First
Preliminary Report --- April
13, 2002
(Palestine Emergency Committee)
"This is a humanitarian
crisis without precedent in its destructive impact on the
Palestinian people and its institutions”,
Joint statement on the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied
Territories, from United Nations organizations, including UNDP,
UNFPA, World Health Organization, UN High Commission for Refugees,
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent and UNWRA,
among others. Rome, 10 April 2002**
This is a very preliminary inventory of damage done to Palestinian
public institutions by the Israeli army in the course of its
invasion of Palestinian cities and villages that began March 29th.
The information will undoubtedly be augmented by reports from
throughout the West Bank once more on-the-ground investigations are
possible and when communication systems are working again. Indeed,
this report overwhelmingly focuses on institutions in Ramallah, due
to the fact that temporary liftings of the ongoing curfew have
allowed individuals to make preliminary inspections of institutions
once they are no longer occupied by IDF forces. The main focus here
is particularly on ministries and other institutions of the
Palestinian Authority, while ongoing information is being collected
on non-governmental organizations, and the media. However, even the
initial findings indicate several disturbing patterns with very
grave consequences. In particular, institutions of the Palestinian
Authority have been subjected to a consistent pattern of incursions
which focus on seizure of records and financial resources and
destruction of technical infrastructure. There has been a consistent
pattern of seizure of documents, hard disk from computers, paper
files as well as widespread vandalism. In addition, is what we have
called- “sanctioned theft” – seizing of equipment which has no
informational or intelligence value, as well as some theft of money.
The private media has also been subject to extensive and systematic
destruction of its technical facilities. The evidence suggests a
policy of de-institutionalizing all Palestinian media – and not just
that of the PNA but Palestine’s vibrant independent TV and radio
sector, as well. The limited data on destruction and theft of
non-governmental organizations, is also reported. Due to the limited
data available, it is less clear if the organizations themselves are
specific targets or whether they are primarily victims of general
searches, IDF occupation of buildings for barracks, sniper
positions, or lookouts.
The interim agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organization, and the fragile, if flawed, peace that ensued, ushered
in a period of Palestinian institution-building that was
unprecedented in scale, although drawing on the rich experience of
developing local institutions, particularly non-governmental
organizations, during the period of direct Israeli military
occupation. While the Palestinian Authority admittedly had very
limited sovereignty, powers and territory, for the first time a
Palestinian government authority directed Palestinian education,
health, civil affairs and social services, among other functions and
responsibilities, and began to plan for economic and social
development. Elections were held in January 1996 for the first
elected Palestinian parliament which brought into being the
88-member Palestinian Legislative Council and elected Yasser Arafat
as President. When Israeli policy and military action is directed at
“dismantling” the Palestinian Authority, it not only targets
political leaders and institutions of self-rule, but it also targets
vital services for the survival of Palestinian society, un-doing
developmental projects and initiatives crucial to a stable and
democratic Palestinian future.
Palestinian institution-building was strongly supported by the
international community; donor funds to Palestinian governmental and
non-governmental institutions in the 1995-2000 period amounted to
3,313,719,000 USD of which 933,411USD went for social spending,
particularly education and health. Up until October 2000, the
Authority also steadily increased its own revenue collection. Even
in the difficult conditions of siege and closure of the second
intifada and the refusal of the Israeli government to transfer owed
revenue clearances to the Authority (its most important source of
revenues), it is vital, as the World Bank and UNSCO state, “to
recognize the essential functions and achievements of the
Palestinian Authority in providing basic essential services under
very adverse conditions during the past five months” (World Bank and
UNSCO 4 April 2002). The incursions into the Ministries of
Education, Finances and Civil Affairs, as well as the
municipalities, noted below, certainly threaten these services and
should be of great concern.
The report is based on phone interviews with individuals who were
able to make on-site visits as well as reports issued by
institutions that were able to make preliminary inspections
themselves. It includes only those institutions that could be
physically surveyed for damage. Institutions that are still occupied
by Israeli military forces (as stated in the report), are included
only if the external assessment gives some indication of the extent
of probable damage. The ongoing curfew in all of the towns invaded
by the IDF has been the main obstacle to collecting information.
