Israel’s ‘cruel policies’ against Palestinians amounts to ‘apartheid’: Amnesty Intl.

Israel imposes a system of oppression and domination against Palestinians across all areas under its control order to benefit Israelis, which amounts to apartheid as prohibited in international law, Amnesty International said in a report.

“Laws, policies and practices which are intended to maintain a cruel system of control over Palestinians, have left them fragmented geographically and politically, frequently impoverished, and in a constant state of fear and insecurity,” the UK-based human rights group said.

The term “apartheid” was originally used to refer to a political system in South Africa which explicitly enforced racial segregation, and the domination and oppression of the minority white population against blacks.

Human rights have long been side-lined by the international community when dealing with the decades-long struggle and suffering of Palestinians, Amnesty said.

Palestinians facing the brutality of Israel’s repression have been calling for an understanding of Israel’s rule as apartheid for over two decades. Yet, governments with the responsibility and power to do something have refused to take any meaningful action to hold Israel accountable, the report added.

“Instead, they have been hiding behind a moribund peace process at the expense of human rights and accountability. Unfortunately, the situation today is one of no progress towards a just solution and worsening human rights for Palestinians. “

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