Take Action: Hebron under attack

ACTION: Keep international observers in Hebron

In the aftermath of this heinous act, the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) was established as a neutral international force to observe and report alleged human rights abuses. Hebron remains one of the most tense areas affected by Israel’s occupation, and TIPH has played a key part in documenting over 40,000 cases of settler abuse. The marginal sense of security they gave Palestinians has now entirely gone.

Earlier this month Israel expelled the TIPH – meaning no international observers remain in the city. Chris Eijkemans, a local representative for Oxfam, calls the departure of TIPH “a dangerous green light for more violence”.

As Palestinian activists we have a responsibility to fight Israel’s ongoing attempts to close down human rights organisations and freeze out the international community. Israel must be held accountable – but this requires you to act!

Netanyahu’s rejection of the TIPH mandate comes in the context of upcoming Israeli elections. Netanyahu has reached out to far-right and extremist settler groups in a bid to win votes. There can be little doubt of the deeply racist ideology of Netanyahu and his party as they extend their hand of friendship to Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) – a political group that openly calls for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.

Members of Jewish Power follow the teachings of Rabbi Meir Kahane, and identify as ‘Kahanists’. The perpetrator of the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre in Hebron 25 years ago was also a Kahanist. As we see the very real prospect of members of this group being appointed to the Knesset, and even taking up cabinet positions, it becomes all the more important that international observers are allowed to return immediately to the city of Hebron.

Please take a moment to send a message to the Foreign Office.