The detailed report contains the following:
Ramallah PNA institutions
Ministry of Civil Affairs
The Legislative Council (PLC)
Ministry of Education
Central Bureau of Statistics
Ministry of Finance
Ramallah/ El Bireh Local Government
Municipality of Ramallah
Municipality of al Bireh
Al Bireh Municipal Library
Ramallah District Chamber of Commerce
Ramallah Non-governmental Institutions
1. Human Rights Organizations: al Haq, Mattin Group and Mandela
Institute 2.Development and Relief Organizations: HDIP and Union of
Medical Relief Committees, Ramallah branch of the YMCA,
3. Private Radio and Television Stations: al Quds University
Educational T.V. and Radio and others in Ramallah
Other Towns:
Bethlehem Municipality,
Anabta Municipality and two community organizations
Tulkarm General Union of Palestinian Women Office
At this time there is no further information available on the
fate of other occupied or invaded Ministries in Ramallah which
include:
Ministry of Culture (IDF continues to occupy it since Friday March
29)
Ministry of Information (IDF continues to occupy it since Friday
March 29)
Ministry of Interior (Inside Presidents Compound: shelled -- amount
of destruction unknown)
Ministry of Agriculture (occupied by IDF April 12th
exited April 13)
Ministry of Social Affairs (occupied by IDF today April 13)
Health Secretariat (occupied and exited by IDF April 13th)
General Personnel Office (occupied and exited by IDF April 13)
At this time there is no further information on reported damage
or IDF occupation of the following Ramallah-based NGOs:
al Damir, prisoners rights organization; al Mawarid Educational
resource Center; Law human rights organization, Sakakini Cultural
Center (invaded April 13th); The Young Scientists Club,
The Agricultural Relief Committees.
The following NGOs have been invaded by IDF (and visited by staff
when curfew lifted) but have only suffered mild damage from searches
includes: MUWATEN, Birzeit Continuing Education Program, Birzeit
Institute of Music.
Report Compiled By:
Dr. Rema Hammami, Birzeit University
Dr. Sari Hanafi, Shaml (Refugee and Diaspora Research Center)
Dr. Elizabeth Taylor
RAMALLAH:
I. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (PNA) INSTITUTIONS:
This preliminary report only covers civil institutions of government
and has not attempted to deal with the widespread destruction of
Palestinian Police stations and other security force installations.
RAMALLAH
1. Ministry of Civil Affairs
Location: Um al Sharayat
The Ministry of Civil Affairs is headed by Minister Jamil al Tarifi.
It is the main address for Palestinians living outside the occupied
territories who want to apply for visitor permits, family
re-unification and residency permits. It also handles the customs
and other administrative details for Palestinian returnees. As such,
most of its work is done in liaison with Israeli officials who vet
every application. The Ministry is housed in a five story building
and divided into six departments.
Damage: Extensive vandalism, some confiscation of materials and some
theft.
From a preliminary on-sight report by Ministry employees the
following description was provided. The main doors to the Ministry
were blown open (evidence of a blast), inside the main entrance
reception area were the remains of a large pile of burnt documents.
Equipment: Inside the two sections that were visited thus far (there
are six sections altogether), destroyed Xerox copiers (seem to be
sledge hammered) as well as destroyed computers and printers. The
central phone exchange taken as well as a digital receiver in the
Ministers office.
Confiscation of Records: Thus far some missing hard drives, but
stolen papers from especially the Ministers office (neighbors told
the employee they saw soldiers carrying out what seemed to be boxes
of papers). Many destroyed documents.
Theft: Door to Minister's office blown open, the safe inside also
blown open and its contents including documents and Ministry
finances missing. Petty cash of 6,000 shekels taken from the finance
department.
Other: The employee stated that the entrance and offices she entered
were in complete disarray and severely vandalized. Besides broken
equipment, broken filing cabinets and papers strewn everywhere --
many internal windows were smashed as well. Additionally, pictures
on walls (especially with Palestinian themes) were found on the
floor smashed. Also graffiti sprayed on walls. The employee stated
that she was so horrified at the extent of the damage and vandalism
that she was unable to visit more of the building and left in tears.
2. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Location: Ramallah / Masyun district
The Ministry serves about one million children, i.e. a third of the
total Palestinian population of the West Bank and Gaza. It is the
main address for the overall administration of all government
primary and secondary schools, their faculties, as well as archiving
of student transcripts. On April 3rd at approximately
4:00 p.m. 30 APC's and tanks carrying approximately 150 soldiers
broke down the ministry's main gates. Four employees in the Ministry
were taken to open doors, in some cases when they had no keys doors
were exploded open or broken open. Reports suggest that at other
times even when staff offered to open doors they were ignored while
soldiers forcibly broke in. Staff were made to stand outside in the
cold for more than six hours while soldiers were inside the
building.
Damage: Extensive vandalism, theft and confiscation
External Damage: IDF tanks demolished the main gate to the
building and the main doors of the premises were forced open.
Internal Damage: The IDF forces vandalized the Ministry's
offices, confiscating computers and educational aids and removing or
destroying vital records and documents. Although it has not been
possible for the Ministry to assess the full damage and destruction
wrought, the following specific damage was noted by Ministry
employees who were able to make a brief room by room survey of the
damage when the curfew was lifted for a few hours.
General: the Ministry's computer net servers were removed
financial office: the main safe was blown open damaging its
contents, including dossiers, promissory notes, cash, check books
and vouchers
-central office: the Israeli forces blew up metal filing
cabinets destroying vital documents.
