Prefer Jewish News on Google
Israel’s acting envoy challenges rock-throwing claims by Bradford MP
Israel’s deputy ambassador has accused Labour MP Naz Shah of getting her facts wrong following a parliamentary debate about the treatment of Palestinian children whilst in Israeli detention.
In a letter to the Bradford West MP, Israel’s chargé d’affaires Eitan Na’eh challenged Shah’s statement during a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday that there was “no evidence” of a child causing or contributing to a death by throwing rocks.
In his letter, he says: “Rock-throwing is a violent crime that can and has led to death on multiple occasions,” before giving examples from 2001, and most recently of Adele Biton, a four year old girl who succumbed to her injuries in February 2015.
“It would be dishonest to downplay the lethal nature of rock-throwing, as well as the involvement of some Palestinian minors in heinous crimes,” he said. “I recommend that you re-evaluate your position.”
.@DcmNaeh‘s letter to @nazshahbfd, combating fiction with fact re. Palestinian terror after @UKParliament debate pic.twitter.com/P9Jg1pjW7t
— Embassy of Israel (@IsraelinUK) January 11, 2016
The debate, called by Labour MP Sarah Champion, had been brought to highlight the discrepancy between the treatment of Israeli and Palestinian children held in Israeli custody, the former being held for a maximum of 40 days before being tried in civilian courts, the latter held for up to 188 days before being tried in military courts.
Champion also took aim at security contractor and boycott target G4S, for “providing services to the prisons that hold Palestinian detainees following their unlawful transfer from the West Bank [to Israel], in violation of the [Geneva] convention”.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
