Issa Amro speaks at 01:48:44
Full text of the speech:
This is a joint statement with Geneva international Center for Justice and Youth Against Settlements in Palestine. Please Close your eyes and imagine what I am talking about.
I am from Hebron City, in Palestine. Hebron reflects all aspects of the Israeli Occupation on a Small Scale, because Settlements have been installed in the very heart of the city. This makes the life of my people a Disaster. We don’t Feel Safe in our Homes; nobody would protect us from Israeli Settler attacks. The Right to housing and Non-discrimination is violated. The main streets have been closed to Palestinians by military orders. Only Settlers can pass. More than 1000 families were forced to leave, and 1800 shops closed in favor of the Occupying power. The Unemployment rate is now over 70 percent in the closed Area.
Nobody can deny this is Apartheid.
The Freedom of Movement is Violated by more than 100 Road Blocks, Gates, and Check Points. This makes the life of Palestinians Impossible in their own city. By now many Human Rights Organizations – Israeli and Palestinian – describe Hebron as a Ghost town. Humiliation, Body search of women and children is part of the daily life, as well as prevention from passing and detentions at checkpoints. There are even heavy restrictions on emergency Ambulance travel. With 3 checkpoints on the way to the city’s mosque even the Freedom of Religion is violated.
Madam Vice President Occupation forces and Settlers are trying to Ethnically cleanse the area from Palestinians. We are losing our own city. What we are facing on a small scale is Symbolic for the entire Palestine. We urge the International Community to not leave us alone in our Struggle. Help us before it is too late. Palestinians are Humans. And Humans have the right to life and dignity and self-determination.
Thank you for your attention.