1/16/2019
The report summarizes the observations and recommendations of the Rev. Steve Berube, a former
human rights observer in the West Bank following a recent return visit to Palestine and Israel.
Background
I served as a human rights observer with the World Council of Churches in the Bethlehem area five years ago and this was my first return visit to attend a meeting organized by the Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem. As Chair of the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel, I have remained connected with people and events especially in the West Bank.
Overview
From my perspective, the situation has deteriorated significantly for Palestinians. This was evidenced in the three main areas I visited: Bethlehem, Hebron and the Old City of Jerusalem and in the ongoing harassment of Palestinians. A key contact described the situation as, “It is like we are being choked”. Palestinian civil society uses a less provocative description - “Shrinking Space.”
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