- all offices: files have been torn up, and left in huge
piles on the floor
- Storage room: the IDF confiscated computers, overhead
projectors, video sets, and other valuable educational equipment
- Central office: The Israeli forces blew up
and destroyed all main doors. They took away or destroyed records
and references that are highly important for official transcripts.
- Remaining offices in the Ministry: The
forces seem to have confiscated many floppy disks, CDs, files,
dossiers and documents but more time will be needed to more
accurately assess.
Impact
The Ministry's records, which were confiscated or destroyed, have
been built up over many years. The Ministry hopes it will be able to
re-construct destroyed records for the issuing and certifying of
students' transcripts from regional MOE offices. The MOE is unable
to gain full and clear access to the premises in order to make a
comprehensive and detailed assessment of the damage and losses at
this point. However, it estimates the financial loss merely of
equipment, such as computers, videos, TV sets and overhead
projectors, to reach millions of dollars. Most of this equipment was
financed by donor countries and organizations. The main and direct
impact of this destruction, however, is on the one million
Palestinian children who are enrolled in the school system and who
constitute the main resource of Palestinian society in the future.
This data is based on a fuller report undertaken by the Ministry
itself. For the full text please contact Acting Minister of
Education
Dr. Naim Abu Hommos,
Email moepalestine@hotmail.com
Fax + 970 298 3222
3. Palestinian Legislative Council (al-Bireh and Ramallah)
The Palestinian Legislative Council (or parliament) has two main
buildings within el-Bireh/ Ramallah. The al-Bireh building is the
main administrative office of the PLC while the Assembly Chambers
are based in Ramallah in the Ministry of Education.
A. Main Administrative Building in al- Bireh
Damage: Vandalism, Confiscation and Sanctioned Theft
Based on an on-site visit by the PLC director general, and two PLC
staff, as well as witnesses in the neighborhood, the following
preliminary report can be made. Israeli troops broke in late Tuesday
night, around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10.The actual break-in
was witnessed by neighbors living across the street from the PLC
building.
Destruction: Soldiers broke into the main entrance and subsequently
the door and glass partition of the Economic Committee, the Budget
Committee, the Political Committee, and the Legal Committee. Most of
the damage included breaking and removal of doors and windows. Some
equipment was damaged and broken.
Sanctioned Theft: A computer and many files were taken from
the Speaker’s Office. A computer was also taken from the technical
departments office.
Confiscation: Files and documents taken from the Speakers
office and the Chief Clerks office. Hard drives taken from
computers. All the computers were open in the personnel department.
Vandalism: The Library and the Public Relations Unit have
suffered extensive vandalism, books and files were thrown all over
the floor. The door of the "Hansard" (sound and video equipment)
office was broken, documents were thrown on the floor, but the
equipment was left intact.
The IT Unit, Information Department, and Director’s General office
did not sustain any damage. Cars and vehicles parked on the streets
were damaged, and troops took keys of vehicles from the Technical
Department. Telephones are operating at the Council, and the Council
has electricity.
(The above information is based on ARD report provided by Dr.
Mahmoud Labadi, PLC director general, and two PLC staff Faisal
Zakarneh, and Ahmad Abu Dayyeh, along with Amin Sbeih of ARD/PLC2
project)
B. Legislative Council Chambers in Ramallah Ministry of
Education Building
The Chambers of the Legislative Council are where the 88 members
meet when the PLC is in session. The Chamber auditorium includes not
only seating for the council members, but expensive technical
equipment for computerized voting, video coverage of sessions and a
closed circuit communications system to link it with the
administrative building in el-Bireh.
Damage: Destroyed Doors; Confiscation of Video Archive of PLC
Sessions
At approximately 4:00 p.m. on April 3rd, around 150
soldiers, with 30 tanks and APCs, forced their way into the Ministry
of Education’s Compound. The soldiers detained four employees of the
Ministry of Education’s compound, including Mr. Salah Soubani, and
made them walk in front of the soldiers and open doors.
A group of about 50 soldiers forced Mr. Soubani to accompany them to
the Legislative Council Chambers, next to the elementary school, on
the grounds of the Ministry compound. They asked several questions
about the Chambers: Who attends the meetings? What do they do in the
sessions? Do people work there or live there?
Any door that could not be opened with a key, was blown up with an
explosive charge. [Several people living in the neighborhood heard
the explosions.] A door to the school was blown up and the door
between the school and the PLC Chambers was also blown up. The
soldiers looked through every room of the PLC wing. They took all of
the video-cassette tapes from the lower video room, at least a
hundred tapes of Council sessions, put them in plastic bags, and
carried them away. As far as Mr. Soubani knows, no equipment was
stolen or damaged in the raid.
The soldiers did not appear to be from a special unit. They wore
basic green army fatigues. They did not use names when they talked
to each other, instead they called each other by numbers, except for
one soldier who was repeatedly referred to as “Sharon”.
