accountability. It is imperative for the global community to ensure that international law is upheld and to advocate for the rights, safety, and dignity of those living under occupation. As Canadians, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that our government is complicit in Israel’s systematic violations of international law. By maintaining strong diplomatic ties with a state that perpetrates these breaches, engaging in trade relations, and supplying and purchasing arms and ammunition, Canada lends tacit approval to these actions. Moreover, by licensing charities that funnel donations to support and expand illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—and by granting these charities tax-exempt status for decades—our government has effectively subsidized these illegal activities with taxpayer money. When far-right Israeli politicians like Naftali Bennett—a figure whose actions could constitute war crimes under the Rome Statute—are permitted to enter Canada and speak at events such as Israel at 75, our government disregards its own legal and moral obligations. Despite urgent calls from human rights advocates demanding the enforcement of Canadian laws that bar war criminals from entering our borders, these appeals fall on deaf ears. Even more troubling is the fact that Canadian taxpayer dollars are indirectly complicit. Through programs like RCMP training for Palestinian Authority forces, our resources are used to bolster oppressive structures aimed at suppressing Palestinian resistance in the West Bank. This makes Canadian citizens, albeit inadvertently, co-participants in the perpetuation of these injustices. We must recognize that silence and inaction make us complicit. It is imperative that we hold our government accountable, demanding an unwavering commitment to international law, human rights, and ethical governance. To remain indifferent is to betray the very principles of justice and equality that Canada claims to uphold. Tazeen Hasan is a seasoned human rights policy analyst and Advocacy Manager for Western Canada at Justice For All Canada. With extensive journalism experience spanning the Middle East, South Asia, and North America, she has also contributed chapters to two books published in Canada. In 2020, she was honored with the Harvard Spotlight Award for her groundbreaking research on the Uyghur genocide. A frequent speaker at United Nations forums in Geneva and New York, Tazeen reported from Jenin, Palestine, amidst the ongoing Gaza genocide in December 2023.  Tazeen Hasan
The passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter marks the end of an era for a man whose legacy is deeply intertwined with both his facilitation of the Camp David Accords and his later criticism of Israeli policies. While the 1978 Camp David Accords, brokered by Carter, resulted in a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, it has been criticized for sidelining Palestinian rights and failing to address the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the years following his presidency, Carter increasingly recognized the deepening apartheid-like conditions faced by Palestinians, and this realization drove his shift from diplomatic facilitator to one of Israel's most vocal critics. Below are key instances where Carter’s critiques of Israel have shaped his post-presidential legacy: "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" (2006): In his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, Carter accused Israel of imposing an apartheid system on Palestinians in the occupied territories. He argued that Israel's policies, including settlements in the West Bank and the construction of the separation barrier, discriminated against Palestinians and denied them basic human rights. The book sparked strong reactions, with critics accusing Carter of unfairly vilifying Israel, while supporters lauded him for speaking out about the suffering of Palestinians. Carter Center's Advocacy: Through the Carter Center, Carter has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution. He has called for an end to Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as an end to the blockade of Gaza, which he argues contributes to humanitarian suffering. The Center has also been involved in monitoring elections and promoting peace initiatives in the Middle East. Criticism of Israeli Settlements: Carter has frequently criticized Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, describing them as an obstacle to peace. He has argued that the continued building of settlements in occupied territories is a violation of international law and a significant barrier to achieving a two-state solution. Condemnation of Israeli Military Actions: Carter has been critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza, particularly during operations such as those in 2008-2009 and 2014. He has described the use of disproportionate force and the high civilian casualties in these operations as human rights violations. His criticisms are framed around his belief that Israel’s military actions often result in harm to innocent Palestinians. Support for Boycotts and Sanctions: Carter has expressed support for non-violent measures such as boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS) as ways to pressure Israel to change its policies toward Palestinians. While he does not fully endorse the BDS movement, he has indicated support for efforts aimed at holding Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories. In February 2024, the Carter Center issued a statement condemning the Israeli government's directive to forcibly transfer Palestinian civilians in Rafah to facilitate a military offensive. The Center expressed concern over the plan, noting that approximately 1.3 million Gazans were residing in overcrowded conditions in Rafah, which had previously been designated as a safe zone. The statement emphasized that such actions undermine prospects for long-term peace and the security and prosperity of all citizens. In summary, while Carter initially played a key role in facilitating the Camp David Accords, which many argue overlooked the rights of Palestinians, his later years were marked by an outspoken stance against Israel's treatment of Palestinians. His advocacy for Palestinian rights and his calls for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflect his commitment to justice and human rights, even as his views have sparked controversy. Carter’s shift in perspective underscores his evolving understanding of the complex dynamics in the region and his commitment to peace and justice for all people. Tazeen Hasan
