New Human Rights Watch Report Highlights Abuses by Palestinian Authority, Hamas

October 23, 2018

J Street is disturbed by a new Human Rights Watch report that details systemic human rights violations committed by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.

The report documents abuses by the Palestinian Authority, including the arbitrary arrest and torture of dissidents, criminalization of non-violent dissent and the absence of due process. The PA leadership must end these abuses and take urgent steps to promote political freedom, freedom of speech and tolerance.

In Gaza, it’s clear that while inciting terror and violence against Israel, Hamas has also brutally mistreated and persecuted the civilian population under its control. Like Hamas’ acts of terror against Israeli civilians, their cruelty towards Gaza’s own population should be condemned by the entire world.

The international community has a responsibility to address the issues raised by Human Rights Watch. Leaders and governments working to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should simultaneously push Palestinian leadership to demonstrate consistent respect for human rights, democratic governance, political freedom and the rule of law.

Recent Statements