When the rooms were inspected today, April 4th, Mr. Salah
Soubani confirmed that sound (Hansard) and Video equipment seemed to
be in place and intact.
The above report is based on ARD/PLC2 project interview with Mr.
Salah Soubani, director of the Information Department at the
Ministry of Education-Ramallah
4. Ministry of Finance Central Office
Location: Sateh Marhaba Area
There are three buildings of the Finance Ministry in Ramallah. The
Central Office in Suteh Marhaba has been visited by Ministry
employees once the curfew was lifted, the other two (one in the
Industrial district and one downtown) are occupied by the IDF and
cannot be visited. The Central Office houses the Ministers office as
well as a number of main departments (Accounts, Payroll, General
administration etc…). It was broken into by a group of soldiers on
approximately the 4th day of the invasion of Ramallah
according to neighbors.
Damage: Broken doors, Extensive Confiscation of Computers and
Computer Hard Disks
Destruction: Broken entrance doors and many internal doors
destroyed, as well as windows. Elevator badly damaged. Destroyed
Computers. Destroyed furniture.
Confiscation: Computer skeletons strewn on the floor, due to many
hard disk drives being taken. The most hard hit section in terms of
taken computers and hard disks seems to be the Payroll department.
Documents strewn on the floor suggests that paper files may have
been taken but the employees did not have time to assess. Other
computers were found with their screens on.
Other comments/ Impact: The general director suggested that the main
destruction and loss was of the Ministry's financial records and
accounts. The Ministry is in charge of disbursing salaries, health
and pension payments to all government employees including teachers,
hospital workers, the police as well as government bureaucrats. The
GD says that given the loss of information, public sector employees
face not getting paid in the foreseeable future until the records
can be re-established. In addition, files for back pay and insurance
may have been lost as well.
Information based on interview with General Director Mr. Sami
Ramlawi tel. 059205038
5. Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS)
Fieldwork Administration Section
Location: Radio Road near Lions Square (al Manara)
The Central Bureau of Statistics is headed by Dr. Hasan Abu Libdeh.
The main section of PCBS is in Balu'a area and is where most of the
statistical data bases and reports are housed, as well as
administrative records and finances. That building was invaded by
IDF troops during the first re-occupation of Ramallah in October
2001. At that time soldiers confiscated hard disks and vandalized a
number of the offices. As of this writing (April 13th)
the Balu’a office has not been touched. However, the Fieldwork
section in downtown Ramallah which serves as the administrative
center for fieldwork has been invaded on four occasions. The
department is located in a four-storey residential and commercial
building and is composed of four apartments.
Damage: (Only covers first three invasions – as yet no confirmed
information on damage wrought by April 12th break-in).
Two broken doors, some broken windows -- both in the course of
soldiers entering into the building. Damage is relatively light and
there is no extensive vandalism.
Comment: The director of the section said that that it has been
entered by soldiers on four occasions; March 30th, April
3rd and April 8th and 12th. Based on visiting
the site after the first three incursions he thinks the main aim was
general search since the apartments they entered (two) only saw
light vandalism such as broken cupboards and some strewn papers.
Equipment was not damaged. However, neighbors report that on the
most recent incursion into the building (April 12th) they
heard explosives being used.
II. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS:
We have only been able to gather preliminary information based on
on-site visits about the following:
Ramallah Municipality
El-Bireh Municipality
Ramallah Chamber of Commerce
El-Bireh Municipal Library
1. Ramallah Municipality
Damage: Extensive vandalism, potentially some confiscation and theft
Ramallah Municipality is located near Clock square, it contains
departments of administration, the court room, engineering, health,
sanitation, archives, surveying and finance.
On the evening of Saturday, March 30, a contingent of Israeli
soldiers forcibly entered the Municipality and remained inside for
approximately 12 hours. The building was empty when the soldiers
entered. The main door was forced open by spraying it with over
fifty bullets of different calibers. The Municipality, was empty
when soldiers broke in, nevertheless they remained there for
approximately 12 hours.. Based on a preliminary site visit, by
municipality staff once the curfew was lifted they report the
following.
"Every department was vandalized,… Furniture was turned over and
damaged, paper files and documents were tampered with, dispersed and
thrown to the floor, surveying plans and building license files were
destroyed, office doors were broken; glass windows, doors and
partitions were smashed, and extensive damage was inflicted on the
PCs and computer network. Many of the PCs were damaged; the CPUs and
hard disks either damaged or taken by the soldiers, and so was the
main server. Two steel safes were blown open which contained
important documents pertaining to the work of the Municipality and
some petty cash. Internal concrete block wall partitions were
destroyed, and extensive damage was sustained by the heating,
electrical and computer cable systems."
The Municipality staff has not been able to make a complete
assessment of the damage nor determine the extent of the missing
equipment, documents and other items.
The forced intrusion into the municipality was witnessed by
reporters and guests staying at a nearby hotel.