Many Canadians remain unaware of a troubling aspect of Canada’s foreign policy—its provision of training and support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) police in the occupied West Bank. While Canada publicly condemns Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the West Bank, its actions tell a different story. Through its aid to the PA police, Canada is effectively facilitating the suppression of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation. This complicity in the suppression of Palestinian voices raises serious questions about Canada’s commitment to its own stated principles of international law and human rights. In this blog, we will critically examine Canada’s role in supporting the Palestinian Authority’s security forces and explore the contradictions inherent in its actions. Canada’s provision of aid and training to the Palestinian Authority (PA) police in the occupied West Bank, particularly in areas like Jenin, undermines its own stated position on international law and human rights. While the Government of Canada recognizes Israeli rule and occupation in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights as illegal, its actions fail to align with this principled stance. Instead, by equipping and training PA forces that act as a proxy for Israel in suppressing Palestinian resistance to occupation, Canada is indirectly supporting the entrenchment of Israeli colonial policies. Under international law, Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and its continued settlement expansion constitutes a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Canada has acknowledged these violations on platforms such as the United Nations, recently reaffirming its condemnation of illegal settlements. Moreover, Canada has sanctioned a handful of Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians, signaling an awareness of the gravity of the situation. However, these actions, though symbolically significant, fall far short of addressing the systemic injustices and policies driving Israeli expansionism and apartheid practices. The Canadian government’s actions betray a troubling inconsistency. While sanctioning a few rogue settlers, Ottawa ignores the incendiary rhetoric and policies of Israeli ministers and senior officials, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who openly advocate for full annexation of the West Bank and support settler violence. By failing to sanction these high-ranking officials or hold the Israeli government accountable for enabling settler violence and expanding illegal settlements, Canada’s response appears superficial—an attempt to maintain a veneer of moral responsibility while avoiding substantive action. This inconsistency is further compounded by Canada’s financial and logistical support for PA security forces. The PA police, often described as collaborators by the Palestinian public, operate under the framework of the Oslo Accords, enforcing Israel’s security interests by suppressing resistance against the occupation. Through this partnership, Canada is effectively complicit in maintaining the occupation it claims to oppose. Instead of supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, Canada is reinforcing a structure that silences legitimate resistance and perpetuates Israeli dominance in the West Bank. If Canada is serious about its commitment to international law and human rights, it must adopt a coherent and principled approach. This means:
By failing to take meaningful action against Israel’s occupation policies and, worse, indirectly supporting them through aid to the PA police, Canada is undermining its credibility as a defender of human rights and international law. To stand on the right side of history, Canada must align its actions with its principles and play a constructive role in advancing a just resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict—one rooted in the end of occupation, respect for international law, and genuine support for Palestinian self-determination. Tazeen Hasan is a seasoned human rights policy analyst and Advocacy Manager for Western Canada at Justice For All Canada. With extensive journalism experience spanning the Middle East, South Asia, and North America, she has also contributed chapters to two books published in Canada. In 2020, she was honored with the Harvard Spotlight Award for her groundbreaking research on the Uyghur genocide. A frequent speaker at United Nations forums in Geneva and New York, Tazeen reported from Jenin, Palestine, amidst the ongoing Gaza genocide in December 2023.  On September 17, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution, overwhelmingly demanding that Israel “end its unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. More than just a symbolic rebuke, the resolution calls for concrete action, including sanctions against Israel and a prohibition on any member state from engaging in activities that sustain Israel's presence in the West Bank and Gaza. This bold stance marks a significant shift in how the international community is addressing Israel’s decades-long occupation, drawing concern from Israel and its allies, particularly the United States.
