Escorting parties are claiming an escalation in the use of violence against Palestinians before evacuations took place
In a significant development, the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) was evacuated on June 16-17, following a series of incidents involving physical violence against Palestinians by Israeli security forces and settlers.
The EAPPI, which operates in four locations - Jordan Valley, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and South Hebron Hills - has been a crucial player in documenting and reporting such incidents. Over the course of their short placement, EAPPI accompaniers filed a total of 450 incident reports.
These reports were not taken lightly. Some were referred for immediate follow-up and assistance to various human rights and ecumenical groups associated with the World Council of Churches, as well as to international, Israeli, Palestinian, and United Nations organisations. The groups claimed persecution and sought help based on these reports.
The increase in physical violence against Palestinians was a concerning trend leading up to the evacuation. This violence was reportedly perpetrated by Israeli security forces and settlers.
The departure of the EAPPI was not without emotion. An accompanier working in Jordan Valley left in tears, expressing how they had formed strong friendships with the local community and how the people needed their presence.
Despite the evacuation, the work of documenting and reporting incidents of violence continues. The referral process for approximately 295 of the incident reports remains ongoing, ensuring that the voices of those affected are not silenced.
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