2. Al-Bireh Municipality
Based on data provided by municipal engineers who were able to
briefly visit the building when the curfew was lifted.
Damage: Destruction of outside walls, doors, furniture, computers,
municipal works jeep destroyed, some confiscation of files and hard
disks, extensive vandalism, theft
Destruction: An IDF contingent arriving in tanks broke
into the building on the second day of Ramallah’s invasion (Saturday
March 30th). The tanks broke down the outside walls of
the municipality and crushed the municipal works jeep parked
outside. Entrance and internal doors broken down. Shattered windows.
Broken furniture. Five computers destroyed (some for hard disks,
others just vandalized). Fax machine shattered.
Confiscation: A number of files seemed to be missing and at least
two hard disks taken from computers. The municipality was unable to
see what other documents were taken as yet because of the amount of
papers strewn on the floor.
Sanctioned Theft: $12,000 surveying equipment missing
Vandalism:
A number of offices were in complete disarray, with overturned
furniture and broken file cabinets. Destroyed files. Computers,
central telephone system and alarm system no longer function.
3. Al-Bireh Municipal Library
Located Near al-Bireh Municipality.
The library building was visited by municipal engineers briefly when
the curfew was lifted. A contingent of soldiers invaded the building
on the second day of the invasion 30th March
Damage: Primarily vandalism, destruction of computers, broken
doors and windows, Confiscation of books and journal
Destruction: External doors, shattered windows, 3 computers
broken.
Vandalism: extensive papers and books on the floor
Confiscation: One computer screen was on suggesting that its
hard disk had been taken. A substantial amount of books and journals
seem to be missing although exactly how many (and what type) cannot
as yet be assessed.
4. Ramallah Chamber of Commerce (New Building):
Location: (Nazlat Rukab’s across from Ramallah Post office)
Based on on-site visit when curfew lifted by Director of the Chamber
of Commerce, Mr. Salah Odeh
The Ramallah Chamber of Commerce serves the whole district of
Ramallah. The Chamber of Commerce owns two attached buildings with
the Chamber housed in two floors in the new main building across
from the post office. In the new building a number of offices were
rented out to the private sector (doctor’s clinic, a development
research institute, lawyers office etc…). The private businesses
only had their doors broken open and were searched. The offices of
the municipality were widely vandalized. There are no working
offices of the C.C. in the adjacent (old) building, which is mainly
rented out to private businesses and associations. The old building
suffered extensive fire damage (see below under NGOs the offices of
the Palestinian Teachers Union).
Damage: External doors blasted, internal doors blasted or broken
down. Smashed computers and Xerox copier, extensive vandalism
On Sunday March 31st a Contingent of soldiers broke into
the Chamber of Commerce building. They blew down the main entrance
to the five floor building. The front entrance was completely
blackened by the blast. On the 3rd floor, where the
offices of the Chamber of Commerce are located, they also blew open
the door with explosives. The large brass sign at the entrance with
the C.C.’s insignia was shattered completely and the stairwell
blackened by explosive blasts. Inside, the first office they entered
suffered the most damage. Four computers were destroyed (thrown on
the ground and smashed), the Xerox copier was also thrown on the
ground and broken. There was wide-scale vandalism throughout the
other offices with files and papers strewn on the floor. Whether
hard disks or paper files were taken cannot yet be assessed.
Furniture in the president’s office was vandalized. The door to the
5th floor conference room was blown open but nothing
seems to have been touched inside. Also the door to the roof was
broken open but again there was no other visible damage. Electricity
lines throughout the building were hanging from the ceiling, there
is no electricity functioning in the building.
III. NON- GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (RAMALLAH)
As of this writing we have been able to collect briefs on the
following:
Human Rights Organizations: al Haq, Mattin Group and Mandela
Institute
Development and Relief Organizations: HDIP and Union of Medical
Relief Committees
Charitable Association: Ramallah branch of the YMCA, al Nahda
Women’s Society for the Hearing Impaired
Private Radio and Television Stations: al Quds University
Educational T.V. and Radio and others
1. The Health Development Information Policy Unit (HDIP)
Location: Ramallah Main Street
The Health, Development, Information and Policy Institute (HDIP) was
established in 1989 by a group of experienced researchers and health
practitioners committed to improving the status of health care for
all Palestinians. An independent, non-profit organization, HDIP
specializes in policy research and planning concerning development
issues and health care in Palestine and its publications are widely
used by international and local development agencies and planners.
HDIP also advocates on health care issues relevant to marginalized
groups like women, youth and the disabled. HDIP has served as a
consultant for numerous international organizations, including the
World Bank, the World Health Organization, UNDP, UNICEF and
international and local NGOs.
HDIP is located on Main Street, Ramallah, in the same building
complex that houses the economic development and rights
organizations, Mattin Group, and Al Haq, the West Bank affiliate of
the International Commission of Jurists.All are currently occupied
by IDF soldiers who are using the offices as a base, with tanks
stationed in the Al Ahliyyeh Street crossing Main Street, and barbed
wire preventing access.