A Step Beyond Symbolism UNGA resolutions are often dismissed as toothless, unenforceable statements without the force of international law. Critics may ask: does this resolution bring any tangible change? The answer lies in the evolution of global attitudes toward Israel’s occupation. While past resolutions have condemned Israel’s actions, this one goes further by making a specific call for action. It demands that member states actively sanction Israel for its violations of international law, a clear departure from the more passive language of previous resolutions. According to Mondoweiss, this resolution, while not enforceable, "adds another log to the growing fire of anger toward Israel." It directly challenges the status quo, placing moral and political pressure on nations that have normalized relations with Israel or are otherwise hesitant to criticize it. Why This Resolution Matters The significance of this resolution lies in the breadth of its support and the specific actions it demands. 124 countries, including major powers like France, China, and Russia, as well as regional players such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, voted in favor of the resolution. These nations, many of which have normalized relations with Israel, are now publicly endorsing a call for sanctions. This broad coalition sends a clear message: Israel’s ongoing occupation and settlement activities are no longer tolerable, and the international community will not remain complicit in sustaining them. Even countries that abstained from the vote, such as the United Kingdom, now find themselves under growing scrutiny. The United States, notably the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to oppose the resolution, finds itself increasingly isolated in its unwavering support for Israel. This vote also comes in the wake of a pivotal ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, which declared all of Israel’s actions in the West Bank and Gaza illegal and non-temporary. The ICJ further ruled that states are obligated not to assist in maintaining Israel’s occupation. The UNGA’s resolution bolsters this legal verdict, reinforcing the demand that member states must take tangible steps to end their complicity in Israel’s crimes. Israel’s Unease Israel’s reaction to the resolution has been telling. While Israeli officials and their allies in Washington have downplayed the significance of the UNGA vote, behind the scenes, they have been mobilizing diplomatic efforts to mitigate its impact. Earlier this month, Israel pressured members of Congress to intervene with South Africa, urging it to drop its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. These actions reveal Israel’s genuine concern over the growing international legal and political pressure it faces. This concern is well-founded. The UNGA resolution not only aligns with the ICJ’s ruling but also places unprecedented pressure on member states to act. A country that votes in favor of this resolution but fails to follow through with sanctions or other measures may face serious questions from its citizens and the international community. This resolution could serve as a turning point, forcing Israel and its allies to confront the reality that their impunity can no longer be taken for granted. Toward a New International Consensus While it is true that this resolution cannot compel Israel to comply, it is a significant step toward shifting international opinion and laying the groundwork for future action. The growing association of Israel with apartheid, aggression, and now genocide, makes it increasingly difficult for states and private sector actors to justify deepening ties with Israel. As Israel's behavior becomes more egregious, more countries and companies will view it as a risky partner, limiting its economic and political clout. The UNGA’s resolution, backed by the ICJ’s legal authority, signals that the international legal system is finally taking steps to hold Israel accountable. While past efforts have faltered, this recent vote offers a glimmer of hope for Palestinians and their advocates. The global community is starting to unite around a clear demand: Israel’s occupation must end, and there will be consequences for those who continue to support it. Conclusion The September 17 resolution represents a shift from condemnation to action and places significant pressure on the international community to follow through. While it may not bring immediate change on the ground, it is a clear sign that Israel’s days of unchecked occupation may be coming to an end. With mounting legal, political, and economic pressure, the global consensus is shifting—and Israel and its allies know it.  Written Format of Justice For All Canada’s address at the UN Human Rights Council.
