Identity Theft and Financial Crimes Rampant in Palestinian Territory Under Occupation
A shocking report by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has revealed widespread identity theft and financial crimes committed by Israeli soldiers during raids on Palestinian civilian homes in the Gaza Strip.
Systematic Strategy of Collective Punishment
According to testimonies gathered by Euro-Med Monitor, Israeli soldiers have been engaging in a systematic strategy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, involving:
- Arbitrary detentions
- Enforced disappearances
- Field executions
- Intentional destruction of property
- Looting
The group estimates that the Israeli army may have looted valuable possessions worth tens of millions of dollars.
Harrowing Stories of Identity Theft and Financial Crimes
Palestinian civilians have come forward to share their harrowing stories of identity theft and financial crimes at the hands of Israeli soldiers. Some examples include:
- Thabet Salim, 40, reported that his home was raided by Israeli forces, who stole all of the gold and cash on hand, including a significant amount of money worth over $10,000.
- Umm Muhammad Gharbiyya, a resident of Al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood, reported that her gold jewelry was forcibly taken from her family’s home during a violent raid earlier this month. Her husband and oldest son were also arrested.
Confirmed Reports
The testimonies confirm reports by the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate’s “intelligence collection and technical spoils” unit, which revealed that the Israeli army had seized sums of money exceeding five million Israeli shekels (approximately $1.35 million USD).
Footage Emerges
Footage has emerged showing Israeli soldiers personally selling gold jewelry in a West Bank store after stealing it from a house in the Gaza Strip.
Urgent Calls for Action
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has called for a comprehensive and impartial international investigation into the grave Israeli violations against the residents of the Gaza Strip and their property. The group urges the international community to take urgent measures to ensure that Israel is held legally accountable for its actions.