On the night of 30 March 2002, a staff member staying in the Al Haq
office reported Israeli soldiers invading the building at 11:20PM
and that both Al Haq and HDIP had been entered by Israeli troops.
Damage: The extent of the damage cannot be assessed as Israeli
troops are currently in control of HDIP offices and environs.
Residents have reported soldiers removing cartons and other items
from the building. HDIP had recently expanded its offices into a
very large space below the current offices of Mattin Group which
HDIP had refurbished and purchased large amounts of new computers,
office equipment and furniture.
2. The Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees,
Ramallah
Location: Ramouni Building, Ramallah off Main Street
The Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees is a grassroots
community-based health organization founded in 1979 by a group of
Palestinian doctors and health professionals to address the problems
of the decaying and inadequate health infrastructure in the West
Bank and Gaza under Israeli military rule. Now one of the largest
Palestinian non-governmental organization, UPMRC runs 25 permanent
primary health care centers, fourteen labs and numerous mobile
health units. Its approach is preventive, with an emphasis on
education and participation. In February 2001, UPMRC won an award
from the World Health Organization.
On 1 April 2002, Israeli tanks shelled the Ramouni Building in
downtown Ramallah and soldiers ordered all the inhabitants out of
the building, which houses a main office and emergency medical
center of the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees
(reported on Haaretz web site of the same day) Doctors, staff and
about fourteen Italian volunteers, including Member of the European
Parliament Louisa Morgantini, were detained by soldiers; television
footage showed some staff made to kneel in a nearby parking lot.
Soldiers entered the building and searched offices.
Damage: At least one shell entered the office of the UPMRC
causing a wall to collapse. The Director of UPMRC, Dr. Mustapha
Barghouti, reported that most equipment was destroyed, including
computers and a photocopier. Access to the Ramouni Building to
access damage in more detail is restricted due to continued army
presence in the area. Other UPMRC facilities invaded by the IDF on
31 March 2002 were the UPMRC Youth Club, the UPMRC Optometry Center,
and the UPMRC Technical Aid for the Disabled Center.
3. Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners, Ramallah
Description: Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners (named
for Nelson Mandela) was established in 1990 to provide assistance to
political prisoners. Its activities now include the provision of
legal and material aid to prisoners detained by both the Israeli and
Palestinian authorities, and to their families, and the training of
Palestinian police forces in human rights issues.
Type of Damage: The premises of Mandela were occupied for
some days by the Israeli Defense Forces. The following is reported
by a member of Mandela's Board of Directors, who was able to make
one visit to the office during the lifting of curfew.
1. External damage The external metal doors to the building,
in which Mandela's offices are housed, were blown up and completely
destroyed
2. Internal damage VANDALISM : The offices were completely
vandalized. Computers (3 counted) were thrown on the floor, broken
furniture and files from cabinets strewn across the floor. Soldiers
blocked the toilets leading to sewage over-spilling and ruining
fitted carpets. Soldiers defecated in a number of rooms -- the
offices are filthy.
B. CONFISCATION: The hard drive of the main computer has been
removed. Its contents include Mandela's data base. Due to the
imposition of curfew, it has not been possible to check whether
other files or documents have been confiscated or destroyed.
C. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: The IDF used Mandela's office to fire into
other buildings. As a result 5 office windows were completely
destroyed, including the aluminum frames. All internal doors, which
were locked, were broken into and badly damaged. .
Impact on work
Mandela has clearly suffered considerable financial loss due to the
destruction or damage to equipment, furnishings and physical
structure. How much data and documentation has been confiscated or
damaged is impossible to determine under the present curfew.
4. MATTIN Group (Human Rights)
Location: Main Street Ramallah
MATTIN Group is a voluntary partnership specializing in
international human rights and humanitarian law enforcement. It was
occupied on March 29th by the same armored infantry and
sniper force that occupied al-Haq and HDIP, which adjoin it in the
same building.
The main entrance door of the office was torn down on the day after
the army had occupied the premises. Neighbors reported that a large
force had entered MATTIN’s premises and were both carrying in and
bringing out a large quantity of unidentified objects.
During the lifting of the curfew on Tuesday, April 2, one of the
senior staff members of the organization attempted to gain entry
into the office, but was not permitted to do so. Based on a
soldier’s statement, all internal doors, as well as the internal
walls connecting MATTIN’s space with al-Haq and HDIP appear to have
been broken down by the soldiers.
In addition to records, computers, and office equipment, among the
archives the office contains an irreplaceable collection of
unpublished documents, concerning International Humanitarian Law
related diplomacy and other similarly important unpublished
materials accumulated over a 19-year period.
