* News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International *
13 October 2000
MDE 15/039/2000
197/00
Amnesty International reiterated its urgent call for an independent international investigation by the United Nations
into the serious human rights abuses in Israel and the Occupied Territories, including the areas under the jurisdiction
of the Palestinian Authority, since 29 September.
The human rights organization recalled the responsibility of the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to respect and
maintain the rule of law, which includes the protection of human life and safety at all times. There should be no
impunity for individuals who carry out unlawful killings and other human rights abuses, of which both Palestinians and
Israelis have fallen victim in the last two weeks.
Amnesty International condemned the torture and killings of the Israeli soldiers in Ramallah/al-Bireh yesterday, and
called on the Palestinian Authority to ensure that the killings are promptly and thoroughly investigated and that the
perpetrators are brought to justice in trials which meet international standards.
Amnesty International also condemned the punitive attacks on Palestinian facilities carried out by Israeli forces
yesterday in the wake of the killings, and which resulted in the injury of at least 25 people.
Over the last two weeks AI has consistently condemned the excessive and extensive use of lethal force in situations
where lives were not at imminent risk, and which has resulted in the deaths of about 100 people.
Amnesty International reiterates its call for a United Nations' investigative team. This investigative team should be
independent and include criminal justice and other experts known for their impartiality and integrity, to investigate
all serious huma rights abuses that took place since 29 September in Israel, the Occupied Territories and south Lebanon.
"To ensure independence and impartiality of the international investigation, its members should exclude persons whose
background could appear to lack impartiality," Amnesty International said.
"The investigation should be properly resourced and include ballistic, forensic or other technical experts that may be
required. It should report to the Commission on Human Rights, the General Assembly and the Security Council, and the
authorities concerned should be obliged to cooperate fully with the investigation."
See also:
Israel/Occupied Territories: Amnesty International expresses concern for civilians' safety 11 October 2000 AI Index MDE
15/036/2000 - News Service Nr. 197
Israel/Occupied Territories/Lebanon: Amnesty International calls for UN investigation 9 October 2000 AI Index MDE
15/035/2000 - News service Nr. 193
Israel/Occupied Territories: Amnesty International sends delegates to Israel 4 October 2000 AI Index MDE 15/034/2000 -
News Service Nr. 189
Israel and the Occupied Territories: Civilians' lives must be respected 2 October 2000 AI Index MDE 15/032/2000 - News
Service Nr. 187
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