By: Tazeen Hassan, Justice For All Canada, Campaign Manager My name is Tazeen Hasan, and I am honored to represent Justice For All, an organization dedicated to combating global Islamophobia particularly the one which leads to genocide. It is a privilege to address the 56th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. I extend my gratitude to all the organizers of this event for addressing such a timely and relevant issue that impacts 2 billion Muslims worldwide, constituting nearly one-fourth of the world's population. We live in a world where Islamophobia intersects not only with settler colonialism, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing but also culminates in genocide, as witnessed in India, Kashmir, China, Myanmar and now in Gaza. Unfortunately, we are gathering at a time when the Israeli bombardment of Gaza has entered its ninth month, a situation deemed a plausible case of genocide by the ICJ. While it is evident that 75-years long Israeli aggression towards Palestinains is driven by settler colonization, the silence of Western powers appears rooted in Islamophobia. During the recent G7 summit in Italy, a special event was organized for Ukraine, yet Gaza received no comparable consideration, despite widespread acknowledgment that Israeli actions against Palestinians are far more brutal than Russian actions in Ukraine. Prompt arrest warrants were issued against Putin, whereas warrants against Netanyahu still remain pending. These double standards are clearly indicative of Islamophobia. Islamophobia has existed as long as Islam itself. The persecution of Muslims by the Quraysh was an early manifestation of this prejudice. Islamophobia fueled the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the anti-Muslim rhetoric of Eurocentric orientalists, and the vilification of the Prophet by Voltaire in 17th century France. Islamophobia manifests in various forms: the Naqab and Burkini bans in France, discriminatory immigration policies and the anti-immigrant shift in Western politics, the rise of far-right power in recent EU election results, predominantly Muslim no-fly lists in Canada and the US, and the suspension of anti-war peaceful student protesters at Harvard and Columbia, where their constitutional rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly were denied. This pattern is also evident in media and narrative framing, with any criticism of India and Hindutva being labeled as Hinduphobia, and criticism of Israel being labeled as Anti-Semitism. Neither Islamophobia nor the use of arts to express it is novelty. Islamophobia still persists in various forms of art. For example, the 2015 film 'American Sniper' which vilified Iraqis who suffered from a war waged on the fabricated pretext of weapons of mass destruction. Similarly, Bollywood movies like 'Kerala Story' and 'Kashmir Files' depict Muslims as villains and aggressors, perpetuating negative stereotypes. Films like 'Article 370' also whitewashed the Indian genocide in Kashmir. When Islamophobia is combined with majoratarianism, occupation, settler colonization, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing, it often results in genocide. In India, this manifests through majoritarianism and legislations like the CAA, which strips citizenship rights from Muslims. The Chief Minister of the biggest Indian state of Uttara Paradesh, is known as 'Bulldozer Baba,' because he gained notoriety for demolishing Muslim homes with bulldozers. His influence extends beyond India; in 2022, an Indian independence rally in New Jersey prominently featured a bulldozer adorned with images of Yogi Adityanath, celebrating his anti-Muslim policies. This blatant display abroad begs the question: what else but Islamophobia could drive such actions in the world's largest democracy? Islamophobia is fueling yet another genocide. Millions of Uyghurs in north west of China have been detained for signs of extremism. Simply having a beard, naming children Muhammad or Omar, fasting during Ramadan, or having more than three children results in sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison. Even those not guilty of practicing their faith were sent to reeducation camps, where they were coerced into abandoning their Islamic and Uyghur identities. Upon release, they are sent to forced labor camps to become part of China's export industry. Families have been torn apart, with children sent to state-run orphanages. Uyghur women face forced sterilizations to curb Uyghur births. According to genocide convention, preventions of births in a community and transferring its children to another community is considered genocide. This genocidal project under the pretext of combating islamic extremism is almost at its completion. The stateless Rohingya of Myanmar are enduring a slow genocide for decades, which escalated into a full-scale genocide in 2017 when they suffered brutal killings, rapes, and the burning of their homes and villages by the Burmese army. Around one million Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, where they now face a miserable humanitarian crisis. Canada was the first Western country to recognize the Rohingya genocide in 2018. Six years later, we are still in the initial stages of discussing whether we should offer them immigration. The same holds true for Palestinian children in Gaza, who endure genocide while the world watches, leaving them nowhere to seek refuge. In stark contrast, the Western world immediately and unconditionally opened its doors to Ukrainians as soon as conflict broke out there. These double standards glaringly highlight Islamophobia in geopolitics. Islamophobia is also manifesting itself in the environmental genocide of Kashmir under the BJP government. Time doesn't allow me to explain the genocidal policies of the Indian government which are fatal for the population of Kashmir. We inhabit a world that upholds international law, and we all share international obligations under genocide convention, Un charter of human rights, and International covenent of civil and political rights. In the end I will appreciate The UN general assembly’s resolution in March as a significant milestone in combating Islamophobia. However, I on behalf of Justice For All Canada recommend that UN the develops the mechanisms to combat geopolitical Islamophobia which is intersecting with occupation, settler colonization, apartheid and leading to genocide.  