On Monday, April 8, another attempt by a staff member to approach
the office was rebuffed by the army. The office building is blocked
by barbed wire which spans the street on which it is located, and
always guarded by at least two army vehicles, including tanks and
APC’s. Because nobody has been allowed inside the premises, it is
still unclear just how severe the damage to the office is, and what
has been vandalized, confiscated, and looted by the occupation
forces.
5. AL – HAQ Human Rights Organization
Location: Main Street Ramallah
Description: Founded in 1979, Al -Haq was the first Palestinian
human rights organization to be established in the occupied
territories and is the West Bank affiliate of the International
Commission of Jurists. Through activities, such as monitoring of
human rights violations committed by both the Israeli and
Palestinian Authorities, it has a long and internationally
recognized role in promoting respect for human rights within
Palestine.
Type of Damage: This report was given by a staff member of
al-Haq. It is based on two quick visits he made to the offices when
the curfew was lifted.
External Damage: The two front doors broken open and badly
damaged.
Internal Damage:
VANDALISM: Furniture broken and over-turned such as couch and
filing cabinets. Content of filing cabinets scattered all over the
floor; drawers forced open and contents rummaged through or
scattered 3 computers and one printer thrown across floor and
broken. Al-Haq has not yet had the opportunity to inspect their
laptops for damage
SANCTIONED THEFT: As yet, can only confirm1 lap top computer
stolen
CONFISCATION: Computer hard drives removed on a number of computers
as well
as internal electronics likewise taken, leaving only the frame.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: One window smashed; 3 inner doors broken open and
damaged. Ceiling in places has been smashed from inside
Impact on work
Al Haq has been working for 24 years and has built up an extensive
archive of documents. The full extent of the impact of this
vandalism on their work depends largely on what can be salvaged from
their records and documents. These are scattered across the floors
of their offices. Due to the curfew on Ramallah, staff have not yet
had the chance to see whether any papers or documents are missing.
6. Ramallah YMCA (Branch of East Jerusalem YMCA)
The YMCAs offices in Ramallah serve not only young people in the
town but it also serves young people in the surrounding villages
through its extensive field programs. It runs a number of important
programs for youth, including vocational training for young women,
vocational counseling for girls in schools, and the career guidance
for young people going into the workplace. It also assists in
constructing community youth centers in surrounding villages.
(Based on preliminary reports issued by the YMCA Main Office in East
Jerusalem and based on accounts of people who either witnessed some
of the destruction, and staff who visited the premises briefly
during the lifting of curfew. It has been impossible to make a full
assessment of the damage due to the ongoing curfew).
The YMCA's premises in Ramallah comprise three offices.The building
is designated by a large outdoor sign on the building. On 8 April
2002 a contingent of IDF forces blasted open the main entrance to
YMCA building and the guard's office. They badly destroyed the
elevator and there was extensive vandalism in a number of offices
including destruction of equipment (it seems computers, overheads
and other training aids. Reporters for NBC television living in a
neighboring building tried to prevent the destruction, by repeatedly
telling the IDF forces that these were YWCA premises, funded largely
by USAID. The soldiers ignored them and went on to
detonated the garage, destroying also the vehicles inside: one car
and one large van containing valuable educational material, which
was used to tour villages for educational work.
7. Private Radio and TV Stations
The following is based on an on-site visit when the curfew lifted
and interviews with station managers undertaken by technical
consultant to al Quds educational Media, Wassim Abdullah and
excerpted from an extensive report that he wrote which is now posted
at a website along with pictures of the destruction. See
www.geocities.com/wramallah
There are 5 private TV stations and 5 private radio stations in
Ramallah, as well as the official Palestinian authority radio and TV
stations. Most of these stations are located in and around the town
center, an elevated area suitable for maximum broadcasting
coverage. In the totality of the Palestinian Authority areas there
are almost 50 TV and radio stations, more than in any surrounding
country. This independent media was contributing to the building of
civil society by fostering an appreciation of free media, training
in technical skills and reporting, creating local programming, and
developing an innovative sector. The stations benefited from grants
and support from the international and local community.
A. Al Quds Educational Television
Location: on the third floor of the College of Nursing in al-Bireh,
near the entrance to Ramallah.
The TV station is operated by Al Quds University and broadcasts
children's programs in addition to public service announcements,
medical information and emergency services contact information. The
institution was open and on air with a cartoon show when Israeli
soldiers broke in. Two staff operators were held for several hours,
eventually released and warned not to return. Tanks and armored
carriers are still on the campus of the college, preventing anyone
from entering. The station has remained off the air since the
takeover.
External destruction: The 40-watt relay TV transmitter and
microwave receiver atop the Bakri building in the Minara of Ramallah
was destroyed.
