Al-Haqs Appeal to the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Leaders of Palestinian Factions and Abductors of Two Foreign Journalists
We believe in our moral and legal responsibilities to assert our legitimate right to liberation from Israeli occupation, and the ability to exercise self-determination. We affirm, also, the legitimacy of the Palestinian struggle, the aims of which are completely in compliance with the provisions and principles of international law.
The international community has repeatedly affirmed the right of the Palestinian people to exercise all lawful forms of resistance in order to liberate themselves from Israeli occupation and hegemony. We reject all acts that may jeopardise the lawfulness of the Palestinian efforts, and therefore reaffirm our condemnation of the hostage-taking of two foreign journalists in Gaza City.
The abduction of Fox News journalists Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig, carried out by a previously unknown Palestinian group on 14 August 2006, may adversely affect the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause, and the solidarity received from foreign media and human rights organisations.
This crime is just one example of continuing instability and lack of security, as well as persistent contraventions of the rule of law. Not only does it constitute infringement of individuals security and freedom, but it is also a serious manifestation of the consequences of ongoing chaos, resulting from the wide availability of arms, and which has seen the abduction of approximately 107 persons in recent months, including 34 foreign nationals. If the Palestinian National Authority is reluctant to take decisive action against such offences, it will have serious consequences. Failure to deal firmly with this abduction may lead to such events becoming uncontrollable and widespread; armed groups would impose their own law and control the security of Gazans and foreign nationals.
Viewing, with deep concern, the results and consequences of such instability, and warning against its impact on Palestinian society, Al-Haq demands that armed factions, Palestinian authorities and forces, meet their legal responsibilities and confront this phenomenon, through:
Immediately and unconditionally releasing the abducted journalists;
The police and security services meeting their legal responsibilities to preserve the rule of law, public order and security, and protecting Palestinian citizens and foreign nationals right to safety and security;
Seriously and effectively intervening to end the illegal possession of weapons;
Preventing such forms of armed activity and carrying of guns;
Holding accountable those who violate the rule of law;
Strengthening the Palestinian judiciary and promoting its independence; and
Affirming that the Palestinian Police is the sole authorised law enforcement agency.