In an eye-opening analysis, Tazeen Hasan delves into the motivations behind the warm welcome of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in China and highlights the urgent need for global scrutiny and accountability regarding China's treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, recently concluded a successful four-day state visit to China in mid-June. The visit was marked by a warm reception from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who emphasized the strong friendship and partnership between China and Palestine. In a significant development, both nations issued a joint statement officially declaring the establishment of a "strategic partnership" between them. This move highlights the growing ties and cooperation between China and Palestine. However, China's recent efforts to establish a "strategic partnership" with Palestine and other Muslim countries in the region must not distract the world from the egregious crimes against humanity being committed by the Chinese government. By courting Palestine and Muslim-majority nations, China aims to whitewash its own record of religious persecution and genocide against Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking minorities in Xinjiang. While it may seem odd for China, a major global power, to seek such a partnership with a small and impoverished state like Palestine, it is essential to understand China's broader geopolitical strategy. China has been actively cultivating relationships with the Global South, particularly Arab and Muslim countries, in an attempt to gain support and influence in international affairs. By championing Palestinian rights, China seeks to portray itself as an anti-colonial voice and a friend of the Arab/Muslim world. China's rhetoric in support of Palestine is seemingly commendable, but the stark reality is that its actions tell a different story. China has strong political and economic ties with Israel and will not risk endangering those relationships by genuinely supporting the Palestinian cause. In fact, China's trade with Israel is nearly 100 times greater than its trade with Palestine. It is clear that China's support for Palestine is more about optics and self-interest rather than genuine concern for the Palestinian people. The "strategic partnership" agreement between China and Palestine includes commitments to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and to maintain the historical status quo of religious sites in Jerusalem. However, these commitments are not conditional on Israeli agreement or adherence to international law. This implies that China will not stand against Israeli actions that violate Palestinian rights, such as annexation of the West Bank or the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes. China's silence on potential Israeli violations reveals its true intentions. It is willing to turn a blind eye to Israeli aggression to maintain its economic and political interests. If China genuinely cared about the plight of the Palestinian people, it would take a firm stance against Israeli injustices. Instead, China's support for Palestine serves as a convenient cover to divert attention from its own horrific human rights abuses in Xinjiang. In Xinjiang, over a million Muslims, primarily Uyghurs, have been detained in internment camps. Reports of forced labor, cultural assimilation, and religious persecution paint a bleak picture of the atrocities being committed by the Chinese government. Those who have been released from the camps are often forced into labor camps, further perpetuating their exploitation. China fears that Muslim-majority countries will rally in support of Uyghurs and Turkic-speaking Muslims, exposing its crimes to the world. By cultivating alliances with Muslim nations, China hopes to isolate the Uyghur cause and prevent international support for their struggle. China's strategic partnership with Palestine is not based on genuine solidarity but on self-interest and geopolitical maneuvering. It seeks to bolster its image as a global power and secure support for its controversial policies, such as the "one China" policy and its opposition to foreign interference in its internal affairs. Moreover, it allows China to undermine the influence of Western countries, particularly the United States. While China's partnership with Palestine may shift the dynamics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is imperative not to lose sight of the larger picture. China's actions in Xinjiang cannot be overshadowed or excused by its support for Palestine. The international community must remain vigilant and hold China accountable for its crimes against humanity. Genuine support for Palestine should be based on principles of justice, human rights, and respect for international law, not on geopolitical calculations or attempts to divert attention from one's own misdeeds. #Uyghurs #SaveUyghur #Palestine #Israel  Mohammed al-Tamimi, a 2.5-year-old toddler, became the youngest victim in the series of tragic deaths among Palestinian children this year. Shot in the head by Israeli forces, his young life was cut short, with his brain vessels ruptured beyond repair. This heart-wrenching incident occurred in Gaza and the West Bank, territories that have been heavily impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mohammed's story is just one example of the ongoing violence and loss of life that Palestinian children endure daily. Regrettably, he is not the only child who has fallen victim to such tragic circumstances. His death marks the 27th case of a Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces in 2023 alone. The constant killing of Palestinian children, including toddlers and infants, using live ammunition by Israeli soldiers, is a grave violation of human rights and humanitarian principles. International law clearly states that the use of lethal force should only be employed as a last resort, when there is an imminent threat to life. However, the repeated incidents of children being targeted suggest a systemic failure to protect the most vulnerable individuals in this conflict.