Internal destruction: It is assumed that the state-of-the-art studio
and operations center have been completely destroyed, since soldiers
systematically destroyed almost all other TV stations in the
Ramallah-al-Bireh area. Contents of TV studio: cold lighting, super
quiet air conditioning system, cameras, audio and video mixers,
players/recorders, two AVID suites, a computer lab, microwave studio
link and our new 250 watt TV transmitter, a UPS, a comprehensive
children, social and cultural library of films, computers for the
staff complete with audio, video and data networks, office
machines.
B. Al Nasr TV
Total destruction of equipment/extensive vandalism: Microphones,
tapes, CD's, monitors, mixers, players/recorders, etc were found
spread over the floor of the station and completely smashed by
sledgehammers.
C. Manara radio station
Total destruction of equipment, extensive vandalism
D. Ajyal and Angham FM radio stations
Location: Bakri building, Ramallah center
The doorman of the building was forced to open the station door to
soldiers who
used sledgehammers to destroy the two studios, the internet
streaming and editing computers, the 10 Kw and 3 Kw transmitters and
the entire music and program library. Destruction was total.
E. Love and Peace FM radio station
Total destruction of equipment/extensive vandalism.
F. Al Quds FM radio station
The building in which it is located was bombarded and set ablaze. No
one has been able to enter the building to assess damage.
Also ceased broadcasting and feared destroyed: Amwaj TV, Amwaj radio
and Al-Watan TV. The buildings where they are situated are still
occupied by Israeli soldiers and no one has been able to enter to
assess damage.
IV. OTHER TOWNS/ VILLAGES:
It has been extremely difficult to access information from most
other towns since they have remained under curfew without break
since they were invaded. Also, many re-occupied towns (Jenin,
Tulkarim, Nablus etc..) have had no electricity or phone lines for
the past week). Below is information on damages to governmental and
non-governmental organizations in areas besides Ramallah. All of the
following information is very preliminary given that it is based on
information from people who have reached sites while the curfew is
still on and thus only a very quick picture could be drawn.
Bethlehem
1.Municipality Building
Location: Manger Square
This report was made by an employee in the emergency services room
set up in the municipality building. He and another 15 emergency
workers were in the building when it was invaded by IDF troops. They
were detained for a number of hours within the building and then
taken to a detention center where he and others were subsequently
released. The information he was able to provide was based on his
eyewitness account when the events were underway and is very
preliminary. The IDF continues to occupy the Municipality building
as of April 13th.
Destruction: There has been destruction of many external and
internal doors, as well as many windows smashed. A number of
interior walls of the building have been destroyed.
Destroyed/ vandalized furniture. Approximately twenty mobile
stretchers were taken from the premises; seven of them were returned
severely damaged. Also destroyed were three video cameras and a
cassette inside one of them was confiscated.
Anabta Village (Tulkarm District)
[Employees could make only an initial assessment of damage, due to
the ongoing curfew.]
1. Anabta Municipality
Number of staff: 60
External destruction
The entrance door was completely destroyed.
Internal destruction
VANDALISM: Just before the incursion, the municipality had
transferred some archeological artifacts from Tulkarm fearing that
they might be destroyed; half of the relocated collection was
destroyed. The fire-alarm system, the central telephone system and
individual telephones were destroyed. Municipal files were torn and
thrown on the ground. The entire library, book shelves and books,
were thrown on the floor. Some desks were damaged.
SANCTIONED THEFT: Two municipal computers were taken. In the
library, a computer and a camera were taken.
CONFISCATION: All of the municipality's floppy disks were removed.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: The windows and doors were broken.
(Information supplied by Mayor,Hamdallah Hamdallah; who has photos
and a detailed report on the destruction.)
2. The Anabta Women’s Charitable Organization
This charitable organization has a staff of 11 and offers health
services and social and cultural activities for women, provides
relief for the poor and outreach for the elderly, in addition to
operating a preschool (230 children) and daycare (10 infants).
External damage
The outside wall was blown up with explosives, which also damaged
the building. The gate had several bullet or shrapnel holes in it.
Internal destruction
VANDALISM: There was a great deal of superficial damage. All of the
glass was found broken.
(Information provided by Itaf Al-Qabbaji )
Tulkarim
1. General Union of Palestinian Women, Tulkarim
The Tulkarim branch of the GUPW is engaged in promoting and
marketing embroidery and other traditional handicrafts produced by
village women in the area.
External destruction
The door was blown open with explosives.
Internal destruction
VANDALISM: All drawers were apparently searched and all files were
opened. The office equipment appeared to be intact. Embroidery had
been strewn all over the floor and stepped on.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE : Windows were broken.
(Information supplied by Fawziyyeh Yahya Aboud)
2. Rawdat Abna’ Al-Ghad
This is a preschool with 6 employees serving 70 children.
External destruction Main door destroyed.
Internal destruction
VANDALISM: All of the children's the toys were thrown on the ground
and many smashed. The wall-to-wall carpeting has been ripped and in
some places removed, the small puppet theater was destroyed.
(Information supplied by Fawziyyeh Yahya Aboud)
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