From Sunday, 30 December 2018, the internal security apparatus (ISA) of the Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip has summoned, through written orders and phone calls, dozens of Fatah leaders and members in different districts of the Gaza Strip. Security personnel have also arrested activists from their houses.
Documentation by Al Mezan Center for Human Rights shows that ISA personnel forced some of the targeted individuals to sign documents in which they pledge not to join any activities in relation to celebrations of the anniversary of Fatah’s founding. Those summoned were required to report personally at ISA offices in their districts at 8am on Monday, 31 December 2018, without providing any reasons for them.
Al Mezan is deeply concerned by the continuous arbitrary detentions that are politically motivated in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and is condemns the recent summoning and detention of Fatah supporters in Gaza. The rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention as well as from ill-treatment have been emphasized in the Palestinian Basic Palestinian Law (temporary constitution)—Articles 10, 11, 17, and 19. These rights are universal and are protected by international human rights law. They must be upheld and respected at all times.
Al Mezan stresses that participation in political life, whether by individuals or groups, is a fundamental right for all Palestinians. It covers areas including organizing private meetings, public activities, and popular assemblies in accordance with the Public Meeting Law No. 12 of 1998 and with Article 26(5) in the Palestinian Basic Law.
Al Mezan calls for an immediate end to all arbitrary detentions and arrests that are executed in violation of the due process. Al Mezan reiterates its calls on Palestinian authorities and political powers to work together in good faith to end the internal division, which is the main instigator of a wide range of human rights violations in oPt, and to promote human rights and liberties for all Palestinian citizens.