54
networks. But most people (82.7%) depend on water vendors for drinking water,
as households spend an average of (36) shekels a month on water, and some
spend up to (67) shekels per month. Also, (86.9%) of the people rely on
desalinated water for drinking, which means they consume water from which
some of the vital nutrients such as calcium and magnesium were extracted.52
13 ‐ Israeli Violations against Human Rights Defenders
Israeli occupation authorities in 2010 stepped up their arbitrary and repressive
measures against human rights defenders in Palestine, doing so through acts of
murder, detention, travel bans, and preventing them from entering Palestine. On
31/05/2010, Israeli occupation authorities attacked a small fleet of ships (Gaza
Freedom Flotilla) sailing towards Gaza and in solidarity with civilians trapped in
the Gaza Strip, killing (9) defenders and injuring a number of international
solidarity activists, and arresting all the defenders who were on board. They were
taken for questioning at the Israeli investigation and detention centers, and were
abused and treated in an inhumane and degrading manner, in violation of all
international standards, which stipulate their protection.53
During the same year Israeli occupation authorities arrested several more human
rights defenders. On 07/02/2010, Israeli occupation authorities arrested (2)
people, Australian activist Bridget Chappell, and Spanish citizen Ariadna Khobe
Marty ‐ volunteers in the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) ‐ and were
taken to Ofer Detention Center, and released later on bail.54 Activist Eva Novkova
from the Czech Republic was also arrested in Ramallah and deported from
Palestine.55 Issa 'Amro, a human rights activist from the popular resistance, was
arrested and released in accordance with a decision from the Military Court in
the Ofer Detention Center on bail in the amount of (10,000) shekels. Israeli
occupation authorities also arrested Advocate Shirin al‐Issawi from the Global
Movement for the Defense of Children, which is active in defending Palestinian
children prisoners. Abdullah Abu Rahma, Coordinator of the Popular Campaign
against the Wall, was sentenced for a year by the Military Court in Ofer on
10/11/2010.56
52
http://www.malaf.info/?page=show_details&Id=16185&table=pa_documents&CatId=34
For more information, ICHR’s statement is published on its website: www.ichr.ps
54
http://gamalat.com/forum/showthread.php=138350
55
http://gamalat.com/forum/showthread.php=138350
53
56
http://www.maannews.net/arb/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=350212