Every child, regardless of their nationality, place of residence or ethnicity, is entitled to the right to life, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The loss of innocent lives and the resulting trauma inflicted upon Palestinian children not only obstructs the path to a peaceful resolution but also fuels an unending cycle of violence and revenge. Despite its reputation as a champion of human rights, Canada has been disappointingly indifferent to the plight of Palestine. The Canadian government's lack of action in addressing the Israeli occupation and apartheid policies is concerning. It is crucial for Canadian policymakers to recognize their role in influencing change and promoting justice in the region. Canada's support for the Israeli government's policies, including military cooperation and economic ties, cannot be disregarded. By continuing these associations, Canada indirectly sustains an oppressive regime that perpetuates human rights abuses and denies Palestinians their basic rights, including the right to self-determination. To rectify this situation, Canadian policymakers must take immediate action to halt their support for the Israeli occupation and apartheid regime. By doing so, Canada can contribute to ending the cycle of violence and fostering a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore, Canadian citizens must hold their representatives accountable and demand a shift in policy. Grassroots movements and civil society organizations have a vital role to play in raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for change. It is imperative to mobilize public opinion and urge policymakers to take a principled stance against the violations of Palestinian rights. You Can Take Action!
Written by Tazeen Hasan
Every year on April 17th, Palestinians commemorate Prisoners Day to raise awareness about the plight of thousands of Palestinian political prisoners languishing in Israeli jails. Among those prisoners are children, who are often subjected to brutal treatment and denied their fundamental rights. One such child is five-year-old Muhammad Elayyan, who was summoned for interrogation by Israeli authorities. His father accompanied him, holding a toy and snacks for the child, who could potentially face detention for allegedly throwing stones at Israeli soldiers. Sadly, Muhammad's story is not unique. Since 2000, ten and twelve thousand Palestinian children have been arbitrarily detained in Israeli military detention centers, mostly on charges of throwing stones. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Palestinian children are denied fair trials and fundamental rights, and are often kept in pretrial or administrative detention for years, sometimes released only after years of arbitrary incarceration. According to UNICEF, the ill-treatment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military detention system is widespread, systematic, and institutionalized throughout the process, from the moment of arrest until the child’s prosecution and eventual conviction and sentencing. In June 2020, the Annual Report of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict revealed that the UN received affidavits from 166 children who reported ill-treatment and breaches of due process by Israeli forces, including physical violence and one threat of sexual violence. Similarly, a study by Save the Children UK consulted 430 minor detainees over ten years and found that 8 in 10 minor Palestinian detainees reported physical beating while 9 in 10 reported verbal abuse. The Amnesty International report published in February 2022 declared Israel an apartheid regime. According to the report, Palestinian children are subjected to torture and other ill-treatment, including to obtain “confessions,” and are denied access to counsel or family visits. These acts are a violation of International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws. Report concludes that Israel is in breach of eight of its international legal obligations, including;
Palestinian Prisoners Day is a reminder that Israel's systematic mistreatment of Palestinian political prisoners and children must end. It is time for the international community to take action and hold Israel accountable for its blatant human rights violations against children. Don’t Stop Now
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